96% of our patients would recommend DaVita® for dialysis.*
BETTER DIALYSIS CARE MEANS A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.
Att DaVita, A DaVita, we we offer offer m more ore d dialysis ialysis o options ptions tto ofi fitt yyour our llifestyle. ifestyle. IIn-center n-center hemodialysis hemo m dialysis :::: Home Home m peritoneal peritoneal dialysis dialysis :::: Home Home hemodialysis hemo m dialysis IIn-center n-center self-care self-care dialysis dialysis :::: IIn-center n-center nocturnal nocturnal dialysis dialysis
FFor or m more ore iinformation nformation call call toll-free toll-free 11-855-877-6790 -855 -877- 6790 or vvisit isit us us online online at at D aVita.com ttoday. oday. or DaVita.com
Choose C hoose o one ne o off o our ur 7 cconvenient onvenient llocations ocations n near ear yyou: ou: DaVita W DaVita Winnemucca innemucca Dialysis Dialysis C Center enter ((775) 775) 6 23-3234 623-3234
D aVita Sierra Sierra R os e D ialysis C enter DaVita Rose Dialysis Center ((775) 775) 8 29-6580 829-6580
D aVita Reno Reno Dialysis Dialysis Center Center DaVita ((775) 775) 329-2100 329-2100
D aVita C arson City City Dialysis Dialysis C enter DaVita Carson Center ((775) 775) 8 86-6450 886-6450
D aVita S outh Meadows Meadows Dialysis Dialysis C enter DaVita South Center ((775) 775) 852-4200 852-4200
D aVita FFallon a lon Dialysis al Dialysis Center Center DaVita ((775) 775) 4 28-2077 428-2077
D aVita S parks Dialysis Dialysis Center Center DaVita Sparks ((775) 775) 35 9-5432 359-5432
**Based B as e d o on n annual annual patient patient satisfaction satisfaction results. results. © 2012 2012 DaVita DaVita Inc. Inc. All All rights rights reserved. reserved. 05475-00-FMKT 05475-00-FMK T
Editor’s Desk: Update
Health Care Reform Will Still Leave Many Without Insurance evada Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Mike Willden told the Legislative Committee on Health Care August 29, that expansion of Medicaid offered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will result in a “rapid uptake in the first two years, then a fattening out” of enrollment. But even with expanded enrollment projections show 10 percent will remain uninsured by 2020.
N
Willden told the committee state staff is working regularly to develop components of Nevada’s program. Under the ACA, uninsured people earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) or slightly more than $15,000 a year can enroll in the expanded Medicaid program. Others without coverage will opt to participate in the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange which will be operational by January 2014. Willden did not outline the projected costs to participate in Medicaid expansion, and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has not made a decision if the state will do so, however there is speculation word will come with the new state budget. The ACA becomes law for all states in 2014. There are currently 581,485
uninsured living in the state and Willden said even with full Medicaid expansion there would still be 313,000 people without insurance in 2020. Many of the uninsured would be undocumented residents and people who simply refuse to participate in an insurance program.
32 September 2012 This Issue
Under the ACA, childless adults for the first time will be covered by Medicaid ages 19-65. Willden says this is new coverage that is surrounding much of the discussion if Nevada wants to opt into Medicaid expansion. “We believe if we opt in and allow new eligibles, primarily people that are childless adults, that we will enroll another 71,000 people into Medicaid.” Willden told the committee that there are currently 49,000 to 50,000 people who are eligible for Medicaid that will enroll over the next two years. Another 29,000 who will enroll in the CHIP/CheckUp program, for a total of 149,000 additional enrollees by 2015 if the state opts for full Medicaid expansion. There is a general concensus that states can opt in or decide not to participate in expansion of Medicaid for people living at less than 138 percent of the FPL under the Supreme Court decision.
page 3 - Editor’s Desk: Affordable Care Act Update page 5 - Go Purple! page 6 - Guest Editorial page 8 - AG Receives Funds for Mortgage Fraud, Foreclosures page 12 - CDC Recommendations on Hepatitis C for Baby Boomers page 15 - Looking for Hospital or Nursing Home Care? page 16 - Pharmacies to Educate Medicare Beneficiaries on Benefits page 17 - SSA: Social Security & Living Abroad page 18 - Medicare Beneficiaries Save on Prescriptions page 20 - Influenza Vaccinations page 34 - Eldorado’s Jersey Nights
page 24 - Eydie Scher - Excerpts page 26 - Biggest Little City Harry Spencer page 27 - Crossword page 28 - Calender page 31 - this ‘n that - Anne Vargas page 32 - Seniors 4 Travel Robert Boyd & Carolyn Prusa
Health page 10 - Chronic Illness Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. Center for Healthy Aging page 13 - Caregiving: Dr. Marion Planning Your Retirement page 14 - CMS: David Sayen Your Medicare Rights page 18 - Ophthalmology: Dr. Michael Fischer, M.D.
Every Issue
Financial
page 27 - Sixty Five page 19 - Eclectic Observer Janet Ross page 22 - Get Up & Go!
page 7 - Planning for the WorstCase Scenario Bradley B. Anderson Wealth Advisors
Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, NV 89510 (775) 348-0717 e-mai l : S eni orspectrumnv@aol . com S eni orspectrumnewspaper. com Publishers: Chris & Connie McMullen Senior Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain. Publication of advertising contained does not constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. Copyrighted publication. All rights reserved.
September • 2012 • 3
4 • 2012 • September
Go Purple! Walk to End Alzheimer’s ore than 35 million people are living with dementia worldwide. Alzheimer's Association says Alzheimer’s disease is a global epidemic. September 21 is Alzheimer’s Action Day, and caregivers, families, advocates, anyone affected by Alzheimer’s are encouraged to wear purple clothing to raise awareness and fight stigma associated with the illness. The Alzheimer’s Association is urging everyone to: Speak up about the facts. The fact is Alzheimer's is NOT normal aging or "a little memory loss"; it's a progressive and fatal disease. Go Purple. Wear purple to symbolize the movement to end Alzheimer's – and tell people why you're wearing it! Create a conversation. Ask friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to get involved with the cause or share your knowledge of the disease with them.
M
Whether you have been a Champion or are new the movement, you can make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's. Locally, you can get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, volunteer, attend a class, or participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites the entire community in a display of combined dedication in the fight against the devastating disease. While there is no fee to register, each participant is expected to fundraise in order to contribute to the cause and raise awareness. Locally the goal is to raise 120,000. The 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is September 29, at the Sparks Marina. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Join a Team, or walk as an individual. The Sparks Marina is located at 300 Howard Drive, Sparks. To learn more contact Walk Coordinator Erica Baker at (775) 786-8061 or Erica.baker@alz.org.
September • 2012 • 5
Guest Editorial U.S. Senator Harry Reid
New Health Facilities in Reno Will Support Nevada Senior Veterans Nevada’s senior veterans are heroes, and we must always honor this important group by making sure they have the best support from government. Sen. Harry Reid
Our veterans come from all backgrounds, they range in age, and each of them has specific medical needs. Making sure these health care needs are met, no matter how basic or urgent, has been my enduring priority in Congress. The new VA Mental Health Outpatient Clinic which opened earlier this month in Reno, and the new state-of-the-art VA Hospital which recently opened in North Las Vegas will give veterans in every part of the state the care they require. In Reno, the new 15,000 square foot mental health clinic will significantly improve veterans' access to care. Since 2007, there has been a 35 percent increase in the amount of Veterans that receive mental health services. I am pleased that this new facility will make sure our heroes in Northern Nevada have new opportunities to maintain their mental health. The new hospital in Southern Nevada will also boost our state's veterans health care services. I 6 • 2012 • September
secured $600 million for the hospital which will accommodate 655,000 ambulatory care visits per year, and it will also have 90 inpatient beds, along with a 120 bed community living center and nursing home facility. I had the honor of attending the VA hospital’s dedication ceremony in Las Vegas in early August with other Nevada senior veterans, and I was pleased to join Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki for the event. After seeing the facility for the first time, these veterans knew what I knew- the new facility will ensure they are properly looked after and all of their needs would be met with the best possible medical support. After serving their country, Nevada’s senior veterans have come home to the Silver State and they continue to play important roles as our community leaders. These new facilities in Reno and Las Vegas will deliver on the promise made to them when they enlistedthat they would always be looked for their service to their country.
Planning for the Worst-Case Scenario Brought to you by Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.
E
state planning is one of those things that’s easy to put off. We don’t like to think about death – particularly our own – so we put it out of our minds. “What’s the worst that can happen?” we ask ourselves. We’d like to think that the answer to that question is that, even if we didn’t create an estate plan, we would be off the hook. We’d be gone, so we wouldn’t have to deal with the consequences. This answer is partially true. When you die without an estate plan, you hurt those you love by causing them unnecessary confusion,
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com
expense, and delay in settling your affairs during an already emotional time. Not a great outcome, but not technically your problem. But there’s a catch: Failing to create an estate plan can hurt you while you’re still alive. Imagine that as you age, you start to develop Alzheimer’s. The disease progresses quickly, and before you know it, you can’t remember to pay your own bills, balance your checkbook, or manage your normal household chores -- let alone keep track of all the doctor’s appointments and medica-
tions you’re now faced with. Someone has to step in and ensure your health and finances are taken care of. Without a comprehensive estate plan, someone needs to go to court to be appointed your guardian. In the best case scenario, your family members agree on who should serve in this capacity. In this situation, the initial process takes some time and involves some court costs and attorney’s fees. It also means that your guardian is obligated to report to the court on a regular basis and obtain court permission before making certain deci-
sions on your behalf. It also means that the public, including your nosy neighbors, knows all about your legal affairs. But what if your family members don’t agree on who is best suited to serve as your guardian? Then the court process takes on a different character. Guardianship disputes can be time consuming, expensive, and emotionally exhausting for everyone involved. They often open old family rifts, and they can create new rifts that last a lifetime. This isn’t what any of us (Estate Planning page 8)
September • 2012 • 7
Estate Planning / page 7 want for ourselves or our families. How can you avoid the exhaustion and expense of a guardianship battle – not to mention the destruction of family relationships that can go along with it? One of the simplest things you can do is to be proactive. Create a comprehensive estate plan that anticipates not only your death, but also the possibility that you’ll become disabled during your lifetime. Using a Revocable Living Trust, you can remain in charge of your assets unless and until you become incapacitated. If the need arises, a Successor Trustee chosen by you can step in and manage the Trust property according to your express instructions. In addition to a Revocable Living Trust, you’ll want a
8 • 2012 • September
Financial Power of Attorney. This lets you put a trusted person in charge of any assets not transferred into your Trust, ensuring that all of your property is managed according to your wishes and that none of your assets slip through the cracks. You should also sign a set of healthcare documents appointing someone you know and trust to make medical decisions on your behalf and expressing your wishes for end-of-life medical treatment in the event you become incapacitated. This type of comprehensive estate planning helps you avoid the worst-case scenario. It allows you to rest assured that, should you become disabled, your family members will not have to guess at your
wishes. Instead, people you trust will be in charge of carrying out the plan you put in place for yourself. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you put things in order so that you and your family will never have to face the worst-case scenario. The Law Firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd. is devoted exclusively to estate planning. We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and offer guidance and advice to our clients in estate planning. For more information or to attend an upcoming seminar, please contact us at (775) 823-9455 or www.probatebusters.com. This article is written by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.
$11.7 Million to Address Nevada Mortgage Fraud, Foreclosure Crisis Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto has received approval to implement $11.7 million, year one of a three year $33.5 million program, of the National Mortgage Settlement Plan from the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee. The program will help Nevadans by creating a dedicated call center that will route people to trained housing counselors that can inform them of the settlement benefits, and state and federal foreclose assistance programs. The Department of Housing and Urban Development and other agencies will assist with the settlement program.
September • 2012 • 9
Adding Life to Years
Chronic Illness Is Increasing and Alarming! Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging s reflected in the national Presidential race debate, health care is at the forefront and understandably so. Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance expenses are increasing at double digit rates and simply consume too much of our resources, public and private. Freid, Bernstein, and Bush (2012) from the National Center for Health Statistics just reported on multiple chronic conditions among adults aged 45 and over: Trends over the past 10 years from the National Health Interview Survey. They found that between 2000 and 2010, the percent-
A
10 • 2012 • September
age of adults aged 45–64 and 65 and over with two or more chronic conditions (i.e., hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, current asthma, and kidney disease) increased for both men and women, all racial and ethnic groups examined, and most income groups! The author’s major findings are alarming: • During the last 10 years, the percentage of 65+ with both hypertension and diabetes increased 44 percent (from 9% to 15%); prevalence of hypertension and heart disease increased 17 percent (from 18% to 21%); and preva-
lence of hypertension and cancer increased 38 percent (from 8% to 11%). • The percentage of adults aged 45–64 with two or more chronic conditions who did not receive or delayed needed medical care due to cost increased 35 percent (from 17% to 23%), and the percentage who did not receive needed prescription drugs due to cost increased 57 percent (from 14% to 22%). • In 2010, 21 percent of adults aged 45–64 and 45 percent of adults aged 65 and over had been diagnosed with two or more chronic conditions. A decade earlier, only 16 percent of the middle aged
and 37 percent of the 65+ had 2+ chronic conditions. That is an increase of 31 percent and 22 percent increase respectively. These chronic disease figures are statistically significant increases. They are alarming because people with two or more chronic diseases have a harder time managing their health, have greater functional problems with daily activities, and use more services such as prescriptions, doctors, and hospital days. These increases in chronic conditions cost us and the nation more and certainly impacts quality of life. (Life to Years page 11)
Life to Years / page 10 Certainly part of the reason for the increase in chronic diseases is the improved acute medical care and treatment including prescription drugs that keep us alive longer. Another contributing factor that has an impact on the increase in chronic disease is the widespread increase in obesity. People are eating more and exercising less, and the food they are eating is less healthy. This increase in body fat is a prescription for obtaining disease. However, ability to pay for services appears to play a significant role in the increase in chronic conditions as well. Look at the difference in the proportion of people who reported delaying or forgoing medical care or prescription drugs in the past year because of cost. Only about 7 percent of those over age 65 did so, not a significant increase from a decade earlier, but nearly a quarter of the middle aged went without medical care or drugs, a significant jump. Clearly Medicare health insurance works to help decrease chronic illnesses by getting acute medical care to those who need it, but not all have it. Now with the advent of more reimbursable Medicare preventive services and early intervention through the Affordable Care Act, the incidents of chronic disease should decrease. Another factor impacting the increase in chronic conditions is income. In both 2000 and 2010, the prevalence of two or more chronic conditions for adults aged 45–64 decreased with rising family income, and was more than twice as high among those living in poverty as among those at 400 percent or more of the poverty level.
Among the 65+, the percentage with two or more chronic conditions also decreased with increasing family income, but the percentage varied less by family income than among the middle aged. The most important contributing factor in all these facts and figures is that most of us, middle age and older, do not take responsibility for our own health. Changing our lifestyle and behavior to live healthier lives, even after a diagnosis of a serious chronic condition, usually does not occur. Most chronic diseases
are preventable by changes in behavior. So, what are we thinking? Other research on health behavior after a diagnosis of a chronic condition (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or stroke) shows that most people do not make lifestyle changes. The majority that are diagnosed with heart or lung disease and smoke, do not quit. But if they did, they would cut their risk of another heart attack in half. It would seem to me that this is a no-brainer. The data reported above
suggests that people get treatment when they can pay for drugs, doctors and other health services. Perhaps 10 years from now, the broader health insurance coverage from the Affordable Healthcare Act will have made a difference. Meanwhile, we can help ourselves by adopting healthy lifestyles and behaviors, especially after diagnoses of severe chronic conditions such as heart disease… What better way to “add life to years”. Write comments to larry@addinglifetoyears.com.
September • 2012 • 11
New CDC Recommendations on Hepatitis C for “Baby Boomers” ew recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) call for all Americans born from 1945 through 1965 or “baby boomers” to get a one-time
N
12 • 2012 • September
blood test for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The CDC published, “Recommendations for the Identification of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Persons Born During
1945–1965.” The report said in the United States, hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants and primary liver cancer, which is the fastest-rising cause of cancerrelated deaths. People born from 1945 through 1965 currently account for more than 75 percent of adults infected with hepatitis C in the U.S., and are five times more likely to be infected than other adults. Each year, more than 15,000 Americans, most of them baby boomers, die from hepatitis C-related illness, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Unfortunately, over the last decade, deaths have been increasing steadily.
Without expanded access to HCV testing, care, and treatment, mortality among those living with HCV infection will continue to rise into the next decade. New treatments are now available that can cure up to 75 percent of infections, and even more promising treatments are expected in the future. Linking individuals to appropriate care and treatment would prevent the costly consequences of liver cancer and other chronic liver diseases and ultimately save more than 120,000 lives. For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ KnowMoreHepatitis/
Ask Dr. Marion Dr. Marion Somers. Ph.D.
Planning Your Retirement I’m still a little ways from retirement age, but I’m starting to grow concerned about my finances. I thought I’d been saving enough (or close to enough) but now I’m not so sure. Can you offer me any tips? Candace, Phoenix, AZ here has been a lot of disDr. Marion Somers cussion about the crisis many of us will face as we reach retirement age. How will we continue to fund our lifestyle, without an income? Even for people who think they have planned adequately, there may be surprise expenses around the corner. Here are some ways to fund retirement, as well as some ways to cut expenses.
T
Funding: • Social Security: You should be eligible to receive monthly payments, once you’ve reached the age of 62. Remember though that if you sign up right away, you won’t receive your full benefits. If possible, delay signing up until you’ve reached the “full retirement age” (varies depending on the year you were born). • Retirement accounts: If you saved during your working years, through 401(k)s or IRAs, you can use the money now, but you will have to pay taxes on it. Remember to take the required minimal withdrawals to avoid a tax penalty. • Roth accounts: These have the benefit of tax-free withdrawals, because you already paid taxes on the contributions. • Home equity: If your home is paid off, you may be able to use a loan or reverse mortgage, should you need to. • Insurance: Make sure you sign up for Medicare on time, to avoid a rise in premiums. Look into purchasing LongTerm Care insurance to avoid having to dip heavily into your savings for unforeseeable health needs.
your savings account. • Sell your car: Now that you don’t have to drive to work everyday, do you still need a car? Especially if you are in a 2car household, consider selling one car, and taking advantage of public transportation whenever possible. • Use senior discounts: While some businesses advertise their senior discounts (movie theaters, hotels, restaurants), others do not. Don’t be afraid to ask! • Travel during the off-season: Without the constraints of work, you can travel during non-peak times for a tremen-
dous savings. • Cook at home: After a long day of work, coming home and cooking a meal can be tiring. But now, you can devote more time to grocery shopping and cooking. This is a great way to save money. • Seek out free (or cheap) entertainment: Chances are, you will be faced with more leisure time than ever before. Look for free concerts, free museum days, and any other options your city has to offer. If you feel the need to buy a new book or movie, shop used stores or neighborhood yard sales instead.
Ways to save: • Downsize your home: If it makes sense for you, consider moving into a smaller place, like an apartment or condo, and use the extra money to pad September • 2012 • 13
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Know Your Medicare Rights David Sayen
A
s
a person with Medicare, you have certain rights and protections. And it’s worth knowing what they are. You have rights whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare – in which you can choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare – or Medicare Advantage, in which you get care within a network of health care providers. Such networks are run by private companies
14 • 2012 • September
approved by Medicare. Your rights guarantee that you get the health services the law says you can get, protect you against unethical practices, and ensure the privacy of your personal and medical information. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at all times, and to be protected from discrimination. You also have the right to get information in a way you understand from Medicare, your health care providers, and, under certain circumstances, Medicare contractors. This includes information about what Medicare covers, what it pays, how
much you have to pay, and how to file a complaint or appeal. Moreover, you’re entitled to learn about your treatment choices in clear language that you can understand, and to participate in treatment decisions. One very important right is to get emergency care when and where you need it -- anywhere in the United States. If you have Medicare Advantage, your plan materials describe how to get emergency care. You don’t need permission from your primary-care doctor (the doctor you see first for health problems) before you get emergency care. If you’re admitted
to the hospital, you, a family member, or your primarycare doctor should contact your plan as soon as possible. If you get emergency care, you’ll have to pay your regular share of the cost, or copayment. Then your plan will pay its share. If your plan doesn’t pay its share, you have the right to appeal. In fact, whenever a claim is filed for your care, you’ll get a notice from Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan letting you know what will and won’t be covered. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. (Medicare Rights page 16)
Looking for Hospital or Nursing Home Care? The Internet Can Help wo websites that help Americans make informed choices about hospitals and nursing homes have been redesigned to make more information available to the public, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The two sites – Hospital Compare and Nursing Home Compare – have been enhanced to make navigation easier. “These enhanced tools give patients, their families, and caregivers the ability to make an informed decision on where to seek care by
T
looking at how well hospitals and nursing homes are performing on important quality measures,” said Acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “Anyone looking to compare hospitals or nursing homes – not just those on Medicare – can take advantage of these websites.” Both sites contain important data on how well facilities perform on quality measures – such as the frequency of infections that develop in the hospital, how often patients have to be readmitted to the hospital, and the percentage of nursing residents who report
having moderate to severe pain while staying in the nursing homes. Researchers will now be able to access the data on both of these sites through mobile ready applications. On both websites, navigation has been improved for consumers, who will find large and easy to use maps for pinpointing hospitals, and new search functionalities that allow the user to input the name of a hospital. Glossaries and web resources have been enhanced to make the information easier to understand. These two consumer
tools are highly popular with patients, their families, and caregivers. In the first half of 2012 there were over 1.2 million visits to the Hospital Compare site, and over 500,000 visits to Nursing Home Compare. The sites can be found at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/ and www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/ The Eldercare Locator can be found at www.eldercare.gov. This public service of the Administration on Community Living is a nationwide service that connects older adults with information on senior services.
September • 2012 • 15
HHS partners with pharmacies to educate Medicare beneficiaries about health benefits Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Kathleen Sebelius has announced partnerships with several pharmacies to help customers learn about new Medicare benefits available to them under the Affordable Care Act, health care law. Partnerships – with CVS Caremark, Walgreens, Thrifty White, Walmart, and Sam’s Club – will provide
16 • 2012 • September
Medicare beneficiaries a range of educational materials on newly available preventive services, as well as savings on prescription drug spending in the coverage gap or “donut hole”. “Our pharmacy partners are helping their customers make informed health care decisions,” said Secretary Sebelius. “These partnerships will help people with Medicare learn more about new preventive services such as mammograms, and the new Annual Wellness visit that are available at no charge for everyone with
Medicare.” Some examples of how pharmacy partners are working to increase awareness of preventive services available include the following: CVS Caremark is distributing material about new preventive services covered at no cost to beneficiaries at its more than 7,300 CVS/pharmacy stores and 600 MinuteClinic locations. Walgreens is distributing information in nearly 8,000 pharmacies and over 350 Take Care Clinic locations. HHS is working with Walmart and Sam’s Club to
provide healthcare information to their shoppers online. Other pharmacies or partners can find information on how to work with CMS to educate consumers about the benefits available to them at: http://www.cms.gov/ Outreach and Education/Outreach/Current -Partnership-Opportunities /index.html To learn more about Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov, or call 1800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Medicare Rights / page 14 For more information on appeals, you can read our booklet “Medicare Appeals,” available at www.medicare.gov/Publicati ons. Or call us, toll free, at 1800-MEDICARE. You can also file a complaint about services you got from a hospital or other provider. If you’re concerned about the quality of the care you’re getting, call the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) in your state to file a complaint. A QIO is a group of doctors and other health care experts who check on and improve the care given to people with Medicare. You can get your QIO’s phone number at www.medicare.gov/contacts or by calling 1-800MEDICARE. Many people with Original Medicare also enroll in Medicare prescription drug plans. Here, too, you
have certain rights. For example, if your pharmacist tells you that your drug plan won’t cover a drug you think should be covered, or it will cover the drug at a higher cost than you think you’re required to pay, you can request a coverage determination. If the decision isn’t in your favor, you can appeal. You can ask for an exception if you, your doctor, or your pharmacist believe you need a drug that isn’t on your drug plan’s list of covered medications, also known as a formulary. You don’t need a lawyer to appeal in most cases, and filing an appeal is free. You won’t be penalized in any way for challenging a decision by Medicare or your health or drug plan. For more details, read our booklet, “Medicare Rights and Protections,” at http://www. medicare.gov/Publications/P ubs/pdf/11534.pdf.
Social Security Rita Meier Nevada Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security and Living Abroad hese days it is more common than ever for a person to travel across the globe – either for vacation or to live in another country permanently. If you are one of these people, Social Security offers a special website: “Social Security Payments Outside the United States.” The website features all you need to know about Social Security while living abroad. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/ international/payments.html.
whether your payments can continue. It may make a difference in your decision to live abroad.
If you’re in the planning stages of moving to another country, you may want to check out our “Payments Abroad Screening Tool.” It will ask you a few short questions and will let you know
In the top, right corner of the page, you’ll find important information on how to contact Social Security when you are abroad — to ask questions, make requests, or report events and
T
The page also offers links to publications, such as Your Payments While You Are Outside The United States, which explains how your benefits may be affected and other important information you need to know about receiving Social Security benefits while outside the country. changes that may affect payments. Whether you’re stateside or abroad, you’ll want to pay a visit to www.socialsecurity.gov/international/pa yments.html.
September • 2012 • 17
Ophthalmology
Bell’s Palsy and the Eye Michael J. Fischer, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon
Bell’s palsy is a condition that results in temporary paralysis of facial muscles due to a viral
infection that inflames the facial nerves. The affected side of the face can display a drooping mouth, a sagging eyebrow and lower lid, and an inability to close the eye.
While Bell’s palsy is not life threatening, the affected eye may appear teary, but it remains dry due to the inability to blink or close completely. It is recom-
mended that those suffering from Bell’s palsy consult with an ophthalmologist during the weeks or months of the condition’s duration. Treatment will likely involve the application of artifical tears on an hourly basis during the day and an ophthalmic ointment at night It should be noted - the ophthalmologist may prescribe that Bell’s palsy patients wear protective eye patches both day and night. If you experience any difficulties with your vision, see your eye doctor or call us at 775-882-2988. We are located at 3839 N. Carson Street, Carson City. Hours are 8-5, Monday - Friday by appointment. M/C, Visa, Medicare Assignment accepted.
Medicare Beneficiaries Save on Prescriptions Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced nationwide, nearly 5.4 million seniors and people with disabilities have saved over $4.1 billion on prescription drugs since the Affordable Care Act was enacted in law in 2010. In Nevada, seniors and people with disabilities saved $24.4 million on prescription drugs, and $590 in the prescription drug coverage gap known as the “donut hole” in 2012. In 2011, people with Medicare who hit the donut hole began receiving a 50 percent discount on covered brand-name drugs and a discount on generic drugs. 18 • 2012 • September
ECLECTIC OBSERVER Janet Ross CD? Not me! Well, maybe I do have just a touch of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ... but only when it comes to making lists, and that’s not a bad thing is it? Besides, my lists are all necessary for one important reason or another. For instance, I keep a list of the books I want to read, updating as necessary. How else would I remember the author interview on NPR and what sounded like a fascinating story? And, once I read a book, that requires another list (this is an annual list and there’s a file folder that dates back to 1995 when I began this record). This, too, is a handy list as I have a tendency to find certain authors and topics always attract me - and I wouldn’t want to read the same book twice. I keep a separate list of movie/DVDs I want to see. When I miss a film at the Riverside that sounded good, the title goes on my list as eventually I’ll be able to borrow it from the Library. I really should have a list of DVDs I’ve seen ... but that might be obsessive. As for my other lists (you didn’t think the above was my limit, did you?) ... There’s a daily “do-list” by the kitchen telephone to remind me about the usual chores - watering the yard, putting the garbage out, paying bills, changing sheets and towels, ironing, etc. This list also keeps me in synch for appointments, lunches with friends, and special activities. The refrigerator has a different list - items we need for the pantry, laundry, cleaning supplies and cat food, kitty litter. Do I need to say one of the greatest satisfactions of keeping lists is crossing off completed items? (Confession time - I occasionally add
O
something I’ve just done for the pleasure of crossing it off the list. Case in point, today’s ironing.) We’ve just scratched the surface of my lists, though ... take a look at my desk in the den. The primary list is a calendar, all marked with activities - trips to the gym, volunteer days at the library, birthdays of friends and family (with dates to mail cards). The calendar list gives me an entire month at a glance so I know when there are days full of obligations and activities. The second list on my desk is divided into three categories: letters to answer, gardening tasks, and long-term projects (a few of those have been on the list for years, such as touching up the paint on the garage door and restringing broken necklaces). Do I really need a third list? I must, as it lists the rooms in the house and what needs to be done long-term - like sorting the boxes of memorabilia in my bedroom closet. Now we travel to my bedside and there the lists continue. In folders at the side of my bed are three more lists. I have a Christmas list for gifts to and from family and friends. Another lists does the same for birthdays. The last list is by months of the year for annual house cleaning projects - August was for carpet cleaning, washing curtains and drapes. (Yes, I know some people do those things more than once a year, but without a list I might not do them at all!) I almost forgot, there’s one more list and it’s a long one of every column I’ve written for Senior Spectrum. This September effort is number 173. And I can now check it off the list, a task completed. OCD? Well, maybe ...
August • 2012 • 19
Older Adults Urged To Get Their Annual Influenza Vaccination ith the flu season fast approaching, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) urges older adults to receive an annual influenza vaccination. Through the new national Flu + You campaign, NCOA is working to improve vaccination rates of adults 65 and older who are particularly vulnerable to the flu and its complications. "Each year in the U.S. about nine out of 10 flurelated deaths and more than six out of 10 flu-related hospitalizations occur in adults 65 and older," said Richard Birkel, Ph.D., MPA, director of NCOA's Self-Management
W
20 • 2012 • September
Alliance. The body's immune system and its ability to fight illness decrease with age, leaving even healthy older adults at greater risk for influenza and its complications. The age-related decline of the immune system also affects the body's response to vaccination. Recent studies have shown that the traditional flu vaccine might not work as well for people 65 years of age and older because the weakened immune system produces fewer antibodies following vaccination to help protect against infection. Antibodies are the soldiers of the immune system helping to
respond and protect against infection when exposed to the virus. For this reason, adults 65 and older have two vaccine options available to them – the traditional flu shot, as well as a higher dose flu shot. The higher dose vaccine addresses the weakening immune response by triggering the body to produce more antibodies against the flu virus than would be produced by the traditional flu shot. Both the traditional and higher dose flu shot options are among the vaccines recommended by the CDC for adults 65 years of age and older and are covered by
Medicare Part B with no copay. "Because older adults are at such increased risk, they should make sure they are vaccinated before influenza viruses start causing illness in their communities, ideally getting vaccinated in the late summer or fall months," said Dr. Bridges. "Getting vaccinated not only helps protect yourself, but also helps prevent the spread of flu to loved ones and others who are at high risk." Older adults and those who care for them can visit the campaign website, www.ncoa.org/Flu to find additional information and materials.
September • 2012 • 21
Get up & Go!
The Yoga Corner The Gift of Yoga Nidra Yoga Nidra is known as yogic sleep or sleep with awareness. Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that is rapidly gaining popularity. It is intended to induce full-body relaxation and a deep meditative state of consciousness. Our lives are over stimulated and chronically exhausted through the world we live in. Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of complete relaxation, holistically addressing our physiological, neurological, and subconscious needs. It is done in shavasana, a lying down position. One should lie on the back on a blanket or thin mat placed on the floor. The spine should be straight and completely
22 • 2012 • September
relaxed with the body. The hands should be relaxed, palms upward for receiving, with the fingers slightly bent. Legs should be straight and placed thirty to thirtyfive centimeters apart in order to avoid contact between the thighs. Although shavasana is the best position for Yoga Nidra, it can also be practiced in a sitting posture or while standing. There are a variety of techniques used including guided imagery and body scanning to aid relaxation. Participating in Yoga Nidra at the end of your yoga practice, for at least 20 to 45 minutes, is a beautiful way to end your practice. There are four different stages of Yoga Nidra where the practitioner begins by quieting the overactive conscious mind, then moves into a meditative state, gradually finding a state of harmony in which the brain waves slow down and a subtle euphoria emerges. During Yoga Nidra the brain is completely awake. It receives a higher quality of stimuli and develops a different type of awareness than what we are experiencing now. Yoga Nidra increases the capacity and creates a sattvic (peaceful) condition. Most practitioners emerge feeling rejuvenated. Yoga Nidra uniquely unwinds the nervous system while it leads to the body’s sense of well being through (Yoga page 23)
Yoga / page 22 complete relaxation. Most people think that relaxation is very simple; just recline and close your eyes. Yet, except the scientists, nobody understands what relaxation really means. You are tired so you go to bed and think that is what relaxation really means. But unless you are free from muscular, mental and emotional tensions, you are never relaxed. Despite a superficial sense of wellbeing most people are full of tensions all the time. They habitually bite their nails, scratch their head, stroke their chin, or tap their feet. Or they may pace about restlessly, talk compulsively, display constant irritability or chain smoke. People do these things because they lack awareness of their own inner tension. Even while sleeping, thoughts and worries revolve in the mind, so that the tense person wakes up feeling exhausted. In order to relax completely, the inner tensions of the body, emotions and mind must be released. Then the actual state of relaxation dawns. The practice of Yoga Nidra is the scientific method of removing these tensions. If it is tension, hypertension, and if you know how to free yourself of tension, you know how to solve your problems in life. If you are able to balance your tensions, you can control your emotions, anger and passions. You can control heart disease, high blood pressure, leukemia and angina. The total systematic relaxation of a Yoga Nidra session is equivalent to hours of ordinary sleep without awareness. A single hour of Yoga
Nidra is as restful as four hours of conventional sleep. Yoga Nidra can actually aid in transformation by releasing tension, relaxing and peace of mind are the secrets of transformation. When a man is under tension, his behavior is influenced, and when he relaxes, he becomes natural. He knows the reality, the truth. Then he also knows how to behave because the knowledge of truth is necessary for right behavior. And knowledge of truth only comes when you are free of tension. To learn more about Yoga Nidra come join in the Yoga Therapy class at the Cascades of the Sierras. For More Information about Yoga Therapy contact: Karen Hairfield at 775-8577715 or online at karen_hairfield@sbcglobal. net. Specializing in Yoga Therapy: Yogasage sessions, yoga health consultation, private yoga sessions, semi private classes with 4-6 people (The classes are tailored
for quiet & comfort with space for a relaxing overall experience.) Cascades of the Sierra is located at 275
Neighborhood Way, Spanish Springs. For more information about the EverFit Club, call 775-424-5400.
September • 2012 • 23
Eydie’s Excerpts Eydie Scher
ADDD: Attention Deficit Doggie Disorder ur dog is eleven. She is healthy, well behaved and can be left an entire day alone without going to the bathroom or doing any damage what so ever. The house is usually clean except for the fact that she is black, the carpeting is beige and every season is time to shed. The vacuum can only do so much. Its job is overwhelming. That’s okay. She is worth the minimum effort. Dazzy (pronounced like the flower) has been an only dog her entire life. We arrive back from our trip to New York and David declares an end to traveling, at least for a few months. Like a kid, he has his heart set on a puppy. Maybe she could be a friend for Dazzy. Dazzy doesn’t always like dogs her own age. The shelter has no puppies, only older dogs and mostly pit bulls. This would not be a good combination. Her eyes meet mine and I am hooked. She is a yellow lab. She sleeps in my arms on the way home. Does Dazzy know she is permanent? I seriously doubt it. A granddaughter names her Bella. It fits. The other dogs in the neighborhood are male. She is the belle of the street and has no qualms about letting them know that. She doesn’t bark often but when she wants to tell another dog to back off, she lets them know in no uncer-
O
24 • 2012 • September
Bella at 8 weeks
tain terms that she can out bark with the best of them. The puppy takes maximum effort. The house is cluttered with toys, water bottles, boxes, socks and shoes that used to be wearable but now are part of her collection. She can untie any shoe in seconds. Maybe we can teach her to tie them if we place her in puppy kindergarten? One toy satisfies for about 5 seconds and then she’s ready to locate something different. Attention deficit comes with the package. Food is guzzled down at an alarming rate and in only a few weeks, this puppy has doubled in size. Toilet paper trails escape the bathroom. Our flesh bears the brunt of her teething. The blood oozes out of my husband David’s ear and my arms. “No” is the choice word of every day. No jump, no bite, no dig, no chew and that’s only the beginning. The house is puppy proofed, or so we think it is. When things go missing, we know who took them. It’s a good thing she is adorable. Wait, before I continue, there are good points. She is kind of potty trained. I say (Doggie page 25)
kind of when we don’t get her out of the house fast enough. Training takes the form of our older dog who only lashes out at Bella on few occasions, like when food is involved. The little one tries to get a treat out of Dazzy’s mouth. It is not a good idea seeing Bella’s head almost disappear in the bigger one’s mouth. They play together if you want to call it that. If you have more than one dog, you have an idea of what I mean. The alpha dog has to be patient and Dazzy is. The training begins in earnest. Come, sit, and stay. She grasps the basics pretty fast. We add paw to the list. Our backyard has become the neighborhood doggie park. The trend began here. We got the first new puppy on the block. Now there are 4 others plus the older dogs.
Seven dogs are play fighting on our turf. The once pristine lawn is littered with everything imaginable. Uh oh, there is digging going on and we know the culprit. Labs are supposed to be water dogs. The second day home, I’m in the pool and lo and behold, Bella jumps in, not once, not twice, but three times. On her last jump she needs rescuing since she doesn’t know how to climb out. Instructions are taking place daily on that issue; that was the last time she jumped in by herself. We take her to Tahoe and she steps gingerly in the lake following her big sister. Crowds of people surround at the site of this puppy. She adores being the center of it attention. The invitation is addressed to Bella. “You are invited to a puppy party and
your human parents can come too!” Six puppies similar in age to Bella come. It‘s at our Vet’s office. While the humans get a tour of the facility, the puppies romp for over an hour. Bella never falters and keeps up as the most active puppy. At the end of the party, she receives a doggie bag filled with food, toys, and treats. This is one exhausted puppy and 2 exhausted humans. She’s now 4 months and is totally potty trained. Teething has become a rarity and is replaced by kisses or licking.
Bella at 4 months
She is still cute but it may not last long. Eighty pounds might be her final weight. Dazzy better be nice to this puppy because one day soon, she will outweigh her. I’ll keep you posted on her growth and how the training goes. A dog adds joy to life! We can’t help but love her. Comments appreciated: eydies@aol.com.
September • 2012 • 25
New Life on the Comstock
BIGGESTlittle City
embers of Reno’s G.O.D (Good Old Days) Club are in for a treat at their October 19th meeting. At that meeting they will hear from Corrado De Gasperis, President and CEO of Comstock Mining, regarding the current gold mining taking place on the Comstock Lode near Virginia City that could yield 5 billion dollars’ worth of the precious metal.
M
Although Virginia City and neighboring communities will never experience the original bonanza that occurred from 1860 to 1880, Comstock Mining’s projection of at least 20,000 gold equivalent ounces annually is certainly noteworthy. The high price of gold on today’s market made current mining feasible in this inimitable region. The ore is being mined and milled on Comstock Mining owned property. Recently De Gasperis spoke to the NNDA (Northern Nevada Development Association) about the operations. He lamented the fact that there is no Mint in northern Nevada. “I hate to send the bullion out of the area,” De Gasperis said. The obvious reason is that gold coinage sells for a much higher price 26 • 2012 • September
Corrado De Gasperis
than gold bullion. A Mint in Carson City or close by would provide even more jobs and generate more dollars to remain in that area. In fact, as De Gasperis noted, northern Nevada could become an important player on the international fiduciary scene. As valuable as gold is today, according to De Gasperis, it has only begun to penetrate the new global economic scene. De Gasperis went into detail explaining the new scenario. One of the interesting things he noted was that there was a “love market” for gold during the pre-holiday season. He used a PowerPoint chart to show how rapidly the sale of gold escalates starting in the several months before Christmas. Another important point was that the emerging markets of China and India are based substantially on the precious yellow metal. Unfortunately, there are a few residents who are vociferous in their objections to the current mining efforts of Comstock Mining. Rebutting the critics, Corrado showed (Biggest Little City p. 29)
SIXTY FIVE by Peggy Martin For me it’s been a challenge To reach the age of sixty-five. I have to credit modern medicine That routinely keeps me alive.
rough spots I keep a handy tube of de-si-den. My “titanium” knee was a miracle But the gastric bypass didn’t make me thin And arthritis in my ankles and feet Make walking “mighty” grim.
Since the Lord has truly blessed me And I count my blessings I’m alive To enjoy my friends and all my family I just think it sucks to be sixty-five. ** Peggy Martin has had narcolepsy all her adult life.
I buy a lot of pills Over the counter and by prescription A brief mention will explain Hope you aren’t offended by my description. I have pills to lower my blood pressure I take the blue one twice a day Another regulates my heart beat It keeps A-phibrilation well at bay. Then there’s two pills to thin my blood And another that makes me pee And one that’s for my thyroid Though the reason for that I can’t see. There’s an acid inhibitor for an ulcer And a hormone inhibitor is follow up care For my left breast that had cancer But, of course, is no longer there. I still use Dexedrine to stay awake** Although I also nap three times a day. The medication is hard to find Sure hope an alternative is on the way. At night my c-pap keeps me breathing So I sleep better than before But after the carpel tunnel surgery My thumbs are weak and often sore. The rest is standard stuff I use a stool softener now and then And for rashes and the September • 2012 • 27
September Calendar
Sept. 8 - Knitting Club, 1-3 p.m., Northwest Reno Library, (775) 7874100.
Sept. 14 & 18 - The Prisoner of Second Avenue, Ageless Repertory Theatre, 1 p.m., 1117 California Ave., Reno, Free.
Sept. 10, 17, 24 - Medicare Counseling, noon-2 p.m., Reno Senior Center; also Tuesday: 10-1 p.m. except third Tuesday; Wednesday & Friday: 10-1 p.m.; Thursday 10-2 p.m., call (775) 328-2575.
Sept. 15 - Real Mining on the Comstock, 4-7 p.m., $20 for show and dinner, Maynard’s Station, Gold Hill.
Sept. 11 - Mile High Jazz Band, Tried and True Big Band Jazz and Poetry, 810 p.m., Comma Coffee, Carson City, $5, (775)883-4154, MileHighJazz.com. Sept. 11 - Grumpy Old Men, 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, Reno Senior Center, (775) 328-2575. Sept. 11 - City of Reno Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, Neil Road Community Center, 3 p.m., (775) 334-2262. Sept. 11, 25 - S.T.E.P. High Sierra Swing Dance Club, Charro Avitia Restaurant, Carson City, (775) 8321310. Sept. 13 - Movie Day, Sparks Senior Center, after lunch, (775) 353-3110. Sept. 14 - Senior Dance Club, 8-11 p.m., Fridays, Reno Senior Citizens Center, (775) 328-2575..
28 • 2012 • September
Sept. 16 - Edible Pedal 100, a charitable road bike ride. For more information visit www.ediblepedal100.org. Sept. 19 - Washoe County Obesity Forum, Joe Crowley Student Center. Sept. 19 - AARP Luncheon, Golden ‘N’ Silver, noon, Reno. Sept. 20 - Alliance for Victims and Survivors, San Rafael Regional Park, Labyrinth, 11-2 p.m., (775) 355-2220. Sept. 23 - American Heart Association Heart Walk and Run, Scheels, (775) 322-7065 or (801) 205-2489. Sept. 26 - 27 - NHCC/HSC Health Care Conference, Diabetes Prevention and Control, Atlantis. Visit: http://nhccreno.org/health-care-conference/ Sept. 28, 29 - Death of a Salesman, RLT, 7:30 p.m., $16/$13, 147 E. Pueblo Street, Reno, (775) 813-8900, www.renolittletheater.org.
Biggest Little City / page 26 several photos of vastly improved and stabilized historical structures made possible by the mining company. “We have not yet begun to preserve these structures except to make them more stable. If we had not done this initial work, the structures themselves would have joined many others that have turned to dust in this area.” As a longterm sustainability commitment to the district, the Company has committed a one-percent royalty (NSR) to a new community development foundation. At least now preservationists of the Comstock will have a sturdy footing to build on. If it were not for De Gasperis’ company’s dedication to improving the area, most of it would crumble and as Margaret Mitchell wrote would be “Gone with the Wind”. Storey County Commissioners have seen the value of Comstock Mining’s almost ten-year effort and have worked closely with the operation. One of the biggest bugaboos of historical mining on the Comstock Lode was the mercury pollution that resulted. As De Gasperis pointed out, again with the aid of visual media, it is necessary to locate such pollution and address it on an individual basis. This statement was reiterated by my good friend James Clark of Virginia City in a Letter to the Editor of the Comstock Chronicle recently when he wrote, “The opposition to Comstock Mining was replete with ‘speculative assumptions.’” In other words, the opponents were offering up the worst case scenario about current mining using old mining practices as the model. In his talk to the NNDA De Gasperis expanded his presentation to a discussion, complete with video, about the macro global economy. He noted that what we are seeing in Europe, with many nations having to borrow their way out of debt, is a harbinger of the way the entire world is going. Actually, as famous as it was, the glory days of the Lode lasted a mere 20 years, but in that short period of time it did a lot to create the much larger community of San Francisco, California. (Biggest Little City p. 30) September • 2012 • 29
Biggest Little City / page 29 Mining on the Comstock Lode has always been famous for its extraction of huge amounts of silver. However, during the halcyon days according to Wikepedia, “The total product of ore extracted and milled in the Comstock District, 1860 to June 30, 1880, was 6,971,641 tons, and 640 pounds. Peak production from the Comstock occurred in 1877, with the mines producing more than $14 million of gold and $21 million of silver that year (about $270 million and $400 million, adjusted for inflation as of 2007 respectively). It led famous journalist of that period Dan De Quille to say, ‘The discovery of silver undoubtedly deserves to rank in merit above the discovery of the gold mines of California, as it
30 • 2012 • September
gives value to a much greater area of territory and furnishes employment to a much larger number of people.’” In addition to its core business of mining, De Gasperis’ company has done its best to integrate itself into the societal framework of the area by purchasing several properties including the Gold Hill Hotel and the Cabin in the Sky building, in addition to contributing to and sponsoring many local events. In his concluding remarks to the NNDA, De Gasperis advised his listeners to purchase gold coinage rather than gold mining stocks because as William Devane always says in his TV commercials, “Don’t you just love the feel of gold.”
this ‘n that
by Anne Vargas
annevargas3@gmail.com
There are 10,080 hours in a week. Can you spare one or two to help make a difference?
“Volunteers don't get paid. Not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless.” Sherry Anderson
had a chance to meet many of the volunteers for the Washoe County School District at an appreciation event at the end of the school year in June. The majority of them are retirees and they are clearly enjoying every moment of their involvement, telling me they have seldom felt as rewarded by anything else they have done, that the best part is the smile of the child who suddenly understands something due to the help received. They often feel like a surrogate grandparents, which can add a much needed dimension to a life of a child but I was assured the reverse is also true. I also spoke with teachers who said they would not be able to do what they do without the help of the men and women who appear on a regular basis, brightening the classroom as well as the faces of the children they work with.
-Do you have time to help a child learn to read Dr. Seuss? Reading one-on-one is needed in every school and probably the most commonly thought of way to help. The Read & Succeed tutor program needs people willing to work with elementary students struggling to read at grade level. Training sessions prepare volunteers and provide a Read and Succeed training booklet with valuable information on the academic side of reading to students. Tutors usually work with one child throughout the year and are asked to volunteer at least one (1) hour per week, per semester. Every effort is made to place the volunteers at the school of their choice.
Now school has started again. The classrooms are still crowded and teachers still have limited time to spend giving the individual help some children need.
-But there are many other ways to help as well. The District neighborhoods reflect a wide-range of backgrounds, needs and variety of schools. English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring could be enormously helpful for some students. Others have never had the opportunity to become familiar with computers. Math tutoring is also essential, particularly from men willing to work with teens.
I
Lisa Marie Lightfoot, WCSD Volunteer Services Administrator, is looking for caring volunteers to help support the schools, departments and programs and you may be surprised to discover how many different ways a volunteer can make a difference with just an hour or two a week. She provided the following list of areas where she is hoping for help: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss
“You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” Dr. Seuss
-The Read & Succeed Incentive Book program is looking for help at the 380 Edison warehouse location to sort through the thousands of donated and purchased books in preparation for distribution, many of the recipients being children who otherwise might not own a book. You can find magic wherever
you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” Dr. Seuss -The “Math Paths” tutor program is in need of people willing to work with elementary students struggling to do math at grade level as well as Math tutors for middle and high school students. -Other kinds of tutors for middle and high schools students struggling in other subjects. -Mentors for the new “Signature Academies”. These academies are located in the high schools and focus of specific careers. Career mentors can help guide a student to succeed in a career choice by sharing their career knowledge and offering support. -Healthy individuals who are able to walk or ride a bike with students going to local schools, keeping them safe and on time. -Help at school sites with office assistance and classroom support. -Groups to come in and do projects at school sites, clean-up, event support, etc. If you can consider giving one or two hours a week of your time and yourself and would like to hear more about how you can best fit in, please call Lisa Marie Lightfoot at the Washoe County District Office at (775) 348-0345 or make an appointment to stop by to see her at 425 East 9th. She is delightful and dedicated and will welcome you with open arms, even for just a visit. September • 2012 • 31
Seniors4Travel
Monticello and Montpelier Robert Boyd and Carolyn Prusa
hat Thomas Jefferson was our country’s third president, followed by James Madison as the fourth is common knowledge. And, history buffs would agree that in all probability the two met while both served as members of the Virginia House of Delegates. Political allies, for sure. But, are you aware that Jefferson and Madison were also very close friends?
T
Admittedly, their personal friendship was news to us.
This fact and many other fascinating bits of history we acquired during our road trip from Washington D.C. to Charlottesville, Virginia. The purpose of our journey was to visit Jefferson’s Monticello Estate. (Carolyn had never been there and it had been some years since Robert’s last visit.)
We soon learned that Montpelier was James Madison’s lifelong home, and that during his lifetime Madison preferred the French spelling, Montpellier. (Montpellier is a Medieval French term for ''Mount of the Pilgrim,'' and the name of a well-known university town in France.)
Road signs posted along Highway 29 near Culpepper first alerted us to “James Madison’s Montpelier”. With time to spare, we decided to see for ourselves what Montpelier was all about.
The vast estate includes the Madison mansion where he took his bride, Dolley (remember her?), historic buildings, archaeological sites, gardens, forests, a freedman's cabin and farm, and Visitors Center. Three hours later, after a guided tour of the mansion and walking tour of the Montpelier gardens we were back on the road, wishing we’d had more time for the impromptu visit to the impressive estate. Nevertheless, we were well sated with newfound information of James Madison and his best friend, Thomas Jefferson.
32 • 2012 • September
The following day, we went to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Estate outside Charlottesville. First order of business was a guided tour of the mansion that was Jefferson’s life-long passion. He personally designed and redesigned, built and rebuilt it for more than forty years. By 1809 when Jefferson retired, it had been enlarged to twenty-one rooms. Situated on a 5,000acre plantation, Monticello (Italian for Little Mountain) is the only historic house in the U.S. on the United Nations' World Heritage List. The mansion contains many of Jefferson’s innovations, including dumbwaiters concealed at each side of the dining room fireplace for hoisting wine from the cellar below. Jefferson’s office had features unique for the time, such as revolving chair, tabletop and bookstand made in the Monticello joinery, a copying machine and scientific instruments.
The Monticello garden, as viewed from Mulberry Row.
features designed by Jefferson James Madison's Montpelier 11407 Constitution Highway Montpelier Station, VA 22957 Information: (540) 672-2728, x100 www.montpelier.org
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Although we stepped out of the mansion into a cloudburst, it didn’t dampen our enthusiasm for the guided outdoor tour of Mulberry Lane Slave Quarters. (It did thoroughly dampen our clothes, however.) From there, we sloshed on down the walk to the family cemetery. By now, not even the hastily purchased umbrellas were much help in the blowing rain. We had intended to tour Monticello's gardens and orchards. Mother Nature convinced us otherwise. Next time.
local craftsmen. Monticello and Montpellier both have automatic doors and other
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy. Charlottesville, VA 22902 Information: (434) 984-9800 www.monticello.org
Carolyn & Robert with the Madison’s.
A word of advice: In planning a Monticello visit, do not overlook the opportunity to learn about the enslaved people who lived and labored on the Monticello plantation. And, the family cemetery is a must-see. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Jefferson and Madison shared many interests, including a love of reading and politics. Both believed in the power of the human mind and individual conscience, and that an educated public was necessary for survival of the country. They loved the Virginia countryside, gardening and agriculture. They exchanged house plans and services of September • 2012 • 33
“Jersey Nights” A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons “Jersey Nights,” now appearing in the Eldorado Showroom, celebrates the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The production will take audience members on a nostalgic trip through the best of ‘60s doowop and rock and roll. The Four Seasons achieved international success in the mid-1960s and sold 175 million records worldwide. Jersey Nights will pay tribute to the group with first class musical arrangements, perfect harmonies, authentic costumes, dynamic choreography and all of the Four Seasons greatest hits including “Oh What a Night,” “Sherry,” and “Walk Like a
34 • 2012 • September
Man.” While there is some narration and historic footage shown on a large video screen, the story of the band’s trajectory through rock and roll history is told primarily through the music. The international cast is anchored by the spectacular singers portraying the boys from Jersey with pitch-perfect harmonies and the remarkable tenor-falsetto that made Valli famous. Ticket prices start at just $19.95 with dinner and show packages at $29.95! For more information on show times and tickets call 800648-5966 or visit www.eldoradoreno.com.
September • 2012 • 35