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30
Editor’s Desk:
Affordable Health Care and Senior Services
T
wo very significant things happened in June that will make a difference in health care for aging adults in our community. The Supreme Court ruled the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate and Medicaid expansion is constitutional, allowing health care reform to move forward. This is huge for seniors who have pre-existing condition’s, who face caps on lifetime coverage, and expensive prescription drug costs in the coverage gap or what is known as the doughnut hole. This is important to seniors and baby boomers worried about their insurance coverage at a time they need it most. Locally in Washoe County, both the cities of Reno and Sparks passed resolutions urging Washoe County Commissioners to place a question on the November ballot to increase senior services ad valorem taxes by $0.02. While there is a July 15 deadline for Washoe County to place an advisory question on the ballot, it is unlikely the county will do so because an increase would exceed the property tax cap. Placing the question on the November ballot would be advisory; it would be a countywide vote of the people. County Manager Katy Simon has said she is not
in favor of increasing the ad valorem tax because the “two additional cents for Seniors means taking two cents away from something else.” State law would need to be changed to allow the cap to be exceeded. Washoe County is facing a surge in growth in aging adults with very limited resources who need assistance. It is a huge issue and a problem that will need to be addressed one way or another regarding human services. The County Commission is being asked to address the ballot question, and discuss possible options at a July 10th Joint Meeting that includes the two cities and the Washoe County School District. Area seniors are urged to attend this very important joint meeting which is scheduled July 10, 8:30 a.m., at the Washoe County Commission Chambers. Tell your Washoe County Commissioners seniors need two cents! State Implications The Affordable Care Act could make a tremendous difference in the lives of Nevadans statewide who are currently living without health care coverage, many unemployed. The act would expand Medicaid, flooding the state with new dollars, initially paying 100 percent of (Editor’s Desk page 4)
July 2012 This Issue
page 32 - Seniors 4 Travel
page 5 - Nevada State Health
Health
page 3 - Editor’s Desk
Exchange Will be Operational page 5 - Sutro Street Changes page 6 - Guest Editorial
page 12 - Brandenberg AARP National Policy Council page 14 - ‘Invisible’ Elder Abuse page 18 - Saint Mary’s Mission
Robert Boyd & Carolyn Prusa
page 10 - Our Elders are Important: Aren’t they? Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. Center for Healthy Aging page 16 - CMS: Medicare Covers Kidney Disease
Outreach, HAWC Merger
page 18 - Ophthalmology:
Every Issue
page 19 - Get Up & Go!
page 22 - Eclectic Observer
Dr. Michael Fischer, M.D. Natalie Hilbert Fitness Director
Janet Ross page 23 - Eydie Scher - Excerpts page 26 - Biggest Little City Harry Spencer page 27 - Calender/Crossword page 30 - this ‘n that - Anne Vargas
Financial
page 7 - Tax Breaks for the Sandwich Generation 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.
July • 2012 • 3
Editor’s Desk / page 3 the cost for new eligibles (estimated between 91,000 and 127,000 people in 2015). In 2016, the state will beginning paying 5 percent of the costs, increasing its share by 10 percent in 2010. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval’s response, given while appearing on the Nevada Newsmakers program, was guarded. Sandoval said, “It wouldn’t be my intention for this state to opt in,” questioning if the state could afford to do so. Washoe Legal Services attorney Jon Sasser, in an emailed statement, said, “The average benefit would be $3,600 per recipient per month ($350 million - $450 million annually). The only increased costs would be relatively small amounts for administration and to cover
4 • 2012 • July
enrollment of persons already eligible for the program (the “woodwork”).” Sasser said, “The much larger influx of federal dollars will not only improve our health but decrease the cost of private insurance to all and boost our economy at a time when we desperately need it.” He cautioned that if Nevada rejects Medicaid expansion, the state will create a two-tiered system of healthcare. Many below 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level will remain uninsured with no financial help. Persons with incomes between 100 - 400 percent of FPL will be able to purchase health insurance on the newly created health insurance exchange with a subsidy from the federal government.
Nevada’s State Exchange will be Operational
After reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision, the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange (Exchange) is moving forward to ensure that Nevada will have a state based exchange operational by October 1, 2013. To date the Exchange has been awarded approximately $24.7 million dollars in Federal grants to pay for the establishment and implementation of the Exchange. “Nevada was prudent to begin implementation over a year and a half ago rather than wait and risk federal intervention,” said Jon Hager, Executive Director of the Exchange. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates approximately 21.3 percent of Nevadans, or 563,000 people are uninsured. The Exchange’s mission is to increase the number of
insured Nevadans by facilitating the purchase and sale of health insurance that provides quality health care through the creation of a transparent, simplified marketplace of qualified health plans. Beginning October 1, 2013, the Exchange will offer a state-of-the-art web portal, call center and other assistance to help consumers in the selection and enrollment of insurance plans. Individuals below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, approximately $92,200 for a family of four, will be able to receive Federal subsidies to help pay for a portion of their premiums. Consumers can write the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, at 808 W. Nye Lane, Ste. 204, Carson City, NV 89703 or call (775) 687-993 (www.exchange.nv.gov).
Sutro Street Changes
Washoe County Senior Services Facility Coordinator Len Reidenbaugh, and Debbie Jenkins, Eastern Sierra Engineering review plans for Sutro Street at senior center.
The Regional Transportation Commission has received a federal grant to improve
safety for motorist, pedestrians and bicyclists on Sutro Street next year. The $1.2 million dollar grant will provide improvements on Sutro from 4th Street to McCarran said Howard Riedl, RTC Senior Engineer. Statistics show 656 people use 9th and Sutro annually. There are 15 bus stops on the route, with four converging on Sutro and Ninth, behind the Washoe County Senior Center. (Sutro page 6)
July • 2012 • 5
Guest Editorial
Taking Care of Nevada’s Veteran Seniors
U.S. Senator Harry Reid
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6 • 2012 • July
Nevada’s veterans deserve the very best support from their government. The day our Sen. Harry Reid veterans enlisted we made a solemn promise to them, and it’s an obligation we need to uphold. There are more than 230,000 service men and women living throughout Nevada, and the majority of them are seniors. Working for Nevada’s veterans has been a great honor, and since coming to Congress I have fought to ensure that veterans receive the retirement and health care benefits that they were promised and deserve. These senior veterans are leaders in our communities, and they made extraordinary sacrifices to keep our nation safe and secure. In early June I met with Lieutenant (retired) Paul Muzychenko from Sparks, a United States Navy veteran that fought in the Battle of Midway during World War II. During the historic battle, he served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Minneapolis, which helped protect American carriers against Japanese air attack. Joined by his wife Marilyn, Lt. Muzychenko traveled to Washington, D.C. to commemorate the battle’s 70th anniversary. He was also celebrating his 90th birthday around that time. I
was honored to meet with Lt. Muzychenko on his travels to Washington, D.C., and was reminded that communities in Northern Nevada are keenly aware of the importance of looking after our nation’s heroes. As American troops withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan, the veteran community in Nevada and across the U.S. will grow and diversify. We need to ensure that our veterans facilities are prepared to look after military members returning home, and welcome those looking to make their homes in Nevada. Their contributions to the country should never go unnoticed. Just as Nevada’s veterans served to defend our nation, I too will continue my work to make sure they are looked after for the long term.
Sutro / page 5 The project may include bike lanes, improved sidewalks in ADA compliance, enhanced crosswalks, turn lanes, and transit amenities. Riedl said he would like to see tree’s trimmed behind the Livestock Events Center that may be blocking vision. The RTC is holding focus groups for public comment. A public meeting will be held in late July regarding concepts and community preference. The Reno City Council will review the project in August, with final design and construction beginning in Spring 2013.
Tax Breaks for the Sandwich Generation
Brought to you by Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.
A
s our population ages, many of us find ourselves in a role we never quite anticipated: we’re serving as caregivers for our elderly parents sometimes while still raising children of our own. The emotional burden is one that most of us accept with grace and love. The financial challenges, on the other hand, can be a little harder to overcome. That’s why it’s important to know when you can claim your aging or ill parent as a dependent for income tax purposes. 50 Percent: The Magic
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com
Number If, during the tax year in question, you provided more than one-half of your parent’s support for food, shelter, medical care, and clothing, then your mom or dad is your dependent in the eyes of the IRS. Keep in mind that expenses covered by insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare benefits do not count. Here’s an example: Your father lives in your home. You pay the mortgage and utilities and provide all of his food and transportation. If you added it up, the
value of this would come to about $800 per month, or $9,600 per year. He gets Medicare benefits of $4,000, which aren’t enough to cover his annual medical expenses of about $7,000. He also receives $600 in Social Security benefits each month for an annual total of $7,200. He uses his Social Security to cover his remaining medical bills, pay for clothing, buy gifts for the grandkids, and take care of other miscellaneous expenses. All told, your dad’s expenses add up to about $16,600 per year, of which you cover approximately 58
percent. This means that your father qualifies as your dependent. Exception to the 50 Percent Rule If you do not provide more than 50 percent of your parent’s support, all is not lost. You might still be able to claim your mom or dad as your dependent if all of the following are true: • You provide at least 10 percent of your parent’s support. • You and others besides your parent provide more than 50 percent of your (Tax Breaks page 8)
July • 2012 • 7
Tax Breaks for the Sandwich Generation / page 7 parent’s support. • No one person provides more than 50 percent of your parent’s support. • Every other person who contributed more than 10 percent to your parent’s support waives the right to claim your parent as a dependent by signing Form 2120. • You attach each applicable Form 2120 to your tax return. The Benefits of Claiming Your Parent as a Dependent The ability to claim your parent as a dependent opens up a number of tax breaks. Perhaps the most valuable is the opportunity to deduct your parent’s medical expenses. Provided your mom or dad qualified as your
dependent on the date the services were performed or the date they were paid for, you can treat any medical bills incurred by your parent the same as medical bills incurred by you, your spouse, or your children. So, assuming you itemize your deductions and your family’s total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your income, you can claim a deduction for your family’s medical bills – including those incurred by your mom or dad to the extent those expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. Even if you can’t take advantage of the medical deduction, you may be able to claim a dependent care deduction if both of the following are true:
1) Your parent lives with you. 2) Your parent cannot care for him- or herself. Last but not least, if your mom or dad does not claim a personal exemption for himor herself, you can claim your parent’s personal exemption. While all of these tax breaks help to ease the financial burden that can accompany caring for your aging parent, the best way to lighten your financial load is to plan ahead. Long-term care insurance, Medicaid planning, and other estate planning tools can make your parents’ twilight years easier for your whole family. An experienced estate
planning attorney can help you and your parents plan ahead for the financial concerns that aging brings, so that you can focus on enjoying every moment you have together. 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 every area of estate planning. We offer comprehensive and personalized estate planning consultations. For more information or to attend an upcoming seminar, please contact us at (775) 823-9455 or visit us online at www.probatebusters.com.
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July • 2012 • 9
Adding Life to Years
Our Elders are Important: Aren’t they? Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging
O
ne of the major problems today is the tremendous growth rate of Nevada seniors. Nevada has seen the fastest growth state for a couple of decades, and especially among elders. From 2000 to 2007, Nevada seniors grew by 30.1 percent while the U.S. only grew by 8 percent. As I reported in the last Elders Count Nevada (2009), the U.S. Census reported between 1990 and 2000, Nevada’s 65+ population increased by 72 percent, and the 85+ increased by 128 percent, leading the nation in senior population growth.
10 • 2012 • July
Nationally, the 65+ population increased by 12 percent, and the 85+ population by 38 percent. As the Baby Boomers age, with the leading edge turning 65 in 2011, they number about 12,000 per day turning 65. Nevada is projected to continue to lead the nation in senior growth rate through 2030 with 264 percent. This population explosion alone is just cause for increasing the local public support for our elders. Add to this population growth the fact that about 20 percent live on about $5,000 per year income, and 20 percent live on $11,670 annual
income (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007). In other words, 40 percent of our elders live on or below $972 per month income, and almost at or below the federal poverty level. In addition, about onethird of our elders have a chronic health disabling condition that limits their physical, mental, or emotional activity, and account for the majority of health care expenses. If we focus on Washoe County as an example, in 1985 the public voted in a $.01 Senior Citizens ad valorem Fund which was to take care of our elders in need for
the future. Twenty-seven years later, we need to pull our head out of the sand and deal with the real problems of an aging society, especially here in Nevada. At least our elders in need should receive an adequate amount of local public support. You might say why should the public care? It is those greedy old geezers that should take care of themselves, and besides we have to focus on the next generation…the youth are our future! This is what has historically happened. Foundations and other phil(Life to Years page 11)
Life to Years / page 10 anthropic organizations mostly focus on youth, where they feel they can have the most impact, and provide very little private dollars for elder programs. After all, old people have Medicare and Social Security. Certainly these federal programs are essential, but they are not enough. Local communities, especially counties, provide senior services including meals, socialization, health care management, adult day health, information, educational classes, resource finding, social services, legal services, etc. These services are critical in the continuum of care for chronically ill elders. When these poor (as in economic) elders need medical care, the county is still responsible when they go on to Medicaid. Unless we provide funds for prevention services for chronically ill elders, the system will bankrupt counties. Therefore, we need to enhance the county senior services resources to provide the essential services to keep elders well, healthy, and less costly. Another important issue that our system needs to deal with is that we do not know what we are entitled to receive based on our needs and income. For example, recommended preventive medical services are not even being received by most older Americans. According to a John A. Hartford Foundation national survey released in April, 2012, they found that only 7 percent of older Americans are receiving all of the low-cost, low-tech, medical services recommended for their age
group, even though the services can reduce the risk of many preventable health problems, increase their quality of life, and reduce health care expenses. These preventive services are designed for elders, been proven to be effective, provide medical information for early intervention, and are taught in “geriatric” medical training. They include an annual medication review; falls risk assessment and history; depression screening; referral to community-based
health resources; and a discussion of the elder’s ability to perform routine daily tasks and activities without help. In short, we need to determine what our elders need through standardized medical, health, and social assessment, communicate to them what services they are entitled to and what meets their needs, and above all fund those services so those who cannot afford them can access them, especially those preventive services that
enhance quality of life – add life to years - and reduce costs. County commissioners need to stand up and place our elders as a priority funding area. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D., CEO, Center for Healthy Aging, provides consultation and coaching to elders on aging and human services. He welcomes your comments. Write to him at larry@addinglifetoyears.com or Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519 (775-376-3210).
“Come in!”
Welcome to your all-inclusive, locally-owned retirement community!
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Call 775-786-8853 for a personal guided tour! July • 2012 • 11
Brandenberg on AARP National Policy Council AARP has appointed Carlos Brandenburg to its National Policy Council. He will serve a two-year term. “I am honored to join the AARP National Policy Council,” Brandenburg said.
12 • 2012 • July
“It is an organization committed to service, inspiring social change and ensuring that people of all backgrounds age with dignity and respect. I look forward to serving AARP members and the broader 50+ population.”
Brandenburg, of Reno, is the AARP Nevada state president. He has extensive state government experience in mental health services. For over a decade, Brandenburg was the Administrator of the Nevada Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services, developing and implementing the policy on community-based mental health residential services. He advised the Governor’s Office and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services on all legal and programmatic forensic mental health issues. Brandenburg also served as President of the Board of the National Association of State Mental Health Program
Carlos Brandenburg
Administrators. The AARP National Policy Council (NPC) is a 25-member all volunteer policy analysis and advisory body to AARP’s Board of Directors. As a member of the NPC, Brandenburg will help develop and make policy recommendations reflecting members concerns and interests.
July • 2012 • 13
'Invisible' Elder Abuse Leaving Seniors Devastated Secretary of State Urges Victims of Elder Financial Abuse to Report Exploitation
I
nvestment fraud/financial exploitation experts believe that elder financial abuse is worsening, according to a nationwide survey. "Elder abuse comes in many forms - physical, emotional, neglect or abandonment and financial abuse often goes undetected because its warning signs are invisible," said Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller, noting that financial abuse is considered to be the most common form of elder abuse, costing its victims an estimated $2.9 billion a year.
14 • 2012 • July
To help fight this problem, the Secretary of State's office joins the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) to offer tools to identify and report financial abuse or exploitation. Investment fraud is an area of particular concern, as victims can see their life savings depleted with little opportunity to recover financial stability. "Financial losses through investment fraud scams can be devastating," said Secretary Miller. "Those who lose their life savings
suffer a physical and emotional toll, as well as a financial toll. They may become fearful, develop health issues, become depressed and even consider suicide. It's imperative that financial abuse be reported promptly to the proper authorities." Securities fraud comes in many forms. The following is a list of common frauds targeting elders. • Unsuitable Investments What might be suitable for one investor might not be right for another. Securities professionals must not rec-
ommend investments that are inappropriate for a customer's age, risk tolerance, and there is a need for access to the money. • Ponzi Schemes - Ponzi schemes amount to robbing an army of Peters to pay a handful of Pauls. As the number of initial investors grows and the supply of potential new investors dwindles, the Ponzi bubble bursts with the vast majority of investors losing all or most of their money. • Affinity Fraud - In affinity (Financial Abuse page 15)
Financial Abuse / p. 14
fraud, the senior makes an investment because of a recommendation by a "trusted" friend based on similar backgrounds. • Unregistered Investments - The senior is sold a stake in a new company or enterprise and is told that the investment "does not need to be registered" with the state or federal government. Check with the Secretary of State's Securities Division at (702) 486-2440 to determine if an investment needs to be registered. • Unlicensed Salespeople Those who sell securities or provide investment advice must be appropriately licensed. If not, chances are they aren't qualified to offer
investments or advice.
have been any complaints.
• Free Lunch/Dinner Seminars - Regulators find the majority of these seminars are actually sales pitches.
Elder financial abuse is an under-recognized problem with devastating consequences. The growing senior population is increasingly targeted for abuse with studies showing that women were twice as likely as men to be victims of elder financial abuse. Family members and caregivers are the culprits in more than half of these cases.
• Senior Designations Individuals may call themselves "senior specialists" to create a false level of comfort among seniors and then get them to invest. • Any Sales Pitch Accompanied by Pressure or Coercion Investors and caregivers are urged to "investigate before investing" by calling the Secretary of State's office to verify if the product and person selling it are registered/licensed and if there
According to the survey released by Investor Protection Trust (IPT), 84 percent of the 762 respondents who deal with investment fraud/financial exploitation believe that elder financial abuse is worsening. The full survey can be found on the IPT
website at www.investorprotection.org. Securities or investment fraud should be reported to the Secretary of State's Securities Division at (702) 486-2440. Other types of elder abuse should be reported to Nevada's Aging and Disability Services Division at (702) 486-6930 in Clark County, or (888) 729-0571 in Washoe County and all other areas of the state.
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July • 2012 • 15
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare Covers Kidney Disease By David Sayen
A diagnosis of kidney failure could be a real shock. And it’s David Sayen becoming more common as the number of Americans with diabetes and high blood pressure grows. But even with this serious diagnosis you can survive and move on. Medicare can help. The program helps pay for kidney dialysis as well as kidney transplants. Chronic kidney disease is a serious health
problem in the United States. In 2010, more than 20 million Americans aged 20 and older had this disease. And in 2008, nearly 550,000 Americans were getting treated for end-stage renal disease, or ESRD, which is permanent kidney failure. Most people have to be at least 65-years-old to get Medicare. But people with ESRD can get Medicare at any age. Even children with ESRD can enroll in Medicare. ESRD is treated by dialysis, a process which cleans your blood when your kid-
Summer Edition Coming This July! 16 • 2012 • July
neys don’t work. It gets rid of harmful waste, extra salt, and fluids that build up in your body. It also helps control blood pressure and helps your body keep the right amount of fluids. Dialysis treatments help you feel better and live longer -- but they aren’t a cure for permanent kidney failure. Medicare covers a number of things related to dialysis. If you’re admitted to a hospital for special care, Medicare covers inpatient dialysis treatments under Part A, which is hospital insurance. Medicare Part B covers outpatient dialysis treatments and doctors’ fees for outpatient care. Part B also pays for self-dialysis training, which includes instruction for you and the person helping you with your home dialysis treatments. Part B also covers home dialysis equipment and supplies – like the machine and water treatment system – as well as most drugs for home dialysis. How much would you have to pay for dialysis in a Medicare-certified facility? If you have Original Medicare, you’d pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for all covered services. Medicare pays the other 80 percent. Dialysis and kidney transplants are paid through Original Medicare. In most cases, you can’t join a Medicare Advantage plan if you have end-stage
renal disease. Keep in mind that dialysis can be done in your own home or in a Medicare-certified facility. Ask your kidney doctor what facility he or she works with. Or you can look for a facility on Medicare’s “Dialysis Facility Compare” website. It’s located at www.medicare.gov/dialysis. The website has important information such as addresses and phone numbers, how far certain facilities are from you, and what kind of dialysis services the facilities offer. You also can compare facilities by certain quality-of-care information. If you don’t have a computer, you can call us, tollfree, at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Medicare Part A also helps pay for hospital inpatient services if you need a kidney transplant. Medicare will help cover the costs of finding the proper kidney for your transplant, and the full cost of care for your kidney donor. For more details on transplants, please consult our pamphlet, “Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis & Kidney Transplant Services” (CMS Product No. 10128). It’s available online or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Trust Territories.
July • 2012 • 17
Ophthalmology
A Closed Case Michael J. Fischer, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon
While the most common form of glaucoma (open-angle) involves a clogged “drain” (trabecular meshwork) that
leads to a buildup of innereye fluid, closed-angle glaucoma is caused by an anatomical problem - a narrowing in the angle of the interior chamber. This is the passageway that leads to the
trabecular meshwork at the root of the iris. Because of this narrowing, aqueous fluid cannot freely flow out of the eye through the trabecular meshwork, causing a “back up” and raised pressure with-
in the eye. Eventually, when the eye pressure rises to a very high level, a person will experience a painful, red eye, as well as nausea and a severe headache. These symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention to preserve vision. Note - to treat closed-angle glaucoma, a laser may be utilized to make a hole in the iris to improve the flow of aqueous fluid. If you experience any difficulties with your vision, see your eye doctor or call us at 775-882-2988. We are conveniently located at 3839 N. Carson Street. Hours are 8-5, Monday through Friday by appointment. M/C, Visa, Medicare Assignment accepted.
Saint Mary’s Mission Outreach, HAWC Announce Merger
18 • 2012 • July
Saint Mary’s Mission Outreach and HAWC (Health Access Washoe County) Community Health Centers have announced a new partnership to enhance health care services in Northern Nevada. The two organizations will merge to become, Community Health Alliance (CHA) effective July 1, 2012. The merger will provide greater service opportunities and enhance the organization’s ability to provide health care. “Our focus has been on providing health care services that are affordable and accessible,” said Mike Johnson, vice president, Community Health and Mission Integration at Saint Mary’s.
Get Up & Go!
Cellular Exercise Natalie Hilbert Fitness Director
W
e all know that exercise is vital to our health. When we think of exercise we think of running, lifting weights, dancing, etc. There is however another form of exercise you may not have thought of, and that is Cellular Exercise. Internally we can improve our health by moving cells around so to speak, or exercising them. This is one of many benefits derived from using Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy or better known as PEMF. The treatments consist of three minute increments placed on different areas of the body, and there are different attachments for different conditions. We have a mat that you can lie on that does a full body treatment. We have plastic coils that can be wrapped around an extremity or placed on the back while you are lying down. After a treatment your cells are revived. There is an increase in cellular performance resulting in the release of toxins; it works well to drink a lot of water during and after the session. Basically your cells are being exercised much like what happens to your muscles when you work out. Research shows that there is an increase in cellular mem-
brane potential. This is needed because the Earth is losing its magnetic field. The machine is adding back lost magnetic energy to the body. Another huge benefit of PEMF is that it induces at a cellular level autophagy. Autophagy is an essential, homeostatic process by which cells break down their own components, or simply stated autophagy is self cleansing. There are hundreds of studies showing the benefits of PEMF treatment on many different types of conditions. It is used to increase range of motion in athletes, decrease pain, decrease depression, increase wound healing and much more. All About Health has the PEMF machine discussed here. Give us a call for a free treatment to see what it can do for you. We are located in Cascades of the Sierra retirement building in Sparks (775-762-3184). To learn more about living a healthy lifestyle, contact Natalie Hilbert, Fitness Director, Cascades of the Sierra. The EverFit Club, located at Cascades of the Sierra, is available for monthly gym memberships and is a Silver & Fit® provider. For more information call Natalie at (775)424-5400, ext.155, e-mail natalieh@cascadeliving.com.
July • 2012 • 19
20 • 2012 • July
Dementia Resource Center
Family members, caregivers and folks looking for support and education about dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other related cognitive disorders now have a local resource center in the Carson Valley and rural areas. The Dementia Resource Center of Northern Nevada, a non-profit organization, has opened its doors at The Lodge in Carson City. The Lodge has donated office space and staffing in order to provide the needed services for people living with memory loss and their caregivers. Mission Statement of the Dementia Resource Center of Northern Nevada: We exist to provide support, education and compassion to patients and caregivers throughout their journey living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and promote public awareness. The Dementia Resource Center of Northern Nevada has its home office in Sacramento, California and is known as the Alzheimer’s Aid Society. The Society has been supporting and educating families, caregivers and professionals for the past 30 years all across northern California. Now, Northern Nevada will also benefit from the following services and support: • Caregiver support groups for various stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s. • Annual Caregiver Conference providing CEU’s for attendees who wish to continue their education and the general public. • Dementia and Alzheimer’s Training Program; assisting families and staff with unique approaches to caring for their loved one. • Caregiver Reassurance Program, offering support to caregivers (often in crisis); lending an ear and offering help, support and resources. Most importantly, reassuring caregivers they are not alone. • In Home Support; which includes supplying incontinence supplies, ambulatory devices (walkers, canes, wheelchairs), legal and financial services. • Newsletter mailings offering caregiver tips, resources, up-coming events and articles helpful to the reader. • Free publication of the “Practical Guide for the Caregiver” (known as the “Blue Book” or “Green Book” if you need the Spanish version). The Book can also be used as a training tool for caregivers. • Consultation and training for facilities caring for residents with memory loss. Including environment assessments, staff training and program development. The Dementia Resource Center of Northern Nevada is different because proceeds from local donations and fundraising events will stay in our community to provide the much needed support and services to the people living here. The Dementia Resource Center offers assistance to caregivers in need of education and resources, respite care to prevent caregiver burn out, a volunteer staffed resource center, legal and financial information, Veteran’s Aid & Assistance information, community awareness, training and scholarships for students earning a Gerontology or Nursing degree. For more information visit the website at: www.alzaid.org or contact Candace Stewart, Elder Guide at The Lodge (775) 283-9885, candace.stewart@thelodgealf.com . We are currently seeking a volunteer to help answer the telephone for the new Dementia Resource Center. Please contact Candace at the above listed phone number and/or e-mail address. July • 2012 • 21
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
A
recent cooking demonstration at ArteItalia with pizzaiolo Enzo Coccia of Naples, Italy, sent my thoughts back to our pizza encounters over the years. Pizza migrated in the United States from the East coast to the West. In my hometown of Sacramento in 1954, Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson opened one of the first Western pizza parlors. With a focus on pizza and beer, decor leaning toward rustic with picnic tables and benches, employees in striped shirts and straw boaters, pizza was collegiate and fun. More recently, the locally owned Black Rock Pizza (Pyramid Way and McCarran in Sparks), has become our favorite place. I’m in a rut, though, always ordering the same “Carlin Trend” with pesto, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes and asiago
22 • 2012 • July
by Janet Ross
Enzo Coccia Photo - Arte Italia
cheese on a multi-grain crust. Delicious! Add a small salad and you have a perfect, nutritious meal. I was looking forward, though, to an authentic pizza experience with Master Pizzaiolo (pizza chef) Enzo Coccia at ArteItalia on a Sunday afternoon in June. Coccia’s background makes him a third-generation pizzaiolo who began his career at the early age of eight years. Owner of the Pizzeria La Notizia in Naples, Italy, Coccia is among those who consider Napoletana pizza to be the “finest in the world.” Coccia presented his cooking class for an enthusiastic crowd of about forty that included the history and culture of pizza, and a demonstration of preparing pizza dough and sauces. Our Menu del Giorno began with Focaccia, Mozzarella Caprese, Pizza Fritta, Montanara, Calzones, three varieties of Pizza Forno - Marinara, Margherita Rosa and Margherita Blanca. The last pizza on the menu was a Dolce - Saltimbocca con Nutella. Everyone had a taste of each pizza, accompanied by three Italian wines - Proseco, Coda di Volpe Campania and Gragnano della Penisola (Pizza page 28)
Eydie’s Excerpts
Start Spreading the News Eydie Scher
T
he only way I am going to Boston and New York is first class. The deal is sealed. David uses up his points. Tickets to Yankee Stadium are purchased. Airline reservations are made. We board first. Leather seats await our bodies. Juice is served in real glasses, not plastic cups. Take-off is on time. White linen napkins are folded on our trays. Cereal, milk, warm muffins, and assorted drinks whet our palates. My legs do a few stretches. Eighteen seats line first class. The curtain that we
David’s Bucket List...in New York never approached is now on our side of the airplane. Naturally, we have another flight that will take us to Boston. This one gets better. Wine and warm nuts are our entrees. Lunch is a choice between barbecued chicken salad and chicken enchiladas. It’s like being in a fine restaurant. Time flies and in no time we are landing in Boston. Our son whisks us to his house 45 minutes outside of the city. One of my granddaughters has a surprise for me. She presents me with a children’s book that she illustrated. It is amazing. We have some real talent in this
Kaylin’s illustrated book
family. Torrents of rain take over our stay. Indoor activities are left up to our son. The Boston Museum of Science is our rainy day destination. I guess this thought occurred
to lots of people in and around Boston since the place is mobbed. It’s bigger than the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Rainy day 2 finds us in Rockport, a seaside community like Carmel with old shops and art exhibits. It is the next town over from Gloucester where the movie The Perfect Storm took place. The next day we take Amtrak from Boston to New Jersey. It is our first time on the train. Wow, 4+ hours fly by like the scenery. If you are going into NY City, this might be the way to go. (Bucket List page 24)
July • 2012 • 23
Bucket List / page 23
24 • 2012 • July
It stops at Penn Station, not at an out of the way airport that requires transportation into the city. At precisely 1:10 on the dot, the train stops at Iselin, My oldest (not age) and dearest best friend Harriet NJ. Our friends immediately see us a Yankee jersey at the stadiand we rush for the hugs. um, I suggest you think June 5th – We drive up again. They vary from $95 to the Garden State Parkway. $250 depending on whose Last time we were here, the number you want. I bortolls were 25 or 35 cents. rowed one. Naturally it is Now they are $1.50. One number 2, Derek Jeter. tollbooth demanded exact Monument Park has change, no bills. If you think bronze replicas of the that’s bad, the George famous Yankees of yesterday Washington Bridge now like Mickey Mantle and Babe charges $12 to cross. Ruth. All the retired numDavid maneuvers the bers line the walls. It’s a step rental car towards Yankee back in history. Stadium. Along the way, he My very best friend, who drives by an old building in I grew up with in the Bronx, the Bronx where he grew up. meets us. We stop talking Pictures are taken and mem- every time the Yankees are ories flood back. Gates deter up. I take a picture of Derek visitors from entering the Jeter and Alex Rodriquez premises. David remarks from the back. Andy Pettite that it looks like a prison. He can see the apartment he lived in over 50 years ago. Parking near the stadium is $30 plus; he gives the attendant an extra $5 to get us out early. Now let’s do some math. Thirty-five Derek Jeter at bat dollars for parking, plus $180 for two tickets to is pitching. He makes it a 2 the game, plus $6.50 for a hitter, and we win 7-0 with a Nathan’s hot dog, $7 for grand slam home run by fries, and $3 for a drink plus Russell Martin. What a the price of the car rental. game! Do you have your calculator I almost miss it. The out? Is it worth it? megatron announces “Happy Absolutely. Birthday Aunt Eydie”. Yankee attire adorns David’s Bucket List to be everyone. If you want to buy continued!
when it comes to your health plan,
IS CLEAR. John Tyson Local Storyteller/ Northern Nevadan
Mark your calendars for Senior Fest Senior Fest returns Tuesday, September 4 from 9am to 2pm at Reno “Old” Town Mall. This annual event is for seniors, baby boomers, caregivers and families and features: • Health screenings by Renown Health • Informational booths from businesses and organizations that provide senior services in our community • Big band entertainment • Food • A special performance from the Eldorado Hotel Casino Showroom Senior Fest is held on the corner of Peckham Lane and S. Virginia. Parking is free at the Mall and the Atlantis Casino parking lot. For more information, call 775-348-0717.
Choose Senior Care Plus –
The health plan that offers more value than just Medicare. • Low premium plans • Low prescription copays • Largest provider network in northern Nevada** • Multiple plan options • Access to Renown hospitals • No referrals to see specialists • Only not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan in Nevada*** • Rx “gap” coverage
• Worldwide emergency care • Only locally owned and operated Mediare Advantage plan in Nevada*** • Local personalized customer service • Fitness club memberships • Hearing aid coverage • Supplemental dental and vision benefits • Largest Medicare Advantage plan enrollment in northern Nevada****
*Based on 2011/2012 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Plan ratings and Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study - Medicare & You Handbook. **Based on comparison of plans provider networks offered in northern Nevada counties. ***Based on comparison of Medicare Advantage plans offered in northern Nevada counties. ****Based on CMS Medicare Advantage/Part D Contract and Enrollment Data for October 2011.Senior Care Plus is a 4-Star Rated Plan. Plan performance summary star ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next. Senior Care Plus is a health plan with a Medicare contract, available to anyone with both Medicare Parts A and B. A member must be a resident of Carson City County, Churchill County, Douglas County, Lyon County, Storey County or Washoe County and continue to pay his or her Medicare Part B premium. John Tyson is a paid spokesperson for Senior Care Plus. Material ID: Y0039_2012_GenBoomer File & Use: 06182012
HEALTH CARE PLAN IN NEVADA* Call Center Hours Monday-Friday 8am-8pm (Now-October) www.SeniorCarePlus.com (775) 982-3158 or (888) 775-7003 TTY Relay Service 711 830 Harvard Way Reno, NV 89502 Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm
A Medicare Advantage Plan from Hometown Health. July • 2012 • 25
BIGGESTlittle City
Men to Match My Mountain
W
26 • 2012 • July
henever we think of local men that qualify to be linked to the title of this piece, we think of the men who made Harold’s Club the engine that pulled the Reno train in the past. Chief among them was the late Roy Powers, their advertising and publicity giant. Corralling the interests and whims of the very different Smith family members into a single cohesive message was all that Roy had to do. Fortunately he had an almost unlimited budget. I first met Roy Powers some 60 years ago. The occasion was a program called Internship at the University of Nevada. It had been created by Prof Al Higgenbotham of the Journalism Department. It consisted of J students in their senior year doing what was similar to a lab course in newspaper, radio or advertising. Since I had chosen advertising, I was sent to the Thomas C. Wilson Advertising Agency which was the largest in town at that time. For two days a week I was to report to Advertising Executive Roy Powers and he would give me my assignment and grade me on it. Most of my work was on radio copy but occasionally Roy would take me on a tour of the town as he called upon some of Wilson’s smaller clients. The most amusing story he recounted to me one time was his arrival in Reno on V-E Day when he was hit over the
Harry Spencer
head with a beer bottle and ended up in the hospital. After graduation from the university, I didn’t see Roy for several years. Since Wilson had the Mapes Hotel account they were precluded from handling another hotel. So when the Riverside account became available, Roy made his first independent move. He had many successes there. The top was probably bringing the first televised World Series to Reno. In 1958 Tom Wilson dropped Harold’s Cub and took the Harrah’s Club account. Roy, who had handled Harold’s for Wilson while he was there, opted to form Great Western Advertising and leave the Riverside. With the Riverside account up for grabs, my partners and I were able to secure it. Sometime in 1959 the Reno Chamber of Commerce hired one Jud Allen who had been a Hollywood PR man. Soon after his arrival here Allen found out that the principals of the major properties would not meet with one another under any circumstance. Consequently he contacted the various advertising or publicity men of the aforesaid properties and formed what he called the Promotion Committee. His strategy was to have us meet once a week in the downtown chalet that had been built for the 1960 Winter Olympics. During these meetings we would brainstorm promotional ideas and (Biggest Little City p. 29)
July Calendar July 8 - Carson City Symphony, Western Adventure, Artown, 5 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Reno, $10, (775) 883-4154. July 9 - Dinosaurs, Wingfield Park, Artown, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m., (775) 322-1538. July 10 - Smart Meters, 11:30 a.m., North Valleys Library, (775) 972-0281. July 11, Noon, Downtown Reno Library, (775) 327-8300; July 17, 6:00 p.m., Spanish Springs Library, (775) 424-1800. July 11 - Introduction to Computers, Downtown Reno Library; also Aug. 22, 1:30 4:30 p.m., (775) 327-8300.
July 11 - Dementia The Musical, 7 - 8 p.m., Steinway Piano Gallery, Reno, (775) 829-0600; July 19. July 11 - Ageless Repertory Presents: Shakespeare in Hollywood, 7 - 9 p.m., Circles Edge for Spiritual Living, Reno, (775) 345-7323. July 11th - Moments of Memory presents “A Breath of Hope,” a jazz concert with singer/pianist Erika Paul Carlson, 1 - 3 p.m. Arbors Memory Care Community, 2121 E. Prater Way, Sparks. Call (775) 331-2229. July 14 - Carson City Pottery, Children’s Museum, 813 N Carson Street, Carson City, 10 - 2 p.m., (775) 313-8628, carsoncitypottery@yahoo.com. July 16 - Reno Municipal Band, 12 - 1 p.m., Wingfield Park, Reno, (775) 334-2414; July 18, 20, 22, 23. July 18 - Stan the Man, one-man keyboard concert, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Arbors Memory Care Community, 2121 E. Prater Way, Sparks. Call (775) 331-2229. July 20 - A.V.A. Ballet Theatre’s Rock Ballet Vortex, July 20 - 22, Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch. July 20 - Coeur D’Alene Art Auction: Cocktail Party, 6 - 8 p.m., Silver Legacy Resort, Grand Exposition Hall, (775) 7861700, auction 12 - 5 p.m., July 21. July 20 - Sage Heart, 7 - 9 p.m., The Isles, downtown Reno, (775) 384-1804. July 21 - Basque Festival, 10 - 5 p.m., Wingfield Park, downtown Reno, (775) 7623577. July 21 - Arts in Bloom, 2 - 8 p.m., Victorian Square, (775) 353-4098.
July • 2012 • 27
Calendar / page 27
July 21 - Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Reno Ballroom, 401 North Center Street, $80, $100. Contact Nevada Women’s Lobby, at cgcolling@charter.net.
July 21 - Art in the Arboretum, learn to draw living plants in their habitat, 10 am - noon, May Arboretum, make reservations at mayarboretumsociety@gmail.com; flowerartist@aol.com; (775) 7854153.
July 25 - Introduction to Email, Downtown Reno Library; also August 22, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., (775) 327-8300. July 27 - Pipes on the River Organ Recital, Trinity’s Casavant-Freres pipe organ, 12 - 1 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, (775) 329-4279. July 28 - California Avenue Artist’s Market, 11 - 3 p.m., 247 California Ave., Cheese Board parking lot, (775) 338-1995. July 30 - Culinary Arts at Campo, 5 - 6:30 p.m., Campo, Downtown Reno, (775) 737-9555. July 31 - Artown Closing Night, Maceo Parker, 7:30 - 10 p.m., Wingfield Park, (775) 322-1538. September 4 - SENIOR FEST, Reno Town Mall, 9-2 p.m., Renown health screenings, information, entertainment, free parking, Atlantis Resort lot, (775) 348-0717. September 8 - Second Annual Great Yerington Yard Sale, Jeanne Dini Center, downtown Yerington, (775) 463-3699.
28 • 2012 • July
Pizza / page 22 Sorrentina. Fabulous! And what did we learn? First that the dough (Impasto) for real Italian pizza is made from a scientific formula with specific temperatures for water and yeast, precise amounts of all ingredients and proofing for a minimum of ten hours, kneading it for forty minutes. A wood-fired oven is preferred, of course, but one can do it at home with a little tweaking of ingredients and baking times. Only the freshest ingredients should be used, of course, and that includes the Mozzarella cheese - ignore that rubbery shrink-wrapped stuff. As my table-mates commented when our pizza fest ended, “We’ll never think about pizza in the same way again.” It was almost as good as a trip to Napoli and easily as memorable.
Biggest Little City / page 26 then return to our bosses to sell them on the projects by telling them that everyone else was participating. I remember that Roy represented Harold’s Club, Mark Curtis represented Harrah’s Club, Fred Davis represented John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Max Dodge represented the Holiday Hotel, Nick Bourne represented the Riverside, and I represented the Mapes. On the Chamber side along with Allen was Vern Baker, the Chamber’s publicity man, and Don Burke who managed the Chamber office in San Francisco. One of the highlight promotions that was hatched was the creation of the Reno Fun Train which operated for many years. During his career Roy was asked by the RSCVA to create and manage the Reno Press Bureau. It was a great idea because the Bureau could be a gathering place and an information center for everything that was happening in Reno at that time. It also provided a central point for inquiries about the Biggest Little City and hosted many writers from the Bay Area press when they came to town. Unfortunately it is one of the best ideas in Reno that was allowed to perish. Over the ensuing next two decades Roy and I worked on many projects to promote Reno. Chief among them were the Reno Air Races, the Portland Rose Parade, the Palm Springs Desert Parade, and manning a booth at the New York World’s Fair. After his advertising career Roy became a premiere local artist and the publisher of several art tomes. In 2010 Roy and I were co-Grand Marshalls for the Virginia City Camel Races. The reason was that Charles Mapes had bankrolled the first races in 1960 and I had publicized them. Later on in subsequent races Harold’s Club was the main participant and Roy had riders dressed as aviators, French Foreign Legionnaires, and even a fellow in an ape costume representing Harold’s Club. The last time I saw Roy was several months ago, and he seemed full of energy and looking forward to his next project. Now another light in the Reno firmament has been extinguished, and the town will never be as bright and shining as it used to be.
July • 2012 • 29
this ‘n that
by Anne Vargas
annevargas3@gmail.com
the answer to that question…
I have been following my husband around the world for most of our married life. For the first 30 years I was a willing Army Wife; for the past seventeen years I have been an initially reluctant, sometimes seasick but eventually enthusiastic voyager, sailing off into the sunset on lovely cruise ships. It’s a tough life.
My spouse has the wonderful opportunity to travel frequently as a guest lecturer (defined as not having to pay) on luxury liners and I get to go along. We’ve traveled in tumultuous seas and tranquil waters and visited ports all over the world. Since we have now logged in nearly 150 such trips, I am understandably often asked which was the best cruise or favorite port or most unforgettable experience. (The time we nearly capsized on cruise #67 leaps to mind…) Every ship, cruise line, itinerary and passenger com-
30 • 2012 • July
pliment is astonishingly and uniquely different from every other and each trip has been wonderful in some way so I didn’t really have an answer to the question. Until now. We recently had the opportunity to partake in something so magical it will be forever etched in our memory book. The cruise line was Seabourn, the ship was The Quest and we were traveling through the Mediterranean. The wonderful ports included several we’d not visited before (Israel, Cyprus and a few new-to-us places in Greece) along with one of our favorite stops, Kusadasi in Turkey. We’ve been there
many times and have often gone to visit the ancient ruins of nearby Ephesus. It’s the best preserved classical city of the Eastern Mediterranean and a perfect place to absorb the atmosphere of Roman times; you actually get a sense of what walking down the street of a Roman city must have been like. It was the trade centre of the ancient world, the reli-
gious centre of the early Christianity and so extraordinary we never tire of going there. Nearby is the cottage, now a shrine, where the Blessed Virgin Mary is said to have spent her final days on earth. Our first visit to Ephesus was in the 70s, early in my Army Wife chapter, long before it was engulfed by tourism. On that day we were nearly alone, able to roam freely through the streets and wander all around in the 25,000-seat amphitheater, marveling at the acoustics. Since that time great effort has been devoted to
Cruise / page 30
excavating the site and uncovering the history of the ages through its ruins. It is now a major tourist attraction, on the itinerary of nearly every visitor to Turkey. Hundreds of thousands of people converge on Ephesus annually, seeing a great deal more than we did in the 70s but seeing it among huge crowds and climbing around the amphitheater is no longer allowed. These are among the reasons our recent visit was so special. There were three ships in port with us but two departed at six; ours remained until nearly midnight. Promptly at seven p.m. busses arrived to transport all 437 passengers to Ephesus; we were the only people there. It’s difficult to describe how we felt--it seemed almost mystical to be treading those ancient paths under these circumstances Seabourn is known for lavish luxury so we expected it to be a lovely evening but we were still stunned. As we made
our way through the entrance we were offered champagne and then ceremoniously escorted down to the mouth of amphitheater where white-decked tables and chairs were awaiting our arrival. The ship staff and crew had been busy. Each table for four had candles, trays of hors d’oeuvres, baskets of figs, dates and sweet Turkish delicacies; even insect repellent. Crew members from the ship were there to pour more champagne, wine and water throughout the evening. The concert started at eight, just as the moon was beginning to rise. By the time it concluded at ten, the moon was full and shining brightly over the ruins. It was a magnificent, never to be forgotten sight.
“Blissful” might be the way to describe how we felt as we made our way back to the busses; could anything possibly be more incredible than this evening had been? But the perfect finale lay ahead; when we arrived back at the dock we were greeted by every member of the staff, from the Captain to the kitchen crew, standing on the pier next to the ship and smiling broadly. They were swaying in unison and holding a huge banner with the words “welcome home”. So, has there been a memorable cruise experience? Without a doubt I have the answer to that question.
July • 2012 • 31
Seniors4Travel
Trip to Washington
Robert Boyd and Carolyn Prusa
When we last left you, we were at the National World War II Memorial in
32 • 2012 • July
Washington, DC. You may recall that we warned you to expect additional reports on our D.C. experiences. Here goes:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Definitely on our list of sites to see was the recently completed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. It’s an easy walk to there from the World War II Memorial, and that is exactly what we did. The four acre site of the King monument is situated along the tidal Basin adjacent to the FDR Memorial and on a direct line between the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. The main focus of the memorial, called the “Stone of Hope”, is a dramatic thirtyfoot likeness of Dr. King carved into a gigantic boulder. Engraved on a 450-foot crescent-shaped granite wall along the perimeter are some of King’s most powerful quotes. It is this element of the memorial which truly expresses his spirit and transforms the space into a living
memorial. The quotes span the career of Dr. King, from his rise during the 1995 Montgomery Bus Boycotts in Alabama to the quote taken from his 1968 sermon delivered at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. four days before his assassination. The quotes are purposefully not placed chronologically, so that visitors can begin reading from any location within the memorial, without following a defined path. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial is a testament to the fundamental theme expressed by King throughout his life – democracy, peace, justice, hope and love. Our visit to the memorial was a very moving experience, but to really absorb all the meaning expressed in the monument requires more time than we had available. We will be back. (4Travel page 33)
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Theresienstadt by the Germans) Concentration Camp which we visited. Of the vast majority of Czech Jews who were taken to Terezin, 97,297 died, including 15,000 children. Only 132 of those children were known to have survived. Information United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on Terezin and the "Holocaust", we discovother concentration camps is ered, is a word of Greek origin part of the permanent exhibit meaning "sacrifice by fire." It of the United States is a fitting label for the systematic, bureaucratic, statesponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million European Jews and others considered inferior to the German race by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. Our visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was a chilling reminder of that horrific time in the history of the world. The building houses permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, a research library and archives, two theaters, an interactive computer learning center, classrooms, a memorial space, and areas for impromptu discussion. Among the many impactful exhibits is one consisting of thousands of cast-off shoes taken from the victims before their executions in the several concentration camps administered by the Nazis. Our museum visit took our thoughts back to the early 1990s when we were living in Prague, Czech Republic, and learned first-hand of the Holocaust from survivors and historians. Perhaps you know that Hitler had Jewish artifacts from all over Europe brought to Prague in preparation for a museum intended to “an extinct race”. Sixty some miles north of Prague was the Terezin (called
Holocaust Memorial Museum. Since the museum dedication in 1993, it has been visited by more than 30 million people from around the world. As the museum website states, visitors should come prepared for an experience likely to be disturbing and difficult to forget. Of the many quotations included in the Holocaust exhibits, we leave you with this: “Only guard yourself and guard your soul carefully, lest you forget the things your
eyes saw, and lest these things depart your heart all the days of your life, and you shall make them known to your children, and to your children's children.” Deuteronomy 4:9 United States Holocaust Memorial Museum 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington, DC 20024-2126 www.ushmm.org E-mail: visitorsmail@ushmm.org Tel.: (202) 488-0400
July • 2012 • 33
34 • 2012 • July
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www.sierranevadaspectrum.com www .sierranevadasspectrum.com Sierra Nevada Spectrum has free language translati translation on services available for no non-English on-English speakers. Sierra Nevada Spectrum m Medicare Advant Advantage age plan is insured through Sierra Health H and Life Insurance Company C Company,, Inc., a UnitedHealthcare Insur Insurance rance Company and Medic Medicare care Advant Advantage age organizationn with a Medicare contract contract.. Enrollment in the plan is only during sp specific pecific times of the year year.. Y You o ou must continue to pay you your ur Medicare Part B premium m and use plan providers for routine care e. Service area covers the st sstate ate of Nevada. Prescriptio on coverage subject to limit tations. T he care. Prescription limitations. The benefit information provid ded herein is a brief summa ary, not a comprehensive de escription of benefits. F or more m information, provided summary, description For cont act the plan. Benefit ts may cchange hange on January 1, 1 2013. contact Benefits 41NV SNS11766 R5674 4_110920_214624 File & Use 10032011 41NVSNS11766 R5674_110920_214624 July • 2012 • 35