Editor’s Desk
Wrap up: Health Screenings at Senior Fest 2013, Say Hello to New Faces The health care team at Renown Health and Senior Care Plus rolled up their sleeves and got to work at Senior Fest 2013, held at Reno Town Mall, September 3. To the approximately 3,000 plus people that attended the annual event, Renown Health and Senior Care Plus provided free health screenings, flu and pneumonia shots for six hours straight. Records documented showed there were 565 lab draws taken of attendees who fasted for metabolic, lipid panel, and other tests. Additionally, 650 people received a flu or pneumonia shot, 85 more than last years 565 vaccines. Three hundred certificates were handed out for shingle shots at a later date. Many more requests were made for the shingle vaccine, but sadly the shot was provided on a first come first serve bases. Renown Health and Senior Care Plus employees deserve recognition for their dedication to the wellness of this community. We also thank the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health and the Nevada Division of Aging and Disability Services for its generous $300,000 donation to purchase the vaccines. The Sanford Center for Aging, UNR, has hired Dr. Peter Reed, Ph.D., MPH, Dr. Peter Reed as its new director. Dr. Reed
has 20 years of experience in the field of aging. Previously he served as Executive Director of the Pioneer Network, and President/ Chief Executive Officer for the Center for Health Improvement (CHI), based in Sacramento, California. Reed was a faculty member at the UC-Davis School of Nursing, where he also led a health policy research program. He has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Society on Aging, and was elected to the Executive Committee of the Sacramento County Adult and Aging Commission in January 2011. Reed holds Doctoral and Master's degrees from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health, and is a Fellow at the UNC Institute on Aging. Jacob Harmon has been named Regional Director of the Northern Nevada Alzheimer’s Association. Harmon previously served as a Development Specialist – Grant Programs Administrator for the association. He has worked in many nonprofit organizations that include Fund Development Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada, Director of Institutional Advancement at the Sage Ridge School and Assistant Director of Summer Programs. He replaces Angie Pratt who took a position in San Francisco. (Editor’s Desk page 6)
2013 Contents
page 3 - Editor’s Desk page 4 - Opinion: ObamaCare & Washington Insiders page 5 - Opinion: NV Health Insurance Marketplace page 20 - A Plus Animal Hospital Salutes Freedom Day page 22 - Connecting Veterans to Services
Every Issue
page 15 - AARP: How to Make Sure Your Retirement Income Will Work for You page page page page
16 17 23 25
-
Calendar Eclectic Observer Tinseltown Talks Eydie’s Excerpts
page page page page
26 27 29 31
- this ‘n that - Crossword - Resources - Seniors4Travel
Health
page 10 - CMS: If You Have Medicare, Don’t Worry About Exchanges page 12 - Elder Falls Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D., Center for Healthy Aging page 14 - Ophthalmology: Dr. Michael Fischer, M.D.
Financial
page 7 - James Gandolfini’s Will Bradley B. Anderson, Anderson, Dorn, Rader - Wealth Advisors
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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. October • 2013 • 3
Opinion U.S. Senator Dean Heller
ObamaCare: If it’s Good Enough for the American People, it’s Good Enough for Washington Insiders
Did you know that when Congress passed the Affordable Care Act, Sen. Dean Heller otherwise known as ObamaCare, they included a provision that exempted Washington insiders, the President, and members of the Administration from going into the exchanges? I want you to know that I have been fighting this exemption ever since my time on the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee. During the health care debate, I
4 • 2013 • October
pushed for legislation to include all Members of Congress and their dependents in the exchanges because it’s the right thing to do. If ObamaCare is good enough for the American people, it’s good enough for Members of Congress, their staff, and the Administration. Earlier this year, after much inquiry, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the very agency responsible for administering health and other insurance programs for Federal employees and retirees, failed to clarify whether or not Washington insiders would be exempt from
Obamacare. Unfortunately, their decision failed to force Washington insiders, including the President himself, into the exchanges. Those who are responsible for crafting and passing ObamaCare should be subject to the law as well. For this very reason, I have moved forward with again introducing legislation to prohibit the exemption. Last month, I joined Senators David Vitter (R-LA) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) to introduce a bill that reverses OPM’s ruling. I want you to know that I will work to get this passed in the Senate because Washington should
have to play by the same rules as the American taxpayer. Nevada seniors with Medicare will not be affected by ObamaCare. Unfortunately, however, if you have family and friends who are under 65 or who don’t have health insurance, they will be subject to the disastrous health law. If that’s the case, shouldn’t the very people who wrote the bill be forced into it as well? Again, if ObamaCare is good enough for the American people, it should be good enough for Members of Congress, their staff, and the Administration.
Opinion
Nevada’s Health Insurance Marketplace
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid Nevadans are already benefiting from Obamacare. Collectively, Nevada senSen. Harry Reid iors have saved $41 million dollars thanks to Obamacare, and once the donut hole is closed in 2020 they will save even more. More than 38,000 young adults in Nevada remain on their parent’s health insurance, and 35,000 children are not denied coverage because of a preexisting condition. Starting on October 1, there will be a new way to shop for health insurance. Nevadans can compare and purchase different private
health insurance plans based on their individual needs on Nevada’s state-run Health Insurance Marketplace, called Nevada Health Link. Health Insurance Marketplaces give consumers control over their own health insurance options and allow them to find coverage that fits their budgets. Open enrollment lasts from the beginning of October to March 31, 2014. Coverage begins as soon as January 1, 2014. Once open enrollment begins, Nevadans can fill out one streamlined application on Nevada Health Link to enroll in and shop among private health insurance options. On Nevada Health Link, consumers can see
what costs are before they decide to enroll. And all health insurance plans must cover the important benefits, like doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, emergency room visits, preventive services and prescriptions. Financial help is available on Nevada Health Link. Nevada Health Link will tell consumers if they are eligible for a new tax credit that will lower their monthly premiums. This tax credit helps to make insurance affordable, and it will be available to middle class Americans earning up to approximately $94,200 for a family of four. The same streamlined application will also work for those enrolling in programs like Medicaid or the
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP, known as Nevada Check-Up in the Silver State). Nevada is expanding its Medicaid program under the health care reform law so individuals with income up to approximately $15,280 will be able to enroll through the Marketplace. I am looking forward to the start of open enrollment on October 1. If you would like to sign up, or need more information, please visit exchange.nv.gov or call 8557-NVLINK (855-768-5465). For more information, or to receive the Reid Report ENewsletter, visit Senator Harry Reid’s website at http://www.reid.senate.gov.
October • 2013 • 5
Editor’s Desk / page 3
Angela Owings has been selected for the newly created food specialist position in the Grants Management Unit (GMU) of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Her assignments will include managing grant awards designed to address hunger in Nevada, developing a Food Policy Advisory Council, and implementation of the recently adopted Food Security Strategic Plan. Prior to joining DHHS, Owings worked as Family Shelter Program Facilitator at Volunteers of America in Reno, and in agency relations and program management for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Nevada Legal Services has hired attorney Karl Hall, a former Washoe County
6 • 2013 • October
District Attorney Office lawyer, to be the Directing Attorney for the Senior Law Project. Hall has focused most of his legal practice on elder abuse and prosecution. Nevada Legal Services was awarded funding to run the Senior Law Project which is located in the same space as the former program at 1155 E. 9th Street in Reno (the Senior Center Building). The Senior Law Project provides the full range of legal assistance to Washoe County residents age 60 and over. The areas of law the project provides assistance with include: housing matters, consumer law matters, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, wills and estates, advanced directives, nursing home issues, and elder abuse.
James Gandolfini’s Will: 3 Lessons for You and Yours
Brought to you by Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.
When Sopranos star James Gandolfini died unexpectedly at the young age of 51, his estate plan sparked a media firestorm. Experts have scrutinized and criticized his plan, and news reports have covered its details. What led to this flurry of attention? The fact that he left behind a Will, which made his estate planning choices public record. What can we learn from James Gandolfini’s Will? The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys suggests three lessons you can apply as you consider your estate planning options. 1. Your Privacy (And Your Family’s): No one would be debating the details of Mr. Gandolfini’s estate planning choices
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com
if he had not used a Will. Before it can take effect, a Will has to be filed in probate court. At this point, the Will becomes a matter of public record, meaning anyone can access it. A Will guaranteed that Mr. Gandolfini’s estate planning choices were available to reporters, estate planning experts, and the general public to scrutinize. For the rest of us, filing a Will in probate court means that our personal and financial affairs are made available to jealous relatives, nosy neighbors, and even con artists and financial predators. These are the last things grieving family members should have to deal with. How can you keep your estate plan private? You can use a Trust. Unlike Wills, Trusts do not have to go through probate. With a Trust, you can distribute
your property the way you see fit, maintain flexibility and control over your property during your lifetime, and keep your estate plan away from prying eyes. 2. Don’t Forget Taxes: Rather than leaving all of his assets to his wife, Mr. Gandolfini left much of his property to his two sisters and his infant daughter, which prompted some experts to label his Will an “estate tax disaster.” Here’s why: when you leave assets in excess of the current $5.25 million estate tax exclusion to your spouse (or to charity), the money is tax exempt. When you leave these assets to other beneficiaries, they are subject to the estate tax. In Mr. Gandolfini’s case, the bulk of his estate went to his daughter and his two sisters
October • 2013 • 7
Will lessons / page 7
and will be taxed at a rate of 40 percent. Mr. Gandolfini could have left his assets to his wife in a QTIP trust with the assets distributed to his children taxfree at his wife’s death. However, it doesn’t appear that this is what he wanted to do. He wanted to leave significant assets to his sisters, and there is no way to leave millions of dollars to your siblings without paying estate taxes. There is one thing Mr. Gandolfini could have done to reduce the overall tax burden on his assets. He could have left his property to his sisters in a Trust, rather than outright. With an outright bequest, the assets are taxed twice: now and when his sisters die. Had he left his sisters’ inheritances to them in a Trust, the property would be taxed now, but it would not be included in their estates at their deaths. Hence, there would be no additional estate taxes at the sisters’ later deaths. A Trust could also have been structured to give his sisters maximum control over their inheritances while offering protection from creditors.
8 • 2013 • October
You may not have millions of dollars to leave to your beneficiaries, but you should discuss Trust planning with your estate planning attorney. Trusts can offer tax advantages, creditor and divorce protection, help to avoid probate and related expenses, and a wealth of other benefits for your loved ones. 3. Know Your Children: Mr. Gandolfini left 20 percent of his residual estate to his baby daughter Liliana. He also left a $7 million life insurance policy to his 14-year-old son Michael. These assets will be held in a Trust for the children until they turn 21. Michael and Liliana may grow to be exceptionally mature and fiscally savvy young adults, but think back to when you were 21-years-old. What would you have done with unfettered access to millions of dollars? Would you want your children or grandchildren to have control large sums of money at such a young age? Children’s inheritances don’t have to be turned over to them when they reach 18 or 21. You can design a Trust that
provides for funds to be released incrementally as a child progresses into adulthood or as a child attains educational or other goals. Alternatively, you can design a Trust that protects a child’s inheritance for life. As you create your estate plan, think carefully about your children’s personalities, their level of maturity, and their relationship with money. Then work with your estate planning attorney to establish a Trust that meets your children’s needs. You don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to benefit from a well-thought-out estate plan. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you make the most of your assets and establish a plan that protects your loved ones long after you are gone. The Law Firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd is devoted exclusively to estate planning and are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. For more information or attend an upcoming seminar, please contact us at (775) 823-9455 or visit us online at www.probatebusters.com.
October • 2013 • 9
If you have Medicare, don’t worry about the new Health Insurance Marketplace David Sayen
Some people with Medicare are asking lately if their Medicare coverage is affected by the new the Health Insurance Marketplace that starts in 2014. The answer is no -- the Marketplace won’t have any effect on your Medicare coverage. The Health Insurance Marketplace is designed to help people who don’t have any health insurance. You have health insurance through Medicare. In fact, it’s against the law for someone who knows
10 • 2013 • October
David Sayen Regional Administrator, Medicare Region 9 that you have Medicare to sell you a Marketplace plan. No matter how you get Medicare, whether through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have the same security you have now. And you won’t have to make any changes. The Marketplace provides new health insurance options for many Americans. If you have family and friends who don’t have health insurance, tell them to visit HealthCare.gov to learn more about their options.
If you have Medicare, keep in mind that Medicare’s Open Enrollment season is coming. It begins October 15 and runs through December 7, 2013. Medicare Open Enrollment is the time when all people with Medicare are encouraged to review their current health and prescription drug coverage, including any changes in costs, coverage, and benefits that will take effect next year. If you want to change your coverage for next year, this is the time to do it. If
you’re satisfied that your current coverage will continue to meet your needs for next year, you don’t need to do anything. But beware that the Medicare Open Enrollment period is a time when there’s a higher risk for fraudulent activities. DO NOT share your Medicare number or other personal information with anyone who knocks on your door or contacts you uninvited to sell you a health plan. Senior Medicare Patrol programs are teaching peo-
David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories.
ple with Medicare how to detect and report fraud, and protect themselves from fraudulent activity and identity theft. To learn more about health care fraud and ways to protect against it, visit www.stopmedicarefraud.gov or the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program in your area. (Locate your SMP at www.smpresource.org.); Medicare is stronger than ever, with more benefits, better choices, and lower costs to beneficiaries. Expanded Medicare benefits under the health care law (the Affordable Care Act) are available, including certain free preventive benefits, cancer screenings, and an annual wellness visit. These preventive benefits are available with no cost to patients when furnished by qualified and participating health professionals. The annual wellness visit allows people to sit down and discuss with their doctor their health care needs and the best ways to
You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800MEDICARE (1-800-6334227).
stay healthy. Medicare will notify beneficiaries about plan performance and use its online Plan Finder to encourage enrollment in quality plans. Plans are rated from one to five stars, with five stars indicating the highest quality plans. Average premiums for 2014 for prescription drug coverage and Medicare health plans will remain stable. People who are in the “donut hole” in Medicare’s prescription drug benefit will enjoy 53 percent discounts on covered brandname drugs and see increased savings on generic drugs. So don’t be concerned about all the ads you may be seeing for the new Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace won’t affect your Medicare coverage and isn’t part of Medicare Open Enrollment. You don’t need to enroll in the Marketplace to maintain or change your Medicare coverage. October • 2013 • 11
Adding Life to Years
Elder Falls: A Public Health Epidemic Larry Weiss
September 22nd was recognized nationally as “Falls Prevention” day. Most of us did not have a clue about this recognition nor do we have the awareness of the frequency or the severity of falls, especially among elders. Therefore, I am devoting my article to this topic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the death rate from falls among elders has risen sharply over the past decade. Each year, one in three Americans aged 65 and over falls. Every 15 seconds an elder is seen in the emergency department for a fall related injury. In 2010, over 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries among elders were treated in emergency departments with more than 662,000 of these hospitalized. Among elders, falls are the leading
12 • 2013 • October
Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging cause of injury death. Falls cause over 21,000 elder deaths each year and about 20 percent of hip fracture patients die within one year. Don’t these facts reflect an epidemic? If you are still not convinced, how about the facts on how it affects our pocket books. Falls are expensive…$30 billion a year is spent treating elders for the effects of falls. If we cannot stem the rate of increase in falls, it is projected that the cost in 2020 will approximately double or cost $60 billion. In a study of people aged 72+, the average health care cost of a fall injury totaled $19,440. Fractures are the most common and costly injury. The average cost of a fall-related hip fracture injury in 2006 was $37,000. In 2009, there were 271,000 hip fractures, and the rate for women was almost three times the rate
for men. Clearly, one of the greatest financial challenges facing our nation is the rising cost of health care, with falls contributing to those costs. Falling is a special risk for elders due to increasing problems with vision, muscle mass, mobility, cognition, and medication issues. Evidence-based falls prevention programs offer promising directions for simple, cost-effective interventions by eliminating known risk factors, offering treatments that promote behavior change, exercise, integration of acute and social services, and proper medications for elders. These programs include comprehensive clinical assessments, physical therapy, exercise programs, and medication therapy management by a certified geriatric pharmacist. Integrated models linking clinical interventions with community
Life to Years / page 12
programs and services have clearly demonstrated a reduction in falls. For example, when compared with controls, the Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance program reduced falls by 55 percent. There are several simple home improvement steps that one can take to prevent or reduce falls among elders. Wearing shoes that have no traction or too much traction can impede walking and result in tripping and falling. Pets that hang at our feet can sometimes be invisible and result in trips and falls. Toilets that are too low or do not have aids for lifting oneself up can cause falls. Many simple devices can change the height and provide grab bars to help facilitate safe transfers on and off the toilet. Please note that the grab bars need to be secured on the walls to accommodate our weight. Use a home modification service to install these aids; many exist in your community. Throw rugs that have no traction can cause slips and falls. Clutter in and around the house and walkways can cause unnecessary trips and falls. Remove unnecessary garbage, flimsy tables, and other objects that are not essential and can cause falls. These suggestions, and installing grab bars in the bath or shower, are among some of the items that can be adapted or fixed within the home by simple, inexpensive methods. Another household obstacle that can cause serious injuries and deaths, are stairs. We take stairs for granted and don’t think much about traveling up and down them with objects in our hands. Well, think twice. Stairs are not only difficult to navigate when we develop mobility problems but also can be lethal. My 50-year-old sister died falling down her stairs, which is not uncommon. So think about a level house, or living quarters that have all the necessities on one floor and always have one hand free when ascending or descending stairs. One final significant cause of falls I want to present is medications. All medications have side effects, but some are linked more strongly to falls than others. Common medications that can cause ill effects and falls among elders
are drugs containing sedatives and benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Xanax), as well as antidepressants. It's smart to have a certified geriatric pharmacist and your physician review your complete list of medications regularly, and when any medication change occurs, so that unnecessary or problematic drugs can be changed or stopped. Even though falls are rampant with our elders, there are many simple steps to take to prevent falls as described above. In addition, when falls do occur, there is communication technology such as Lifeline’s Personal Emergency Response system, that notify family, friends or emergency personnel to get the person help quickly. Lying on the floor after a fall can result in more health complications, and even death, if the person cannot get up and is not able to get help. If you are interested in learning more
about Lifeline call Marta Malone at 775-848-1260. In addition to our individual responsibility in making our environment safer, our government needs to provide more resources to expand proven programs that help to prevent falls among elders. Taking these measures will add life to years. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Weiss welcomes your comments. Write to larry@addinglifetoyears.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.
October • 2013 • 13
Ophthalmology
Subject of a Somewhat Delicate Nature Michael J. Fischer, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon
There are delicate blood vessels in the Michael Fischer retina at the back of the eye that are suspectible to diabetes-induced damage that leads to swelling and leakage and results in blurred vision. In other cases, abnormal blood-vessel growth on the retina’s sur-
face and blood leakage causes severe vision loss. To complicate matters, there are often no early signs of “diabetic retinopathy,” which affects an estimated 5.3 million U.S. adults. The primary symptom, blood leakage, often occurs during sleep. The recommendation for diabetics is to get a comprehensive eye
exam at least once a year regardless of age. According to the National Eye Institute, laser surgery to stop blood leakage and stabilize vision can reduce th risk of blindness by 90 percent. It should be noted that diabetics who notice spots flatting across their field of vision should see an ophthalmologist immediately before
serious hemorrhaging occurs. If you would like further information on today’s topic or an appointment, please call my office at (775)8822988. We are conveniently located at 3839 N. Carson Street, Carson City. Hours: 8-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri., by appt. M/C, Visa and Medicare Assignment accepted.
We believe that every moment matters. Most of all, we believe in dignity and respect for each patient we serve. Maybe that’s why so many families believe in us when it comes to choosing a hospice provider. For more information or to receive our free DVD, “Hospice and Your Loved One,” call 775-825-5008. gentiva.com/hospice
Gentiva accepts patients for car care e rregardless egardless of age, race race, e, color national origin, rreligion, eligion, sex, disability disability,, being a qu qualified ualified disabled veteran, being a qualified disabled veteran of the Vietnam Vietnam era, or any other category protected protec cted by law, law w, or decisions regarding regarding advance directives. directives. © 2011 Gentiva Health Services, Inc. MKT3144
14 • 2013 • October
How to Make Sure Your Retirement Income Will Work For You By Jean C. Setzfand If you saved, say, 10 percent of your salary for the rest of your working life, do you think that would be enough to get by? The so-called “experts” have long pegged that as the target savings rate, but how would you know whether it would meet your individual needs? There are plenty of calculators out there that will tell you how much money you might have saved by the time you retire; some will even tell you how long that money might last. But here’s the thing: Running out of money isn’t exactly a viable option. That’s why AARP recently redesigned its Retirement Calculator to focus on calculating and budgeting your total
retirement income instead of your guesstimated retirement savings. In our new calculator, you can’t ever run out of money. After you enter information about your current savings and savings rate, we show you how much annual income that might give you for the rest of your life – and then we show you ways to boost that income. The calculator also shows you a red line that is the target income you would need to keep your current lifestyle after inflation is built in. If it doesn’t look like you’ll hit that target, the calculator gives you options. Lots of them. If you can’t access the new calculator from a desktop or
laptop computer, here are a few ways to solve an income shortfall problem: Delay your Social Security claim. Too many Americans race to claim Social Security the day they are first eligible. That can cost them – and their families – big-time in the long run. If you claim at 62, your benefits will be significantly reduced for the rest of your life. If you wait a little longer to claim, your benefits check will grow as much as 8 percent annually (until you hit age 70) for each year you delay. The difference between claiming early at 62 and claiming late at 70 is staggering: Your check will be more than 70 percent larger if
you wait until 70 to claim. However, there may be some people who can’t wait, such as those unable to work, or who would eventually get a much larger benefit on their spouse’s account when he or she retires. The AARP Social Security Benefits Calculator will walk you through various strategies for maximizing your benefits. Work a little longer. The longer you work, the more time you will have to save money (and build pension or delayed Social Security credits), and the later you will be forced to start drawing on your savings. Even part-time work can help tremendously. Bear in mind, (Retirement page 28)
October • 2013 • 15
OCTOBER calendar Oct. - Nov. 24 - arte italia, UNESCO Italia, photographic exhibition, Reno, www.arteilaliause.com.
Com. Bonnie Weber, Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department, #221, 6:308:30 p.m., 11525 Red Rock Road.
Oct. 8 - SOS Education Talk, Turning Passion into Action, 10-11 a.m., Laxalt Auditorium, UNR Nelson Building, parking free, call (775) 784-7506.
Oct. 9 - Estate Planning Seminar, 2-4 p.m., Hampton Inn & Suites, 10 Hospitality Way, Carson City.
Oct. 8 - Estate Planning Seminar, 2-4 p.m., Hyatt Place, 1790 E. Plumb Lane, Reno. Oct. 9 - Commissioner Conversations,
Oct. 9 - Lake Tahoe Luncheon Cruise, 9-3:30 p.m., $69, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 829-9010. Oct. 10 - Aged to Perfection, KNPB, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Silver Legacy Resort
Casino, www.knpb.org/ events/agedtoperfection.
Modernist Maverick: The Architecture of William L. Pereira, nevadaart.org.
Oct. 10 - Alzheimer’s Care, 5-7 p.m., workshop, Home Instead Senior Care, Rancho Cordova, CA, (916) 920-2273; also Oct. 23, 10-12 p.m.
Oct. 14 - Commissioner Conversations, Com. Bonnie Weber, North Valleys Regional Park Community Building, 6:30-8:30 p.m., North Valleys.
Oct. 11 - Dynamics of a Disaster, Story of the Donner Party, 6:30 p.m., Sparks Museum, (775) 355-1144, www.SparksMuseum.org.
Oct. 14 - Senior Law Project, Wills & Estate Seminar, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Reno Senior Center, Art Rm.
Oct. 12 - Guided Bus Tour Field Trip, 7:45 a.m., Donner Party’s struggles, $65, guided bus tour, Sparks Museum’s Cultural Center, (775) 355-1144, www.SparksMuseum.org. Oct. 12 - Estate Planning Seminar, 1012 p.m., Holiday Inn, 55 E. Nugget Ave., Sparks. Oct. 12 - Great May Center Pumpkin Walk, 6-8 p.m., Wilbur D. May Museum, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, 1595 N. Sierra Street, Reno, $3.
Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 - Medicare Open Enrollment. Oct. 15 - 17 - How to Identify Birds, Local and Elsewhere, 9-11 a.m., $39, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 829-9010; field trip Oct. 19 p.m. Oct. 16 - Commissioner Conversations, Marsha Berkbigler, Northwest Library Large Study, #109, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Reno. Oct. 16 - A Day in Virginia City, 9-2:30 p.m., $59, meet at TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 829-9010.
Oct. 13 - South Tahoe Classic Car, truck & M/C Show, Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe.
Oct. 17 - Great Nevada ShakeOut, 10:17 a.m., “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” earthquake practice .
Oct. 13 - Nevada Museum of Art,
Oct. 18 - Sidelines for Seniors, 2-5 p.m., $29, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 829-9010. Oct. 20 - Terry Jones (founder of Travelocity.com) and Frederick Marx, Sierra Nevada College, $15, call (775) 832-5454 or www.READGlobal.org. Oct. 22 - Dec. 10 - Silver Tai Chi, 4-5 p.m., $79, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno (775) 829-9010. Oct. 21-Nov. 4 - Digital Camera and Your Computer, 9-1 p.m., $79, TMCC Meadowood Center, (775) 829-9010. Oct. 24 - Commissioner Conversations, Marsha Berkbigler, Incline Village Library, 5-7 p.m., Incline Village, NV. Oct. 26 - Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Dr. Meier, 10:30 a.m., Mac Aud., Renown Hospital. Oct. 28 - Living Will Seminar, Durable Power of Attorney, 2:30 p.m., Reno Senior Center, Senior Law Project.
16 • 2013 • October
Oct. 30 - A Day in Local Wine Country, 10–3 p.m., $59, TMCC Meadowood Center, (775) 829-9010.
E C L E C T I C O B S E RV E R by Janet Ross
The deluge began the end of August, increased in early September, and continues unabated this month. What deluge? I’m referring to the annual overflow in my mailbox of calendars (unsolicited) and catalogs (order once, and you’re on their list for life). Not that I’m complaining, as among the many are several I consider choice. So far I’ve saved attractive catalogs from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (“65 Roses” with lovely photos of same), the Humane Society of the United States (adorable pet photos), the World Wildlife Fund (stunning wildlife photos), and the Wounded Warrior Project (“Landscapes of America”). It will be a tough decision come January 2014 to decide which calendar goes up on the wall or on top of my desk. As for the catalogs, the Art Institute of Chicago has produced my all-time favorite. Should I ever win the lottery I’ll order one of everything - from Murano glass jewelry. elegant shawls, Frank Lloyd Wright Lamps to ceramic cat mugs. (www.artinstituteshop.org for a copy of your own) If there’s an Irish ancestor on your family tree, Creative Irish Gifts is loaded with hundreds of Irish themed items, from Claddagh jewelry to Aran sweaters - most designed in Ireland, but many made in the U.S.A. (www.shopirish.com). The Duluth Trading Co. has stuff for the guys, like extra-long (hide that butt crack) T-shirts, work gloves, and work pants. To get a copy contact www.duluthtrading.com. John Scheepers, Inc. is an excellent source for bulbs (and it’s time to plant now). You can see what they have at www.johnscheepers.com.
memory lane. (www.vermontcountrystore.com) A full mailbox might just insure a healthy
Postal Service - and who doesn’t enjoy “window shopping” without a trip to the Mall?
L.L.Bean now offers free shipping for their lines of outdoor clothing, travel bags and home accessories. I have a pair of their flannel-lined jeans that are perfect for the coldest days of winter. Check out this Freeport, Maine company at www.llbean.com. National Geographic offers “products inspired by more than a century of exploration” and that translates from clothing, accessories and books, to their Geno 2.0 kit that will “unlock your DNA to reveal your genetic heritage”. (I gave my brother the kit as a gift and we expect the results any day now - we’re even hoping for a surprise or two.) Request your copy at www.shopng.org. The Vermont Country Store catalog has a little bit of everything, many items no longer generally available elsewhere (Fuller brushes, Lemon Up shampoo, Chenille bedspreads and more). Browsing through these pages is often a trip down
October • 2013 • 17
A Plus Animal Hospital Salutes Veterans on Freedom Day
by Connie McMullen
Local veterinary clinic A Plus Animal Hospital treated an overwhelming number of pets owned by veterans at no charge on Freedom Day
20 • 2013 • October
USA, honoring the sacrifices the armed services make to protect our freedom. Freedom Day USA was held on September 12, a day
after 9/11. A Plus Animal Hospital veterinarian Brad Lingenfelter, DVM, said participating in the one day event was their way of giving back, noting that many veterans return from war unable to find work, only to live paycheck to paycheck. To participate Jerry Roberts with his dog Aileron (a name that is French in the “Day of Free” for "small wing" on an airplane). Roberts is a Vietnam Vet, who served in the naval division from 1965-1966. veterans needed to show a Military ID to receive In what turned out to be veterinary medical care for a very busy day, A Plus doctheir pet. tors and staff donated their
A small dog is examined by A Plus Animal Hospital veterinarian, Katerina Jensen, DVM.
time, working without pay, providing free examines, vaccines, and toe nail trims for pets of veterans from all wars. Over 200 pets, many dogs and cats, received medical care. “We saw animals of all sizes and breeds, small and large, one dog weighing over 134 pounds,” Lingenfelter said. Judging from the numbers, the first Freedom Day was a very successful event. Freedom Day USA was founded by Dr. Robert Martino, a West Virginia dentist, who called on other dentists to participate. Since then the event has grown nationally. Lingenfelter found out about Freedom Day USA from other busi-
ness practices in California. In the Truckee Meadows, Lakeside Manor, an independent senior living community, also dedicated a day of service. Lakeside Manor staff provided an ice cream social for veterans and their families. To find out more on how your business can participate contact the Freedom Day USA Committee at www.FreedomDayUSA.com or write: Freedom Day USA, 516 Cost Avenue, Stonewood, WV 26301. A Plus Animal Hospital is located at 7450 Longley Lane, Reno, NV 89511. They can be reached at (775) 8524300 or found online at APlusAnimalHospital.com.
BEHA BEHAVIORAL HA VIORA L HEALTH H EAL E TH H IINPATIENT N ATIENT PROGRAM NP P ROGRA RAM Senior Bridges provides provvides total care care for fo the mind m d and body for patien en nts 50 years of o age and older. olderr. patients The inpatient program prrro o ogram combiness expertise ogr ex e e in psychiatric tr re re eatmen nt with the medical medica cal resources reso ourcces ce treatment of Norther hern Nevada a Medical Center. Centerr. Northern
CALL C A 356-4071 ALL 356-4071
TO SCHEDULE SCHEDULE A FREE, FRE EE, C ONFIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT. ASSE ESSMENT T. CONFIDENTIAL
www.NNMC.com www w..N NNMC.com Physicians P hysicians ar are re independent practitioners wh who ho ar are re not employees emplooyees or agents of N Northern or ortthern nN Nevada eevvaada M Medical e edical Center. Centerr. liable treatments provided The hospital shall not be liab ble for actions or tr reatments e prrovided by physicians.
October • 2013 • 21
Project to Connect Veterans to Services They May Not be Receiving
Many veterans returning from service or who have served in previous wars are not taking advantage of the benefits they have earned in serving our coun-
try.
Washoe County has a high percentage of veterans who are not aware of benefits they may qualify for said Washoe County Department of Senior Services Director Grady Tarbutton, project director of the Veterans in Need of Services Project. “Many veterans return to civilian life only to find that accessing the services they earned is harder than expected,” Tarbutton said. “As veterans get older and their health changes, there are services that they qualify for that they may be unaware of, so we’re offering additional help to those deserving servicemen and women, their families, dependents and caregivers. We help any veteran, regardless of age.” The goal of the Veterans in Need of Services Project is to help at least 300 veterans. Research conducted by Washoe County and the Sanford
The are over 38,400 veterans age 18 and older living in Washoe County. Many are in need of services they may not be aware exist and will not receive if they do not apply for them. Center for Aging, UNR, found that 50 percent of senior veterans were also unaware that there were services for which they qualify. “Some people think that benefits are only available for war-time service and only for injuries and disabilities, and that’s simply not the case,” Tarbutton explained. “Our well-trained and experienced staff provides them with education on possible benefits. They may learn that their spouses, aides, and attendants may also be included.” The Veterans in Need of Services Project grant will streamline access to services by working with partner agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Veterans Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Nevada Office of Veterans Services and Nevada Medicaid. To find out how to get involved with the Veterans in Need of Services Project, information can be found at the website veteransdayeveryday.com. Veterans can also call Washoe County Senior Services at 775-3282575 for more information. The Washoe County Senior Center is located at 9th and Sutro Streets, 1155 East Ninth Street, in Reno.
22 • 2013 • October
Tinseltown Talks
Elly May Offers up Some Vittles By Nick Thomas
I
f ever an actor was recognized by one career role, it was Donna Douglas with her portrayal of ‘Elly May’ in the highly popular CBS 60s comedy, The Beverly Hillbillies. In the four decades since the series ended its nine season run in 1971, the blonde native of Pride, LA, is still strongly identified with the show wherever she goes. Rather than distancing herself from the connection to Jed, Granny, Jethro and the Clampett clan, Donna has embraced her sitcom heritage and stills makes public appearances as a real-life Southern belle. “Elly was a slice out of my life,” says Donna, whose new website (donnadouglasofficialwebsite.com) was launched in September. “I was raised a Tom boy, with one older brother and all male cousins. So I grew up swinging from vines and playing softball. I was getting ready for Jethro long before we
ever met! I still adore Elly and we have a lot in common, with the same interests and values.” After the Hillbillies ended, Donna was offered many roles, but accepted just a handful which she felt wouldn’t compromise her standards. “I’ve got no regrets about anything I turned down. I sold real estate for a while, made a couple of record albums, and speak at churches, ladies groups, and schools around the country. My days are full and I'm very happy!” This year, she also published a nostalgic cookbook, “Southern Favorites with a Taste of Hollywood,” a collection of recipes gathered over the years, many from friends including Debbie Reynolds, Buddy Ebsen, Phyllis Diller, and Valerie Harper. Douglas p. 24)
Donna Douglas today.
October • 2013 • 23
remember from their childhood. “Homemade dishes are almost unheard of today,” she lamented. “They’re all premade in a box or from a drivethru. That's today's way. But Donna Douglas Cookbook cover there was something about the way your mom “The cookbook came about made dishes with a special as a way to share my favorite touch – with a bit of this and a recipes,” said Donna, who recalls home cooked meals pre- pinch of that.” Although her own mother pared in the rich, Southern tranever used Granny’s “possum dition that many will also
Donna Douglas and the Hillbillies cast.
24 • 2013 • October
fat,” her childhood meals weren’t exactly lean. “Lard and bacon grease, especially in the South, were cooking essentials!” Interspersed between the book’s recipes, are delightful personal anecdotes from her Hollywood days. “I thought fans would enjoy a few remembrances from my life, along with some photos from my scrapbook.” In an effort to remind readers of the long lost art of good manners, there’s also a quaint section called Hollywood Social Graces. Advice includes never using your fork as a toothpick, chewing gum in someone else’s home, or answering a cell phone while a dinner guest. “Etiquette was taught in the South, but I’m afraid it’s a thing of the past now. Social graces are lacking all around us, people are rushing all the time, and no one sits and visits any longer.” Not a big fan of today’s television programming, Donna
says she likes to watch the classics in reruns, such as “Touched by an Angel” as well as the occasional Hillbillies episode which brings back memories. “Elly may not have kissed many fellows during the show’s run, but she sure did kiss a heap of animals. Somewhere around 500 were used during the series, provided by Hollywood animal trainer Frank Inn.” Today, she shows little sign of slowing down. “I seldom really rest,” admits Donna, who turned 81 in September. “I travel all over the US and Canada and have a very busy schedule. But I have to turn down a lot of requests. I also garden, spend time with family and friends, and still get quite a bit of fan mail. My days are full and then some, so I’m always playing catch-up. Life has been very good to me, and full of blessings for a little backwoods girl from Louisiana who never had any thoughts of a career in showbiz.”
Heart to Heart Attack
Eydie’s Excerpts
You Can’t Fix Stupid
by Eydie & David Scher
Symptoms David experienced: Keep these in mind! Jaw pain, pain in his left arm. No chest pains or shortness of breath. Take aspirin! He did have a heart attack!
I
didn’t need this for story material. In fact, I would much prefer it didn’t happen but it did. At least the outcome is better than could be expected. The credit for this belongs directly to Northern Nevada Medical Center and the teams of doctors, surgeons, cardiologists and nurses that literally saved his life! Let me elaborate. An arm touches my shoulder. The voice of a doctor advises me to get someone there for me. On my way out, the woman in admittance asks me if he has requested resuscitation. No, I can’t deal with that! Rapidly I exit to the street. Fumbling fingers reach for my cell phone. Tears blind my eyes in the bright sunlight. I manage to call a neighbor who is like a family member. They think I said the dog is having a heart attack and rush over my house to see what’s going on. Realization that it’s David hits them and they confirm by calling the hospital. The beginning: It’s Friday morning. I am preparing to go to a subbing job. He calmly stands next to me and tells me to cancel the job. A racing mind takes me to some awful places such as a death or something terribly wrong with our older dog. David is calm. I’m not. The words fall from his lips. “ I am having symptom of a heart attack.” “I’m calling 911,” I scream. My voice is laced with fear. He refuses to ride in an ambulance and instructs me to get dressed and meet him in the car. Added stress might worsen the symptoms so I do as he tells me. It’s my car but he’s in the
driver’s seat. My arms push him to get him out of the way so I can drive. As if on autopilot, he starts driving and I’m barely able to hang on to the passenger seat. There’s an argument about where we’re going. He wants to go to St. Mary’s. I put my foot down and say NNMC is much closer and there’s less traffic at this hour. Please, let it be the right decision! The car stops at the door of the emergency room. Four feet race inside the sliding door. The words jolt my mind. I’m told he is having a Heart Attack. His main artery is completely blocked and a stent is necessary. If it doesn’t work, he will have Open Heart Surgery. Somehow, the hands of time work with us. David’s story: Yes, I deserve the label stupid! You can be assured if I so much as get a tweak in those body parts mentioned above, I will call 911. At the hospital, everything happens quickly. I tell the receptionist chest pains even though I don’t have any. Immediately I am taken back. The ER nurse is all over me, setting up an EKG and Dr. Truong, the cardiologist, is telling me about my blockage. It is my main artery that is totally blocked. This artery is called “The widow maker” since it causes many deaths. A stent is necessary. He says he puts in many stents so not to worry. I don’t feel pain. An hour and 15 minutes later, I am being wheeled through the corridor in a bed to ICU. Eydie, family and friends rush over to greet me.
Dr. Truong and his happy patient
Sleep is elusive since I’m being poked and prodded every ½ hour. I glace at the clock. It is 11:30 p.m. and Dr. Truong is explaining how serious the blockage was and that the stent is all I need for the moment. The question on your mind might be, what caused the heart attack? According to Dr. Truong the top causative factors are: 1. Cholesterol 2. Diabetes, especially uncontrolled 3. Inflammation David’s weight and diet may be factors but it’s only recently
that healthy eating has become a mantra. He even had a silent heart attack a few years ago that was discovered during his tests. So please, just be aware of the above symptoms. Most importantly, call 911 if you experience any symptoms. David learned his lesson. Had we gotten first responders, they could have taken an EKG, sent it to the hospital, and had the team waiting for him. Update: David continues his journey in life and now can do everything he did before! Comments always appreciated: eydies@aol.com
October • 2013 • 25
this ‘n that
by Anne Vargas annevargas3@gmail.com
Be a student as long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life.
“Come join us…it’s terrific.” I heard those words repeatedly. I would smile and nod and say I would but somehow I never did. Too busy. Traveling Anne Vargas too much. Didn’t need any more involvements. Too far behind in projects. But finally, one day, I did. And then I wondered why it had taken me so long. I am talking about OLLI which is the acronym for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. A friend who has been enjoying what it offers for a long time finally talked me into going to the annual introductory meeting. I walked in with mild curiosity and left with a catalogue heavily marked, eager to start taking advantage of all the opportunities to listen and learn.
Henry L. Doherty
The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning you’re not old. Rosalyn S. Yalow
The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts. It awards annual operational grants of $100,000 for up to three years to strengthen existing lifelong learning programs on campuses across the country and has awarded a $1 million endowment gift to OLLI at the University of Nevada, Reno for programming excellence. Learning never exhausts the mind. Leonardo da Vinci
26 • 2013 • October
Perhaps you are already aware or already involved but in case you are like the former me, (ignorant of what I was missing), here is a synopsis from their wonderful website: Once upon a time, not so many years ago, OLLI was born — a new vision of an older and much-cherished idea. (Elder College.) Sponsored by Extended Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI offers a distinctive array of courses and activities for adults age 50 and over who are interested in learning for the joy of learning. OLLI classes engage the mind, tickle the fancy and push the limits of curiosity and knowledge, with discussions that welcome many points of view and interest groups where members share their passions with like-minded colleagues. (this ‘n that p. 30)
Answers page 28
October • 2013 • 27
Retirement / page 15
though, that some of your Social Security benefits will be withheld if you claim early but then continue to work. If you wait until your “full retirement age” (usually 66 or 67) to claim Social Security, you can collect your full benefit check even if you continue to work. Adjust your lifestyle. Of course this seems like a nobrainer, but the new AARP Retirement Calculator shows you the projected national averages for various living expenses in your retirement. You can choose which ones to cut back on – say, downsizing or paying off your mortgage – and see the impact on your retirement income. Consider buying an annuity. If it looks like you won't have enough income to support a long retirement, you might want to use a portion of your savings to buy a lifetime income annuity. In exchange for the upfront premium, a life Crossword p.27
28 • 2013 • October
insurance company will provide you a guaranteed level of income for the rest of your life – no matter how long you live. For example, if you paid $100,000 for a lifetime income annuity when you were 65, you would receive about $6,000 a year for the rest of your life, regardless of what the market does. It makes more sense to buy an annuity when interest rates are higher, because you will lock in a higher monthly payout. In addition to the two tools mentioned above, AARP offers a comprehensive set of retirement decision-making tools at www.aarp.org/readyforretirement. Working forever is rarely an option, but running out of money should never be an option. Jean C. Setzfand is vice president of the financial security issues team in the Education and Outreach group at AARP. She can be reached at jsetzfand@aarp.org or on Twitter at @JSetz.
RESOURCES • NEVADA INFORMATION.....................211 • AARP INFO. CENTER ..................328-2506 • ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION 1301 Cordone Ave, Suite 180, Reno........786-8061 • CARE CHEST 7910 N. Virginia Street, Reno.....................829-2273 • COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY, 1090 East 8th, Reno.........................................786-6023 • ELDER PROTECTIVE SERVICES ADSD.…................................................................688-2964 • FOOD BANK (TRUCK)....................331-3663 • FOSTER GRANDPARENt........358-2768 • HAWC CLINIC, 1055 S. Wells, Reno........................................................................329-6300 • MEDICATION MANAGEMENt, Sanford Center for Aging.............................784-1612 • NV STATE WELFARE.....................684-7200 • CENTER FOR INDEPendent LIVING, 999 Pyramid Way, Sparks......353-3599 • RTC ACCESS TRANSPORTATION Information.........................................................348-0477 • RENOWN MED. LOW INCOME CLINIC, 21 Locust, Reno..........................982-5270 • RSVP, Reno...................................................784-1807 • RSVP, Rural Counties Carson City..........................................................687-4680 • SANFORD CENTER FOR AGING, UNR........................................................................784-4774 • SENIOR COMPANION.................358-2322 • SENIOR Community Services Employment, AARP, 1135 Terminal Way, Reno........................................................................323-2243 Job Connect, Reno...........................................284-9600 Sparks....................................................................284-9520
• SENIOR LAW PROJECT....328-2592 • SENIOR OUTREACH SERVICES .........................................................................784-7506 • SENIOR SAMPLER (Assist. League) 1701 Vassar St., Reno...........................324-2003 • SHIP (State Health Ins. Adv. PGM) ...............................................................800-307-4444 • SilVER COLLEGE, 5270 Neil Rd., Reno…….....................................................829-9010 • Social Security 1170 Harvard Way, Reno..........888-808-5481 • Veteran’s Administration 1000 Locust Street, Reno...................328-1293 • Veteran’s Benefits 5460 Corporate Drive, Reno....688-1653, X1 (Source: Washoe County Senior Services)
October • 2013 • 29
this ‘n that / page 26 It’s all about having fun, savoring Shakespeare’s wit, marveling over the changes in the West presented by local historians, trying your hand at watercolors, brushing up on Spanish, understanding environmental and geological phenomena, becoming a computer geek and letting yourself grow intellectually. Directed by and for its members, OLLI is a diverse community of independent thinkers who develop curriculum, teach classes, organize events, administer programs,
establish friendships, guide excursions and much more. The OLLI philosophy is to provide, for a modest membership fee, college-level academic experiences for all members, regardless of educational background. You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old. George Burns
Virtually everything takes place at the University’s off-campus OLLI facility, the Warren Nelson Building at 401 W. Second St., Suite 235. The phone number is (775) 784-
8053. Their website, which will answer any and every question, is olli@unr.edu. There is also the Redfield campus at 18600 Wedge Parkway. My copy of the 58-page 2013/2014 catalogue is full of red ink marking all the things I would like to do, things I wish I had time for. I would learn French, sharpen my computer skills, attend seminars on history (World, Medieval and Nevada), join the travel and book discussion groups, try Ikebana, choose from the vast selection of lectures and seminars on more topics than I can list; learn about opera, finance, politics, even Chess so I can play with the grandchildren. I could hike with people, if I hiked. And I could even decide to become an Extreme Kayaker. Doubtful, but you never know. The caliber of presentations and lectures is excellent. Many are given by visiting college professors and the UNR Professors vie for the opportunity to lecture as do various members of the Reno community so quality learning opportunities abound. Everyone I met at the meeting was friendly and enthusiastic about everything. It would seem all this would cost zillions of dollars but its only $49 for an annual membership, which is almost unbelievable. However that annual part starts in August (thru the following August) and as you read this in October you have already missed two months of fun so hurry. See you there? Learning should be a joy and full of excitement. It is life's greatest adventure; it is an illustrated excursion into the minds of the noble and the learned.
30 • 2013 • October
Taylor Caldwell
Seniors4Travel
New York, New York By Carolyn Prusa and Robert Boyd
"New York, New York, it’s a helluva town. The Bronx is up but the Battery's down. The people ride in a hole in the ground. New York, New York, it's a helluva town!!"
I
t’s an enduring song about the city laying claim as America’s most exciting, from the 1944 musical On the Town. For the 1949 MGM film version, the word ‘helluva’ was changed to ‘wonderful’ to appease the Production Code offices. While the song is still relevant, it’s obvious a lot has changed in the movie industry over the years. We happen to like the original version of the catchy tune. It has been running through our heads for days now, since we returned from our week in The Big Apple. The occasion was to celebrate Robert’s eighty-ninth birthday in the city of his youth. Some random musings: Why is it, the flight home always seems twice as long as the one that got us there? Why is it, these days the airplane seats are so jammed together, there’s barely enough leg room? And, the price of a first class ticket is out of reach for the average person (us)? Regarding the local airport, why is it the new security system has only one access for everybody to happen to be flying? Unfortunately, on the day of our departure, tucked into a corner of Robert’s bag were two wine openers inadvertently left there after a road trip. Naturally, as the bag passed through the X-ray, our error became
immediately apparent to the security folks. After a thorough search of the bag and Robert, and confiscating the offending tools, we were allowed to go on to our gate. We were the very last persons to board. We could write pages about New York cab drivers, some nice, others not so. One night when there were no cabs to be had, we hired a bicycle taxi to take us from the restaurant to the theater, and after the play, back to the hotel. Riding in an open-air seat with no seat belts and no helmets, as the driver darted from lane to lane, in and out of traffic was thrilling to say the least… and fun.
In our quest to reclaim some of Robert’s past, we took the subway to Brooklyn Heights and Clark Street. Although, after these many years, Robert couldn’t be sure which Brownstone was where he lived as a child, we enjoyed our walk in the lovely neighborhood as Robert reminisced about the family’s famous neighbors. We lunched at a nearby restaurant, its menu of various ethnic offerings was reflective of the diversity of its customers. Speaking of food, we’ve noticed what seems be a trait among neighborhood New York diners. No matter what (New York page 32)
October • 2013 • 31
New York / page 31
sandwich you order, it comes accompanied by several yummy dill pickles. Scotty’s Diner, our favorite of those we sampled, was a half block from our hotel, Murray Hill East Suites, at 39th & Lexington. Across the street from the hotel was Sam’s Place, a charming little Italian restaurant with really good food and an impressive Italian wine list. The waiters were brassy and sassy, typical New York – and worth a good tip. Of all the restaurants we frequented, this was a favorite. Our hotel was two and a half blocks from Grand Central Terminal, one of the nation’s most historical landmarks. Celebrating 100 years of operation in 2013, it remains the busiest train sta
32 • 2013 • October
tion in the country as well as a hub for the New York subway system. With numerous shops and restaurants, Grand Central has been described as ‘a city within a city’. We ate at the famed Oyster Bar which opened along with the terminal itself in 1913 and has been in business ever since. Hard as we tried, we were unable to eat all the restaurant left-overs we’d stashed in our hotel refrigerator. We did manage to finish the bottles of wine purchased at the impressive wine shop down the block. We liked our hotel and the Murray Hill neighborhood a lot, as you can probably tell. And, we did do more than eat and drink during our stay in New York. Stay tuned.