NCOA
Congress Heads Home: What’s Left Unfinished? Members of Congress went home for the holiday recess but not before meeting a compromise on the federal budget and sequester, the Farm Bill and SNAP, and unemployment insurance. Federal Budget The deal that reopened the government in October established two deadlines: Dec. 13 for a compromise FY14 budget resolution, and Jan. 15 for final appropriations bills or another continuing resolution (CR). The budget agreement forged by Senate Budget Chair Murray (D-WA) and House Budget Chair Ryan (R-WI) provides just over $1 trillion for each of FY14 and FY15 appropriations. It replaces $45 billion (about half ) of the sequester in FY14 and $18 billion of it in FY15. That means that for the next two years, the amount available for non-defense discretionary programs—like those of the Older Americans Act (OAA), senior housing, and energy assistance—will be slightly above the pre-sequester total for FY13. The House passed the budget agreement by a bipartisan vote of 332 to 94. To pay for these investments, the plan extends the sequester’s cuts in mandatory programs such as
Medicare provider payments (capped at 2%) and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) for an additional two years, increases new federal workers’ pension withholding, reduces cost-of-living adjustments for new military retiree pensions, and increases airline fees paid to cover security costs. What’s next A two-year bipartisan budget agreement was negotiated by Sen. Murry to roll back the sequester and prevent a government shutdown on December 11, before the established deadline. In January, Congress will have to pass final FY14 appropriations and that is likely to take the form of an omnibus package with a mixture of explicit appropriations language and basic continuing resolution provisions. Farm Bill House and Senate negotiators are getting close to finalizing a compromise on the Farm Bill reauthorization. Details are just beginning to emerge, but it is expected that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) will be cut by $8 to $9 billion. The House bill reduced SNAP funding by about $40 billion, 10 times more than (Congress page 4)
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2014 Contents
page 3 - Federal Budget page 5 - Cold Springs Opens Congregate Meal Program page 12 - Win a Respite Stay page 20 - Tips in the Wake of the Target Data Breach page 21- Reno-Tahoe Senior Games Coming page 24 - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Award
Every Issue
page page page page page page page
22 25 27 29 30 31 33
- Calendar Biggest Little City Tinseltown Talks
-
Crossword Eclectic Observer Resources Seniors4Travel
page 35 - Eydie’s Excerpts
Health
page 6 - Caregiving Made Easier: Financial Fraud page 10 - CMS: David Sayen How Medicare Helps You Stay Healthy page 13 -Happy & Healthy New Year, Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D., Center for Healthy Aging page 23 - Ophthalmology: Dr. Michael Fischer, M.D. page 16 - AARP: Your Financial Security
Financial
page 7 - Gifts to Minors Bradley B. Anderson
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. contained does not constitute endorsement. Signed columns advertising of Publication are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. Copyrighted publication. All rights reserved. January • 2014 • 3
Congress / page 3
the Senate bill. The compromise reportedly doubles the Senate cut by focusing on Heat and Eat policies that provide an increased SNAP benefit for those who also receive energy assistance.
case that OAA and other programs for vulnerable older adults desperately need investments, including Falls Prevention and Chronic Disease Self Management Program in the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
concern that the bill saves money at the expense of reducing assistance for vulnerable Americans, on top of the fact that SNAP benefits were cut by $11 billion on Nov. 1 when stimulus funding expired.
NCOA will continue to call upon advocates to make the
NCOA joins other antihunger groups in expressing
What’s next Leading House and Senate negotiators hope to approve their package the week of Jan. 6, and bring it to the House and Senate floors soon after. Whether Congress will be able to pass a final Farm Bill reauthorization still depends on the details. Anti-hunger groups believe SNAP has been cut enough this year and point to data showing that spending will decrease as enrollment slows with the improving economy.
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Unemployment Insurance The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program provides federally funded assistance beyond the basic 26-week period during times of high unemployment. The initiative expired at the end of December, which will result in about 1.3 million people immediately losing their unemployment insurance (UI). Long-term unemployment is a particular crisis for seniors, as older workers are more likely than any other age group to remain unemployed once losing their jobs. There are currently one million long-term unemployed older workers, and 260,000 will lose their benefits if EUC is not extended.
Cold Springs Community Center Opens Congregate Meals Program Washoe County Senior Services celebrated the opening of a new congregate meal site in Cold Springs, Dec. 11. "Nevada ranks tenth lowest in the nation in food security for seniors,” said Washoe County Senior Services Director Grady Tarbutton. “Governor Sandoval has a state plan to improve food service for all Nevadans, and we expect the nutrition program in Cold Springs to provide access to nutritious meals for some of the county's most vulnerable low-income seniors." The congregate meal is free and open to seniors 60 and over seeking friendship, entertainment and a healthy meal. Seniors can make a suggested donation of $2 per meal. Individuals under 60 are
also welcome to enjoy the program for a $4 fee. Valley Services, the County's food service contractor for the Senior Nutrition Program, began lunch service Dec. 2. Seniors who would like to participate in the lunch program can call meal site manager Shelly Forman at (775) 971-8542 to request additional information or to reserve a hot meal or a salad. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to1 p.m. More information is also available from Washoe County Senior Services at (775) 328-2533. Cold Springs Community Center is located at 3355 White Lake Parkway.
Washoe County Vice Chair/Commissioner Bonnie Weber and members of the County’s Senior Services team at the opening of the new congregate meal site in Cold Springs.
January • 2014 • 5
Caregiving Made Easier Dr. Marion Sommers Dear Dr. Marion: Lately I’ve been reading about financial scams targeting seniors. My father lives alone and is a wonderfully trusting person – this worries me! What should we be on the lookout for to make sure he’s not a scammer’s next victim? Andrew, 63, Cincinnati Dear Andrew: It’s a sad but true fact that scammers have figured out that preying on the elderly could be an easy, painless way to rake in cash. Here are a few scams that you and your dad should be aware of:
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Financial Fraud
• Advanced fee scams that ask you to take action immediately through some form of payment. This could be a phone call or letter about a prize you’ve won, a notice about an unclaimed inheritance, or an Internet request to pay for something you’ve never received. • Identity theft scams, which may include your banking and credit cards but also someone asking for health insurance information to send fraudulent medical bills or free medical samples. • Homeowner scams that could be as serious as someone claiming that your house is in foreclosure and asking you to transfer the deed, or as simple as hiring someone
for a costly repair, only to have the job left unfinished or shoddily done. • Cash fraud scams, including fake charities asking for money, emails or social media requests allegedly from friends or family asking to wire money to them in a foreign country, or long-term “sweetheart scams,” when caregivers befriend lonely seniors to gain their trust – and access to their financial accounts. • Robocalling scams that include automated calls from seemingly well-known brands – with callers posing as representatives from reputable companies, only to get your credit card and personal information.
Knowing about these scams is the first step towards protecting yourself and your loved one. But there are other, simple, common sense tips your dad should follow. For example – make sure he knows to never give out sensitive information over the phone, and to always ask for a call back number if he’s suspicious. Never use an untraceable wire service to give anyone money, and always confirm such requests with people verbally. Be mindful of any new “friends” who seem to be ingratiating their way into his life. You can get these and many more tips at www.LivingSafer.tv, part of a new awareness campaign.
Gifts to Minors: Sharing Your Wealth the Smart Way
Brought to you by Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.
Gifts to Minors: Sharing Your Wealth the Smart Way One way to reduce your estate tax bill is to give money away during your lifetime. If you are a parent or a grandparent, giving to the children in your life is a great way to accomplish this. By doing so, you can help your children or grandchildren build their financial futures, with tax savings as a natural by-product. With a top estate tax rate of 40 percent, this by-product can be quite significant.
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com
IRS rules limit how much you can give away each year without reducing your overall gift and estate tax exclusion of $5 million (adjusted for inflation, $5.34 million in 2014). Through 2014, the annual exclusion is $14,000. This means that an individual can give up to $14,000 each year to any other individual without reducing their lifetime exclusion. Parents or grandparents can combine their annual exclusions to give $28,000 annually per couple.
UGMA/UTMA Accounts This situation gets complicated if your children are still minors. Until they reach adulthood, the law requires that minors have someone manage their money for them. Many parents fulfill this requirement by establishing a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account. This is a simple, efficient arrangement that allows you to manage funds on behalf of your child until your child is legal
ly able to take control of the account. The problem with these accounts is that you are required to turn the entire balance over to your child when he or she reaches age 21 (18 in some jurisdictions). As every parent knows, children mature at different ages and not every young adult is ready to manage a large sum of money at that age. A great way to address this issue is to set up an Irrevocable Trust. (Gifts to Minors page 8)
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Gifts/ page 7
Irrevocable Trusts An Irrevocable Trust is one alternative to an UGMA/UTMA account. Estate planning attorneys often recommend this option because an Irrevocable Trust can be tailored to the needs of an individual child. There is no set age at which Trust assets must be distributed to a beneficiary; instead, the assets can be held in Trust for as long as the parents wish. Trust funds can be distributed at periodic intervals instead of in one lump sum. The distribution of assets can even be tied to the achievement of goals such as college graduation or maintaining full-time employment. An Irrevocable Trust carries greater up-front and administrative costs than an
8 • 2014 • January
UGMA/UTMA account; however, when deciding between the two options parents should consider the potential risks of handing over a large sum of money to their child at a young age. As you plan your estate, it is important that you consult with an experienced estate planning attorney. He or she can help you balance the needs of your family with the latest in tax and estate planning law and strategy. The Law Firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader is devoted exclusively to estate planning. We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and offer guidance and advice in every area of estate planning. For more information, contact us at (775) 823WILL-823-9455 or visit www.wealth-counselors.com.
January • 2014 • 9
How Medicare Helps You Stay Healthy David Sayen Regional Administrator, Medicare Region 9
Medicare helps pay for a wide variety of tests, screenings, and shots to help beneficiaries live longer, healthier lives. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, co-pays for most of these services have been eliminated.
Y
ou may have heard something lately about “preventive health care.” What does that mean? At its most basic, preventive health care means living a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. And stop smoking. Like anyone else, people with Medicare can benefit from healthy living habits. And Medicare also covers a variety of screenings and tests to help detect preventa-
ble and chronic diseases early, when they’re in their most treatable stages. One of the ways in which the Affordable Care Act strengthened Medicare was by eliminating co-pays for many of Medicare’s preventive health services. The idea was to encourage people with Medicare to get more preventive screenings and counseling to help them lead healthier, longer lives. For example, you no longer face any out-of-pocket
It was easy to decide on cremation. Now what about the rest of the decisions? It’s easy to think that once you’ve decided on cremation, everything else is ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱǻ ȱ Ǽǰȱ ǰȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ¢ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ
775.331.1112 www.CremationSocietyNevada.com 10 • 2014 • January
expenses when you get a “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam. This one-time exam is offered during the first 12 months after you’ve enrolled in Medicare Part B. During the exam, your doctor will record your medical history and check your height, weight, and blood pressure. He or she will also calculate your body mass index, give you a simple vision test, and advise you on preventing disease and staying healthy.
In addition, the Affordable Care Act provides a free annual wellness exam to people with Medicare. When you get this exam, your doctor will go over your medical and family history and develop or update a personalized prevention plan for you. Your doctor also will check for any cognitive impairment and risk factors for depression, and review your functional ability and level of safety. Medicare also covers
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories. You can get answers to your Medicare
Medicare / page 10
shots for flu, pneumococcal disease (which can cause pneumonia and meningitis), and Hepatitis B. Flu, pneumococcal infections, and Hepatitis B can be lifethreatening for older people, and we recommend that people over age 65 get flu and pneumococcal shots. Most people only need the pneumococcal vaccine once in their lifetime. And remember: Medicare beneficiaries can get these shots with no co-pays. Beneficiaries also can get screened for cardiovascular disease and different kinds of cancer, including breast, prostate, cervical/vaginal, and colorectal cancer. Take colorectal cancer, for example. This type of cancer is usually found in people age 50 and older and the risk of getting it increases with age. Medicare covers screening tests to help find precancerous polyps, which are growths in the colon, so they can be removed before they turn cancerous. Medicare will pay for a fecal occult blood test, a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a screening colonoscopy, or a barium enema. Medicare beneficiaries pay nothing for fecal occult blood tests. And they pay
questions by visiting www.Medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227).
nothing for the flexible sigmoidoscopy and the screening colonoscopy, if their doctor accepts the Medicareapproved payment amount. (Note: If a polyp or other tissue is removed during a colonoscopy, you may have to pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services and a co-payment in a hospital outpatient setting.) For people who have or are at risk for diabetes, Medicare covers screenings, certain supplies, and selfmanagement training. If you need help to stop smoking, Medicare pays for up to eight face-to-face counseling sessions per year with a doctor or other Medicare-recognized practitioner. Medicare also helps pay for tests for glaucoma, HIV, and osteoporosis (brittleness that places people at risk for broken bones). People with Medicare don’t use preventive health services as much as they should. But getting screened can help you stay healthy and live longer – and save the government billions in healthcare costs. That’s a classic win-win. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for January • 2014 • 11
Arbors Memory Care Community to Provide a Free 10-Day Respite Stay for a Deserving Caregiver
T
he start of the New Year is a great time for caregivers to find time to take care of themselves. It’s estimated that in Northern Nevada alone there are 27,000 family members and friends caring for 9,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. These caregivers provide 24-hour care, assisting with tasks such as cooking, grooming, bathing, medication management, and most importantly keeping people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease safe. In addition to caring, these friends and family members may have young children to care for, jobs to attend, and the other various daily tasks we all have. At Arbors Memory Care Community, we understand just how difficult it can be on a caregiver to care for someone with dementia. It is physically and emotionally draining. That’s
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why the Arbors will kick off the New Year by giving one deserving family a 10-day respite stay for their loved one. A respite stay allows for the person with dementia to come and stay at our safe and secure community. They’ll enjoy delicious meals, partake in our numerous daily activities, and hopefully make some new friends. All the while, the caregiver will get a much-needed break. “We respect all the hardworking caregivers in our community and we know that everyone needs a break sometime,” said Gina Stutchman, Arbors Administrator. “Being a caregiver can be very isolating and we want to give them a chance to reconnect with family and friends. During these 10 days we hope the winner can take some time to get caught up around their home, catch up with friends or even
take a small trip out of town." To enter to win, provide us with a 500 word or less essay on why the family is deserving of this stay. Caregivers can nominate themselves or friends, or family can nominate Gina Stutchman them. Submit your essay to info@arborsmemorycare.com. Nominations must be received by January 31st. A winner will be selected by February 10th. Arbors Memory Care Community is an A-rated family-owned and operated community specializing in the care of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. For more information, contact Stephanie Hanna at 775-331-2229.
Adding Life to Years
Happy and Healthy New Year Dr. Larry Weiss • Center for Healthy Aging
T
he holidays are great times to celebrate. Larry Weiss Unfortunately, we usually overdo our celebrations. I am not talking about drinking too much; I’m talking about eating too much and eating the wrong foods. We talk about going on a diet in the New Year and the New Year comes and we diet - but few of us last past a few days or weeks. For the New Year, to get us to think about how we eat and how it affects our health, this article will provide information about eating and nutrition across the lifespan and a very important program – “CATCH Healthy Habits” - that the Center for Healthy Aging is bringing to Northern Nevada. First, let’s address our new society disease – obesity. Obesity is common, serious and costly. For adults, overweight and obesity ranges are determined by using weight and height to calculate a number called the
"body mass index" (BMI). BMI is used because, for most people, it correlates with their amount of body fat. An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight and one who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) and 26 percent of Nevada’s adults are obese. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These are some of the leading causes of preventable death. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. Approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese and since 1980, obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled.
So make a resolution for 2014 to add health to your life by adding some healthy options to the menu. Think of the rainbow and make sure there are choices from all food groups, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. Everyone needs to have 10+ servings of fruits and vegetables and 5 different color fruits and vegetables every day, so think about eating raw vegetables sticks or a fruit tray of different colors. Encourage everyone, children and adults, to eat a rainbow.
January • 2014 • 13
Life to Years / page 13
The Center for Healthy Aging has just contracted with the OASIS Institute (St. Louis) and the WellPoint Foundation to bring the CATCH Healthy Habits program to Northern Nevada. This program makes a difference in the health and lives of thousands of children and older adults in 18 cities across 14 states. The innovative evidence-based program unites children in grades K to 5 with trained adult volunteers, age 50-plus, to adopt healthy nutrition and physical activity habits to improve health and prevent obesity. Over 430 organizations have joined CATCH Healthy Habits, including national youth serving organizations (Boys & Girls
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Clubs of America, YMCAs, Girls Scouts of the USA), national organizations that serve older adults (AARP, Senior Corps RSVP), public and parochial schools, government agencies, senior centers, libraries, hospitals, universities and local businesses, including WellPoint business affiliates. Eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits. For instance, eating well may reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, some kinds of cancer, and anemia. If you already have one or more of these chronic diseases, eating well and being physically active may help you better manage them. Healthy eating may also help you reduce high blood pressure, lower
high cholesterol, and manage diabetes. Eating well gives you the nutrients needed to keep your muscles, bones, organs, and other parts of your body healthy throughout your life. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and water. Since 2011 the USDA nutrition guidelines has introduced “ChooseMyPlate.gov,” which includes fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. Even though the USDA has changed guidelines over the years, one thing that has not changed is consuming five different colors of fruits and vegetables per day including: Red, Orange /yellow, Green, Blue/purple, and White. These different colors of fruits and vegetables per day may include:
Red fruits and vegetables include tomatoes, red onions, strawberries, beets, watermelons, guavas and apples. These contain antioxidants that may reduce the risk for certain cancers (skin, breast, prostate), heart disease, and control high blood pressure; Orange/yellow fruits and vegetables include corn, tangerines, carrots, pineapple, and pumpkin. These contain carotenoids, bioflavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and folate. These which help to maintain healthy eyesight, help reduce risk of certain cancers and heart disease, and improve immune system functioning; Green fruits and vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, peas, spinach and other greens, (i.e., green apples and grapes). These contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals which work with the chemicals in other foods to help keep eyes healthy and protect against some cancers; Blue/purple fruits and vegetables include blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, raisins, figs, and eggplant. These contain flavonoids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Blue/Purple produce may also reduce the risk of certain cancers, stroke, heart disease and complications from diabetes. Some studies have also shown a link to improved memory function and healthy aging; White fruits and vegetables include mushrooms, onions, shallots, garlic, bananas, potatoes and cauliflower. These contain healthy chemicals such as the phytonutrient allicin and healthy minerals like potassium. White produce lowers cholesterol and controls blood pressure, in addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, infec-
tion and certain cancers. The foods you eat can save your life and add life to years! In this New Year, look for the Center for Healthy Aging rolling out the CATCH Healthy Habits program. If you are 50+ and want to volunteer or have kids in grades K-5 that would benefit from partici-
pating in this nutrition and exercise program please contact me. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Weiss welcomes your comments on this column. Write to larry@addinglifetoyears.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.
January • 2014 • 15
A Doable To-Do List for Your Financial Security By Jean C. Setzfand
We’re coming up on that time of year where many of us are inclined to make lists of things we’re finally going to accomplish. From promises of more trips to the gym to cleaning out the closets, we all have things we can work on but tend to avoid for one reason or another. Jean C. Setzfand
Well, now you’re in luck. We’ve come up with a to-do list for
your financial security – and each item is easy to achieve! With the promise of no heavy lifting, this is a list we can all get started on today. 1. Give yourself a savings raise. Take a look at how much you’re currently saving for retirement through your 401(k) type plan or IRA. Now try and take it up a notch. Even a small increase from year to year can make a big difference in your nest egg.
If you’re 50 or over, you can make even higher contributions to your 401(k) or IRA because of a “catch up” rule. For 401(k)-type plans, you can add in another $5,500 above the $17,500 threshold. For IRAs, you can save up to $6,500 — $1,000 more than people under age 50. 2. Know what your creditors know. A credit report is a record of your payment history to creditors, as reported by them. Lenders use your credit report to determine if they should lend to you and at what interest rate. Employers and even landlords may review your reports, too, as part of their background check process. You can request a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three credit reporting companies. The easiest way is to request them online at www.annualcreditreport.com. Review your reports to make sure they are accurate. If you see any inaccuracies or suspicious activity, contact the credit reporting company.
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Oh, and ignore the cute ads about getting your credit report. They may have catchy jingles, but they aren’t directing you to the free www.annualcreditreport.com resource. (Security page 18)
Security / page 16 3. Be sure about insurance. Your insurance needs change as your life changes. What you need when you’re single and renting is a lot different from what you need as a married parent and homeowner, for example. So take stock of where you are in life and see if your insurance coverage matches up. • If you have people who depend on your income, you
need life insurance to protect them in the event of your death. • Short-term and long-term disability insurance will replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to an illness or injury – permanently or temporarily, as the case may be. • Just as you have homeowner’s insurance when you own a home, you should
carry renter’s insurance if you’re a renter. It will help cover your personal belongings and other losses in the event of a theft or fire – even if the theft occurs outside of your own home. 4. Benefit from employer-provided benefits. Are you taking advantage of all the benefits your employer has to offer? Lots of employers offer benefits beyond health insurance and retirement savings accounts. For example, you may be able to benefit from lower group rates for life, disability and long-term care insurance. Or maybe you can get a discount on a gym membership. Perhaps your employer offers a flexible spending account (FSA) or — if you have a high-
deductible plan — a health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement account (HRA). An FSA allows you to pay for certain health and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. HSAs and HRAs allow you to invest pre-tax dollars in an account set aside for your current and future health expenses. Make sure you know what’s available so you’re not missing out. 5. Rollover your rollover. If you have a rollover IRA and are currently working for an employer that offers a 401(k) or similar plan, it may make sense to do a ‘reverse rollover.’ If the work plan has investments you like and accepts rollover IRAs, the move may save you money in investment management fees. This is because large plans can often demand better deals that drive down cost. Another plus is avoiding an IRA requirement to start withdrawing funds at age 70 ½. If you’re still working then, you don’t have to start drawing down your 401(k). See there? A list that’s entirely doable, and once finished, will leave you with that feeling of satisfaction that only ticking off to-do items can offer. Then it’s onto the next challenge!
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Jean C. Setzfand is Vice President of the Financial Security issues team in the Education and Outreach group at AARP. She leads AARP’s educational and outreach efforts aimed at helping Americans achieve financial ‘peace of mind’ in retirement. She can be reached at jsetzfand@aarp.org.
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Tips in the Wake of the Target Data Breach Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto cautions consumers to monitor their credit/debit card statements for unauthorized transactions as Target recently announced “unauthorized intrusion” in their systems. General Masto has been in contact with legal counsel for Target to review the circumstances of the breach and the steps the company is taking to address it. According to a Target statement, credit and debit card information for approximately 40 million consumers may have been compromised between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. Target has determined that the breach involves credit card and debit card information for purchases at its U.S. retail stores only; online purchases were not affected. Target reports that the compromised credit and debit card information included customer name, credit or debit card number, the card’s expiration date and CVV information. However, Target also indicates that the three digit CVV2 codes on the back of cards were not affected, as well as PIN numbers for debit cards. If you shopped at a Target retail store between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 using a credit
20 • 2014 • January
or debit card: • Regularly monitor statements for that credit or debit card for unauthorized activity (you do not have to wait to receive your monthly statements). • Be wary of calls or email “phishing” scams related to the breach that may appear to offer protection but are really trying to get personal information from you such as your Social Security number. • You may also want to obtain a copy of your credit report and look for unauthorized activity in that report as well. Under federal law, consumers are entitled to receive one free credit report from each credit reporting agency every year. To obtain a free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion), visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call (877) 322-8228. It is always a good idea to regularly check your credit reports, whether or not you suspect possible fraud. • As a precautionary measure, consider placing a free fraud alert on your credit report by calling one of the three nation-
wide credit reporting agencies. Call Equifax at (800) 525-6285, Experian at (888) 397-3742, or TransUnion at (800) 680-7289. You only need to call one of these agencies. A fraud alert remains on your credit file for 90 days. The fraud alert requires creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or increasing credit limits on existing accounts. When you place a fraud alert, all three credit reporting agencies are required to send you a credit report free of charge. If you shopped at Target between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 using a credit or debit card AND note unauthorized activity, immediately contact the financial institution that issued your credit or debit card. The phone number is located on the back of your credit or debit card. (Target REDcard holders should call Target at 866-8528680). Notifying your financial institution helps ensure you will not be responsible for any fraudulent charges. The fraud departments at these companies also monitor your account for suspicious activity, and may be in contact with you as well.
Reno-Tahoe Senior Games Games Held February 3-14, 2014 for Ages 50+
T
he second annual winter games are fast approaching for people with a competitive spirit and a winning attitude because gold is the goal! The Reno-Tahoe Senior Games is a program dedicated to promoting and implementing fitness programs and activities for people 50 years and better. The games offer participants several individual and team competitions. Participants compete within age groups to win gold, silver, and bronze medals! Winter Sports - Hockey Slap Shot - Rink on the River - Speed skating-Rink on the River - Down Hill Skiing - Mount Rose Ski Resort - Lift ticket/pass required * - Table Tennis - Harrah's Reno * (USATT Sanctioned)
- Bowling - High Sierra Lanes - Baggo - Harrah's Reno - Archery - Wasting Arrows - Texas Hold 'em - Harrah's Reno - Snow Shoeing - Tahoe XC * - Cross Country Skiing -Tahoe XC * - Pickleball - Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center & Neil Road Recreation Center Registration Fee : $20 (Registration includes: T-shirt, water bottle and bag as well as entry to our Senior Valentines Dinner and Dance) Per Sport Fee: $10 Additional T-shirt: $10 Additional Dance Ticket (Non-participant): $15 per single/$25 per couple (* Additional fee’s for some sports) Contact Alan Roney at 657-4644 or visit reno.gov/seniorgames
Donna Clontz shows the gold medal she won during the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Senior Games.
January • 2014 • 21
2014 Calendar Jan. 7 - Feb. 25 - Silver Watercolor, 9 - 12 p.m., $99, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 829-9010. Jan. 8 - Carson City Support Group, Alzheimer’s Association, 1 - 2 p.m., Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, Conf. Rm., (775) 786-8061. Jan. 8 - Learn How to Live with a Chronic Condition, 1:30 - 4 p.m., City of Reno, Neil Rd. Recreation Center, free, (775) 824-9704. Also Jan. 15, 22, and 29th. Jan. 9 - Zumba Gold Fitness, 10 - 11 a.m., City of Reno, Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center, $10; also Jan. 16, 23, and 30th. Call (775) 356-3176 for details.
22 • 2014 • January
Jan. 12 & 26 - Reno Senior Dance Club, 2 - 5 p.m., Neil Rd. Rec. Center, (775) 784-7506. Jan. 13 - Truckee/Incline Village Support Group, Alzheimer’s Association, 3 - 5 p.m., Tahoe Forest Hospital, Cafeteria Conf. Rm., (775) 8331123. Jan. 13 - Commission on Aging, Aging and Disability Services Dept., 9:30 - Noon, location TBA. Jan. 13 - Stretch & Tone, 9 - 10 a.m., Washoe County Senior Citizens Center, $6; also Wednesday and Friday, (775) 328-2575. Jan. 13 - Computer Classes, Reno Neil Rd. Rec. Center, 9:30
- 11:30 a.m., $20; also the 15, and 17th, call (775) 689-8484. Jan. 13 - 17 - Learn to Ski and Ride Week, Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village. Jan. 14 - Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30 - 9:45 a.m., Evelyn Mount Northeast Com. Center, $.50 drop-in fee, (775) 3342262. Jan. 14 - SOS Education Talks, 10 - 11 a.m., Laxalt Aud., UNR Nelson Bldg., 401 W. 2nd St., Reno, (775) 784-7506. Jan. 15 - Dept. of Health and Human Services Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease, 1:30 p.m., Rm. 2134, Legislative Bldg. Jan. 15 - UNR Extented Studies
Open House, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Redfield Campus, 18600 Wedge Parkway, Reno. Jan. 15 - Fernley Support Group, Alzheimer’s Association, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Fernley Senior Citizens Center, (775) 577-9347. Jan. 15 - Reno Support Group, Alzheimer’s Association, 1 - 2 p.m., Reno Office, (775) 7868061. Jan. 16 - Bucket List, trip to Great Basin Brewery Co., call for pick up times/locations, $20, 10:45 a.m., (775) 689-8484. Jan. 17 - 31 - Cross Country Skiing, 9 - 1 p.m., $99, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 829-9010.
Ophthalmology
An Inward Look
Jan. 21 - March 6 - Silver Tai Chi, 4 - 5 p.m., $79, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno (775) 829-9010.
Harris, Redfield Campus, Rm. 218, CEC 101-00, Sanford Center for Aging, call (775) 784-4062, or 1-800-233-8928.
Jan. 22 - March 10 – Silver Tai Chi, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., $79, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno (775) 829-9010.
Jan. 1 - 16 - Frida Kahlo: Her Photos, Mexican artist’s life depiction, Hawkins Gallery, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno.
Jan. 23 - Frances Humphrey Lecture Series: The Nevada Discovery Ride by Samantha Szesciorka, Assist. Curator, Wilbur D. May Museum, 6:30 8 p.m., Nevada State Museum.
Jan. 1 - 19 - Toulouse-Lautrec Nevada Museum of Art, Reno.
Jan. 24 - On the Trail Cowboy Concert, Yerington Theatre for the Arts’ Annual Cowboy Concert, Yerington.
March 11 - SOS Education Talks, Mary Liveratti, 10 - 11 a.m., Laxalt Aud., UNR Nelson Bldg., 401 W. 2nd St., Reno, (775) 784-7506.
Jan. 24 - 26 - 5th Annual Ullr Fest, Diamond Peak Ski Team.
March 11 - 15 - Aging in America Conference, Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, CA. ASA’s 60th Anniversary.
Jan. 28 - Feb. 13 -- Make the
Entertainment
Jan. 28 - Children of Aging Parents Support Group, The Continuum, 3700 Grant Dr., Reno, (775) 829-4700. Jan. 29 - UNR, Caregiving Essentials Certificate, Susan
Elderly individuals often experience the turning Michael Fischer inward of the eyelid known as “entropion,” which is caused by muscle weakness and loss of fat around the eye. As a result of the eyelid taking an inward turn, the lashes irritate the eye and set up the potential for problems involving the cornea (the transparent outer surface of the eyeball that overlies the pupil and iris) and the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the inner eyelid). Entropion, which
usually involves the lower lid, is also likely to cause tearing and a foreign body sensation caused by the eyelashes, rubbing against the eye. While short-term measures to allay these symptoms may include Botox injections or taping/stitching the skin, long-term correction involves surgery. If you would like further information on today’s topic or an appointment, please call my office at (775) 8822988. We are located at 3839 N. Carson Street, in Carson City. Hours: 8-5 p.m., Mon. Fri. by appointment. M/C, Visa and Medicare Assignment accepted.
Jan. 10 - Rock Band, 3 Doors Down, Silver Legacy Grand Exposition Hall, Reno.
Steve Hayes plays guitar in Mile High Jazz Band
Most of Your Computer, 1 – 3 p.m., $59, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno (775) 829-9010.
Michael J. Fischer, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon
Jan. 14 - Mile High Jazz Band Presents "Cool Jazz in January,” with vocalist Sheryl Adams at Comma Coffee, Tuesday, Carson City. For information call June Joplin at (775) 883-2662.
Jan. 17 - The Flamingos, Carson Valley Inn, Carson Valley. Jan. 18 - Collective Soul, Silver Legacy Grande Exposition Hall. Jan. 24 - Brew HaHa, John Ascuaga’s Nugget, Sparks. Jan. - Jan. 26 - Ice Fantasy, Eldorado Showroom, Reno. January • 2014 • 23
Senior Continuing Education
University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Given Large Award Heading into the New Year Christmas came early for the University of Nevada, Reno’s learning-in-retirement program, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Members were surprised at their holiday party by the announcement of a second $1 million award from The Bernard Osher Foundation. “This endowment is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of staff and volunteers who have kept this program on an upward trajectory, building it into one of the finest and largest in the country,” Fred Holman, vice provost for Extended Studies at UNR, said. “The Osher Foundation’s additional endowment award ensures the continuation, for years to come, of a level of social engagement for our senior adults in the region that integrates volunteerism and self-development.”
24 • 2014 • January
OLLI. I am proud of our programs and the diverse educational opportunities we can offer to our members." The University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute has 1,400 members with 150 indoor and outdoor activities and classes, offering everything from art and literature to science and travel. The organization is for adults 50-years-old
Computer classes are offered at OLLI.
The Bernard Osher Foundation, after providing $375,000 in operating support, gave an initial $1 million endowment gift in January 2009. "I am surprised and amazed," Joe Coleman, local Osher Institute president, said. "This is terrific for
OLLI Hikers enjoy guided excursions.
and older. Shera Alberti-Annunzio, assistant director of professional development programs for Extended Studies and the Institute’s liaison, said the program’s success is due to the dedication of members, strong University support and an effective program structure that has allowed the member-driven organization to achieve the success since it was conceived and launched in 1991. OLLI membership forms and the class catalog can be found at www.olli.unr.edu/ For more information about the program, call (775) 7848053 or email olli@unr.edu. OLLI is located in the Warren Nelson Building, 401 W. 2nd St., in Reno.
BIGGEST little City
F
by Harry Spencer
or many newcomers to the Northern Nevada area, it is hard to imagine that in the last century we have had what is termed a golden era. That era ran from 1945 to 1970. During that time, many special events happened that garnered world-wide publicity for “The Biggest Little City in the World.” One of the most widely covered internationally was the kidnapping of Frank Sinatra, Jr., which observed its 50th anniversary on December 8 this year. There have been reams of copy written about the event, but none is likely to attribute the City of Reno's Mapes Hotel's prominent part in the story. To set the stage, it was a stormy late night in December when I received a call from Walter Ramage, manager of
50th ANNIVERSARY OF SINATRA JR. KIDNAP
the Mapes Hotel. His message was brief and to the point when he informed me that Frank Sinatra's kid had been kidnapped. And DA Bill Raggio was on his way to the hotel with Frank Sr. in tow. He asked if I could come down to the hotel immediately. I quickly dressed and drove the short distance to the hotel where Ramage and I awaited the arrival of Raggio and Sinatra in the lobby of the building. During that time, Ramage filled me in on the particulars of the kidnap. Apparently, Jr., who was performing at Harrah's South Shore, had been abducted from his dressing room. The father had immediately flown to Reno and he and Raggio had attempted to drive to Lake Tahoe, but were unable to make it due to a fierce snowstorm in the mountains. Raggio had contacted
Ramage and asked if he could accommodate Frank at the hotel. About that time, the two arrived at the front door and Frank was hastily escorted to Charles Mapes' private suite. Early the next day, a “hot-line” was set up and the first call received on it was from Attorney General Robert Kennedy offering any help he could possibly give to Frank. Also, early in the morning Frank's publicity man, Jim Mahoney, arrived from LA. Since I had worked with Mahoney previously, we were able to work out a schedule of press conferences with the FBI agent in charge of the case. Those press conferences proved very necessary because there was a vast contingent of Bay Area reporters that had come to Reno to cover the story firsthand. Additionally, there were a couple
January • 2014 • 25
of dozen scribes from all over the world that had been in Dallas, TX doing stories on the recent assassination of JFK. The FBI agent in charge suggested I take a room in the hotel so that I could be on-call as the breaking story unfolded. One of the first calls that I received from Frank's suite was that the worried singer wanted to get out and get some physical exercise. Since the lobby was swarming with reporters, I decided to take Frank to the rear of the building where the freight elevator was located. I escorted him to the roof of the hotel where we strolled for about 45 minutes. There was very little conversation between us. Sinatra looked gaunt, haggard and red-eyed due to lack of sleep. He was far from the glamorous persona
26 • 2014 • January
he portrayed on the screen. We walked over to the west side of the building. Sinatra gazed up at the cloud-covered mountains and mused “just think Harry, he's still out there somewhere.” In actuality, his son had been transported by car to Los Angeles, a fact we learned later. I did not have the heart to tell Kidnappers demanded a ransom of $240,000 for Frank Sinatra, Jr. Agents him that the FBI agent used this suitcase for the cash provided by the Sinatra family. Photo: FBI in charge of the case front door, but actually the FBI agent had confided in me that the longer it and I were escorting him through the took to find his son, the less likely the basement level to the rear door. All but chance he would be found alive. one of the press bit on the subterfuge. The bitter cold finally drove us back When I saw the reporter at the rear inside and I informed Frank that barring a break in the case, I would pick him up the following day at the same time. Back at my office, I got a call from my long-time friend, photographer Don Dondero, who said if he could get a shot of Sinatra, he could sell it for a considerable sum. I told him to position himself in the bank building across the street, and if all went well, I would walk Frank to the north edge of the roof at exactly 10:15 a.m. His subsequent shot covered half of the front page of the San Francisco Examiner the next day. Other than the exclusive walks on the roof of the Frank Sinatra, Jr. in San Diego in 2008 Photo: Phil Konstantin hotel, my only interface with exit, the FBI agent and I grabbed Sinatra and threw him into a nearby potato bin. Frank was when I convinced the reporter that he was we got him out of missing Sinatra's exodus from the front the hotel to fly to LA to pay the kid- of the hotel, and then we quickly escorted Frank to the waiting car at the back napers ransom. I of the building. informed the gagHe was off to LA where he paid the gle of press that ransom. His son was released Sinatra would be unharmed. leaving out the
Tinseltown Talks By Nick Thomas
W
Here’s to You, Mrs. Robinson
hen NASA honored June Lockhart last October, it would have been quite fitting to borrow the above lyrics from a popular Simon and Garfunkel song to salute the 88-year-old actress! Best remembered by sci-fi fans for her role of TV space mom Maureen Robinson in the 60s series “Lost in Space,” June told me recently that the NASA recognition was a highlight of her long career which includes a Tony Award, an Emmy nomination, and a couple of stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “I was presented with the Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for my work with the space agency,” she explained. “I’ve been to two space shuttle launches and worked with NASA since the 1970s, addressing their employees and traveling on NASA’s behalf to promote the agency. So I’m
absolutely thrilled by this recognition. No other actress has received this honor.” One of her memorable experiences occurred during a Space Shuttle mission in 1992. “I called NASA one day and spoke with astronaut Ken Reightler and told him I had a good wake-up song for them to use,” recalled June, referring to June Lockhart poses for an August 5, 2012, photograph in the newsroom at NASA’s “The World is Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California. Lockhart was an invited guest for the Mars (Fred Prouser/Reuters) landing. Waiting for the written by her father, beloved character Sunrise,” a catchy 50s hit by Les Paul actor Gene Lockhart. and Mary Ford. The song held special “So I went to Mission Control in significance because the lyrics were
January • 2014 • 27
Crew from the original cast of the television series 'Lost in Space' pose for a group portrait in Boston, Dec. 2, 1995. From left in the back row are: Bob May, Bill Mumy, Mark Goddard, Jonathan Harris; in the front row from left: June (AP photo) Lockhart, Marta Kristen, Angela Cartwright. Missing is Guy Williams who passed away in 1989.
Columbia mission,” she explained. “Then a voice from space came over the speaker: ‘Some of us up here want to know what Lassie’s mother is doing in Mission Control at 2 o’clock in the morning!’” “Lassie,” one of the TV’s longest-running shows (1954-1973), was June’s other big hit in which she dispensed
phed from matriarch to medic as Dr. Janet Craig for three seasons on “Petticoat Junction.” “Petticoat Junction was a delight to do with wonderful scripts,” said June. “It was great playing comedy after ‘Lost in Space,’ which was more dramatic, and ‘Lassie,’ which didn’t have many laughs.” On the big screen, 12-yearold June made her debut in the 1938 holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” alongside both her parents, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, who played the Cratchits. While she went on to costar with greats such as Gary Cooper in “Sergeant Family portrait. Gene, Kathleen, June Lockhart 1953 York” and Judy (Photo provided by June Lockhart) Garland in “Meet me maternal wisdom, this time for six seain St. Louis,” “A Christmas Carol” is spesons as a farm mom. Later, she morcial since it was the only time she 28 • 2014 • January
appeared with her parents in a motion picture. But it was memorable for other reasons, too. “My daughter, Junie, and granddaughter, Christianna, have never let me forget that the first words I ever spoke in movies were: ‘I know, I know – sausages!’” said June, referring to her on-screen guess for the contents of a food package Mr. Crachit brings home. “We all shriek with laugher when we watch it now.” In addition to being an advocate for NASA and many other causes, June continues to work and costarred in the comedy spoof “Zombie Hamlet,” which had its world premiere at the 2012 Palm Beach International Film Festival and was just released on DVD in December. In 2013, she appeared in the interactive movie series “Tex Murphy,” a gaming platform that combines animation with full-motion video of real actors. “That was a new experience and I really enjoyed it. And in December, I also celebrated my 80th year as a paid performer in the business! I made my debut at the age of eight in ‘Peter Ibbetson’ at the Metropolitan Opera
Publicity photo for “Lassie” with Jon Provost
House.” While actors are used to receiving accolades for career milestones, June admits to still being quite overwhelmed by the NASA recognition and is, she says, “over the Moon about it!" Congratulations, Mrs. Robinson!
Solution on next page
January • 2014 • 29
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER By Janet Ross
I
f Oprah and Ellen do it, I can, too ... that is, endorse services and products that are exceptional. High praise goes first to Shelly’s Hardware in Sparks. A few weeks ago I opened a kitchen drawer and it collapsed inward. After emptying the drawer and taking a look, it appeared a plastic guide had split (age and wear). As our house is 48-years-old and the kitchen cabinets are original, I despaired of finding a replacement part. However, Shelly’s Hardware is a short drive from our house so I gave them a call. Kathy knew exactly what was required and, when I arrived at the store, led me to the appropriate selection of drawer guides where I easily located the perfect replacement. At checkout I noticed a 20 pound bag of
30 • 2014 • January
bird seed (at a competitive price) and purchased that as well. Kathy insisted of carrying the bird seed to my car. Even though the bigbox home improvement stores appear to stock everything one could possibly need, and a real person answers the phone when you call, plus a staff member can help you find what’s needed, there’s something missing. Shelly’s is small in size, carefully organized, neat and tidy, and personal. From now on, Shelly’s Hardware will be my first stop when I need something for the house or yard. They have been in business since 1944 and are open daily at 440 Greenbrae Drive in Sparks (between Pyramid Way and 4th Street). Telephone (775) 358-1841. (Eclectic page 32)
RESOURCES • NEVADA INFORMATION.....................211 • Aging and Disability Services ........................................................688-2964 • 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
January • 2014 • 31
Eclectic / page 30
Almost as high on my exceptional services list is the Big O Tires franchise at 1604 Pyramid Way in Sparks. They have always provided fast and courteous service, whether it’s a tire going flat from a puncture or periodical free tire rotation (tires purchased from them, of course). There are Big O Tire stores in Reno and Carson City as well. Telephone for the Sparks store is (775) 359-5592.
32 • 2014 • January
Years ago, when we first arrived in the area, friends recommended an auto repair shop on Wells Avenue. It was owned by a mechanic named Fritz; he was meticulous in all aspects of his business and we were faithful customers until he retired. Two of his former employees eventually opened repair shops of their own. Tad, of Devine Automotive is at 4993 Longley Lane in Reno and continues Fritz’s tradition of reliable auto service.
We’ve trusted our Toyotas to him for years now. Telephone (775) 827-2886. My first gym workout experience was at Muscle Bound, a barebones studio on Greenbrae Drive in Sparks back in the 1980s. Staying fit and strong is, as Martha Stewart would say, “a good thing.” Over time Muscle Bound went out of business
and I moved to a gym near the Sparks Marina; it changed owners and the facility ended up as Fitness for 10. Classes were eliminated and I found a Yoga studio to replace the gym. That lasted for several years until morning sessions were cancelled. Then I discovered Body Fuel Fitness where I could, again, workout with weights and take classes as well. Body Fuel Fitness is spacious, with lots of windows and it’s always sparkly clean. They offer a variety of classes (included in membership) throughout the day and evening. The location, 1264 Disc Drive in Sparks (at the intersection with Sparks Boulevard), isn’t convenient for many area residents, but I find it an easy drive from my home. For membership information you can call (775) 354-1500. Finally, for the ultimate in service, one can’t beat the Washoe County Library System. Whether you want to read a best-seller, check out a DVD, type a resume, access the Internet, read a current magazine or newspaper, attend a story hour with your toddler, or research information for a project, there’s a library near you with convenient hours and a helpful staff. To locate the branch library closest to you, visit www.washoecounty.us/library.
Seniors4Travel
By Carolyn Prusa and Robert Boyd
The City by the Bay
I
n October Carolyn’s brother and sister-in-law from South Dakota came as far as Reno. The four of us then took the MegaBus to San Francisco for a few days of fun. We found the double-decker express MegaBus a great way to travel. We boarded the bus at the Silver Legacy Casino and left our car in the Legacy parking lot (with permission). After making only one stop – in Sacramento to let off and receive a few more passengers – we were in downtown San Francisco in about the same amount of time as it would take us to drive – without the hassle of having a car in the city, not to mention parking rates such as they are. For more information/tickets: www.megabus.com To get around in the city we purchased 48-hour on-and-off tour bus passes with the San Francisco Sightseeing Company. Although we’ve been to San Francisco any number of times, by taking the tour bus, we saw a lot more and learned a lot about the City by the Bay from the guides on the buses. While it is possible to begin the tour at any of the fourteen stops, we caught the bus at Union Square, six blocks from our Monarch Hotel on Geary Street. www.sanfranciscosightseeingcompany.com This was our first stay at the Monarch Hotel. Like many other reasonably priced hotels in the city, it is an older property but we found it to be clean, comfortable and quite suitable for our needs - and in a good location. Monarch Hotel 1015 Geary Street Tel. (415)673-5232 www.monarchhotelsf.com.
January • 2014 • 33
Monarch Hotel on Geary Street
For a city with such cultural diversity, it’s only natural that cuisine in San Francisco echoes its cosmopolitan air. We ate at a different ethnic restaurant every night, all within a few blocks from our hotel. How fun is that! For breakfast, however, we did not deviate. Our first morning out we discovered Moulin Café and it became our go-to for breakfast/brunch every morning of our stay. A family affair, the cozy little café has been going strong for well over 35-years. It is so compact, cus-
34 • 2014 • January
tomers wait for tables outdoors on the sidewalk. We noticed many who were happy to do so. Open 7 days a week Moulin Café 887 Geary Street San Francisco, CA 94102. Tel. (415) 928-0158 In the words of Rudyard Kipling, "San Francisco has only one drawback, tis hard to leave." At least for Renoites, The City by the Bay is not that far away. SAN FRANCISCO HAPPENINGS Almost any month of the year, there's an event going on in San Francisco. Coming up next month is the San Francisco Chinese New Year Celebration. The San Francisco Chinese New Year Celebration originated in the 1860s and is now the largest Asian event of its kind outside Asia as well as one of the world's top ten parades. The celebration
includes two major fairs, the Chinese New Year Flower Fair and Chinatown Community Street Fair. All festivities culminate with the Chinese New Year Parade, February 15, 2014. The festivities, including firecracker salutes and meandering puppet dragons, paralyze downtown. Dim Sum is available all day throughout the district. www.chineseparade.com. The 57th San Francisco International Film Festival will be held April 24, 2014 to May 08, 2014. It is America's oldest film festival featuring over 200 films and videos from more than 50 countries. Screenings are open to the general public and tickets are inexpensive. www.fest10.sffs.org With 2014 already underway, we’re happy to share these New Year’s Promises. I Promise: To use my brain. I Promise: To nurture my health. I Promise: To stay active. I Promise: To be more sociable. Good wishes for a peace-filled, healthy and prosperous New Year.
The Return Trip
Eydie’s Excerpts by Eydie Scher
It’s 6 a.m. The news informs us that the temperature is -5 degrees. The dogs are fed and we’re out the door. The car keeps us posted on temperature changes. The gauge continues to flirt with minus numerals. Heated seats warm our posteriors. We’ve done this trip before, especially when we lived in Las Vegas for 13years. Three-years-ago, we made the trip to see family. We’re heading back. The stops are ingrained in memory, as are the towns that I will denote on the return trip. Day 1: Seven hours into the drive and our eyes are peeled for the first signs of civilization beyond the desert. Nothing was out this far when we lived there but now houses and shopping centers rush into view. A Walgreens, as per their
advertisement, preens brightly on almost every corner. McDonald’s, restaurants and supermarkets, surround us. Living in Vegas now requires no driving miles to the Strip. Hotels sit in the suburbs beckoning locals to stop by. Buffets at only $7 and movie tickets at $4 fill the casinos and lobbies with gray heads. Hundreds or thousands of beige houses dot the landscape.
rewards us for coming.
The GPS is lost in the maze of similar developments and take us beyond detours. Finally we do arrive at our designated house and are warmly greeted by David’s brother and sister-in-law. This trip is in honor of David’s brother’s 80th birthday. I do remember Vegas as being warmer than Reno even in the winter but the forecasts speaks of record-breaking cold. Okay, the shorts will remain hidden. A delicious dinner
Our friend and neighbor Willa, is still in the Cull de Sac. Wind is whipping the doors. Her closet reveals 6 or 7 mink coats and jackets. The lunch will be at Marie Callenders. She chooses a mink coat to match my hair and dons a full length one for herself. Yes, I am on the left! Do you think they will overcharge us when they see us coming fully decked out? (Excerpts page 36)
Day 2: When you move from somewhere you’ve lived for 13-years, you keep those friendships in tact by making the return visits. You probably check out the house you lived in. We do and sneak in to witness a renovation in the making. The house is empty but will be inhabited at some future date.
January • 2014 • 35
Excerpts / page 35
One day, I will write Willa’s story. She was one of the first black cocktail waitresses in Las Vegas and her husband was one of the first dealers. Hugs all around help us part ways.
at the Bellagio garage is a game of waiting for someone to exit. Crowds line the area where the Christmas display shines. It never fails to impress and is a first on the itinerary of most tourists and return visitors. The topiary polar bears are adorned with 18,000 snow white carnations.
Beatty is my starting point. One lonely truck asks to be passed and I oblige. The speed, 75-miles per hour feels like 35. Nothing else is in front or behind us. Goldfield warns to slow down. It’s in these towns that police officers hang out waiting for those of us who do not
The upstairs tram guides us to a brand new hotel, the Aria, and to City Center. Stores go begging for customers. It’s strictly windowshopping and boy, they have gorgeous windows! Not a single sale sign spoils The Bellagio Christmas tree and polar bear on display in the the view. Names Eydie and former neighbor Willa pose in fur coats. Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. like Gucci, Versace, Day 3: We are treated to that $7 buffet Harry Winston, Jimmy Choos and for brunch. No, we by pass the movies. many more light up marquees. The car remembers the way to the How do they stay in business Strip. Traffic clogs Las Vegas Boulevard without the movie star populaas usual but maybe more so. Buildings tion? wait idly for human hands to complete. Blight encompasses wide areas. Crime As usual, tourists harbor sore feet keeps locals away from the area and from plodding from one hotel to even some tourists. A stop is made to the next. Eyes make them appear capture the soon to be largest Ferris closer together than they really are Wheel in the world. but we learned that lesson a while back. The rule of thumb is, “Wear Yes, it surpasses the one in London. comfortable shoes when inhaling David assures me that he will never ride the sights of Las Vegas.” on it. follow the rules when passing through. The evening is young. The birth- It’s a historic place but makes no day is celebrated at a local demands on us to stop. Next up is seafood restaurant. Tonopah. The McDonald’s that we always ate at is closed. A Burger King Day 4: The dogs are waiting. on the other side of town has replaced Our granddaughter is taking it. A UPS truck makes a delivery. It’s a excellent care of them. Darkness long ride from either Las Vegas or Reno reveals the lights of Sin City to deliver a package. But Christmas is behind us, still going strong at coming up. 5:30 a.m. The sun rises and I take the wheel. I drive both ways David takes the wheel. More trucks on this trip despite David’s resist- appear and demand to be passed. The ance to me driving him to the town of Mina slows us down. Then hospital during his heart attack. there is Luning with one street named The High Roller Ferris Wheel is a large attraction in Las Vegas. It First Street. Hawthorn slides into view. is 100 feet taller than the London Eye, which opened in 2000. Route 95 is probably the straight- A supermarket stands on the sidelines. The major hotels glitter in the daylight est and most boring road in America. The U.S. Army Depot lies in Hawthorn. of a Tuesday afternoon. A parking spot The GPS moves in a straight line. (Excerpts page 38) 36 • 2014 • January
January • 2014 • 37
Excerpts / page 36
Walker Lake is the scenic part of the trip. The halfway point of the trip is passed. Yerington means home is practically around the corner. We make good time and are happily greeted by our dogs and granddaughter. The report is the dogs were on their best behavior.
One final note: On our first day home, trouble brews. How did our 20-month-old puppy reach the bathroom counter, open a drawer and remove the box with my old hearing aids? Pieces of 2 aids litter the floor. She’s fine but she knows we’re not happy campers. Will she strike again? It’s a good thing she’s so adorable! Happy New Year. I hope you have a very happy and healthy 2014!
The good 13-year-old, (black). The bad puppy ( white).
38 • 2014 • January
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