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President’s Budget Proposal Will Hurt Older Americans Every year since 1963, May has been the month to appreciate and celebrate older adults and their achievements. It is a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to honor elders contributions to our communities. But this year many older adults are being challenged to maintain economic vitality in retirement years. The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), a 68-member coalition of national nonprofits, expressed concern regarding the well-being of America's older population in a letter to President Obama. The LCAO wrote specifically about the proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget, stating many of the budget proposals would be “harmful for America’s seniors by asking them to pay even more for their health care or by cutting key benefits they rely on to meet their basic needs. Half of the Medicare population lives on annual incomes of $22,500 or less, and they already face significant outof-pocket health costs.” In particular, LCAO members are concerned with the President’s proposals to: • Use the Chained Consumer Price Index (Chained CPI) to determine Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Using the Chained CPI has been described as a simple, technical adjustment. However, it is not a technical adjustment, nor is it a more accurate measure of inflation for Social Security beneficiaries. The current measure already undervalues inflation for seniors because it fails to take into account health care spending; the Chained CPI would be even worse. Using the Chained CPI would sub-
stantially reduce Social Security benefits for current and future beneficiaries. While the amount of the reduction would be small initially, it would aggregate over time. LCAO additionally opposes proposals to cut Medicare benefits or shift additional costs onto beneficiaries, which ignore the widespread economic insecurity experienced by older adults and people with disabilities. They would be hard hit by proposals that shift costs to beneficiaries, specifically: • New home health copayments would pose significant financial barriers, particularly for vulnerable, older women with long-term and chronic conditions, and could force many out of the community and into more expensive institutional care. • Imposing a surcharge on Medigap insurance plans that cover costs not paid by Medicare would further shift costs to beneficiaries and result in individuals foregoing necessary care. • Requiring beneficiaries to pay higher Part B deductibles would be especially harmful and unaffordable for millions with incomes just above the federal poverty line ($958 per month). LCAO is also opposed to further means-testing Medicare premiums, which would move away from Medicare’s original community intent and understandable premium structure, and over time would shift costs onto beneficiaries with income equivalent to just $47,000 today.
May 2013 This Issue
page 30 - this ‘n that
page 4 - Opinion: Fixing Nevada’s
page 33 - Eclectic Observer
page 3 - President’s Budget
Veteran Claim Blacklog page 5 - Opinion: Reflecting on Older Americans Month page 6 - President Releases Fiscal
page 32 - Seniors 4 Travel
Health
page 10 - Dr. Marion: Caregiving page 11 - CMS: How Medicare is
Year 2014 Budget Proposal
Improving Coordination of Your
page 15 - Elders Count Nevada 2013
Care
page 19 - Ruth Wherry is an
page 12 - Unleash the Power of Age
Amazing Role Model
Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D.
page 23 - Rural Counties RSVP
Center for Healthy Aging
page 23 - Senior Citizen of the Year
page 16 - Ophthalmology:
Every Issue
Dr. Michael Fischer, M.D.
page 20 - Biggest Little City
page 7 - What to Expect at Your
page 18 - Calendar page 24 - Eydie Scher - Excerpts page 27 - Crossword page 29 - Community Resources
Financial
First Estate Planning Consultation - Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, Rader
Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, NV 89510 (775) 348-0717 e-mai l : S eni orspectrumnv@aol . com S eni orspectrumnewspaper. com Publishers: Chris & Connie McMullen
Senior Spectrum is a monthly publication dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain. Publication of advertising contained does not constitute endorsement. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. Copyrighted publication. All rights reserved.
May • 2013 • 3
Opinion
U.S. Senator Dean Heller
Over the past decade, this nation has relied on military men Sen. Dean Heller and women who have selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way and volunteered to serve through the course of two grueling wars. Nearly a million of these heroes have returned home to face another kind of war, one that is unnecessary. All across America, our troops are returning home and in return for their service, this country is supposed to provide them much-needed benefits. For a number of reasons, these benefits are backlogged, and our heroes are stuck waiting to
4 • 2013 • May
Fixing Nevada’s Veteran Claim Blacklog be helped. The state of Nevada is home to more than 10,000 veterans waiting for answers. These selfless patriots know all too well the price that is paid for freedom, and the last thing they should be worried about is waiting for the assistance they earned in service to our nation. As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I want to do everything I can to help the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clear this backlog. Just last month, I introduced a bill to let government agencies dealing with veteran claims know that it is unacceptable to delay the veterans’ claims process any longer. My bill demands better collabora-
tion among agencies so that our heroes receive their benefits in a timely manner. In January, I sat down with the Secretary for the VA, Eric Shinseki, to discuss just how important it is that we ensure our veterans receive the benefits they earned and deserve. And, on a number of occasions, I have spoken at the Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearings, asking what we can do to clear this jam and maintain the promises made to every veteran across this country. The character and courage of our military men and women, past and present, is what has made our nation so great. My respect and appreciation goes to those who have
defended and continue to defend this country. I am grateful to the nearly 300,000 veterans who call Nevada home for the immeasurable sacrifices they have made on our behalf. I believe that we must act now to help Nevada veterans. Addressing the claims backlog must be a top priority, and I am committed to doing what it takes to help eliminate this problem. After everything our heroes have done for us, the least we can do is make sure they are afforded the very best treatment in a timely manner. I will continue fighting for all of the heroes who call the Silver State home.
Opinion
U.S. Senator Harry Reid
Reflecting on Older Americans Month
May is Older Americans Month, a time when the entire nation Sen. Harry Reid reflects on the contributions and aspirations of older generations of Americans. Nevada communities fully understand the critical importance our older leaders playthey are innovators and role models for future generations of younger Nevadans. Public service can take hold in many ways and one way individuals can give back to society is to mentor others to follow their path of success. This month’s
theme, “Unleash the Power of Age” helps to convey that sentiment- our nation’s older Americans have laid a solid path for others to follow and they continue to act as powerful leaders and visionaries. Nevada seniors have earned our deference and we need to ensure they are looked after. That is why I worked hard to give Nevada’s seniors greater access to the best possible healthcare services. The Affordable Care Act gives hardworking Nevada seniors the security they deserve by making insurance companies play by the rules. In particular, the law gradually closes the gap in drug coverage known as the "donut hole" which often causes
seniors to experience financial duress. In Nevada, people with Medicare have saved over $32.9 million on prescription drugs since the law’s enactment. In 2012 alone, 22,122 individuals in Nevada saved over $13.5 million, or an average of $611 per beneficiary. This month also allows us to focus on those seniors who have fallen on harder times. All older Americans should have chances to thrive and I announced earlier this month new funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development- more than 7 million dollars- to fight homelessness in Northern and Southern Nevada. The blight of homelessness is a persistent
problem in our state, and older Nevadans are no exception. All Nevadans should have a roof over their heads and these HUD grants will go towards helping Nevada communities face the issue of homelessness head on by helping to provide transitional housing, permanent housing and other supportive services to those in need. I hope all Nevadans join with me in recognizing this special month and the important contributions our seniors make to our communities. I will continue to fight to make sure seniors are taken care of and given opportunities to flourish.
May • 2013 • 5
President Releases Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Proposal President Obama released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014 last month, but instead of outlining his own budget vision, the document is a deficit reduction compromise that includes some offers made in discussions with Republican leaders in December. The President’s proposal seeks to stabilize the debt with twice as many spending cuts as revenue increases. However, with the House and Senate already passing their own budget resolutions, negotiations may begin soon to craft a bipartisan compromise. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has called the presidents proposed budget a mixed bag for lowincome seniors and people with disabilities. It provides an outline of the proposal regarding aging programs:
6 • 2013 • May
Older Americans Act With the exception of the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the programs of the Older Americans Act remain essentially level-funded in this budget-cutting environment. The Administration once again proposes to cut SCSEP—this time by nearly $70 million, or 15 percent. This is surprising and disappointing, given that more seniors are working past traditional retirement age to make ends meet, and are unemployed for longer periods than any other age group if they do lose their jobs. SCSEP is the only federal job placement and training pro-
gram designed to serve lowincome older workers. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program The President’s plan proposes to cut $500 million from the LIHEAP program. New Investments New, long-overdue investments are being sought for elder justice; senior housing; and Alzheimer’s research, services, and caregiver support, including: • $2 million for adult protective services. • $25 million for Section 202 Housing for the Elderly (with $20 million for new housing and supportive services demonstrations). • $10 million for Housing Counseling, including reverse mortgage counseling. • $80 million to the National Institute on Aging for Alzheimer’s therapies. • $16 million to the Administration for Community Living for Alzheimer’s services and supports. Medicare & Medicaid The FY14 budget includes $371 billion in Medicare cuts and $22 billion from Medicaid over 10 years. Most of the Medicare savings would come from aligning Medicare prescription drug payments with Medicaid policies through additional rebates for lowincome beneficiaries (saving $123 billion), and adjusting payment updates for certain post-acute care providers (Budget page 14)
What to Expect at Your First Estate Planning Consultation Brought to you by Bradley B. Anderson Anderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.
Your first meeting with an estate planning attorney may seem a little daunting, especially if you’ve never consulted an attorney before. There’s no need to worry, however. This meeting is just a conversation in which your attorney will find out about you, your family, and your goals. After you’ve shared this information, your attorney will be able to recommend a range of estate planning tools, helping you tailor a plan that meets your needs. Getting to Know You At the start of your consultation, your estate planning attorney will ask you questions about you, your family, and your finances. Some of the areas of your life that you may need to share about are those that can impact the type of plan-
The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com
ning you’ll need to protect your assets and family, including: • Whether you’re married, • How many children and grandchildren you have, • Whether you’ve had any previous marriages, • Your age and the ages of the people in your family, • What assets you own, the value of those assets, and how they’re titled, • Whether you currently have a Will, a Trust, or other estate planning documents, and • Which people you want to put in charge of your money, your children, and other important aspects of your life in case you die or become disabled. Sometimes, clients have personal situations they are hesitant to share with
anyone – even their attorney. If this is your situation, the questions your attorney asks may seem uncomfortable or intrusive. The reason these questions are asked is so that your attorney knows what issues to anticipate. This way, he or she can help you plan around them. For example, you might be reluctant to talk about a child born out of wedlock years ago. First and foremost, remember that the information you tell your attorney will remain confidential unless you give permission to disclose it. Second, the reason your estate planning attorney needs to know about this child is to design a plan that accomplishes your goals. If you don’t want that child to receive part of your estate, your attorney needs to include language in your estate (Estate Plan page 8)
May • 2013 • 7
Estate Plan / page 7
plan disinheriting that child. Otherwise, he or she may be entitled to a portion of your estate that you’d planned to leave for your spouse or your other children. Making the Right Choice Your initial estate planning meeting is also a chance for you to decide whether this particular attorney is a good fit for you. You’ll want to find out a little about your attorney’s background and education, paying special attention to whether he or she meets the state’s continuing education guidelines. Organizations like the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (www.aaepa.com) require that their members meet continuing education requirements that are often more stringent than the standards imposed by the state. You may choose to begin your search for an attorney on their website. You also want to be comfortable with your attorney. Does he or she put you at ease? Do you get to do enough talking, or does your attorney cut you off or talk over you? Do you feel that your ques-
8 • 2013 • May
tions are taken seriously and answered in a way that you fully understand? One of the best ways to ensure you’ve chosen the right attorney is to make sure that you’re comfortable talking to him or her and you feel that he or she respects you and takes your concerns seriously. Putting Your Plan in Place After your attorney gathers all your information, he or she will review your goals with you and discuss the best strategies for achieving those goals. The two of you will agree on the appropriate strategies, and your attorney will put together a set of documents that carries out these strategies. For example, your attorney may draft a living trust to help you maintain control of your assets during your lifetime, while keeping those assets out of probate at your death. He or she may also draw up powers of attorney to designate who will make financial and medical decisions for you, if you become unable to handle these matters for yourself. Your attorney’s job is to put together
a plan that achieves your goals, and to ensure you understand how it works. When you leave your initial meeting, you should know the basic framework of your estate plan as well as the basic purpose for each part of your plan. You should also know what to expect from the estate planning process: the next steps and whose responsibility they are. After you choose the right estate planning attorney and establish an estate plan tailored to your needs, you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing your future is secure! About Our Law Firm The Law Firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd. is devoted exclusively to estate planning. We are members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and offer guidance and advice to our clients in every area of estate planning. We offer comprehensive and personalized estate planning consultations. For more information or attend an upcoming seminar, please contact us at (775) 823-9455 or visit us online at www.wealth-counselors.com.
May • 2013 • 9
Ask Dr. Marion
Dr. Marion Somers. Ph.D.
Elder Travel
My parents are older and quite frail now, but they still love to travel. In fact, it’s what they live for besides their grandkids. But I worry about their safety. How can I be relaxed when they go on their adventures? Frieda, 64, Arkansas You want your parDr. Marion Somers ents to keep traveling if that’s what they enjoy doing, so I suggest you help them prepare for any worst case scenarios so you can feel more at ease. My experience has been that once you have all of the bases covered, things usually go very smoothly. Before your parents go on a trip, take the following precautions: • Visit the doctor with your parents to be sure that they
10 • 2013 • May
are healthy enough to take the trip. Never go against doctor’s orders. • Have your parents’ legal papers in order. I’m talking specifically about their wills, healthcare proxies, durable power of attorney, and DNR. They all need to be in order in case something happens on the trip. • Gather all of your parents’ prescriptions (including eyeglasses) and photocopy them so they can be taken on the trip in case they need to be refilled. Also, if they have any allergies, include that infor-
mation. • Be sure they travel with their medications on them at all times. Do not put them in the suitcase in case of theft or loss. • Type out a short list of their key contacts including: two next of kin and other family members, lawyer, primary doctor(s), dentist, rabbi/priest. • If your parents wear medical bracelets or medical necklaces, be sure all information is up to date including medicine, allergies, doctors’ numbers, e-mail
address, and cell phone numbers. The same goes for key family member’s contact numbers. • If they require any extra attention such as a wheelchair, raised toilets, increased safety features, or special meals, call ahead and alert the airline and/or hotel. • Photocopy other important documents such as a passport, credit cards, and driver’s license in the event of theft or loss. This can save time if replacements are needed.
How Medicare is Improving Coordination of Your Care David Sayen, Regional Administrator Medicare Region 9 If two mechanics are working on your car, but they’re not talking to one David Sayen another, the results may not be so good. Likewise, if a baseball coach doesn’t communicate well with his players, he’s not likely to win as many games as he could. Good coordination can improve outcomes in all sorts of human activities. Health care is no exception. That’s why Medicare places so much emphasis on getting doctors and other health care providers to work together more closely and to share information on their patients. For one thing, Medicare is encouraging the formation of accountable care organizations, or ACOs. An ACO is a group of doctors and other health care providers who agree to work together and with Medicare to give you the best possible care by making sure they have the most up-to-date information about you. ACOs are designed to help your providers work together more closely to give you a more coordinated and patient-centered experience. If you have Original Medicare and your doctor has decided to participate in an ACO, you’ll be notified of that, either in person or by letter, and the ACO may request your personal health information to better coordinate your care. You’ll have the option of declining to have your Medicare claims information shared with the ACO. Your Medicare benefits, services, and protections won’t change. And you still have the right to use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare at any time, just as you do now. Medicare also gives finan-
cial incentives to doctors and other providers who adopt health information technology. Health IT can help manage your health information, improve how you communicate with your health care providers, and improve the quality and coordination of your care. These tools also reduce paperwork, medical errors, and health care costs. One example is electronic health records, or EHRs. These are records that your doctor, other health care provider, medical office staff, or a hospital keeps on a computer about your medical care or treatments. EHRs can help lower the chances of medical errors, eliminate duplicate tests, and may improve your overall quality of care. Your doctor’s EHR may be able to link to a hospital, lab, pharmacy, or other doctors, so the people who care for you can have a more complete picture of your health. You have the right to get a copy of your health information for your own personal use and to make sure the information is complete and accurate. Electronic prescribing is another way to coordinate and improve care delivery. It allows your doctor (or other health care provider who is legally allowed to write prescriptions) to send your prescriptions directly to your pharmacy. Prescribers can check which drugs your insurance covers and may be able to prescribe a drug that costs you less. Electronic prescriptions are easier for the pharmacist to read than handwritten prescriptions. This means there’s less chance that you’ll get the wrong drug or dose. And prescribers can be alerted to potential drug interactions, allergies, and other warnings.
May • 2013 • 11
Adding Life to Years
” May is older Americans Larry Weiss month and the theme is Unleash the Power of Age. For 50 years May has been a month to recognize older adults and their contributions to our society and our communities. The theme has never been more intriguing and appropriate for this time in history. Elders are more productive, active, and influential members of our society than ever. Unfortunately not many people actually know or care that May is Older Americans month. Dr. Herb Randall in a recent article talks about this. He stated that he tried to get
12 • 2013 • May
Unleash the Power of Age Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging the Las Vegas Division of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services to move the April Senior Games to May to further support Older Americans month – he was not successful. However, across the country organizations are celebrating people achieving remarkable things in later life and above all, giving to others. Many elders are active, vital members of our communities and demonstrate the positive impacts of the power of age to improve the lives of others. The U.S. Administration for Community Living actually has invited organizations across the nation in a challenge to celebrate the achievements of older
Americans by nominating leaders who use their talents and expertise to make a positive impact, and provide an inspiration in the community or beyond through activity, innovation, work, volunteering, changing lives and making a difference. Hopefully you will read and hear about the thousands of elders providing inspiration and having an impact on individuals and communities across our country. According to Maya Angelou, "One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or
honest." Let’s explore some of the ways that we can unleash the power of age within ourselves so that we can be healthy, inspire others, and impact our community. First and foremost, embrace your age. The power of positive perception and thinking has incredible strength and influence. Keep your brain healthy, fit and flexible through use and by acting out spontaneously without fear or judgment. Embrace the opportunity to be playful, silly and creative while building new skills and discovering unexpected talent. It’s about working in harmony with others, building trust, lis-
Years to Life / page 12
tening, responding and having fun. Secondly, healthy vital aging includes eating, sleeping and moving. In order to have successful aging we need to eat fresh foods and not too much, obesity is a killer. We need to sleep, which is a great pleasure. We need to be active and keep moving, the chair/couch is a killer. When we feel good, we share more, do more, and provide powerful models for change. Most elders and the boomers becoming elders are on the critical list. I refer you to a recent publication by the MetLife Mature Market Institute that Marta Malone and I authored – “On the Critical List? A MetLife Report on the Health Status of the 40+ Population”, which discusses the current health status of adults and the associated healthcare costs that are on a rocky road. We have embraced obesity, disease, and chronic conditions with getting older. Our focus is on disease management and acute care verses taking steps as we age to prevent us from acquiring disease in the first place. Look at the models of powerful aging around you and the community. There are many out there. You too can choose to be a model. Thirdly, we can unleash the power of age by giving to others, whether we give in work through productivity, interpersonal relationships and love, or simply by volunteering. Eleanor Roosevelt said it very eloquently, "Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give." How do you give happiness? One form of giving that is
not discussed much is through touch. Have you ever been enveloped by loving arms in a time of sadness, soothed by a cool hand on your feverish forehead, or rejuvenated by a hug? Then you have experienced the very real human capacity to comfort and relieve. Touch is critical to the health of the receiver and the giver, so make a conscious effort to give through touch. Another form of giving is through volunteering. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2011, older adults donated 1.7 billion volunteer hours within the US. Just the numbers alone are phenomenal. Overall in Nevada, the 2011 amount of volunteering and civic engagement are less impressive: 22 percent of residents volunteer, ranking us 48th among the 50 states, 29 volunteer hours per resident. Even though less than other states, we still have 450,240 volunteers contributing 60 million hours of service, totaling about $1.3 billion of service contributed. Volunteering can contribute immensely to unleashing the power of age. This year, think about what you can do to help Unleash the Power of Age! Think in terms of what you can do for yourself, your health, and for others. My article only raised a few areas that can enhance that power and “add life to years”. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Weiss welcomes your comments on this column. Write to him at larry@addinglifetoyears.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519. May • 2013 • 13
Budget page 6
(saving $79 billion). NCOA is pleased that the timeframe would be accelerated for gradually closing the Part D prescription drug coverage gap, or the donut hole. NCOA is concerned about proposals that would shift additional costs onto beneficiaries, including: • New enrollees to pay higher Part B deductibles. • New enrollees to pay home health copayments.
• Further increasing incomerelated Part B and D premiums, affecting beneficiaries with incomes above about $47,000. • Increasing Part B premiums for beneficiaries who buy more generous Medigap policies. NCOA is analyzing another proposal that would increase the price differential between brand name and generic prescription drugs for Part D low-income bene-
ficiaries, saving an estimated $6.7 billion over 10 years. Social Security The budget includes the controversial proposal to reduce the Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) through the use of a chained Consumer Price Index (CPI), reducing benefits by $130 billion and increasing revenues by $100 billion. Certain vulnerable populations, including beneficiar-
ies over age 76 and individuals with disabilities who have been receiving Social Security for at least 15 years, would receive modest protections from the calculation change. NCOA supports updating the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) and adopting it for COLA adjustments to provide better accounting of the out-ofpocket health costs that seniors face. Nutrition Assistance The budget request proposes to restore the cut in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) benefits scheduled to take place this fall. Funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is protected, but investments to allow six new states to join the program would once again be denied. In reviewing the Appendix of the President’s Budget for the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the proposal seeks to fund Congregate Nutrition Services, Home Delivered Nutrition Services, and the Nutrition Services Incentive Program at FY12 levels. Here are those numbers: • Congregate Nutrition Services (Title III C1) — $439 million • Home Delivered Nutrition Services (Title III C2) — $217 million • Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP) — $160 million
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Elders Count Nevada 2013 The Silver State is experiencing dramatic growth in its graying population, but not all trends in aging are positive. People ages 65 and older are projected to increase from 11.5 percent in 2010 to 16.1 percent by 2030 according to Nevada State Demographer Jeff Hardcastle Hardcastle estimates growth among adults 65-74 will be a significant part of the state’s population growth, followed by adults ages 75-84. Demographics are detailed in the latest edition of Elders Count Nevada (2013). Elders Count Nevada (2013) is the third installment in a series of reports
published in 2007 and 2009 that provide insight into the overall health and well-being of Nevada’s elders. The 2013 report utilizes data from authoritative sources and has been expanded to include information by geographic region of residency; the state’s older veteran population; impact and prevalence of substance use, misuse and abuse; and a new chapter on transportation and infrastructure as it relates to access, safety and ridership. Positive trends identified in the report include: • Lower prevalence of obesity: In 2011, an estimated 18.1 percent of Nevadans 65 and older met the criteria for
obesity, compared with about a third of seniors nationally. • Relatively healthier finances: Despite the recession and Nevada having the highest unemployment rate in the nation between 2008 and 2010, Nevada seniors managed to maintain a lower poverty rate and a higher median income than seniors nationally. • Longstanding doctor shortage may be easing: Between 2000 and 2010, medical school enrollment nearly tripled in Nevada, and the state is retaining a higher percentage of its medical school graduates than other states. In addition, all medical schools now require
coursework in geriatric medicine, which promises more effective treatment of senior illnesses in the future. On the downside familiar issues in the report continue to be: Divorce: 16 percent of men 60 and older are divorced (10.8 percent nationally), and the rate is 18.7 percent of women 60+ (13.3 percent nationally). Suicides: Since 2008, Nevada has ranked either fourth or fifth in the nation for suicides. The state’s rate is consistently above the national rate. In 2009 suicide was the seventh-leading cause of death among Nevada adults ages 55-64.
May • 2013 • 15
Ophthalmology
Seeing Spots? Michael J. Fischer, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon
While the proteinrich jelly-like material (vitreous) that fills the eye is clear and transparent in our youth, it accumulates debris as we age. Tiny clumps of cells, slender threads of protein, and tiny knots of vitreous gel float through the otherwise clear vitreous in aging eyes and cast shadows on the retina. Older adults may then see small dots or threads, known at “floaters,” passing through their fields of vision. While these shadow-producing pieces of debris are relatively inconsequential, flashes of light and showers of floaters can indicate that the vitreous has shrunk sufficiently to tear the retina or
16 • 2013 • May
detach a portion of it from the back of the eye. These symptoms should be immediately reported to the ophthalmologist. It should be noted while retinal tears and detachments can be repaired by “laser photocoagulation” or “cryopexy” (freezing), these spot-welding techniques should be performed with 24-48 hours of diagnosis, making retinal detachment a medical emergency. 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. Hours are 8-5 p.m., Monday through Friday by appointment. M/C, Visa, and Medicare Assignment are accepted.
May • 2013 • 17
Calendar May 11 - Outreach Clinic for Older Adults, 55+, 8 - 12 p.m., University School of Medicine, Student Outreach Clinic, (775) 682-8646, http://studentoutreachclinic.org/ May 11 - Western Heritage Festival, Sparks Museum and Cultural Center, Victorian Square, (775) 355-1144, www.SparksMuseum.org. May 11 - Spitfire Pub and Grille, inaugural golf tournament to benefit CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada, three-person scramble, entry fee $100, 8 a.m., Washoe Golf Course, (775) 737-4440 or CARE Chest at (775) 829-2273. May 12 & 26 - Reno Senior Dance Club, Sundays, 2 - 5 p.m., Neil Rd. Rec. Center, $5, (775) 689-8484. May 13 - Genealogy Class, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Neil Rd. Rec. Center, $5, (775) 689-8484. May 14 - Mile High Jazz Band presents "Jazz in the Merry Month of May," bigband jazz favorites in the Basie-Ellington tradition, Jakki Ford and Cindee LeVal, 7:30 9:30 p.m., at Comma Coffee, Carson City, (775) 883-4154. May 16 - American Heart Association Northern Nevada Division’s Heart Ball, Eldorado, honoring the families of congenital heart defect survivors, (775) 322-7065 or (801) 205-2489. May 18 - Walk for Animals, Sparks Marina.
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May 20 - June 10 Digital Camera Basics, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., $59,
TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 829-9010. May 22 to June 5 - Photoshop Elements Basics, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., $59, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 8299010. May 23 - Multidisciplinary Management of Parkinson’s Disease, 8:15 - 4:35 p.m., Best Western Airport Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Reno, call (775) 6828470, www.medicine.nevada.edu/ngec. May 24 - Trip to Old Town Sacramento, deadline for registration, trip is May 29, lots of walking, $15, City of Reno, (775) 356-3176. May 27 - Senior Day at The ACES Ball Game, Memorial Day, game at 12:45 p.m., $10, call (775) 689-8484. May 28 - SOS Education Talk, Kenn Pettiford, the Senior Chorus, and Silver Steppers, “Unleash the Power of Age,” 10 - 11 a.m., Laxalt Auditorium, Reno. May 28 to June 20 - Microsoft Word 2010, 9 - 11 a.m., $79, TMCC Meadowood Center, Reno, (775) 8299010. May 31 - Closing Ceremonies of Older Americans Month, 11 - 1 p.m., Neil Rd. Rec. Center, raffle prizes, lunch, over 40 activities, call (775) 328-2575. June 1 - ABC’s of Diabetes, Nevada and California Diabetes Association, diabetes and living healthy, contact ndaca@diabetesnv.org. June 9 - Twenty-ninth Annual Pops Party Concert, Governor’s Mansion, 3 p.m., (775) 883-4154. June 10 - Fort Churchill State Historic Park, 8 - 5:30 p.m., $15, call City of Reno, (775) 689-8484. June 19 - 30 - Reno Tahoe Summer Senior Games, Opening Ceremonies, 11 - 1 p.m., Neil Rd. Rec. Center; Closing Ceremonies June 30, registration fee $15 plus $5 per sport, call (775) 689-8484.
Celebrating Older Americans Month
Ruth Wherry is an Amazing Role Model Caring for others has been her lifelong mission
R
uth Wherry is one example that age is just a number. A practicing registered nurse in Carson City, Wherry provides care to seniors with chronic disability and long-term illnesses at a Carson City nursing facility. At 86-years-old, Wherry works 12hour days, full-time night shifts at the Carson Rehabilitation Center. Ruth has been a nurse for 66-years. Having practiced the majority of her career in Des Moines, Iowa, she “retired” from critical care nursing at age 75, and moved to Carson City to live closer to her daughter and young grandson, Ben. Daughter Mary Wherry, also a registered nurse who works for the state, says her mother immediately began practicing as a nurse when she settled in Carson City. “Ruth has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of clients living in Carson City and the surrounding communities in her current job, and in her prior employment in home health,” said Mary. Ruth works long shifts, 6 p.m. till 7 a.m., three nights on and three nights off. Working keeps painful osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis manageable. “Working not only allows her to be a model for her peers on how to fight through the pain to stay active, but also keeps her limber so she can enjoy her golden years by traveling.” Echoing Mary, Ruth said, “I feel I am in good health,” but dealing with osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging. “I get up stiff and have to get on the move to limber up and exercise.” Working in the Carson rehabilitation facility is a perfect fit. Having had two knee replacements herself, she is an inspiration to people facing physical therapy. It allows Ruth to give people plenty of encouragement. (Wherry page 22)
The triplets in the picture are Ruth Wherry’s grand nieces & nephew. The grandmother of the children is Ruth’s niece.
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BIGGESTlittle City Harry Spencer
N
evada’s new official slogan “A World Within a State Apart” has generated a lot of comment both for and against. Whatever you may think of it, it is at least a proactive attempt by the Governor to publicize the state and its uniqueness. While the slogan itself is just part of the new advertising campaign, it is meant to complement the state’s official motto of “Battle Born”. It has prompted a great deal of criticism in the press. As Shakespeare famously said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The new slogan is merely the latest attempt to cast Nevada in a more aromatic embodiment. Some critics of the new appellation have said that it is merely a makeover of the famous “Reno, Reno” slogan of
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yesteryear. That slogan was developed by the RSCVA’s advertising man Roy Powers in consort with the ad agency Media Consultants headed up by long-time Nevada communications personality Bob Carroll. In speaking with Carroll about the famous pitchline, he noted that it was designed to show both sides of the Reno experience. One side of it was dedicated to the many seasonal outdoor recreations that were abundant in the area and the other side was to show the excitement of the nightlife and gaming. To get the message across a well-known TV personality named Jesse White, who had become famous as the Maytag repairman, was hired. The campaign went on for many years and was well received because it showed the diversity of Northern Nevada. Another reason the “Reno,
Do Slogans Matter that Much? Reno” title was chosen was that it blended perfectly with the additional tagline “Twice as Friendly”. This was in response to what Carroll and Powers had learned from numerous focus groups that informed them that The Biggest Little City was viewed as a friendlier place than its rival Las Vegas. Many slogans have come and gone for both the Reno area and the state but none can rival the enormously successful “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas” that gained national prominence. As for the state itself the best slogan that was developed in the past was “Nevada – Bet On It”. It was created by the Tyson Curtis and Wilson Agency in consort with the Nevada Economic Development Authority. The subliminal message even promoted the hushhush experience of gambling without referring to it by name.
The worst slogan recently adopted by the RSCVA was “A Little Bit Left of Center”. In addition to being almost incomprehensible it was succeeded by an equally nebulous slogan “Far from Expected”. Whatever the case may be, we are sure to see many more attempts to cast Reno, Vegas and the state itself in a more provocative light. It is a sad commentary on the creative process that we cannot adopt an enduring slogan such as “The Big Easy” of New Orleans, “The City with Broad Shoulders” of Chicago, “The Big Apple” of New York or “Virginia is for Lovers”. Throughout the long history of the Silver State it is amazing that the battered old slogan “The Biggest Little City” has outlasted many of its successors. That famous moniker has appeared on millions of postcards and in hundreds of movies and numerous publications. I can recall another Reno slogan that was prevalent in the ‘50s and ‘60s. That was coined by world travelers and top echelon jet setters who created the phrase for our little hamlet of “The Paris of the West”. Even the most jaded globe trotter was amazed at his first experience in Reno which at that time was a 24-hour city of activity. Virginia Street in those days was awash with people at 3 o’clock in the morning and the vibrant nightlife continued until dawn. Although Reno has mellowed a bit in the ensuring years, it still possesses many of the amenities found in some of our largest metropolitan cities. Long live “The Biggest Little City in the World”.
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Wherry / page 19
Living close to Mary and Ben provides plenty of support for Ruth to live an independent life helping others. Ruth is so involved in her work that she is often found giving other family members advice, long distance. “I have to give a loud huzzah to our
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saintly cousin, Ruth Wherry, without whom I don’t think we’d have gotten through this experience with any sanity,” Mark Nemmers of Sacramento writes while visiting with his brother Barry, hospitalized after a serious accident. “She’s been a daily lifeline for Sherry and me in her insistence on staying on top of absolutely everything the hospital has been doing for Barry, including providing her own additional recommendations, most of which the doctors and nurses have incorporated into his care routine.” Nemmers said. “Ruth is nothing short of awesome.” As for longevity, Ruth says her parents never drank Ruth comforts her daughters puppy at a family gathering. or smoked, and believed in serving good nutritious food three would empathize that is, “Always to help times a day. She credits her mother people.” After family, caring for others with keeping the family healthy and has been the main focus of her life. well-fed during the Depression. “She “Ruth Wherry is very inspirational served as a good role model.” with what she does,” states Mary If there is one thing that Ruth Liveratti, former Nevada Health and Human Services Deputy, and aging administrator. She deserves any kind of recognition of what older workers can do. Without dedicated older workers like Ruth, who has devoted 66-years to providing care for others, much of the country would be hard pressed to meet the growing needs of an aging population. This year’s theme during Older Americans Month, “Unleash the Power of Age,” emphasizes the important role of older adults. Ruth Wherry is a great example of how older adults can be productive, active, and influential members of society. We celebrate Ruth and just as importantly - her family - for recognizing the achievements and the value that her dedication brings to the community.
KNPB Highlights Rural RSVP The Nevada Rural Counties Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will be honored for 40 years of service in rural Nevada by KNPB, Northern Nevada’s Public Broadcast station. KNPB’s Brent Boynton in the show “A Conversation,” filmed a training session featuring actual recipients of RSVP services. Many said the programs had changed their lives, enabling them to remain independently. “The NV Rural Counties RSVP partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to provide state of the art training for family caregivers and respite volunteers on how to more effectively assist persons suffering from
Alzheimer’s disease,” said Janice R. Ayres, Executive Director and CEO of RSVP. The training sessions, which were a series of three, gave volunteers and caregivers the opportunity to learn more about how to deal with Alzheimer’s disease, which affects millions in the country. In taking the training session, caregivers received regular breaks for two to four hours per week. “A Conversation” with Brent Boynton featuring RSVP will air on Channel 5/ PBS – KNPB on May 10, at 8:30 p.m.. The program will also air on May 12, at 11 a.m. Viewers can go to www.knpb.org to see the show after the initial airing.
Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year
by Dr. Herb Randall
Frank Pati, a 76-year-old from Mesquite, was chosen to be the very first Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year for his many years of selfless service in improving the lives of seniors. Pati is a pioneer in senior softball and is also known as “Mr. Senior Softball.” He is the founder and chairman of the Mesquite Senior Games. The senior softball tournaments organized by Pati include “the CAN-AM Games which draws teams from Canada and throughout the United States. According to Mesquite Mayor Mark Wier, “Frank has single handedly brought teams from 42 states to participate in a number of
Frank Pati, 76, NV Senior Citizen Mesquite Senior Games of the Year.
Senior Games events each year.” The Nevada Delegation of the National Silver Haired Congress (NSHC) in partnership with the Aging Services Directors Organization (ASDO), established the Nevada Senior Citizen of the Year award.
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Eydie’s Excerpts Eydie Scher
I
try not to ackno wledge my age but it refuses to relinquish my body parts. People used to call me a workout aholic. Let’s see. Before I was married, I kept in shape without exercise. It must have started after I had a few kids. Remember, this was way before healthy eating and exercising became a mantra for America. Then: A tennis court lies empty across the street from us. Our neighbor plays a little but entices us to use it. No lessons are taken. We just take to the game and bring
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Kicking out the Kinks our kids into it. Yes, there is a huge drawback. Tennis balls hide in the poison ivy surrounding the court. It’s either get the itch or new balls each time. Even as our game improves, the poisonous plant waits for a stray ball to devour it. Since New York winters are harsh, spring arrives with a flourish of new 3 leaf plants that spread like our cheat grass. David starts playing when he is a kid. Yeah, he was a kid at one time. We have a ghastly picture of him to prove it. No, it refuses to be hung up in this house. We watch Jimmy Conners and Chris Evert play on the tennis circuit. Conners plays with a metal racket called the T 2000. Both David and I
get the rackets and play with them for years. When the larger head Prince racket comes out, I switch and so do the kids. Not my husband. It takes years to sway him. Those old rackets hang in our game room. You see, he doesn’t throw things out. I’m still here! Eventually he bites the bullet and gets a large head racket. New tennis rackets today are pretty pricey.
David’s old T2000 and first oversize racket
Tennis is not my only form of exercise. Our family always has a dog. I am dog walker extraordinaire and pooper-scooper. If I can walk, I can jog. Tennis sneakers become jogging shoes. Never do I exceed at running the speed limit or even come close. It is kind of slow plodding along but I do it regularly and continue when we move to California. A park with trails is close to us and not to be avoided. David plays softball and I run. A different dog runs along side of me every other year, but I use the same old knees.
A Fitness club becomes almost a daily ritual. Classes are taken and weights are picked up. Muscles appear where they never were before. I could do it all rather easily. In my 30s I am at the top of my game. The 40s don’t slow me down. The 50s are a piece of cake. Teaching full time makes it a bit more difficult time-wise but I persevere. I take on the grand kids in arm wrestling and win although that is changing as the ratio between our ages elongates or at least appears to. Time eventually takes its toll. Ouch, there is a lot of pain in my knees. I do the shots. They wear off. My surgeon advises me to have a knee replaced. It’s bone on bone. How did this happen? I wore out my knees with all the jogging, tennis and skiing. Arthritis also makes the list. Thankfully, Medicare kicks in just in time. My first ever surgery slows me down. I’m bouncing back but there’s more to come. Two years later, I am back for the other knee. Gee, I never thought about wearing out body parts but I do now. Good thing they make spare ones. Now: Let me bring you up to date. Depending on my subbing schedule, I go the health club 1, 2 or even 3 times per week. I’m sure you realize there are lots of clubs you can go to and join in the fun. You can swim, take classes, workout with weights and machines or just hang out with friends like you would at a coffee klatch, minus the
not a favorite. Fat Blaster proves a bit tough. Quickly the instructor switches from weights to spinning bikes and back. A friend suggests I take Power Pilates. I know this is beyond my abilities when the instructor asks me to hold onto the pillar holding up the ceiling. First I decline but there I am bare-
foot and holding onto it for dear life and balance. Is everyone staring at me? I doubt it. Nobody cares how good or bad you are in these classes. I have to tell you, I am now on the old side of the groups. Mostly it’s younger women and the occasional male who strays into the studio. Why don’t I
Favorite class with instructor Becky
coffee. You can dress in fine workout wear or just come in wearing ratty sweats. Usually, I take the same classes, always in the morning. Working out past noon is simply for walking the puppy. Do you know some classes begin at 4:50 a.m.? Can
you imagine working out at that ungodly hour? They’re on the schedule. I skip the ones that begin at 6 a.m. This body is simply not ready at that time. Classes I take include body sculpting. It involves mostly lifting weights and knee bends. With my knees, that part is
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take senior classes? I’m not sure my club even has them but would I even admit to being a senior. Not on your life!! Eons ago, I’d take spinning classes and keep up fairly well. Today, I take a spinning class and watch the clock hands move in slow motion. Maybe you’re thinking why I have not mentioned Yoga. At my club, it’s one of those 6 a.m. classes although that may change. You’ve heard about Zumba? It’s a crowded class and I stand somewhere in the back of the room but where I can still see the instructor. Gosh I wish she’d
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slow it down a bit. I enjoy the breaks between songs and the music’s not bad. Yes, new kinks pop up after some workouts. Usually they remind me my age the day after. Getting older is no fun but neither is the alternative. I’m staying with it and doing my thing. In the meantime, “Bring on the Motrin!” Comments always appreciated: eydies@aol.com
Answers page 28
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Crossword p.27
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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 PROGRAM.........................................358-2768 HAWC CLINIC, 1055 South Wells, Reno ............................................329-6300 MEDICATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, UNR .....................784-1612 NEVADA STATE WELFARE-684-7200 NORTHERN NEVADA CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, 999 Pyramid Way, Sparks................353-3599 RTC ACCESS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Information.............348-0477 RENOWN MED. LOW INCOME CLINIC, 21 Locust, Reno.........982-5270 RSVP (RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM)............784-1807 SANFORD CENTER FOR AGING, UNR.............................................784-4774 SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM ......................................................358-2322 SENIOR EMPLOYMENT, AARP Senior Community Services Employment Program, 1135 Terminal Way, Suite 102, Reno.................323-2243 Job Connect……...........Reno - 284-9600 ......................................Sparks - 284-9520 SENIOR LAW PROJECT.......328-2592 SENIOR OUTREACH SERVICES ......................................................784-7506 SENIOR SAMPLER (Assistance League),1701 Vassar St., Reno-324-2003 SHIP (STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ADVISORY PROGRAM)..800-307-4444 SOCIAL SECURITY,1170 Harvard Way, Reno...........................888-808-5481 VETERAN’S ADMINISTRATION Medical Center, 1000 Locust St., Reno ......................................................328-1293 VETERAN’S BENEFITS, 5460 Corporate Drive, Reno.......688-1653, X1 Source: Washoe County Sen. Services
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this ‘n that
by Anne Vargas
annevargas3@gmail.com
Doing What We Do—Again, Part four Still roaming in Viet Nam
Ha Long Bay, the fish market, cooking school and the seventy-seven dollar $7 dress. “Majestic and mysterious. Inspiring and imperious”
Ha Long Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin is the stuff of myths. Sixteenhundred islands and islets, most of them uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence, form a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars and the hours we spent sailing through them were breathtaking. According to Vietnamese legend the islands were created by a great dragon living in the mountains. As it charged towards the coast, its flailing tail gouged out valleys and
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crevasses. When it finally plunged into the sea the area filled with water, leaving only the pinnacles visible. James Bond fans may recognize it as the setting for a lair in one of his movies. We docked in Ha Long City (not quite as impressive) after lunch and opted to go by cab that afternoon to visit the Fish Market. Vibrant and teeming with activity, it is the heart of the Old City, distant from the port and assuredly not on tourist itineraries. We wandered through the damp and muddy labyrinth, looking at
tubs and plastic buckets of fish (over 400 varieties) fresh from the sea, flailing wildly in attempt to live. We were the only western faces in the crowd and were greeted with shy but startled smiles. Our own smiles and gestures of request with my iPhone resulted in photos they were eager to view. The adjacent market features open stalls where one can purchase produce, clothing, a pedicure or shampoo. Many homes do not have running water so such services, even in the open, are a part of life. The following day we would visit
Hanoi but the fish market lingers in memory. Three days later we were in Hoi An, a starkly different place. A charming town that at one time was dying due to lack of commerce, it now enjoys a reputation as the gastronomic capital of the country. Hoi An and outstanding cuisine have become synonymous and restaurants vigorously vie with one another to be among the top. Mei is a dynamic young woman who was told by her father when she was five that she should learn to cook in
this ‘n that / page 30
order to help support her family. She now owns three restaurants along with a culinary academy. I took the tour that included her cooking class, another highlight of our time in Viet Nam. We first went to the local market to shop, a market so densely congested it was nearly impossible to move. Mei had instructed us to hold one another’s hands as we made our way through the maze, advice that seemed silly until we got there. (The one man who chose to ignore that wisdom blinked his eye and lost us and was sheepishly shaken when we eventually found him.) It was fascinating to be introduced to and taste the many varieties of produce and herbs alien to most westerners. The cooking school is an attractive, state of the art
wonder complete with overhead mirrors. We learned to use new implements to peel exotic fruits and sipped ginger tea as we prepared everything we would eat, ultimately enjoying a veritable and memorable feast. Contentedly full with an hour to peruse the town before the bus was to leave, I wandered and dripped. I don’t cope well with intense heat and I had been perspiring (and complaining, according to my spouse) ever since we arrived in Asia. I saw a tiny shop displaying a pretty blue dress that looked cool & comfortable. There was no place to try it on but it was only $7 so I promptly bought it even though, as my husband later reminded me, we would be leaving the country in two days and I probably wouldn’t need it.
I was delighted with my purchase but not so delighted when I discovered, while on the bus, that I had left it at the shop. There was no time to go back but Hao, our friendly tour guide, offered to retrieve it for me the next day and send it to me if I wished. I foolishly said yes and gave him my address, assuring him I would happily pay for the postage. A month later, memory having faded, I was startled when a package arrived. Inside the padded envelope was the pretty blue dress (that looked ludicrously absurd as I shivered in my sweaters) along with a note from Hao telling me the postage was $25. Wishing I had just left the dress behind but appreciative of his efforts, I went immediately to wire the money. Never
having done this before I was not anticipating the $10 fee for sending $25. The cost of the $7 dress was now $42. The young woman handling the wire transaction cheerfully told me this was new to her, as well. I should have paid attention. She also assured me the money would be available to Hao immediately and that all he had to do was to present his ID to claim it. I e-mailed that news to Hao and thanked him. He emailed me saying he needed the number on the receipt. The receipt I could not find. Another $25 and another $10 fee later, my $7 pretty blue dress is hanging in my closet, yet to be worn. Somehow it doesn‘t seem quite so pretty any more. Next month: Abandoned in Israel
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Seniors4Travel Robert Boyd & Carolyn Prusa
W
ho says you can’t have a nice holiday right here in Northern Nevada? Travel east on Interstate 80 and you’ll find lots of interesting Nevada attractions. We just returned from our first road trip of the summer, having spent a few relaxing days at our favorite B&B, the Old Pioneer Garden Inn in Unionville. Unionville Tucked away in the foothills of Buena Vista Canyon, Unionville is not a
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place you just happen upon. First, from Interstate 80 at the Mill City/Unionville exit you must travel south on Highway 40 for over twenty miles, then west on a gravel road for about three miles more. Even so, this historic mining ghost town is hidden from view until you’re right there upon it. Mark Twain lived in Unionville for a brief time seeking his fortune (unsuccessfully) by mining for silver. The Old Pioneer Garden Inn, operated by Mitzi and David Jones, offers a beautiful respite from the stress and business of everyday life. The inn’s renovated historic houses are furnished with antiques. Breakfast (includ-
ed) and dinner (extra) is cooked and served by Mitzi in her house from produce grown on the farm. We noticed goats, sheep, chickens, geese, dogs and cats on the property, and fell headover-heels in love with a super friendly, two-week old goat named Hattie that ran up to the fence whenever we came near. David said she was hoping we were going to feed her. And, we thought she just liked us! With no internet, cell phone service, radio or TV, it’s one of our favorite places to stay. Their telephone number is (775) 538-7585. Lovelock Lovelock, located along I-80 between Reno and Winnemucca, was once a stopping-off place for pioneers trekking west to California. Today it’s a popular stop for travelers in need of gas and food. We had lunch at the Cowboy Café and enjoyed it a lot. On other occasions we’ve stopped at a nice Lovelock city park next to the Pershing County Courthouse for a picnic lunch. If you do go that way, check out the iron railing behind the courthouse. Capitalizing on the city name, couples are encouraged to reaffirm their love for one another by attaching a padlock to it. A great many folks have done just that. Paradise Valley North of Winnemucca via Highway 95 is Paradise Valley. There, at the base of the Santa Rosa mountains, you’ll find another relaxing B&B, the Stonehouse
Country Inn. Phone: (775) 578-3530 Fax: (775) 578-3716. Email: stonehouse@ m-hip.com. Pyramid Lake About 28 miles north of Reno, Pyramid Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the state of Nevada. Pyramid Lake is also the biggest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, the colossal inland sea that once covered most of Nevada. And, it’s here that the Truckee River exits. Pyramid Lake is surrounded by unusual rock formations, including the Pyramid Lake Stone Mother. Pyramid Lake’s significant role in the history of the Paiute Indian tribe also adds to its mystique and the many myths and tales surrounding it. Pyramid Lake consists of five fish: The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Pyramid Lake holds the world record for this species), Cui-ui (kwee-wee), Sacramento Perch, Tui-chub and Tahoe Sucker. Because this popular fishing and boating spot is on an Indian Reservation, if fishing is your passion you will need to buy a special fishing license. You can do that Crosby’s Lodge in the community of Sutcliffe along the western banks of the lake. Crosby’s also carries groceries. Sit at the Crosby’s bar and listen to the music – or the fish stories – there’s bound to be some. Crosby’s also offers overnight accommodations. Take Pyramid Highway north from Sparks or Hwy 447 off I-80 near the Fernley exit.
ECLECTIC OBSERVER by Janet Ross
O
nce a mother, always a mother, so when my son (who lives in the Los Angeles area) mentioned a craving for rhubarb pie I felt the need to find some for him. Considering the distance - and difficulty I wasn’t about to bake a pie and send it, but I did consult the computer and Google® provided a Southern California source. Du-par’s Restaurant & Bakery has been a Los Angeles institution since its founding in 1938 by partners, James Dunn (the “du”) and Edward Parsons (the “par”). Located at the corner of West 3rd Street and Fairfax, at the world-famous Farmer’s Market, the eatery has long been popular with Angelinos and tourists alike. Noted for its breakfasts and fresh fruit pies, the coffee shop atmosphere of the 1930s has been retained with red leatherette booths and waitresses in perky uniforms. Du-Par’s menu lists 24 different pies, with rhubarb as one of the standards. It was mandatory then, that on a recent visit to my son, we get him a piece of rhubarb pie. On a Saturday in March we found a parking spot on the top level at The Grove’s garage. (The Grove, a popular shopping mall - often the place for celebrity sightings sits next to the Farmers Market.) We pushed our way through the mobs at the open-air Grove, faced even more crowded walkways through the covered Farmers Market, to find Du-Par’s a quiet and uncrowded haven for a late lunch.
I opted for a combo that included a bowl of Du-Par’s famous yellow split-pea soup, half a roast turkey sandwich, and a slice of pecan pie. (The combo was a bargain, but way too much food. Generous portions are standard at Du-Par’s.) My son chose a French Dip tri-tip sandwich, fries, fresh lemonade and, of course, rhubarb
pie. He described his pie as “good.” Faint praise, perhaps, though it did have a pretty lattice top of flaky pastry with large chunks of pink rhubarb filling. Request filled and mother’s duty done. Rhubarb has been a part of my life since childhood. My maternal Grandmother served fresh stewed rhubarb each spring. Her English ancestry decreed that most desserts be served with a
dollop of custard (cooked slowly until it coated a silver spoon), and chilled stewed rhubarb was no exception. Through the years I’ve made my own (stewed) rhubarb sauce, but have yet to attempt soft custard from scratch (instant vanilla pudding is a poor substitute). When we moved to Sparks in the seventies, additions to the back yard included three rhubarb plants. (Electic page 34)
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Two remain to this day. The large, dark green, wrinkly leaves at the end of light green stalks are an attractive addition to the garden. I hadn’t realized there is more than one variety of rhubarb; the stalks of ours remain green but taste the same as the pinky-red variety. (Those handsome leaves are poisonous warns the Sunset Western Garden Guide, and stalks should be harvested by pulling from the base, never cut. As a perennial, rhubarb will disappear during the
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winter month to return in the spring for harvest in April through June.) My favorite rhubarb recipes are for a pie, from Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook and a super-easy fresh rhubarb crisp. I’ve tried using frozen rhubarb and found it disappointing, so make either of these treats using only fresh rhubarb. BETTY CROCKER’S RHUBARB CUSTARD PIE For a 9" pie you’ll need an unbaked pie shell, preferably
in a deep pie dish. Beat slightly 3 Eggs, add 3 Tbsp Milk. Mix and stir in 2 cups Sugar, 1/4 Four, 3/4 Tsp Nutmeg. Mix in 4 cups cutup pink Rhubarb. Pour into pastry shell. Dot with 1 Tbsp Butter. Bake at 400 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Cool before serving. FRESH RHUBARB CRISP Mix and put in a greased 8 x 8 x 2" pan: 4 Cups cut-up Rhubarb, 1 Cup Sugar, 1/4 Cup Flour, ½ Tsp Cinnamon,
½ C Water. Top with a mixture of: 1 C Flour, ½ Oats, 1 C Brown Sugar, ½ Cup melted Butter. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Enjoy! And, if you’re headed to Los Angeles, you can check out Du-Par’s at www.du-pars.com. The Farmers Market location is open 24 hours daily. (There are now branches of the restaurant in Point Loma, Studio City, Oxnard and surprise - Las Vegas.)
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