April 2014
Not That Old And Loving It!
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from the
Staff Publisher
We are glad to share with you the fourth issue of Simply 55+ Magazine in its print and digital format. We've made some improvements since our last edition—making the already easy to follow format even more reader friendly.
Scott Worrall
Editor in Chief Wayne Morgan
Creative Director Dallas Arnold
Contributing Writer Barbara Worrall
In this issue, we invited you to let us know what you think about Simply 55+ Magazine in its digital form. We have worked very hard as a group to make the online edition as useful and easy to navigate as possible. Any type of feedback from our readers would be greatly appreciated. Always remember, we only become a better source of information for our readers when they let us know what is working and what needs to be changed.
With Warmest Thanks, — Simply 55+ Staff
Advertising Director Dan Stern
Executive Assistant Martha Zerblis
Circulation & Distribution LV Distributing
Mission Statement To provide a comprehensive guide for value, quality and affordable ways for seniors. To enhance and elevate the standard of home, as well as senior leisure life in Southern Nevada. While making you feel informed and a part of our growing community.
Subscriptions You can mail your subscription request to: 1176 Center Point Dr, Henderson, NV 89074 Simply55+ Magazine is published Bi-monthly by Fader Publishing LLC. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.
The staff and writers at Simply 55+ are not medical doctors therefore we cannot give medical advice. The information provided on any topics presented herein is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. This information is for entertainment purposes only. No responsibility is assumed by Simply 55+, the authors nor anyone connected with this magazine, or it's companion website for the use of this information and no guarantees of any kind are made for the performance or effectiveness of the recommendations and information provided. If you have questions please contact a licensed medical professional.
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Contents April 2014 PAGE
8
6 Tips For Younger-Looking Skin
PAGE
12 PAGE
14 PAGE
16 PAGE
20
5 Ways You’re Wasting Time At The Gym The Different Types of Vegetarians Artfully Intrigued The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Page 14
PAGE
28
Refresh Your Living Room For Spring
PAGE
34 PAGE
Your Getaway To Big Bear
36
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
PAGE
Switching To A Greener Car Why and How To Do It
40 PAGE
47
Page 28
When Should Seniors Consider a Reverse Mortgage?
From The Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 New Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 38 Simply Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 42
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6 Tips For
Younger-Looking Skin Skin naturally changes with age, often losing elasticity and developing fine lines or wrinkles. Regardless of your age, youthful skin can be achieved and maintained by following a few simple steps. If you want to reduce the signs of ageing and keep your skin looking young and healthy, try these 6 tips for younger-looking skin.
Sleep Well Poor sleep patterns can have a negative affect on health, particularly if you are regularly having less sleep than your body needs. Lack of sleep can also be partly responsible for a range of health conditions affecting the skin, such as psoriasis and other stress-related skin problems. Good quality sleep helps your skin to heal and renew, while also aiding the production of collagen. If you are having trouble sleeping, warm milk, chamomile tea, lavender oil and herbal sleep aids can all help to beat insomnia.
Use Sun Protection Exposure to strong sunshine is one of the biggest causes of premature ageing of the skin. Sunlight can dehydrate skin and damage skin cells, leading to damaged skin, premature wrinkles and dry or flaky skin. Always protect your skin from sun damage by using a sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor). When the sun is at its hottest, cover your skin by wearing light clothing, sunglasses and protective hats or other head wear.
Learn to Relax
Kick Bad Habits Smoking causes a reduction in the amount of collagen produced by your body. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and helping to prevent wrinkles. In addition, the repetitive action of smoking can lead to the development of fine lines and
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creases around the lips and eyes. If you are a regular smoker, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve the condition of your skin. Excessive alcohol intake can also cause skin to age prematurely, as it can cause dehydration of the skin.
Stress can cause or lead to a worsening of dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin problems. Learning to relax helps to reduce stress levels, particularly when relaxation techniques are practiced regularly. Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and selfhypnosis techniques can all be effective ways to relax and reduce your stress levels. If you find it difficult to make time for meditation or relaxation exercises, try winding down with a relaxing bath, herbal tea or piece of classical music at the end of the day. Not That Old And Loving It!
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Take Regular Exercise Regular exercise can significantly improve the condition of your skin, as well as help to reduce stress and promote peaceful sleep. Brisk walking in the fresh air is one of the best types of exercise for encouraging younger-looking skin. Aerobic exercise, yoga, cycling and swimming are also excellent forms of exercise for most people. However, you should clean your skin thoroughly after using public swimming pools, as chemicals in the water can cause skin problems.
Eat Plenty of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables helps to ensure that your body has all the nutrients needed to repair and renew your skin. Foods high in vitamin E, such as avocados, almonds and hazelnuts, are particularly good for your skin. In addition, always remember to drink plenty of water, as dehydration can cause dry skin and other skin problems. Fruit teas, herbal teas and diluted fruit juices are excellent alternatives to water. There are many skin care products available to nourish your skin and help prevent premature wrinkles. However, making just a few simple lifestyle changes can help your body to renew and repair skin cells, giving your skin a youthful appearance and preventing fine lines.
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5 Ways You're Wasting Time at the Gym If you've made the gym a regular part of your life, you're already further along on the path to fitness than most people. However, it is important to use your gym time efficiently. You don't have to live in the gym to achieve a fit, healthy body.
Many people are spending too much time at the gym because they're not using their gym time efficiently. Let's take a look at some of the most common ways that people are wasting their time when they go to the gym.
Too Much Cardio Cardiovascular workouts are very important for your overall health. They also help you lose a lot of weight. However, they have diminishing returns. If you find yourself on the treadmill for several hours at a time, you might actually be hurting your progress. An excess of cardiovascular work hurts your ability to recover for your next workout. It also makes you more likely to burn muscle, which will lower your metabolism and hurt your progress with resistance workouts. Instead of living on the treadmill, try lowering your caloric intake. No amount of cardio can fix a problematic diet.
Ab Workouts Strong abdominal muscles are necessary to improve your lifts and prevent injury. However, you shouldn't be fooled into thinking that ab workouts alone will get you a six pack. The fact of the matter is that in order to see your abs, you must have a very low body fat percentage. The exact number varies a bit between individuals, but consider that you've never seen a person with chubby arms and a six pack. Ab workouts are important, but they should not be your top priority.
Curl Obsession The bicep curl is the exercise that most people associate with becoming muscular. However, it 12 • Simply55+ • April 2014
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is not a particularly important workout for beginners. It is much more important to focus on compound lifts such as presses, squats, rows and deadlifts. Many of these compound lifts will help your biceps get bigger and stronger while also strengthening other muscles. Once you're more advanced, you can incorporate curls if you think that your biceps aren't in proportion to your other muscles.
Aimless Workouts Many people who are new to gym like to wander around and do a little bit of work on each machine. Although this type of workout is better than sitting at home and doing nothing, you will progress much faster with a solid plan. Do some research or talk to others in the gym. Discuss your goals to find out what you should be doing. Many beginners opt to do a simple full body routine. Others will find better results with splits that target a different body part on each day. If you show up to the gym with a goal in mind, you will spend less time there and have better results.
Bad Form Many novice lifters are plagued by bad form. Although bad form often helps you push heavier weights around, it prevents you from reaching your goals and increases your Not That Old And Loving It!
risk of injury. If you are unsure about your form, seek the help of a trainer. Although trainers are costly, the progress you make will be worth it. Going to a gym is an investment that you are making in yourself. If you make the most out of the time you spend there, you will get the greatest possible return on your investment in the shortest time possible.
Gold’s Gym Las Vegas (Aliante) 2745 N Centennial Parkway Suite 115 North Las Vegas, NV 89084 (702) 396-0800 Gold’s Gym Las Vegas Summerlin NW 7501 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89128 (702) 360-8205 Gold’s Gym Las Vegas (Centennial) 6564 Losee Road Las Vegas, NV 89086 (702) 657-0171 Gold’s Gym Las Vegas (South) 9310 S. Eastern Ave., #110 Henderson, NV 89123 (702) 914-5885 Gold’s Gym Las Vegas (Southeast) 35 S. Stephanie Henderson, NV 89012 (702) 269-0828 April 2014 • Simply55+ • 13
The Different Types of Vegetarians The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a vegetarian as a herbivore (an animal that only eats plants). However, being a vegetarian isn’t quite as black and white as the name suggests. In fact some vegetarians do eat some meat and/or some kind of animal product like eggs and milk. Below you will find information about the varying types of vegetarians that exist.
Pescetarian A pescetarian is a person that doesn’t eat all meat except for fish. In fact most vegetarians can describe themselves as a pescetarian. One of the most common reasons why somebody might choose to be a pescetarian is for health reasons. It
is known that nonlean red meats can contain a high amount of saturated fats. One the other hand, fish is known to be a good source of healthy fatty acids and omega-3. A pescetarian can be described as a semivegetarian or flexitarian.
Pollotarians Pollotarians eat chicken and other poultry but they don’t eat meat from mammals. There are many reasons why somebody might choose a Pollotarian diet and environmental, health or food justice reasons are the most commonly cited motives. Pollotarians
can also be described as a semi-vegetarian or flexitarian.
Pollo-Pescetarians On top of eating poultry, Pollo-Pescetarians can also eat fish, but they don’t eat red meat from mammals. Again, the most common motives for becoming a pollo-pescetarian are the same as the reasons for being a Pollotarian. Similarly to pescetarianism and pollotariansim, this diet is also a semi-vegetarian or flexitarian diet.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian Lacto-ovo vegetarianism refers to people that don’t eat any types of meat, but do eat dairy and egg products. The word ‘lacto’ comes from the Latin word for milk, and the word ‘ovo’ comes from the Latin word for egg. Therefore, a lacto vegetarian wouldn’t eat meat or eggs, but would eat other dairy products. On the other hand, ovo vegetarians don’t eat dairy products, but they do eat eggs.
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A vegan doesn’t eat any anything that comes from animals. There are 2 distinct types of vegans. Firstly, a dietary vegan would refrain from eating meat and anything else that is produced from an animal, and this would include dairy products, eggs and other things such as honey. Secondly, an ethical vegan not only follows the diet of a dietary vegan, but they also take it one step further by not using any kind of animal product in their daily lives. An example of this would be leather shoes.
Raw Vegan Raw vegans follow the same rules as normal vegans, but they also don’t eat food that has been cooked above 48 ºC. The reason for this is because they believe that cooking foods above this temperature destroys the micronutrients contained within the food. The most common reason for being a raw vegan is spiritual with environmental and health issues being less important for this choice of diet. As you can see, there is more to being a vegetarian than one might think. It’s impossible to say that somebody is either a meat eater or not a meat eater. Although all the different types of vegetarianism listed above do fall under the same heading, they can be divided into sub-categories. Not That Old And Loving It!
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Artfully Intrigued
When it comes to collecting art one naturally thinks of priceless, beautiful paintings or sculptures adorning equally beautiful homes or galleries. They are timeless treasures to be admired and coveted by those lucky few who can enjoy such things. It takes a skilled eye, they say, a deep pocket and a vast knowledge to spot these treasures. Frankly, this notion is entirely misleading. Buying art can be as simple as the joy one finds in its beauty - and with the help of the following tips you should find that you agree. 16 • Simply55+ • April 2014
First and foremost, art is a form of self-expression, so if it is great art you are looking for you need to start your search at the source; which in this case is the artist. Galleries do have their uses, they are a great place to tap into the main artery of the artistic world, and even socialize with fellow art lovers. Keep in mind that at least 50% of the price you pay is the gallery’s cut. Therefore you can find much better value for you money when dealing directly with the artist. Not That Old And Loving It!
more popular and well-known the The best artists look out for are in- artist becomes the more valuable dependent creators of unique, con- the art you have already purchased temporary works that are consistent becomes. in their style, but who are still Now when it comes to buying the ‘emerging’ and not yet ‘fully estab- art itself, the Internet is a great lished’. The bolder creators are source. It allows you to look usually a good bet too, because around and compare all the differthey tend to start new trends. ent pieces on offer so that you can Get to know the artist, if they have find the best product for your a biography read it. This will better needs. Avoid art without a price. This is usually an attempt to gauge help you to gauge their future poyour interest so that the seller can tential and understand the hidden charge you the highest possible meanings behind their work. Given the opportunity, try and pro- amount for any given work. No one mote your new found artist. Spread enjoys being hood-winked. the word; make sure people hear the name. At the end of the day the Frame the art yourself, it is far more cost-effective to buy and ship unframed art work, and it also gives you the chance to pick a frame that not only enhances the piece itself, but also the space you want to put it in. Nothing enhances original art quite like adding a personal touch and some individual flavor. Most importantly, you do not need a graduate degree behind your name in order to partake in and enjoy the ‘artsy’ side of life. Take the time to reflect, search around until you find a piece that you can relate to. The old adage is true: beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. If the art you buy brings joy to your heart and home, a smile to your face or lightness to your spirit then that is the battle already won. Not That Old And Loving It!
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The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet Taking care of a furry friend may require your time, money, and energy, but there are payoffs to having a pet in your home. In fact, the research shows that having a pet can benefit both your physical and mental well-being. Read on to learn more.
The Physical Health Benefits of Pet Ownership Having a pet may improve your physical health, according to research. A study published in a 1991 edition of the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine followed pet owners for a 10-month period after they brought home either a dog or a cat, and a group of individuals without pets served as a control. Both dog and cat owners experienced fewer minor health issues during the first month of having a pet, and dog owners experienced a decrease in health issues for
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the entire length of the 10-month study. Both dog and cat owners scored better on a test called the General Health Questionnaire. The relationship between pet ownership and improved health may be a result of physical activity. For instance, in the 1991 study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, dog owners completed more exercise due to walking their dogs, and they engaged in greater amounts of physical activity for the duration of the study. A study published in 2008 in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health produced similar results, finding that dog owners were more likely than those who did not own dogs to walk for leisure. A study published a year later in the same journal found that dog owners completed significantly more moderate and vigorous physical activity
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than those who did not own dogs, and they spent less time being sedentary than those without dogs. In addition, dog owners in the study were 1.5 times more likely than those who did not own dogs to complete the recommended amount of physical activity. Pet ownership may also have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. A study published in a 2002 edition of Psychosomatic Medicine found that pet owners had lower blood pressure and heart rates than those without pets, and they experienced less of an increase in heart rate and blood pressure when faced with a vexing situation than did those who did not own pets. Another study published in a 1992 edition of the Medical Journal of Australia analyzed 784 pet owners and found that they had lower systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels than those who did not own pets. Additionally, a 1995 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that dog owners were less likely than non-owners were to die during the year following a heart attack.
with a therapy dog experienced a reduction in stress.
companionship and made them feel happier.
Additional research has found that pets are associated with mental health benefits. For instance, a study published in 2009 in the American Journal of Orthopsychology found that pets assisted in the recovery process for individuals
Another study, published in 2011 in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, found that pet owners experienced mental health benefits. In the study, pet owners had higher self-esteem and were less lonely than those who did not own pets. In addition, when participants in the study were socially rejected in a laboratory setting, thinking about their pets protected them from the negativity associated with social rejection.
with serious mental illness by being empathetic and therapeutic, acting as family, and empowering patients. Additionally, adults who participated in a study published in a 2013 edition of the Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare reported that their dogs provided
The studies discussed here suggest that pets provide numerous health benefits, and the relationship between pets and physical and mental well-being makes pet ownership seem rather appealing. If you have been considering bringing a pet into your home, knowing about the physical and mental benefits of having a furry friend may be enough to convince you that having a pet is the right decision!
The Relationship between Pet Ownership and Mental Health Pet ownership may provide mental health benefits in addition to its relationship with improvements in physical health. For example, a study published in the journal Anxiety, Stress, and Coping in 2003 found that petting an animal reduced anxiety among study participants who were in the midst of a stressful situation. In addition, a study published in a 2005 edition of Psychological Reports found that healthcare professionals who spent just 5 minutes
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Refresh Your Living Room for Spring terned rug can create a focal point in the center of your living room.
Windows Take down heavy, floor-length, draftexcluding drapes and replace them with sheer curtains made from voile or another lightweight material. This will allow the sunlight to flood in and brighten your up your living room. Add a Venetian, Roman or roller blind for privacy and/or to block out the sunlight whenever you are watching television or using your laptop.
Fireplace Spring has arrived. It's time to open your windows and let the fresh air and sunlight stream in. It's also time to remove all vestiges of the winter and bring in new items inspired by the warmer weather. Here are some ways to revitalize your living room in the spring.
Walls You may not wish to redecorate your living room walls completely, but, if the room is painted or wallpapered in neutral shades, it could be a good idea to create an accent wall. Decorated differently from the other walls in a room, an accent wall draws the eye and creates a focal point. Choose a wall with a prominent feature, such as a fireplace, for the accent wall. Either paint the accent wall in a spring-inspired color or cover it with
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repositionable wallpaper in a design that fits in with the décor in the rest of the room. The main advantage of using repositionable wallpaper is that you can remove it whenever you wish without leaving any marks on the wall. It is therefore possible to change the design of your accent wall every season.
Floors If you have heavy rugs in dark colors on your wooden floor, now is the time to remove them. You can then either leave the floor as it is or, if it needs a touch of warmth or color, add one or two thin, lightweight rugs made from cotton or jute. Choose plain rugs in neutral or pastel colors that blend in with the rest of your décor. Alternatively, a large pat-
Now that the winter is over, it's time to remove buckets of coal, piles of logs, and hearth tools from your fireplace and give the grate, fireplace and hearth a thorough clean, removing all ashes and soot. Once your fireplace looks clean and fresh, you can either leave it as it is or place something in the hearth. There are many different things that could adorn the hearth, such as one or two large plants in pots, a vintage embroidered fire screen or a modern carved screen. You could also utilize the space in front of the fireplace by placing an upholstered bench or an armchair there.
Accessories Bring the beauty of nature indoors by displaying bunches of fresh spring flowers, such as daffodils, hyacinths and tulips, in vases or vintage jugs. Not That Old And Loving It!
Replace heavy throws and blankets with one or two lighter cotton throws. Throws in vibrant colours such as lime green or orange will make a statement in an otherwise neutral room. Alternatively, choose throws in understated, pastel colors that tone in with your scatter pillows and other accessories. Change the items on display on your mantel. Replace heavy wooden photograph frames with more delicate silver-edged or white-painted frames. Hang a mirror above your mantel to reflect light, making the atmosphere in your living room brighter and more airy. Place bouquets of fresh flowers on your mantel, window sill or side tables. Create a new look with some scatter pillows in contemporary designs made from cotton, linen and other lightweight fabrics. Choose spring-inspired colors such as duck-egg blue and apple green and nature-inspired designs incorporating flowers, birds, and butterflies.
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Now that winter is over, it's time to invite the new season into your living room. Create a spring-inspired accent wall. Replace heavy drapes, rugs and winter accessories with lighter-weight versions in soft colors. Bring nature into your living room by displaying plants or fresh flowers. Open the windows and let the warm air refresh your home.
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Big Bear To Do List:
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Biking/Mountain Biking: Adventure Pass 909-866-3437 (Passes available at the Big Bear Discovery Center) Alpine Sports Center 909-866-7541 (Great for bike rentals)
FAMILY ACTIVITIES:
Your Weekend Getaway
The Solar Observatory 909-866-5791 40386 Big Bear Blvd. The Bowling Barn 909-878-2695 40625 Lakeview Dr Alpine Slide At Magic Mountain 909-866-4626 800 Wildrose Lane Big Bear Charter Fishing 909-866-2240 Pleasure Point Marina 603 Landlock Landing 909-866-2455 Holloway’s Marina & RV Park 909-866-5706 800-448-5335 398 Edgemoor Rd.
HIKING: Big Bear Discovery Center 909-866-3437 Located on North Shore Drive Open year round
LAKE TOURS: Big Bear Queen 909-866-3218 Big Bear Marina 500 Paine Rd
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By Zach Saucier
L
Big Bear
ooking for your highly needed, low stress vacation? If startling beauty and pleasantly comfortable weather sounds like it's right up your alley, then pack up for the weekend and escape to Big Bear California. With only a short 3 hour drive separating you from sensory overload how can you not picture yourself in this picture perfect get away from home? A thirty-degree climate difference mixed with the intoxicating aroma of lush green pines sounds just about perfect while your driving through the majestic landscape of Big Bear. A perfect retreat for any season! Make this your ultimate family gathering and experience with exceptionally affordable prices all year round. Whether you're looking for
tour packages, hiking trails, or on the water adventures you're bound to find something within your price range. Enjoy mountain biking at its best. Ride the Sky Chair to the top and then travel the scenic bike trails, or ride the gentle North Shore bike path, which is a sightseer must. If time on the water is what you're looking for try; paddle boating, pontoon boating, sailing or power boating... windsurfing, sail boarding, waterski-
ing or jet skiing - Big Bear Lake offers it all! Does roughing it in the wild call you? Then call the Big Bear Discovery Center and start planning your camping location ASAP. The Big Bear Discovery Center is an educational and informational portal to the San
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Bernardino National Forest, and is located within the heart of the Big Bear Valley. The Center heightens your awareness on how to become a more responsible caretaker of a national forest while increasing your enjoyment and knowledge of California's most recreated forestland. They also offer information for you to purchase your fishing license and start reeling in the big ones. Catfish, bass and trout are right at your fingertips! Enjoy Big Bear year-round with hourly, half-day, sunset and overnight horseback rides and tours through the lush forest areas. A destination that can offer value and entertainment throughout all seasons is something worth looking into. If you're in to skiing/cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow inner tubing or even snowshoeing, then a winter retreat is right up your alley. This is California's premier ski resort, catering to all levels, with an abundance of over 70 ski trails and 20 different lifts and
seven snow board parks. There's something for everyone in the family as well. Take the family for an evening at the Bowling Barn. Take your kids to the animal park. It's full of grizzly bears, black bears, bison and many other wild animals to gaze upon. Go to the Alpine Slides and careen down the side of a mountain. Play Miniature golf or even go for a horse drawn carriage ride through downtown. May through October offers a great opportunity to check out the Big Bear historical museum to get educated on all the history in this beautiful landscape. With such an overload of recreation and entertainment it's difficult to fully express how
Big Bear To Do List:
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: MUSEUMS: Big Bear Valley Historical Society Located on Greenway Rd. (Weekends Only) 909-585-8100
SKIING/SNOWBOARDING: Bear Mountain 909-585-2519 43101 Goldmine Dr (Group and private lessons) Snow Summit 909-866-5766 880 Summit Blvd California Adaptive Ski School 909-584-0269 43101 Goldmine Dr
ideal Big Bear is for a family getaway. This is a place that words can't do justice and should only be experienced in the flesh. See you on the mountain!
Goldsmith's Board House & Ski Rental 909-866-2728 42071 Big Bear Blvd
SHOPPING: The Village Located on Village Dr Numerous specialty stores and boutiques. BigBearLakeVillage.com
TOURS: Off Road Adventures 909-585-1036 Available all year long Scenic Sky Chair 909-866-5766 Located at Snow Summit 880 Summit Blvd
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Simple Travel Destinations to Visit from Las Vegas Nevada
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library historical artifacts, more time may be necessary. This fascinating historical destination is also the burial and resting place for the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. Library patrons can see his gravesite outside of the library building itself, along with a piece of the famous Berlin Wall. The scenery from the outside of the library gives visitors a spectacular view of the California countryside. The site is especially breathtaking in the evening when the sun is setting. This scenic, idyllic hilltop locale was beloved by the former president and Mrs. Nancy Reagan, and can now be enjoyed by visitors to the library as well. Las Vegas is a travel destination in its own right. However, for those who live in Las Vegas, it's nice to travel to other new destinations sometimes just to get away. Horizons are expanded and people learn new things through travel. There are many easy day trips that can be made from Las Vegas, Nevada. Here is one great destination, featuring historical, educational opportunities.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library In Simi Valley California, about a fourhour and forty-five minute drive from Las Vegas, is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs. The library provides a wonderful day or weekend escape. It is just 45 minutes north of Los Angeles, and is a premiere destination for history lovers and for lovers of aviation. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is now the home of the former Air Force One aircraft with the tail
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number 27000. This particular plane flew seven presidents and has also flown over one million miles. It was the plane Ronald Reagan flew on to visit the site of the historic Berlin Wall. He made his famous speech to Mr. Gorbachev there, the one where he made his request to tear down the wall. The library holds over 40,000 personal effects and artifacts from the presidency of Ronald Reagan, along with over 60 million pages of historical documents and over 1.5 million photographs. History aficionados will find plenty to appeal to their curious nature and plenty of learning opportunities within the wealth of artifacts, photos, documents, video tapes and audio tapes.
Three Hours Is Needed to See Everything It's advised to allow at least three hours for seeing everything. For those who love to read every notation and who wish to take their time perusing all the
Permanent Displays of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Displays that are permanently found at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library include the library itself, a museum and a pavilion displaying Air Force one and a Marine One helicopter. Other displays include a piece of the Berlin Wall, a life-size replica of the Oval Office and eighteen galleries highlighting various aspects of President Reagan's life and times. There are also temporary exhibits that are changed about three times a year. The exhibits in the library are administered by the NARA, the National Archives and Records Administration. Everything on display in the museum and library is there in part due to the Presidential Records Act, which allows the library to be the archive storehouse for all the presidential memorabilia and artifacts of Ronald Reagan's presidency.
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Replica of the Oval Office The life-size replica of the historic Oval Office, which is found in Washington, D.C., features a model of the desk used by President Ronald Reagan, along with his famous jar of jelly beans. This office is where President Reagan, because of his high regard for the office of the presidency, never removed his suit jacket. The style of the Oval Office has changed very little since the 1930s. Each new president has the option of putting new carpeting on the floor and placing their own meaningful items in the office and on the walls. Many presidents choose the works of art that appear on office walls during their presidency.
The Pavilion That Houses Air Force One and the Marine One Helicopter Visitors can walk through the interior of Air Force One for viewing. Inside the plane are sections used as work areas and other sections for relaxation. Museum visitors with special needs have a wheel chair lift that lets them view the plane's entrance and the communication center and flight deck. There are also elevators at the back entrance, allowing special needs visitors to see an interesting photo album that has been placed next to the plane. The interior of the plane itself is not special needs accessible, though. In the pavilion, library patrons also find the Marine One helicopter used during Reagan's presidential administration. Limousines are on display there for viewing, including one with a "Gipper" license plate. Many will remember that this was Ronald Reagan's nickname.
The Berlin Wall Display A piece of the former Berlin Wall is on display outdoors, in back of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. On one side of the wall, visitors will notice colorful drawings of flowers. The other side, however, features graffiti that was a bleak reminder of the oppression of the people of East Berlin. The flowers represented the freedom and prosperity being experienced by residents of West Berlin. The Berlin Wall was taken down in 1989 during Ronald Reagan's presidency. The president was instrumental in the effective talks that helped to bring down this concrete symbol. The Berlin Wall stood between East and West Berlin representing the Cold War for over 30 years. Many consider this to be one of the most important achievements of Ronald Reagan's presidency.
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UTILITIES Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson POWER • www.nvenergy.com Nevada Power • NVEnergy 24 hour customer service 367-5555 Para servicio En Espanol 367-5554 Toll Free 1-800-331-3103 TDD 367-5080 Boulder City Utilities 293-9244 GARBAGE • www.republicservices.com Republic Services Inc 735-5151 Clark County Sanitation District 458-1180 City of Boulder City 293-9244 GAS • www.swgas.com Southwest Gas Corp Customer General Offices 876-7011
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES & PUBLIC SAFETY 486-4368 • www.dmvnv.com 8am-5pm M-F 8am-4pm Sat. LAS VEGAS LOCATIONS 8250 W. Flamingo (near Durango) 2701 E. Sahara (at McLeod) 7170 N. Decatur (at Elkhorn) NORTH LAS VEGAS LOCATION 4110 Donovan Way (The Express office) Closed on Saturdays HENDERSON LOCATION 1399 American Pacific (at Stephanie) BOULDER CITY By appointment (only on Wednesday) 293-5673
DID YOU KNOW...
SEWER • www.cleanwaterteam.com Clark County Sanitation 458-1180/800-782-4324
Once you have made the move, you can use your out of state drivers license for only thirty days until you have to get your new Nevada license.
TELEPHONE Century Link 479-7711 /800-201-4999 Vonage 877-756-3254
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
WATER • www.snwa.com Las Vegas Valley Water District 870-4194 Henderson Water Department 267-5900 City of Boulder City 293-9244
CAT Bus 228-7433 • www.rtcsnv.com (CAT bus runs throughout the valley 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fare is $2 each way, and senior citizens and children ages 6-17 are eligible for reduced fares with a CAT reduced fare photo ID - 5 & under ride free.)
CABLE • www.cox.com Cox Communications 383-4000 /866-961-0027 Century Link/Prism 800-201-4999 Dish 800-823-4929 DirecTV 855-838-4388
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Temporary Exhibits are Displayed Temporary exhibits that have appeared in the past at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library included a display of Nancy Reagan's clothing, in an exhibit called Nancy Reagan: A First Lady's Style. Another display consisted of a collection of artifacts known as the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives. An exhibit housed in the library for a short time was a display of the original copy of the famous Magna Carta document from the year 1215. This was on loan to the library from the Lincoln Cathedral in England. The display was called Magna Carta: Essence of Democracy.
Two Places to Eat Within the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Visitors can choose to eat at a restaurant called Reagan's Country Café, which features hamburgers and fries, sandwich options, side dishes, desserts, salads and soups. There are also choices from daily menu specials. Visitors do not need to buy museum admission to eat at this café. This restaurant boasts beautiful views of the California countryside and the Pacific Ocean. Not That Old And Loving It!
Visitors can also choose to have a sandwich, a drink and dessert in the Ronald Reagan Pub, in the Pavilion where Air Force One and Marine One are housed. This restaurant is on the lower level of the Pavilion. Visitors need to buy museum admission to enter this popular restaurant.
Visitors Enjoy History and Scenic Beauty Learning about the history of the United States during Ronald Reagan's Presidency is a fascinating venture. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is a beautiful spot for these educational opportunities to take place. Many activities are held on the library grounds throughout the year, offering extra opportunities for visits. It's good to check the website of the library to find out if any special events are being held during the time of your visit. It's an easy day or weekend trip from Las Vegas, Nevada to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
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Switching to a Greener Car - Why and How To Do It There has been a lot of talk in the media over the past few years on the subject of greener cars. Greener cars are any vehicles that are designed to produce fewer harmful emissions, including CO2, which is believed in many scientific communities to be a significant cause of climate change. While other types of green cars are in development (such as "plugin hybrids" that charge their electric batteries at special charging stations, and fully electric vehicles), for the most part, when people talk about greener cars, they are referring to mainstream hybrid cars like the Prius, which was one of the first widely available hybrids and is now the best-selling hybrid range in the world, and the Honda Insight.
Why Should I Buy a Hybrid? Environmental Benefits: If you are someone who is particularly concerned about climate change and wants to do everything in their power to stop their own potential impact on it, buying a hybrid is one of the easiest and best ways to make a change. While a lot of people promote the benefits of switching to public transport as a greener means of getting around, for some people, this just isn't possible. And if you need a car but don't want to feel like your car is having a highly negative
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impact on the environment, a hybrid is the way to go.
This allows you to be more aware of your surroundings since there isn't any noise coming from your vehicle that would drown out important sounds, such as sirens or children playing, as you drive.
Buying a Hybrid
Lower Fuel Costs: If climate change isn't your main priority when it comes to your choice of vehicle, you may still find a hybrid to be appealing because of its vastly superior fuel economy. Fuel is expensive for everyone at the moment, so what could be more appealing than a car that uses less of it? You'll spend a lot less time and money at the pumps if you invest in a hybrid. A Quieter Ride: Another benefit that comes with owning a hybrid is the ability to drive around in a vehicle that not only provides a smooth ride but a surprisingly quiet one as well. While other vehicles on the market are trying their hardest to be quiet on the road, they simply do not compare to the low noise level that comes with a hybrid.
Buying a hybrid is easier than it was when they were a novelty. You can now choose from all kinds of styles and manufacturers, and because hybrid technology has been available for quite some time now, you can buy used hybrid cars if you don't want to buy a brand new vehicle. Vehicles of all sizes are available with at least a mild hybrid component, where electric power assists the petrol engine, so whether you need a big car for your big family or a small run-around, you can still enter the hybrid market. Some people are put off from buying a hybrid because they fear that the complicated-sounding engine setup might be difficult to maintain. They worry that finding a skilled mechanic might be a problem. Again, this may have been an issue when hybrids were new and reasonably rare. However, it is easy now to find professional mechanics who specialize in hybrids. And for hybrids made by major manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, and Chevy, getting parts is just as easy as it is for any of their other models. Not That Old And Loving It!
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When Should Seniors Consider a Reverse Mortgage? If you are over 62 years old and own your home outright, you may have been targeted by advertisements trying to get you to consider a reverse mortgage. Many cash-strapped seniors think about reverse mortgages as a viable option to supplement Social Security income and be able to afford to do more in their retirement. Still, these loans aren't for everyone. While they have their benefits, reverse mortgages also have risks associated with them that could make one a bad financial decision for you. Here is a look at some of the basics of reverse mortgages and the pros and cons of getting one. How Do Reverse Mortgages Work? - You can think of a reverse mortgage as a loan that you take out to cash in on the equity that you currently have wrapped up in your home. Say that you have paid off the loan on your home and find yourself with a house worth $250,000. Once you are retired, you may find that Social Security income alone isn't enough to finance your lifestyle, but you don't have access to the investment you've made in your house unless you sell your home and move into a cheaper alternative. Reverse mortgages allow you to borrow money from the bank against your home. You don't have to repay the loan until you either move out of your house or until you die, so you can stay in your home for as long as possible while still benefiting from its equity. Depending on the terms of your loan, you may receive money monthly or be able to cash in the entire value of your home in one lump sum. What Are the Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage? - Taken at face value, a reverse mortgage might sound like a great deal. After all, it allows you to stay put in your house while still having access to enough money to live more comfortably. The payouts taken from a reverse mortgage also aren't taxable, so you don't have to worry about losing your Medicare or Social Security benefits. As an added bonus, most lenders don't place any restrictions on how you use the money you borrow, so many seniors can enjoy luxuries that might never have been possible without the extra income provided by the loan.
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What Are the Disadvantages of a Reverse Mortgage? - Like most financial products that seem too good to be true, the cons of opting for a reverse mortgage are numerous enough to make many seniors reconsider. For one, the costs associated with taking out one of these loans are extremely high. Not only do you need to pay closing costs and other fees up front (just like a regular mortgage), but you will also incur several fees throughout the life of the loan. You're still left responsible for paying property taxes, home insurance, and maintenance costs to keep your house up to a certain standard. In addition, reverse mortgage holders are required to purchase mortgage insurance, which protects the lender in case the overall value of your home decreases during the lending period. While the money you receive as a payout in your reverse mortgage may feel to you like a major windfall, you also have to remember that it does have to be repaid at some point. Many times, seniors will end up needing to move into a retirement community or nursing home, which prompts the loan to need to be repaid immediately. If you need to sell the house in order to repay your debt, any dependents who have been living in the house with you could end up without a place to stay. Along the same lines, the mortgage must be repaid in full (with interest) when you die, which could severely reduce or even eliminate the inheritance you are able to leave any of your descendants. Who Should Consider a Reverse Mortgage? - Most financial experts will agree that the only seniors who should consider a reverse mortgage are those that really have no other choice. It's best to explore all your other options before settling on a reverse mortgage because the risks tend to outweigh the benefits for many borrowers. You likely worked hard for years to pay off your home in the first place, so you need to think long and hard before you decide to make a move that could potentially cause you to lose all your equity. For some seniors, a reverse mortgage will be the only way to finance retirement, but others find that there are better and safer options. April 2014 • Simply55+ • 47
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