CALIFORNIA JUNE 2015
Senior
GLENN SYMMONDS
ямБnding new ways to reach fans
Dick Maw VOLUNTEER
of the month
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ON THE COVER ROCKER GLENN SYMMONDS
CALIFORNIA
Senior
JUNE 2015. Produced by Gold Country Media
Making music with Eddie Money Photo by Anne Stokes
CEO
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INSIDE
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07
GLENN SYMMONDS
11
LIVE LONGER BY MAKING MUSIC
13
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
14
DONO DAL CIELO VINEYARDS
16
TURNAROUND TRIP:
18
RV CONNECTIONS
19
BRAIN GAMES
20
CALENDAR
22
ADVICE COLUMNS
Dick Maw prepares students for GED
13
Krystyna McKnight, 68, climbs Mount Whitney in a day
Crossword and Soduko
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anne Stokes Jeffery Weidel Art Garcia
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Rebecca Regrut rebeccar@goldcountrymedia.com
Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher shall not be responsible for any liabilities arising from the publication of copy provided by any advertiser for California Senior Magazine. Further, it shall not be liable for any act of omission on the part of the advertiser pertaining to their published advertisement in California Senior Magazine.
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EDITORIAL INQUIRIES
Finding new ways to reach fans
with Jeanette Munroe
Rebecca Regrut (530) 852-0222
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JUNE 2015
ROCKER GLENN SYMMONDS STILL making music By Anne Stokes
G
lenn Symmonds’ built his rock and roll career on decades of perseverance, talent, and a little bit of good luck. The musical jack-of-all-trades is famous for keeping the beat alongside Eddie Money for the past 40 years, and sharing the stage with other greats such as Etta James, Dave Mason, and the Untouchables (to name but a few), but few fans know Symmonds as a well-rounded talent who counts the guitar, piano, singing, and songwriting in his musical repertoire. “The house was always filled with music,” says Symmonds, who grew up in Southern California’s Orange County. “And when I became interested in music [my parents] were very supportive. My father owned a guitar store, so I used to go in as a kid and look through the lyric books and ask ‘Dad, can I have this?’ I was really attracted to words and music right away and, of course, the beat. When the Beetles came on Ed Sullivan in 1964, I said, ‘that’s what I’m going to do.’” Fresh out of high school, Symmonds moved to Oakland, California where opportunity literally came knocking on his front door. “I got a knock on the door. There was a guy standing there and I thought he was going to complain about the loud drumming. He said, ‘Are you the guy playing the tubs up in here?’ That’s such an old-school phrase, it’s almost vaudeville sounding! I was curious and I said, ‘yeah, is it too loud?’ He said, ‘no, I’m in a band down the street and I’d like you to come sit in with us because our drummer didn’t show up.’” After a few successful sets, Symmonds was offered a spot in the band, an opportunity he initially declined. “I didn’t want to play rock and roll. I wanted to move into a jazz-oriented field. I had years of technique and all those lessons that my parents had paid for, so I wanted to do more challenging [music]. He wanted me to play meat and potatoes rock and roll, so I wasn’t interested. So he said, ‘Listen, I’m 25 years old, my name is Eddie Money and I’m going to be a rock and roll star. Are you in or are you out?’ That kind of confidence, I had never heard anybody talk like that.”
Although he’s known for the drums, musician Glenn Symmonds is also an accomplished guitar player, singer, and song writer.
Luckily Symmonds seized the opportunity and hasn’t looked back. Over the past 40 years, he has toured all over the world and shared stages with music legends, the highlight of which came when he played New York’s most iconic venue. “When I was in high school, I would go to CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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study hall and I would read the New York Times,” he recalls. “I would look at all the bands that were playing at Madison Square Gardens and I’d say, ‘someday I’m going to do that.’ So when I did that that was a big thing for me. It was a co-headline with Cyndi Lauper and Eddie Money and I was in Madison Square Garden. That’s 18,000 people! I just thought, ‘this is the pinnacle. This is the apex of my career right here.’ There’re lots of concerts and venues that I’ve played, bigger shows, but they’re not as important to me. The Garden is still the Garden.” After 40 years in the business, Symmonds is still working hard. He’s got a new album, “Beautiful Detours,” due out in June. He’s also currently touring nationwide with Eddie Money, with dates throughout the summer and into the fall. While he’s not out on the road, Symmonds also takes on the mantle of teacher to students as young as 8 years old
and as seasoned as 62. “I think it’s never too late to learn,” he says. And at the same time, Symmonds is also branching out and finding new ways to reach fans.
out and connecting with fans in the most intimate of venues: their own living rooms. Symmonds books house concerts, or “Living Room Detours,” as his website describes them, to promote his new album. “I sing I tell stories, [like] “There’re no more record companies really. how I wrote this song, and it’s intimate.” There’re no more record stores. Everything is on-line. Kids today download music for free. But that’s not to say Symmonds eschews an onI saved up my hard-earned paper route mon- line presence. To the contrary, he maintains a ey to buy albums back in the day,” he explains. social media presence not just to keep connect“In my day growing up, bands were hired for ed to his existing fans, but to attract new ones live music. There was a band in every bar. as well. “I think social media is the way to go, That’s the life I chose. I knew I was always just get as much out there as you can and maygoing to be able to work because there were be someone will stumble upon it and tell someso many bands, so many places to play. Now one else who will tell someone else,” he says. “I there’s not. Nightclubs have DJs or they pipe hope that people will discover me out there on in their own, or they use karaoke to attract iTunes. Today’s youth, and people in general, people, they don’t have to pay anybody for they find their new music on You Tube. I think that. So how am I going to be able to play my videos are very important for helping peomusic for people and do what I love doing?” ple become aware of new music. They’re not searching radios, they’re going through iTunes The answer he came up with involves reaching and going, ‘this looks familiar,’ or on You Tube
AFTER 40 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS, HE’S FINDING NEW WAYS TO REACH FANS Photos by Anne Stokes
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JUNE 2015
Landrum has been a source of support for Symmonds’ personal life as well as his proJust as Symmonds is a musical Jack-of-all- fessional one. When he was diagnosed with trades, his fiancée Tami Landrum is a veritable cancer in 2013, Landrum was there to hold his Jill-of-all-trades in the art of promotion. The hand through treatments and surgeries, travSacramento native has a hand in designing eling from Northern California to Kansas City and creating graphic art for concert posters to be with him. Now in remission, Symmonds and shirts, as well as photography, maintain- has a grateful outlook on life. ing Symmonds’ website, and booking shows. “I grew up loving music and going to concerts, “I’m so blessed. Everyday my glass is not just so I understand how his job works, how the half full, it’s almost overflowing,” he says. “I touring works, how the backstage works, prothink this is because I’ve had that turn in life, I moting bands, so I’ve been able to help him had cancer and I’ve survived cancer and I’m in with stuff like that,” says Landrum. “I have remission. I feel so grateful that I want to give the artsy-thing going, just not musically. I can back. Hence why I started giving what could play a mean tambourine, but that’s it.” have been expensive music lessons to people, “She gives me feedback on my songs, I ask sharing my knowledge. But I wanted to give her, ‘what can I wear for this photo shoot?’ If my knowledge at average-Joe cost that everyI have a concern or a question, she’s my go-to body could afford. I’m cheaper than the local person,” says Symmonds of his muse. “She’s music store and I love it. I Skype and I can still go out and be a rock star on the weekends.” definitely the backbone to what I do.” and saying ‘that looks exciting.’”
GLENN SYMMONDS UPCOMING TOUR DATES WITH EDDIE MONEY INFO: glennsymmonds.com
FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2015 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz, CA
MONDAY JULY 13, 2015 Stanislaus County Fair Turlock, CA
SATURDAY JUNE 20, 2015 Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts Walnut Creek, CA
FRIDAY JULY 31, 2015 Thunder Valley Casino Lincoln, CA
Glenn Symmonds has played with and toured with the Eddie Money band on and off for the past 40 years, lead guitarist Tommy Girvin, left, drummer Glenn Symmonds, lead singer and headliner Eddie Money, keyboardist Chris Grove, and bassist Lee Beverly. CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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LIVE LONGER BY
making music
By Anne Stokes
I
t is widely known that learning to play an instrument and read music has many positive effects on a child’s developing brain. But what about adults and the aging population? Recent studies are pointing to the many benefits that making music can have on an adult’s intellectual, emotional, physical and even social well-being. In fact, these new findings show how making music can even slow down the aging process!
I often hear, “Aren’t I too old to learn how to play the piano?” Actually, it’s never too late to learn how to play the piano or any instrument. In fact, adults learn faster! There’s a new and exciting movement called RMM which stands for “Recreational Music Making.” RMM is geared to enhancing the lives of adults of all ages by putting the emphasis on self-exploration and expression through music. In most instances, a group setting provides valuable
social support making the lessons engaging and more fun! In his book, Sounds of Healing, Dr. Mitchell Gaynor demonstrates additional therapeutic physical effects of piano playing including reduced anxiety, heart and respiratory rates; reduced cardiac complications; lowered blood pressure; and increased immune responses. Additional studies have shown other physiological benefits such as improved coordination, mental focus and memory, and less aches and pains. Learning a new instrument offers emotional advantages as well. Research reveals that those who are involved in creating music on a regular basis experience less anxiety, loneliness and depression. Through musical expression, you can achieve a happier and more relaxed approach to life and feel a sense of accomplishment. While learning to read music is still beneficial for cognitive functioning, incorporating additional activities such as improvising and duet playing allows more freedom and joy at the piano. Due to the wealth of new scientific studies, adults of all ages would be encouraged to add a little music making into their life. Combine that with healthy nutrition and exercise and you have the perfect recipe for a long, happy life! Ready to tickle the ivories?
JEANETTE MUNROE, DIRECTOR AT FOLSOM PIANO ACADEMY Jeanette is the owner of Folsom Piano Academy. As a certified teacher of the Music Teachers’ Association of California and with a Master’s in Piano Pedagogy, she welcomes questions on making music and piano lessons. Jeanette can be reached at 916-9849443 or at folsompianoacademy@ gmail.com For a current list of classes starting soon, visit www. folsompianoacademy.com CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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JUNE 2015
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH HELPS OTHERS ACHIEVE SUCCESS THROUGH EDUCATION SACRAMENTO FOOD BANK & FAMILY SERVICES Sacramentofoodbank.org (916)456-1980 <<< Volunteer tutor Dick Maw helps an adult education prepare for her GED examination at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services’ main campus in Oak Park. Maw, who has been volunteering with the SFBFS for the past several years, tutors students in several disciplines including math, language arts, and science. 5800 volunteers annually and on any given day we probably have double the number of volunteers than staff,” explains Levy. “We’re able to serve all those people because of that large volunteer force.”
DICK MAW PREPARES STUDENTS FOR GED By Anne Stokes
D
ick Maw, long time volunteer with Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, likes to be hands-on kind of volunteer. The former insurance broker from East Sacramento works with several charitable organizations tutoring one-on-one, serving on planning committees, and even washing dishes. “I just feel that people should give back if they can,” he says. “I think that volunteering is an important thing.” Maw, who has no formal teaching experience, is in-demand as a tutor with SFBFS’s adult education program helping people achieve their GED certification. He works several days a week with students studying math, science, social studies, and language arts. “I think education is the key to success. If you’re educated and can function that way, you’re going to be able to succeed,” he explains “Dick is wonderful although he’s not a trained educator,” says Genevieve Levy, Family Services Program s Director. “We have many
volunteers who are so valuable to us through their life experience and professionalism that it doesn’t matter that they weren’t a teacher.” “If you’re someone who holds a high school degree, you like interacting with people, and the feeling of helping someone, you have the credentials you need to [volunteer],” explains Maw, adding that volunteers come from “all ages and all backgrounds. It’s probably as varied a group in the tutor ranks as it is in the students.” Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services helps 150,000 men, women, and children every month. The organization provides food, clothing, and educational services for parents, youths, seniors, and adults at no cost to families or individuals. Adult education programs, where Maw volunteers his time, helps thousands of people every year with GED preparation, ESL classes, employment assistance, and computer literacy skills. “We’re a kind of a volunteer run organization. We have
Maw, who has volunteered with SFBFS for the last six years, also serves on its Program Advisory Committee with Levy, helping oversee some of the family services’ organizational decisions. “I recognized his strengths, his incredible gravitas, and his experience,” says Levy. “He’s assisting me with interviews as we hire for the new Adult Education Program Manager because I trust his opinion and his perspective so much.” For Maw, who has been an active volunteer before his retirement in 2013, the rewards reaped from his volunteer service do him more good than a paycheck. He fondly recalls a recent student’s success as one of the many reasons why he gives his time so freely. “I had a student about a year and a half ago who came to me because the program manager says she needed special help. She was leaving the sessions crying every day because she couldn’t figure it out. Now she leaves the sessions with a smile on her face because she’s ‘getting it.’ She’s taken three of the five exams and she’s working on the last two right now,” he says. “Important things happen here. People get empowered here. That’s what [Sacramento] Food Bank is all about.” CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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DONO DAL CIELO
vineyards
Dono dal Cielo Vineyards specializes in award
winning Zinfandel wines, but has recently come out with a 2013 Petite Syrah vintage.
By Anne Stokes
T
Gillivray feels that the community is an important consideration when running her business. “We actually live here [at the vineyard],” said McGillivray. “I’m very committed to Newcastle, I adore the town of Newcastle, I don’t think I’d want to live anywhere else. I want Dono dal Cielo to be a good neighbor to our neighbors, we try very hard to do that. I want to be known as a place that the community can come, walk in a vineyard, talk to the owners, get Karen McGillivray, who owns and operates to know us and we’re real people.” the winery with her husband Bill and son Hunter, fell in love with the wine growing The Dono dal Cielo wine tasting room is experience right away. “We bought this open Thursday through Sunday, from 12:00 property and planted the first six, seven pm to 5:00 pm and is one of the many stops acres and I just ‘got it.’ I just completely on the Placer County Wine Trail. And with understood how to do it, and I loved it. I two grassy open areas, the vineyard is famistill love it to this day,” she explained. “I ly and pet friendly. “We encourage parents, can’t keep a houseplant alive but apparent- of course you can come here and have a ly I have a thing for vines. I just ‘get it,’ it couple’s day, but if you can’t and you have makes sense to me.” With no background children, you can bring them out here bein winemaking, McGillivray credits her cause it’s super fun,” said McGillivray. “We success to trial and error, learning the busi- want the people to come and experience the ness as it progressed.. “Everything we do outdoor experience that we have here. It’s here is hands-on. I’m very in to hands-on, beautiful.” which just makes for a very beautiful bottle of wine.” ucked away in the rolling foothills, the aptly named Dono dal Cielo Vineyards, which translates into “Gift from Heaven,” has been producing award-winning wines for the past thirteen years. Located on 30 acres of the old Ferreira Ranch in Newcastle, the family operated winery, specializes in Zinfandel wines , but just bottled their first Petite Syrah vintage last year as well.
Such a hands-on approach, while not formal training, has helped McGillivray hone her craft. “The vineyard’s changed through the years, I’ve certainly changed through the years, and in that maturation process, there’s just something great about how forgiving it is,” she said. “I mean, I’ve screwed up. I’ve killed a few plants in the beginning, I’ve done some stupid things when it comes to pruning, but they’re just very forgiving. So it’s a new deal every single time [the grapevines] come around, every time there’s bud break.” That forgiving method, McGillivray explained, is a part of the appeal. “Every year it’s a different ball game. Every year I get different weather, I get different fruit, I get different every thing, so every year is a new beginning.” A long-time Placer County resident, Mc14
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CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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MT. WHITNEY STATS
HEIGHT: 14,505 feet (ranked 81st in prominence) LOCATION: Sequoia National Park, Inyo National Forest, Ca.
RANGE: Sierra Nevada GEOLOGY: Granite from Cretaceous period
FIRST ASCENT: Aug. 18, 1872 by Charles Begole, Albert Johnson and John Lucas
Pat Gallegos and Krystyna McKnight.
TURNAROUND TRIP
View before the sun came up
KRYSTYNA MCKNIGHT, 68, CLIMBS MOUNT WHITNEY IN A DAY
T
alk about a power nap. Krystyna McKnight took hers at the highest point in the contiguous United States. Sure it was just a “15-minute snooze” in her words, but at 14,505 feet in elevation, every breath, every snore, every rapid eye movement is a well-earned respite.
the night before; I was excited to camp at the 12,000 foot base their odds, the group split up, with McKnight’s group getting about the climb,” she said. camp,” she said. a “day-use” permit as opposed Mcknight, 68, not only climbed In fact, McKnight and seven to an overnight stay. Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in of her friends tried to go as a the Sierra Nevada range, but she group, but the demand to climb “None of us won the lottery,” did it in one day, leaving their Mt. Whitney is such that the she said. “We checked the inter8,360-foot base camp around 4 Forest Service limits the num- net every day and finally a spot a.m. and returning at 5:30 p.m. ber of people on the trail to for three opened up. My two prevent overuse. Permits are re- friends and I took it.” that same July evening. quired year-round and handed “I didn’t sleep too well in the tent “We could not get the permit out through a lottery. To better McKnight, who lives in Forest16
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JUNE 2015
Krystyna McKnight and Kelli Leydecker at the summit.
hill, is an avid hiker. Her favorite walk is around the confluence up to the Foresthill Bridge, but she prepared for this by hiking Tahoe’s Mount Rose. The hike up Whitney was a 22-mile round trip with an elevation gain of more than 6,100 feet. She hit the summit at 12:30 p.m.
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“I got up at 3:30 a.m. and had my coffee — which I cannot live without — and a peanut butter and honey sandwich,” she said. “I brought two liters of water and refilled at the lake at 12,000 feet. And power bars. You force yourself to eat every two hours.”
LINCOLN SMILES ADVANTAGE
Join as an individual or a family (additional discounts may apply) Yearly membership fee includes: • 2 cleanings • Exam • Unlimited X Rays • Higher discounts for any treatment Quality gentle and affordable dentistry is now possible for anyone. Eloisa Espiritu, DDS
Se Habla Español
Obtaining a coveted “overnight” permit allows you to backpack in and camp at the 12,000-foot elevation base camp. Those unable to acquire such a permit have two options. Wait until next year or attempt what is considered an “extreme day hike.” Twelve to 18 hours of strenuous hiking along with the possibility of altitude sickness and the occasional treacherous surface condition. But the July weather proved to be hiker-friendly, though she was glad she packed a windbreaker for the final stretch.
Call Today!
916-543-8800
2295 Fieldstone Dr. Suite 240, Lincoln
www.LincolnSmilesDental.com
“We saw a lot of rocks,” McKnight said. “Lots and lots of rocks, no trees. I told my friends I do not want to see any more rocks for at least a year. But the view was spectacular.” So she’ll wait a year and a month and she’ll do it all over again. While she failed to make the lottery again this year, she did take advantage of a cancellation and will tackle the peak with her two sons, Lothar and Aaron, on Aug. 10. “We are very excited,” she said.
View from Mount Whitney CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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RV CONNECTIONS WHERE: 305 Grass Valley Highway (Highway 49) Auburn, CA 95603 INFO: (530) 306-2812, shoprvconnection.com
Glen Williams Jr., left, and his son Glen Williams III, at their familyowned business, RV Connections in Auburn.
RV CONNECTIONS HAS A HOME ON WHEELS FOR THE ROAD WARRIOR IN ANYONE
RV
Connections in Auburn has been in business for the past 45 years, taking pride in their customer service and quality vehicles at good values. The family-run business keeps an ever-changing inventory of used recreational vehicles and is capable of matching customers’ needs and wants with the RV best suited to them. “We try to make it fun for everybody and low pressure. People show up and browse, if you have any questions, just holler. Most people, they want to be able to look and not be bothered. It’s not like a car dealership where we’re out there on them,” explains Glen Williams III, who runs the business with his father, Glen Williams Jr. “We try to fit their needs. The best part is we’re dealing with mostly seniors. It’s not like they’re going to buy a car where there’s high pressure, they’re looking for something to go have fun with so that’s what makes it nice.” RV’s can be an enjoyable and economical way to travel for seniors as well as families. Whether you’re “glamping” (or “glorious camping”) or looking to get off the beaten tourist path, there are RV amenities and facilities to suit your needs. While to cost of ownership may be substantial, the savings in airfare, hotel costs,
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and dining out can be significant as well, the difference of which may even be enough to eventually offset the cost of fuel and ownership, especially if you purchase a used vehicle. In addition, new manufacturing technologies strive to produce lighter and more aerodynamic models, resulting in higher fuel efficiency.
through, ensuring that they understand every aspect of their RV and that they’re satisfied with their new purchase.
“We pride ourselves on detail. We spend 30 to 60 hours on each one detailing them from the ground up. There’s only one first impression, so when people walk into the RV, we want that For RV owners, home is where you park it. wow factor,” he says. “We tell our customers, RV’s tend feel more like home than hotels, if you have an issue with the RV, always call us most of which feature their own kitchens, first before you take it anywhere. Call us and bathrooms, bedrooms, and storage space. For typically we can walk it through it. If somepet-owners who don’t want to leave their four- thing happened and we can fix it, we’re going legged family members at home, RV’s allow a to want to fix it. We want to take care of our place for Fido to come on vacation too. There customers. We just try to do the right thing.” are several different classes of models available which can accommodate different size needs The elder Williams, who has been in the RV and driving abilities. Different models feature business since his late teens, has figured out myriad amenities, ranging from high tech ap- a winning business formula, including sales pliances to fireplaces. Over 16,000 parks and from out-of-state customers who are able to pecampgrounds around the country have facili- ruse his ever-evolving inventory on-line. ties for RV campers. “We’ve got good, clean products at a fair price,” According the Williams, while RV Connections says the elder Williams. “We probably average does brisk business year round, now is a good around 15 to 20 coaches a year go out of state. time to buy, as gas prices seem to be on a fa- They shop on line, they look at what we have vorable trend. Williams stresses that customer and they look at the previous ones we’ve sold. service is of particular import, explaining that All of our product will show pride of ownereach customer can expect a detailed walk- ship, and it’s a good value.”
BRAIN GAMES ACROSS 1.Footpart 5.Madecold 9.Edendweller 12.Scant 13.Fable 14.Weep 15.Sorrowful word 16.Gloat 17.Cornonthe ____ 18.Haveaseat 19.Dice 20.Poet’soutput 21.Interview 22.Lubricated 24.Stick 25.Scowls 27.____thinair 29.Dally
DOWN 30.Cee’sfollower 31.Weeder 33.Loveseat 36.Passing fashion 37.Ball 39.Barkerand Bell 41.Expel 42.Backpart 43.Notanti 44.Rage 45.Broughtup 46.Payattention to 47.Salespitches 48.Trickle 49.Lengthx width 50.Gobad 51.Impresses greatly 52.Rubyand scarlet
For puzzle answers go to: www.calsenior.com
PUZZLE NO. 773
1.Pileup 2.Comfort 3.Mooncavity 4.“____So Shy” 5.Desirous 6.Holiday songs 7.Runoffto wed 8.Dawndrops 9.Accompany 10.Blackmagic 11.Waned 19.Chicken 23.Weight-watcher 26.Crytoa bullfighter
28.Fishsnare 30.Ten-yearunits 31.Bobor beehive, e.g. 32.Moststrange 33.Allergic reaction 34.____State building 35.Deserved 36.Tuck,forone 38.WilliamTell’s missile 40.Carbonated drinks 45.Feathered scarf 46.Damage
HOW TO PLAY SODUKO: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
PUZZLE NO.507
Sudoku
Copyright © 2015, Penny Press
CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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visit our website: www.calsenior.com
CALENDAR
CONTINUING MEETINGS / GET TOGETHERS BUTTONS ‘N’ BOWS SQUARE DANCE CLUB meets from 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at Rock Creek Elementary School, 3050 Bell Road in Auburn. Cost: $16 per month members, $5 a session visitor. Live caller each evening. Info: Gail (530) 889-1345. PILLOWCASES FOR SOLDIERS from 6-8 p.m. at Sew Katie Jean, 603 5th St. in Lincoln. Every last Wednesday of the month, this is a free night, we sew pillowcases and donate them to active duty military. BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS with the Info: 209-3930. THE SIERRANADERS BARBERSHOP Auburn Social Dancers from 6:30-8:30 CHORUS meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the p.m. Tuesdays at Auburn Senior Center, SONS IN RETIREMENT, Area 33 play golf at Senior Center, 11577 E Ave. in Auburn. 11576 D Ave., Bldg 313A. Group lessons 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Black Oak Golf Course, Music reading not required, free coaching and one-on-one tutoring. Cost: $7. Info: 2455 Black Oak Road, Auburn. $14 green available. Info: Cliff at (530) 346-2757, AuburnSocialDancers.org. sierranaders.org. fee. Info: Ken Hansen at (916) 622-2757.
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SENIOR CENTERS - EVENTS ELK GROVE SENIOR CENTER 8830 Sharkey Ave. Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916) 685-3160 thesceg.org
ETHEL MACLEOD HART SENIOR CENTER 915 27th St., 27th and J Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 808-5462 portal.cityofsacramento.org
Gadabouts Travel
The Hart Senior Center offers a variety of classes and activities to optimize the experience of aging. Membership is NOT a requirement to participate in any of our classes or activities.
Our travel office plans trips to many exciting locations. Day/ Casino trips, and extended trips are offered throughout the year. BINGO at the Center Grab a friend and join us for some fun games of BINGO. The Senior Center hosts BINGO each Friday at 12:45pm. Stay Healthy & Fit There are many classes provided throughout the year to keep you mind and body active and healthy. Join us for Aerobics, Zumba Gold, Tai Chi, Yoga, Chair Exercise, Strength Trainingor Tap Dancing – to name a few. Visit or call the Senior Center Front Desk for more information on classes and programs. Join the Lunch Bunch (Monday thru Friday) Congregate Meals by ACC are served five days a week in the SGEG Dining Room. Reservations are required, call 685-4804. Donations are suggested. FOLSOM SENIOR CENTER 48 Natoma St. Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 351-3510 www.folsom.ca.us
Monday Off Key Singers (a fun and social group) ..........................10-11:30am Social Bridge (all levels) .....................................................12-4:30pm 1st & 3rd Monday each month
Senior Citizens Club ................................................11:30am-3:30pm 2nd & 4th Monday each month
Tuesday Social Pinochle .................................................................10-11:30am Book Discussion ....................................................................10-11am 2nd Tue each month
Movie Madness .............................................................12:15-2:30am Wednesday Nintendo Wii ...................................................................10am-12pm Bingo ............................................................................12:30-1:30pm
The Hart Fun Pass is a scholarship used to pay for participation in any fee-based recreation program sponsored by the City of Sacramento, Department of Parks and Recreation. Learn more information on their website. • All Seasons Cafe • Art • Cards, Games, and Hobbies • Dance • Education and Technology • Exercise, Wellness and Fitness • Music Classes • Social Gatherings • Writing and Language Arts SUNRISE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT 7801 Auburn Blvd. (Facility - Rusch Park Community Center) Citrus Heights, CA 95610 (916) 207-9691 Sunriseparks.com 5510 Diablo Drive (Facility – Foothill Community Center) Sacramento, CA 95842 Bridge groups meet once a week year-round and welcome new players. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual and they play only for the love of the game. Check the website or call for schedule info: 521-6556. Single Deck Pinochle plays from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays at Rusch Park Patio Room. New players are welcome. However, some knowledge of the game is necessary. Double Deck Pinochle plays from noon to 3 p.m.Wednesdays at Rusch Park Patio room. Scrabble from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays at Rusch Park Sunrise room. New players welcome. Although knowledge of game is helpful, it is not necessary. Info: 745-3579.
1st & 3rd Wednesday each month
Thursday Lounge Day: Games & Activities .........................................9am-5pm Greeting Card Clinic ..........................................................12:30-2pm 1st Thursday each month
Live Band Performance .................................................12:30-1:30pm 4th Thursday each month
Friday Off Key Singers (a fun and social group) ..........................10-11:30am Brain Connections ........................................................12:15-1:15pm 4th Friday each month
Mah Jongg .............................................................................12-3pm
Everything you need to know from the moment you decide on retirement living, to the day you move into your new community. Mistywood Independent Retirement Living: 1275 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville. For more info: 916-771-8606 or www.mistywood.net. CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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ADVICE VETERAN’S AID AND ATTENDANCE BENEFITS LAWRENCE SOLORIO | Estate Planning Attorny Many of people are not aware that if you are a veteran (or their spouse) you may be eligible to receive a monthly “tax free” elder care benefit to help pay for your current or future in-home care, assisted living care or board and care needs. This monthly benefit will give the couple up to $2,200 (approximately) each month to help pay for your elder care and support needs.
TO BE ENTITLED TO THIS BENEFIT YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: • Be a veteran of a “wartime period” or their spouse (even if the veteran is deceased); • Be over 65 years old; • Have about $30,000 or so (some vets are allowed to keep a little bit more, depending on their age) in liquid assets (not counting your home or car). Any amount that exceeds this figure must be spent down or otherwise protected before you apply for the benefit; • Have your doctor indicate that you and/or your spouse do in fact need elder care at this time; and • You must use 100% of your current income for you and/or your spouse’s current care needs, otherwise the VA will deduct a portion of the benefit from you. This is a non–service connected disability benefit meaning the disability or care needs does not have to be a result of service. You just have to meet the qualifications above and need elder care assistance at this time.
THE “APPROXIMATE” AMOUNT OF MONTHLY ELDER CARE BENEFIT FOR THE AID AND ATTENDANCE PENSION LIMIT FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2015 IS AS FOLLOWS: • Approximate amount per month for the veteran - $1,700; • Approximate amount per month for a couple - $2,200; and • Approximate amount per month for a spouse of a veteran - $1,100. • Exact amount to be provided to you by the VA at the time of application. Be careful of who you work with to apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. With improper elder care planning, you may qualify yourself for the VA benefit but at the same time, disqualify yourself for any potential Medi-Cal long-term care benefit down the road. In addition, although certain “annuities” are useful in planning for this particular VA benefit (if you get the right one), annuities themselves do not protect your home and other assets from recovery in the future if you ever need long-term nursing home care. Therefore, I recommend discussing this matter with an Elder Law Attorney before you decide if the purchase of an annuity is the right thing for you and your spouse if you decide to apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. Don’t wait until a crisis occurs before taking the steps above to discuss this VA benefit with an Elder Law Attorney. For more information about what estate planning documents you may need and why you need them, visit my website at www.sololaw.net. While you are there I invite you to sign-up for my FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER on the homepage of my website.
REMEMBER ... “IT’S YOUR LIFE. SO PLAN FOR IT” 22
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MICHELLE BELMONTE | Mortgage Loan Specialist IMPENDING FHA GUIDELINES PROPEL REVERSE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY FORWARD qualify for a reverse mortgage. This is a positive change for the reverse mortgage industry which will help prevent defaults.
to an escrow account which earmarks funds to pay for property taxes and insurance over the course of the loan.
The reverse mortgage industry should have conducted forward mortgage practices all along. Previously, borrowers only had to pay attention to the ongoing financial requirements of taxes and insurance costs. Now that calculating residual income he Federal Housing is required by law under the Authority’s Financial financial assessment, potential Assessment goes into senior borrowers can better effect on April 27, altering home decide whether they are viable equity conversion mortgage candidates for such a loan. underwriting procedures. Senior borrowers now have to Reverse lenders can also now provide more documentation protect themselves through the and paperwork proving they can Life Expectancy Set-Aside, an handle ongoing property costs to evaluation requirement similar
Successful lenders understand that initial relationships between loan officers and borrowers are critical. Officers trained to be comforting, helpful, and communicative are better able to help borrowers through the new requirement process. Remaining sensitive to older borrowers’ personality types and coaching loan officers to compensate for potential delays by through strategic planning maintains efficiency and enhances productivity.
T
Profitable operations depend on efficiency during the loan origination process and lenders should conduct routine efficiency audits and identify areas for improvement. The right technology is essential to the success of these new changes for lenders, no longer relying on man-hours to take the required steps of verifying borrower eligibility, calculating income after property insurance payments, taxes, and verifying credit history
The new financial assessment requirements pose a necessary challenge to the sustainability of the reverse mortgage industry. Improving operational processes These policies will propel the is important when adapting to the reverse mortgage industry into financial assessment requirements. the future.
JAMEE HORNING | Executive director, Seniors First
W
ith the mountains of Lake Tahoe just an hour away, wine country in the distance, and a day’s drive to the coast, I can’t think of a better place to call home. But, to be honest, I could do without our notoriously extreme summer heat. With no relief to our severe drought in sight, experts are calling for record-setting temperatures this summer. Many of us can keep our cool at work, take a dip, or otherwise find ways to beat the heat. But it’s not that easy for the elderly. With limited physical ability, lack of transportation, or compromised health, a hot day can become a dangerous situation. These no-sweat guidelines are for all of us, but especially the over-65 set. • Stay hydrated – Did you know that dehydration is one of the top ten causes of hospitalization for people over age 65? Changes in our body composition, kidney function, and thirst perception are inevitable as we age, making it even more important to include daily water intake. Caregivers should verbally prompt drinking and encourage eating foods with a high water content such as cucumber, watermelon and celery.
STAYING COOL THIS SUMMER
• Research indoor activities – Staying out of the heat as much as possible is the first step in staying cool. Between 3:00 and 5:00 can be the hottest part of our day, so look for opportunities to get indoors at that time. Movie theaters and local museums are sure to have the A/C running. Or, spend the time putting together a photo album, crafting, or scrapbooking • Seek out help – Without access to air conditioning, a Sacramento summer day can feel like an eternity. Seniors First has a limited number of portable coolers available for loan; call their Information & Assistance Line, (530)889-9500 ext. 216, to make arrangements. Also available via the Seniors First information line are locations of our area’s cooling centers, public places that offer a free and comfortable spot for seniors to cool down. Follow these simple tips, and staying cool this summer will be a breeze. CALIFORNIA SENIOR MAGAZINE
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New Homes for inSeniors Roseville
Starting at $295,000
Welcome to Easy Living at Eskaton Village in Roseville NEW Beautiful new detached homes with built in-conveniences and easy living design. EASY Manageable sized homes. Less housework! No more yardwork! Beautifully maintained gardens and parks. SAFETY Gated community, 24-hour courtesy patrol and 24/7 Emergency Response. FRIENDS Neighbors are all 55+, just like you! Dog park available for your furry friends. FUN Wide variety of activities for IF and WHEN you feel like it. Indoor/Outdoor Pool and Village Center. HELP Don’t burden the kids. Leave it to the pros! On-site help with meals, transportation & housekeeping if needed.
Call Today! Toll Free 877-417-6347 1040 Cabris Lane • Roseville, CA • www.silveradovillages.com