Walking for Wellness Join our friendly walking group at Greater Nevada Field (home of Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC), from 9 - 10 a.m. We meet at the main gate. No RSVP necessary. April 17 • May 15 • June 19 For more information, call 775-982-7787 or visit renown.org/SterlingSilver.
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Letter to the Editor Minimum Wage to Hurt Recreation Programs Editor: Reno City Council is discussing increasing most recreation fees starting in July 2020. This will be devastating for two very vulnerable populations—working families with kids and seniors living on fixed incomes. Both groups need these currently affordable programs run by Reno Parks, Recreation & Community Services (PRCS) to keep them healthy, engaged and active. The Reno Finance Department says that fees must go up to cover the new minimum wage increases adopted by the state which start in July 2020. Their argument is that since PRCS employs the bulk of the City’s minimum wage earners, they should cover the increased cost in their budget. Nevada’s minimum wage is now at $8.25 and will increase 75 cents an hour each year until it’s $12 per hour in 2024. It costs $180,000 in the first year, and over five years it builds to $2.7 million. If fees are raised so high that seniors and working families are priced out, seniors become more isolated and alone; children go unsupervised at home or out in the community. Isolated elders tend to be depressed and have more serious health problems. Senior leaders are planning ways to make Reno more age-friendly---and these fee increases do just the opposite. We’re working with Renown and Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities on a new project to connect
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isolated seniors with other people to lower our rates of senior depression and suicide---the highest in the nation right now. We need more ways to get our seniors out of the house, being with others and enjoying their company---not price them out of the great recreation programs we have in Reno. Yes, the city needs to fund the increased minimum wage, but why should all the funds come only out of the PRCS budget? Why shouldn’t these increases be treated like the normal annual increases in wages/benefits for other employees in all other departments? PRCS is the only city department with a personnel structure that hires mostly minimum wage temporary and seasonal workers---300-400 of them. Let’s look at the entire City budget—all parts, all departments, all revenue streams, all reserves to find the funds to build into the budget to cover this cost—not raise fees and harm the lives of seniors and working families. Also, these increases are being suggested without first collecting any data showing the size or scope of the impact they would have on the customers—the low- and fixed-income seniors, the working families. How much more money do they expect to collect if they increase the fees? How many low-income folks will this affect? How many would quit the programs because they couldn’t afford it anymore? So far, no one has provided this information. (Fees page 8)
MARCH 2020 THIS ISSUE Page 6 - Senator Rosen Meets with Senior Coalition Leaders Page 14 - March is Colorectal Cancer Month Page 16 - Hit Your Goals for Better Heart Health Page 18 - Reno Senior Scholarships Page 25 - Bandstand: The Musical Page 26 - Reno Mayor Passes - Harry Spencer
EVERY ISSUE
Page 4 - Opinion US Senator CortezMasto Page 7 - Opinion:
Sparks Councilman Dahir Page 9 - Census 2020: Senior Citizen Advisory Committee Page 10 - Solo Aging, Center for Healthy Aging Page 12 - CMS: Medicare Page 19 - Eclectic Observer Page 20 - Calendar Page 24 - Biggest little City Page 28 - Resources Page 29 - Tinseltown Page 31 - Crossword Page 32 - Simply Smart Travel
Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, NV 89510 775/348-0717
email: SeniorSpectrumNewspaper@aol.com Website: SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com Family Publishers Connie McMullen Chase McMullen Editorial content is not necessarily the opinion of the publishers of this publication. www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // March 2020
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Opinion:
Why I’m Fighting for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
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By U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
fter a lifetime of hard work, Nevada’s seniors deserve the peace of mind Catherine Cortez Masto that they’ll be supported by a system they’ve paid into for their retirement.
I hear time and time again how important programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are to ensuring our seniors age with dignity and economic security. That’s why since day one in office, I’ve been committed to protecting these vital earned benefit programs for our seniors in Nevada.
The numbers speak for themselves. Over a million Nevadans pay into Social Security with the expectation that those payments will help support them through old age. Eighty-eight percent of seniors in Nevada receive Social Security benefits, and one-third of seniors rely on those benefits as their sole source of income. Half a million seniors in our state receive their health care coverage through Medicare, and seniors are also among the 657,000 Nevadans who rely on Medicaid for their health care. These benefits serve vital needs for seniors, ensuring basic income and health care. That’s why I’m determined to strengthen Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid against attempts to cut benefits by Washington politicians. It’s unconsciona-
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ble to me that President Trump’s 2021 budget proposal cuts hundreds of billions of dollars in funding for Medicare and Medicaid over the next decade, as well as $90 billion from Social Security. His budget takes aim at the nuts and bolts of these programs in ways that threaten their long-term sustainability. By inflicting cuts to Medicare’s efforts to train new physicians or stabilize safety net hospitals, the President would subject these programs to death by a thousand cuts by undermining vital health care delivery services. I want Nevadans to know that I’m fighting to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. I take my responsibility to hold this administration accountable seriously, which is why I recently sent
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Cuts / from page 4
them a letter demanding that they clarify and abandon devastating cuts to these crucial benefits. I also recently led a bipartisan letter affirming support for the Medicare Advantage program, which provides health care coverage for millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities across the country. Additionally, I’ve challenged this administration’s proposed rules that significantly change eligibility determinations for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, which would reduce the number of eligible enrollees and harm the most vulnerable. Recently, I had the Treasury Secretary before me to answer questions about the President’s budget. I asked him point blank why the President wanted to cut Nevada seniors’ earned benefits in Social Security. He told me that he didn’t believe it was a cut; rather it was a “reduction in the rate of increase.” Well, that’s Washington-speak for cutting benefits and breaking the Social Security and Medicare guarantee. And I won’t stand for it. I also want Nevada’s seniors to know they’re not alone when navigating these vital – and sometimes complicated – programs. The Nevada Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, one-on-one counseling and assistance to Medicare Beneficiaries, helping resolve problems and clear up confusion about your benefits. I encourage every senior in
Nevada to reach out to their volunteers and attend their seminars and health fairs to make informed health care decisions. Contact your local Senior Center or the toll-free statewide counseling number at 1-800-307-4444 for information. Additionally, Nevada Care Connection resource centers serve as one-stop shops that streamline assistance for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and families. There are five resource centers across the state, all which help Nevadans plan their long-term care needs and access the benefits they qualify for. The Washoe Resource Center is available at 877-861-1893; contact information for the other centers is available here. Social Security and Medicare are earned benefit programs that support our seniors in Nevada. Medicaid is a vital lifeline for our most vulnerable in-state, including seniors. These are programs worth protecting – and for many seniors, programs they’ve already paid into. I’ll continue fighting in a bipartisan way to shore up these programs because our seniors deserve to retire with the income and health care they’ve been promised. The promise of Social Security is one I intend to keep. www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // March 2020
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Rosen Hosts Discussion with Washoe Senior Coalition, Highlighting Services her Office Offers to Nevada Seniors
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.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, held a discussion with members of the Senior Coalition of Washoe County to discuss the Senator’s legislative work on issues related to seniors and aging. “Our state’s senior community faces a wide range of issues, including the high cost of prescription drugs, a lack of access to local transportation services, and challenges with navigating Social Security benefits and Medicare Advantage, said Senator Rosen. “I’m glad to have had the opportunity to sit down with some of Nevada’s senior
advocates to discuss the work I’ve done in Congress to benefit seniors, as well as areas of importance where we can take action. I will continue to be an ally and work tirelessly on behalf of Nevada’s golden generation.” “I’m proud to have someone like Senator Rosen representing our seniors who listens to the problems we face and takes actions to fix them,” said Connie McMullen, President of Senior Coalition of Washoe County. “I’m grateful for this chance to sit down with the Senator and discuss the needs of Nevada’s senior community and look forward to working together on these issues.”
(Left) U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen; Kyle Waxman, Senior Coalition Treasurer; Jane Gruner, Coalition Vice President; (right) Connie McMullen, Coalition President, and Marsy Kupfersmith, Coalition Secretary, at Senator Rosen’s office.
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Humanizing Health for our Aging Population
Kristopher Dahir Sparks City Councilman
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had the opportunity to sit down with Tony Slonim, President and CEO of Renown Health and a few of his staff and ask them for their perspective on health care and how we can help our senior population. It was eye opening and informative to learn of their priority towards our senior community. As you read through their responses you will see that there are some strategic ideas that our community leaders must focus on to ensure a safe health environment for all citizens. However, many of the concerns are areas that each senior citizen can personally help with. A few of these areas are self-care,
staying connected to a community and continued health education. I hope this conversation is insightful and gives you practical points to focus on.
Chronic Disease: • Seniors are more prone to suffering from chronic disease. • Some of the ways we can take care of our health as seniors is to get annual preventative care physical and wellness exams. • Both physical and wellness exams are important ways to connect with our care providers and make sure that any questions or concerns we have can be answered.
be at the forefront of our minds when we are trying to take care of our health, but it can be just as important as getting enough aerobic exercise and eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. • We are innately social beings which makes it vital to • Socialization is o Good for our brain, and might even lower risk of dementia; o May help us build a stronger immune system; o Might even help us live longer.
Isolation: • Isolation affects our mental and emotional health. • Socialization might not
Understanding health vs Healthcare: • People young and old (Aging page 8)
tor Renown Institutes.
Kristopher Dahir: What do you see as the greatest health problems for seniors in our area? “Loneliness is the root cause of many issues including suicide, chronic disease and a reduction in lifespan. Washoe County senior suicide rates are two and four times the national rate for those aged 65 and 85 years, respectively. That is unacceptable,” said co-team leader Kindle Craig, Sr. Direc-
March 2020 Senior Spectrum // www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com
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Aging / from page 7 need to take preventative measures to guard their health. • Taking care of our health keeps us out of the hospital and away from needing to access healthcare outside of our preventative visits. Kristopher Dahir: What are the obstacles that seniors in our area face in obtaining health and health care? • Physician scarcity in Nevada leads to longer wait times for initial appointments. • Navigating Medicare and figuring out what insurance plan is the best. • Limited income. • NevadaTomorrow.org is another resource for quality of life data.
Kristopher Dahir: Do you have 3-4 programs for seniors you’d like to highlight? • The Sterling Silver Club offers free membership for anyone 55 or older. o Members have access to health education events, workshops and forums lead by Renown experts. o Benefits include 20% off at Renown Health retailers, and $5 drop-in exercise classes at the UFC gym. o A guided meditation is held weekly at the Renown Spiritual Center. o Monthly walks are held. For a complete list of activities and to sign up: renown. org/SterlingSilver • Healthy Nevada Project: The Healthy Nevada Project currently provides genetic
March 14-22, 2020 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
reports to participants who opt-in and are found positive for gene variants that can cause an increased risk to develop one or more of the following conditions: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) and Lynch Syndrome. • Attend an ABC’s of Medicare FREE, educational seminars taught by our experts to help you better understand Medicare by visiting seniorcareplus.com. The most important take away that I had from my time time with our professionals from Renown is how important it is for each of our Seniors to be connected. . Isolation and solitude may be the largest problem facing
Fees / from page 3 In January and March last year, senior leaders gave the city some ideas for ways to increase both revenues and participation by seniors in Reno programs: work with senior health insurance programs to have them pay recreation fees for their members; change the fee structure for the increasingly popular pickleball program; improving the scholarship fund that assists low income residents with fees and growing Senior Games. The fact is, our low- and fixed-income seniors just do not have the additional funds as rents continue to skyrocket, the cost of living rises, and their Social Security or pension stays basically the same. They have to choose between buying their medicine, feeding their pet or going to the senior center
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many of our seniors in our community. I encourage you to please reach out and connect. Renown does have some possible ideas and there are many other programs and groups who truly care about the obstacles you face on a daily basis.
to play cards with friends. If you think that this is just not right, you can help. First, you can thank Councilman Devon Reese and Mayor Hillary Schieve for standing up for seniors and asking Finance to find some other ways to pay for the minimum wage hikes. Second you can call Reno Direct at 775-3344636 to express your views and ask to be transferred to your councilperson’s office. Third, you can send emails to the council asking them not to raise the recreation fees for seniors and working families. Fourth, you can attend a budget hearing or city council meeting to express your views in person. Call Reno Direct or look online at the city’s meeting calendar at www.reno.gov . Donna Clontz, Senior leader and Reno resident
Census 2020 Counts For Our Nevada Seniors by Donna Clontz, Chair Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee
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f you’re starting to see ads about the upcoming 2020 Census, watch closely and learn why it’s incredibly important to fill it out this year, and get everyone you know to do it, too. You can help someone else that needs assistance. There will be staff and volunteers at libraries, senior centers and other trusted places to help people fill out the census. Look for members of our senior committees helping out in April and May around town! The national census is done every 10 years to officially count every person living in the US on April 1st of that year. It includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five territories. Its data determines how many congressional seats each state gets and is also used to draw congressional districts and state legislative districts. In Nevada’s case, we may even gain another congressperson. See www.2020census.gov. or call 301-763-4636 or 800-9238282 for more information. Census statistics tell us how many federal dollars go to every state, county and community. For every person who is counted in Nevada this time, Nevada will get about $20,000 in federal funds over the next 10 years! That money can be used for schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, public transportation, Medicare, Medicaid, libraries, community centers, parks, food programs, veterans programs, public safety and more. If you participate
in any of these programs or care about any of these public services for your own or your family’s benefit, answering the Census 2020 questions is vital. From March 12-20, postcards will begin arriving at every address in the US with an invitation to participate. From March 30-April 1, the Census Bureau will count those who are homeless everywhere in the community. April 1 is Census Day and during the month, you’ll complete your census. In April, census takers will begin to visit students living on campus, military barracks, seniors living in large groups and others. From May through July, census takers will knock on doors of homes that haven’t responded yet. You have three easy ways to respond: online, by phone and by mail. This is the first time you will be able to respond
online using a unique number contained on the postcard— even on your cellphone or tablet---in just a few minutes. All methods are available in many different languages, too. The basic questions are: • How many people were living or staying in your home on April 1? • Is it owned or rented? • Name, sex, age, race of persons living there and whether they are related to you All this information is confidential and only used by the Census Bureau to produce statistics. They do not share it with other federal agencies or anyone else by law. Every Census employee takes an oath to protect your information for life. You are kept anonymous and they cannot release your answers in any way that would personally identify you
or anyone else in your home— no matter who asks. There are still good jobs available here in Nevada to work on Census 2020. Check further at www.census.nv.gov/ jobs, call 775-684-5682 or email them at NVCensus2020@gov.nv.gov. The 2020 Census is more than a population count. It’s an opportunity to shape our community and create new data that will help us increase services and programs for all us—especially our growing senior community! Please share this important information with everyone you know via email or social media and get them to participate as well. Let’s count everyone! For more information, please check the websites above or contact me at donnanorm1@yahoo.com or 775240-2745.
www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // March 2020
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“Adding Life to Years”
SOLO Aging Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging
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any years ago, aging researchers identified those elders who were aging alone and with little support as solo agers. Even though aging professionals identified this breed, few people realized that the hardships faced by older people with no family or nearby family members could be any different from other “old people”. Health professionals and the general public just categorize all older adults who deal with similar issues, such as housing, transportation,
health, chronic illness, and safety…as old people with all the same problems. However, the issues and concerns for older adults who do not have a support system are magnified.
Various research has shown that 30 percent or more of people 65 and older live alone. This is ‘solo aging’ that has all kinds of repercussions including isolation, depression, and ultimately suicide.
If you are a solo ager yourself and wonder if you are alone, it turns out you are not alone in being alone. Lynn Feinberg, an expert in caregiving at AARP, says that about 20 percent of women are childless today, compared to only ten percent in the 1970’s. This trend is expected to continue. The birthing rate for Americas as a whole has declined. Feinberg also reports that those aged 85 and older without surviving children will increase from 16 percent in 2000 to an approximate 21 percent in 2040. Divorce rates are also surging among baby boomers. The number of solo agers among boomers is already at 20 percent. For these reasons, care for solo agers is becoming an increasing concern. An AARP study shows us that there will be an increasing disparity between the number of people who will need care, and the number of caregivers available. In 2010, there was a ratio of 7 potential caregivers for every in-need-80-and-older person. By 2030 that ratio is expected to drop to 4:1, and potentially lower at 3:1 by 2050. Solo agers do have all types of needs for assistance like everyone else, but when it comes to having help in the home and making health care decisions, no one is there. Traditionally, family helps with health care and functional help decisions. When someone is aging alone, it is often not clear who can
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and will be available to support him or her, or who will be there to serve as the health care proxy if necessary. Without a supportive infrastructure, those aging alone are at risk for lack of care, inadequate care, or care that goes against their wishes. Various research shows that only one third of us have our advance directives, my estimate would be that those solo agers have significantly less plans for exercising their wishes when they are unable to do so. Solo aging means that either they never have had family; that family has died or moved across the country; or some other scenario. Now, when multiple chronic health issues or other physical or mental limitations cause their inability to make their own health care decisions, they do not have a support system which can create more isolation and dysfunction. We all need to look at our own situation and plan for the possibility that we may very well need help. We need to develop our advanced planning and directives. This process necessitates that we identify a person or persons that will help us when we would need it. If there are no distant family members, then look for friends or others that you would trust and communicate what your desires are for care.
“Adding Life to Years” Unfortunately, we are a society of crises action. We have to experience trauma before we plan for trauma. Many people have to be hit over the head before they act. It is easy to assume as a solo ager that there is just no point to planning without a spouse or child to take care of arrangements. One thing to consider is where to live. A lot of the housing options available to those with children are still available to those who are child free. • Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) – allow residents to remain in the same community even after assistance with daily living is needed. • Assisted Living Communities - Different from nursing homes, offer more benefits and freedoms. • Co-housing – increasing in popularity, this is an arrangement where a group of older and multi-generational residents live in an area that includes homes specifically designed for the aging populations needs, i.e., more accessible. • Staying in your home with the help of in-home care might also be an option – sometimes those who opt for this and can afford it, develop close-knit connections with others doing the same so that they can help each other out. When you do not have a spouse or children, you want to make these plans ahead of time. Visit the establishments that offer these different housing arrangements to get a feel for them. Make sure you select someone you can trust
as your power of attorney if possible. This perhaps might be a niece or extended family. You can also seek the services of a fiduciary, which is a personal financial advisor that you can authorize to act on your behalf. In either case, it is absolutely critical that you plan in advance and make the arrangements very clear so abuse does not occur.
“When it comes to ensuring that your end-oflife wishes are respected, good planning can make up for most of the gap left by the absence of adult children.” — Sara Zeff Geber Solo aging sounds pretty strenuous, but if we plan, think through our likes and wishes, and discus those likes and wishes with others (especially those we trust) we will succeed in our goals. Those of you that know me or have read my articles over the years, know I am big on friendships. My dissertation was on love and friendship, but I am a Solo Aged and in being one, I will add life to my 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 larryjweiss@gmail.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519.
www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // March 2020
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Medicare Yearly “Wellness” Visits
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f you’ve had Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly “Wellness” visit once every 12 months to develop or update a personalized prevention plan. Your provider may also perform a cognitive impairment assessment.
Your costs in Original Medicare
You pay nothing for this visit if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. The Part B deductible doesn’t apply. However, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if: • Your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit.
• These additional tests or services aren't covered under the preventive benefits.
What it is
The cognitive impairment assessment is performed to look for signs of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The personalized prevention plan is designed to help prevent disease and disability based on your current health and risk factors. Your provider will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, called a “Health Risk Assessment,” as part of this visit. Answering these questions can help you and your provider develop a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit. It can also include: • A review of your medical and family history. • Developing or updating a list of current providers and prescriptions. • Height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements. • Detection of any cognitive impairment. • Personalized health advice. • A list of risk factors and treatment options for you. • A screening schedule (like a checklist) for appropriate preventive services. Get details about coverage for screenings, shots, and other preventive services. • Advance care planning
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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
By Sandy Parshall American Cancer Society
I lost my father to colorectal cancer in November of 2017. I was his caregiver but my father was the type of guy who didn’t like to accept help from anyone. From the moment he was diagnosed he kept assuring me everything would be ok and that he didn’t need any help. And because I didn’t understand well enough what was going on, I believed him. He was a private man and I didn’t push. When he announced to me that his cancer had metastasized into his lungs, he did so in the breezy way you’d announce you had a cold. “They have it under control,” he assured me. “There’s nothing you can do.” He spent nearly a decade undergoing chemotherapy— long enough that we became comfortable with the routine. He was well enough to drive himself to treatments and insisted on doing so. He felt good. There were days we’d forget he even had cancer. We hardly talked about it anymore. But in April of 2017, I got a call from him in a different tone of voice. He was measured instead of breezy. His oncologist had informed him the chemo was no longer working and that his cancer was terminal.
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I spent every moment with him that I could at the end of his life. We went to our favorite restaurants. I sat down with old photo albums and asked him to tell me stories I already knew, just so I could hear them one more time.
As his body became weaker, I almost had to fight with him to accept hospice into his home. He still didn’t want any help. He was a fighter until the end. About a week after his death, my aunt admitted to me that my father had put off his initial cancer screenings, and wondered aloud if they would have saved his life. I stumbled through a response as my heart broke. We’ll never know and it will haunt me forever. March is colorectal cancer awareness month and American Cancer Society leads the fight through research, prevention, and advocacy. Research shows that regular screenings at recommended intervals can save lives. Colorectal cancer doesn’t always produce symptoms right away, so it’s important to get screened even if you are healthy. One of American Cancer Society’s objectives for 2020 is to increase screening for colorectal cancer to 80% in our communities, and to identify and address where there may be gaps in access to care. Nevada has one of the lowest screening rates in the Western United States. And while health insurance companies will cover preventive cancer screenings, many people in our communities are underinsured or uninsured. Worse, some people whose primary insurance is Medicare are avoiding
Screening / from p. 14 important colorectal screening tests because of a “Medicare Loophole,” in which the screening itself is covered unless the results come back positive. In this case, the test becomes diagnostic and is no longer covered, sticking patients with an expensive medical bill. Facing potential financial hits, some people elect to forego their screenings. Everyone should have access to potentially life-saving cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, the nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of American Cancer Society, works with both state and federal governments to advocate for better access to care, cancer prevention and early detection programs, and funding for research. In Nevada, our staff have worked to obtain the support of both the house (HR 1570 has 291 co-sponsors) and the senate (S 668 has 52 co-sponsors) for the Removing the Barrier to Colorectal Screening Act which would close that Medicare loophole, which we hope will encourage more people to elect for screening. As I reach the recommended age for colorectal screening, I find myself channeling my father and putting it off. I’m busy, it’s a hassle. It’s scary. I finally sat down last week and made an appointment to have it done. I hope you will, too, and that you’ll have that talk with your loved one that I never did. It may just save their life. For more information visit: cancer.org/cancer/colon-rec-
Photo of Sandy Parshall’s father. It is one of the last photo’s taken of him. “I got him a ride on an old B25- it’s the only thing he asked for when I told him I’d do anything for him when we found out his cancer was terminal. It was his dream to fly in one so I got him a ride.”
tal-cancer.html. For 24/7 cancer information and support, call 1-800-227-2345.
NV 89509, 775-828-2201,
sandy.parshall@cancer.org.
JOIN US! The American Cancer Society (cancer.org) and ACS CAN (fightcancer.org) are volunteer-driven organizations whose mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and to fight for a world without cancer. We can only do that with your help! We hold events all over the United States and the world to celebrate both cancer survivors and those we’ve lost to this horrible disease- including Relay For Life events in Reno/Sparks, Carson City-Douglas County, Fernley and Rural Nevada, and Elko. You can find out more about these events and how to get involved at relayforlife.org or contact Sandy Parshall in our Reno, NV office: 630 Sierra Rose Drive Suite 1A, Reno, Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com // March 2020
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Hit Your Goals For Better Heart Health By Traci Biondi, MD Medical Director Prominence Health Plan
Your heart is a vital organ. It never takes a break from transporting oxygen and nutrients to your tissues while removing metabolic waste (CO2 and other toxic compounds). It beats 35 million times and pumps 730,000 gallons of blood each year. Have you been taking good care of your ticker? For your overall health, it is vital to incorporate healthy heart habits into your daily routine. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Americans. About 1 in every 4 male deaths and 1 in every 5 female deaths are related to heart disease. Maintaining good heart health is critical. Simple, healthy lifestyle changes are the best ways to protect yourself from develF o r K i d s F o u n d a t i o n P re s e n t s oping heart disease. Many of the best heart health practices also ! g have positive beneDancin ! d fits for your overall o Fo ! s e z i health, not just your Pr Po l k a Ti m e ! heart. To help get you started, Prominence B ava r i a n Wo r l d , Health Plan’s team rounded up some 5 9 5 Va l l e y R D , R e n o helpful tips and sugF o r K i d s F o u n d a t i o n . o rg gestions. 16 | March 2020 // Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com
Top Tips for Improving Your Heart Health Exercise xperts agree that cardiovascular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your heart health. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, per week. Moderate exercise can
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include things like brisk walking or hiking, while vigorous exercise includes swimming and other strenuous activities. If you don’t like exercising alone, ask a friend to join you for regular strolls in your neighborhood park. Other options include enrolling in an activity or class at the city’s community center or gym.
Diet
Expand your diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing your intake of things that are high in saturated fats, sugar, and sodium. When combined, these problem foods can lead to high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. These factors can significantly increase your risk of developing heart disease. Try a new recipe with ingredients like turmeric, which helps reduce inflammation; walnuts, which help control cholesterol levels; and salmon, which helps lower blood pressure.
Habits
(smoking and drinking)
FROM
CAST
TO
CAST OFF
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to lower your risk of heart disease. The chemicals in tobacco can increase your heart
rate, contract heart vessels and cause an irregular heart rhythm — all while raising your blood pressure. For those that enjoy more than two drinks a day, cutting back can significantly reduce your blood pressure. Moderating your drinking habits can also minimize the risk of stroke and damage to other vital organs, including your heart.
Weight
Healthy weight loss is a powerful way to reduce your risk of heart disease. One of the best ways to determine if you need to lose weight is by talking to your primary care physician. They can check your BMI (Body Mass Index) and perform other examinations to help determine if there are any risk factors. Studies have shown that finding a support group to do
healthy activities with can significantly increase the chances of you continuing along your health journey. When hanging out with friends and family, find something that gets you moving.
discuss with your primary care physician: - Read a good book - Spend time with loved ones - Enjoy a hot cup of tea - Do something you enjoy
Lowering stress allows you to better control your blood pressure. By regularly practicing breathing exercises or meditation, you can boost your stress resilience and manage life’s chaotic happenings. At night, limit late-night snacks, maintain a regular bedtime and strive to get at least seven hours of sleep.
Want personalized suggestions? Talk to your primary care physician about ways you can take care of your heart to reach an ultimate state of wellness. They can go over your risk factors for heart disease, and provide curated solutions to help address your needs. Together, you can find a plan that works to support your journey toward better heart health.
Additionally, taking just a few moments out of your day to practice self-care can do a lot to reduce stress. Not sure where to get started? Here are a few ideas to consider and
The Prominence Health Plan team is here to help you achieve an ultimate state of wellness. To learn more, visit prominencemedicare.com or call 800-880-7457.
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B arton o rthopedics a nd W ellness . com Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com // March 2020
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Paco Lachoy
“
Health and Wellness for Reno Seniors through scholarships
If I didn’t have a scholarship from Reno Parks and Rec,” Bessie Cann, a 91-year-old Reno fixed income resident said. “I wouldn’t be able to be social and active as I am! The best part of it is about the friends I see and the new friends I make.”
Ms. Cann is one of hundreds of Reno residents who take advantage of the City of Reno’s Parks and Recreation scholarship program available to residents who otherwise might not be able to participate in many of the recreational programs and activities the city provides. The city is committed to providing recreation opportunities to improve health and wellness to all residents regardless of economic status.
“I love participating in the Senior Games,” Ms. Cann said. “I love the card games, shuffleboard and bean bag baseball. And with a scholarship I can do some of the trips and other activities the senior programs offer. I only have so much and this greatly helps me still be able to do things.” Ms. Cann has been recognized for being the oldest female participant at the Senior Games several times. She says having a scholarship allows her the ability to be active and social, which she says she might not be able to do with out the opportunity to have one. “The application process for a scholarship is easy,” according to Ms. Cann
“…you fill it out, provide proof of income and proof of residency in Reno. It is nothing to fear and they only need the information to make sure you qualify. It’s Easy!” She is not alone. Many fixed or low-income seniors find themselves alone and become shut-ins which is not good for mental or physical health, especially seniors who are isolated. Gracie Vanderstokker, a resident at Sierra Manor, a senior housing complex, has a scholarship, which allows her to attend activities the City of Reno offers. She says there is no reason for a senior not to apply.
“Yeah, scholarships are important to people like us,” Ms. Vanderstokker said. “…and its so easy to get one. I can go to the Activity Center and participate in things, like the monthly brunch and movie or a show here and there. Maybe even take one of the trips.” There are several levels of assistance available to qualifying Reno residents. Scholarship awardees can get a 60, 40 or a 20 percent discount on programs that qualify. Qualifying activities are listed in the Senior Connect, a quarterly publication by Parks and Rec for programs geared to aging residents. Scholarships can also be used to purchases any one of the various recreation passes offered. Applications for a scholarship are available online at Reno.gov/parksandrec and at the city’s recreational facilities. Completed applications can be turned in at Rec facilities or mailed/dropped off at the Administrative Offices, located at 1 East First Street, Reno, Nevada 89501. If you have questions you can call Norah or Ping at (775) 334-2260.
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The Recreation Division offers a wide variety of programs listed in its Parks and Recreation Guide published twice a year (Springs and Fall). The guide is available at Teglia’s Paradise Park Activities Center, Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center and the Neil Road Recreation Center and online at Reno.gov/parksandrec. March 2020 // Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER by Janet Ross
W
e
bought our Sparks house in 1973. It was part of the Rosepark Janet Ross subdivision (south of Prater Way, west of McCarran Boulevard). The sale price was $31,000 for three bedrooms, den, two baths, living room, dining area, kitchen, and two-car garage – all in 1,468 square feet. Schools and shopping were nearby. The yard was landscaped front and back with lots of juniper shrubs, lawn, and cement walkways. Built in 1965, the interior décor was a riot of color. The front entry had red and gold flocked wallpaper. One bedroom was a bright lime green, the master pumpkin orange with a bath in swamp green. Paneling was in style back then; it covered all the walls in the den, two in the living room, one in the third bedroom. The living room had a fireplace set in an entire wall of used brick. Fencing was split-rail in the front, grape stake along the sides and back. The house still stands, considerably changed from its original appearance, inside and out. At one point all the walls went from colored to neutral white. Windows were replaced with double-panes; carpets, once gold, became a tan-rust tweed. Paneling disappeared, except for the den (that also retained its red wall-to-wall carpet). Furniture came and went, books multiplied to fill more than a dozen book cases between all the rooms except the kitchen-dining area.
As our home for the last 47 years, I have no intention of moving. It’s a comfortable, convenient place to live and my daughter shares the house with me. I’ve never felt house-proud, however. Nor, have I yearned for a more prestigious location. Seemingly unrelated to what I’ve just told you about our house and home, I’ve been the beneficiary of a free subscription to the Wall Street Journal for the past several months. It’s been delivered daily along with the Reno Gazette Journal. The Wall Street Journal may make our local newspaper look poor in comparison when it comes to content, but there is one Wall Street Journal section I look forward to every Friday. Not fictional, but decidedly escapist, “MANSION” is true to its name and features only mansions with price tags that begin at one-million and move skyward. You’ll find all types of mansions from Frank Lloyd Wright’s turn-of-the-century private residences to contemporary imitations of European castles on the Texas prairie and Manhattan skyscraper penthouses. Imagine my delight with a front-page Mansion article that began: “Good Things In Small Packages. Jewel-box homes may be modest in size ...” The home described in in detail was a minimal 1,300 square feet built in the 1970s in East Hampton, NewYork. Well, if 1,300 square feet and three bedrooms qualifies as a “jewel box”, why not 1,468 square feet in Sparks, Nevada? Who knew? I sure didn’t, but I do now! Any chance you live in a “jewel box”, too?
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Club, 2pm - 5pm, NRRC. March 9, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC. March 9, Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30am 11:30am, NRRC. March 9, Mat Yoga, 10am 11am, NRRC. March 9, Pinochle, 10am 2pm, TPPAC. March 5, SHIP Counselors, 10am - 1pm, NRRC. March 5, Sit and Get Fit, 10am - 11am, EMNECC. March 5, Zumba Gold Fitness, 10am - 11am, TPPAC. March 5, Open Lab, 12pm 2pm, NRRC.
March 6, Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30am - 9:45am, EMNECC.
March 9, Volunteer Crochet and Knitting Group, 10am 12pm, EMNECC.
March 6, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC.
March 9, Learn to Play Pickleball, 11:30am - 1pm, NRRC.
March 6, Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30am 11:30am, NRRC.
March 9, Mat Yoga, 12pm 1pm, EMNECC.
March 5, Bunco, 12:15pm 3:30pm, TPPAC.
March 6, Beanbag Baseball Practice, 10am - 12:30pm, TPPAC.
March 5, Cribbage, 1pm 3pm, EMNECC.
March 6, Mat Yoga, 10am 11am, NRRC.
March 5, Tai Chi Class, 1pm 2pm, EMNECC.
March 6, Mat Yoga, 12pm 1pm, EMNECC.
March 5, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm - 10pm, NRRC.
March 6, Pickleball, 12pm 1pm, NRRC.
March 5, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC.
March 6, Drop in Bridge, 12:30pm - 3:30pm, EMNECC.
March 5, Food Stamp Assistance (SNAP), Reno Senior Center, 8-12 p.m. Also March 19.
March 6, Pinochle, 1pm 4pm, NRRC.
March 5, 12, 19, 26, Blood Pressure Checks, 9-11 a.m., Reno Senior Center. March 6, Storybook Ballet, begins, 9-10 a.m., Art in Motion, 121 Los Altos Pkwy, Ste. 101, Sparks, students learn basic ballet.
March 6, Beanbag Baseball, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, Practice, NRRC. March 6, Ballroom Dancing, 6pm - 7:45pm, EMNECC. March 6, Table Tennis, 10am 1pm, NRRC. March 8, Reno Senior Dance
March 9, Cribbage and Minnesota, 1pm - 3:30pm, NRRC. March 9, Sunshine Quilters, 1pm - 4pm, TPPAC. March 9, Beanbag Baseball Practice, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, NRRC. March 9, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm - 10pm, NRRC. March 9, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC. March 9, Veterans Service Officer, 11-1 p.m., Cold Springs Community Center. March 9, Sparks City Council, 2-5 p.m., Council Chambers. March 10, Food Bank Truck (CSFP), Sparks Parks & Recreation Center, 11:45-12:30 p.m. March 10, Veterans Service Officer, 11-1 p.m., Sparks Senior Center.
March 10, Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30am - 9:45am, EMNECC. March 10, Bread Drop, 9am 10am, TPPAC. March 10, Bridge (experienced players), 9am - 1:30pm, EMNECC. March 10, Pickleball, 9am 11:30am, NRRC. March 10, Conversation Cafe, 9:30am - 11am, NRRC. March 10, Sit and Get Fit, 10am - 11am, EMNECC. March 10, Bread Drop, 12pm - 1pm, NRRC. March 10, Basic Bridge, 1pm 3:30pm, NRRC. March 10, Beanbag Baseball Practice, 1pm - 3:30pm, TPPAC. March 10, Tai Chi Class, 1pm - 2pm, EMNECC. March 10, Veterans Resource Center, 1pm - 4pm, EMNECC. March 10, Ballroom Dancing, 2pm - 3:45pm, EMNECC. March 10, Western Squares, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, TPPAC. Description: Every Tuesday 2pm-3:45pm Every Friday 6pm-7:45pm Drop in fee March 11, Blood Pressure Checks, 11-1 p.m., Gerlach Senior Center. March 11, Pickleball Round Robin Tournament, 8-11 a.m., Alf Sorenson Community Center. (Calendar page 22)
Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com // March 2020
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March 11, Mat Yoga, 12pm 1pm, EMNECC. March 11, Pinochle, 1pm 4pm, NRRC.
11am, NRRC.
- 1pm, NRRC.
March 16, Pinochle, 10am 2pm, TPPAC.
March 17, Basic Bridge, 1pm 3:30pm, NRRC.
March 11, This-N-That Exchange, 1pm - 3pm, NRRC.
March 16, Volunteer Crochet and Knitting Group, 10am 12pm, NRRC.
March 11, Chair Yoga, 1:30pm - 2:15pm, EMNECC.
March 16, Learn to Play Pickleball, 11:30am - 1pm, NRRC.
March 11, Pickleball, 4:30pm - 6:30pm, NRRC.
March 16, Mat Yoga, 12pm 1pm, EMNECC.
March 11, Cloverleaf Squares, 6pm - 7pm, TPPAC.
March 16, Cribbage and Minnesota, 1pm - 3:30pm, NRRC.
March 11, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm - 10pm, NRRC.
March 16, Sunshine Quilters, 1pm - 4pm, TPPAC.
March 11, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC.
March 16, Beanbag Baseball Practice, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, NRRC.
March 12, Veterans Service Officer, 11-1 p.m., Gerlach Senior Center. March 12, Game Day; Any Game/Minnesota/Dominos, 1pm - 3pm, NRRC.
March 16, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm - 10pm, NRRC. March 16, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC.
March 12,Tai Chi Class, 1pm 2pm, EMNECC.
March 17, Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30am - 9:45am, EMNECC.
March 12, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm - 10pm, NRRC.
March 17, Bread Drop, 9am 10am, TPPAC.
March 12, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC.
March 17, Bridge (experienced players), 9am - 1:30pm, EMNECC.
March 13, Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30am - 9:45am, EMNECC.
March 17, Beanbag Baseball Practice, 1pm - 3:30pm, TPPAC. March 17, Tai Chi Class, 1pm - 2pm, EMNECC. March 17, Ballroom Dancing, 2pm - 3:45pm, TPPAC. March 18, Healthy Walking Program, 8:30am - 9:30am, Meadowood Mall. March 18, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC. March 18, Ceramic Workshop, 9:30am - 12:30pm, McKinley Arts & Culture Center. March 18, Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30am 11:30am, NRRC. March 18, Intermediate Bridge, 10am - 2pm, TPPAC. March 18, Mat Yoga, 10am 11am, NRRC.
March 17, Pickleball, 9am 11:30am, NRRC.
March 18, Pinochle, 10am 2pm, TPPAC.
March 13, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC.
March 17, Conversation Cafe, 9:30am - 11am, NRRC.
March 18, Pickleball, 11:30am - 12:30pm, NRRC.
March 16, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC.
March 17, Sit and Get Fit, 10am - 11am, EMNECC.
March 18, Mat Yoga, 12pm 1pm, EMNECC.
March 16, Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30am 11:30am, NRRC.
March 17, Something New Bingo, 11am - 12:30pm, TPPAC.
March 19, Game Day; Any Game/Minnesota/Dominos, 1pm - 3pm, NRRC.
March 16, Mat Yoga, 10am -
March 17, Bread Drop, 12pm
March 19, Tai Chi Class, 1pm
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March 2020 // Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com
- 2pm, EMNECC. March 19, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm - 10pm, NRRC. March 19, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC. March 20, Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30am - 9:45am, EMNECC. March 20, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC. March 20, Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30am 11:30am, NRRC. March 20, Beanbag Baseball Practice, 10am - 12:30pm, TPPAC. March 20, Mat Yoga, 10am 11am, NRRC. March 20, Mat Yoga, 12pm 1pm, EMNECC. March 21, Women’s Tea Party/ Luncheon and Beautiful Hat Show, 11am - 1:30pm, Baldini’s Sports Casino. March 21, Dancing with the Stars Live, 6:30pm - 10pm, Grand Sierra Resort Casino.
March 22, Reno Senior Dance Club, 2pm - 5pm, NRRC.
March 24, Western Squares, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, TPPAC.
March 23, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC.
March 25, Healthy Walking Program, 8:30am - 9:30am, Meadowood Mall.
March 23, Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30am 11:30am, NRRC. March 23, Mat Yoga, 10am 11am, NRRC. March 23, Pinochle, 10am 2pm, TPPAC. March 23, Volunteer Crochet and Knitting Group, 10am 12pm, EMNECC. March 23, Mat Yoga, 12pm 1pm, EMNECC. March 23, Cribbage and Minnesota, 1pm - 3:30pm, NRRC. March 23, Sunshine Quilters, 1pm - 4pm, TPPAC. March 23, 1:30pm - 3:30pm Beanbag Baseball Practice, NRRC. March 23, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm - 10pm, NRRC. March 23, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC. March 24, Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30am - 9:45am, EMNECC. March 24, Bread Drop, 9am 10am, TPPAC. March 24, Beanbag Baseball Practice, 1pm - 3:30pm, TPPAC. March 24, Tai Chi Class, 1pm - 2pm, EMNECC. March 24, Ballroom Dancing, 2pm - 3:45pm, EMNECC.
March 30, Mat Yoga, 12pm - 1pm, EMNECC. March 30, Cribbage and Minnesota, 1pm 3:30pm, NRRC.
March 25, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC.
March 30, Sunshine Quilters, 1pm - 4pm, TPPAC.
March 25, Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30am - 11:30am, NRRC.
March 30, Beanbag Baseball Practice, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, NRRC.
March 25, Intermediate Bridge, 10am - 2pm, TPPAC. March 25, Mat Yoga, 10am - 11am, NRRC. March 25, Cloverleaf Squares, 6pm - 7pm, TPPAC. March 25, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm - 10pm, NRRC. March 25, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC. March 26, Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30am - 9:45am, EMNECC. March 26, Healthy Walking Program, 9:45am - 10:45am, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
March 26, Bunco, 12:15pm 3:30pm, TPPAC. March 26, Cribbage, 1pm 3pm, EMNECC. March 26, Game Day; Any Game/Minnesota/Dominos, 1pm - 3pm, NRRC. March 27, Ballroom Dancing, 6pm - 7:45pm, EMNECC. Every Tuesday 2pm-3:45pm. Every Friday 6pm-7:45pm. Drop in fee. March 27, Table Tennis, 10am - 1pm, NRRC.
March 26, Chair Yoga, 10am 10:45am, NRRC.
March 30, Sit and Get Fit, 8:30am - 9:30am, TPPAC.
March 26, Sit and Get Fit, 10am - 11am, EMNECC.
March 30, Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30am 11:30am, NRRC.
March 26, Volunteer Crochet and Knitting Group, 10am 12pm, EMNECC.
March 30, Mat Yoga, 10am 11am, NRRC.
March 26, Zumba Gold Fitness, 10am - 11am, TPPAC.
March 30, Pinochle, 10am 2pm, TPPAC.
March 26, Open Lab, 12pm 2pm, NRRC.
March 30, Volunteer Crochet and Knitting Group, 10am 12pm, EMNECC.
March 30, Badminton (All Ages), 7pm 10pm, NRRC. March 30, Table Tennis, 7pm 10pm, NRRC. March 31, Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30am - 9:45am, EMNECC. March 31, Bread Drop, 9am 10am, TPPAC. March 31, Bridge (experienced), 9am - 1:30pm, EMNECC. March 31, Pickleball, 9am 11:30am, NRRC. March 31, Conversation Cafe, 9:30am - 11am, NRRC. March 31, Sit and Get Fit, 10am - 11am, EMNECC. March 31, Bread Drop, 12pm - 1pm, NRRC. March 31, 1pm - 3:30pm Basic Bridge, NRRC. March 31, 1pm - 3:30pm Beanbag Baseball, TPPAC. March 31, Tai Chi Class, 1pm - 2pm, EMNECC.
Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com // March 2020
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BIGGEST little City
SEVERAL SILVER SPURS AWARDED TO SILVER SCREEN STARS IN THE SILVER STATE Part 3
By Harry Spencer
T
he most popular attraction at Sundown Town was the “quick-draw” booth. It contained several types of guns, loaded with blanks, in the appropriate holsters. It also had a very sophisticated timing device that was accurate to a tenth of a second. Practically everyone in the Press parties we had there tried their skill. Of course, the movie stars were anxious to show off their expertise. Among the best were Glenn Ford and James Arness. When I was asked who held the record for the fastest time, all were amazed to learn that it was none other than Sammy Davis, Jr., whom we had taken up to the town once on a publicity stunt.
It was unfortunate that the “Spurs” award rode off into the sunset in 1966 due to several factors. Chief among them was the fact that Western “Oaters” had lost favor in movies and on television. Also the era saw the decline of many Hollywood fan magazines and Western film critics. Reno itself was morphing from a true Western town into a smaller version of neighboring California cities. The truly sad result of the “Spurs” demise was that a large number of possible honorees never got the chance to win the award. That list would be headed by Clint Eastwood, who reinvented the Western with his “Man with No Name” trilogy. The list would also include such names as Kevin Costner, James Garner, Steve McQueen, Clint Walker, Stuart
Whitman, Chuck Connors, Robert Redford, Paul Newman and a host of A-listers such as Clark Gable, Robert Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and the most prolific Westernstar, Randolph Scott. Although none of the “singing” cowboys were ever considered, I remember meeting Roy Rogers when he and his wife Dale were booked at one of the local showrooms during several of the Reno Rodeo events. At one point in time I handled an early morning Press conference for Rogers and he appeared decked out in his cowboy outfit which was milk white from top to bottom. In person he was a mid-sized man of stocky build with a winning smile and sparkling blue eyes. When I had set him up at the podium I asked him if he would like to have a glass of water. He replied, “No, but I see you have a fully stocked bar over there, so could you get me a water glass full of vodka with no ice? That way the Press will think I’m drinking water!” I quickly acquiesced and during Roy’s half-hour delivery I received the high-sign from him to refill the glass a couple of times. Of the early day “Spurs” recipients, I was fortunate enough to meet several on a variety of occasions. The first was Gregory Peck in 1948 at the LA airport. He was preparing for a pre-dawn departure to film “Twelve O’Clock High”. I remember he said he had some misgivings about playing the part of a general at such a young age. To my surprise, that morning I noticed that his co-star Dean Jagger was more than an inch taller than the towering Peck. Back in the ‘50s, the Reno Airport consisted of a small Quonset-type
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BANDSTAND - The Musical
T
he Pioneer Center is proud to announce that the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, Bandstand, will play Reno March 27-29. Originally directed and choreographed by threetime Tony winner and Hamilton choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, featuring music by Richard Oberacker with book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, this poignant and inspiring new American musical explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing. It’s 1945, and as America’s soldiers come home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families, Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter,
struggles to rebuild the life he left behind. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, Donny sees a lifeline for himself and some fellow veterans that gives them the purpose they so desperately need. Together, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the way, they discover the power of music to face the impossible,
find their voice, and finally feel like they have a place to call home. Bandstand is “both a peppy celebration of can-do spirit and a more somber exploration of what American servicemen experienced when they marched home from World War II. To purchase, visit www.PioneerCenter.com, call (775) 434-1050, or visit the Pioneer Center box office (M-F, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.).
BIGGEST / from page 24
hangar. At one time I happened to be at the airport and used the Men’s Room facility. While in there, I noticed the fellow standing next to me looked familiar. I asked if he was Gary Cooper and in response I got the classic, “Yup”. I met Jack Lemmon on a couple of occasions; once when he was in Reno visiting his wife, who was starring along with Walter Matthau in the film “Charley Varrick” and later on at the bar of the La Costa Country Club. Although the cinematic celebration faded from sight fifty five years ago, the “Silver Spurs” still exist as they are now awarded to the winner of the Reno Rodeo which occurs every year in late June. Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com // March 2020
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MAYOR PASSES by Harry Spencer
B
school in Texas. The first thing I noticed about him was a firm hand shake, a booming voice and a very husky physique.
For me, I first met Bob on a Pop Warner practice football field when our sons were playing. I found out that he had been a star grid iron player himself when he was in high
Over the ensuing years I got to know Bob very well, especially during his three terms as Mayor. He left a large void in Reno. Although I followed Bob’s career during his political years, I have to say that at one time we were not on the same page. It occurred in 1982 when he was the Democrat candidate for Lieutenant Governor and I was doing publicity for his Republican opponent, Bill Boyd. To say the least, it was a very spirited campaign that saw the underfunded Boyd against the
iggest area story last month was the passing of former Reno Mayor Bob Cashell. It isn’t often that the word “legendary” can be applied to a local citizen, but in Bob’s case it was appropriate. His name will be remembered along with other local legendary characters such as Senator Bill Raggio, newsman Rollan Melton, sportswriter Ty Cobb, coach Jake Lawlor and D.A. Jack Streeter to name a few.
i n g ! L i v e M u s i c By C o r k y B e n n e t t Danc ! & The Wiener Schnitzels Food ! s e Priz
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well-heeled Cashell. When the results were announced Cashell was the obvious winner, but when it came to serving with Democrat Governor Richard Bryan sparks often flew forcing Bob to change his affiliation to Republican.
being interviewed, it would be appropriate to line up other individuals such as Link Piazzo, because the theme of the show was to be how the current national recession compared to the great depression of the ‘30s.
During Bob’s first appearance running a Senate meeting, I happened to go to Carson and sit with Raggio as his guest. Immediately following the session, we happened to bump into Bob in the hallway and he approached me and gave me a massive bear hug. This threw me off guard a bit, as the previous campaign had been so contentious. We both agreed that a political campaign is much like a sports contest in that the final score is determined by the vote count and when it’s over you shake hands and recognize the superior ability of the winner. From that point on, for the next 38 years I felt that Bob and I had a warm relationship. While he was Mayor, he was very accommodating in signing Proclamations that I authored for a variety of events.
When it came time for Bob’s portion of the show to be filmed, I got a call from him saying that he had a very important conflict of interest and would I sit at his desk and do my interview. I replied that I would be happy to and had a good time sitting at his large desk in his spacious office. The film crew consisted of a group of fairly young guys and I don’t know if the project was ever completed.
Probably the most time I spent with Bob was when he called me one morning and said that a motion picture crew was coming to Reno to film a TV special entitled, “When the World Breaks”. He said that I had a lot more TV experience than he did and would I serve as an intermediary between the City and the shooting company. When I asked him what that would entail, he noted that in addition to him
Guiding the crew to Link Piazzo’s house at Hidden Valley was an interesting adventure because the cameraman arrived late and a rather testy Link asked me why the long delay and the best I could do was tell him he was scheduled for make-up first and in his case it might take a long time. As Link and I were good friends he chuckled and said, “Let’s have a drink.” When I bid the shooting crew adieu, they told me that of all the interviews they had conducted Link’s was the best. That was probably due to the fact that Link was the oldest individual to participate. Getting back to Mayor Bob, he was one of those individuals who qualified as, “A man to match my mountains”.
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Tinseltown
Pat Priest’s Munster Memories
By Nick Thomas
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hen Universal Pictures assembled the cast of the popular TV series “The Munsters” for the big screen adaption in the 1966 film “Munster, Go Home!” another actress replaced Pat Priest as Marilyn Munster. “I was devastated not to be in the film,” said Priest from her home near Boise, Idaho. “We were on the set filming the end of the season and the producers sent one of their guys down to tell me. I was 29 and my contract was up for renewal, so I think they wanted a younger actress and didn’t want to pay me more.” Priest says fellow cast members Fred Gwynne (Herman Munster) and Al Lewis (Grandpa) “went to bat for me” but “that’s just the way it goes in this business.” While her role throughout “The Munsters” series was often small, Priest has always been upbeat about the experience.
Fred Gwynne (Herman Munster), Yvonne De Carlo (Lily Munster), Butch Patrick (Eddie Munster) and Al Lewis (Grandpa).
“Occasionally, there was a show built around me, but I usually didn’t have a lot of lines and I just accepted that,” she said. “On a positive note, I could learn my three
A place to belong!
or four lines on the freeway on my way to the studio!” (Munster Memories page 30)
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lunch together. But Fred and Al would always tease her about being a diva.” Gwynne and Lewis had previously starred in “Car 54, Where Are You?” and Priest says it was clear that the pair had on-screen chemistry.
The cast of the Munsters.
Munsters / from page 29 Nevertheless, Priest still has fond memories of working on the show, although there was a brief early encounter with Yvonne De Carlo (Lily Munster). “She was a major movie star from the 40s and 50s,” explained Priest. “My first day on the set the two of us were
in a scene together and the director asked me to move forward into the light. Yvonne turned to me and said, ‘Let’s get something straight right now young lady, don’t you ever upstage me.’ Man, I jumped back and didn’t care if I spent the rest of the series in the dark! However, we eventually got along well and often had
“They played off one another so beautifully, were best friends, and their families were all very close,” she said. “But interestingly, while the rest of us would later meet at TV conventions and autograph shows, Fred
didn’t want anything to do with ‘The Munsters.’ He preferred to be known as a fine actor, not just identified with the Munster character, and would never sign autographs or be interviewed about the show. He wouldn’t even
Pat Priest as she appeared in the Munsters.
stand beside Al to have his picture taken even though they remained good friends.” After “The Munsters,” Priest continued in commercials and took on mostly small acting roles, but she looks back on her acting career as a wonderful experience. “I’ve done everything I wanted to do and gone everywhere I wanted to go,” she said. “I’m 83 now and whatever happens in the future is all just pluses.” Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery and has written features, columns, and interviews for over 750 newspapers and magazines.
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Simply Smart Travel by Jeff & Virginia Orenstein
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Sailing The Great Loop The Adventure of a Lifetime
ant to visit Chicago, the whole Florida coast, Key West, New York City Montreal, Toronto, Cleveland and Detroit on one trip? How about doing it by boat! This month, while we are on the road researching more Simply Smart Travel stories, we’re reporting on one of the most fascinating trips we have ever encountered: sailing the Great Loop. Full disclosure: Even though we live on the Gulf of Mexico, we don’t own a boat so we are not planning to take this trip ourselves, but we are amazed at those over-(and under) 50 adventurers who do. And just a little bit jealous. Here is the story: We were walking along the path at the downtown Sarasota marina and struck up a conversation with Dwight and Christine Pierce, a friendly couple sitting at the stern of their docked 38-foot Morgan 381 sailboat. As we talked, we learned that the couple had just sailed their boat from Lake Michigan, over 1,700 miles
The Mon Amour, the Great Loop boat owned and used by the Pierces, sitting in the Marina in downtown Sarasota, Florida. Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel
Solution from page 31
away by water! More extraordinarily, these “Loopers” (as those who do the Great Loop are called) were far from done. They were only in Sarasota for a while, living on their boat and visiting relatives, and planned on sailing from their current Gulf of Mexico port to Key West and then up the Atlantic Coast to New York and the Hudson River and the Erie Canal, into the Great Lakes and back to Lake Michigan, more than 5,000 miles. Wow! As Dwight explained to us, “There are hundreds of boats doing this journey each year. We keep in contact with those that are nearby and
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often meet up with them along the way and share stories, advice and maybe even a glass of wine with them. Everybody has been super nice and willing to help others.” He said, “Most people use power boats, but we are doing it in a 38-foot sailboat. It’s what we already owned and are used to. We had to have the mast removed in Chicago to get under the bridges and it shipped to Mobile where we re-attached it for the remainder of our trip.” Asked what he’s learned so far, Dwight said “Don’t be in
a hurry. Spend some time in ports because each is a little different and worth exploring. Also, being friendly and outgoing pays off. The friends you meet are the best part of the trip.” Most people spend between 140 and 160 actual sailing days on the trip (not including extended shore stays). Some take 10 months for the whole tour. Before You Go Check out • https://www.great loop.org/content.aspx • https://www.pinterest. com/pin/478718 63538323850 5/?lp=true
• https://oceanservice. noaa.gov/facts/greatloop.html • https://captainjohn. org/ • https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=uXrYQjheEVI If You Only Have One or Two Days In a Port: Must-sees for a short stay are: • Local points of interest within walking or public transportation distance from your docking space. • Local hop-on-hop-off bus tours give a good overview of the area if available. • Getting stores for re-provisioning.
Christine Pierce keeping the boat away from the wall of a lock.
Dwight at the helm of the Mon Amour. Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel
If You Have Several Days In a Port, Enjoy: • Museums and other locally unique features of a region.
• An occasional stay in a nice hotel to enjoy the amenities, budget permitting. (Smart Travel page 34)
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The “spacious” living quarters of the Mon Amour. Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel
Smart Travel / from page 33 • The facilities of local marinas, budget permitting, often including pools, grills showers, laundry, etc.
Ginny O’s Tips For Dressing The Simply Smart Travel Way For Your Boat Trip of a Lifetime: Follow the Boy Scout Motto: Be Prepared. Layers will get you through a lot. This is not a fashion trip but you may want to visit some classy places after being on the water for so long. This Destination At A Glance Over 50 Advantage: The bucket trip of a lifetime if you can put up with cramped quarters and enjoy the water.
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Mobility Level: Moderate to high. You have to be able to get on and off the boat at docks and handle it expertly at sea, in canals and so forth. Being a good swimmer helps too. Simply Smart Travel Tip: If you are going to do the Great Loop, be prepared! Make sure you have the right boat (less than five-foot draft), are experienced seamen and have the right equipment with you. This is not a casual trip for beginners. When To Go: If you are coming from the Great Lakes, fall is a good time to boat southward and spend the
March 2020 // Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com
Christine and Dwight Pierce, co-captains of S/V Mon Amour, at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar on Sarasota Bay. Credit: Dwight Piece
winter in the Gulf of Mexico. Winter up north is not a good time to be on water.
Loopers stay on their boats but some enjoy a few days ashore at luxury resorts.
Where To Stay: Most
Travel Interests: Boating.
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