September 2019 Senior Spectrum Newspaper

Kaiser Health News

20

Asking Never Hurts

Shopping Abroad For Cheaper Medication? Here’s What You Need To Know

By Bernard J. Wolfson

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September 2019 THIS ISSUE

Robin Cressman of Thousand Oaks, Calif., was paying $7,000 annually out-ofpocket for her diabetes drugs until she discovered on a visit to Tijuana, Mexico, that she could get them south of the border for less than 10 percent of the U.S. price.

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n its effort to temper the sky-high prices Americans pay for many vital medications, the Trump administration last month unveiled a plan that would legalize the importation of selected prescription drugs from countries where they sell for far less. But the plan addresses imports only at the wholesale level; it is silent about the transactions by millions of Americans who already buy their medications outside the United States.

Americans routinely skirt federal law by crossing into Canada and Mexico or tapping online pharmacies abroad to buy prescription medications at a fraction of the price they would pay at home.

In some cases, they do it out of desperation. It’s the only way they can afford the drugs they need to stay healthy — or alive. And they do it despite warnings from the

Food and Drug Administration, echoed by the pharmaceutical industry, about the risk of contaminated or counterfeit products.

“The reality is that literally millions of people get their medications this way each year, and they are either saving a lot of money or they are getting a drug they wouldn’t have been able to get because prices are too high here,” says Gabriel Levitt, president of PharmacyChecker.com, an online company that allows people to compare prescription drug prices among international and U.S. pharmacies.

For people with diabetes, the inability to pay U.S. prices for insulin can be a matter of life and death, which is why so many families look to Canada or Mexico to meet their needs.

Robin Cressman, who was diagnosed with Type 1 dia(Medication page 7)

Page 3 ­ Cheaper Medication Page 21 ­ How Safe is Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain?

Page 22 ­ State Veterans Home Chef Receives Award Page 22 ­ Historic Meeting of Senior Boards Joint Meeting Page 27 ­ RTCs New Service

EVERY ISSUE Page 4 ­ Opinion: US Senator Cortez­Masto Page 10 ­ CMS: Create Your Personal Medicare Account Page 13 ­ The Role of Government in Caregiving ­ Adding Life to Years ­ Dr. Larry Weiss Page 17 ­ Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee:

Committee Funds New Food Project for Seniors Page 18 ­ Senior Calendar Page 20 ­ Entertainment & Arts Calendar Page 23­ Biggest Little City ­ One Man Made a Difference Page 24 ­ This ‘N That Page 26 ­ Eclectic Observer Page 28 ­ Resources Page 29 ­ Tinseltown Page 31 ­ Crossword Page 33 ­ Smart Travel

FINANCIAL Page 8 ­Do You Know Who Your Designated Beneficiaries Are? ­ Gerald Dorn, Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd.

Senior Spectrum Newspaper P.O. Box 7124 • Reno, Nv 89510

775-348-0717

email: SeniorSpectrumnv@aol.com Website: Seniorspectrumnewspapers.com

Publishers

Connie & Chase McMullen SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 3

Opinion:

US Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Here’s How Nevada’s Seniors Can Protect Themselves This Fire Season

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ach year, Catherine Cortez Masto Nevadans endure longer and hotter fire seasons. Just last year, Nevada experienced 649 fires that scorched over 1 million acres of land, making it the most extreme and devastating wildfire season on record. As Nevada faces another potentially destructive wildfire season, vulnerable populations, especially our seniors, must have the necessary resources to develop their own preparedness plans at home and help prevent wildfires in their com-

munities.

When wildfires strike, seniors are among the most endangered populations. Sixty percent of victims claimed by the deadly Camp Fire that struck the town of Paradise in California were aged 70 and older. Part of the vulnerability stems from an array of mobility issues – from disabilities to limited access to transportation – that may impair quick evacuations when precious seconds matter. That’s why everyone should have an evacuation plan ready. First, make sure you know how to stay

4 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

informed about emergencies, be it through weather alerts or local community alerts. Have a back-backup, battery-operated phone or radio to stay informed in case of power outages. Be aware of every point of exit in your home. Have a packed “Go Bag” that includes enough supplies like food, water and medicine for three days. Arrange emergency transportation now and plan your place to stay if long-term relocation is required. If you will need public transportation, ask your local government for its local evacuation plan.

Coordinating with neighbors and support networks also facilitates swift evacuation if you have limited mobility.

From exchanging important keys to establishing immediate check-ins, communication and coordination with community members is critical for safety.

In addition to having effective emergency plans, Nevadans can take proactive steps to keep their communities safe during wildfire season.

One simple step is to safeguard your home by creating defensible space, removing dead vegetation from around your

Preparedness / page 4 personal property to decrease the risk of structures catching fire. It can mean all the difference in whether your home survives a wildfire. There are several other small-scale measures you can take to practice fire prevention. Being mindful not to park cars in tall-dry grass during fire weather watches, keeping gas grills at least 15 feet away from any structure, and avoiding the use of equipment that creates sparks on dry, windy days are all effective fire management strategies.

Wildfire preparedness isn’t just important within our communities – it’s also a priority of mine in Congress. For every $1 invested in federal disaster preparedness, $4 in disaster response and recovery costs is saved. That’s why I’m fighting at the federal level to make sure every community has the money and resources needed to implement large-scale preparedness and prevention strategies. I recently welcomed over $106 million from the U.S. Department of the Interior to fund conservation and wildfire prevention efforts, including hazardous fuels reduction, in Nevada.

This federal funding is being amplified in Nevada by the work the Silver State is doing to support wildfire prevention efforts and keep communities safe. I’m grateful for leaders like Governor Steve Sisolak and Assemblywoman Heidi Swank, who worked to introduce and pass an additional $5 million boost in state funding for wildfire prevention, restoration and long-term planning. Assemblywoman Swank’s amendment requires the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prioritize securing

additional funds that will also be matched by the state government up to $5 million to assist in proactive wildfire prevention and preparation. I’ve encouraged the state to have matching funds on hand so we can capitalize on grant opportunities when they emerge, providing a critical source of revenue to address pressing issues like wildfire preparedness. After discussions with ranchers, environmentalists and the U.S. Division of Forestry, the Governor’s office also authorized additional funding boosts to the state wildfire suppression fund, approved legislation that will require utility companies to create plans to reduce the risk of their power lines sparking fires and created an interim study committee dedicated to learning more about wildfire reduction. I’ll continue working with Governor Sisolak, our state legislature and all our Nevada stakeholders to find innovative ways to reduce devastation when wildfires break out and protect lives, property and businesses in Nevada.

During wildfire season, it’s important that we’re all prepared and looking out for one another. Together, we can do more to prevent fires, support our brave firefighters and first responders, and develop the necessary strategies to keep vulnerable Nevadans out of the path of wildfires. I will continue to fight for resources that prevent catastrophic wildfires before they happen and that support communities so they can rebuild when tragedy strikes. As we wrap up the summer months in Nevada, and as temperatures reach their highest and driest, I urge seniors in Nevada to have a plan in place so they can be safe and healthy during fire season.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 5

National Council of Aging

NCOA Improves the Lives of 10 Million Older Adults, Sets New Goal of 40 Million by 2030

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he National Council on Aging (NCOA) announced it has reached its goal of improving the lives of 10 million individuals by 2020—one year early. It also has set a new goal of helping 40 million by 2030, and it has wel­ comed Nationwide as an important new partner to achieve this vision.

“By 2030, 93 million Americans will be aged 60 and older. Now is the time to set bold goals and form strategic partnerships to ensure that every person is

Jim Firman

able to age well,” said NCOA President and CEO Jim Firman. “We’re excited to be working with Nationwide (a diversified insurance and financial services organiza­ tions based in Columbus, OH) to improve the financial well­ being of all older adults.”

The average 65­year­old today will live another 20 years. While this new­found longevity is a bonus, it also poses challenges when it comes to affording a longer life and staying healthy and independent as long as possi­ ble.

“We know that millions of older adults are financially insecure, or at risk of becom­ ing so in the future,” Firman explained. “Meanwhile, 80 percent also are coping with at least one chronic health condition. Our partnership with Nationwide will enable us to reach older adults with trusted information, tools, and resources to empower them to improve their finan­ cial health today—and as they age.”

NCOA and Nationwide will work together to create a unique digital financial well­ ness platform that will guide individuals through key deci­ sions that can help make their money last longer and empower them to stay inde­ pendent. These include maxi­ mizing health care insurance coverage, managing debt, exploring work options, and applying for public and pri­ vate benefits programs.

“With a history of strength and stability dating back more than 90­years and a focus of guiding advisors to break down and simplify

6 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

complex retirement challenges, we under­ stand what it means to help people prepare for living well in retirement,” noted Kristi Rodriguez, leader of the Nationwide Retirement Institute.

“There’s a natural match of missions and values between NCOA and Nationwide that makes this partnership gen­ uine in intentions and struc­ tured for results. Our research and coaching in the areas of Social Security, health care, long­term care, and tax efficiency, combined with NCOA’s expertise in the needs of aging Americans will bring solutions to the almost 100 million who deserve to live with economic security.”

A Nationwide Retirement Institute survey conducted by Harris Poll found only 45 per­ cent of future retirees are planning on talking about health care costs with a financial advisor, which is less than those wanting to talk about taxes (59%) and retirement costs (58%). In addition, two­thirds of future retirees wish they under­ stood Medicare coverage better.

In calculating social impact,

NCOA counts individuals served by the organization and its partners who: 1. Realize a reduction in expenses and/or increase in income equaling at least $1,200 per year 2. Complete an evidence­ based program proven to deliver improvements to health and well­being 3. Are able to remain in the community instead of being relocated to a nursing home 4. Directly benefit (as defined above) from a policy change that would not have hap­ pened without NCOA’s lead­ ership “We are incredibly proud of the work we’ve achieved so far, but we know that given the demographics, we can’t stop now,” said Firman.

“That’s why we’ve set an even more ambitious goal— to improve the lives of 40 million individuals by 2030.”

Medication / from page 3

betes in 2012 and has become a vocal advocate for lower drug prices, says that even with insurance she was paying $7,000 a year out-of-pocket for the two insulin drugs she needs: Lantus and Humalog.

At one point, her credit card debt hit $30,000, says Cressman, 34, of Thousand Oaks, Calif.

While on an outing in Tijuana, Mexico, last year, she popped into a few pharmacies to see if they stocked her medications. With little fanfare, she says, she was able to buy both drugs over the counter for less than 10 percent of what they cost her north of the border.

“I left Tijuana that day absolutely trembling because I could not believe how easy it was for me to get my insulin,” she says, “but also how little money it cost and how badly I was being extorted in the U.S.” If you are planning to cross the border for your medications, or get them through an online pharmacy abroad, here are two things you should know. First: It is technically illegal. Second: It is unlikely you will be prosecuted.

Despite the official prohibition, FDA guidelines allow federal agents to refrain from enforcement “when the quantity and purpose are clearly for personal use, and the product does not present an unreasonable risk to the user.”

Personal use generally means no more than a 90-day supply. You should think twice before bringing in quantities larger than that, because

if authorities suspect you have commercial intentions, you could land in legal jeopardy — and lose the drugs.

People familiar with the practice say you generally can pass through customs without much hassle if you have no more than three months’ worth of a medication, you declare it to customs agents and you show them a doctor’s prescription or a personal note attesting it is for personal use, along with contact information for your physician.

Even in the worst-case scenario, an unsympathetic agent might confiscate the drugs — but not arrest you.

Ordering drugs online from foreign pharmacies also tends to go largely unchallenged. Legally, the FDA can refuse entry of the package at an international mail facility.

“That does happen from time to time,” but not often, says Levitt.

It is more common for shipments that do get through to be detained for several days pending FDA inspection. So, if you need to take your medication every day, be sure to build in a sufficient margin for potential delays.

A far bigger risk if you’re shopping abroad for medications is that you might not get what you paid for — and it might not be safe. “There’s a lot of junk in the pharmaceutical world,” says Dr. Ken Croen, a primary care physician at the Scarsdale Medical Group in Westchester County, N.Y., who advises many of his patients on how to buy drugs safely in Canada.

And there are plenty of rogue operators, especially in the world of online pharmacies. You will need to do a little vetting.

Before doing business with an online pharmacy, confirm it is licensed in its country of ori-

gin and that the country has strong pharmacy regulations, says Dr. Aaron S. Kesselheim, a professor of medicine at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Countries with well-regulated pharmacies include Canada, New Zealand, Australia, much of Western Europe and Turkey.

Also, check to make sure the pharmacy posts an address and phone number on its website. Experts advise against using online pharmacies that don’t require a doctor’s prescription: They are more likely to cut other corners, as well.

A couple of websites do the vetting for you, using these and other criteria.

The Canadian International Pharmacy Association runs a site (cipa.com) that allows you to compare drug prices among dozens of pharmacies whose legitimacy it has certified. Its customers “tend to be people who live in the U.S., are on fixed income or low income and can’t afford the medications where they live,” says Tim Smith, the association’s general manager.

To buy through one of CIPA’s certified pharmacies, you must have a valid prescription and submit a medical pro-

file to help guard against adverse drug interactions. The site also maintains a list of “rogue” online pharmacies.

PharmacyChecker.com offers a similar service, linking customers to a broader range of online pharmacies abroad and in the U.S. Levitt, its president, notes that while importing drugs from overseas is a “critical lifeline” for many people, it is still possible to buy many medications affordably in the U.S. He and others suggest you take the time to comparison shop in the U.S. because prices can vary significantly from pharmacy to pharmacy.

Santa Monica, Calif.-based GoodRx tracks prescription drug prices at over 70,000 pharmacies across the U.S. and offers coupons.

Levitt also recommends asking your doctor if there is a viable therapeutic alternative or a lower-cost generic drug.

Recent research from PharmacyChecker shows that 88% of the most commonly prescribed generic drugs can be purchased more cheaply in the U.S. than from Canadian pharmacies.

“Many times there is no reason to go international,” Levitt says. “The drug will actually be cheaper here.”

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 7

Do You Know Who Your Designated Beneficiaries Are?

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By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Gerald M. Dorn, J.D., EPLS, AEP Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd. Legacy and Wealth Planning Attorneys www.wealth-counselors.com

t’s likely you already have a comprehensive estate plan in place and probably spent Gerald Dorn hours contemplating the decisions you made in your plan. You also placed a

great deal of thought towards the distri­ bution of your estate assets, your choice for executor of your Will, Trustee of your Trust, and guardian for your minor children. You covered everything right? Well maybe not. All too often, people forget one important aspect of

estate planning – beneficiary designa­ tions.

What Are Beneficiary Designations?

Although you may not realize it, benefi­ ciary designations govern many of your most valuable assets. Life insurance policies, retirement plans, and invest­ ment and bank accounts, as well as mutual funds and brokerage accounts all may have beneficiary designations.

In some states, even personal proper­ ty, such as your vehicle, may carry a beneficiary designation. These desig­ nations dictate who will inherit the asset in the event of your death not withstanding a provision to the con­ trary in your last Will and testament or a Trust agreement.

The Forgotten Beneficiary The problem with beneficiary designa­ tions is that we often forget about them. Frequently, a beneficiary desig­ nation is filled out as an afterthought without giving any consideration to how the designation fits into an over­ all estate plan. For example, when you opened your bank account you likely filled in a designated beneficiary; but do you even remember doing so? Do you remember who you designated?

Or, when you filled out that stack of paperwork you were handed after being hired for your current job, you likely designated a beneficiary for your employer­sponsored retirement plan and life insurance policy. Again, do you remember designating a bene­ ficiary? The answer is probably “no.”

People fill out beneficiary designa­ tions all the time without giving the choice of beneficiary much thought.

Unfortunately, the consequences can wreak havoc with your overall estate plan in two important ways: Failing to change your beneficiary designations ­ Just as your compre­ hensive estate plan should be

8 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Beneficiaries / from p.8

updated when certain events in your life occur, your benefi­ ciary designations should be updated as well. For example, if you filled out your retire­ ment plan and life insurance beneficiaries ten years ago and named your boyfriend/girlfriend as your beneficiary, it could be a problem if you are now with someone else. Conversely, you might have named your mother as a beneficiary on your mutual fund account but have now married. Either way, someone you would not want to inherit your assets stands to do so in the event of your death because you failed to change your benefi­ ciary designations upon the occurrence of a life event that should have triggered a review of your beneficiaries.

Missing beneficiary designa­ tions ­ Missing beneficiary designations are also prob­ lematic. Maybe you never got around to filling out the bene­ ficiary designations for your retirement account or maybe your original beneficiary has since died and you failed to designate a successor or con­ tingent beneficiary. Either way, if there is no living named beneficiary, the assets controlled by the beneficiary designation will not go as intended. The assets will go as laid out in the underlying contract. For example, the life insurance policy, custodial agreement, or other contract might provide that the assets go to the surviving spouse, to blood relatives, or to the estate of the deceased.

Someone you did not intend might receive the assets instead of people you would have preferred. Additionally, traditional IRA and retirement plan assets are tax­deferred,

meaning they are taxed when distributed. If there is no des­ ignated beneficiary, the assets must be distributed more quickly than otherwise, and, therefore, taxed more quickly.

Don’t Let This Happen to You! As you can see, beneficiary designations play an impor­ tant, yet often forgotten, role in any comprehensive estate plan. With that in mind, take some time to review who your designated beneficiaries are. Then, make a point to review those designations periodically and every time a life event calls for a review of your estate plan. If you have questions or concerns regard­ ing your beneficiary designa­ tions, be sure to consult with an experienced estate plan­ ning attorney in your area to make sure the plan you’ve carefully put in place will always reflect your planning goals.

Gerald M. Dorn has been practicing estate planning law for 23 years and is the man­ aging shareholder of the law firm. Mr. Dorn is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning Law and an Accredited Estate Planner by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils. He has also been awarded the designation of Academy Fellow from the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

The law firm of Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd. is devoted exclusively to estate planning & estate & trust administra­ tion. For more information or to attend an upcoming semi­ nar, contact us at (775) 823­ WILL (9455) or visit us at www.wealth­counselors.com.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 9

Medicare and Medicaid Services

Create Your Personal Medicare Account

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Greg Dill, Regional Administrator Medicare District 9

ould you like for a family member or caregiver to be able to call Medicare on your behalf?

Greg Dill

Would you like a way to store all your health

records in one place online, so you can quickly share them with a new doctor or other healthcare provider?

How about an easy way to print a new Medicare card if you lose yours? Or a quick way to see what preventive health services, like cancer screenings and vaccina­ tions, are available to you?

You can do all that and more by creating a free, secure MyMedicare.gov account.

To create an account, go to MyMedicare.gov. You’ll be asked to provide a username and pass­ word. You’ll also need to enter your Medicare number as it appears on your red, white, and blue Medicare card.

Once you’ve completed your online registration, you can sign in to MyMedicare.gov and start using the site. Medicare will mail you a confirmation letter contain­ ing the password you created, in case you forget it.

(Make sure you list the address that Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board has on file for you.)

We’ll also send a confirmation email if you gave us your email address dur­ ing registration.

MyMedicare.gov is available in English and Spanish.

Once you have cre­

10 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

ated a MyMedicare.gov account, you can: • Check your Medicare claims as soon as they are processed.

• Find your eligibility, entitle­ ment, and preventive service information.

• Check your Medicare health plan and prescription drug enroll­ ment information.

• View your Part B deductible information.

• Manage your prescription drug list and other personal health information.

• Create an “On the Go Report” that allows you to print your health information to share with your healthcare providers.

So how do you authorize Medicare to discuss your records and benefits with a family mem­ ber or caregiver?

Medicare can't give personal health information about you to anyone unless you give permis­ sion in writing first. To do this, sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account and fill out form CMS­ 10106: “Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information.”

You can fill out and submit the form online by following these steps: 1. Navigate to the “My Account” tab.

2. Click “Authorized Representative.”

3. Click “Medicare Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information form.”

4. Enter the requested informa­ (Medicare page 12)

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Reserve you ur seat today! Call 775-982-3191 or TTY 711 or visit SeniorCarePlus.com. This educational seminar is not a sales meeting.

This is an advertisement. Senior Care Plus is a Medicare Advantage organization with Medicare contract. Enrollment in SenniorCare Plus depends on contract The h formulary, pharmacy network andd provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessaary. Other Providers are available in our network. A salesperson will be present with w information and applications. For accommodation of persons with sppecial needs at sales meetings call 775-982-3158 775 982 3158 andd 711 for f TTY. TTY Thi This isi not a sales s l meeting i andd you are under d no obligation. bli i The Th purpose off this hi m meeting i isi to educate d andd inform i f you about your rights regarding Medicare soo that you can make the best decision based on your needs. Hometown Health is northern Nevada’s Material ID: Y0039_2019_SeniorSpectrum13_M(CMS Accepted).

Medicare / from page 10

tion and click the “Continue” button.

Or you can print and mail form­10106 to us.

If you have Original Medicare, you can check your Medicare claims as they appear in your MyMedicare.govaccount.

Just sign in and follow these steps: 1. Click on the “Claims” tab.

From there, you can view claims that have been processed in the past 15 months.

2. Select the type of claim and then the appropriate date range from the list.

3. Click the “Submit” button to begin the search.

4. After you search, select any of the blue claim num­ bers to see additional details.

Why is it important to check your Medicare claims?

Because it helps protect both you and Medicare against fraud. The sooner you see and report inaccu­ rate claims, or claims for 12 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

services you never received, the sooner we can stop fraud.

Keep in mind that if you’re in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, or a prescrip­ tion drug (Part D) plan, you can’t view claims for these plans on MyMedicare.gov.

Call your plan for more information about a claim.

For more information on MyMedicare.gov, go to https://www.mymedicare.g ov/helppages/gettingstart­ ed/ register/.

If you don’t have a MyMedicare.gov account, you can still check your Original Medicare claims by calling 1­800­MEDICARE (1­800­633­4227) and using the automated phone sys­ tem.

Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by call­ ing 1­800­MEDICARE

“Adding Life to Years”

The Role of Government in Caregiving Dr. Larry Weiss Center for Healthy Aging

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Larry Weiss

amily caregivers repre­ sent an overlooked and very vital source of care and support for older adults.

Approximately 44.4 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult 50 and older.

However, there is significant personal and economic toll on family caregivers. In 2013 family caregivers provided an estimated $470 billion worth of unpaid care. If you look at total wage, Social Security,

and private pension losses due to caregiving, a 2011 MetLife study found on aver­ age an economic loss for a typical caregiver was $303,880. When this amount is multiplied by the 9.7 mil­ lion people age 50+ caring for their parents, the amount lost is about $3 trillion.

Intergenerational transfers from children to parents are not just measured in terms of the economic costs described here. Family caregivers pro­ vide additional support by helping with chores, errands,

and household paperwork, all of which detracts from the caregiver’s own leisure and personal time. They include other potentially more severe “opportunity costs” of caring for parents, including health effects, and psychoso­ cial and behavioral impacts, such as depression or chronic disease. Just as difficult to quantify are the impacts on time the caregivers might otherwise be spending with children and grandchildren.

They may also have less money available to help their children as they prepare for

college, marriage, owning their own homes, or even down the road retirement resources. Caregivers of aging parents often find themselves “sandwiched” between assisting two gener­ ations and face difficult, stress­inducing decisions about how to allocate resources.

The recent national caregiver survey by National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP indi­ cates that self­reported health of adult caregivers age (Caregivers page 14)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 13

Caregivers / from page 13 18 and older declines the longer they provide care.

Thirty­one percent of adult caregivers report stress, anxi­ ety, or depression; 70 per­ cent report making work accommodations due to caregiving; and 53 percent say that they lose time with friends and family.

In another study sample, regardless of gender, work­ ers who provide basic per­ sonal care reported that their health was only fair or poor.

Employers also need to con­ sider the health implications for their caregiving workers.

Many studies have shown that caregiving can cost pro­ ductivity and “presenteeism” in the workplace, as well as cost as much as an additional 8 percent in health care costs for employers. In 2010 the Center for Healthy Aging per­ formed a time/cost manage­ ment study of Washoe County employees and found that about 15 percent had elder care responsibilities and it cost the County one million dollars a year in lost productivity. Stress is a big factor in caregivers’ health.

Employers can ensure that all

workers have the opportuni­ ty to know about and access stress management pro­ grams, as well as other pre­ ventative health services.

Currently, there are only a few states with paid family and medical leave, but clear­ ly this policy would benefit working caregivers who need to take leave to care for an aging parent. More states are beginning to show interest in paid family leave, especially as it is accrued through work­ ers’ compensation funds.

Future long­term care policy will benefit from taking into account the role of family caregivers, especially the characteristics of the very large cohort of Baby Boomers who are likely to enter their own old age still caring for their parents. If

these caregivers understand the financial implications of caregiving they may be bet­ ter able to plan for their own retirement as well as fulfilling their caregiving role.

Employers can provide work­ place accommodations — such as flex­time or family medical leave (FMLA) — so that caregivers can continue to stay in the workforce while caring for a relative.

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (or CLASS Act) was a U.S. federal law, enact­ ed as Title VIII of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The CLASS Act would have created a volun­ tary and public long­term care insurance option for employees, but in October 2011 the Obama administra­ tion announced it was unworkable and would be dropped. The CLASS Act was repealed January 1, 2013.

Given that there are millions providing care and support to an older parent, spouse, friend, or neighbor and states are the primary payers for long­term services and supports many health care and social service systems are not prepared to meet the needs of an aging population or their caregivers.

14 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Through the Helping States

Support Families Caring for an Aging America initiative, the Center for Health Care Strategies is working with six states — Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Virginia — committed to developing policies or programs to sup­ port family caregivers and address the challenges of an aging population. With sup­ port from several founda­ tions these states will devel­ op strategies to assist family caregivers. Approaches include: Creating uniform policies to govern complicat­ ed networks of family care­ givers and health and social service agencies, which often have competing guidelines; Rethinking how to identify and track family caregivers, both to accurately measure community needs, and sim­ plify patient/provider com­ munication and medical deci­ sion­making; Provide critical training opportunities to family caregivers on topics such as chronic disease, man­ aging medication regimens, and how to access communi­ ty resources; and Expanding access to respite and adult day care.

Families need information and their own support servic­ es to preserve their critical role as caregivers, but fre­ quently they do not know where to turn for help. When they do seek assistance, many community agencies cannot provide adequate supports due to funding con­ straints and outdated poli­ cies. The federal govern­ ment, in addition to the state, can help by taking steps to ensure that all family caregivers have access to caregiver assistance and to (Caregivers page 16)

Caregivers / from page 14 practical, high quality, and affordable home and com­ munity­based services. These are tough economic times, but supporting family care­ givers is one of the most cost­effective long­term care investments we can make. As long as caregivers are able to provide care, they are often able to delay costly nursing home placements and reduce reliance on programs like Medicaid.

We encourage the federal government to support a national caregiver agenda that will authorize and fund a National Resource Center on Caregiving to strengthen a commitment to America's caregiving families, to help address our nation's long­ term care crisis, and to pro­ vide meaningful and quality

services and supports for unpaid caregivers. We need to modernize Medicare and Medicaid to better support family caregivers that will improve hospital discharge and post­acute care under Medicare, certainly beyond the Care Act. Establish a demonstration project that would provide incentives for states to include an assess­ ment of a caregiver's own needs in existing assessment processes for home and com­ munity based services, with linkage to appropriate sup­ ports. Medicare should cover care coordination services for beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions, which should include comprehen­ sive geriatric assessments of the beneficiary and the needs of the family caregiver with ongoing support.

Double the funding for the

16 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

National Family Caregiver Support Program under Title III­E of the Older Americans Act and fully fund the Lifespan Respite Care Act. Expand the FMLA and other paid leave policies.

Promote policies that expand the geriatric care workforce.

Enact legislation providing refundable tax credits for family caregivers and employers. Provide working "credits" in the Social Security system for family caregivers who leave the workforce to provide full­ time support and care for an ill, disabled or an elderly fam­ ily member. Just think if our state and federal govern­ ments provided the above

policies and programs, we certainly could “add life to years” for our caregivers and care recipients.

Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D. is CEO of the Center for Healthy Aging. Dr. Weiss wel­ comes your comments on this column. Write to him at larry@addinglifetoyears.com or c/o Center for Healthy Aging, 11 Fillmore Way, Reno, NV 89519

Paco Lachoy

B

Committee Funds New Food Bank Pilot Project for Seniors

By Paco Lachoy, Vice Chair Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee

eing food insecure (not having enough food to eat to stay healthy) is a major issue for many seniors, especially those on fixed incomes. Many times, it is a choice to pay the rent, pur­ chase medicine, feed the dog or cat before considering feeding themselves. To be healthy, eating nutritionally is important and just because something comes in a can or is instant doesn’t mean you should just say “I‘m not going to eat that.” Something tasty and healthy can be created with almost anything and what you come up with can surprise you.

in the boxes will be changing to include several additional items as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. The grant also allows for additional items that seniors in the pro­ gram will use.

The Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, through the City of Reno, awarded a grant to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada to develop a pilot program, using the commodi­ ty boxes given to qualifying seniors, to expand what they get and how to use what they are given to produce a quality meal. Four locations: Vintage Hills Senior Apartments (NW Reno), Sierra Manor, Silverada RHA Complex (Paradise Park area) and Silvercrest (NE Reno), were identified by the Food Bank to be part of the pilot project that will run November 2019­ April 2020.

The program will roll out as the new standards for the CSFP boxes go into effect.

The USDA­mandated content

Nutrition education will be a major addition when with CSFP boxes are distributed at the four sites. Seniors will learn about what can be done with those items they receive added together with general pantry items they have at home to produce a meal for themselves or that can be shared. The educa­ tional piece will take place the same time as the site distributions, which is once a month. Current plans call for recruiting volunteer local chefs to do two cooking demonstrations at each site.

Chefs will create a simple­ to­make recipe, using the items provided in the CSFP boxes. Program participants will be able to taste it and see how good it is. Part of

To make the pilot program more successful, seniors at the four pilot sites will be given a survey to help select what additional fresh fruits and vegetables would benefit those participating in the pilot program. The Food Bank will collect data during the program to improve the food and services they pro­ vide to seniors.

eating healthy is knowing what to do with items that you have on hand to make a meal. Nothing is accom­ plished with an “I won’t eat that” attitude.

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada and the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee are working on finalizing the plans for the pilot project.

More details will be available in the November column.

How do seniors find out about what is happening for seniors? The SCAC is looking at better ways to reach sen­ iors who do not have Internet access, do not use a smart phone and do not have cable. Stop by our table at Senior Fest 2019 at Reno Town Mall on September 3 and let us know how you find out about Senior activities, events or programs.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 17

September CALENDAR

• September 4 ­ Washoe County Senior Advisory Board Meeting, 3­5 p.m., WCSS. • September 4 ­ Ceramic Workshop, 9:30­12:30 p.m., McKinley Arts & Culture Center, $45, first, second, and third Wednesday every month. Register: (775) 334­ 2417.

• September 3 ­ Hawaiian Music, 10:30­12:30 p.m., WCSS. Also Sept. 24.

• September 3 ­ Renown Grief Support, 2­3:30 p.m., SSC. Also Sept. 17.

• September 3 ­ Bingo, 9:30 a.m., SVSC. Every Tues. & Wed. • September 3 ­ Senior Discovery TV Media Volunteers, 2 p.m., EMNECC, (775) 657­4602.

• September 4 ­ Tech Assistance with David Perez, 12­1 p.m., CSCC. Also Sept.

12, 19, 26.

• September 4 ­ Ukulele, 1­2 p.m., EMNECC; beginners: 2­ 3 p.m., EMNECC. • September 4 ­ This­N­That Exchange, 1­3 p.m., every Wednesday, NRRC. • September 4 ­ Grumpy Old Men, 10 a.m., WCSS. Also Sept. 11, 18, 25.

• September 4 ­ Veteran’s Suicide Prevention, 10­12 p.m., SVSC.

• September 4 ­ ADRC Benefits Assistance, 10­11:15 a.m., SSC. • September 4 ­ Renown Grief Support, 6:15­8:15 p.m., WCSS.

Center locations

Cold Springs Community Center (CSCC): 971-8542 Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center (EMNECC): 334-2262 Gerlach Senior Center: 1-775-557-2206 Incline Community Center: www.washoecounty.us/ seniorsrv/incline_community center Lazy 5/Spanish Springs: 1-775-328-2786 Neil Road Recreation Center (NRRC): 689-8484 Sparks Senior Center (SSC): 353-3110 Sun Valley Senior Center (SVSC): 673-9417 Teglia’s Paradise Park Activity Center (TPPAC): 356-3176 Washoe County Senior Services (WCSS): 328-2575

Charities Outreach, 10­noon, WCSS. Also Sept. 13, 20, 27.

• September 6 ­ Senior Dance Club, 7:30 p.m., WCSS. Also Sept. 13, 20, 27.

• September 8 & 22 ­ Reno Senior Dance Club, 2­5 p.m., NRRC, $5. Dance lessons, 1:15­2 p.m.

• September 5 ­ SNAP Food Stamp Sign­up, 8­11:30 a.m., WCSS. Also Sept. 17.

• September 5 ­ Blood Pressure Clinic, 9­11 a.m., WCSS. Also Sept. 12, 19, 26. (TBA) • September 5 ­ Brunch and a Movie, Eldorado Buffet and Riverside Theater, EMNECC@8:30 a.m., TPPAC@8:45 a.m., NRRC@9 a.m., $20.

• September 6 ­ Patti LaBelle, 7­10:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, $70, pick up times: EMNECC@4:15 p.m, TPPAC@4:30 p.m., NRRC@4:45 p.m.

• September 6 ­ AARP Board Meeting, 10­12 p.m., WCSS. • September 6 ­ Catholic

18 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

• September 9 ­ Square Dance, 6­8:30 p.m., TPPAC, $6 per person/weekly, every Tuesday.

• September 9 & 13 ­ Beanbag Baseball Practice, every Monday and Friday, 1:30­4 p.m., NRRC, drop­in fee.

• September 9 ­ Learn to Play Pickleball, 11:30­1 p.m., NRRC, every Monday; also Sept. 16, 23, 30, $10 per session.

• September 9 ­ Sunshine Quilters, 1­4 p.m., TPPAC, drop in fee.

• September 9 ­ Seniors Eating Well Class Series, 11 a.m., CSCC. Also Sept. 16, 23, 30.

• September 9 ­ Blood Pressure Checks, CSCC, 11­1 p.m.

• September 9 ­ Bread Drop, 9 a.m., TPPAC, every Tuesday. Also every Tuesday at noon, NRRC, free.

• September 9 ­ Computer Essentials Made Simple, 9:30­11:30 a.m., NRRC, $20; also Sept. 11, 13. Open Lab, Thursday, 12­3 p.m.

• September 9 ­ AARP Driver Safety Class, WCSS, 9­2 p.m., register at (775) 583­8208.

• September 9 ­ RPEN Board Meeting, 12:30­2 p.m., WCSS. RPEN General Meeting, 2­3 p.m.

• September 9 ­ Crochet and Knitting Group, 9:30 a.m., SVSC, every Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

• September 9, 11, 13 ­ Mat Yoga, 10­11 a.m., NRRC, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, $30 a month.

Also Sept. 9, 11, 13, 12­1 p.m., EMNECC, Mon., Wed., Fri.

Calendar / from page 18

• September 10 ­ Kids to Senior Korner, 11 a.m., CSCC. • September 10 ­ Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, 3 p.m., NRRC. •September 10 & 12 ­ Digital Photo Management, 9:30­ 11:30 a.m., NRRC, $15.

• September 10 & 13 ­ Beanbag Baseball Practice, every Monday and Friday, 10­12:30 p.m., TPPAC, drop­ in fee.

• September 10 ­ Conversation Cafe, 9:30­11 a.m., NRRC, drop­in fee.

• September 10 ­ Ballroom Dancing, EMNECC, every Tuesday, 2­3:30 p.m., drop in fee. Friday, 6­7:45 p.m.

• September 10 ­ Dance Club Board Meeting, 2­4 p.m., WCSS. • September 10 & 16 ­ Sit and Get Fit, every Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10­11 a.m., EMNECC, drop in fee. Also Sept. 9, 11, & 13, every Mon., Wed., and Fri., TPPAC. • September 10, 12, 13 ­ Silver State Super Seniors, 8:30­9:45 a.m., EMNECC, every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, drop in fee.

• September 11 ­ Chair Yoga, every Wednesday, 1:30­2:15 p.m., EMNECC, $8.

• September 11 ­ Blood Pressure Checks, EMNECC, 12:30­2:30 p.m.

• September 11 ­ Healthy Walking Program, 8:30 a.m., meet at Meadowood Mall at kiosk near Macy’s Men’s

store, Wednesday; or Thursday at 9:45 a.m. at Rancho San Rafael Park, by picnic tables, contact JMiles.Cha@Gmail.com, (775) 583­7624.

• September 11 ­ Veterans Resource Officer, 10­12 p.m., SSC. • September 11 ­ Veterans Suicide Prevention, 10­12 p.m., WCSS. • September 12 ­ Zumba Gold Fitness, 10­11 a.m., TPPAC, $10 drop­in fee, every Thursday. Also Thursdays, 12:30­1:30 p.m., NRRC. • September 12 ­ Chair Yoga, every Thursday, 10­10:45 a.m., NRRC, $8.

• September 13 ­ Blood Pressure Checks, SSC, 11­ 1:30 p.m.

• September 16 ­ Veterans Resource Officer, 11:30­1:30 p.m., CSCC. • September 17 ­ Assistance League Food Pantry, 8­11 a.m., WCSS, (775) 328­2575.

• September 17 ­ Zumba Gold Fitness, 11:15­12:15 p.m., $10 drop­in fee, every Tuesday, EMNECC. • September 17 ­ Washoe County Animal Services Pet Food, 8­10:30 a.m., WCSS. • September 17 ­Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center, 9­12 p.m., 3rd Tuesday every month, NRRC. Also every 4th Wednesday of month, Aug. 21, 12:30­2:30 p.m., NRRC. • September 18 ­ Assistance

Technology Demonstration, 10­11 a.m., WCSS. Also Sept.

25.

• September 18 ­ Northern Nevada Food Bank Pantry Distribution, 9 a.m., SVSC • September 18 ­ Renown Grief Support, 6:15­8:15 p.m., WCSS. • September 18 ­ Veterans Suicide Prevention, 10­12 p.m., SSC. • September 19 ­ Northern Nevada Food Bank Pantry Distribution, 8 a.m., WCSS. • September 19 ­ SNAP Food Stamp Sign­Ups, 8­11:30 a.m., WCSS. • September 19 ­ Veterans Service Officer, 10 a.m., SVSC. • September 20 ­ Northern Nevada Food Bank Pantry Distribution, 10:15­10:45 a.m., CSCC. • September 20 ­ End­of­Life Legal Clinic, 11­12:30 p.m., Northern Nevada HOPES, Community Room B, 580 W. 5th Street, Reno, (775) 786­ 4673.

• September 23 ­ Veterans Resource Officer, 10­12 p.m., WCSS. • September 24 ­ Ostomy Support Group, 5:30­8:30 p.m., WCSS. • September 24 ­ Health Wellness and You Presents Senior Fall Prevention Workshop, 11­12 p.m., TPPAC, drop in fee.

• September 25 ­ Veterans Suicide Prevention, 11­1

p.m., CSCC. • September 26 ­ Accordion Players, 10­11 a.m., WCSS. • September 26 ­ Aging & Disability Resource Center Outreach, 10:30­12:30 p.m., SVSC. • September 26 ­ AARP Driver Safety Class, SSC, 12:30­4:30 p.m., register at (775) 583­8208.

• September 26 ­ Neil Road Book Club, 10­11:30 a.m., NRRC, drop­in fee. Educated

by Tara Westover, (775) 626­ 3267.

• September 27 ­ Blood Pressure Checks, SVSC, 10 a.m. (TBA) • September 27 ­ Sparks Fire Department Blood Pressure Check, 11­12 p.m., SSC. • September 27 ­Monthly Birthday Party, 11:30­12:30 p.m., WCSS. • September 27 ­ Karaoke with Allen, 10:30­1:30 p.m., WCSS. • September 27 ­ Care Chest of Northern Nevada, 10­12 p.m., WCSS. • September 30 ­ Jeff Wayne Sings, 10:30 a.m., WCSS.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 19

ARTS & Entertainment • September 6 ­ 8 ­ Great Reno Balloon Race, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.

• September 6 ­ 8 ­ International Camel & Ostrich Races, Virginia City Arena & Fairgrounds.

• September 6 ­ 8 ­ Greek Festival, Friday, noon­10 p.m.; Saturday, 11­3 p.m., Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, Reno.

• September 6 ­ 8 ­ Reno Running Fest, 51st Annual Journal Jog, Idlewild Park, Reno.

• September 8 ­ Tour de Tahoe ­ Bike Big Blue, Lake Tahoe, 800­565­2704.

• September 11 ­ 15 ­ 2019 Reno Air Races, Reno Stead Airport.

• September 13 ­ Deep Purple, 7:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• September 13 ­ Duran Duran, 8 p.m., Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s, Lake Tahoe.

• September 14 ­ Nevada Wolf Pack plays Weber State, Mackay Stadium, 4 p.m.

• September 14 ­ Ghost ­ The Band, 7:30 p.m, Reno Events Center.

• September 14 ­ Carlos Mencia, 8 p.m., comedian, Silver Legacy.

• September 15 ­ Gary Clark Jr., 6:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• September 15 ­ Edible Pedal 100, organized bike ride around Washoe Valley, Carson City and Lake Tahoe, start and fin­ ish at Bowers Mansion Regional Park.

• September 15 ­ Los Lonely Boys, South Shore Room at Lake Tahoe, Stateline.

• September 20 ­ Diana Krall, 7:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• September 21 ­ The Australian Pink Floyd Show, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall.

• September 21 ­ DogFest Reno 2019, 11­2 p.m., Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, Reno.

• September 21 and 22 ­ A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, and the Reno Phil present Peter Plan, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, tickets start at $29, Sept. 21, 8 p.m.; Sept.

22, 2 p.m.

• September 25­29 ­ Street Vibrations Fall Rally, motor­ cycles cruise into Reno and Sparks, event citywide.

September 27 ­ Rob Thomas, 7:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• September 28 ­ Reno Beer

20 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

September 6­8, The Great Reno Balloon Race, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.

Crawl, downtown Reno bars, pubs, and restaurants, $5, 2­ 6 p.m.

comedy and celebrity imper­ sonations, 8 p.m., Atlantis Ballroom.

• September 28 ­ Hanson, South Shore Room, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline.

• October 5 and 6 ­ The Dawn of Beethoven, the Classix Series, Reno Phil, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 6, 4 p.m., tickets start at $33.

• September 28 ­ 29 ­ Genoa Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire, 9­5 p.m., (775) 782­ 8696 • October 2 ­ Van Morrison, 6:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 4 ­ America, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy.

• October 4 ­ Paul Anka, 7:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 5 ­ Sammy Hagar & The Wabos, South Shore Room, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Stateline.

• October 5 ­ The Experience Hendrix Tour, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy.

• October 5 ­ Society of Seven, combines a night of

• October 11 ­ Engelbert Humperdinck, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy.

• October 11 ­ Godsmack, 7:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 12 ­ Tony Danza, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy.

• October 12 ­ Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, 6:30 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, Grand Theatre.

• October 15 ­ Vivamomix, 7:30 p.m., Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, a com­ pany of dancer­illusionists founded and directed by Moses Pendleton, tickets start at $27.

How Safe is Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain?

N

o matter how careful you are, there are times when you get hurt or injured. Finding a healthcare option that is safe, least invasive, provides excel­ lent results, and has high patient satisfaction can be tricky. But it doesn’t have to be!

adjustments are one of the safest and most effective options to relieving neck pain and getting you back to living your life.

Safety first. Not only is “do no harm” part of the oath that doctors take, but it’s also a principle that all of us should live by. In 2007, SPINE, one of the worlds most respected research journals, looked at data from over 50,000 Chiropractic adjustments given to nearly 20,000 patients, and they found Chiropractic care to be incredibly safe and effective.

­ SPINE examined nearly 20,000 patients and found zero complications.

Why is this important to you?

Past injuries, awkward sleep­ ing positions, poor posture, and long hours at a computer can all lead to neck pain.

Untreated neck pain can lead to other issues in the body such as, muscular weakness of the arms or hands, headaches and even neu­ ropathy. We know that you can dramatically reduce the likelihood you will experience neck pain by staying active, taking periodic breaks to stretch throughout the day, and setting up your worksta­ tion to minimize the stress on your spine. However, even when you do your best to avoid neck pain, our body can still be stressed and experi­ ence discomfort. It is great to know that Chiropractic

­ Research has shown Chiropractic care to be extremely safe compared to surgery and medication.

­ Up to 85 percent of people with acute neck pain found relief with Chiropractic adjustments.

Knowledge is Power Believe it or not, many peo­ ple are nervous to start Chiropractic care. The facts are that Chiropractic care is safer than many medications and has far less risk than sur­ gical options. Knowing the facts helps us to make informed decisions about our healthcare. Sharing research like this with your friends and family can help inspire them to make an informed decision for their health!

Dr. Shain Smith is local Chiropractor practicing in South Reno at Family First Chiropractic.

To contact Dr. Shain Dr. Shain Smith and sched­ ule an initial appointment and consultation call: Office ­ (775) 284­3333, or write to drshain@ffcwecare.com.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 21

State Veterans Home Chef Receives Dining Award

Northern Nevada State Veterans Home (NNSVH) Executive Chef, Greg Parsley, has received The Perry Foundation’s, prestigious Endeavor Award for

Executive Chef, Greg Parsley receives award from Robert Kidd, President, The Perry Foundation.

Innovation in Dining. The

award recognizes a Skilled Nursing Facility or Assisted Living Community for embracing a person­cen­ tered approach to dining excellence while maintaining standards to ensure resident health and wellness.

Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) Director Kat Miller said, “The talents of Parsley, combined with a new design concept at the home have brought about a unique dining expe­ rience for residents, family and community supporters of the home. The food serv­ ice goes well above and beyond the requirements for menu planning, dietary man­ agement, as well as meeting federal and state health requirements.”

Historic Meeting:

Senior Boards Hold Joint Meeting

The first time, three senior committee’s appointed to serve Washoe County and the cities of Reno and Sparks, held a joint meeting July 3, 2019 to discuss mat‐ ters important to senior constituents in the Truckee Meadows.

The Washoe County Human Services Agency Senior Advisory Board, the City of Reno Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, and the Sparks Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, met in their official capacity at the Washoe County Senior Center to attend the first of four joint meetings held annually.

22 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

The Joint Boards heard reports on shared issues and goals that included housing, advocacy, commu‐ nication, transportation,

food, recreation, senior law, and volunteering. Other matters discussed were updates on the success of the Stuff‐A‐Bus for Seniors fundraising initiative, Older Americans Month planned activities, a Mental Health seminar on topics of senior suicide, elder abuse, law enforcement programs and policies dealing with crimes against elders.

Members of the boards and commissions are appointed by the elected governing body to report back on the concerns of elder con‐ stituents living in the vari‐ ous districts and wards.

The Sparks City Council recently established the Sparks Senior Citizens Advisory Committee to hear concerns of the grow‐ ing senior population in the Rail City.

BIGGEST little City

Harry Spencer

One Man Made A Difference

W

ith the special Harry Spencer events season coming to an end this year the most prestigious event is just over the horizon, that would be the Reno Air Races (September 12­15). Before the hundreds of private planes arrive, plus the many competitive aircraft, it might be well to reflect on the genesis of the inaugural event and the dynamic founder of the races.

His name was Bill Stead, who happened to be a very close personal friend of Charles Mapes and he was an avid pri­ vate pilot and hydroplane driver. Scion of a large ranching family, I had first met Stead at the Thomas C. Wilson Advertising Agency when it was han­ dling Stead’s cattle trucking company and I was a University of Nevada Journalism intern at the Wilson Agency.

As to the initial air races, it happened this way. One morning at my office in the Mapes Hotel, I received a phone call from owner Charles Mapes saying that he would be sending Stead down to dis­ cuss a rather interesting idea for a spe­ cial event.

When Stead showed up, he settled down comfortably and began to discuss his plan. He said he felt because there was no national air race event sched­ uled at that time, there would be a good possibility he could get some of his fellow hydroplane drivers, who were also accomplished airplane pilots, to participate in an inaugural race that could be staged at the Sky Ranch Airfield off the Pyramid Highway. He added he had already convinced Mapes the headquarters for the race would be his hotel. He also noted his next stop would be to see Roy Powers, who was the PR man at Harold’s Club.

I asked him how many planes he antici­ pated attracting and he said he could probably get a half dozen or so. I remarked that didn’t seem to be much of a show and he replied he had also contracted a number of hot­air balloon­ ists to put on a demonstration. He went on to say there were several service­ related flying demo teams from which he might be able to attract one to appear in Reno.

As he ticked off the names of those teams, the one that struck me immedi­ ately was the Air Guard squad. I told Stead a previous client of mine, US Senator Howard Cannon, was high­up in Air Force matters in DC and he could probably help us. We immediately placed a call to the senator and relayed our request to him. He asked for the dates of the event and said he would get back to us in a couple of hours.

True to his word, he called back and told us the team was available and their contact person was one Ed Mack Miller, who resided in Denver. Miller’s name came as a pleasant surprise to me, because in my previous work as Editor of the Nevada Catholic newspaper Miller had been my contact man at the national Catholic printing press, which was located in Denver.

A quick call to Miller resulted in the fact he was an announcer for the team as well as being a back­up pilot. He said if we could provide housing arrangements at the hotel, including food and booze, he could schedule the team for the three full days of racing.

Stead’s next stop was Harold’s Club, where it was decided that in addition to sponsorship, Harold’s would put on a cross­country race from an airport in Clearwater, FL to Reno prior to the start

of the air races. This ensured the initial air races would garner a great deal of national publicity.

The inaugural air races in 1964 were a tremendous success with cars lining the Pyramid Highway from Sparks to Sky Ranch. The first winner was a Czechoslovakian defector named Mira Slovak. At that time, the Sky Ranch had dirt runways so much of the action was obscured and fans were often covered by the dust. This national event was held at the Sky Ranch again in 1965 and then moved to its present location in 1966.

Some years ago, I was involved in a pro­ motion that featured a PR guy from Chicago who gave me an interesting tip.

It was that he had a canned or stump speech entitled, “One Man Can Make a Difference”. He said as he traveled to different locations, all he had to do was insert the name of a sponsor and repeat the speech over and over.

That “one man” tribute could easily apply to the late Bill Stead. For without his dogged persistence and connections to other pilots, the initial race would probably never have occurred.

For the past ten years or so, I have advocated that a bronze life­size statue of Stead should be erected at the front gates of the present National Championship Air Races which are held at the Reno Stead Airport. While the names are the same, the former air base and now airport was named after Stead’s younger brother Croston, a pilot who died in 1949 when his Nevada Air National Guard P­51 Mustang crashed after taking off at the site of today’s Reno Stead Airport.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 23

this ‘n that

by Anne Vargas annevargas3@gmail.com

I

Life is better with friends

n 1935 the first Sunday of August was declared World Friendship Day by a US Congress Proclamation and has been cele­ brated on that date ever since but it is really something to be celebrated every day. I Anne Vargas recently heard a talk on the importance, as well as the rarity, of true friendships; how extraordinary they are, how much they should be valued. It prompted me to reflect on those gifts in my own life.

In August of this year my ”dearest friend of forever” came to visit. We met in the “Army Wife” chapter of our lives a long time ago (she is Godmother to 50­year­old daughter, which should give you a clue). She lives in Indiana so face­to­face time is limited and precious but she has been to Reno often enough since we moved here 27­years ago that she has a

whole host of friends here, all of whom rejoice with me when she returns. I am truly blessed to have such a person in my life. I hope all readers of this column do, too.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes on the subject of friend­ ship, along with a wonderful essay that was forwarded to me.

By a friend.

A friend is someone you want to be around when you feel like being alone. Barbara Burrows

Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything at all. Muhammad Ali

We need at least one friend who understands what we do not say. Dr SunWolf You are my friend not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you. Roy Croft

24 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

A friend is someone who makes it easy to believe in yourself.

Heidi Wills

The thought­provoking essay below was written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. Rooney died in 2011 but used to be on CBS's 60 Minutes. It was forwarded to me by one of my own cher­ ished friends; I share it with those of you who may not have yet read it: I've learned: That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned: That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned: That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned: That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned: That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned: That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned: That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in any other way.

I've learned: That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned: That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned: That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned: That life is like a roll of paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned: That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned: That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned: That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned: That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned: That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned: That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned: That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned: That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned: That no one is perfect until you fall in love

with them.

I've learned: That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned: That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned: That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned: That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned: That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned: That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned: That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you're hooked for life.

I've learned: That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing.

I've learned: That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done. Andy Rooney Surround yourself with people who make you happy. People who make you laugh, who help you when you are in need.

People who genuinely care. They are the ones worth keeping in your life. Karl Marx

Reminder: The Open­Door Café is an inclusive and com­ fortable gathering place for people living with dementia and their loved ones. Everyone is welcome to attend on the third Thursday of every month, from 2:00 ­ 3:30 p.m. at the Lake House on the corner of Arlington and Court Streets. (September 19th this month).

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 25

ECLECTIC OBSERVER Janet Ross

The Best Way to Travel is With a Good Book

A

rmchair travel can be the per­ fect antidote to bad weather, lack of funds, or poor health.

If you're still attached to cable television you can find excellent pro­ Janet Ross grams with unusual destinations on the Travel Channel, National Geographic, or PBS and its affil­ iate CreateTV. Washoe County Libraries have good­sized collections of travel­ori­ ented DVDs as well.

However, for me, books are the best source for armchair travel. There's no problem with interrupting your vicari­ ous journey as often as you like. And, in the case of the written word, you need­ n't limit your armchair travel to nonfic­ tion. Many novelists create a compelling sense of place as part of their fictional tales.

My favorite travel writer is the prolific author, Paul Theroux. Though Theroux writes novels as well as trav­ el books, it's his first­person adventures around the world I find intriguing.

Theroux is Paul Theroux, 2008 additionally an Photo: Ramnarasimhan adventurous individual, if a rather cranky traveler – something I find part of his charm. This October he has a new travel title being released, On the Plain of Snakes: a Mexican Journey. Other travel titles by Theroux cover a period from 1975 to the present and include: The Great Railway Bazaar, Dark Star Safari, Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Old Patagonian Express, Deep South, Riding 26 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

the Iron Rooster, The Happy Isles of Oceania, The Kingdom by the Sea, The Pillars of Hercules and several more.

Bill Bryson is another favorite and prolif­ ic author. Bryson tends to stick with nonfiction titles that range from an hys­ terically funny autobiography to infor­ mational tomes on a variety of subjects.

When he hits the road I'm happy to fol­ low, whether its a walk around England or a hike on the Appalachian Trail. His travel books are: Lost Continent­Travels in Small Town America, Neither Here Nor There­Travels in Europe, Notes from a Small Island, A Walk in the Woods, Down Under­In a Sunburned Country, and The Road to Little Dribbling.

Michael P. Branch doesn't really qualify as an armchair travel writer, but he is a local UNR professor, who lives atop a 6,000 foot peak northwest of Reno with his wife and two young daughters in a location that is not only remote, but about as wild as possible within driving distance of city life. Branch is most defi­ nitely a unique kind of guy; he's also eccentric and equally funny. Spend a lit­ tle time in his world and you'll get to know our western Great Basin Desert first­hand. His three books, in trade­ paperbacks, are available from Washoe County Library, but they are titles you may want to keep or share and Sundance Books has them. Begin with Raising Wild: Dispatches from a Home in the Wilderness; Rants from the Hill fol­ lows next, and How to Cuss in Western completes the trio.

Sarah Parcak fell in love with Harrison Ford in the movie Raiders of the Ark as a child. Her fascination with the film version of an archaeologist resulted in her pursuit of archaeology as a career.

Today she's an highly respected

Egyptologist, Archaeologist, a National Geographic Explorer, and TED prize­win­ ning lecturer. Her current book, Archaeology Sarah Parcak from Space – Photo: Joi Ito How the Future Shapes Our Past, takes one on a truly unique travel adventure. States Parcak, “I believe there are more than 50 mil­ lion unknown archaeological sites .. left to discover globally, above and below water.” To that end, she invites readers to participate in a program that search­ es for sites from space. You can log on to https://www.globalxplorer.org to see for yourself. That's armchair travel at its best.

Have you ever wondered about Australia's immense outback region?

Novelist Jane Harper will take you there in her recent novel, The Lost Man. The dry, dusty interior of Australia comes to life as part of a story about a troubled family on a cattle ranch.

Finally, Jessica Bruder has written a fas­ cinating study of a unique segment of contemporary life in Nomandland ­ Surviving America in the Twenty­First Century. Bruder takes to the road along with those who find themselves house­ less, a term they prefer over homeless.

Most are retired, living on reduced incomes and working part­time for employers like Amazon and our National Forest Campgrounds. They are on the road in camper vans, RVs, and trailers, following the sun and employ­ ment opportunities. Travel with these resilient folks and you'll have a greater appreciation for your own blessings.

RTC Launches New, UNR­ Midtown Direct Transit Service The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is launching a new, tem­ porary transit route that will connect Midtown Reno to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and Downtown.

The new route, called UNR­ Midtown Direct, will offer free rides to celebrate the launch of the new service, through September 8, 2019. After the initial free­ride period, bus fare on the UNR­Midtown Direct will be the same as regular RTC RIDE services.

The UNR­Midtown Direct will take the place of the former RTC SIERRA SPIRIT. The route runs from Plumb Lane near Shoppers Square in the south, to 17th Street near UNR in the north. It runs mainly along Virginia Street, Sierra Street, Holcomb Avenue and Center Street.

The RTC anticipates the route will help even more people con­ tinue to visit Midtown during construction.

This route is a temporary route that is expected to last until early 2021, when the RTC plans to launch the extension of the RAPID Virginia Line service from Meadowood Mall through Midtown to UNR as part of the Virginia Street Bus RAPID Transit Extension Project. Construction is expected to wrap up in late 2020.

To view a map, or to plan your trip, please visit rtcwashoe.com.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 27

Tinseltown

By Nick Thomas

Newhart Turns 90

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nown for his gentle satire, basset hound eyes, and witty routines, former Chicago accountant­ turned­comedian Bob Newhart turns 90 this month (September 5). This year is also the 60th anniversary of Newhart's show business career – he signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1959.

with fellow entertainers willing to share some thoughts on the beloved comedian's career.

Newhart said he suspected that he lacked the temperament to remain in the accounting profes­ sion back in the mid­1950s when his attitude towards taxation arithmetic could be summed up in three words: "That's close enough!" So he and a friend began writing humorous routines based on telephone conversa­ tions which they sold to radio stations.

"I eventually dropped the partner, but kept the telephone in the act," he said.

Bob Newhart. Photo: Bobnewhartofficial.com

In 2008, I interviewed Newhart along

Those one­sided phone conversations have remained throughout his radio, recording, television, and stand­up career. They are as much his trademark as the straight­faced delivery and slight­ ly forced stammer. Why keep the stam­ mer all through his career?

Bob Newhart’s breakout album.

"I got my home in Beverly Hills because of that stammer, so I'm not about to drop it now!" he explained.

Newhart stormed onto the comedy scene in the 1960s when "The Button­ Down Mind of Bob Newhart" became the first comedy record to win a Grammy for Album of the Year with its now classic routines such as "Abe (Tinseltown page 30)

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / August / 29

Tinseltown / from page 29 Lincoln vs. Madison Avenue.”

He wrote the routine in Chicago when Bill Daily (1927­2018) asked the unknown local comedian to come up with a piece about press agents.

Remembered for his sidekick role in the 60s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie," Daily went on to co­star with Newhart and

Bob Newhart Show cast: Elayne Boosler, Bob Newhart, Peter Bomerz, Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily.

actress Suzanne Pleshette a decade later for five seasons of "The Bob Newhart Show" making famous his trademark greeting “Hi Bob!” "I couldn't believe it when I got to work with Bob and Suzanne," Daily told me from his home in Albuquerque in 2008. "Bob is one of the nicest men who ever lived and he's beyond talented – a comic

genius. And what's amazing is that Bob wasn't acting on the show – that really was Bob!" Comedian Elayne Boosler came away with the same impression when she first met Newhart after a show in Las Vegas in the late 90s. And at a time when in­ your­face, crude comedy is now every­ where, it's tempting to suggest Newhart's gentler style of humor is obsolete. But Boosler doesn’t think so.

"That would be like saying Mozart is outdated," she said. "Classics survive. When something has a solid foundation and is so unique and perfect, I don't think it can ever be outdated. And when you're the best at something, it just doesn't go out of style."

Bob Newhart makes no apologies for his clean humor, although he said he can still appreciate more bawdy comedians such as the late Richard Pryor.

“I even know most of the words he used!” he said. “It's just my choice to work the way I do."

The list of professional comedians (Newhart page 32)

30 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Tinseltown / from page 29 who count themselves as Newhart fans is a long one and includes Carol Burnett, Don Rickles (1926­2017), and Dom DeLuise (1933­2009).

"He's as nice as he is funny," Burnett wrote in an email message.

Don Rickles was a longtime friend and Newhart delighted in recounting his first encounter with Rickles in the late 1960s in Las Vegas. The two comedians and their wives met in a cafeteria and Rickles, the perfect gentleman, invited Bob and wife Ginnie to his show.

"Don steps out on stage and the first thing out of his mouth is 'the stammer­ ing idiot from Chicago is in the audience today, along with his hooker wife from New Jersey,'" Newhart told me.

But the two families became fast friends and would eventually travel the world together on vacations.

“People would ask me how I could go on vacation with Rickles,” Newhart said.

“Well, it’s like elevator music in the

Solution

background, you just don’t hear it. But we always had fun together – everyone should have a friend like that.”

"Bob and I are like apples and oranges in terms of our comedy," Rickles told me in an interview I did for the Malibu Times in 2008. "But we share the same family values, make each other laugh, and enjoy each other tremendously – he's brilliant at what he does."

Newhart cast: Tom Poston, Bob Newhart, Mary Frann, Julia Duffy, Peter Scolari.

Back: William Sanderson, John Voldstad, Tony Papenfuss.

Dom DeLuise recalled working with Newhart in 1964 on the long­forgotten CBS variety show, "The Entertainers."

from page 31

"It was my first show," DeLuise told me in 2008.

"Bob would do his telephone sketches and create magical little stories that were hysterical and he'd hit a bulls­eye every time."

DeLuise was one of the millions of viewers who watched the final 1990 episode of "Newhart," Bob's second TV series set in a Vermont inn.

"Bob woke up

32 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

from a dream on the set of the original 'Bob Newhart Show' with his wife Suzanne Pleshette in bed next to him," recalled DeLuise. "The entire second series had been a dream! That was just brilliant."

“The whole idea for the ending was Ginnie’s,” noted Newhart, who passed it on to the writers to create the show's finale. The episode remains a moment cherished in television history – the type of comic twist that the button­ down mind of Bob Newhart has always relished.

When trying to sum up the comedy genius of Newhart, the words of the late comedian Ed Wynn come to mind: "A comic says funny things; a comedian says things funny."

Clearly, Bob Newhart is a master of both. Happy birthday Bob! Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and is a freelance journalist for newspapers and magazines.

Simply Smart Travel Jeff & Virginia Orenstein

Santa Rosa, California

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anta Rosa is a beautiful city of 175,000 just 55 miles north of San Francisco. It is a delightful urban enclave that serves as the gateway to the world­ renowned Sonoma Valley wine country. The biggest city in Sonoma County, it is an ideal base and jumping­off point for a wine­country vacation.

Santa Rosa is close to every­ thing that makes Sonoma what it is: wineries, urban tasting rooms, an incredible variety of restaurants, craft beer, California’s rugged coast and diverse outdoor adventure opportunities. No wonder it is becoming a desirable bedroom communi­ ty for the bay area since the SMART train and other trans­ portation improvements have arrived and living costs are a bit lower than in the big city.

Santa Rosa’s resilience is evi­ dent. Despite the wildfires that devastated parts of the town and surrounding areas in 2017, the urban area is both bustling and welcoming.

The downtown was untouched by the fires and the neighborhoods that were burned are well along in the rebuilding process.

There is plenty to do to occu­ py you in Santa Rosa proper for a long weekend and cer­ tainly more than you can accomplish in a day­trip from

the bay area. Start with some great shopping and restaurants in Historic Railroad Square and nearby Courthouse Square. Check out the lush gardens sur­ rounding Luther Burbank’s home and don’t forget the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, dedi­ cated to the famed "Peanuts" cartoonist who made his home in Santa Rosa. There is also family fun at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County and a bustling cultural scene If you get tired of wine, beer and great food in town, Santa Rosa boast 66 parks and the surrounding mountains are a mecca for hikers and mountain bikers.

Before You Go Check Out: • https://www.visitsan­ tarosa.com

Lucy and Woodstock greet visitors in front of the California Welcome Center at Historic Railroad Square.

Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel

Francisco International (SFO) is 67 miles away, Oakland International (OAK) is 68 miles away.

• By train, the SMART

Santa Rosa by coordinated bus service.

• By car, California highways 101 and 12 meet at Santa Rosa.

• https://www.facebook. com/VisitSantaRosa/ • https://www.visitcalifor­ nia.com/attraction/santa­ rosa • https://www.sonoma­ county.com/ Getting There: Santa Rosa can be easily reached by highway, air or train.

• By air, the nearest airport is the Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County Airport (STS), just 8 miles away. San

The historic Santa Rosa 1903 railroad station survived the great earthquake of 1906 and today is served by the SMART train and houses a California welcome Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel center.

regional train serves Santa Rosa. The nearest Amtrak station is Suisun­Fairfield at 55 miles. It is connected to

Must­Sees For A Short Trip: • Railroad Square and Courthouse Square restau­ rants and shops.

SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com / September / 33

Smart Travel / from page 33 The California Welcome Center in Railroad Square for maps, advice, discount coupons, etc.

national chains have proper­ ties in and around Santa Rosa. Prices are a little more affordable than many other Sonoma locations.

• The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens

Special Travel Interests: Wine tourism, historic build­ ings, Peanuts cartoon memo­ rabilia.

If You Have Several Days, Some of Your Best Options: • The Charles M. Schultz Museum.

• A wine tasting trip to near­

by Sonoma County wineries and the Russian River valley.

• A scenic Drive to the coast at Bodega Bay, where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds.

Ginny O’s Tips For Dressing The Simply Smart Travel Way For Santa Rosa: Chic but comfortable clothes are in order for Santa Rosa and wine country. With many day­trippers and vacationers from the San Francisco bay area, stylish casual and trendy are common.

Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schutz lived in Santa Rosa. Credit: Jeff

Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel

Jeffrey Orenstein, Ph.D. and Virginia Orenstein are travel writers. Reach them at joren­ stein@SimplySmart Travel.com.

This Destination At A Glance Over 50 Advantage: Good museums and restaurants & proximity to wine country.

Mobility Level: Low. Simply Smart Travel Tip: The beautiful Luther Burbank Gardens are free.

When To Go: Year­round.

Winter can be rainy, and summers are hot but not humid. September and October are busy but with near­ideal weather.

Where To Stay: The Hyatt Vineyard and Marriott Courtyard at Railroad Square are convenient and right downtown. Most of the 34 / September / SeniorSpectrumNewspaper.com

Famed horticulturist Luther Burbank did his plant magic in Santa Rosa and his home and gardens are open to the public.

Credit: Jeff Orenstein, Simply Smart Travel