July • 2014 • 3

2014

Senior Spectrum NewspaperP.O. Box 7124 • Reno, NV 89510

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are the opinion of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. Copyrighted publication. All rights reserved.

Content s

Nevada Governor BrianSandoval has directed theDepartment of Health andHuman Services (DHHS) totake immediate action on fiverecommendations included inthe initial report submitted bythe Governor’s BehavioralHealth and Wellness Council.Implementation of these rec-ommendations will result innearly $3.5 million in additionalmental health service pro-grams. The programs will bepaid for by tobacco settlementmonies approved by theInterim Finance Committee onJune 19th.

“In December 2013, I estab-lished the Governor’sBehavioral Health and WellnessCouncil and asked that it exam-ine ways to further improveand strengthen the support anddelivery of mental health serv-ices in our state,” said GovernorSandoval. “I am pleased withthe diligence and detail of theinitial report and have directedthe Department of Health andHuman Services to immediate-ly pursue five of its recommen-dations.”

To address the Council’s rec-ommendations to provide tar-geted early intervention andstabilizing services to a numberof the highest users of mental

health services, DHHS will cre-ate an intervention team towork with law enforcement onthe street, and fund additionalhousing through a MentalHealth Court.

• Mobile Outreach Safety Team(MOST) – This team of mentalhealth clinicians will partnerwith law enforcement toaddress mental health crises onthe streets. MOST will provideimmediate intervention, assess-ment, de-escalation, and refer-ral to outpatient services tothose in need. MOST will oper-ate 8 hours a day, 7 days a weekin Southern Nevada and willhelp alleviate the backlog ofpeople waiting in emergencyrooms for mental health servic-es. The total cost for the inter-vention team will be $459,513.

• Housing – Stable housing is asignificant contributor in thesuccess of a person with mentalillness. DHHS will fund anadditional $750,000 each yearto the mental health courts toincrease their capability to pro-vide housing for group homes,long-term care, supported liv-ing arrangements, and intensivesupported living arrangements.

• Community Triage Center(CTC)–Additional funding of

(Mental Health page 6)

Tobacco Settlement FundsAllocated to Mental Health

page 3 - Mental Healthpage 4 - Opinion: Sen. Heller page 5 -Opinion: Sen. Reidpage 10 - ReadmissionPenalties of Hospitalspage 11 -CMS Initiativepage 16 -Lakeside Manorpage 24 -Silver Alertpage 26 - Emergency Roomspage 29 - Senior Drivingpage 32 - Fan Drivepage 35 - Tanners Market page 44 - Artown

Every Issuepage 27 & 28 - Calendar page 30 - this ‘n thatpage 33 - Eclectic Observerpage 34 - Resources page 36 - Biggest Little Citypage 38 - Tinseltown Talkspage 39 - Crosswordpage 42 - Seniors4Travelpage 46 - Eydie’s Excerpts

Healthpage 12 - CMS: What Medicare CoversDavid Sayen, Region 9page 14 - Center forHealthy AgingAgeless Aviation - Dr. Lawrence J. Weiss, Ph.D., page 18 - AARP: YourIndependence Planpage 20 - Ophthalmology: Dr. Michael Fischer, M.D.page 22 - Mental HealthElements of Longevity

Financial page 7 - Do-It-Yourself EstatePlans: Unintended Results -Bradley B. Anderson, Ltd. Anderson, Dorn, Rader Ltd.

Ournation’sservicemembersand veter-

ans faithful-ly served our nation anddeserve to receive the healthcare and benefits they werepromised. As you mayknow, there have been mul-tiple reports of theDepartment of VeteransAffairs (VA) failing veteransall across this country,including here in Nevada.

Poor management at the VAhas been a problem thatveterans have faced for far

too long. The VA can andmust do better to ensurethat those who served ourcountry receive the out-standing care they werepromised.

Last month, the Senatepassed a bill to addressthese serious concerns, butthere is another side of thecoin that needs to beaddressed: the VeteransBenefits Administration(VBA). The VBA is respon-sible for administering ben-efits to veterans.Unfortunately, veteransacross Nevada are notreceiving their benefits in a

timely manner. In fact, theSilver State has one of thehighest disability claimsbacklogs in the entire coun-try. It is an urgent issue andneeds action.

Recently, the InspectorGeneral found that prob-lems at the Reno VARegional Office (VARO),which is responsible forreviewing disability claimsfor the entire state, were theresult of poor management.Nevada veterans should notbe forced to wait for theirdisability benefits due tomanagement’s bad deci-sions, which is why I called

for the resignation of theReno VARO Director. TheReno VARO has consistent-ly topped the charts as oneof the worst-performingregional offices in thenation and enough isenough.

As a member of the SenateVeterans’ AffairsCommittee, which has over-sight authority over the VA,I am committed to ensuringNevada’s veterans are prop-erly cared for. I will contin-ue advocating on theirbehalf until all Nevada vet-erans receive the care theyhave earned and deserve.

4 • 2014 • July

Sen. Dean Heller

OpinionU.S. Senator Dean Heller VA Can and Must

Do Better

All through my timerepresenting the SilverState in Washington, Ihave worked to passmeasures that ensureour seniors can enjoytheir retirement years

and maintain a high quality of life.Transportation is a priority issue for thesenior and disability communities,which is why I was thrilled to announcea sizeable grant to supply the WashoeCounty Regional TransportationCommission with new electric buses.Those electric buses debuted this lastApril in Reno.

Increasing bus services strengthensthe senior community by allowing sen-iors to save on transportation costs andproviding seniors with safe, dependabletransportation; it eases congestion onour roadways, reduces greenhouse gas

emissions that are harmfulto our environment andour bodies. The new buseswere funded by a $4.6 mil-lion cooperative grantwith the RTC — a worth-while investment consid-ering they will save tax-payers millions of dollarsin gasoline costs. Thesebuses are fully electric, meaning theydon’t run on fossil fuels, they emit zeroemissions, and can be fully charged inas little as 10 minutes. The benefits ofthese new electric buses are endless, butsome of the most salient benefits arethe reduction in noise and environmen-tal pollution; they run so quietly andyou won’t see a plume of black smogcoming from their backs.

This is a great step forward in thefuture of Nevada’s public transportation

services and it is emblematic ofNevada’s future. These buses willstrengthen the bond of our communityby making the downtown area moreaccessible to seniors, people with dis-abilities, and tourists while saving thestate money and reducing carbon emis-sions. I realize that there is still muchmore we can do to ensure Nevada’s sen-iors maintain a high quality of life intheir retirement. This is just the begin-ning and I vow to continue my advoca-cy for the interests of Nevada’s seniors.

July • 2014 • 5

Sen. Harry Reid

U.S. Sen. Harry ReidOpinion Transportation Needs

RTC

6 • 2014 • July

$255,500 expands bed capacityfrom 36 to 50 beds in SouthernNevada. The additional bedsallow more patients in need ofmental health services to godirectly to the triage center andbypass the long waits and back-log in emergency rooms, alsoavoiding unnecessary inpatientadmissions.

To address the Council’s rec-ommendation to increase thenumber of psychiatric inpatientbeds in Southern Nevada,DHHS will increase theMedicaid reimbursement ratesfor psychiatric medical care.

• Increase PsychiatricReimbursements – NevadaMedicaid has submitted arequest to the Centers forMedicare and Medicaid toincrease the reimbursementrate for inpatient psychiatric

treatment from approximately$460 to $944 per day. Thisaction has already caused sev-eral hospitals to make plans toexpand their inpatient psychi-atric beds capacity.

To address the Council’s rec-ommendation to expandmobile crisis for children,DHHS will provide $1,951,740in additional resources toaddress needs of children incrisis.

• Mobile Crisis for Kids – TheDivision of Child and FamilyServices is expanding its mobilecrisis program for kids. Themobile crisis team will consistof 19 staff in the south, and 8 inthe north. The team will inter-vene at the point of the crisis athome, school, or another loca-tion to provide psychiatric eval-uations, medication monitor-ing, respite care, or other serv-

ices needed services to helpavoid hospitalization.

Lawsuit DismissedAgainst Rawson-NealPsychiatric Hospital

U.S. District Judge JamesMahan in Las Vegas, issuedan Order February 11, con-firming his ruling to dismissthe class action lawsuit filedagainst Rawson-NealPsychiatric Hospital by for-mer patient James Brown.

Brown’s lawsuit sought relieffor alleged violations of hisconstitutional rights and fed-eral law. The Court dis-missed the entire suit andreaffirmed its decision afterBrown filed a Motion forReconsideration.Brown was discharged fromthe Rawson-Neal Hospital inFebruary 2013. He was

bused to Sacramento wherehe had no family or support-ive services. An investiga-tion into the case came afterallegations that Nevada haddumped Brown.The Department of Healthand Human Servicesreviewed cases involvingmore than 1,500 patientsover the past five years. Twostate employees were firedand three others were disci-plined. “I am pleased thatJudge Mahan has reaffirmedhis decision,” said RichardWhitley, Division of Publicand Behavioral HealthAdministrator. “The Courtagain found that Rawson-Neal Hospital did not violateplaintiff ’s constitutionalrights or provisions of federallaw and affirms that Mr.Brown’s lawsuit is withoutmerit.”

Mental Health / page 3

With the rise of companiessuch as Legal Zoom,TotalLegal, LawDepot, andDoYourOwnWill.com, moreand more consumers areattempting to create theirown estate plans withoutthe assistance of a lawyer.While it is possible to createa simple Will or other legaldocuments with the assis-tance of any of these com-panies or others, doing socan often lead to unintend-ed results.

Ann Aldrich, a resident of

Florida, created her ownWill in 2004 using an E-ZLegal Form preprinted Will.The Will listed all her prop-erty, including her resi-dence, Fidelity IRA, lifeinsurance policy, car, andbank accounts and indicatedit was all to go to her sister,Mary Jane Eaton. On theform, she indicated that,should Mary Jane prede-cease her, the assets desig-nated in the Will should goto her brother, JamesMichael Aldrich. She didnot indicate her intent

regarding the “residuaryestate,” which would consistof any assets she had notspecifically designated,including any assets shemight acquire after she exe-cuted the Will. Ann namedMary Jane as her primaryexecutor and James Michaelas second in line to serve asexecutor, should Mary Janenot be available or beunwilling to serve as execu-tor.

Note: IRAs and life insur-ance policies have designat-

ed beneficiaries and there-fore are not usually part of aprobate estate. Therefore,even though Ann indicatedshe wanted these assets tobe paid to her sister, if shehad designated another per-son or entity as beneficiaryon the contracts, those ben-efits would have been paidto the designated benefici-aries. Only if Ann hadnamed her estate as benefi-ciary or if the designatedbeneficiary on the contractshad predeceased her with-

(Estate Plans page 8)

Brought to you byBradley B. AndersonAnderson, Dorn, & Rader, Ltd.

July • 2014 • 7

The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneyswww.probatebusters.com • blog.wealth-counselors.com

Do-It-Yourself Estate Plans: Unintended Results

Brad Anderson

8 • 2014 • July

out a contingent beneficiarywould the Will have con-trolled.

As it happened, Mary Janepredeceased Ann. MaryJane named Ann as primarybeneficiary of her Will.After probating the Will,the court ordered theexecutor to distribute all ofMary Jane’s assets to Ann.Ann deposited all of MaryJane’s cash assets into a newaccount in her name atFidelity. She took title to thereal property received fromthe estate in her name.

Ann never updated her E-ZLegal Will to add theFidelity account or realproperty she acquired fromher sister’s estate. After herdeath, a note datedNovember 18, 2008 wasfound with her Will. Thenote stated “[t]his is anaddendum to my [W]illdated April 5, 2004. Sincemy sister Mary Jean Eatonhas passed away, I reiteratethat all my worldly posses-sions pass to my brotherJames Michael Aldrich . . .She signed the addendum and it was witnessed byShiela Schuh, the daughterof James Michael. Floridalaw requires that a Will orCodicil to a Will be wit-nessed by two persons whoare not beneficiaries underthe Will.

James Michael was appoint-ed executor of the estateand the question aroseregarding to whom theassets not accounted forunder the E-Z Legal Willshould be distributed. Jamesasserted that the E-Z LegalWill left all designated

assets tohim andthe noteconfirmedAnn’sintent forhim toreceiveeverything.Ann’snieces, whowere bene-ficiariesunder thelaws ofintestacy inFlorida,assertedthey shouldreceive ashare of the assets that werenot specifically described inAnn’s Will.

The trial court enteredsummary judgment forJames Michael. The niecesappealed the decision. TheCourt of Appeals reversed,finding that the Will did notdispose of the residuaryassets and that the note didnot meet the requirementsfor a valid Codicil to the E-Z Legal Will. James Michaelthen appealed to the FloridaSupreme Court. TheSupreme Court affirmed thedecision of the appellatecourt. In her concurringopinion, Justice BarbaraPariente wrote:

While I appreciate thatthere are many individualsin this state who mighthave difficulty affording alawyer, this case doesremind me of the old adage“penny-wise and pound-foolish.” Obviously, the costof drafting a Will throughthe use of a pre-printedform is likely substantiallylower than the cost of hir-

ing a knowledgeable lawyer.However, as illustrated bythis case, the ultimate costof utilizing such a form todraft one’s Will has thepotential to far surpass thecost of hiring a lawyer atthe outset. In a case such asthis, which involved a sub-stantial sum of money, thetime, effort and expense ofextensive litigation under-taken in order to prove atestator’s true intent afterthe testator’s death cannecessitate the expenditureof much more substantialamounts in attorney’s feesthan was avoided duringthe testator’s life by the useof a pre-printed form.

Had Ann included a resid-uary clause in her originalWill, or had the note beenproperly witnessed so itwould have qualified as aCodicil under Florida law,all of the litigation in thismatter could have beenavoided. While many of theestate plans created usingself-help services or com -puter software are adequateto accomplish the desired

goal, often these documentsdo not contain necessaryprovisions or are not prop-erly executed, leading to liti-gation and other unintend-ed results. These unintend-ed results can often beavoided by consulting witha knowledgeable estateplanning attorney.

________________________

Anderson, Dorn & RaderLaw Firm focuses on estateplanning, probate, and trustadministration. We workwith clients of all wealthlevels and ages. As a mem-ber of the AmericanAcademy of Estate PlanningAttorneys, our firm is keptup-to-date with informationregarding estate planning,estate, and trust adminis-

tration strategies. You canget more information about

scheduling a complimentaryestate planning appoint-ment and our planning andadministration services bycalling (775) 823-9455 or byvisiting our website atwww.WEALTH-COUN-SELORS.COM

Estate Plans / page 7

July • 2014 • 9

10 • 2014 • July

A bipartisangroup of senatorsintroduced legisla-tion on June 19, tomake Medicare take

the financial status of hospital patients intoaccount when deciding whether to punisha hospital for too many readmissions.

The bill attempts to address one of themain complaints about the readmissionsprogram: that hospitals serving large num-bers of low-income patients are more likelybe penalized. Over the past two years, thefederal government has reduced paymentsto two-thirds of the nation’s hospitalsbecause they have high numbers ofpatients becoming ill and returning afterbeing discharged. This fall the program willput as much as 3 percent of a hospital’s

Medicare payments at risk and it willexpand the number of conditions it basesthe assessment on — currently heartattack, heart failure or pneumonia – toinclude chronic obstructive pulmonary dis-ease and total hip and knee replacement.

Medicare does adjust for different levelsof sickness of patients among hospitals, butit has said the Affordable Care Act, whichcreated the program, does not give regula-tors the leeway to take socio-economic sta-tus into account.

An advisory committee to Congress lastyear recommended that lawmakers changethe program. The idea of taking socio-eco-nomic status into account has also beenendorsed in a draft report from a panelcreated by the National Quality Forum,which is a nonprofit group that reviews

quality measures for the government.The bill is sponsored by Democratic

Senator’s Joe Manchin of West Virginia andBill Nelson of Florida. The Republicansponsors are Sen. Roger Wicker ofMississippi and Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois.The bill does not specify how to revise thepenalty program, leaving that up toMedicare.

“This recognizes there are hospitals thatmaybe are providing excellent care thatisn’t reflected in the way the readmissionsmeasures are reported,” said Atul Grover,chief of public policy for the Association ofAmerican Medical Colleges, one of thehospital groups supporting the measure.

The American Hospital Associationendorsed the bill and announced it wouldpush for its passage.

CAPSULES: KHN

Senators Offer Bill To Ease Readmission Penalties On Some Hospitals

By Jordan Rau

July • 2014 • 11

The Centers forMedicare & MedicaidServices (CMS) havelaunched a national initia-tive “From Coverage toCare” (C2C), which isdesigned to help answerquestions that people mayhave about their new healthcoverage, to help themmake the most of their newbenefits, including takingfull advantage of primarycare and preventive servic-es. It also seeks to givehealth care providers thetools they need to promotepatient engagement.

“Helping to ensure thatnew health care consumersknow about the benefits available through their cov-erage, and how to use itappropriately to obtain pri-mary care and preventiveservices is essential toimproving the health of thenation and reducing healthcare costs,” said Dr. Cara V.James, director of the CMSOffice of Minority Health.Dr. James noted that, “toachieve

these goals, we need tomake sure that people whoare newly covered knowthat their coverage can helpthem stay healthy, not justhelp them get better if theyget sick.”

C2C will be an ongoingproject. As more and morepeople obtain coverage, there will be a continuousneed to ensure that peoplehave answers to questions they might have about theirnew coverage and areappropriately connected tothe healthcare system tohelp them live long, healthylives.

Today’s launch alsomarks the release of thenew Roadmap to BetterCare and a Healthier You,found at http://market-place.cms.gov/help-us/c2c-roadmap.pdf?linkId=8267630. It includes 8 steps to helpconsumers and health careproviders be informedabout the diverse benefitsavailable through their cov-erage, and how to use itappropriately to access pri-mary care and preventiveservices. Among otherthings, the “Roadmap” con-tains information on healthcare coverage terms, the dif-ferences between primarycare and emergency care,and the cost differences ofdecisions to seek care in-and out-of-network, whereapplicable to the consumer’shealth plan.

More information aboutC2C and other helpful

resources, including a 10-part video series, to helpthose with new health carecoverage make the most oftheir coverage, and raise

awareness about the impor-tance of getting routine pri-mary and preventive careare available at: http://mar-ketplace.cms.gov/

CMS initiative helps people make the most of their new health coverage

“From Coverage to Care” outreach toengage doctors and new patients

12 • 2014 • July

One of Medicare’smost important bene-fits is helping to cover

your expenses if you need to be hospi-talized. But what exactly is covered, andhow much do you pay?

Medicare helps cover certain servicesand supplies in hospitals. To get the fullrange of benefits, you must have bothMedicare Part A, which is hospitalinsurance, and Part B, which is medicalinsurance.

What you pay depends on whetheryou’re an inpatient or an outpatient.Staying overnight in a hospital doesn’talways mean you’re an inpatient. You’rean inpatient on the day the doctor for-mally admits you, with a doctor’s order.

You’re an outpatient if you haven’t beenformally admitted as an inpatient, evenif you’re getting emergency departmentservices, observation services, outpa-tient surgery, lab tests, or x-rays.

If you aren’t sure whether you’re aninpatient or an outpatient, you or yourfamily should ask your doctor or thehospital staff. Or you can call Medicareat 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

If you’re admitted as an inpatient, PartA will help cover your stay. This gener-ally includes a semi-private room,meals, general nursing care, drugs, andother hospital services and supplies.

Part A covers your care in acute carehospitals, critical access hospitals, inpa-

tient rehabilitation facilities, long-termcare hospitals, and psychiatric facilities.

How much you’ll pay depends partly onhow long you stay.

Medicare pays for inpatient hospitalcare based on “benefit periods.” A bene-fit period begins the day you’re admit-ted to a hospital – and ends when youhaven’t had any inpatient hospital carefor 60 days in a row.

You can have more than one hospitalstay within the same benefit period.There’s a limit on how many patientdays Medicare will cover during a bene-fit period, but there’s no limit on thenumber of benefit periods you can haveover your lifetime.

David Sayen

What Medicare Covers in the Hospital David Sayen

Regional Administrator, Medicare Region 9

How much comes out of your pocketwhen you’re in the hospital?

Part A has a deductible, which is $1,216in 2014. You pay this deductible at thebeginning of each new benefit period.

After you’ve paid that, there’s no co-payment for days 1 through 60 of eachbenefit period. For days 61 through 90of each benefit period, there’s a co-payof $304 per day.

You also have 60 “lifetime reserve days.”These can be used after day 90 of eachbenefit period, and your co-pay is $608per day in 2014. After you use up these“lifetime reserve days,” you must pay allcosts yourself.

Keep in mind that Part A doesn’t coverdoctor fees or other medical services.That’s where Part B comes in.

To get Part B, you must pay a monthlypremium, which for most people is

$104.90 per monththis year.

You’ll also pay 20percent of theMedicare-approvedamount for mostdoctor services whileyou’re an inpatient.Part B also helpscover outpatientcosts, such as doc-tors’ fees, emergencyand observationservices, lab tests, and X-rays.

Finally, here are some things Medicaredoesn’t cover in the hospital:

• Private-duty nursing; • A telephone or television; • Personal items like toothpaste orrazors;• A private room, unless it’s medicallynecessary.

To learn more about Medicare benefits,

please refer to your 2014 Medicare &You handbook, go online towww.medicare.gov, or contact our 1-800-MEDICARE customer service pro-fessionals who can help you with specif-ic concerns before a hospital stay.

David Sayen is Medicare’s regionaladministrator for Arizona, California,Nevada, Hawaii, and the PacificTerritories. You can always get answersto your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

July • 2014 • 13

Medicare / page 12

Last month Ihad the pleas-ure of experi-

encing Ageless Aviation Dreams. Herein Northern Nevada at the Stead air-port, Darryl Fisher’s Ageless AviationDreams Foundation offered free flightsin a vintage biplane to veterans ofWorld War II and the Korean War onthe anniversary of “D” day. Their mis-sion is to “give back to those who havegiven.”

Nine Reno vets from senior living com-munities were given flights above thecity. The plane was a 1942 BoeingStearman which was restored by theFoundation’s pilot and president, DarrylFisher, in 2008. This tremendous flyingexperience has occurred for the lastfour years and provided over 500 flightsfor seniors and vets in 25 states aroundthe country. “I have a passion for avia-tion, and a passion for seniors,” Fishersays. His passion definitely has made adifference in the lives of these seniorsthat flew today in that World War IIvintage Stearman.

The Stearman plane, named after itscreator Lloyd Stearman, is easy to flyand relatively forgiving for new pilots. Itgained a reputation as a rugged airplaneand a good teacher. Officially namedthe Boeing Model 75, the plane was(and still is) persistently known as the“Stearman” by many who flew them. Itwas called the “PT” by the Army, “N2S”by the Navy and “Kaydet” by Canadianforces. By whatever name, more than10,000 were built by the end of 1945and at least 1,000 are still flying todayworldwide.

One of those seniors who benefitedfrom the Ageless Aviation Dreams flightin the Stearman was 90-year-old RayCraft. Let me share his story. Ray was

born in 1924 in Mayking, Kentucky, alittle town in the coal mining area of theAppalachian Mountains. In 1939 hemoved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Craft wentto night school for building the WrightCyclone Aircraft engines after his dayjob. When he turned 18, just after com-pleting the Wright’s training course, hewent to work at Patterson air field inDayton, Ohio. Patterson then sent himon to prop school and the HamiltonStandard and Curtis Electric TrainingProgram. The result put him on therepair line doing fuel systems for A20attack planes. From there, WrightCyclone Aircraft sent him back toschool to learn how to read a slide ruleand to figure out horsepower in orderto do engine testing. After a year oftesting, he moved to Detroit, Michiganwith family and was hired by PackardMotors. At that time, they were build-ing Rolls Royce Merlin engines doingengineering tests.

In 1957 Craft moved out west toNevada. He switched from testing and

working on airplane motors to workingon cars, including race cars, opening hisown foreign car repair business in 1962(Craft Foreign Motors). He retired in1989. Craft never gave up his love ofairplanes. At 40 he got his pilot’s licenseand since has owned and flown manyairplanes, including: Taylor Craft,Belanca, Helio Courier, Mooney, and a1952 Piper Pacer. He treasured his flightin the Stearman and was smiling ear toear.

Ageless Aviation Dreams is a non-profitorganization built on the philosophy of“giving back to those who have given.”The foundation and its supportershonor senior military heroes living inlong-term care communities by givingthem a Dream Flight in the Stearman,the airplane used to train many militaryaviators in the late thirties and early for-ties.

While the day and the flight are greatmemories for the veterans, everyone

(Aviation Dreams page 15)14 • 2014 • July

Adding Life to Years

Larry Weiss

Dr. Larry Weiss • Center for Healthy Aging

Ageless Aviation Dreams

Ray Craft, 90, with Darryl Fisher, President and CEO, Ageless Aviation Dreams, right, and another team member.

July • 2014 • 15

attending gets something out of it.For these veterans, getting thechance to relive part of their past issomething they’ll never forget.

For more information aboutAgeless Aviation DreamsFoundation and its mission, visittheir website atwww.AgelessAviationDreams.org.The organization is run by volun-teers and is a non-profit thatdepends upon donations to pro-vide these Dream Flights. By spon-soring an Ageless Aviation DreamsFoundation Dream Fight, you pro-vide seniors and veterans through-out the United States with theopportunity to experience theirlifetime dream of flying in theopen cockpit of a Boeing Stearmanairplane. Some dream flight recipi-ents were “Ace” bomber and fighterpilots, while others had always dreamedof flying in an open cockpit airplane.Their goal is to give as many seniors aspossible the opportunity to realize theirdream.

I share this story because people likeMr. Craft who have lived a full life con-tinue to “add life to years” by keepingtheir sense of adventure. AgelessAviation Dreams is a great adventure.

Lawrence J. Weiss,Ph.D., is CEO of theCenter for HealthyAging. Dr. Weisswelcomes your com-ments on this col-umn. Write to himat larry@addinglife-toyears.com or c/oCenter for HealthyAging, 11 FillmoreWay, Reno, NV89519.

16 • 2014 • July

Lakeside Manor Outdoor Barbecue Gathering for Families and Friends to Enjoy

Residents of Lakeside Manor weretreated to a special gathering inJune, welcoming the warm

weather and outdoor sunshine. Over 80residents and their friends and familiesenjoyed an old fashioned summer bar-becue that brought out the fun ineveryone. Over 200 people were inattendance!

92-year-old Evie Allie, a resident ofLakeside Manor for the past ten-years,was excited about the gathering havinggeared up with others for mouth water-ing hamburgers and hotdogs, thesmokey grill tantalizing the entire com-munity. “I have a condo right across thestreet,” said Betty Squires, “but I moved

here because I enjoy being aroundfriends and people.” Squires, an activeAARP community volunteer, said she isselling the condo while she lives atLakeside Manor. It gives her plenty oftime to spend with long-time friendMary Ellen Pitalo, who joined Betty forthe BBQ as a guest.

Lakeside Manor is an independent sen-ior living community convenientlylocated in southwest Reno, next toVirginia Lake. Residents often enjoywalking around the popular city parkthat features outstanding views, andplenty of interaction with communityneighbors. Virginia Lake is a frequentlyvisited park where recreationists jog,

by Connie McMullen

Mary Ellen Pitalo and Betty Squires enjoy the summer get-together.

Lakeside Manor chefs preparing barbecue of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon, and cake.

walk and workout in the exer-cise area. Others come to walktheir dogs, fish, bird watch, feedthe ducks and geese who havemade the park home. Theretirement community is addi-tionally located close to thePeppermill Casino, area restau-rants, Shoppers Square Mall,Save Mart and the WashoeCounty Golf Course.

BBQ’s are one of the manyactivities offered at LakesideManor. There are weekly out-ings, picnics, and trips to thenearby theater. A monthlyactivities calendar is publishedfeaturing recreation, bingo,entertainment, moderate exer-cise, and classes with licensedphysical therapists to help resi-dents maintain independence.

A shuttle bus is available fortrips to shopping and doctorsoffices. Parking space is alsoprovided on the property.

Residents of Lakeside Manorenjoy living at the communitybecause of the homelike atmos-phere, friendly staff, and itsaffordability. The independentcommunity offers three meals aday in its fully furnished diningroom. Private dining is alsoprovided for special guests andvisiting family.

For questions or a tour of theproperty, call 827-3606 or makeplans to stop in and enjoy lunchor dinner. Lakeside Manor islocated at 855 Brinkby Ave., inReno. Visit them online atwww.LakesideRetirement.com.

92-year-old Evie Allie, a resident of Lakeside Manor for 10-years, is excited aboutthe barbeque prepared for residents and families.

July • 2014 • 17

Lakeside / page 16

18 • 2014 • July

As wegatherwith

family andfriends to cele-brate the 4th ofJuly, it’s a goodtime to thinkabout our ownfreedom andindependence.Many of us

want to live with independence in ourhomes and communities with the carethat we want and need, for as long aswe can. Is this your desire, too? Tomanage how you age, it’s in your bestinterest to have a plan - an “indepen-dence plan” that is! The benefits ofdoing so are many. In fact, your inde-pendence plan will:

• Give you more choices down the road;• Allow you to direct decisions thataffect you;• Make you feel less overwhelmed bythe future;• Reduce the potential of a crisis dictat-

ing your future.

If you want to expand your possibilitiesas you age, begin your independenceplan by paying attention to the follow-ing four areas:

1. Home and CommunityIf you want to stay in your home as longas possible, make sure it can supportyour changing needs and lifestyle. Forexample, look for ways to make yourhome safer, more comfortable and easi-er to get around. Check out a greatAARP resource, The Home Fit Guide(www.aarp.org/ud) to prompt yourthinking about home design. Assessyour home now so you can exploreoptions and budget for the changes youmay need to make in the future.

For some of us, our families are able tohelp with chores, grocery shopping,companionship and the like as we getolder. But others may need to rely moreon friends and community members.Now is a great time to expand yourpotential support network. You can join

a faith community or a volunteer organ-ization. In fact, volunteering your timenow can strengthen programs in yourarea so they will be there for you andothers down the road.

You’ll also want to explore the supportservices available to older adults in yourcommunity. AARP offers a tool to lookup services by zip code and type of sup-port at www.aarp.org/caregiving.

2. Health Caring for our physical and emotionalhealth is such an important part of howwell we age. I encourage everyone tostay physically active, understand yourfamily health history, manage chronicconditions and obtain the appropriatepreventive care. You can find a list ofrecommended health screenings atwww.aarp.org/healthscreenings.

Did you know that adults 45 and overtake four prescription drugs each dayon average? Help yourself keep track ofyour medications, and provide impor-tant information to future caregivers

Nicole Duritz

Your Independence PlanBy Nicole Duritz

July • 2014 • 19

and your health care providers, by cre-ating a personal medication record.Head over to www.aarp.org/medica-tionrecord to print a personal medica-tion record that allows you to list whatyou take and when you take it.

3. FinancesAt some point in the future, you mayneed to hire a paid caregiver or makedifferent living arrangements. Look intothe costs of different types of extendedcare and explore what your options maybe for paying for them. The cost gener-ally depends on where you live, the typeof care you need and how long youneed it. On average a home health aidecosts $19 an hour. A private room in anursing home averages $81,000 a year.Options in-between include movinginto an assisted living facility or carethrough an adult day health care center.It’s important to understand thatMedicare does not pay for most long-term care expenses. And Medicaid onlycovers costs for people with limitedmeans.

There are a number of resources thatyou may consider for paying for care.Talk with a financial professional aboutyour options.

4. Your WishesPlanning for your future also meansmaking decisions about how you wouldwant things handled if you’re everunable to communicate. That way, yourloved ones won’t have to guess aboutyour preferences during an already diffi-cult time. This is important for peopleof all ages because medical emergenciescan happen to anyone. Get started bypreparing the four documents everyadult should have:

• A living will – identifies which med-ical treatments you want to receive orrefuse.• A health care power of attorney –allows you to identify who will makemedical decisions for you if you areunable to make them for yourself.• A financial power of attorney - allowsyou to identify who will handle your

financial matters if you can’t.• A letter of instruction - outlines spe-cial requests, such as plans for a funeraland names of people to contact. It alsoshould include important phone num-bers, such as your employer and yourinsurance agent or broker. This is not asubstitute for a will, but it helps clarifyyour intentions.

You can learn more about these docu-ments at www.aarp.org/decide.

To live independently is a desire mil-lions of us share. Celebrate the freedomof mind you receive by having a blue-print for your personal independence.Do yourself a good deed and beginplanning today to live your older yearson your terms and enjoy the possibili-ties.

Nicole Duritz is Vice President of theHealth & Family issues team in theEducation and Outreach group atAARP.

20 • 2014 • July

Photorefractivekeratectomy (PRK) is apopular vision-cor-recting laser proce-dure among older

individuals with thinning or scarredcorneas. This eye surgery involvesremoving the outer layer of the corneato allow cells to regenerate, thereby pre-serving corneal tissue. Because it expos-es the deep layers of the cornea, eye

drops (and sometimes prescription painmedications) are needed to relieve dis-comfort, typically for 1-7 days post-PRK. Now, another post-PRK treatmentis on the horizon. Eye surgeons alreadyuse silicone hydrogel contact lenses todeliver ophthalmic drugs to treatedeyes. In the future, vitamin E may alsobe added to the lenses, which has beenfound to extend the release of the med-ication. The vitamin provides relief up

to a week following surgery. Note -PRK is the forerunner of LASIK, andunlike LASIK, does not involve makingthe corneal flap.

If you would like further informationon today’s topic, please call my office at(775) 882-2988. We are located at 3839N. Carson Street, in Carson City.Hours: 8-5 p.m., Mon. - Fri. by appoint-ment. M/C, Visa and MedicareAssignment accepted.

Michael Fischer

Putting the “E” in “PRK”Michael J. Fischer, M.D.

Eye Physician & Surgeon

Ophthalmology

July • 2014 • 21

1) LIGHT-Sunshine pro-motes health bydelivering vita-mins, warmthand energy.Sunlight helps the brain toprocess natural chemicalsincluding those that promotesleep.

2) OXYGEN - Gettingenough air is vital for emo-tional and physical well-being.The best breathers, awake andsleep, live longest.

3) WATER - Drink enough

fluids. Be aware that caffeine,alcohol and some medicinescause loss of body waterbecause of increased urina-tion.

4) NUTRITION - We arewhat we eat, drink and inhale.Guess which is healthier: Anapple or a triple-bypass baconburger with synthetic cheese?

5) MOVEMENT - Sensually,intellectually, emotionally,physically, spiritually, meaning-fully, and relationshipically (I made that last word up).

6) WISDOM - James Allen(1864-1912) wrote that wis-dom is the application ofknowledge for the good ofothers.

7) REST - Quality relaxationwith and without sleep is anart form, a necessity, and ahealthy responsibility.

*Source: Old TestamentSteven Rubin MD is a boardcertified psychiatrist and inde-pendent medical examiner,specializing in common sensesenior clinical and forensichealth care consultation andeducation.

22 • 2014 • July

Dr. Rubin

THE 7 ELEMENTS OF LONGEVITY*

Steven Rubin MD

July • 2014 • 23

The Nevada LegislativeCommission adopted regula-tions on June 23, to establisha Statewide Alert System forthe Safe Return of MissingEndangered Older Personsbetter known as the NevadaSilver Alert System.

The 2012 regulations (R021-12A, R021-12S, and R021-12B) create an alert systemcomposed of a voluntarypartnership among theDepartment of Public Safety,the Department ofTransportation, state and

local law enforcement agen-cies, media outlets and otherpublic and private organiza-tions to assist in the searchand safe return of missingendangered seniors.

The Silver Alert System

resembles Amber Alertsused to locate abducted andendangered children whichutilize notification technolo-gies such as the EmergencyAlert System broadcast toalert the public.

Silver Alert System regu-lations were adoptedwith passage of SenateBill 245, approved duringthe 76th Regular Sessionof the NevadaLegislature. The systemwill assist law enforce-ment and families tolocate endangered olderpersons 60 years of ageor older whose where-abouts are unknown, andwho have been diag-nosed with a medical ormental health conditionthat places them in dan-ger.

Testimony during pas-sage of the bill camefrom people with familymembers who were suf-fering from Alzheimer’sdisease and had wan-dered away from homeor a facility overseeingtheir care. In SouthernNevada where tempera-ture’s often exceed 100degrees, exposure to theheat can be a serioushealth concern. TheSilver Alert request mustcome within 72-hours ofthe senior’s disappear-ance accompanied withsufficient information todisseminate to the publicthat could assist in locat-ing the person.

24 • 2014 • July

Regulations Adopted for Statewide Alert Systemfor Safe Return of Missing Older Persons

by Connie McMullen

July • 2014 • 25

26 • 2014 • July

Seniors Have Special Needs in the Emergency Room

PRNewswire-USNewswire --Emergency patients over the age of 74have significantly different and morecomplex health and social needs thantheir younger counterparts, even aftercontrolling for illness severity, whichhas important implications about agingpopulations and emergency depart-ments of the future. The results of themost extensive international study ofthe characteristics and outcomes ofolder emergency patients to be reportedto date were published online in Annalsof Emergency Medicine ("Profiles ofOlder Patients in the EmergencyDepartment: Findings from theInterRAI Multinational EmergencyDepartment Study")http://tinyurl.com/npenmba .

"These patients have complex profilesbefore they come to the ER, and evenmore complicated needs once they getthere," said lead study author LeonardC. Gray, M.D., Ph.D., of the Centre forResearch in Geriatric Medicine at theUniversity of Queensland in Brisbane,Australia. "Dependence on others andgeriatric illnesses, such as cognitiveimpairment and mobility problems,affect the majority of older emergencypatients across a wide range of nationswith different health systems and cul-

tural contexts. They require specializedcare to avoid missed diagnoses, pres-sure ulcers and a range of other poten-tial problems associated with this par-ticular population."

Researchers examined medical recordsfor 2,282 patients older than 74 in 13different emergency departments inseven countries (Australia, Belgium,Canada, Germany, Iceland, India and

Sweden).Functional andcognitive problemsincreased dramati-cally after patientsarrived at theemergency depart-ment. More thanone-third (37 per-cent) of patientshad a recent fall,prior to coming tothe emergencydepartment.

Prior to visiting the

emergency department, nearly half (46percent) were dependent on others inone or more activities of daily living;after coming to the emergency depart-ment, only 33 percent were completelyindependent in all activities. In theemergency department, 26 percent dis-played symptoms of cognitive impair-ment, whereas before coming to the ERonly 20 percent had cognitive difficul-ties. Before coming to the ER, 26 per-cent of older patients could not walkwithout supervision; after coming to theER, that number rose to 49 percent.

"Frailty, confusion and dependence onothers make these our most fragileemergency patients," said Dr. Gray."Specialized training in geriatric careand even specialized layout and proce-dures can help us provide the bestassessment and care. The growingprevalence of older patients in ERsaround the world suggests a need forcareful scrutiny of current clinical prac-tice and design of emergency depart-ments worldwide."

July 2 ! Colin Ross presents aWestern Concert, 6:30 ! 8p.m., Neil Rd. Rec. Center,$5, (775) 689!8484.

July 2 ! N" Lei Hulu I KaW#kiu, 7:30 p.m., WingfieldPark Amphitheater.

July 2 ! Feed the Camel, 5!8p.m., McKinley Arts & CultureCenter.

July 3 ! Craft Fair and FoodTruck Rally, Aces Ballpark, 5!8 p.m.

July 3 ! Kellie Pickler, 8 p.m.,Peppermill Resort SpaCasino.

July 3 ! Sparks HometowneFarmers Market.

July 3 ! 9 ! Masters of Magic,Grand Sierra Resort, 8 ! 11p.m.

July 4 ! Star Spangled Sparks,Victorian Square.

July 4 ! Genoa AmericanaCelebration, Mormon Station

State Historic Park.

July 4 ! Reno Aces V.Sacramento.

July 4 ! Reno Music ProjectOpen Mic, 6:30 ! 10:30 p.m.,Wildflower Village.

July 4 ! Dueling Pianos, 8:15p.m., Bourbon Square Casino.

July 4 ! 6 ! Biggest Little CityWing Fest, downtown Reno.

July 4 ! Sept. 28 ! BroadwayShowstoppers, Harrah’sReno.

July 5 ! Boz Scaggs, 9 p.m.,Grand Sierra Resort & Casino.

July 6 ! 12 ! Region IIIChampionship Arabian HorseShow, 8 a.m., LivestockEvents Center.

July 7 ! Barton SummerReading Program, InclineElementary School, summerreading program,kschildge@washoeschools.net/

July 7 ! Charlotte’s Web,TheatreWorks of NorthernNevada, 7!8 p.m., Artown’s

July • 2014 • 27

Calendar

July - 2014 Family Festival and Seriesevery Monday, WingfieldPark Amphitheatre.

July 9 ! Carlos Nunez, 7:30p.m., Wingfield ParkAmphitheater.

July 10 ! Los Lonely Boys,Robert Z. HawkinsAmphitheater.

July 11 ! Music on the Beach! Drop Theory, North Shoreof Lake Tahoe, Kings BeachRecreation area.

July 11 ! Reno Street Food !Party in the Park, 5 p.m.,Idlewild Parks.

July 11 ! Thunderbird Wine &Cheese Tour, ThunderbirdLodge Lake Tahoe, 11!11p.m.

Calendar page 28

July 11 ! Aug. 24 ! Lake TahoeShakespeare Festival, 7:30 ! 10 p.m.,Theater at Sand Harbor.

July 12 ! Pops on the River, 5 p.m.,Wingfield Park.

July 12 ! Day of Visual Art, 9 ! 4 p.m.,around old southwest Reno.

July 12 ! Rock on the Comstock, 2 p.m.,Engrid Barnett, Ph.D., Nevada HistoricalSociety, (775) 688!1190.

July 12 ! Global Music & Dance Festival,7:15!9:15 p.m., (775) 336!9733.

July 12 ! 13 !Art, Wine and Music Fest,11!5 p.m., Squaw Valley.

July 13 ! Oct. 3 ! Sparks Adult SummerSoftball League, 6:30 ! 10 p.m., Mon.!Fri., Golden Eagle Regional Park andShadow Mountain Sports Complexes,call (775) 353!2385.

July 13 ! Thunderbird Lake TahoeWinemaker’s Dinner Series, 5!9 p.m.,Thunderbird Lodge.

July 14 ! Goowin’s Balloowins, madcapballoon artist ALLYNN GOOEN, 7!8 p.m.,Artown’s Family Festival and Seriesevery Monday in July Wingfield Park Amphitheatre.

July 14 ! Perla Batalla performs theLeonard Cohen Songbook, Robert Z.Hawkins Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m.

July 15 ! 20 ! 25th Anniversary AmericanCentury Celebrity Golf Championship2014, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.

July 16 ! Mariachi Sol de Mexico de JóseHernàndez, 7:30 p.m., Wingfield ParkAmphitheater.

July 17 ! Jesse Cook, Canadian guitarist,composer, and producer, Robert Z.Hawkins Amphitheater.

July 17 ! 20 ! Wanderlust Squaw Valley,Squaw Valley.

July 18 ! Carrie Underwood at the LakeTahoe Summer Concert Series atHarveys Outdoor Arena.

July 18 ! Kenny loggins and Blue SkyRiders, Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, 9p.m.

July 18 ! 19 ! V.A. Ballet TheatrePresents the Rock Ballet Vortex, RobertZ. Hawkins Amphitheater at BartleyRanch, 8:30 p.m., (775) 762!5165.

July 19 ! Summer Health Clinic, Schoolof Medicine, 8 ! 3 p.m., free studentoutreach, Family Medicine Center, UNRcampus.

July 19 ! Reno Basque Festival, down!town Reno, Wingfield Park.

July 19 ! 20 ! The Biggest LittleSteampunk Expo, 10!5 p.m., Rancho SanRafael Park, Reno.

July 21 ! Norman Foote, stories andpaints musical imagery, 7!8 p.m.,Artown’s Family Festival and Seriesevery Monday in July Wingfield Park Amphitheatre.

July 23 ! New York Gypsy All!Stars, 7:30p.m., Wingfield Park Amphitheater.

July 24 ! Judy Collins, American singerand songwriter, Robert Z. HawkinsAmphitheater.

July 25 ! Motley Crue with Alice Cooper, 7 p.m., Reno Events Center.

July 25 ! Reno Aces V. Albuquerque.

July 26 ! Terry Fator, 8 p.m.SilverLegacy, comedian, downtown, Reno.

July 26 ! 27 ! Crossroads of the WestGun Show, Reno!Sparks ConventionCenter.

July 30 ! Conjunto Chappottín y SusEstrellas, 7:30 p.m., Wingfield ParkAmphitheater. One of the top Cuban"son" groups on the scene today.

July 30 ! World Music, 7:30 p.m.,Wingfield Park.

July 31 ! Don McLean, singer and song!writer, Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater.

July 31 ! Closing Night of Artown,Ozomatli, 7:30 p.m., Wingfield Park.

August ! 8 ! Sara Bareilles, Little BlackDress Summer Tour, 8 p.m., SilverLegacy.

28 • 2014 • July

Calendar / page 27

PRNewswire/ -- As baby boomers soonbegin turning 70, the number of seniorson the road will rise steadily over thenext two decades. There are currentlymore than 23 million licensed driversaged 70 and older (Federal HighwayAdministration), and a new surveyreleased by Liberty Mutual Insurancefinds that the majority of senior driversare behind the wheel regularly, evenwith reported limited physical abilities.Though many seniors drive safely wellinto their later years, it's inevitable thatthey may eventually have to face the dif-ficult decision to stop driving. While 84percent of senior drivers are open toconversations about limiting or stop-ping their driving, according to the newsurvey, only 6 percent have spoken withsomeone about their driving abilities.

These are difficult conversations, butimportant to have early and often,because everyone ages differently," saidDavid Melton, driving safety expertwith Liberty Mutual Insurance andmanaging director of global safety. "Toooften, these discussions are avoideduntil warning signs appear or, worse,there is a crash. It's a step we all need totake to ensure the safety of our lovedones and the community."

Based on a survey of 1,000 adultsaged 75 and older, the report revealsthat, despite declining physical abilities,the majority of senior drivers still driveregularly, with 41 percent driving everyday and 38 percent driving several timesa week.

In the past six months, the surveyedsenior drivers report:- Declining physical abilities: Themajority (78 percent) drive regularly,even after reporting declining physicalabilities; with one in six (16 percent)saying they tire easily or have slow reac-tion times, 13 percent reporting diffi-culty seeing or hearing, and nearly onein 10 (9 percent) reporting getting lostor feeling confused while driving.

- Avoiding driving conditions: 85 per-cent have avoided at least some type of

driving condition or location, includingdriving after dark, during heavy traffichours or in unfamiliar areas.

While nearly all senior drivers wouldconsider limiting or stopping their driv-ing, most are hesitant about the idea oflife without driving. Concerns that mayprevent seniors from transitioning tothe passenger seat include:• Losing independence: 64 percent;• Becoming less active: 47 percent;• Difficulty finding alternative forms oftransportation: 45 percent; and• Feeling isolated: 45 percent.

Having the ConversationWith more than 4,000 people aged

70 and older dying in motor vehiclecrashes in 2012, according to theInsurance Institute for Highway Safety,it's more important than ever for chil-dren and loved ones of senior drivers tohave conversations about driving beforeit is time to stop. The right time to stopdriving is a personal decision and willbe different for everyone. The first stepis starting the conversation, and anessential part of that is a discussionabout alternatives to driving. The tran-sition from the driver's seat to the pas-senger seat is gradual, and understand-ing the available transportation alterna-tives helps older people maintain theindependence, mobility and socialengagement essential for quality of life.

July • 2014 • 29

Seniors Continue Driving Despite Declining Physical Abilities

He was waiting for his“Last ChanceAdoption” grooming

appointment. If no one tookhim this time, he would beput to sleep but adoption did-n’t seem likely since he was soterrified of people, especiallymen, he wouldn’t allow any-one to come near him. Eventhe groomer was cautious.

Then a woman approachedthe cage, hands behind herback. She spoke slowly andquietly in a soothing voice,gradually coaxing Cubby tothe front of the cage. Shepeered in and softly said“Cubby, can we be friends?”Cubby stared at her, as if eval-uating the situation andweighing his options. After along moment he reachedthrough the cage and placed apaw on each of her shoulders.And the love affair betweenCubby and the woman namedSandi began.

As far as Cubby was con-cerned, the affair was anexclusive one. He continuedto growl at everyone elsewhile lavishing love on Sandi,the only person he trusted.He was frantic whenever shewould leave as if to say “don’tgo, don’t forget me”.

Sandi began the time-con-suming process of convincingCubby he could trust otherpeople, too. A few weeks latershe took him to a craft fairand asked everyone whostopped by her jewelry boothto engage in some gentle waywith Cubby. Then she askedstrangers to give him treatsand little by little he learnedto accept kindness withoutgrowling, a process that tookfour months. In due courseCubby was even willing to bepicked up, as long as Sandiwas in sight.

She started bringing him intoher office. One day she foundher boss on the floor underher desk talking softly toCubby. Just some “malebonding,” he said.

Sandi (TenBoer) is the Reno 30 • 2014 • July

this ‘n thatby Anne Vargasannevargas3@gmail.com

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely forthat one dog, the world will change forever.” Karen Davison

Anne Vargas

He was cowering in the corner of thecage, understandably growling and readyto bite. Evidence of his abuse was clear;two broken ribs, missing teeth, scar tissuein the nose from being kicked in face. Butthat didn’t conceal his good looks…he is abeautiful tricolor Pomeranian and hisname is Cubby.

Cubby

Community RelationsDirector of Home InsteadSenior Care which specializesin non-medical in-home carefor the elderly. There are1000 Home Instead fran-chisees in the U.S. and it isnow in 20 countries over-seas. In her position Sandiunderstands and appreciatesthe value of dogs for therapy,particularly with the elderly.Research has shown that fif-teen-minutes of petting ananimal can release enoughSerotonin to greatly reducestress levels and alleviatedepression in an adult.

Since she works so extensive-ly with dogs she had Cubbytrained as a Therapy Dog.He was taught not to barkand clearly enjoyed engagingwith people. One day Sanditook Cubby into a facilitywhere a man was slumped ina chair, seemingly dozing.Cubby raced over to him andstarted a frantic, bark-lessfuss. The man couldn’tbreathe and was having aheart attack. Cubby’s reac-tion prompted someone to

call 911. As soonas help seemed tobe on the way,Cubby calmeddown.

On another occa-sion Cubby reactedthe same way to aHome Insteadclient, even thoughthe womanappeared to be fine.Sandi suggested tothe client’s daugh-ter that the dog’sbehavior might beworth checking.The daughter latercalled to reportthat because ofCubby’s warning,

she had taken her mother tothe doctor and discoveredshe was suffering from AtrialFibrillation (heart arrhyth-mia) resulting in her gettinga pace maker

There were more suchinstances. While travelingwith Sandi on a plane, Cubbystopped in front of man as ifto inquire or reassure. Sandiasked the man if he hadheart issues. Astonished, hesaid yes and told her he wasso nervous about flying; hewas suffering from AFib.She explained that Cubbyhas the ability to detect thatcondition but that didn’tmean he was in any dangerand suggested he try to relax.He said he definitely coulddo that since Cubby wasseated nearby.

“A dog is like a person—heneeds a job and a family tobe what he’s meant to be.”

Andrew Vachss

Since Cubby had displayedsuch keen sensitivity he wasfurther trained to be a

Service Dog and now holdsdual registrations. As suchhe has full access to go any-where; hospitals, rehab facili-ties, public transportation,restaurants etc. Unlike otherService Dogs, however,Cubby is not assigned to justone patient; instead he con-tinues helping Sandi in hertherapy endeavors, bringingjoy to everyone he encoun-ters on his “rounds. AndSandi continues to be thank-ful she happened to findCubby that fateful day. It’shard to believe this is thesame dog that was nearlyeuthanized because he wasthought to be vicious.

If you care to know moreabout Home Instead you cancontact the Reno office at205 Redfield Parkway, (775)336-5333. There is also an

office in Carson City. And ifa pet is on your horizon, per-haps you might consider res-cuing one from a shelter.

“Angels walk among us.Sometimes they are unseenand have wings and some-times they pant and lick ourfaces.”

Jonathan Brooks

ADDENDUM: Don’t put offdoing the things you mean todo. I did that and I reallyregret it. Eydie Scher was afellow Senior Spectrumcolumnist and although wehad never actually met, weboth loved to write. Westarted emailing each otherover a year ago about gettingtogether but that didn’t hap-pen. I am so sorry we didn’tmeet, I am sure I would haveliked her very much.

July • 2014 • 31

32 • 2014 • July

Sweltering heat is commonduring a Northern Nevadasummer, but it can be espe-cially hard on seniors.Washoe County SeniorServices is teaming up withKOLO TV for the 2014 FanDrive for Seniors. The com-munity is encouraged todonate new fans for seniorswho have no way of stayingcool this summer.

Last year, thanks to the gen-erous donations of the com-munity, Senior Services gavemore than 300 fans to localseniors in need. WashoeCounty Senior ServicesDirector, Grady Tarbutton,said the drive had a hugeimpact last year for one cou-ple in particular.

“Last summer, the swampcooler in the mobile home of

a 70-year-old couple brokedown and they could notafford to have it repaired.Through the generous dona-tions received from the com-munity, the department wasable to provide the couplewith a large, box fan,enabling them to managethrough the hottest part ofthe summer in their poorlyinsulated home.”

Seniors, ages 60 and older,who do not have air condi-tioning or are in need of afan to help cool their homeare encouraged to contactWashoe County SeniorServices at (775) 328-2575 orstop by the Senior Center at1155 E. 9th Street, BuildingE, to learn more about howthey can participate in the2014 Fan Drive for Seniors.WCSS staff are available toanswer questions and assistseniors.

What: KOLO Summer FanDrive for Seniors

Where: New fans must stillbe in the box and droppedoff or picked up at WashoeCounty Senior Services at1155 E. Ninth Street,Building E, Reno.

When: June 16 throughAugust 29. Drop off or pickup between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,Monday through Friday.

Details: Only donations ofnew fans in the box will beaccepted. Recipients must be60 years of age or older.Seniors without air condi-tioning and those who havenot previously participatedin the program are a priority.

"Fan Club" Helping Seniors Beat the Heat

July • 2014 • 33

If you missed my columnin June, so did I. A fewdays ahead of deadline I’d

spent a couple hours on whatI felt was a clever articleabout garden invaders. Isaved the column to a floppydisc (yes, my computer is soold I can still use this outdat-ed technology). Next stepwas to eject the disc, but Iaccidentally hit the powerbutton and turned off thecomputer. That carelessmanoeuver (somehow) friedthe disc and off to never-never land went all my hardwork. I could have cried ...and almost did. This timearound I’ve eliminated savinganything to a floppy disc andcan only hope my ancienthard drive hangs in there.

So! Slather on the sun-screen, grab your shades, andhead to The Lake for a weekday lunch. (NorthernCalifornians know The Lakecan only be Lake Tahoe, justas The City is always SanFrancisco.) Whether youapproach Lake Tahoethrough Truckee, up Mt.Rose, or via Highway 50, din-ing at waterside is somethingspecial. Just a few caveatsbefore you head out: You’llnote I said week day dining;The Lake tends to trafficgridlock this time of year, soyour chance for a pleasantdrive is better if you avoidweekends. Ditto lunch vsdinner ... and forget aboutSunday brunch unless you’rea masochist. Reservationsare a very good idea; espe-cially if you want a table witha view. Take money, lots,and consider the expense

well worth it for the entireexperience. With these cau-tions in mind, I have threenominees for a perfect lake-side lunch.

Heading West fromNevada’s North Shore, firstup is the historic Gar WoodsGrill & Pier in Carnelian Bay.Considered the “premierNorth Lake Tahoe waterfrontdining destination” with anatmosphere described as“upscale casual”, the restau-rant features California cui-sine (translate that to innova-tive luncheon selections witha Mexican influence). Froman historical perspective, GarWoods is named for GarfieldWoods, a gentleman whocreated a line of speedboatswith handsome mahoganyhulls back in the 1920s. (Thewebsite atwww.garwoods.com/histo-ry.html provides fascinatingreading, plus menus, a web-cam and reservations serv-ice.) You’ll find Gar Woodslakeside at 5000 North LakeBoulevard, Carnelian Baywith a large, attached parkinglot. Telephone 530/546-3366or 800/298-2436.

Next up along the NorthShore in the Boatworks Mallis the popular Jake’s on theLake. Jake’s describes itsofferings as those from a“classic Waterfront Grill” andlists its atmosphere as“friendly and casual.” Jake’ssits on the shore, just abovethe largest marina on Tahoe’sNorth West shore. (Theview, with all those boatscoming and going, is lesstranquil than Gar Woods.)Jake’s has been on scene

since 1978 and their outdoordeck faces South. You’ll findJake’s at 780 North LakeBoulevard, Tahoe City.Telephone 530/583-0188.Their website (www.jakesta-hoe.com) also has a webcam,menus and reservation serv-ice.

Finally, south of “The Y”in Tahoe City is the venera-ble Sunnyside Restaurant &Lodge. Originally a summerhouse in 1906, years later thelodge and restaurant burnedto be rebuilt with a rusticexterior and lodge-styledecor. Once again, there’s alarge deck for outdoor diningattached to a marina. Thevibe is “old Tahoe” while themenu reflects a hint ofHawaii as the restaurant isowned by a consortium with

a restaurant in The Islands.Here, too, you’ll find a web-cam on the website(www.sunnysidetahoe.com)with menus, reservations,etc. As you head south onthe West side of the Lake,Sunnyside will be on yourleft with a small parking lotdirectly in front. (1850 WestLake Boulevard, Tahoe City;telephone 530/583-7200)

All three restaurants areopen daily in the summermonths, have large interiorcocktail lounges and/or bars,and inside dining for thosewho forget to make a reser-vation, or to slather on thesunscreen. Over the yearsI’ve enjoyed meals at theserestaurants; it’s impossible tochoose a favorite ... I leavethat up to you.

Great Lake Tahoe Diningby Janet Ross

Jake!s on the Lake

The Eclectic Observer

34 • 2014 • July

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RESOURCES

Tanner'sMarketplace iscoming (July

26th and 27th, 2014) at the Reno LivestockEvents Center's ExhibitHall.

Now in its 39th year, theshow offers a wide variety ofantiques, collectibles andhandmade crafts. Anotherattraction will be publicappraisals on Sunday by amember of the CertifiedAppraisal Guild of America(CAGA).

"Antique appraisals areextremely popular," says DanClements of Antique Antics.Everyone has something theywould like to know moreabout"

Now in its 39th year, TannersMarketplace is Reno's onlyremaining antiques and col-lectibles show. There will beover 80 vendors -- including20 crafters -- from Nevada,California, Idaho and Oregonexhibiting. All types ofantiques, collectibles, jewelry,woodcrafts, metal artistry,

western historical items,handmade doll accessories,sterling silver items and fur-niture will be available.Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Reno'sLivestock Events Center is

located at 1350 NorthWells Avenue. FreeParking. Additionalinformation is availableonline atTannersReno.com or by calling (775) 741-9524.

July • 2014 • 35

ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLES SHOW JULY 26th & 27th

In its nearly quarter-century exis-tence, this area’s GOD (GoodOld Days) Club has had many

outstanding speakers at its monthlymeeting. None was more entertain-ing than the speaker who appearedat the June meeting this year.

His name was Ethan O’Bryant.Currently he is probably best knownfor his many camps for aspiringyoung basketball players. He him-self has had a lifetime crammedwith many exciting times on theroundball court.

His most prestigious appearancesoccurred when he was a member ofthe famed Harlem Globetrotters foreleven seasons. Prior to that he did

a couple of years as a professionalbasketball player in Europe andbefore that he was a stellar pointguard with the University ofNevada.

His basketball career in Reno start-ed with his recruitment by the UNRcoach Pat Foster. Foster snatchedO’Bryant from the tiny DixieCollege in neighboring Utah andbrought him to Nevada as a junior.In his talk O’Bryant noted that hisjunior session at the U was not par-ticularly outstanding, but he didnote that Nevada beat UNLV thatyear. During his senior session atNevada, the team was abetted by theinclusion of a couple of more highprofile recruits and they enjoyed a

much better record.Incidentally they beat Vegasagain that year down in theSouthern city.

O’Bryant had his audiencein gales of laughter when hedescribed his early daysgrowing up in Huntsville,Texas. He noted that hisfather passed away when hewas a young lad of six andhe attributed much of hismindset to his caring moth-er. During that timeHuntsville was known as“Prison City”, because ofthe fact there were morethan ten prisons locatedthere.

He recalled on his way toschool and basketball prac-tice he had to pass throughmany dangerous neighbor-hoods. During those trips

36 • 2014 • July

Globetrotting at the GOD Club

BIGGESTlittleCity

by Harry Spencer

July • 2014 • 37

he was constantlyapproached by older stu-dents offering him drugs,which he refused. Finallythe leader of one of thegangs gave him safe pas-sage.

He credited his highschool basketball coach forbeing a father figure tohim, and he tries to emu-late that when he coachesyoung children.

He recalled many memo-rable instances of his earlydays in Reno, especiallywhen he first spotted thegirl who would laterbecome his wife andmother to his four chil-dren.

When describing his timewith the Globetrotters, henoted that he had beenrecruited by them becauseof his excellent playingdays at Nevada. At firsthe was intimidated by themere thought of joiningthe Trotters, but he soonbecame one of their topplayers.

While several Nevada bas-ketball stars have beengood enough to join theNBA, the call from theGlobetrotters seems muchmore prestigious becausethere are many moreopenings in the NBA thanthere are for the singleteam exhibitionists.

He recalled that theTrotters once were lookeddown upon as not being atrue basketball teambecause of their hilariousantics on court. To dis-prove this notion on two

occasions they played oneof the top NBA teams, theGeorge Mikan ledMinneapolis Lakers andsoundly beat them bothtimes.

O’Bryant interspersed hislifetime journey withnumerous jokes thatregaled his listeners. Henoted that when he playedin Italy, young childrenwould approach him justto touch his skin. Onanother subject he saidthat it used to be a factthat if you wanted to hidea secret from a black manyou put it in a book. Healso added the poignantfact that there were manytimes when he wondered ifa basketball career wasactually the greatest wayto spend his time.

Today he is very involvedin numerous civic activi-ties in addition to his bas-ketball camps. He is anexcellent motivational fig-ure because as he cappedhis talk he said, “Wherebut in this country could asingle-parent child fromthe small town ofHuntsville aspire to a life-time of athletics that led tothe opportunity to becomea world traveler.”

The GOD Club meets onthe third Friday of eachmonth at noon at theTamarack Junction Casino.The speaker for the Julymeeting will be RenoMayor Bob Cashell, whowill also receive the orga-nization’s annual“Community Hero” awardfor 2014.

Biggest little / page 36

38 • 2014 • July

Eighty years ago, 16!year!old Marsha Huntbegan her professional career with aprominent New York City modeling agency.But her real love since the age of four wasacting. So, the following year, in May 1935,she headed to Hollywood.

Tinseltown talksBy Nick Thomas

Marsha Hunt: TheBlacklisted Beautywho Battled Back

Within weeks ofarriving on theWest Coast her

dream was realized with aParamount contract.

“It wasn’t about becoming afamous star,” said Ms. Huntfrom her home in Los

Angeles. “I just wanted thejoy of pretending to beinteresting characters andconvincing audiences that Iwas.”

She was assigned leadingroles in many of her 20 films

(Tinseltown page 40)

July • 2014 • 39

released during the 1930s,appearing with costars suchas John Wayne.

“I worked with John Waynebefore he was an airport!”said Hunt, referring to themany public locations nownamed after the legendaryactor. The pair costarred in“Born to the West” (reissuedas “Hell Town”) in 1937, twoyears before Wayne becamean overnight superstar in“Stagecoach.”

Hunt’s own star status con-tinued to rise throughout the1940s, clocking up another30 films during the decade.

In 1943, she was one of 65top MGM stars that studiohead Louis B. Mayer gath-ered for a memorable “classphoto.”

“It was MGM’s 20th anniver-sary and we were all sum-monsed to a soundstage oneday,” recalled Hunt, the lastsurviving actor in the famous

photograph. “I hadnever met many of thestars, and we weren’teven given a chance tomingle before or afterthe photo, which was ashame.”

Relations between thestudios and some actors,including Hunt, took adramatic dive in the late40s as a wave of anti-communism paranoiaswept the nation. Whena Congressional com-mittee accused a groupof writers of communis-tic affiliations, Hunt andothers spoke out but foundthemselves vilified during theMcCarthy-era HollywoodBlacklisting period.

“We called ourselves TheCommittee for the FirstAmendment, hired a plane,and flew to Washington in1947 – the Bogarts, DannyKaye, Paul Henreid, IraGershwin, and other actors,writers, producers, directors– to defend our industry and

the maligned writers.”

Rather than being hailedchampions of free speech,Hunt and others who failedto repent their action werebanned by the Hollywoodstudios.

“I was punished by beingdenied work by the industry

I went to defend!” said Hunt.“While it killed the momen-tum of my film career, I wasdetermined to continue act-ing. Happily, Broadwayopened up for me, then tele-vision, and eventuallymovies. But I was neveragain given film roles as rich-ly challenging, or the samebilling or salary. ”

40 • 2014 • July

Tinseltown / page 38

John Wayne and Marsha Hunt in Born to the West

Marsha Hunt publicity shot

If any good emerged fromthe Blacklisting, it was whenHunt turned her interestselsewhere. After a world tripwith her husband in 1955,she was touched by the hard-ships and poverty of othernations.

“I came back a different per-son,” she admitted. “I hadbeen so focused on my act-

ing and was now more awareof my fellow man. I wound

up giving 25 years of my lifeto the United Nations to pro-mote peace, progress, andunity.”

Hunt’s life story is the subjectof a documentary, “MarshaHunt's Sweet Adversity,” byEmmy Award winning direc-tor Roger C. Memos (seewww.hollywoodandart.com/zeldacandance.html).

Because the film is a non-profit project through the

InternationalDocumentaryAssociation, funding isstill needed to completethe final stages of editingin order to be entered inmajor film festivals thisSeptember, a month

before Hunt’s 97th birthday.

“I’ve had an interesting lifewith all the highs and lows,”said Hunt, who would love tosee the film released thisyear. “I’m touched they want-ed to tell my story.”

The 1947 flight to Washington by the Committee for the First Amendment. DannyKaye, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart in front. Hunt at center left. Source Life Magazine

July • 2014 • 41

Ms. Hunt being interviewed for documentary Marsha Hunt's Sweet Adversity, provided by Roger Memos.

Our travel story this month isabout a memorable journeyback in time. In actual miles it

was a mere eight or so north of the cityof Reno off Route 395 to our destina-tion: Reno Stead Field Airport. Ourmission: To view, touch and photo-graph four of our country’s mostfamous World War II airplanes – aConsolidated B-24 Liberator, a NorthAmerican P-51 Mustang, a NorthAmerican Boeing B-25J Mitchell and aBoeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

The Fortress was a restored bombereerily similar to the one Robert flew infor thirty-five missions as a ball turretgunner with the Army Air Force whilestationed in England.

The four planes were restored withfunds provided by The CollingsFoundation, a non-profit organization

headquartered inStow, Maine. Themajor focus of thegroup since itsinception in 1989has been a “Wingsof Freedom Tour”of combat aircraftflown by volun-teer pilots. Theirfour-day stint atStead Field waspart of a nationaltour to educatevisitors – especiallyyounger Americans – about the nation’sair war during World War II.

It was a pleasure to see the restoredaircraft, especially the B-17. For years, Ihave been inundated with stories ofRobert’s Flying Fortress combat mis-

sions. The crew of eight armed with .50caliber machine guns, with the pilot andcopilot, flew for a total of 35 missions.Withstanding anti-aircraft flak fired atthem by the Germans, the Fortressforged ahead, its crew hoping for

enough clearing in the over-cast to spot the enemy targetand drop their deadly payload,before turning tail for theirbase in England. Robert’sposition defending the Fortresswas considered to be the mostintimidating, most lonely andmost uncomfortable, seated ina fetal position within the ballturret, a confining sphere ofthe B-17’s underside.

As Robert tells it, his planewas shot down, crash landingin a field near Aachen,Germany. One would be cor-rect in assuming that the ballturret in the plane’s undersideis not where you’d prefer to beduring a crash landing.

Obviously Robert made itout of the ball turret into theinterior of the plane before ithit the ground since he’s stillhere telling us his war stories. At air exhibitions we’ve met

42 • 2014 • July

Seniors4Travel

Robert Boyd & Carolyn Prusa

A Journey Back in Time

B-17 Flying Fortress at the Reno Stead Field.

July • 2014 • 43

families of ball turret gun-ners who didn’t. Enoughsaid.

As for what happenedafter the crash landing….

The crew hadagreed that theywould run in dif-ferent directions.Robert rantoward thewoods, only toencounter aGerman civilianbrandishing aclub. With onegood whack onthe head, he wasout. Fortunately,American troopswere in thevicinity andcame to his res-cue. Robertsoon recuperat-ed and wasready to com-

plete his missions. On another occasion, two

of the Fortress’ engines hadbeen damaged and the crewwas forced to crash land in

the North Sea. This time anAllied Air Sea team rescuedthem. As Robert recalls, heand fellow crewmemberswere able to walk out ontothe wing and be rescuedwithout getting their feetwet.

“Whenever I had leavetime, I went to London to

relax and recuperate,” Robertsays with a smile.

The Collings FoundationFor more information on

the Wings of Freedomschedule, volunteer opportu-nities, or to make a donation:tel. 800-568-8924;www.collingsfoundation.org

Robert taking a break under the wing of a B-17 FlyingFortress at Reno Stead Field.

Restored World War II aircraft flying in formation.

Reno’s annual arts and culture festivalis back for July. Artown, in it’s 19thyear, promises to bring another out-standing year of artists and events.

For those who enjoy summer concerts,Artown features two famous musi-cians at thesmall andpersonalRobert Z.HawkinsAmphi-theater.Americansinger andsongwriterJudy Collins will perform her uniqueblend of interpretative folksongs, showtunes, pop, and rock standards underthe stars on July 24th. Winning "Songof the Year” at the 1975 GrammyAwards, Judy's version of “Send in theClowns,” a ballad written by StephenSondheim for the Broadway musical“A Little Night Music is always resonat-ing with audiences. Enjoy her musicfound at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5os4NFeKFFs

Boomers will enjoy American singer-songwriter Don McLean on July 31.He is mostfamous forthe 1971albumAmericanPie, contain-ing thesongs"AmericanPie" and"Vincent". 2013 was a busy year forDon touring North America andAustralia. He has no plans to ease upon touring and talks are in progress fornew album releases. Catch him athttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQhmsGiyHFg

44 • 2014 • July

Artown Featured Singers, Songwriters July Arts and Cultural Festival

July • 2014 • 45

I’ll begin by letting youknow that on Fri 6/6/14,Eydie (my mom) passedaway a few hours after her71st birthday. As a result,this will be her last excerptand is written by her oldestson Greg-50, with inputfrom her husband of 51-years, David.

Mom was the greatestand had a magical effect oneveryone who knew her.Mom’s mission in lifeseemed to be to help oth-ers. She put herselfthrough night school earn-ing her Masters in SpecialEducation and taught until

the last couple of months.She put her passion intoeverything she did and hercreative and innovativestyle earned her a nomina-tion for National Teacher ofthe Year by one ofCalifornia’s largest schooldistricts. She also taughtpiano and was a SocialWorker in NY. She andDad took in one of mybrother’s friend’s for a yearwhen his parents desertedhim and Mom was alwaysthere in the same way forDad, her kids, grandkids,and friends. No one hadmore close friends thanMom.

Mom wasultra competi-tive, very ath-letic, andadventurous.She parasailedfor the firsttime near her70th birthday.We wouldcompete ineverythingfrom waterski-ing, to tennis,ping-pong,skiing, domi-nos, grades,etc. People see me thesame way so I suppose it’san inherited trait. Iremember once in highschool when taking a col-lege English course, Ireceived an average gradeon a paper that Momhelped me write. Mom wasbeside herself and calledmy teacher at her house todiscuss and argue thegrade. The result was that Ihad to make a couple ofchanges and then drive acopy of the revised paper toher, and the grade wasimproved to an A. Yes, inour family the expectationswere very high and Momwas incredibly proud of allof us.

As you know, Mom wasan awesome writer. Sheput herself out there andnever held back. For herfamily members, she wrotehumorous birthday poems.I received 50 of them andshe never missed a year.Her writing for this maga-

zine portrayed so much ofher life and her relation-ships with family andfriends. My favorite washer recent story and coverfeature about her 51-yearsof marriage and everyoneMom knew was envious ofher spectacular 51+ yearmadly-in-love marriage toDad with every year gettingeven better. Her editor,Connie McMullen whoMom loved, encouragedmom as one of her biggestfans and allowed her cre-ative thoughts to be sharedwith all of you.

Thank you all for yourtremendous support ofMom in her writing and forthe numerous fan-mailemails that she receivedfrom you. My dad will stillreceive emails sent to her.

I’ll miss Mom like crazy,as will my siblings, hergrandkids, her dogs, allthose who knew her, andespecially my Dad.

46 • 2014 • July

Eydie’s Last ExcerptsGreg Scher