Generation Boomer 2012

Student college loandebt is a new financialproblem facing

boomers trying to live on afixed budget. According tothe Federal Reserve Bank inNew York, roughly 2.2 mil-lion student-loan debtorswere 60 years and olderduring the first quarter of2012, and nearly 10 percentof their loans were 90 daysor more past due, that’s upfrom 6 percent during thefirst quarter of 2005.

“It’s really a unique prob-lem we haven’t had to facebefore, and it’s only goingto grow,” said RobertApplebaum, founder ofStudent Debt Crisis.

Thousands of retirees aredefaulting on student loans,and are losing their SocialSecurity benefits to pay thedebt. The TreasuryDepartment reports thegovernment is withholdingmoney from the rapidlygrowing number of SocialSecurity recipients whohave fallen behind on stu-dent loan payments.

“From January throughAugust 6, the governmentreduced the size of roughly

115,000 retirees SocialSecurity checks.” Whilemany retirees have paid fortheir own undergraduateeducation, they returned tocollege in midlife, or decid-ed to help a grandchildwith tuition costs. There isnot much data collectedindicating if any of theloans stem back to under-graduate or graduate schoolyears.

“This is going to catch anawful lot of people offguard and wreak havoc ontheir financial lives,” saidSheryl Garrett, a financialplanner in Eureka Springs,Ark.

Government withholdingsvary widely from up to 15percent. Assuming theaverage monthly SocialSecurity benefit for aretired worker is $1,234,that could mean of lot ofmoney out of their income.

Consumer advocates whowork with seniors say theirclients are unwilling tospeak on record because ofthe shame. Most retireesset out to help grandchil-dren and as the economyworsened, were not able tomeet expenses that includ-ing the cost for prescriptiondrugs, doctor visits, andother health associatedcosts.

Generation4Boomers.com / 3

WELCOME TOGeneration

BOOMERBoomer Retirementis being Derailed.Grandmaʼs arestuck with collegedebt.

4 / generation4Boomers.com / 2012

Nevada is an Aging SocietyBoomers are the New Tsunami

The NevadaLegislature HealthCare Task Force for

the Alzheimer’s State Planheard testimony in July thatNevada has lead the countrythe past three decades insenior population growth,with baby boomers leadingthe next wave of anotheraging tsunami.

Nevada’s 65 and olderpopulation has more thandoubled in the past 20 years,and it is projected to climbto 436,654 in 2020. StateDemographer JeffHardcastle said many sen-iors living here are aging inplace, having relocated fromother states in their 20s, 30s,and 40s, and building a fam-ily. However, populationgrowth has slowed the pastfew years due to the housingcrisis and economy.Hardcastle said that whilemigration of people over age60 had the state growing 10percent a year, the economyhas kept migration down.“Migration slowed becausethe housing market slowed.People couldn’t sell homesand move to Las Vegas.”Hardcastle said Between1990 and 1999, much of thegrowth came from migra-tion, slowing in 2010.

With more people turn-ing 50 beginning in 2010,the population of boomersare making Nevada more ofan aging population. Thosein their 50s will skew thedemand for services andhealth care. Women age 85plus out number the num-ber of males.

While Clark and WashoeCounty have more seniors,

the outlying counties have alarger number of seniorswho are getting older, faster.Hardcastle said the ruralcounties will be more inneed of services.

Housing, particularly forpeople with dementia thatneed long-term care serviceswill be a challenge in ensu-ing years. People withdementia, and other relatedmemory disease with chal-lenging or difficult to handlebehaviors will be forced toleave the state for healthcare. Washoe CountyFamily Court judge EganWalker told the committeeWashoe County cannot findhousing for older peoplewho need assistance. “Someare being sent to Idaho,Utah and even Las Vegas”with costs covered by thecounty.

Nevada is working todevelop an Alzheimer’s StatePlan to deal with the pro-jected costs in growth of theaging population. Nevada isexpected to be the fastestgrowing state in the countryin Alzheimer’s related cases,primarily because of theaging population.“Placement is going to be anissue...and income, how topay for the care they willneed.”

The US Census projecteddramatic growth in the olderpopulation beginning in2011 when the first of theboomers started to turn 65,continuing beyond 2029when the youngest boomersreach age 65. By 2030 theU.S. population will have anestimated 72 million olderAmericans, doubling 2000.

6 / Generation4Boomers.com / 2012

LONDON -- The Beatles' digitally restored 1968 animatedfeature film, Yellow Submarine, makes its worldwide digitalrelease debut, exclusively on The iTunes Store(www.iTunes.com/TheBeatles). The film includes iTunesExtras featuring extensive bonus materials and detailed art,including an interactive companion booklet.

Based upon a song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney,Yellow Submarine is a fantastic tale brimming with peace,love, and hope, propelled by Beatles songs, including "EleanorRigby," "When I'm Sixty-Four," "Lucy in the Sky WithDiamonds," "All You Need Is Love," and "It's All Too Much."When the film debuted in 1968, it was instantly recognized asa landmark achievement, revolutionizing a genre by integrat-ing the freestyle approach of the era with innovative anima-tion techniques.

Directed by George Dunning and written by Lee Minoff,Al Brodax, Jack Mendelsohn and Erich Segal, YellowSubmarine began its voyage to the screen when Brodax, whohad produced nearly 40 episodes of ABC's animated BeatlesTV series.

Yellow Submarine synopsisOnce upon a time… or maybe twice, there was an

unearthly paradisecalled Pepperland,a place where hap-piness and musicreigned supreme.But all that wasthreatened whenthe terrible BlueMeanies declaredwar and sent intheir army led by amenacing FlyingGlove to destroy allthat was good. Enter John, Paul, George and Ringo to savethe day! Armed with little more than their humor, songs, andof course, their yellow submarine, The Beatles tackle therough seas ahead in an effort to bring down the evil forces ofbluedom.

Yellow Submarine is a classic of animated cinema. Aninteractive digital version of the Yellow Submarine picturebook is available as a free download on Apple's iBookstore foriPad, iPhone and iPod touch at www.iTunes.com/TheBeatles.

Restored Beatles’ Yellow Submarine Feature Film


The number one question most boomers ask whenthinking about retirement planning is when should Istart drawing Social Security. If you're approaching

retirement, you have three options for drawing your SocialSecurity benefits: starting early, waiting until "full" retirementage, or delaying benefits a few years longer to qualify for themaximum monthly benefit.

Early withdrawalsStarting withdrawals at the earliest allowable date (age 62)may be an option if you (a) plan to stop working or cut backto part-time status, and (b) really need the income.

Selecting early retirement will permanently reduce theamount you receive each month, based on the number ofmonths you receive benefits before you reach your full retire-ment age. In addition, you could see a change in your benefitamount if you work after you start receiving benefits. Yourbenefits will be cut by one dollar for every two dollars earnedover $14,640 (as of 2012), until you reach the full retirementage. After you reach full retirement age, Social Security will

recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for anymonths in which you did not receive some benefit because ofyour earnings.

Full retirement ageFull retirement age is 66 for workers born between January 1,1943, and December 31, 1954. For those born later, the agelimit gradually increases to 67.

If you wait until full retirement age, your monthly incomewill be greater than if you took early withdrawal, althoughbenefits will be less than if you waited until age seventy, themaximum retirement age.

Maximum retirement ageIf you delay benefits until after full retirement age, your bene-fit will be increased based on the number of months you donot receive benefits between full retirement age and age 70.Delaying benefits until age 70 will maximize benefits for therest of your life. This option is generally the best choice forpeople who are in good health and do not need the money.

MY GENERATION

When should you start taking Social Security?When should you start taking Social Security?

Other factorsIf you are full retirement age,you can apply for retirementbenefits and then request tohave payments suspended.That way, your spouse canreceive a spouse's benefit, andyou will continue to earndelayed retirement credits untilage 70. When you start receiv-ing Social Security retirementbenefits, some members of yourfamily may also qualify toreceive benefits on your record.If they qualify, your spouse orchild may receive a monthlypayment of up to one-half ofyour full retirement benefitamount. These payments willnot decrease your benefit. Infact, the value of the benefitsyour family receives may helpyou decide if taking retirementsooner is more advantageous.


Outlook

Retirement EstimatorThe Retirement Estimator, pro-vided by Social Security, givesestimates based on your actualearnings record. (SocialSecurity cannot provide youractual benefit amount until youapply for benefits.) Thatamount may differ from theestimates provided because:• Your earnings may increase ordecrease in the future.• After you start receiving ben-efits, they will be adjusted forcost-of-living increases.• Your estimated benefits arebased on current law. The lawgoverning benefits may change.By 2033, the payroll taxes col-lected will be enough to payonly 75 cents for each dollar.• Benefits may be affected bymilitary service, railroademployment, or pensions.

In other words, folks committed to eating food grown orproduced within their local region. You probably alreadyknew that. When it comes to wine, Churchill Vineyards is

as local as it gets. Established in 2001, Churchill Vineyards is located south

of Fallon on one of Nevada’s oldest farms, and in one of thestate’s oldest agriculture communities. The historic Freyhomestead was built in 1918.

Winemaker for Churchill Vineyards is young, fifth genera-tion Colby Frey who perfected his trade working with severalexperienced winemakers from all over the country. I becameacquainted with Colby during the several occasions he wasmy guest speaker at wine and spirits classes I taught atTruckee Meadows Community College before my retirement.

As Colby explained to me, the Frey family has more than

one reason behind its desire to create a new viticulture indus-try in Nevada. High on that list is water conservation.

Churchill Vineyards is located in an area where the UnitedStates Fish & Wildlife Service has purchased several farms,and removed over 20,000 acre feet of water in ChurchillCounty. As Colby pointed out, once water rights areremoved and farmland is abandoned wildlife has no feed.The underground water table in Churchill County is dimin-ishing to the point that the Frey’s neighboring domestic wellsare drying up. In an effort to reclaim abandoned farmland,the ranching family set out to identify a high valued alterna-tive crop which consumes less water. After much delibera-tion…Wine grapes. Eureka!

Grapes require a mere fraction of the county’s preciouswater that is consumed by traditional hay and grain crops.


There’s a lot of buzz these days aimed at getting Nevadans to do their business with locally owned companies. Furthermore, we’ve discovered more and more locavores among us.

Wine Notes Carolyn Prusa

Churchill Vineyards

The Freys envision aNorthern Nevada wineindustry that would con-tribute to the state’s economyand enhance tourism in theirpart of the state, and in turnspawn other new businessenterprises. Sounds to melike a really long-term plan.But it’s a vision they believein and are promoting toother ranchers in Churchill

County and around the state.Establishing a vineyard

and a winery is an expensiveproposition. And you canbet there were the usual nay-sayers. But the Frey family issucceeding in growing quali-ty wine grapes with limitedwater resources in Nevada’shigh desert. And from them,Colby Frey is producing finewines.

Churchill Vineyards iscurrently the only Nevadawinery producing Nevadagrown, produced, and bot-tled premium white wines.Among them is the "NevadaGrown" Riesling from grapesgrown in Nevada’s cool highdesert region resulting in abrisk, tangy and refreshingwine. (208 cases produced.)With Colby’s “Nevada

Grown" Gewurztraminer, theemphasis is on spicy fruit,just as it should be. (126cases produced). An inter-esting blend is "NevadaGrown" 50% Semillon-50%Chardonnay, grown on-sitein Churchill County. (140cases expected to be pro-duced.)

While Colby Frey isexperimenting in the vine-yards with several red types,he also sources grapes forred wines from Napa Valleyand other regions ofCalifornia. The ChurchillVineyards Merlot is fromfruit grown in Napa Valley.And, Churchill VineyardsCabernet Sauvignon is madefrom grapes grown by MetlerVineyards, California.

Churchill Vineyard winesare available at the wineryand locations throughoutNorthern Nevada. If you visit: Churchill Vineyards, 1045Dodge Lane, Fallon, NV89406. Open by appointmentonly: 775-423-4000.www.churchillvineyards.com.Side Bar:After operating a distilleryfor five or so years with anexperimental license,Churchill Vineyards receivedits official Federal License inJanuary 2010 making itNevada's First CommercialDistillery. We are told thatavailable soon will beChurchill Vineyards Vodka,distilled from fruit and graingrown and harvested on thehistoric Frey Ranch;Churchill Vineyards NevadaBrandy, distilled from Syrahgrapes and aged in FrenchOak for 3 years; andChurchill Vineyards NevadaSingle Malt Whiskey, dis-tilled from malted barleygrown on the historic FreyRanch.


Colby Frey - winemaker!

Good Taste


Judy L. Taylor writes the Cindy Nesbit mystery series under the name J. Lee Taylor. (www.jleetaylormysteries.com) An avid fan of the book,Murder on the Orient Express, her dream to ride the famous train came true in May, 2012. During that trip, she imagined she was a descen-dant of Agatha Christie’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot. The setting and details are accurate, but the celebration and other travelers arefictionalized.

ALL ABOARD!

The envelope fromVenice Simplon-Orient-Expresscame addressed to

Mademoiselle Anna LouiseMarie Poirot. Since not manypeople know my maidenname, perhaps this was notthe simple toss away adver-tisement, non? I undid theembossed seal and found aninvitation to celebrate theseventy-eighth anniversary ofMurder on the OrientExpress. If I would agree tosign a few autographs andgive a short speech after din-

ner, the OE would be happyto have me as their guest. Itwas the adventure I hadalways dreamed of, to ridethe train that made myancestor, Hercule Poirot,world famous.

My schedule coincided withthe invitation date: I wouldboard at Budapest on May12, 8 a.m. and arrive home inParis twenty-four hours later.My anticipation was toogreat—I reached the stationhalf an hour before theappointed time. After check-

ing my luggage with the uni-formed concierge, I enteredthe waiting room reservedfor Orient Express passen-gers. I could not pretend tobe blasé. The room was sogrand I felt as if I hadstepped onto a cinema set.Other early arrivals filled theornate tables and chairsaround the perimeter or theroom. The high ceiling heldan ornate candle chandelierretrofitted with light bulbs.Gold leaf embellished themoldings and carvings. Itwas the perfect way to begin

the journey of a lifetime.

People from throughout thestation came to pose next tothe famous black cars. Theycould show the photo andprove that the train stillexisted.

After we left the station, mysteward, David, served coffeeand biscuits. The coffee wasexceptional, perhaps becauseit was served in a fine chinacup. I stored my hand lug-gage then inspected my sur-roundings. I resisted the urge

Judy L. Taylor

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, ItalyPhoto: Matt Hind

to stroke the compartment’shighly polished wood with itsart deco motif inlays. I didnot wish to smudge theglossy finish with my finger-prints. The upholsteredcouch that would later bemade into my bed beckoned.I took off my shoes and

relaxed.

David returned at eleveno’clock with more coffee anda most delicate foie grassandwich. Oh, my. Luncheonwas only an hour away.Fortunately for the digestion,my cabin was near the front

of the train. The dining carwas a healthy distancetoward the end. Perhaps theexercise would stimulate myappetite.

All too soon, themidday meal wasannounced. Morebeautiful wood andmirrors made therestaurant seemlarger. Tables forfour were set withdazzling crystal,white table cloths,silverware andchina bearing theOE emblem. Mydining companionswere three ladiesfrom England whobelonged to anAgatha Christiesociety. The topicof Dame Christiedominated the conversationuntil the most senior expertskillfully changed the subjectto that of my great-granduncle, twice removed,Hercule Poirot. I had nevermet my famous ancestor, socould not answer their ques-tions about his personallooks and habits. Of course,I had seen all the movies andtelevision productions star-ing the Belgium detective,but declined to choose afavorite version. Instead, Iswitched the conversation tothe swift moving train.

“How fortunate for theworld that MonsieurSherwood decided to pur-chase and restore theOrient-Express. World WarII destroyed so many cars.The attempts to remain trueto the original succeeded, forthe most part, but there are

some differences from DameChristie’s descriptions, oui?”

We spent the rest of thehour comparing the train oftoday to Christie’s novel. We

knew she had ridden thetrain with her husband. Iagreed with the experts thatthe major difference was themodernization of eachcabin’s wash basin. In thenovel, Poirot noted he couldhear the next compartment’sbasin click into place andchecked the time. Today, thebasins are stationery andenclosed by a curved wood-en door. In the current décor,there would not be a click toplace the time of the murder.

Back in my compartment,overfed and sleepy, I reclinedand imagined a time whenthe OE was the only fast wayto travel between Europe’scapital cities and Istanbul. I’dread how royalty would hooktheir private railcars to theOE, sometimes for business,sometimes for romantictrysts—perhaps the origins


My Generation

Coffee and biscuits served on china.

Judy Taylor poses next to the famous black cars.

of the American slang “hook-ing up,” non?

And during wartime, spiesdisguised as diplomaticcouriers roamed the corri-dors and lurked in the barcar. Did Mata Hara dine atthe same table as I? Had agentleman bought her a bev-erage at the piano bar? Davidinterrupted my musingswhen he returned with after-noon tea and cakes. Would Iever be hungry again?

Sometime after we enteredGermany, the weatherchanged. Rain streaked thewindows and the tempera-ture plummeted. My spring-time clothes were inadequateso I huddled in one of therobes provided by the OE.The countryside flashed by.The train followed the not-so-blue Danube. The stormand spring runoff churnedthe water brown, overflowingthe banks in places.

I spent the rest ofthe afternoonconcentrating onmy speech untilthe early call fordinner. (The sec-ond seating wasat 9:30, much toolate for my nerv-ous stomach.) Idressed in a sim-ple blue gown andwas glad for thewarm shrug I hadpacked. Withnotes in myevening bag Imade my way tothe dining carwhere a simplechange in thelighting trans-formed the stylish

luncheon setting toan elegant venuesuitable for romanceor intrigue.

In these days whenone sees jeans and T-shirts in restaurants,it was a pleasure toobserve gentlemenwearing dark suitsand ties and ladies indressy evening wear.Although the time ofthe novel was vague,most of the moviesplace it in the 1920s.This night, somewomen chose to wear cos-tumes, complete with feath-ers and headbands, reminis-cent of that time.

I sat with an older lady whohad a middle Europeanaccent. She reminded me ofone of the participants in themurder, the PrincessDragomiroff. She dressed like

the princess in the book andeven covered her elderlyneck with a multi-strandpearl choker. Across fromour table, a young womantraveling with her mothergestured with a long jeweledcigarette holder similar tothose used in the RoaringTwenties.

After dinner, it was time formoi to earn my passage. Thebar car had been rearrangedto seat more passengers. Thetopic for my speech pointedout a small flaw in the firstpart of Murder On TheOrient Express. DameAgatha did not allow H.Poirot to report a discrepan-cy after he interviewed themurdered man’s secretary.

The Christie experts and Idebated the plot changesnecessary if MadameChristie corrected the prob-lem.

A tuxedo clad pianist politelyannounced that the eveningrecital was about to begin. Itwas time to make my exit.My “little gray cells” had

been busy all day imaginingthe world of spies, romanceand murder. I retired to mycabin where David hadchanged the couch into abed. The chill had not less-ened with the drawing of theshades, but there was anextra woolen blanket foldedat the foot of the bed. Ipulled the covers to my noseand allowed the motion ofthe train to rock me into adreamless sleep.

The wake-up knock on mydoor announced the need tohurry. In Paris, passengerscould not linger: the trainhad to be made ready for thenext part of its journey. Ithanked David for his excel-lent service and took one

more picture of the specialtrain. A once-in-a-lifetime-trip had exceeded my expec-tations. Magic, indeed.

If the Orient Express is onyour to-do wish list, don’t putit off. For schedules, prices,and a virtual tour of thetrain, go to www.orient-express.com.


My Generation

View of countryside from the train.

Photo: Matt Hind

Black Pecan mix:3 TBS Brown Sugar4 tsp Granulated Sugar1 cup + 5.5 tsp Honey½ cup + 6.5 TBS Corn Syrup1 Fresh Egg yolk 6 Fresh Eggs2 TBS +1 tsp All Purpose Flour3 TBS Melted Butter1 tsp Vanilla Extract2.5 TBS Jack Daniels(Whiskey)5.5 OZ Toasted Pecanpieces 3.5 OZ Chocolate Chip Mix both the Brown and granulated sugar togetherthoroughly to prevent lumps. Add the Honey, cornsyrup and scrape well. Add eggs followed by flour.Scrape well. Add remaining ingredients. Strain toremove lumps. Chocolate sweet dough4 TBS + 1.5 tsp Butter3 TBS +2 tsp Powder Sugar2 Fresh Eggs¼ cup + 1 TBS + 2 tsp All Purpose Flour1 TBS + ½ tsp Cocoa Powder½ tsp Baking Powder1 TBS Almond FlourCream the butter, add powder sugar. Add the eggs,mix together. Add all dry ingredients and mix untildough comes together. Wrap in plastic and let rest for30 minutes in refrigerator. Roll in 9” tart pan and letrest for 30 minutes. Put the pecan pieces and choco-late chips in the tart shell and fill to the top.

Bake at 360 F for 45 minutes in a traditional oven.If baked in a convection oven you may need to coverthe pie for 2/3 of the time (30 minutes).Note: As a dough replacement, a frozen pre-made pieshell may be used.


GOOD TASTE

SILVER LEGACY’S BLACKJACK PECAN PIE

Who doesn’t like Pecan Pie but how about addingChocolate Chips? Silver Legacy is proud to introduceits new signature dessert, The BlackJack Pecan Pie,available at Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse, Fairchild’sOyster Bar, Café Sedona, Fresh Express and SIPSCoffee Shop. Created to satisfy your sweet-tooth,come by and try and then give it your best shot athome!


Good Taste

For a quick getaway, head to LakeTahoe’s Jakes on the Lake. Thepopular dining spot is a wonderful

place to eat and enjoy sweeping viewsof the lake waterfront.

Open since 1978, Jake’s on the Lakeis located in the heart of Tahoe City.Spectacular views and seating, there isno bad table. Whether dining inside orout on the deck under umbrella shad-ing, Jake’s provides a pleasurable experi-ence that quickly relaxes you longbefore the meal is served.

Jake’s menu “showcases Californian

Cuisine with infusedfavors, innovative ingredi-ents and exciting presen-tations.”

The lunch menu fea-tures fresh fish, seafoodplates, salads and sand-wiches. The Reuben ($13)or Turkey and AvocadoSandwiches ($14) aretasty, and ample in por-tion leaving you morethan satisfied. Seafoodplates include a Mixed Seafood Grill with pistachio crusted fresh fish, jumbo

Jake’s on the LakeLake Tahoe Popular Dining

Heirloom Tomato Salad: tomatoes, goat cheese crostini, shallot vinaigrette-$9.

Connie McMullen

prawns, diver scallops, andmango ginger beurre blanc($23), Clams &Linguini ($18),and Crab &Shrimp Louis($20) to men-tion a few.

The Dinnermenu includesSoups &Salads, anassortment ofbeef platessuch as theAngus BeefBurger ($15), Certified AngusBeef NY York Steak ($31) fromthe Grill, and the classic FiletMignon ($34) and MaineLobster Tail.

Dessert offers New YorkCheesecake ($7.50), Truffles &Shortbread ($7.50), and theKimo’s Hula Pie ($7).

For a complete review of the

Jake’s on the Lake log on towww.jakestahoe.com and

review all that is offered includ-ing a Live Web Cam of thewaterfront and surroundingcommunity.

Jake’s on the Lake is locatedin the Boatworks Mall at theTahoe City Marina, 780 NorthLake Boulevard, Tahoe City, CA96145. Phone: (530) 583-0188.Reservations are accepted.


Outlook

Crab & Shrimp Louis

Sweeping views of the Marina


Good Taste

In downtown Reno just shortof Wingfield Park is a greateatery called SoDo. You ask

what is SoDo?

It stands for southdowntown restaurant +bar, a very unique and catchy name. Sharinga quick lunch at the restaurant was fun andthe food was good.

Southdowntown is an American cuisinerestaurant that appeals to the growing com-munity of business and art in south down-town Reno, yet the menu offers a unique pres-entation of soups and salads, sandwiches andentrees all under $30 that are generous andfilling. Sandwiches include offerings like theHot Pastrami ($12), with Swiss cheese, pickle,

SoDoRenoSouthdowntown restaurant + bar

Connie McMullen

SoDoReno - southdowntown restaurant + bar provides outdoor and indoor dining.


pepperoncini, dijonaise ontoasted rye, or the SoDoBurger ($14), with cheddarcheese, lettuce, tomato andonion. All sandwiches areserved with fries, potatosalad or a small side salad.Salads include the Chef($10), Spring Salad ($9),House Salad ($4), and Caesar($4). Added chicken, prawns,salmon, and steak is addi-

tional.The dinner menu pro-

vides classic offerings of NewYork Steak ($24) with garlicmashed potatoes and sautéedzucchini; Chicken ($18) withherb roasted potatoes andsautéed squash, and Salmon($18). There are also LatinAmerican, Mediterranean,Pacific, the Lower 48 andEastern Europe presenta-

tions. For example, theMediterranean menu offersLamb Rack ($21) with redpotato gratin, minted peapuree and masala reduction– a true standout.

SoDoReno is a great placeto catch a quick bite and is

family friendly for youngkids.

SoDo is located at 275Hill Street, Reno, NV 89501.Call (775) 322-2710 to makereservations or drop in. Tolearn more log on toSoDoReno.com.

SoDoReno - appeals topeople working in thedowntown area, localartists, and tourist.

VSA artist fair within walking of SoDoReno.

Chef Salad - Romaine, turkey, ham, gorgonzola, tomato, avocado, egg, corn, black beans.

Hot Pastrami: Swiss, pickle, pepperoncini, dijonaise, toasted rye.


John TysonLocal Storyteller/

Northern Nevadan

*Based on 2011/2012 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Plan ratings and Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study - Medicare & You Handbook. **Based on comparison of plans provider networks offered in northern Nevada counties. ***Based on comparison of Medicare Advantage plans offered in northern Nevada counties. ****Based on CMS Medicare Advantage/Part D Contract and Enrollment Data for October 2011.Senior Care Plus is a 4-Star Rated Plan. Plan performance summary star ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next. Senior Care Plus is a health plan with a Medicare contract, available to anyone with both Medicare Parts A and B. A member must be a resident of Carson City County, Churchill County, Douglas County, Lyon County, Storey County or Washoe County and continue to pay his or her Medicare Part B premium. John Tyson is a paid spokesperson for Senior Care Plus. Material ID: Y0039_2012_GenBoomer File & Use: 06182012 A Medicare Advantage Plan from Hometown Health.

HEALTH CAREPLAN IN NEVADA*

IS CLEAR.

when it comes toyour health plan,

• Low premium plans• Low prescription copays• Largest provider network in northern Nevada**• Multiple plan options• Access to Renown hospitals• No referrals to see specialists• Only not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan in Nevada***• Rx “gap” coverage

• Worldwide emergency care• Only locally owned and operated Mediare Advantage plan in Nevada***• Local personalized customer service• Fitness club memberships• Hearing aid coverage• Supplemental dental and vision benefits• Largest Medicare Advantage plan enrollment in northern Nevada****

Choose Senior Care Plus – The health plan that offers more value than just Medicare.

Call Center HoursMonday-Friday 8am-8pm(Now-October)www.SeniorCarePlus.com

(775) 982-3158 or (888) 775-7003TTY Relay Service 711

830 Harvard WayReno, NV 89502Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 5 pm

Mark your calendars for Senior Fest

Senior Fest is held on the corner of Peckham Lane and S. Virginia. Parking is free at the Mall and the Atlantis Casino parking lot. For more information, call 775-348-0717.

Senior Fest returns Tuesday, September 4 from 9am to 2pm at Reno “Old” Town Mall.This annual event is for seniors, baby boomers, caregivers and families and features:

• Health screenings by Renown Health• Informational booths from businesses and organizations that provide senior services in our community• Big band entertainment • Food • A special performance from the Eldorado Hotel Casino Showroom


My Generation

Marie Gibson

The Caregiver’s Journal is a powerful tool for communication among family and hospital staff

Adult children rarely areprepared for managing thehospitalization of a parent

or other loved one – even savvybusiness advisors such as MarieGibson.

The management consultantand author of SmartBooks=Smart Business, a popularbusiness owner’s guide to creatinga simple yet effective accountingsystem, found herself suddenly inthe role of caretaker when herfather was hospitalized. Herexperience inspired her to write adifferent type of guide, TheCaregiver’s Journal, a bookdesigned to support the caregiv-

er’s critical role as advocate forthe patient.

The Caregiver’s Journal is thefirst publication of its kind,specifically organized into sec-tions for tracking day-by-day hos-pital care, including doctors’ andstaff members’ names, testsordered, medication schedulesand patient changes. Additionalsections cover details necessaryfor documenting various thera-pies, including physical, occupa-tional and respiratory therapy.The book also includes helpfuladvice, reminders and hospitalinsider tips. Every line of TheCaregiver’s Journal is focused on

Caregiving Journal

Nevada patients and their care-givers have a comprehensiveguide that addresses legal prob-

lems. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia: APractical and Legal Guide for NevadaCaregivers describes Alzheimer’s inclear laymen’s terms, with advice onfinding the right physician and on deal-ing with a diagnosis. There is informa-tion about the legal and financial stepsthat patients and their families can taketo protect themselves and their assets,pay for the costs of long-term care, pro-vide advance directives for health care,

and arrange for helping someone afflict-ed with one of the geriatric dementias,dealing with such matters as eating,personal hygiene, medication manage-ment, emotional changes, and commu-nication. There is also informationabout locating support groups, nursinghomes, assisted-living facilities, as wellas examples of pertinent legal formsconsistent with Nevada law.

Authors Mary Shapiro, president ofSenior Direction, LLC., a geriatric caremanagement company, and Kim Boyer,a certified elder-law attorney in Nevada,

can bereached at(702) 369-9372. Thebook isavailable atBorder’sBooks,Barnes &Noble, theUniversity ofNevadaPress, and atAmazon.com.


helping the caregiver become a confi-dent, effective, detailed communica-tor and successful advocate for thepatient.

“I real-ized that apatientoften can’tbe a goodself-advo-cate dueto illness,medica-tions, sur-gery,fatigueand many

other factors,” Gibson said. A naturalorganizer, she created her own infor-mal journal to track all of the dailyinformation during her father’s hospi-tal stay, making it easy to share withother family members involved in hiscare. That became the genesis of TheCaregiver’s Journal.

Gibson consulted with medicalprofessionals as well as others whohad been thrown into the caregiverrole in developing the guide’s design.“I believe the journal actuallyimproved my father’s hospital stay,because it helped me take an activeand informed role in his recovery,”

she said. The Caregiver’s Journal is available

at www.the-caregivers-journal.com for$15.95, or call (775) 720-3282.

Alzheimer's and DementiaA Practical and Legal Guide for Nevada Caregivers

Caregiver Journal / p. 20


My Generation Debbie Prince Lewis

One of the ways weknow we are agingis looking in themirror and seeing

the changes in our face andbody.

The process really starts the day we’reborn, but at that time everything is stillgrowing and the changes are remarkablydifferent.

I remember when I was young andsomeone said, “Debbie, how old areyou?” It seemed more sophisticated if Ireplied, “Well, I am five and a half!”Pushing the numbers to a higher levelwas desirable then. I don’t recall at whatage hedging the number of years I wasborn to a lower number began.

The age lie sometimes starts if werecently divorce and start dating, orwhen being interviewed for a job andwant to appear younger. One of mydearest friends refused to tell me her agebecause she didn’t think age was a meterto measure her by. Age, however, issomething that we are reminded of everyday on TV as young people are chosen toadvertise the wears of the world.

The sagging of the body is certainlyone of those degrading areas most of uswould just like to “overlook” it is occur-ring. Bobbs, butts and waist are greatlyaffected by gravity’s pull downward.Jokes are shared about hanging breastsand face lifts, but in the back of ourminds we worry that one day we will noteven recognize ourselves. Who is thatperson in the mirror you say out loudafter having cataract surgery?

But the most telling sign that time isfleeting is the day you move your Motherclose because she needs more care, andher days of living independently are com-ing to a close. It took two years to con-vince Mom to make the 1,000 mile jour-ney to my hometown. Her first rejectionof not coming to live here came with dis-

appointment andfrustration.

She had been inand out of hospi-tals due to fallingand having hipsurgery, and thenlater cancer. Wesat together on herbed and chattedabout her future,and the fact thatshe wasn’t gettingyounger. Perhaps she needed to be clos-er to her kids, but how could she decidebetween my brother and me? He liveson the East Coast, and I live in the West.Mom didn’t want to make either of usfeel bad. Her argument for remaining inthe Midwest was it was the half-waypoint for both of us. Mom said cheerful-ly, the half-way point would make travel-ing easier to visit her. This worked forseveral years only because we made anagreement that we would rotate visits,and not come at the same time. Thiswasn’t shared with her until later. I thinkshe thought maybe my brother and I did-n’t want to see each other, which wasn’ttrue. We would call each other and com-pare our visits on how she was doing.

The call that decided something need-ed to be done was when we both foundher isolating in her apartment, becomingless social. Mom was starting to slipaway from us. Her friends were dying orbecoming less responsive to her. Notdriving the car anymore had been a deci-sion she made on her own, but one thatadded to her loss and isolation. Mommade this decision not because she was adangerous driver, but because drivingand bringing in the groceries was too biga chore.

Once while going down her hall to doher laundry, the front door slammed onher breaking vertebras in her back. Herpain level was intense and several emer-gency runs to the hospital took place in

one week. Still being very cognitive, shemade an appointment with a doctor whowould do outpatient surgery on her back.At age 91, we weren’t surprised that thesurgery turned into a hospitalization.What none of us expected was that thehospital would over medicate her. Shewas then placed in a rehabilitation facili-ty.

After returning from one of myNevada outback trips and phoning toreport in, she calmly asked how my triphad been. She then cheerfully reportedthat she too had been on a trip. Her triphad been traveling down a long hallwayand coming to a door with stain glasswindows. When the door man asked herif she was Catholic, she told him “No”and he replied that she couldn’t enter.She turned around and proceeded on toa large room. Mom said when shelooked inside she didn’t see anyone sheknew, and then recalls hearing the doc-tor’s voice yelling to breathe. When shecame to she said, “Oh, I am back in myroom!” The doctor’s response to thatstatement was, “Well, you never left.”Mom looked at the doctor andexplained, “Well, you might not havegone anywhere, but I sure did!” Whatwas very telling about this experiencewas that the journey had been a verypeaceful adventure, and she sadly saidshe wished she had been able to stay.

Throughout my years of working withpeople who had died and been broughtback to life, the same sense of peace is

Moving Mom


expressed. They describe a feeling thathad never been felt before, and one thathelps them not fear death.

I knew that a change was in order andwas thankful she had not decided to gothrough the door, but remain here. Iknew in my heart that this was the sign Ineeded to take the lead in persuading herto move.

I had only been a teenager when mymom and her siblings had decided thattheir mother, my grandmother, needed tobe out of her home. Mom had cleverlyconvinced her younger brother that heneeded to be the one to tell my grand-mother that she needed to move. Momexplained that since he was the youngestand was the one that Mom would listento, that he needed to have the “come toJesus talk.”

I had a similar talk with my brotherand recall almost using the same words,“Mom will listen to you.” But of course,that is not what happened. So we agreedMom needed to move before snow came

to the Midwest. Visiting Mom in a rehabilita-

tion center in Des Moines, Iowamade it clear that I was the oneto have the heart to heart talkwith her. It was one of the hard-est conversations I ever have hadto do. Playing the adult role withyour parent is certainly a reverseof everything we have beentaught.

The next morning she had aserious look on her face; she was ready tomake the move. Within six weeks, I waslucky to find a beautiful facility inSpanish Springs called Cascades of theSierras. The day Mom told me I haddone a good job was one of those magicdays you know you did the right thing.Throughout the move I kept thinkingabout Dad, who had died years earlier.He would have approved of my lovingMom enough to make her last days beclose to me.

One of the bonuses of having Mom

close is I discover everyday how wise sheis. It is amazing how much smarter par-ents become as we age. Our life experi-ences make us wiser and more tolerantof our parents. It is fun to find out theyaren’t as dumb as we once thought. Infact their years of living prove to be excit-ing. So, not all of growing older is nega-tive. The body changes are just oneaspect of aging. The true gift of aging isdiscovering our wisdom and in sharingour parents last years. It is a goldenopportunity to be close again.

It is a golden opportunity to be close

Looking at cards friends wrote at Mom’s farewell party.

My brother and two nephews share the moment.


Healthy LivingNew Eyes ~ New World© Annette Childs, Ph.D.

Further Into the LightIn a previous article I discussed the hallmarks of what is known as a classic

Near Death Experience. This article will continue to explore this fascinating topic.

Today we know thatupwards of eight mil-lion people have now

experienced what is known asa ‘Near Death Experience’ orNDE. This huge number ofexperiences has left scientistswith a plethora of informationon these events, and one ofthe most intriguing areas ofresearch is into the aftereffectsthat these events have on therecipient.

The aftereffects fall into several cate-gories: physical, psychological, and spir-itual. We will begin by looking at thesurprising physical effects that oftenbefall this unique group of people calledNDE’ers.

When one’s physical body is dousedin the white light of near death, thereare some predictable things that remainafter the experience. Chief among theseinclude:• Sensitivity to light• Unusual sensations of energy pulsat-ing throughout the body• Heightened electrical sensitivity• Changes in temperature preferences,metabolic changes and increased envi-ronmental sensitivities.

Let’s look at each category in moredetail.

Sensitivity to light and sound are twoof the more commonly expressed physi-cal changes. Most NDE’ers explain thatthey have a heightened sensitivity toboth light and sound. They say that

sunlight often hurts their eyes, althoughits brilliance pales in comparison to thelight they remember from their deathexperience. They also commonly reportthat loud and ‘unpleasant’ noises arenow intolerable to them. Many whoenjoyed what they term ‘hard rockmusic’ before the experience cannot tol-erate the sound of the same post NDE.Busy atmospheres such as crowdedrooms or casinos with many differentsounds and lights are also things thatthey tend to find highly irritating.

Energy fluctuations, unusual sensa-tions and tingling are yet another com-mon after-effect that is reported.Researchers usually regard this as therelease of "kundalini" energy (a Sanskritword referring to a spiritual term thattranslates to "coiled energy at the baseof the spine"). Most NDE’ers, prior totheir experience are unaware of con-cepts such as kundalini. Their searchfor answers after the experience, how-ever, often brings them into contactwith ancient spiritual concepts such asthe movement of kundalini.

Electrical Sensitivity Syndrome (ESS)is a term that was first coined byresearcher, Dr. Kenneth Ring. In hisbook, “HEADING TOWARDOMEGA,” he refers to this unique after-effect of the NDE. ESS is a fairly com-mon experience that many NDE’ershave. In a nutshell, electrical devicesseem to malfunction at a rate higherthan chance in their presence. Scientistswho study the force-field of energy thatsurrounds the human body (some callthis an aura) have found that the elec-tromagnetic field of NDE’ers seemsaltered in some way.

This altered force-field of energyaffects nearby electrical equipment andtechnological devices. At the top of themalfunctioning items list are: wrist-watches, computers, and Xeroxmachines. Although this may sound far-fetched, we can look to daily life to helpus understand the concept. If I hold mycell phone near my home computer, thecomputer will protest with a loudbuzzing sound as I move near. Thecomputer is reacting to the electromag-netic field of my phone — they inter-rupt one another. It is not just phonesand computers that have these fields —we do, too. When an NDE’er is near anelectrical device, sometimes there is aninteraction that disrupts the flow. It hasbeen reported by NDE’ers that whenthey are in heightened states, either ofdistress or happiness, they experiencemore of these electrical aberrations.

These vast physical changes oftenlead NDE’ers to begin changing theirapproach to health and healing. Thephysical aftereffects start to impact howthey choose to treat their bodies. ManyNDE’ers make significant changes intheir diets. It is not uncommon to adopta vegetarian diet, or at least to have anincreased focus on eating whole, cleanfoods. There can be a decrease in recre-ational drug and alcohol use based ontheir sense of being ‘high on life’ andnot needing to use outside sources todo the same.

Many NDE’ers find themselvesdrawn to less traditional healing modal-ities. Massage, acupuncture, homeopa-thy, Ayurvedic medicine, and vitaminsand herbs are just a few of the likelydirections they might move in. I findthis concept of healthcare changes par-


Outlook

ticularly intriguing. As someone who iswell aware of the pervasive Westernviewpoint that we must avoid death atall costs, I have come to see traditionalWestern medicine as the ‘warrior’ med-icine of our time. Aggressive, highlytechnical, and always aimed at avertingdeath. Many of the alternative healing systems that NDE’ers often adopt have a

much softer philosophy. These nontra-ditional systems are less ‘warrior’ like innature and more compassionate.Instead of chasing away death, like war-rior medicine tends to do, non-tradi-tional medicine systems tend to focuson nudging one toward healing whilesupporting the natural physical paththat the body is taking. I have to won-

der if theNDE’ers movetoward non-traditionalmedicalmodalitiesmight not bereflective oftheir decreasedneed to ‘avoiddeath at allcosts’.

It is clearfrom theextensive

knowledge that has been amassed onthese aftereffects that the NDE is notjust a spiritual experience. It is a physi-cal experience as well. Once we havebeen ‘dipped in the light,’ our physicalbodies seem to carry a hint of the lightlong after we make our return.

Next article will focus on the vastemotional, spiritual, and psychologicalafter effects of the Near DeathExperience.

Annette Childs holds a Ph.D. in psy-chology and is a state licensed therapist.She is a diplomat of the AmericanPsychotherapy Association, and aFellow in Thanatology, Grief, andBereavement. She is the author of threeaward-winning books, and speaksthroughout the United States and inter-nationally on topics related to personalgrowth and transition. Learn moreabout her work atwww.annettechilds.com or by calling(775) 853-4142.

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Just do it!This nowfamous tag

line from Nikehas become part of our culture.It sounds action-oriented, powerful andsimple, yet how many of us have goodintentions and just don’t start?

Procrastination is pervasive and stress-ful. It has been studied, theorized andwritten about. Most of us procrastinateabout something.

A quick check of the word procrastinatein the dictionary indicates that it is averb, an action. The word procrastina-tion is a noun, something stationary.The derivative of the word is Latin,meaning to put off until tomorrow whatyou could do today. To defer action orto delay something is to procrastinate.Now look to see how many times weput off, delay or defer anything. Mostthings we want to do actually happen,effortlessly. Joyful anticipation andexcitement surround any action that wewant to do. This pleasure principlecould be part of our survival system. Attimes we may really want to do some-thing but we don’t know where to start.A little voice may nudge us forward andif we don’t act, the voice nags until wetake action.

How procrastination affects us varies asmuch as people vary. Some people feelgenerally stressed. Others feel guilty,lazy, worthless or immobilized. Socialpressure and self- judgment can createmore stress. Many of these feelingcombined can promote further procras-tination. Now we may start to makeexcuses to ourselves or others. All ofthis activity is unproductive.

So, how do we begin tomake changes? Startwith yourself. Ask……• Am I a perfectionist?Whatever I do, it won’tbe good enough. If I doa quick job at the lastminute, it will be mybest under the circum-stances.

• Do I deliberately dis-tract myself? Where did the time go? Iwas on the internet and lost track oftime.

• Is this really important? I know Ineed to schedule a colonoscopy but Idon’t have the time.

Whether the behavior pattern is avoid-ance, denial, distraction, dismissal ordepression, know yourself. Then, gentlyplan a more productive behavior.Develop a system to succeed.

• Know when you are at your best. Areyou a morning or afternoon person?

• Start with a small project or break abig project into small goals.

• If the task seems overwhelming, pickanother project.

• Reward yourself in healthy ways forall the little steps that get you to com-pletion.

• Focus on the completion. How will itfeel when it’s done?

• Ask for help. Allow others to supportyou.

• Build in more time than you think it

will take. Be generous with yourself.• Turn the project into a game to makeit more enjoyable.

• Develop a sense of humor.

• Reduce temptation. Take away thethings that distract you.

• Create a routine. What you do regu-larly will become a habit.

• Change the conversation. Monitornegative, self- defeating talk. Change itto a positive affirmation.

• Use life experiences to grow “If you want to make an easy job seemmighty hard, just keep putting off doingit.”

– Olin Miller

Just do it! Yes you can.

LuAnne Steininger, B.S. HealthEducation, is the former WellnessCoordinator at the Sanford Center forAging, University of Nevada, Reno. Sheis a T-Trainer for the Chronic DiseaseSelf-Management Program, and theDiabetes Self-Management Program,Stanford University Patient EducationCenter. She enjoys working with peopleages 50+.


Healthy LivingWellness A – Z

“P” Procrastination

LuAnne Steininger


My GenerationLeigh Hurst

Ihave worked with theaging population themajority of my life.

Something that has alwaysconcerned me is servicesavailable to our generation.When baby boomers wereborn there were jobs createdto guide and help them live.More doctors, nurses, andteachers were working, pro-viding services during theirgrowing process. Now thatboomers are aging, there arenot enough working profes-sionals who want to workwith them.

The Eldercare WorkforceAlliance reports, “The com-bination of the aging of thebaby boom population, anincrease in life expectancy,and a decrease in the relativenumber of younger persons,

will mean that olderadults make up amuch larger per-centage of the U.S.population than everbefore.”

There are 72 mil-lion baby boomers.For the next tenyears 10,000 peoplea day will be turning65! Is our societyready to handle allthe issues that comealong with an aging popula-tion?

Last fall I enrolled in aMaster’s Degree program forGerontology (Aging) throughthe University of SouthernCalifornia. The Dean toldme, “Leigh, you are like theOprah for Aging!” The pro-gram is a virtual classroom

that I attend over the inter-net.

Noticeing that many busi-nesses in our society do notknow how to approachsomeone who is aging, Idecided to create a business.In 2012 Awake & Aging wasborn! I first started by creat-ing a Facebook page:www.facebook.com/AwakeA

ging. In the first two monthsI had over 1,200 followers.These are people interestedin aging; however they arefrom all over the world. I wasasked by someone in Estoniaif I would come to theircountry and teach aging!

I have been running a fewpractice lectures with busi-nesses teaching theiremployees. Anyone thattakes the class or that I tellabout this business learns somuch.

I recently went on a cof-fee date with a 49-year-oldboomer who worked intrucking and warehousingmost of his life. We orderedour coffees and the younggirl behind the counter saidsomething to him, but hedidn’t hear her. She becamequickly annoyed. If she hadconsidered that people startlosing their hearing in our40s maybe she would havebeen more considerate.

Awake & Aging is alreadystarting to take off. A babyboomer e-mailed me recentlyand asked if I could prepare aclass on how to age withgrace and dignity because noone teaches us how to age. Ifyou would like to learn moreor have a lecture at yourfacility please call me at (775)688-9837.

Awake & Aging

Leigh Hurst (left) teaches an aging class in Reno.

In tight economic times,it is tempting to let rou-tine home repairs slide.

Don’t do it.

Proper care of your home will notonly protect your investment, but alsohelp you avoid major problems andcostly repairs down the road. Listen toyour home when it provides you warn-ing signs of potential trouble – and act.

Below are four signs of commonhousehold problems that, if left unad-dressed, could lead to costly repairs inthe future. We have also shared somesuggestions on what you can do todayto save tomorrow.

Bathroom• Trouble signs: Leaks, drippingfaucets. • What you can do: Find hidden leaksby wrapping toilet paper around pipesand looking for wet spots. Tighten pipeconnections and/or replace faulty pipes.Detect toilet leaks by placing a bowlfilled with a few drops of food coloringdirectly below the pipes connecting thetoilet to the wall. If colored water isfound in the bowl the next morning, theflapper needs replacing. • What it costs: It takes about 15 min-utes to inspect, tighten connections andapply caulk; if you're handy, you canreplace a drain pipe for $10-$20. Newfaucets start at about $30.• What you could save: A leakingfaucet can waste 10,000 gallons of watera year. Repairing water damage or moldbehind walls or under floors can easilycost $2,000 or more.

Laundry Room• Trouble signs: Leaks from loose or

burst washer hoses. Clogged dryer vent,resulting in towels or clothes needingtwo cycles to dry.• What you can do: Use stainless steelwasher hoses to prevent bursting.Replace plastic or foil dryer vents withaluminum ones. Clean the dryer's linttray before and after each use. Checkand clean the machine vent twice a year.• What it may cost: Burst-proof wash-er hoses cost $20 per pair. Aluminumdryer vents are $10 to $20.• What you could save: Thousands ofdollars repairing water damage fromwasher flooding or fire damage causedby a badly vented dryer. Even justreplacing the dryer can cost hundredsof dollars.

Sewer and Septic• Trouble signs: Backups, clogs, slow-running or gurgling drains or toilets.Outside, you may see wetness or bub-bling water in yard, or smell odors. • What you can do: Rent a sewersnake at the first sign of drainage prob-lems and clean the outlet pipe frominside your house or outside, especiallyif trees are near them (roots may beresponsible). Call a professional forodors and water problems. • What it costs: A snake, with a root-cutting head, costs around $40 for afour-hour rental. Root-kill products toprevent regrowth/future problems costabout $15. Cleaning a septic tank costs$75 to $300 and should be done everythree years.• What you can save: Tree roots canbreak clay sewer pipes (often found inolder neighborhoods) and homeownersmay be responsible for pipe repair($5,000 to $10,000). Regularly cleaningand maintaining septic systems can helpavoid expensive emergency calls or pre-mature replacement, which can cost

$5,000 or more.

Roof/Attic• Trouble signs: Curled, missing orbroken shingles; bows or dips on roof;dampness or stains in attic or on ceil-ings and interior walls; broken masonryin and around fireplaces; green algaegrowth on attic ceiling.• What you can do: Inspect your roofand attic every six months and ensureflashing around chimney is tight. Checkcaulking and sealants for peeling andleakage, and look for cracking on collarsaround vents. Prevent algae and funguson wood shakes and asphalt shingleswith zinc control strips.• What it may cost: One to two hoursof your time if you're comfortable on aladder, have very good balance, and arenot afraid of heights; professionalinspection and minor repairs might costabout $200.• What you could save: $5,000 ormore to replace your roof and anywherefrom hundreds to thousands of dollarsto repair interior damage.

Need help to manage these and othersimple home repairs? There are weath-erization programs offered in Nevadathrough a govern-ment programcalled LIHEA andthere may be otherprograms offered aswell. Call Nevada2-1-1 to learn moreabout programs andservices offered inyour community.


Fix Now or Pay LaterAddress Household Problems Now to Avoid Costly Repairs

Deborah Moore Jaquith, Director of Communications

AARP Nevada State Office

Deborah Moore Jaquith

In the 40yearsValery and

I have beenmarried Ihave beeninvolved in

many organizations especially theAmerican Culinary Federation. Valeryhas supported me in all the events andfunctions I have chosen. Now it’s myturn to support and be very proud ofher involvement with the Daughters ofthe American Revolution.

Valery became interested in theDaughters of the American Revolution,when she saw the DAR marker on hergreat-grandmother’s grave on a trip shetook to Salina, Kansas. The AmericanRevolution was fought in 1775 -1783.

To our surprise her sister cameacross their mother’s DAR member-ship papers and gave it to Valery in2007. It contained their mother’s,grandmother’s and great-grand-mother’s DAR membership num-bers. The form had the ancestrallineage to their mother from thepatriot, Adam Bruner. Bruner, bornin 1763 in Pennsylvania, enlistedFebruary 4, 1781, as a private inCaptain John Geyer’s company,Third Regiment of Foot in the serv-ice of the United States, commandedby Major Richard Salter, Esq., of thefifth class, Philadelphia Militia.

Valery was totally intrigued. Shestarted to searched the Internet andfound the DAR Nevada SagebrushChapter. She met with the ChapterRegistrar who gave her informationon the DAR. Interested in joining,she submitted her application to the

National Society of the Daughters of theAmerican Revolution (NSDAR). Herapplication was approved in December2008, and she attended her first meetingJanuary 24, 2009.

Valery’s uncle, on her father’s side, yearsago gave her some copies of genealogyresearch he had done. Though she readit before, she pulled it out again andfound much to her surprise that itincluded a private publication on theRanck family genealogy. According tothe publication, her great-grandmotherwas the last descendent from thePatriot, Samuel Ranck. In the booklet,Samuel Ranck was listed as a private inthe First Battalion Flying Camp com-manded by Captain James Wotson, andwas reported to have been with Gen.Washington’s forces which crossed the

Delaware on Christmas Eve in 1776,routing the Hessian troops at Trenton.Later he assisted in delivering theHessian prisoners from Lancaster toPhiladelphia. Both ancestors fromValery’s mother and father were fromLancaster County, Pennsylvania, eventhough her parents were from differentcities in Kansas. She put in a supple-mental and now has two DAR patriots.

generation4Boomers.com / 31

OUR GENERATIONChef Joe Marsola Eidem, CEC, AAC

Valery’s Grandmothers grave site includes the DAR bronze marker

Daughters of the American Revolution

Valery also has a niece in Californiawho was interested in the DAR. Shepassed on the family history and nowher niece is also a member of aCalifornia DAR Chapter.

Valery found that the DAR is not just agenealogy search for ancestors, but

much more. She enjoysdoing some simple thingslike cutting out couponsthat are sent to activemilitary. Collecting extratoiletries from hotel staysto give to the veterans inthe VA Hospital. Themeetings have interestingspeakers and topics. InApril, on the day we cele-brated out 40thAnniversary, Valery wasso happy to have our twogranddaughters and hersister in town for theDAR meeting on thetopic, “Patriots inPetticoats.” She reallyenjoys the DAR magazine“American Spirit,” whichhas interesting articlesranging from historical tocurrent on people, placesor little known facts thathelped shape us as peopleand a Nation.


Virginia Street is the main north/south thoroughfare in Reno. Nevada’s firstbridge was built here in 1860. The marker is on the bridge pillar at the southeastcorner of the Virginia Street Bridge, and marks the fording place where the firstpioneers crossed the Truckee River in Reno on their way to California on theOverland Trail, and also the site of Nevada’s first bridge. The bronze tablet waspresented to the City of Reno on May 31, 1930 by Nevada Sagebrush ChapterDAR.

Valery (right) with her sister Marti and our grandchil-dren, Josie and Ana.

About the DAR and the Nevada Sagebrush Chapter

The DAR is a volunteerwomen's service organizationthat honors and preserves thelegacy of our Patriot ances-tors. More than 200 yearsago, American Patriotsfought and sacrificed for thefreedoms we enjoy today. Asmembers of the DAR, wecontinue this legacy byactively promoting patriot-ism, preserving Americanhistory, and securingAmerica's future through bet-ter education for children.

Officially chartered in 1923,the Nevada SagebrushChapter is presently the old-

est Daughters of theAmerican Revolution chapterin Nevada. The regularchapter meetings include abusiness meeting and an edu-cational program. If you areinterested in the DAR youcan find more information ontheir website http://www.nss-dar.org/

Knowing that my wife’s fami-ly was with GeorgeWashington, the Father ofour Country, back in 1776really makes me proud andputs a new meaning on howour family celebrates July 4th.


Spare TimeAugust - Nov. 4 - Jersey Nights, Eldorado Showroom, tickets $19.95,with dinner $49, 1-800-648-5966 or visit www.eldorado.com.

August 31 - Erika Paul Carlson Jazz Trio, 7 - 10 p.m., Wild RiverGrille, outdoor stage, www.wildrivergrille.com or (775) 284-7455.

Sept. 1 - Sammy Hagar and the Wabos, 8 p.m., Harvey’s OutdoorAmphitheatre, Lake Tahoe, Stateline.

Sept. 2 - Comedian Jim Gaffigan, 7 p.m., Silver Legacy GrandeExposition Hall, tickets $57.50 - $75.50, www.silverlegacy.com, 1-800-687-8733 or (775) 325-7401.

Sept. 8 - The B-52s, 7:30 p.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, South Shore Room, tickets $69.

Sept. 14 - Wining Women, Vino 100, $15/$10 with Wining Womenshirt, (775) 851-VINO; also Oct. 12.

Sept. 15 - Jay Leno, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy Grande Exposition Hall, tickets $59.50 - $75.50, premium seating $89.50, visitwww.silverlegacy.com or 1-800-687-8733 or (775) 325-7401.

Sept. 20 - The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show, 9 p.m., Grand Sierra Grand Theatre, Pink Floyd’s best work, 1-800-648-3568.

Sept. 21 - George Thorogood & The Destroyers, 8 p.m., Silver Legacy Grande Exposition Hall, tickets $40 - $65, www.silverlegacy.comor 1-800-687-8733 or (775) 325-7401.

Sept. 22 - Crosby, Stills, and Nash, 8 p.m., Reno Events Center, Reno.

Sept. 29 - Comedian Jeff Foxworthy, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Silver LegacyGrande Exposition Hall, tickets $55 - $75, 1-800-687-8733 or (775) 325-7401.

Sept. 29 - Lynyard Skynyrd, 7 p.m., Reno Events Center, Reno.

Sept. 30 - Dancing with Our Reno Celebrity Stars, 5 p.m., GrandSierra Grand Theatre, 1-800-648-3568.

Oct. 5 - Weird All Yankovic, 9 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort GrandTheatre, 1-800-648-3568.

Oct. 7 - Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, 7 p.m., Grand SierraResort, 1-800-648-3568.

Oct. 12 - Carrie Underwood, 6:30 p.m., Reno Events Center, Reno.

Oct. 20 - Art & Wine Festival, downtown Placerville, CA., Main St.,(530) 672-3436.

Nov. 3 - Fantasies in Chocolate, 8 p.m., Grand Sierra Resort, 1-800-648-3568 or (775) 789-2285.

Nov. 25 - Straight No Chaser, 7 p.m., Pioneer Center for thePerforming Arts, Reno.

Do you remember the Family Feudgame show? The host wouldannounce, “100 people were sur-

veyed -- the top five answers are on theboard.” One family would competeagainst another by guessing the mostpopular responses to general interestquestions.

Name a place you visit where youaren’t allowed to touch anything.1. Museum2. Zoo3. China shop

If your family received three strikesfrom wrong answers, the other familywould get a chance to answer to stealthe points your family had earned. Thewinning family would get the chance towin even more fabulous cash andprizes.

Let’s try a different one: Name the topbenefits of volunteering.

What do you think the answers wouldbe? • Be a part of a cause you care about.• Teach a skill or talent you’ve learned.• Learn something new yourself by try-ing something completely different. • Meet some interesting people andmake new friends. • Be healthy and live longer! It’s true. . .in fact, according to a recent AmericanGeriatrics Society study, retirees over 65who volunteered had less than half therisk of dying compared to their non-volunteering peers.

There are countless benefits associatedwith volunteerism. From improvingone’s health to helping organizationsaccomplish goals, the value of “givingback” or “making a difference” felt bythe volunteer, as well as the charitableorganization, can be significant.

For boomers, there’s one big question –how does someone start volunteeringand where does he or she go for direc-tion?

For many, taking the first step is verydifficult. Determining which organiza-

tion to select, how to approach it, howmuch time to offer and in what capaci-ty, and when to make the initial contactcan be stressful, uneasy, intimidatingand, to a degree, frightening.

Thankfully, we live in a communitywhich is rich in resourceful people will-ing to lend a hand. For starters, thoselooking to volunteer can simply log onto www.nevadavolunteers.org to find a“volunteer bank” of opportunities listed

34 / generation4Boomers.com / 2012

Pete Parker, managing director, NPcatalyst, creator of Summer Of Service, and Scott Trevithick,

executive director, RSVP, Sanford Center for Aging.

Using Your Skills to Enhance the Community

through Nevada Volunteers. During thesummer months, aspiring volunteerscan search for hundreds of volunteeropportunities on the Summer OfService – Northern Nevada websitewww.SummerOfServiceNV.com. Lastbut not least, boomers and seniors cancontact the Retired and SeniorVolunteer Program at the SanfordCenter for Aging at 784-1807 or http://www.unr.edu/sanford/programs/rsvp/ to receive information relating totheir many charitable partners. As you begin your search for the idealvolunteer situation, here are a few tipsto consider or questions to ask yourself.• Is there an age group with whichyou’d particularly like to work, such aschildren, students, young professionals,or seniors? • Is there a cause which connects toyou, perhaps animals, environment,arts, recreation, or education?• Do you have a special talent or skill?Is there a good place to teach or sharethat ability? • How often would you like to volun-teer – one-time for a special event, nowand then, or regularly? Is flexibilityimportant to you? • Do you have neighbors or friendswho volunteer or could you join othersfrom work, a club or church or othergroup you’re a part of?

The most difficult part of volunteeringis taking the initial step. Once you getpast that fear, your involvement in thecommunity can (and should) be anincredible experience! The organiza-tions and websites recommended inthis article provide outstanding assis-tance to anyone from the novice volun-teer to one who has been serving the

community for many years.

Despite the resources, the state we livein has room for improvement when itcomes to volunteerism. Quite frankly,Nevada’s very low rate (ranked 50th inthe US) of 20.6 percent volunteerism isembarrassing. When compared to thenational average (26.8%) or even ournext door neighbors (California 24.6%,Oregon 33.9%, Idaho 35.7%, Utah45.4%, and Arizona 24.8%), we’re farbehind. Creating opportunities for com-munity residents to become active isneeded more than ever.

One thing is certain, nonprofit organi-zations rely on volunteers to grow andmeet community needs. They’re con-tinually looking for leaders, particularlyboomers and seniors, who bring experi-ence and skills which can be appliedright away.

To quote Dr. Seuss: “Today is your day.You're off to Great Places!You're off and away

Community volunteerism is an out-standing way to improve the health ofthe volunteer and the community.Boomers who want to give back to soci-ety or are seeking more meaning intheir lives should consider volunteering.It is clear that there are compelling rea-sons to volunteer.

The article was written by ScottTrevithick, executive director for theRSVP at the Sanford Center for Aging,and Pete Parker, managing director ofNPcatalyst and creator of Summer OfService – Northern Nevada.

Generation Boomer 2012

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