Mountain Views News          Saturday, December 1, 2012

14

THE GOOD LIFE

 Mountain Views News Saturday, December 1, 2012 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HOW TO FIND A LOST PENSION 

Dear Savvy Senior: How does one go about tracking down a lost pension? About 35 years ago, I 
worked at a manufacturing company for a few years that offered employee pensions, and I want to 
find out if I’m eligible for any money now that I’m about to retire. Searching Steven

Dear Steven:

Losing track of a small pension from years ago is 
actually quite common, especially if you’ve have 
had a lot of jobs throughout your working life. To 
help you locate a lost pension, here are the steps to 
take along with some free resources that can help 
you search if your previous employer has gone out 
of business, changed names or merged with another 
firm. 

Pension Proof

If you think you have a pension from a previous employer, and the company is still in business, your 
first step is to call their human resources department and ask them to give you the contact information 
of the pension plan administrator. Then you’ll need to contact them to find out how much your 
pension is worth and how to claim it. 

Depending on how complete the plan administrator’s records are, you may need to show proof that 
you once worked for the company and that you are pension eligible.

Your old income tax returns and W-2 forms from the years you worked at the company will help you 
here. If you haven’t saved your old tax returns from these years, you can get a copy of your earnings 
record from the Social Security Administration, which will show how much you were paid each calendar 
year by each employer. 

Call 800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you the “Request for Social Security Earnings Information” 
form SSA-7050, or you can download it at www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7050.pdf. You’ll pay a small fee for 
the report, depending on the number of years of data you request. 

Some other old forms that can help you prove eligibility are your Summary Plan Descriptions (SPD) 
that you should have received from your employer when you worked there, or any individual benefit 
statements.

Check the PBGC 

If you can’t find your former employer because it went out of business, or, if the company ended its 
pension plan, you need to check the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s (PBGC) online pension 
search directory at search.pbgc.gov/mp/mp.aspx. Or, you can call 800-400-7242 and get help over the 
phone.

The PBGC is a federal agency that guarantees pensions of bankrupt companies. The agency also 
maintains information on any pension plan that has been terminated, even if the company is still in 
business. 

The PBGC, however, does not cover or have information on lost pensions that are still active, nor will 
they help you locate lost 401(k) plans. 

Get Help

The best resource to help you track down a lost active pension from a company that has moved or 
merged with another firm is the U.S. Administration on Aging Pension Counseling and Information 
Program. This free program encompasses seven pension assistance programs around the country that 
serve workers in 30 states. To get the contact information of these counseling programs and the states 
they serve, visit the Pension Rights Center website at pensionrights.org.

If your pension happens to be outside the area served by the pension counseling centers, or if you’re 
trying to locate a federal or military pension, use Pension Help America at pensionhelp.org. This 
resource can connect you with government agencies and private organizations that provide free information 
and assistance to help your search.

For more information, the PBGC has a free publication called “Finding a Lost Pension” that provides 
in-depth information that can aid in your search. See pbgc.gov to see it online, or call 800-400-7242 
and ask them to mail you a copy.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller 
is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

 By Pat Birdsall

FYI: Some of Con Artists’ Favorite Ways to Scam the Elderly

1) “You’ve already won…” Official-looking documents designed to trick recipients into thinking 
they’ve won money are worded carefully so as to stay legal. These documents hide crucial information 
(e.g. the fact that they’re not really prize announcements) in tiny italic type, because reading italics is 
much harder for people with limited vision. Following “instructions,” recipients send checks that they 
believe are processing fees to far-away post offices. The amounts are small…from $5 to $50…but they 
add up, given that individual scammers typically operate several fake sweepstakes simultaneously. 
Addresses of those who send checks are sold to other scammers; more sweepstakes letters pour in. It 
plays on emotions. In one recent case the National Telemarketing Victim Call Center handled this: an 
88 year-old widow spent over spent over $60,000 on fake sweepstakes in just two years!

2) Readymade Repairs… A doorstop scam entails “gardeners” or “handymen” offering to do 
“necessary” repair work—on cracked driveways, say, or dangling tree limbs. (As part of this scam, they 
have often secretly done the tree damage themselves.)Claiming that these conditions, if unrepaired, 
will damage the homes or violate city codes, these scammers scare seniors into hiring them on the 
spot. They soon demand to be paid in advance for labor plus materials. Once paid, they drive off…
allegedly to buy those materials, and they never return. Some actually do the work but without 
specifying a fee beforehand. Once finished, they demand exorbitant fees, threatening to call the police 
if the victim doesn’t pay. These scams too often end with lucrative trips to the ATM.

3) In the House…Granted unlimited access to senior’s homes, caregivers “top the list” of those who 
exploit the elderly… Although caregiver’s agencies are required by law to do background checks on all 
potential employees, many don’t bother. Usually this type of “perp” often has no criminal record, but 
simply can’t resist the temptation to snatch unattended cash, credit cards, medications, checkbooks, 
jewelry, electronics and personal information. Once caught, these culprits rationalize their own crime, 
saying that the victim wanted them to have the items because they love them. Forgetful seniors face 
another scam when employees who have been paid claim that they haven’t. Forgetting the previous 
checks, the senior’s write more.

There are many spaces left for new plaques at the Veteran’s Memorial Wall. If you or a friend, family 
member or neighbor served in any of the United States military branches the criteria for inclusion 
is simple: You must have lived in Sierra Madre for at least one year sometime in your life and have 
a picture of yourself in uniform. Please call Dave Loera, Commander of VFW Post 3208, to be 
included and for more information: (626) 355-3382. We’d be proud to have you!

You can help: This week the Veteran’s group is: Operation Shoebox Founded in 2003 in an effort 
to send support, snacks and much needed personal care items to our troops deployed outside of the 
USA. Please visit their website: www.operationshoebox.com

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~MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS DECEMBER 7~

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HELPFUL HINT Murphy’s Oil Soap is not just for floors. It’s a great stain remover for fabrics 
too. From “ring-around-the-collar” to melted butter and various food stains…especially around the 
holidays. Just pour directly on the stain, let stand for a few minutes and then wash as usual.

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FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE 

The Smiths were shown into the dentist’s office, where Mr. Smith made it clear that he was in a big 
hurry. “No fancy stuff, doctor,” he ordered. “No gas or needles or any of that stuff. Just pull the tooth 
and get it over with.” “I wish more of my patients were as stoic as you,” said the dentist admiringly, 
“Now which tooth is it?” Mr. Smith turned to his wife Sue. “Show him honey.”

 ……

Little Johnny wanted to go to the zoo and pestered his parents for days. Finally his mother talked 
his reluctant father into taking him. “So how was it?” his mother asked when they returned home. 
“Great,” Little Johnny replied. “Did your father have a good time?” asked his mother. “Yeah, Daddy 
especially liked it,” exclaimed Little Johnny excitedly, “Especially when one of the animals came racing 
home at 30 to 1.”

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 HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

 Alberta Curran, Carmela Frontino, Lena Zate, Joe Pergola, Janice Kacer, Flo Mankin, 
Valerie Howard, “Mike” Ruggles, Lois Stueck, Joan Ruggles, Jean Wood, Shirley Yergeau, 
Kathi Jefferson, Pat Krok, Irene Nakagawa, Anna Ross, Mary Steinberg, Christine Durfort 
and Sue Quinn .To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. 
YEAR of birth not required.

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Quote of the Week: Because we don’t think about future generations, they will never forget us. ~ 
Henrik Tikkanen~

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ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park House (Senior 
Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon

(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.) 

 All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 

for those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary as space is 
limited. Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256

 

Free Blood Pressure Testing: On the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11:00 am-12:00 pm: A nurse 
from Methodist Hospital, Arcadia volunteers to do the readings. No appointment necessary.

 

Bingo: Every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm Cards are only .25c each! 

Free Chair Yoga: Every Wednesday morning from 11:00 am-11:45 am. Volunteer Teryl Willis offers 
this class that focuses on senior yoga techniques. It is geared toward gentle movements, breathing 
techniques and balance improvement. No reservations are necessary.

Free Legal Consultation: Pasadena attorney Geoffrey Chin volunteers on the 2nd Wednesday of 
the month. He focuses on estate planning, trusts, wills, probate, conservatorships and business law. 
*Appointments are a must. Please call 626.355.7394 to make yours. 

* Conflicting court schedules can occasionally cause cancellations.

Birthday Celebrations: The 2nd Thursday of the month the Senior Center celebrates the birthdays of 
our patrons at 12:30 pm. Please join us for free cake and ice cream and “celebration.” (The cakes are 
provided due to a generous donation from the Sierra Madre Civic Club.)

Game Day: Game Day: Every Thursday at 1:00pm. Poker is usually the game of choice, or should 
I say chance? Board games and other card games are also available. Outside, on the patio, a beautiful, 
one-of-a-kind chess table is anxious for players.

Free Strength Training Class: Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 1:00 pm -1:45 pm

Conducted by long-time volunteer Lisa Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low-impact 
resistance training. Weights are provided by the Sierra Madre Senior Center. It’s a great way to stay in 
shape and to socialize with your peers. (Gossip included) 

Senior Citizens Club: Every Saturday-at the Hart Park House (Senior Center) Brown bag lunch 
at 11:30am; Club meeting at Noon; Bingo at 12:30- 3:30 pm. For more information call Pat at 
626.355.7290 

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EXCURSION: CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER- CLEOPATRA 
EXHIBIT AND IMAX MOVIE (LOS ANGELES, CA.)

Date: Friday, December 14, 2012

Departure: 9:00am from the Hart Park House

Lunch and Activities: 10:00am- 2:00pm

Return -Hart Park House: 3:30 pm (time approximate)

Cost: $32.00 (does not include lunch)

Come discover more than 150 priceless Egyptian artifacts from nearly 2,000 years ago. For more information 
visit www.californiasciencecenter.org Reservations or more info call the Park House at (626) 355-7394 


THE THRILL OF THE HUNT

 When was the last time you went hunting? Was it an 
exotic safari spanning the Serengeti. Did you load a rifle 
to take down an endangered elephant or rhino? Perhaps 
you enjoyed an English fox hunt, with beagles, bugles, 
and those silly flared pants. Maybe you took your son 
out for his first buck in the wilds of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

 “That’s preposterous!” you say. “What kind of sick sadist would derive 
pleasure from tracking down and killing helpless prey?” I completely 
agree with you. By the same token, I also see “Black Friday” as fulfilling 
the blood lust within most of us, in a politically-correct way. (I say “most 
of us” because I LOATH shopping, and I trust some of you out there have 
similar feelings.)

 With a few exceptions, Black Friday brings out the worst in humanity. 
We’ve all read about the fights at Walmarts and malls across the nation. 
What better way to celebrate peace on earth and good will toward men 
than to slug each others’ teeth out? Nothing says “silent night” like a 
good shiner and an accompanying comatose concussion. I hate shopping 
even under the best of circumstances, so you can imagine my trepidation 
about going within a mile of a mall, Walmart, or Best Buy on that dreaded 
weekend.

 Last year I made the mistake of procrastinating too long when buying a 
gift for one of my closest friend’s gift. This friend, we’ll call her Cassandra, 
frequently chooses clothing for my Christmas and birthday gifts. I’m the first to admit that I need 
wardrobe help, so I wholeheartedly welcome any of her suggestions.

 But last year I made the mistake of trying to buy HER some clothes. I asked a mutual friend what 
brands of clothing Cassandra prefers. Our friend recommended the Gap and Banana Republic outlet 
stores at the Citadel. Noting my puzzled look, she patiently explained to me what the Citadel is. My 
familiarity with clothing outlets is as likely as Paula Dean’s knowledge of fat-free, vegan cuisine.

 My husband gallantly drove us out to the Citadel at a day dangerously near Christmas. I’ve never 
witnessed such utter chaos in a store before. There were children running around, tripping over 
piles of shirts, pants, and sweaters, all while strewing mounds of display clothing onto the floor. The 
checkout “line” snaked around the aisles and climbed over heaps of clothes. One would assume that 
vast numbers of items were stolen that night. This insight prompted the question: just how much 
these products are marked up above their true market value? Obviously, the Gap can afford to loose 
a quarter of its merchandise during one holiday sale and still make a profit.

 These thoughts and others swirled through my over-stimulated mind that night, as I dodged 
running children and tried to avoid tripping over piles of discarded clothes. At the end of the night, 
reaching the parking lot was like embracing the promised land. Although, the lingering stress caused 
me to unconsciously clench my bag of clothing for a good half hour after the lights of the Citadel 
faded into the distance. My friend probably didn’t fully appreciate my sacrifice in buying her gifts last 
year --which is why, this year, I’m ordering all her stuff online. Any shipping expenses are worth their 
weight in gold as far as my mental health is concerned. Merry shopping!


PASADENA SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE CHANGES HOURS

Effective November 19, 2012, the Pasadena Social Security office will be open to the public Monday 
through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. In addition, 
beginning January 2, 2013, the office will close to the public at noon every Wednesday. On November 
23, the day after Thanksgiving, all Social Security field offices will be closed to the public. 

 Most services do not require a visit. Applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, signing 
up for direct deposit, replacing a Medicare card, obtaining a proof of income letter or a change of 
address or telephone number can be done online at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling 1-800-772-
1213.Hearing impaired may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. 


SENIOR MOVIE PROGRAM: Free Movies are shown on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday 
of the month. The films, one contemporary and one vintage, are chosen by the seniors 
themselves. 

Movies are shown in the Sierra Madre Council Chambers (222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.) 
at 1:00 PM.