Mountain Views News          Saturday, September 14, 2013

A10

THE GOOD LIFE

 Mountain Views News Saturday, September 14, 2013 

HOW TO TRACK DOWN LONG-LOST FRIENDS

Dear Savvy Senior:

I’m interested in tracking down some old friends I’ve lost touch with over the years but could use some 
help. What tips or resources can you recommend to help me find them? Searching Senior

Dear Searching,

It you have access to the Internet, tracking down long-lost friends from many years ago is relatively 
easy to do, and in most cases it won’t cost you a cent. Here are some tips and tools to help you get 
started. 

8Gather Details

Before you begin your search, a good first step 
is to jot down any information you can remember 
or find out about the people you’re trying to 
locate. Things like their full name (maiden and 
married), age or birth date, last known address or 
phone number, old e-mail address, names of family 
members, etc. Knowing details can help you 
turn up clues while you search.

Searching Tools

After you compile some information, a good place to start your search is at google.com. Just type in 
the person’s first and last name in quotation marks to indicate you’re searching for a specific phrase 
– for example, “John Smith.” 

Unless your friend has a unique name, you’re likely to get dozens of results. You can narrow your 
search by adding other criteria like their middle initial or middle name, the city or state they may 
live in, or even their occupation. You can also do an advanced Google search at google.com/advanced_
search, which helps you specify your search for better results. 

Some other free people search websites to try are pipl.com, wink.com and zabasearch.com. Or for a 
few dollars, you can search a little deeper at sites like intelius.com and peoplefinders.com. 

In addition to these search engines, try social networking and affinity sites where your friend may 
have registered, like facebook.com, twitter.com, linkedIn.com and classmates.com, 

Another option is to check out high school alumni Web sites. Not every school has its own site, but 
some do, and you can look for it by going to any search engine and typing in the name of the school 
with the city and state it’s located in. You can also search at alumniclass.com, a huge hosting site for 
thousands of high schools across the U.S. 

If you’re looking for old college friends, your university alumni association may be able to help. 
While they probably won’t give you the contact information of the person you’re looking for, they 
may be able to forward a message for you. 

If you’re looking for someone you served with in the military, military.com offers a free “Buddy 
Finder” service that has a database of more than 20 million records. 

And if the person you’re looking for is politically active, the Federal Election Commission’s Web 
site (fec.gov) lists the addresses, ZIP codes and occasionally even the occupations of those who have 
given $250 or more to a national campaign.

Deceased Friends

If you can’t find any current information about the person you’re searching for, it could be that he 
or she is dead. To find out if that’s the case, several sites including familysearch.org and tributes.
com offer free access to the Social Security Death Index, a listing of around 90 million deaths in the 
United States. Legacy.com also adds a database of published obituaries from hundreds of American 
newspapers. 

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.

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

 
By Pat Birdsall

FYI - LIBRARIES: SO MUCH MORE THAN READING

 

 I honestly thought when I started write about libraries that I was going to find that they were having 
difficulties because of the “computer in every home” way of life these days. I’m gladly mistaken and 
also way out of the loop. Libraries have embraced the digital age and are more than keeping up with 
it. The Sierra Madre Public Library is a case in point…They have something for everybody. From 
Children’s Services to Adult Services and all the wonderful things in between. Interestingly, I used 
my computer to find out more. I went to the City of Sierra Madre’s website to garner the following 
information www.cityofsierramadre.com then on to the Library category. I’m going to focus on what 
the library has to offer seniors (a partial listing):

 *Large print collection * Circulating collection of books, audio, music cds, movies and magazines.*Local 
history collection* “Titles to go” homebound delivery service * Spanish collection *Computers with 
internet access and Microsoft Office *Printing, photocopying, scanning *Wi-Fi Internet Access. 
Whew! I’ve barely scratched the surface… go in and experience the pleasant environment and the 
outside patio. More importantly, the pleasant, knowledgeable and helpful staff! The Sierra Madre 
Public Library is located at 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. and their telephone number is (626) 355-7186 
for questions and to get the hours of operation.

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HELPFUL HINT: Before you toss one of those sticky notes, run the sticky side between the 
keys on your computer’s keyboard to collect crumbs and other grime.

......................................................................................

FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE - A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology 
courses. She started her class by saying, “Everyone who thinks they’re stupid stand up!” After a few 
seconds, Little Davie stood up. The teacher said, “Do you think you’re stupid, Little Davie?” “No, 
ma’am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself.”

 ~ ~ ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … SeptemberBirthdays

Verda Johnson, Clem Bartolai, Ed Clare, Donna Anderson, Teresa Chaure, Cathy Gunther, 
Esther Macias, Sheila Pierce, Nancy Sue Shollenberger, Yvonne Osti, Patti O’Meara, Judie 
Cimino, Mary Steinberg, Geri Wright, Parvin Dabiri, Denise Reistetter and Nehama Warner.

* 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: “Grief is itself a medicine.” 

 ~ William Cowper

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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 Balance Class: Every 3rd Monday for 11:00 am to 11:45 am with Shannon Vandevelde. A 
variety of balance exercises are practiced; all ability levels are encouraged and welcomed. 

NEW!

Get fit, Have Fun with Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold is a low impact fitness class based on Latin and World Music. The upbeat 
music creates a fun atmosphere with easy to follow dance moves that will have you 
toning your body and improving your stamina and balance from your very first class. No 
dance experience is necessary and all fitness levels are welcome. Class is held Mondays from 11:00 am 
to 12:00 pm.Next session begins in September. $30.00 class fee. For more information or to sign up 
call the Community Services Department at (626) 355-5278.

Free Blood Pressure Testing: Held Second Tuesday of the month from 11:00 am-12:00 pm: No 
appointment necessary.

 

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

Free Chair Yoga: New Hours: 11:00 to 11:45 Every Wednesday morning. Join Paul Hagen for this 
free class that focuses on senior yoga techniques. No reservation is 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.

Lunch and Learn: Emergency Preparedness

Wednesday, September 28- 12:00 to 1:00 pm Hart Park House Senior Center

Prepare yourself for fires, earthquakes and winter storms with this informative presentation. Learn how 
to make a family emergency plan and take home an emergency kit from our friends at the American 
Red Cross. Preparing for disasters before they strike enables people to respond more effectively when 
they do occur. If you would like to have lunch during the talk, please make a lunch reservation with 
the Senior Lunch Café at 626.355.0256 or bring your own.

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: 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: 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. 

Senior Citizens Club: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House (Senior Center). Brown bag lunch at 
11:30am; Club meeting at Noon; Bingo 12:30- 3:30 pm. Only .25c per card.

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS:

Riley’s Farm (Oak Glen, Ca.)

 Date: Friday, September 13, 2013 Time: 9:00 am-3:00 pm 

Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $38.00 (Lunch included)

Appreciate the scenic beauty and breathe in the crisp air while visiting Oak Glen, Ca. The trip will 
include a visit to Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, the oldest and largest ranch in Oak Glen and a working 
apple farm. While at Riley’s browse through the unique gift shop, take a walk through the beautiful 
apple orchards, or see a vintage 19323 cider press that produces 100 gallons of cider per hour. Following 
Riley’s is a visit to Law’s Complex which includes Law’s Oak Glen Coffee Shop, where lunch will be 
enjoyed, Law’s Cider Mill and Ranch, and Five Seasons Gifts.

Save the Date! Oktoberfest (Big Bear, Ca.) Saturday, October 12, 2013

Time: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center

Cost: $89.00 (Lunch included)

Join us for the biennial trip to Big Bear for Oktoberfest. Upon arrival the group will 
enjoy a narrated bus tour of Big Bear Lake, current issues facing their eco-environment 
and various stories and antics occurring at the Lake. A German style lunch including a variety of 
wursts, potato salad, sauerkraut, pretzesl and apple strudel will be served. During and after lunch 
enjoy German entertainment, learn traditional dances and peruse vendor booths. 

*Registering for Excursions can be done in person at the Hart Park House Senior Center and the 
Community Recreation Center or online at www.cityofsierramadre.com Cash, checks, and credit 
cards are accepted. Make checks payable “City of Sierra Madre”. Payment must be made at the time of 
reservation. CALL (626) 355-7394

 

Senior Movie Program: 

FREE movies are chosen by the seniors themselves and shown on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the 
month in Sierra Madre’s City Council Chambers, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. ~ Start 
time is 1:00pm ~

 September 18th: The Magic of Belle Isle (2012)

Monty Wildhorn, an alcoholic of westerns, has lost his drive. His nephew pushes him to summer in 
quiet Belle Isle. He begrudgingly befriends a single mother and her three daughters who help him 
find the inspiration to write again. Rated PG, Start time 1:00 pm (run time is 109 minutes) Starring: 
Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen. Directed by Rob Reiner.


KATIE Tse.....................This and That

SOUNDIES

 Are you feeling down, or just in need of a good laugh? Well, I can guarantee 
you’ll go from zero to hysterical in three short minutes! “How?” you ask. 
Watch a “Soundie”!

 “Soundies” were three-minute films from the early 1940’s that included 
short comedy skits or musicals. I haven’t seen any of the comedic ones, but I 
can tell you the musical numbers are HILARIOUS! 

 We can all name great films from the 1940’s. “Casablanca,” “Citizen Kane,” and “Rebecca” 
are familiar classics. There were also a 
lot of mediocre (if not plain bad) films 
produced during that time. “The Brasher 
Doubloon,” “Isle of Forgotten Sins,” and 
“Plan 9 from Outer Space” (1958, but close 
enough) are just a few examples. And 
then there were the “soundies”...

 When trying to capture the essence of 
the soundies, one word comes to mind 
--”off.” The singers, dancers, and “actors” 
in these shorts were never big names, and 
in most cases, it’s easy to see why. In one 
rendition of “Stardust,” the male singer 
is so stiff, he gives the impression that 
he’s suffering from severe arthritis. He 
periodically changes his facial expression 
to break the monotony by arching his 
eyebrows, or rapidly blinking his eyelids. 
Sometimes the camera pulls back and we 
see him full frame. He keeps one hand in 
his pocket, occasionally withdrawing it to 
adjust his shirt cuffs, as if he were modeling 
clothes for Sears. He’s not particularly bad 
looking, but his meaty face would be more 
believable as that of a construction worker 
or plumber, rather than a tuxedo-clad crooner!

 Half way through the number, our eye-blinker is joined by two lines of chorus girls in flowing 
gowns. (The random introduction of chorus lines is a “soundies” staple.) They dance around 
him, spinning and waving their arms, not quite in unison. Near the end, one girl leans so far 
back her head is out of the frame as she kicks her foot high in the air; a fittingly weird end.

 Latin themes must have been all the rage during the brief age of soundies. In “Chicky Chicky 
Boom Boom” (no, I’m not joking), a very White-looking woman appears in a Carmen Miranda 
get-up. Between close ups of her singing, “Cuban” style male and female dancers shake and 
shimmy in ruffled sleeves so big that they look like piñatas. As if the lead singer and the dancers 
weren’t enough, the camera periodically cuts back to an expressionless maraca player. Why? 
Who knows!

 But probably the most bizarre soundie I’ve seen featured a man and woman singing an 
unfamiliar (and somewhat disturbing) song about him being a Casanova and taking her to “a 
park in the dark.” Hmm, not exactly safe dating advice. But then again, I doubt that anyone 
viewed soundies as public service announcements. Between Casanova and his girlfriend 
singing, a chorus line files onto the stage. Something’s amiss with this chorus line, but you don’t 
realize it until they turn the opposite direction. Then, you see that these dancers are wearing 
half a dress and half a black tie and tails outfit! Creepy! 

 But that’s not all... The dancers then “hug” themselves, making it look as if a man and 
woman are embracing each other --sort of, (that takes a lot of imagination). As if you weren’t 
thoroughly grossed out by now, the last scene of the singing couple ends with a shot of the tux/
evening gown chorus lined up side by side as a woman dances in front of them. Just when you 
thought it was mercifully over, she turns around to reveal that the back of her outfit resembles a 
tuxedo, but the arms, torso, and legs look skinnier since she’s wearing a dress on the front. Her 
squiggly “dance” movements remind the viewer of a puppet or Halloween ghost. And just to 
make sure the younger viewers in the audience don’t make it out emotionally unscathed, this 
gown/tux ghost dancer has a male mask on the back of her head! And this isn’t just any mask; 
this thing is GROSTESQUE!

 But other than the disturbing numbers, “soundies” are quite entertaining. But don’t take my 
word for it; see for yourself at archive.org!


SIERRA MADRE FARMERS MARKET 

 

The Sierra Madre Farmer’s Market hours have changed to 3:00pm through 8:00pm 
every Wednesday. Vendors include Dry Dock which has fresh and wild caught 
fish, Rustic Loaf with artisan breads, Cutie Pie with fresh pies and much more!

 For those interested in being a vendor contact Melissa Farwell with Raw 

Inspirations at 818-591-8161 ext. 806.