Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 12, 2013

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com

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THE GOOD LIFE

Mountain Views-News Saturday, October 12, 2013 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HOW TO FIND AFFORDABLE CREMATION SERVICES

Dear Savvy Senior:

Can you offer any tips for finding low-cost cremation 
services? I don’t want to stick my kids with a big 
funeral bill after I die. Still Alive

Dear Alive:

Cremation is definitely one of the most affordable 
ways to go, when you go. Costs usually run 
between $600 and $3,000, which are significantly 
lower than the average full-service funeral that averages 
around $10,000 today. 

 

Cost is also one of the big reasons why the popularity of cremation is soaring. Roughly 40 percent of 
Americans now choose cremation, up from 27 percent just a decade ago. Here are some tips for locating 
low-cost services. 

Compare Providers 

Because prices can vary sharply, start by calling the funeral homes in your area (most funeral homes 
provide cremation services) and ask them how much they charge for a “direct cremation,” which is the 
least expensive option.

With direct cremation, there’s no embalming, formal viewing or funeral. It only includes the essentials: 
picking up the body, completing the required paperwork, the cremation itself and providing 
ashes to the family. 

If your family wants to have a memorial service, they can have it at home or your place of worship after 
the cremation, in the presence of your remains.

To locate nearby funeral homes, look in your local yellow pages under “cremation” or “funeral” or visit 
cremation.com.

You may also be able to get help and referrals through your nearby memorial society or local funeral 
consumer alliance program (see funerals.org/affiliates-directory or call 802-865-8300 for contact information). 
These are volunteer groups that offer a wide range of information and prices on local 
funeral and cremation providers. 

If, however, you’re not up to calling around, there are also a number of free websites – like funeraldecisions.
com and efuneral.com – that you or your family can use that can do the work for you. With these 
sites, you just answer a few questions, and your nearby funeral homes will provide estimates based on 
your request. 

Low-Cost Urns

The urn is another item you need to be aware of that can drive up costs. Funeral home urns usually 
cost around $50 to $300, but you aren’t required to get one. 

Most funeral homes initially place ashes in a plastic bag that is inserted into a thick plastic box. The 
box is all you need if you intend to have your ashes scattered. But if you want something to display, you 
can probably find a nice urn or comparable container online. Walmart.com, for example, sells urns 
for as little as $25. Or, you may want to use an old cookie jar or container you have around the house 
instead of a traditional urn. 

Financial Help

If you can’t afford your cremation costs, there are a number of places you can turn to that may help. 
For starters, many towns or counties provide assistance through their social services department if 
you or your family can’t afford to pay.

Your family should also be able to get some aid from Social Security, which pays a survivor a one-time 
death benefit of $255. 

And if you’re a veteran, the VA provides a burial benefit that includes a free burial at a national cemetery 
and a free grave marker. But, it doesn’t cover funeral provider or cremation costs.

Free Cremation

Another option to consider that provides free cremation is to donate your body to a university-affiliated 
medical school. After using your body for research, they will cremate your remains for free, and 
either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a 
year or two. 

To find a medical facility near you that accepts body donations, the University of Florida maintains 
a directory at old.med.ufl.edu/anatbd/usprograms.html. Or, call the National Family Service Desk, 
which operates a free referral service at 800-727-0700.

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: HERE WE GO AGAIN!

 

 Last week I told you about a rekindled scam called, “Grandparents Scam” involving a telephone call from 
a supposed grandchild in trouble. This time it’s the age-old magazine subscription game. 

 Tuesday afternoon I was going to run some errands and was going to my car in the driveway when a 
young man and woman came toward me from across the street. They were very affable and neatly dressed. 
The tale he told had them very willing to succeed from their humble beginnings in South Central, and this 
“program” was helping them achieve that goal. Throughout his spiel, she kept agreeing with him on every 
point; she actually resembled a very active bobble-head doll. They were working for an organization whose 
name he mumbled and whose name I did not get… what a surprise.

 I asked if they had a website or a pamphlet they could leave me. He said no on the pamphlet and the 
website, he said, couldn’t give me much information.The only way I could help them better themselves was 
by subscribing to magazines. Haven’t we all heard that one before? He thought by mentioning a “neighbor” 
around the corner who just signed up for subscriptions that I would certainly jump on the bandwagon. I 
ended the conversation by saying that years ago, pitches like theirs turned out to be scams, trying to soften 
a perceived personal attack. After much very dramatic head shaking he really changed his tune! “Mr. Nice 
Guy” turned into a very nasty guy! 

 I had a bit off revenge for the nasty person he became…On the side of my driveway is a fairly large cactus. 
He backed into it not only once, but twice! Karma can be pure entertainment can’t it?

 Just remember: 1) These people are usually school age or young adults. 2) Don’t let them come into your 
house. 3) Don’t let them make you feel guilty with their high-pressure rhetoric and tales of woe. 4) If you 
don’t feel comfortable or are suspicious, Call the POLICE!

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HELPFUL HINT: Create a scoop for soil out of a milk jug. Keep the handle and have the 
cap firmly in place. Recycling at its finest.

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FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE - It got crowded in heaven, so for one day it was decided 
only to accept people who had a really bad day on the day they died. St. Peter was standing at the pearly 
gates and said to the first man, “Tell me about the day you died.” The man said, “Oh, it was awful. I was sure 
my wife was having an affair, so I came home early to catch her with him. I searched all over the apartment 
but couldn’t find him anywhere. So I went out onto the balcony, we live on the 25th floor, and I found this 
man hanging over the edge by his fingertips. I went inside, got a hammer and started hitting his hands. 
He fell, but landed in some bushes. So, I got the refrigerator and pushed it over the balcony and it crushed 
him. The strain of the act gave me a heart attack and I died.” St. Peter couldn’t deny that this was a pretty 
bad day and since it was a crime of passion, he let the man in. He then asked the next man in line in. He 
asked him about the day he died. “Well, sir, it was awful,” said the second man. “I was doing aerobics on the 
balcony of my 26th floor apartment when I twisted my ankle and slipped over the edge. I managed to grab 
the balcony of the apartment below, but some maniac came out and started pounding on my fingers with 
a hammer. Luckily I landed in some bushes. But, the guy dropped a refrigerator on me! St. Peter chuckled, 
let him into heaven and decided he could really start to enjoy his job. “Tell me about the day you died,” he 
said to the third man in line.

“OK, picture this, “I’m naked, hiding inside a refrigerator.”

 ~ ~ ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … October Birthdays

Janda Ferris, Darlene Traxler, Margit Johnson, Sole Krieg, Ann Tyler, Pat Birdsall,

George Maurer, Dick Anderson, Barbara Cline, Eva Poet, Mary Jane Baker, Dixie Coutant, 
Cathleen Cremins, Lillias Eubanks, Alma Mays, Adie Marshall,Darlene Crook, Susan 
Gallagher,Maggie Ellis, Gloria Giersbach, Elva Johnson, Ellen O’Leary, Jenny Piangenti, 
Gail Ann Skiles, Anita Thompson, Linda Boehm and Angela Stella. 

* 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: “Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least 

 of him.” ~ Hal Borlund

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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. 

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: SALT THERAPY

Wednesday, October 23rd- 12:00 to 1:00 pm Hart Park House Senior Center

Listen to Reiki Master Kristen, as she explains the benefits of Salt Therapy. Discover the all-natural, 
drug free treatments that are offered at The Salt Therapy Studio such as salt therapy, massage therapy 
and Reiki. These forms of treatment are helpful with many conditions that affect the body including: 
Arthritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Muscle Tension, Stress, Sinusitis, Sore 
Throat, Colds, cough and congestion.

 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:

JEOPARDY TAPING AT SONY STUDIOS - Sony Studios, Culver City, Ca.

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Meeting Location: Hart Park House Sr. Center Cost: $15.00 (does not include lunch)

Join us as we head to the Sony Studios in Culver City for the taping of Jeopardy!, America’s favorite 
quiz show. The show is a winner of a 2012 Peabody award and 30 Emmy awards, including the 2012 
Emmy for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation. Participants will have the opportunity to see 
the tapping of three shows which takes approximately 2 hours. Following the tapings, at approximately 
1:15 pm, participants will lunch together at the Overland Café just down the street from the studio. It 
is recommended to bring $10-15 for lunch. Tickets are selling quickly so come in today and purchase 
yours. Last day to register is November 5th.

Level of walking: Minimal

Friday, December 13, 2013. “Because it’s Christmas” 

Show at Candlelight Pavilion (Claremont, Ca.) $67.00 (Lunch included) 10:00 am- 4:00 pm

*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 (EXCEPT OCTOBER - see below) in Sierra Madre’s City Council Chambers, 232 W. Sierra 
Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. ~ Start time is 1:00pm ~ 

October 16th: Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Dracula, who operates a high-end monster resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective 
mode when a human boy discovers the resort and falls for the count’s teenage daughter. Rated PG, 
Start time: 1:00 pm (run time 91 minutes) 

October 30th: Young Frankenstein (1976)

After years of living down the family reputation, Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson inherits granddad’s 
castle and repeats experiments. Rated PG, Start time: 1:00 pm (run time 106 minutes)


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

THE MOST UNHOLIDAY, HOLIDAY AND 
WE LOVE IT!

 
Walking around town, I can’t help 
but notice all the elaborate Halloween 
decorations that have been springing 
up since the last weeks of September. 
Aside from the folks who celebrate 
Christmas by festooning their houses and yards with giant 
Santas and mammoth-sized reindeer, Halloween seems to 
be the holiday for which people “go all out.”

 Why is Halloween so popular? Of course it’s fun for kids 
to dress up and binge on candy, but why go to all the effort 
of transforming your yard into a labyrinth of doom? After 
careful consideration, I’ve come up with a few possible 
explanations.

 Halloween’s place in the order of holidays allows for 
more energy to be spent on it. After the Fourth of July, we get the rest of July and all of August to 
relax. There’s Labor Day in September, but who decorates for that? Some people might have a BBQ, 
but it’s not really big on the holiday hit parade. Columbus Day is in October, but you never hear 
of Columbus parties, either. (Besides, modern culture has vilified Columbus so much that hardly 
anyone even gets the day off.) So, there’s been a lot of latent holiday energy building since the last 
firework fizzled away on July 4th. 

 Thanksgiving is a big energy drainer, especially if you’re responsible for cooking or hosting. Then 
there are the Black Friday warriors. I envy their stamina. Duking it out for the best deals on toys and 
electronics with a bunch of other crazed individuals must be exhausting.

 Some holidays lazily roll around, but Christmas sneaks up on you like a crouching tiger! There 
are people who thrive on the excitement of shopping in crowds and throwing parties. But for others, 
these activities drain the life blood out of them. I, for one, am a walking zombie between Thanksgiving 
and New Years. 

 Another possible reason that Halloween is so popular is that it’s not a “family event.” By this, I 
mean extended family. When you stake a severed head in your yard or stretch a cottony cobweb over 
your entry way, you don’t have to worry about any pesky sister-in-law deriding your unkempt lawn or 
poor taste in decorations. The fact that Halloween is generally spent with strangers takes away some 
of the anxiety.

 Also, Halloween isn’t a “milestone” holiday. As kids, we all enjoyed our birthdays. But as we get 
older, we chide ourselves for failing to achieve whatever goals we’ve set out to accomplish. We say, 
“I’m 30 (or whatever age is significant for you), and I’m still not married, earned my masters, bought 
a house, or (fill in the blank).” New Year is another “celebration” famous for this kind of melancholy. 
Heck, just listening to “Old Lang Zine” puts me in the mood to cry!

 Yes, out of the calendar of holidays, you can count on Halloween to not be sentimental. There are 
no tear-jerker songs like “I’ll be home for Halloween,” or “Have Yourself a Merry Little Halloween.” 
So, deck your lawn with tombstones and stock up on Snickers and Twix. But be sure to save some 
Twix bars for yourself --you’ll need the energy for Thanksgiving and all that lies beyond. Come to 
think of it, you might as well save all the Snickers for yourself as well. So many kids have peanut 
allergies these days. “Happy Snacking” --I mean, “Haunting!”