Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 1, 2014

Mountain Views News Saturday, February 1, 2014 
12 THE GOOD LIFEMountain Views News Saturday, February 1, 2014 
12 THE GOOD LIFE
WORK-AT-HOME EMPLOYMENT 
OPPORTUNITIES FOR 
RETIREES 


Dear Savvy Senior: Can you recommend some popular 
work at home jobs for retirees? I’m interested 
in earning a little extra cash, but would also like to 
stay at home and have a flexible schedule. Recently Retired 



Dear Retired: 
If you have a computer with high-speed Internet access and a home phone, there are unlimited 
work-at-home opportunities for retirees depending on your skills and interest. But beware of scams. 
Work-at-home scams that offer big paydays without much effort are rampant on the Internet. 


The best way to avoid these scams is to use websites that weed out scammers like the ones mentioned 
in this column, and never invest any of your own money without thoroughly checking out 
the business with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. It’s also a good idea to use search engines 
like Google or Bing to research a potential employer to make sure it’s legitimate. 


Here are a few popular home-based career opportunities to check out, along with some trustworthy 
resources to help you search for employment. 


Customer-service agent: These jobs answer inbound customer calls for big companies – you don’t 
place telemarketing calls. Agents earn an average of $8 to $15 an hour and you can usually set your 
own hours and pick an employer whose products or services are suited to your knowledge and interests. 
To find these jobs see arise.com, alpineaccess.com, liveops.com and workingsolutions.com. 


Web search evaluator: Most large search engines like Google and Bing rely on home-based evaluators 
to test the accuracy of online search results, examining different search terms and the websites 
they turn up. Basic Internet skills are required and the pay ranges between $10 and $15 per hour. See 
lionbridge.com/careers and leapforceathome.com to apply. 


Tutor: If you’re a college graduate, and have expertise in English, math, science or social studies, 
you could make money as an online tutor at tutor.com/apply. Tutors work with students from grade 
school through college and make between $10 and $15 an hour. 


Transcriptionist: If you have good typing skills there are transcriptionist jobs that pay around $10 
per hour for typing verbatim accounts of board meetings, presentations, conference calls, etc. Some 
companies that hire transcriptionists include rev.com, tigerfish.com, ubiqus.com and ctran.com. 


Translation services: If you’re fluent in more than one language you can do interpretation over the 
phone, or translate documents or audio files not just word for word but often with cultural differences 
in mind. Learn about opportunities at telelanguage.com, sdl.com, verbalizeit.com, ubiqus.com 
and atanet.org. The pay can range from $15 to $40 an hour or more for languages in high demand. 


Write or edit: If you have some writing experience, freelance writing assignments are available on-
line and pay around $10 to $20 an hour. Contact writersmarket.com, freelancewriting.com and writerfind.
com for opportunities. Or, if you’re a skilled writer, or have expertise in a particular area like 
food, travel, art, etc. consider submitting writing samples to magazines, trade publications, newsletters, 
websites or local newspapers as a freelance writer. Proofreading is another option, if you have 
some editing experience this pays $12 to $20 per hour. See firstediting.com and cactusglobal.com to 
look for proofreading jobs. 


Selling online: At sites like ebay.com, craigslist.org, amazon.com and etsy.com, you can sell your own 
stuff or you can purchase items at garage sells, flea markets or online and resell them for a profit. 


If you don’t find these options appealing, try flexjobs.com, which lists around thousands of legitimate 
work-at-home jobs from nearly 3,700 employers. You can gain access to their listings for $15 
for one month, $30 for three months or $50 for a year. 


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. 



RICH Johnson 
STATE OF THE UNION SPEECHES 

“He shall from time to not. President George Herbert Walker Bush 

time give to Congress promised to totally eliminate Political Action 

information of the State of Committees…not. He also said by the year 2000, 

the Union and recommend American children must be the first in the world 

to their Consideration such in math and science…not. President Clinton said 

measures as he shall judge if you work 40 hours a week and have a child 

necessary and expedient.” you will no longer be in poverty…not. President 

George W. Bush was going to balance the federal 

The above statement is from Article II, Section budget…not. President Nixon said in 1974 

3 of the U.S. Constitution which requires the we would meet America’s energy needs from 

President to occasionally let Congress in on America’s own resources…not. President Reagan 

what’s going on. It sounds more like a command said we should have technology by the end of the 

than a suggestion. Hmmm, I wonder if we have 1990’s that would fly us from Washington D.C. 

to change the Constitution when a woman finally to Tokyo, Japan in 2 hours (25 times the speed of 

becomes President (notice all the pronouns “he” sound)…not. 

up above)? 

Two statements by two different Presidents are 

Some guy named George Washington delivered argued to be the most honest statements made 

the first regular annual message before a joint during a SOTU speech. The first in 1975 when 

session of Congress in 1790. In New York City by President Gerald Ford began the first post-

the way. Thomas Jefferson discontinued delivering Watergate speech with the line, “The state of the 

the speed in person because he thought it was Union is not good.” The second honest statement 

to “monarchical”. In 1913 Woodrow Wilson re-was made by President Bill Clinton immediately 

established delivering the speech. The State of the following the 1996 election when the Republicans 

Union (SOTU) has not always been delivered as swept both houses of Congress, not to mention 

a speech. Most Presidents delivered it as a written many state legislatures and governorships. He 

report. Since Woodrow Wilson every President said, “The era of big government is over.” Strange 

has made at least one SOTU speech. I think words coming from a Democrat. 

the motivation to deliver it personally became 

more important with the advent of radio and In closing we must not forget Lenny Skutnik. 

subsequently television. Calvin Coolidge made Who? Lenny was the first person a President 

the first radio broadcast SOTU speech in 1923. used during a SOTU speech to illustrate a point. 

Harry Truman made the first television broadcast A tradition that every president since has used. 

SOTU speech in 1947. Lenny was the brave soul who jumped into the 

Potomac River during the Air Florida Flight 90 

Something you might not know. Typically, one crash January 13, 1982. He helped save the life 

member of the President’s cabinet does not attend of a woman passenger in the water. Lenny was 

in case some catastrophe disables President, invited to sit in the President’s gallery during 

Vice President and others in line to succeed the the speech and honored by the President. He 

president. This cabinet member is referred to as received a standing ovation. Now, anyone invited 

the designated survivor. into the Presidential gallery and honored during 

the speech is referred to by the Washington press 

Every year the President emerges and tells us corps as “Lenny Skutniks.” 

what he (and maybe someday she) is going to 

do. Does it always happen? Not exactly. Here is a There, now you may know more than you ever 

smattering of broken promises: President Obama wanted to know about the State of the Union 

ordered the closing of Guantanamo Bay… speeches. 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


By Pat Birdsall 

FYI: The Truth About Cataracts and Cataract Surgery- Part II 

Myth: It’s normal to see halos around lights. Fact: Along with cloudy vision, halos are a classic 
symptom of cataracts (Halos can be a sign of corneal disease too; if you’re seeing them, be sure to 
have your eyes checked).Myth: I’ll need reading glasses after cataract surgery. Fact: Not necessarily. 
Multifocal and “monovision” replacement lenses correct vision at various points, near and far, and 
can sometimes reduce the need for glasses. Medicare considers multifocal lenses an upgrade beyond 
standard replacement ones however, so if you want specialty lenses, plan on paying for them out of 
pocket. Myth: Surgery can wait, I won’t go blind. Fact: Cataracts may take years to develop, but they 
progress to the point that you can no longer see people and things (you may perceive light). Although 
cataract surgery almost always restores sight, doctors prefer that you schedule the operation before 
lenses get hard, which happens with age and makes them harder to break up and replace. (Final 
installment next week) 

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


HELPFUL HINT: Snap binder clips on the edge of your desk and thread phone, printer 
and other important cord cables through the metal openings to hold them neatly in place. 
...................................................................................... 

FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE -Legitimate Questions: *How come we choose from 
just two people for President and 50 for Miss America.* Do illiterate people get the full effect of 
alphabet soup? * Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad at you, but when 
you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the window? *Can you cry under water? * Why do 
people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground? 

~ ~ ~ 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … February Birthdays 

Hilda Pittman, Anne-Marie Stockdale, Ann Luke, Susan Henderson, Jan Reed, Peter 
Lippincott, Georgia Lippincott, Allie Attay, Ursula El-Tawansy, Gladys Moser, Sylvia 
Lorhan, Jan O’Day, Ana Ptanski, Winifred Swanson , Marian DeMars, Vickie Vernon, 
Mary Beth Knox, Sharon Lefler, and, a very special 90th Birthday to a very special guy… 
GORDON CALDWELL! Happy Birthday my friend.

* To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR 
of birth not required. 
.................................................................. 


Quote of the Week: “Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your 
heart.” ~Author Unknown~ 
.................................................................. 


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: Monday, January 27th 11:00 to 11:45 with Shannon Vandevelde. A variety of 
balance exercises are practiced; all ability levels are encouraged and welcomed. 

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: 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 Lem Makupson 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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Lunch and Learn- “The Story of Old Pasadena”
Wednesday, February 26th- 12:00- 1:00 pm Hart Park House Senior CenterPresentation by The Pasadena Heritage will give an overview of the original downtown, which is now 
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pasadena was incorporated in 1886.During the 
next 14 years the population of Pasadena exploded to more than 30,000 inhabitants. Learn why many 
of old Pasadena buildings have split personalities, hear the story of the Castle Green and the snake 
oil salesman who built it. And experience the real Old Pasadena with its fascinating array of historic 
buildings. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this great presentation. 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. 

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS: 

Feline Conservation Center (Rosamond, Ca.) Date: Thursday, February 27, 2014 
Time: 9:00 am- 4:00 pm Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center

 Cost: $15.00 (does not include lunch)
Home to over 70 of the world’s most endangered felines; the Feline Conservation Center is a breeding 
zoo and research facility. Cat lovers of all ages are fascinated by the cats (and the peacocks) and unlike 
a zoo, the Conservation Center has no moats so visitors can get as close as 5 feet away from these 
beautiful (but dangerous) cats. Following the one-hour tour is a visit to the gift shop and lunch at a 
nearby restaurant. It is recommended to bring $10-15 for lunch. Last day to register is Wednesday, 
February 19th. Level of Walking: Light to Moderate 

Whale Watching (Long Beach, Ca.) Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014 
Time: 10:00 am-3:30 pm Meeting Location: Community Recreation CenterCost: $31.00 (does not include lunch)
Don’t miss the Community Services Department’s annual whale watching excursion. The 2014 
excursion will visit the same whale watching Charter Company as 2013, which features a narrated 
cruise by Aquarium of the Pacific staff and with indoor and outdoor seating. Participants can bring 
their own lunch to enjoy on the boat, or purchase snack items on board. Children 2 and under are 
free. Last day to register is Tuesday, March 11th. 
Level of Walking: Minimal 

*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. 

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


Senior Cinema: FREE movies are shown this month, on the 3rd and 5th Wednesdays. ~Shown in 
Sierra Madre’s City Hall Council Chambers 

February 5th: Quartet (2012)

At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday is disrupted by the 
arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents. Rated P-13, Start time: 1:00 
pm (run time 98 minutes) Featuring: Maggie Smith and Tom Courtenay. 

February 19th: The Great Gatsby (1974)

It follows the life and times of millionaire Jay Gatsby and his neighbor Nick, who recounts his 
encounter with Gatsby at the height of the Roaring Twenties. Rated PG Start time: 1:00 pm (run time