Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 16, 2014

10

THE GOOD LIFE

Mountain Views-News Saturday, August 16, 2014 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS CAN HELP 
SENIORS IN NEED

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … August Birthdays*

Bill Nelson, Karlene Englert, Juanita Fernandez, Jeanette Francis, Joseph Kiss, John Luke, 
Jacquie Pergola, Maury Whitaker, Pat Miranda, Phyllis Chapman, Jerry Burnett, Margaret 
Aroyan, Phyllis Burg, Beverly Clifton, Rosemary Morabito, Susan Poulsen, Dorothy 
Quentmeyer, Genevieve Stubbs, Miep Tulleners, Joy Barry, Ellie Baudino, Marcia Bent, 
Daryls Brechwald, Joan Spears, Ruth Torres, Jane Zamanzadeh and Harry Enmark.

 *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: I distrust camels, and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.

 Joe E. Lewis

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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, from 11:00 to 11:45 am with Shannon. All ability levels are 
encouraged and welcomed.

Hawaiian and Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday morning from 10:00am to 11:00am. Join 
instructor Barbara Dempsey as she instructs you in the art of hula.

Bingo: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00pm. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcome to 
join. May be canceled if less than 5 people. Canceled on August 5th and 12th.

Free Blood Pressure Testing: Held 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11:00am to 12:00pm. No 
appointment is necessary.

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, August 27th from 10:00am to Noon. Attorney Lem 
Makupson is available for legal consultation. He specializes in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates, 
and Injury. For an appointment call 626-355-7394.

Chair Yoga: Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45 am, except on the third Monday of the 
month when the balance class is held. A suggested donation of $5 at one of the classes is requested, 
but is not required.

Birthday Celebrations: Every second Thursday of the month the Hart Park House Senior Center 
celebrates birthdays of our patrons. The free birthday cake is provided by the Sierra Madre Civic 
Club.

Game Day: Every Thursday starting at 12:45pm. A regular group of seniors play poker. Other 
games available for use.

Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 12:45pm to 1:30pm with Lisa Brandley. The class 
utilizes light weights for low impact resistance training. All materials for the class are provided.

 

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS

Homeboy Industries and Home Girl Cafe (Los Angeles, CA)

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2014

Time: 8:45am to 2:30pm Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $12.00 (does 
not include lunch). Come venture out and take the Gold Line to Homeboy Industries. You will have 
the chance to see Homeboy’s Programs in-action, gain a better understanding of how the social 
enterprises work, and discover the sense of community that exists for the young men and women 
who come though their doors seeking to leave their gang involvements behind and find hope in 
their futures. Tour is followed by lunch at Home Girl Café, where they provide a wide selection

of choices to choose from. Participants are asked to bring additional money for souvenirs and 
lunch. Last Day to register is Monday, August 18th. Level of Walking: High. Please note: public 
transportation will be used for this trip including MTA buses and the Gold Line; TAP cards will be 
provided to you. If you have any concerns please contact the Senior Center. 

Gondola Getaway (Long Beach, CA) Date: Friday, September 19, 2014 

Time: 9:15am to 3:15pm Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $30.00 (does not 
include lunch) The Gondola Getaway brings old world charm and a thousand year old tradition 
to Long Beach. Authentic Venetian gondolas gently cruise the enchanting canals and waterways of 
Naples Island near the resort area of Belmont Shores in Long Beach. Join us for an hourlong cruise 
followed by lunch at one of the charming restaurants in Belmont Shores. Participants are asked to 
bring $20 for lunch. Level of Walking: Low

Excursion Refund Policy: Notification of the cancellation must be made at least 3 business days 
before the excursion. A refund will only be issued 1) for a medical excuse or 2) if the Department 
is able to fill the patrons spot from a waiting list. This refund will be issued in the form of a credit 
which will be applied to the patron’s account with the City, less a $10 cancellation fee. The credit 
will remain on your account for one year from the date issued and the credit may be used for any 
program or service offered by the Community Services Department.

1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAY Shown at the Hart Park House Senior Center 

AUGUST 6TH: LINCOLN (2012)

As the Civil War continues to rage, America’s president struggles with 
continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his 
own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves. Rated PG-13. Start 
time: 1:00 pm (run time 150 minutes) Featuring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally 
Field, David Strathairn, Tommy Lee Jones.

AUGUST 20TH: PHILOMENA (2013)

A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was 
taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. 
Rated PG-13, Start time: 1:00 pm (run time 98 minutes) Featuring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan.

MARLEY & ME (2008) will also be shown on August 27th as part of the Dog Days


Dear Savvy Senior:

I run a community counseling program for 
needy families and am frustrated that so few 
eligible seniors take advantage of the food stamp 
program. Can you write a column on this to help 
educate seniors to this underutilized benefit?

Reaching Out

Dear Reaching:

It’s hard to imagine that a government program serving more than 46 million Americans each 
month is considered severely underutilized. But that’s the reality of the federal Food Stamp 
Program when it comes to serving seniors.

Nationwide, food stamps (now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) 
reaches around 80 percent of those eligible, but the numbers are much slimmer among the seniors, 
age 60 and older. Recent statistics indicate only 39 percent of eligible seniors receive SNAP benefits. 

There are a number of reasons for the lack of participation. Some seniors are too embarrassed or 
too proud to apply. Others think that if they receive SNAP they will be taking food benefits away 
from others (which they won’t). Some think it is too difficult to apply for SNAP, and others don’t 
even know the program exists.

With all that said, here’s a run down of which seniors are eligible for SNAP, what they get and how 
they can apply.

Who’s Eligible?

For seniors to get SNAP, their “net income” must be under the 100 percent federal poverty 
guidelines. So, households that have at least one person age 60 and older, or disabled, their net 
income must currently be less than $958 per month for an individual or $1,293 for a family of two. 
Households receiving TANF or SSI (except in California) are also eligible.

Net income is figured by taking gross income minus allowable deductions like medical expenses 
that exceed $35 per month out-of-pocket, and shelter costs (rent or mortgage payments, taxes and 
utility costs) that exceeds half of the household’s income.

In addition to the net income requirement, a few states also require that a senior’s “assets” be 
below $3,250, not counting the home, retirement or pension plans, income from SSI or TANF, 
and vehicle (this varies by state). Most states, however, have much higher asset limits or they don’t 
count assets at all when determining eligibility.

The SNAP pre-screening tool at www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns can help seniors, and their family 
members, figure out if they qualify.

To apply, seniors or an authorized representative will need to fill out a state application form, 
which can be done at the local SNAP office or it can be mailed or faxed in, or in many states it can 
be completed online.

If eligible, benefits will be provided on a plastic card that’s used like a debit card and accepted at 
most grocery stores.

Depending on the person’s financial situation, the amount of SNAP a beneficiary may be eligible 
for will range between $15 and $189 per month as an individual, or $15 to $347 for a family of two.

To learn more or apply, contact your local SNAP office – call 800-221-5689 for contact information 
or visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap.

Produce Coupons

In addition to SNAP, the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is another underused 
program that provides coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ 
markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs.

This program is currently available in select counties in 43 states, seven Indian reservations, the 
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, to seniors, age 60 and older, with gross monthly household 
incomes below 185 percent of the federal poverty line, which is currently below $1,800 for 
individuals, or $2,426 for a family of two. For more information visit www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp or 
call 703-305-2746.

Other Programs

Seniors that are eligible for food assistance may also be eligible for a host of other programs that 
can help pay for medications, health care, utilities and more. To locate these programs, visit 
benefitscheckup.org, or call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.

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.


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

Fat on the Brain

 *A little disclaimer: This 
article is geared more toward 
the ladies. But perhaps it 
might also help you guys better 
understand the ladies in your 
life.

 The other day my dad told 
me about an interesting article he read. A study 
found that when women see other women one of 
the first things they notice is the others’ weight. 
He waited for me to join him in laughing at the 
ridiculousness of it. I looked at him blankly, 
“And?... That’s it?” I could’ve told him that 
without conducting a study.

 Men and women are different. That’s 
something learned before kindergarten. We’re 
all familiar with the stereotypes that women are 
more emotional, and that men prefer action to 
commiseration. But another major difference is 
that (generally speaking) women are more likely 
to have “fat on the brain.” 

 Kate Winslet is a classic example of this. 
“Titanic” celebrated its 15th anniversary with a 
3D makeover a few months ago. In an interview, 
Kate described the trauma of seeing what she 
looked like back then in 3D on the big screen. 
Why so scared, Kate? It was because she couldn’t 
stand the sight of herself weighing as much as she 
did at that time. She later remarked that “[Leo’s] 
fatter now --I’m thinner.” “How shallow!” you 
say. But I know just how she feels.

 What’s truly sad is that women’s weight 
obsession doesn’t end after graduating from 
high school, becoming a parent, or being eligible 
for AARP. I had lunch with some of my retired 
friends the other week, and nearly every topic 
touched on weight at some point. “I need to lose 
weight.” “Well, certainly not much. You look 
great!” “No, I want to lose at least 35 pounds.” 
“Wow! You don’t look like you’ve gained that 
much. Where?” “Here (poke). Here (poke). 
And here (shake).”

 For a while it was cool for thin women to 
laugh and swear that they eat burgers all the time, 
and the only exercise they get is when they’re 
shopping. And overweight women are praised 
for “seeing the beauty” in their bodies, and 
“loving themselves just the way they are.” Hey, if 
they’re happy, I say “more power to them!”

 But in both cases, the women are implying 
that they are “above” the trivial preoccupation 
with their weight. It’s bad enough having 
constant awareness about your weight, but to feel 
guilty about being aware --that’s just too much! 
So that’s why it’s comforting to hear women like 
Gwen Stefani shamelessly talk about “torturing 
herself” with exercise and dieting to stay thin. 
(Yes, I’ve blown another night reading too much 
“Mail Online.”) No one should have to live with 
weight-consciousness guilt! Self acceptance can 
include accepting your body the way it is. But it’s 
also about accepting the fact the you may have 
fat on the brain, as I, and many other women, do. 
And I’m not going to feel guilty about it! 


SENIOR 

CINEMA

LUNCH & LEARN PRESENTATION - PASADENA HERITAGE

Wednesday, August 27, 2014 • 12:00-1:00 pm

Take a look back into the history of the San Gabriel Valley and uncover the early beginnings of 
the cities of San Gabriel, Arcadia, San Marino, and Pasadena. Meet the Gabrielino Indians, the 
Indiana Colonists, and the investors who took part in the real estate boom of the turn of the century. 
Discover why the founders, developers and early settlers of the San Gabriel Valley made this area 
their home and why we appreciate, continue to appreciate and preserve it today. If you are interested 
in having lunch with the Senior Lunch Cafe during the presentation please call 626-355-0256 to 
make a reservation; otherwise, you may bring your own.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER • AUGUST 25-29, 2014

Hot dog, it’s HOT out there! Escape the August heat and join us for a fun-filled week of activities!

• Monday, August 25th kicks off our “Cutest Dog Competition.” To enter the competition, either 
bring in a picture of your canine cutie with your name and phone number written on the back 
or email a copy to kschnurr@cityofsierramadre.com. All pictures will be displayed in the Senior 
Center and voting will take place throughout the week. Be sure to come in and cast your vote for 
who’s the cutest! The winner will be announced Friday, August 29th at the Hot Dog Dinner and 
will receive a prize.

• Tuesday, August 26th, 12:00pm– Satisfy your sweet tooth and come enjoy “dog treats” with 
lunch. You are welcome to either bring your own packed lunch or eat from the Senior Lunch Café. 
If you choose to eat from the Senior Lunch Café, please make a lunch reservation at 626-355-0256.

• Wednesday, August 27th, 1:00pm– Marley & Me, a heart-wrenching film about a mischievous 
Labrador, will be shown in the Senior Center at 1 pm. If you haven’t seen it already, it is a must see 
for all ages!

• Thursday, August 28th, 12:30pm– Two therapy dogs from Methodist Hospital will be visiting 
the Senior Center at 12:30pm to sit with anyone who would like a little extra love. 

• Friday, August 29th, 4:30-6:00pm – To cap off the Dogs Days of Summer, Gables of Monrovia 
will be catering a complimentary Hot Dog Dinner. Hot dogs will be served in addition to delicious 
side dishes. Other activities such as a prize raffle are planned to guarantee a fun time. R.S.V.P. to 
Kyle or Tracy at 626-355-7394. All reservations must be in by noon on August 25th.


TECH TALK: TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE

Mondays, August 11th and 25th 2:00 to 3:00 PM

Tech-savvy youth from Sierra Madre Middle School

will provide assistance with the operation of cell

phones, tablets, and computers. Participants should

bring the device with which they need assistance;

computers are available at the Senior Center for

general instruction. The class is free of charge, but

registration is required. To register, or for questions

regarding the program call 626.355.7394.

EYE TESTINGS & READING GLASSES 

FOR ALL 

Tuesday, August 12th from 12:30-2:30pm Sierra 
Madre Rotary Club member Dr. Michael Budincich 
will be offering free eye testings and stock reading 
glasses to all interested individuals. 

 Dr. Budincich will be available Tuesday, August 
12th from 12:30pm to 2:30pm for consultations at the 
Hart Park House Senior Center. Each consultation 
will take approximately 5 min tes. While walk-ins 
are welcome, appointments are encouraged. Those 
who partake will receive a complimentary pair of 
stock reading glasses. To make an appointment, 
please call 626-355-7394.

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: