Mountain Views News          Saturday, July 4, 2015

Mountain Views News Saturday, July 4, 2015 
13THE GOOD LIFE Mountain Views News Saturday, July 4, 2015 
13THE GOOD LIFE 
WHEN AND HOW SOCIAL SECURITY CHECKS 
ARE DELIVERED 

Dear Savvy Senior, 

I plan to apply for my Social Security benefits inSeptember. When can I expect my first check?
And, is direct deposit my only option for receivingmy monthly payment? 


Almost Eligible third day of the month.
To get a complete schedule of 2015 paymentdates, visit ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2015.pdf.
Dear Almost, 

 Direct Deposit DeliveryGenerally, Social Security retirement benefits There are two ways you can receive your Social(as well as disability and survivor benefits) areSecurity benefits today. Most beneficiaries choosepaid in the month after the month they are due.direct deposit into their bank or credit unionSo, if you apply for your Social Security benefitsaccount because it’s simple, safe and secure. But, ifin September, you will receive your Septemberyou don’t like this option or if you don’t have a bankbenefits in October. account that your payments can be deposited into,

The day of the month you receive your benefityou can get a Direct Express Debit MasterCard

payment, however, will depend on either yourand have your benefits deposited into your card’s 
birthdate, or the birthdate of the person whoseaccount. 
work record you’re receiving benefits on.This card can then be used to get cash from

If you’re applying for benefits as a retired ATMs, banks or credit union tellers, pay billsworker, your benefit payment day will be online and over the phone, make purchases atdetermined by your own birthdate. But if you’restores or locations that accept Debit MasterCardapplying for spousal or survivors benefits basedand get cash back when you make those purchases,
on your spouse’s or (if you were married at leastand purchase money orders at the U.S. Post Office.
10 years) ex-spouse’s work record, your benefitThe money you spend or withdraw is automaticallypayment date will be determined by his or herdeducted from your account. And you can checkbirthdate. Here’s the schedule of when you canyour balance any time by phone, online or atexpect to receive your monthly check:ATMs. 

Birthdate is 1st through 10th of month:There’s also no cost to sign up for the card,
Payment day is second Wednesday of each month.no monthly fees and no overdraft charges. ThereBirthdate is 11th through 20th of month:are, however, a few small fees for optional servicesPayment day is third Wednesday of each month.you need to be aware of, like multiple ATMBirthdate is after the 20th of the month: withdrawals. Currently, cardholders get one 
Payment day is fourth Wednesday of each month.free ATM withdrawal per month, but additional

There are, however, a few exceptions to thismonthly withdrawals cost 85 cents each notschedule. For example, if the day your Socialincluding a surcharge if you use a non-networkSecurity check is supposed to be deposited happensATM. To learn more about the Direct Expressto be a holiday, your check will be deposited theDebit MasterCard, visit usdirectexpress.com orprevious day. And, if you are receiving both Socialcall 800-333-1795. 
Security benefits and SSI payments, your SocialSecurity check will be deposited on the third daySend your senior questions to: Savvyof the month. Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit 

You should also know that Social SecuritySavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor tobeneficiaries who started receiving benefits beforethe NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy1997, their Social Security checks are paid on the Senior” book. 

KATIE Tse..........This and That 
“GREASE BALL,” THE CHICKEN


 
It’s been a while since I’ve written 
about my dad’s cousin, Phil, a.k.a. “The 
Most Interesting Man in the World!” 
My parents had Phil and his wife over 
for dinner the other night, and the next 
day they told me that I simply must write 
about “Grease Ball,” the chicken.” So I 
called Phil to get the scoop.


 Back in 1940, Phil was eight years old. One day as he 
was walking to his father’s shop in Pasadena, he stopped at 
the original Simpson’s Feed Store on Colorado and bought a 
baby chick for 13 cents. His dad’s automotive shop was on 
the way, and, as Phil tells it, the chicken never made it to their 
house, but instead took up residence at his dad’s shop. There 
was a German shepherd named “Big Boy” who also lived 
there, so the chicken grew up believing herself to be a dog, 
even sleeping on her side with her legs sticking out. Body 
shops aren’t the cleanest places in the world, so the chicken 
perpetually sported a layer of grease and oil, earning her the 
name “Grease Ball.” 

Grease Ball had some interesting habits. She developed 
a taste for eating non-food items, such as 9 millimeter nuts. 
One of the workers was working under a car and had the 
nuts in a tin next to him. Grease Ball discretely picked them 
out while the guy wasn’t looking. That didn’t go over too well. Despite Grease Ball’s meddlesome 
tendencies, she was still beloved by the workers, who often shared their beer with her.

 
Grease Ball also enjoyed visiting the nearby arcade establishments. There was a mechanic shop next 
to Phil’s dad’s place, and Grease Ball tried to build a nest in a keg of nails. She also roosted in the In/Out 
mailbox and other inconvenient locations. The oddity of the situation eventually drew the attention of 
the local media, and Grease Ball was featured in Ripley’s “Believe it or Not” column in the newspaper. 
Phil and his parents received many letters from people who didn’t believe the story. Someone even sent 
them a roll of toilet paper with a note that read, “For your chicken!” 

Grease Ball unfortunately met an untimely end in an open lot by “Mother Goose’s Shoe” restaurant. 
The back door of the restaurant was adjacent to Phil’s dad’s shop. Grease Ball would sometimes meander 
into the kitchen. She liked the French fries, and even tried to nest in the fry basket. The chef would 
often chase her out, wielding a meat cleaver. 

Although it would have been nice to say that Grease Ball ended her days peacefully, at least she lived 
a fuller life than most chickens, and she supplied Phil with entertaining stories that have delighted his 
family and friends for over seven decades. Pretty good for 13 cents! 

TRANSPORTATION CHANGES EFFECTIVE JUNE 1,2015 

Beginning June 1, 2015 Dial-A-Ride services in Sierra Madre will operate Monday through 
Friday from 8:00am – 10:30am and 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Dial-A-Ride services are available to 
Sierra Madre residents that are 62 years of age or older, or have a signed form by a physician 
attesting to a disability that hinders mobility. The cost of a one-way fare is $2.00. Dial-A-Ride 
users must submit an application prior to using the service for the first time.

Beginning June 1, 2015 the Gateway Coach fixed-route services operates Monday through 
Friday from 11:00am – 2:00pm. The Gateway Coach is free for anyone to use. The Gateway 
Coach stops at various points throughout the City including City parks, the library, City 
Hall, Senior Center, and schools. In addition the Gateway Coach stops in Hastings Ranch.
To download a copy of the new Sierra Madre Public Transportation Brochure, please visit 
the City’s website at www.cityofsierramadre.com/transportation. For additional informationcontact the Community Services Department at 626-355-7135. 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS 



HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … July Birthdays* 

Nina Bartolai, Mary Lou Caldwell, Louise Neiby, Eunice Banis, Betty Hansen, Christine 
Durfort, Shahrzad Azrani, Jeanne Borgedahl, Janet Cox, Dorothy Montgomery, Bess 
Pancoska, Janet Swanson, Linda Thunes, Barbara Watson, Pat Alcorn, Karma Bell, Alice 

Clark, Dorothy Jerneycic, and Betty Dos Remedios. 
*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: Seize the moment. Remember all the women on the Titanic who 
waved off the dessert cart. - Erma Bombeck 


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



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 

HAWAIIAN AND POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASS: Every Tuesday morning from 10am to 11am. 
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. 


FREE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11am to 12pm. No appt. 


is necessary. 
CASE MANAGEMENT: Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month. Case Management services are 
provided by the YWCA and provide assistance in a variety of areas. Appointments are required and 
can be scheduled by calling the HPH Office at 626-355-7394. 


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. 
TAX ASSISTANCE: Every Thursday February 5th through April 9th from 1:00pm-2:00pm. Don 
Brunner is available for income tax consultation. Appointments are required, call 626-355-7394. 


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. 


SENIOR CLUB: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown bag lunch at 11:30am. 
Club meeting at noon. Bingo 12:30-3:30pm. Annual Membership is only $10.00. 



UPCOMING EXCURSIONS: 

Ganna Walska Lotusland (Santa Barbara) Date: July 17, 2015 

Time: 7:30am to 5:00pm 
Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $45.00 (Does not include lunch)
Description: Lotusland features an enormous diversity of exotic plants from around the globe 
arranged in nearly 20 gardens, each distinctive in design. The garden now covering the estate 
were created by Ganna Walska, a well known Polish opera singer and socialite, who owned the 
property from 1941 until her death in 1984. She spent 43 years of her life designing unusual 
display gardens with exotic plants. We will take a two hour docent guided walking tour. The tour 
includes both horticultural and historical information. There will be time to visit the Garden 
Shop at the end of the tour. Lunch will be on your own at nearby restaurants. Participants 
should bring money for lunch and souvenirs. Last day to register is Wednesday, July 2nd. Level 
of Walking: Medium to High 

California Science Center (Los Angeles) Date: August 12, 2015 
Time: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $28.00 (Does not include lunch) 


Description: The California Science Center in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority 
is Proud to present the largest Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition ever mounted outside of Israel, 
featuring over 600 ancient artifact on display. We will also see Jerusalem in the IMAX Theater. 
Through breathtaking aerial footage, eye-opening personal stories and remarkable historical 
perspective, Jerusalem takes views inside the heart of the ancient city in ways never seen before. 
Lunch will be on your own. There is Trimana-Grill, or Market and Coffee Bar at the Science 
Center for you to enjoy a meal or light snack during your visit. Participants should bring money 
for lunch and souvenirs. Last day to register is Wednesday, August 5th. Level of Walking: High 

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 $11 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 Dept. 

SEASONAL FUN AT THE SENIOR CENTER 

Need a way to keep cool during the warmer months? Paper fans are a breeze to make and a greatsummer craft project. Come and join us on Thursday, July 16th, in making paper fans and stay cool!
Craft making will begin at 11:00am. All supplies will be provided. 

Increased Fees for Senior Meals 
After several meetings of the YWCA Senior Services Advisory Council, the Council Members votedto increase the suggested donation for both group-dining meals and home delivered meals from

$2.00 to $3.00 per meal and non-senior meals from $3.75 to $5.00 per meal beginning July 1, 2015.
This was not an easy decision for the Council Members to make but unfortunately both generaloperating costs and the cost of purchasing meals from various caterers have increased significantlyover the past years. However, it is very important for you to know that we want you to continue toparticipate in our meal programs and that we want to emphasize that the suggested donation is andwill remain a voluntary and confidential donation. Anyone having questions about the suggesteddonation policy and the donation procedures may call the YWCA Senior Services Director at626-214-9466. 

Ex-covert operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) and his ex-wife, Lenore (Franke Janssen), are 

SENIOR CINEMA SHOWN AT THE HART PARK 
HOUSE SENIOR CENTER 


July 15th– TAKEN 3 (2014) 

enjoying a reconciliation with his ex-wife when she is brutally murdered.
Consumed with rage and framed for the crime and flees, Bryan goes on therun to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and police. For the lasttime, he channels his rage and particular set of skills into hunting downLenore’s real killers, taking his revenge and protecting the one importantthing left in his life: his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). Start time: 1:00pm(run time 89 minutes) 

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!
Call Patricia at 626-818-2698 Today!
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