Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, January 19, 2019

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EDUCATION & YOUTH 

Mountain Views-News Saturday, January 19, 2019 

THE FROSTIG CENTER SPEAKER SERIES EXPERTS 
OFFER ADVICE FOR FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Pasadena, CA.—Families face new challenges when young 
people with disabilities become adults. To help families 
plan for the future, The Frostig Center will hold a special 
presentation by experts who will address pathways to 
employment for young adults with learning disabilities and 
alternatives to conservatorships. 

 The event, which is part of The Frostig Center Speaker 
Series, will be held Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. The event is free 
and open to the public.

 Ibrahim Saab, a client’s rights advocate at the North Los 
Angeles County Regional Center, will provide information 
about power of attorney, assignment of education 
decision-making authority, and other issues related to 
conservatorships.

 Rebecca Hoyt, a client advocate with Disability Rights 
California, will focus on how young adults can prepare for 
and obtain meaningful employment in the community. She 
will share information on agencies that assist people with 
disabilities and the types of services available.

 Their discussion will be geared toward families with high 
school students who are preparing for adulthood. Families 
with younger children who want to look ahead, as well as 
teachers and therapists who work with children with special 
needs, will also benefit from the presentation.

 The Frostig Center is a non-profit organization that strives 
to improve the lives of children with learning differences 
through research, community outreach, and Frostig School. 
Frostig also provides services to young adults with learning 
differences who are transitioning to college and work. 

 The Speaker Series is a public service of The Frostig 
Center. 

 Free parking is available at The Frostig Center, located at 
971 N. Altadena Drive.

Alverno Heights Academy

200 N. Michillinda Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-3463 Head of School: Julia V. Fanara

E-mail address: jfanara@alvernoheights.org

Arcadia High School

180 Campus Drive Arcadia, CA 91007

Phone: (626) 821-8370, Principal: Brent Forsee

bforsee@ausd.net

Arroyo Pacific Academy

41 W. Santa Clara St. Arcadia, Ca, 

(626) 294-0661 Principal: Phil Clarke

E-mail address: pclarke@arroyopacific.org

Barnhart School

240 W. Colorado Blvd Arcadia, Ca. 91007

(626) 446-5588 

Head of School: Ethan Williamson

Kindergarten - 8th grade

website: www.barnhartschool.org

Bethany Christian School

93 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-3527 

Preschool-TK-8th Grade

Principal: Dr. William Walner

website: www. bcslions.org

Clairbourn School

8400 Huntington Drive

San Gabriel, CA 91775

Phone: 626-286-3108 ext. 172

FAX: 626-286-1528

E-mail: jhawes@clairbourn.org

Foothill Oaks Academy

822 E. Bradbourne Ave., Duarte, CA 91010

(626) 301-9809

Principal: Nancy Lopez

www.foothilloaksacademy.org

office@foothilloaksacademy.org

Frostig School

971 N. Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107

(626) 791-1255

Head of School: Jenny Janetzke

Email: jenny@frostig.org

The Gooden School

192 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-2410 

Head of School, Carl Parke 

website: www.goodenschool.org

High Point Academy

1720 Kinneloa Canyon Road 

Pasadena, Ca. 91107 

Head of School: Gary Stern 626-798-8989

website: www.highpointacademy.org

La Salle High School

3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 

(626) 351-8951 website: www.lasallehs.org

Principal Mrs. Courtney Kassakhian

Monrovia High School

325 East Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016 

(626) 471-2800 Principal Darvin Jackson

Email: schools@monrovia.k12.ca.us

Odyssey Charter School

725 W. Altadena Dr. Altadena, Ca. 91001

(626) 229-0993 Head of School: Lauren O’Neill

website: www.odysseycharterschool.org

Pasadena High School

2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 

(626) 396-5880 Principal: Roberto Hernandez

website: http://phs.pusd.us

St. Rita Catholic School

322 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

Principal Joan Harabedian (626) 355-9028 

website: www.st-rita.org

Sierra Madre Elementary School

141 W. Highland Ave, Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-1428 Principal: Lindsay Lewis

E-mail address: lewis.lindsay@pusd.us

Sierra Madre Middle School 

160 N. Canon Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 836-2947 Principal: Garrett Newsom

E-mail address: newsom.garrett@pusd.us

Walden School

74 S San Gabriel Blvd

Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 792-6166 

www.waldenschool.net

Weizmann Day School

1434 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, Ca. 91107

(626) 797-0204

Lisa Feldman: Head of School

Wilson Middle School

300 S. Madre St. Pasadena, Ca. 91107

(626) 449-7390 Principal: Ruth Esseln

E-mail address: resseln@pusd.us

Pasadena Unified School District

351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena, Ca. 91109

(626) 396-3600 Website: www.pusd@pusd.us

Arcadia Unified School District

234 Campus Dr., Arcadia, Ca. 91007

(626) 821-8300 Website: www.ausd.net

Monrovia Unified School District

325 E. Huntington Dr., Monrovia, Ca. 91016

(626) 471-2000 

Website: www.monroviaschools.net

Duarte Unified School District

1620 Huntington Dr., Duarte, Ca. 91010

(626)599-5000 

Website: www.duarte.k12.ca.us

Arcadia Christian School

1900 S. Santa Anita Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006

Preschool - and TK - 8th Grade

626-574-8229/626-574-0805

Email: inquiry@acslions.com

Principal: Cindy Harmon

website: www.acslions.com

SUPERVISORS CALL FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF 
MENTAL HEALTH TO PROVIDE SCHOOL-BASED 
SERVICES COUNTYWIDE

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The Board of Supervisors 
approved a motion by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice 
Hahn to create a countywide plan for the provision of school-
based mental health services through the Department of 
Mental Health. 

 “There are 80 school districts in Los Angeles County and 
it is important for us to look at this as a countywide effort, as 
the issue impacts all of our schools,” said Supervisor Barger. 
“I have met with local schools in my district and they agree 
there is a critical need for mental health programs and 
services to support our students.”

 The motion by Supervisors Barger and Hahn came as an 
amendment to a motion by Supervisors Ridley-Thomas and 
Solis, which sought to provide Los Angeles Unified School 
District (LAUSD) with funding to enhance health and 
mental health services provided to students, staff, and others 
within LAUSD specifically. 

 The motion directs the Department of Mental Health 
to work with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, 
the Auditor-Controller, and the Chief Executive Office to 
develop a countywide plan to provide school-based mental 
health services including but not limited to prevention and 
early intervention services, education, support, and outreach. 
This plan will include the identification of resources, timeline 
for implementation, and any other relevant information with 
a comprehensive report back to the board in 45 days. 


THE GOOD LIFE

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

CAN YOU DEDUCT MEDICARE COSTS ON YOUR 
INCOME TAXES?


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …January Birthdays*

 Gerald Day, Mary Tassop, Judy Webb-Martin, John Johnson, Mary Bickel, Marlene 
Enmark, Shirley Wolf, Ross Kellock, Ruth Wolter, Sue Watanabe, Sandy Thistlewaite, 
Bobbi Rahmanian, Fran Syverson, Shirley Wolff, Judy Zaretzka and Becky Evans. 

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

 

HART PARK HOUSE MONTHLY PROGRAMS: 

Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park House (Senior Center) 222 W. 
Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday Morning from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
Join the class with Instructor Barbara Dempsey as she leads you in the art of Hula!

Bingo Time: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is 
welcome to play! Activity may be canceled if there are less than five people. 

Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesdays Monthly from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Brain Games: Thursday, December 13th 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Join us for Scattergories, a creative thinking game by 
naming objects within a set of categories; or Jenga, a block-building challenge that keeps you stacking and balancing 
your tower. Everyone is welcome, and no experience is needed. A great way to strengthen your mind and make new 
friends... Games are facilitated by Senior Volunteers.

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, December 19th from 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Attorney Lem Makupson is available for 
legal consultation. Specializing in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates and Injury. Please call the Hart Park House for an 
appointment, 626-355-5278 ext. 704. 

Senior Club: Meets Saturdays Monthly at Hart Park House… Brown Bag Lunch and great company at 11:30 a.m. 

Chair Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. with Paul Hagen. Classes include Yoga and balance exercises. 
All ability levels are encouraged and welcomed! * Voluntary Donations of $5.00 per week per participant are suggested 
but not required.

Birthday Celebration: Every 2nd Thursday Monthly at the Hart Park House. Share free birthday cake and ice cream 
kindly provided by the Senior Community Commission! 

Game Day: Every Thursday Monthly 12:00 Noon come into the Hart Park House and join a lively poker game with 
friends!

Free Strength Training Class: Fridays 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. with Lisa Brandley. This energetic class utilizes light weights, 
low impact resistance training and body conditioning. Class equipment provided.

Save the Date: Senior Excursion, Wednesday, Dec. 19th to Rogers Gardens in Corona Del Mar. 


Dear Savvy Senior,

Can I deduct my Medicare premiums, deductibles 
and copayments on my income taxes? I had a knee 
replacement surgery last year and spent quite a bit 
on medical care out-of-pocket and would like to 
know what all I can write off.

Frugal Dave

Dear Dave,

The short answer is yes, you can deduct your 
Medicare costs but only if you meet certain 
conditions required by the IRS. Here’s how it 
works.

 As a taxpayer, you’re allowed to deduct many 
medical and dental expenses as well as your 
Medicare out-of-pocket costs. But you can deduct 
only those expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your 
2018 adjusted gross income (AGI), and you’ll also 
need to itemize your deductions. Next year, (2019 
tax season) the threshold will rise to 10 percent.

 Here’s an example. Let’s say that your AGI in 
2018 was $50,000. Of that, 7.5 percent is $3,750. 
If your total allowable medical expenses last year 
were $8,000, you’d be able to deduct $4,250 ($8,000 
minus $3,750). But, if your medical expenses 
were less than $3,750, you couldn’t claim any as a 
deduction. 

 You also need to understand that when taking 
a medical expense deduction, you don’t actually 
get back every dollar you claim. While a tax credit 
reduces your taxes dollar-for-dollar, tax deductions 
simply reduce your taxable income, and your 
savings ultimately depend on the effective rate at 
which you’re taxed. So, for example, if you qualify 
for a $4,250 deduction and your effective tax rate 
is 22 percent, you would get $935 in savings from 
that particular deduction.

 To get this deduction you will need to file an 
itemized Schedule A (1040) tax return. You cannot 
claim medical expenses on Form 1040A or Form 
1040EZ.

Allowable Medical Expenses

The list of allowable medical expenses, as defined 
by the IRS, is long and fairly flexible. As a Medicare 
beneficiary, you can deduct your monthly 
premiums for Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage 
plans), Part D drug plans, and any supplemental 
(Medigap) insurance you have. If you have to 
pay a premium for Part A, that’s allowed too. You 
can also deduct the cost of all your deductibles, 
coinsurance, and copayments under Medicare.

 In addition, you’re also allowed to deduct 
the cost of medical services not covered by 
Medicare, including dental treatment, vision care, 
prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids, and even 
long-term care. They also allow transportation to 
and from medical treatment to count as an eligible 
medical expense. And if necessary, you may even 
be able to deduct home alterations and equipment, 
like entrance ramps, grab bars, stair lifts etc., that 
can help you age in place. 

 Some things, however, you cannot deduct like 
vitamins and supplements unless recommended 
by a physician to treat a specific medical condition. 
And Medicare late penalties added to Part B or 
Part D premiums. Medicare beneficiaries who fail 
to sign up during their initial enrollment period 
are typically hit with a penalty that gets added 
to their monthly premiums, but these additional 
costs won’t count for tax purposes. 

 For more information, including a detailed 
rundown of allowable and unallowable medical 
expenses, see IRS Publication 502 “Medical and 
Dental Expenses” at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.
pdf or call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them 
to mail you a copy.

 

 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.


NOW ACCEPTING OLDER AMERICAN 2019 NOMINATIONS

The Senior Community Commission and Community Services Department is 
now accepting nominations for the Older “Sierra Madre” American of the Year. 

If you know someone who lives in Sierra Madre, has demonstrated outstanding 
community service, and is 60+ years of age or older please be sure to fill out a 
nomination form due by Thursday, March 21st, 2019. 

Forms are available at the Hart Park House or by calling the Senior Services Office 
at 626-355-5278 x 704.


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