Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, August 29, 2020

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Mountain View News Saturday, August 29, 2020 

HOW TO PREVENT FALLS DURING A PANDEMIC

Dear Savvy Senior:

My 80-year-old mother, who lives alone and is self-
isolating during the coronavirus pandemic, has fallen 
several times. Are there any extra precautions you 
recommend that can help prevent this? Concerned 
Daughter

Dear Concerned:

Falls are a common concern for many elderly adults 
and their families, especially during the coronavirus pandemic when many seniors are sheltering at 
home alone. 

Each year, more than 1-in-4 older Americans fall, making it the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal 
injuries for those age 65 and older. But many falls can be prevented. Depending on what’s causing 
your mom to fall, here are some different tips that can help prevent it. 

Encourage exercise: Weak leg muscles and poor balance are two of the biggest risk factors that cause 
seniors to fall. Walking, strength training and tai chi are all good for improving balance and strength, 
as are a number of balance exercises your mom can do anytime like standing on one foot for 30 seconds 
then switching to the other foot, and walking heel-to-toe across the room. 

For additional balance and leg strengthening exercises, see AgeBold.com. 

Review her medications: Does your mom take any medicine, or combination of medicines, that make 
her dizzy, sleepy or lightheaded? If so, make a list or gather up all the drugs she takes – prescriptions 
and over the counter – and contact her doctor or pharmacist for a drug review and adjustment. 

Get a vision test: Poor vision can be another contributor to falls, so your mom should get her eyes 
checked once a year and be sure to update her eyeglasses if needed. Also be aware that if your mom 
wears bifocal or progressive lenses, they too can cause falls, especially when walking outside or going 
down steps. These lenses can affect depth perception, so she may want to get a pair of glasses with only 
her distance prescription for outdoor activities.

If your mom is concerned about a trip into her eye doctor during the pandemic, she can get her vision 
tested online. Put a call her eye doctor about this option, or consider some online vision testing sites 
like Essilor.com or 6over6.com. And to buy eyeglasses online, some popular options include WarbyParker.
com and ZenniOptical.com.

Fall-proof her home: There are a number of simple household modifications you can do to make your 
mom’s living area safer. Start by helping her arrange or move the furniture so there are clear pathways 
to walk through and pick up items on the floor that could cause her to trip like newspapers, shoes, 
clothes, electrical or phone cords. 

If she has throw rugs, remove them or use double-sided tape to secure them. 

In the bathroom buy some non-skid rugs for the floors and a rubber suction-grip mat or adhesive 
non-skid tape for the floor of the tub or shower, and have a carpenter install grab bars in and around 
the tub/shower for support. 

Also, make sure the lighting throughout the house is good, purchase some inexpensive plug-in nightlights 
for the bathrooms and hallways, and if she has stairs, put handrails on both sides. 

For more tips, see the NIA “fall-proofing your home” web page at NIA.NIH.gov/health/
fall-proofing-your-home. 

Choose safe footwear: Going barefoot or wearing slippers or socks at home can also cause falls, as can 
wearing backless shoes, high heels, and shoes with smooth leather soles. The safest option for your 
mom is rubber-sole, low-heel shoes.

Purchase some helpful aids: If your mom needs some additional help getting around, get her a cane or 
walker. Also, to help ensure your mom’s safety, and provide you some peace of mind, consider getting 
her a medical alert device that comes with a wearable emergency button that would allow her to call 
for help if she were to fall or need assistance. 

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.

SENIOR HAPPENINGS


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …August Birthdays*

Nancy Beckham, Karlene Englert, Juanita Fernandez, Jeanette Francis, Joseph 
Kiss, Jacquie Pergola, Pat Miranda, Jerry Burnett, Margaret Aroyan, Phyllis 
Burg, Beverly Clifton, Rosemary Morabito, Susan Poulsen, Joy Barry, Marcia 
Bent, Joan Spears, Ruth Torres, Jane Zamanzadeh. Helen Stapenhorst, Chandy 
Shair,Heidi Hartman, Erma Gutierrez, 

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


SIERRA MADRE SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

The City of Sierra Madre is following these procedures to provide current communication in light of 
COVID-19 and keep the Senior Community and families informed of essential information and resources. 
City staff are monitoring email communication daily, and although employees are minimizing 
direct engagement and practicing social distancing in the community, please note that voice messages, 
emails, and social media responses are being addressed in the most efficient and timely manner.

If at any moment additional information is needed, please contact City Hall Administrative Services at 
(626) 355-7135, Monday-Thursday from 7:30a – 5:30p, as they are taking messages and e-mailing the 
appropriate person.

For messages that may trickle in otherwise, please note our team is remotely checking voicemail daily at 
the Community Services Department, (626) 355-5278 x702.

Community Services Department will continue email communication with Senior residents and aging 
community members.

If you know of family members or neighbors who may benefit from accessing information electronically, 
and to receive the department’s Seniors Newsletter via email but may not otherwise have been included 
on an email group list, please send your request with email address to the following team members:

Lawren Heinz Lheinz@cityofsierramadre.com and Clarissa Lowe Clowe@cityofsierramadre.com.

Community Services Department will continue Electronic Seniors Newsletter on a weekly-basis 
distribution.

Community Services Department will continue with mail drop-off of newsletters at the Sierra Madre 
U.S. Post Office Box (unless otherwise advised).

City Social Media will continue via Facebook as well as Instagram, and information sharing will include 
updates as details becomes available.

Mater Dolorosa - Sierra Madre Meal Pick-Up Program provides seal-packaged frozen meals, 5-per 
person every Thursday, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Hart Park House Senior Center 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 
Donations are accepted. Call (626) 355-5278; x702 or 704.

YWCA Intervale Meal Program - Effective Wednesday, April 1, 2020

YWCA has transitioned their distribution of take home meals at the Sierra Madre Hart Park House Senior 
Center to a home-delivery meal program. Participants previously reserved for meal pick-up as of 
Wednesday, 3/25/20 were informed that they would begin to have their meals delivered to their homes, 
beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020 until further notice.

For any additional participants calling in that are at a high risk and need meals delivered to, please 
provide us their name, date of birth (they must be 60+), address and phone number and Community 
Services Department will for-ward this information to our County Contact.

Food Banks Support: Seniors & Families:

If someone is outside of our local area and in need of a food bank, they can find one nearest them by 
going to www.lafoodbank.org and typing in their zip code; or call from the list here:

First Church of the Nazarene-Pasadena 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-351-9631

Wednesday 10:30 am-12 pm 

Pasadena Senior Center 85 E. Holly St. Pasadena 626-685-6732

Foothill Unity Center 415 W. Chestnut Ave. Monrovia 626-358-3486 Monday 1 pm-3:30 pm, 
Wednesday & Friday 9 am-11:30 am

Lifeline Community Services & Economic Development 2556 N. Lake Ave Altadena

626-797-3585 2nd and 4th Wednesday 12 pm-2 pm & 8:15 pm-9 pm

Morning Star Outreach Ministry 1416 N. Mentor Ave Pasadena 626-794-4875

2nd & 4th Saturday 11 am-1

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett

SUPREME COURT CASE COULD IMPACT 
LGBTQ ADOPTION, BUT ESTATE PLANNING 
OFFERS ALTERNATE OPTIONS


A case on the Supreme 
Court’s 
docket for October 
could have a 
major impact on 
the parental rights 
of same-gender 
couples seeking to 
adopt or foster children. In February, the high 
court agreed to hear Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, 
which deals with whether taxpayer-funded, 
faith-based foster care and adoption agencies 
have a Constitutional right to refuse child placement 
with LGBTQ families.

In March 2018, the City of Philadelphia learned 
that Catholic Social Services (CSS), an agency it 
contracted with to provide foster care services 
was refusing to license same-gender couples as 
foster parents. This was despite the fact the agency 
consented to abide by a city law prohibiting 
anti-LGBTQ discrimination. 

The city told CSS it would not renew their contract 
unless they abided by its nondiscrimination 
requirements, but CSS refused to comply, and the 
city cancelled its contract. CSS then sued the city, 
claiming it had a First Amendment right to refuse 
licensing same-gender couples, since those 
couples were in violation of their religious beliefs. 

Both a federal judge and the 3rd Circuit Court 
of Appeals sided with the city, noting the city’s 
decision was based on a sincere commitment to 
nondiscrimination, not a targeted attack on religion. 
From there, CSS took the case to the Supreme 
Court.

Rampant discrimination at the state level

LGTBQ adoptions are particularly contentious 
right now at the state level. The Supreme Court 
has yet to rule on the issue of the parental rights 
of non-biological spouses in a same-gender marriage. 
Given this, many married same-gender 
couples looking to obtain full parental rights 
in every state turn to second-parent adoption, 
as the Supreme Court has previously ruled that 
the adoptive parental rights granted in one state 
must be respected in all states.

That said, 11 states currently permit state-licensed 
adoption agencies to refuse to grant an 
adoption, if doing so violates the agency’s religious 
beliefs. In other states, the law specifically 
forbids such discrimination, but as we’ve seen in 
the Fulton case, those laws are being challenged.

Estate planning offers another option

No matter how the Supreme Court rules, same-
gender couples seeking parental rights have another 
option—estate planning. It may be surprising 
to hear, but it’s critically important for you to 
know that when used wisely, estate planning can 
provide a non-biological, same-gender parent 
with necessary and desired rights, even without 
formal adoption. 

Starting with our Kids Protection Plan®, couples 
can name the non-biological parent as the child’s 
legal guardian, both for the short-term and the 
long-term, while confidentially excluding anyone 
the biological parent thinks may challenge their 
wishes. In this way, if the biological parent becomes 
incapacitated or dies, his or her wishes are 
clearly stated, so the court will keep the child in 
the non-biological parent’s care. 

Beyond that, there are several other planning 
tools—living trusts, powers of attorney, and 
health care directives—we can use to grant the 
non-biological parent additional rights. We can 
also create “co-parenting agreements,” legally 
binding arrangements that stipulate exactly how 
the child will be raised, what responsibility each 
partner has toward the child, and what kind 
of rights would exist if the couple splits or gets 
divorced.

Secure parental rights—and your family’s future

Whether you are married, or in a domestic partnership, 
even with no children involved, it’s critically 
important you understand what will happen 
in the event one (or both) of you becomes 
incapacitated or when one (or both) of you dies. 
Proper planning can ensure your beloved is left 
with ease and grace, not a financial and legal 
nightmare that could have been avoided. 

With proper guidance and support, you can ensure 
your partner or spouse will be protected and 
provided for in the event of your incapacity or 
when you die, while preventing your plan from 
being challenged in court by family members 
who might disagree with your relationship. 

Dedicated to empowering your family, building 
your wealth and 
defining your 
legacy,

A local attorney 
and father, Marc 
Garlett is on a 
mission to help parents protect what they love

most. His office is located at 55 Auburn Avenue, 
Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Schedule an appointment 
to sit down and talk about ensuring a legacy 
of love and financial security for your family 
by calling 626.355.4000 or visit www.CaliLaw.
com for more information.

OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder


DOING NOTHING IS HARDER THAN I THOUGHT

After being so long in a lockdown 
situation, the Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage 
planned a short vacation 
time for us. It took her quite a while to put all of 
the pieces together, but she succeeded as always.

As I was preparing for this little adventure, my 
wife looked at me and said, "What are you putting 
in that bag?"

I looked at her, smiled and said, “I’m putting 
some projects that I want to catch up on while 
we’re on vacation.” I then flashed another smile 
in her direction. “This is going to be wonderful,” 
I said to her.

She looked at me, both hands on her hips and 
said, “You are not taking any projects on this trip. 
The whole plan is for us to do nothing. Do you 
understand?”

I must say I was not quite prepared for this. 
When we got away, I thought I could spend time 
catching up on some projects I was working on. I 
always have a project in the wind.

“This time,” my wife said rather sternly, “is for us 
to do nothing and do it together.”

By the tone of her voice, I knew she was quite serious 
and not joking. Over the years, I have been 
able to detect this sort of thing. I do not have it all 
worked out yet, but I am getting there. This tone 
of her voice I knew quite well.

“Couldn’t I just take one project?” I tried to flash 
the best smile I had, but to no avail.

“This is a very important time for us to do nothing. 
And I will make sure that we will do absolutely 
nothing on this little vacation together.”

This was rather new for me. Although sometimes 
I do not do very much, I have never gotten to the 
point where I am actually doing nothing. I am 
not sure what that feels like.

"You don't need to worry about this." My wife 
said as she saw me scowling. "I will handle this 
and help you to do nothing while we are away. 
When we're done, you'll thank me."

We got to our motel, I checked in, and we settled 
into our room.

I sat down on a chair in the corner, looked at my 
wife and cheerfully said, “Well, Honey, what do 
we do now?”

I was hoping that she had been teasing me all 
along, and I would be able to do something. After 
all, in my humble opinion, doing something is 
a lot better than doing nothing. However, do not 
quote me on that one.

“We’ll take a little rest here,” she said, “and then 
we will go out for dinner.”

"Okay," I said, trying to hold back a chuckle, "but 
isn't that doing something?"

Obviously, she did not get the joke and looked at 
me with one of "those looks."

So, I thought to myself, this is how it's going to 
be on our short vacation. I had to think of something 
without her knowing that I was not doing 
anything, and catch her off guard.

We went out for dinner just up the street from 
our motel and enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

When the check came, I looked at my wife and 
said, "This sure is fun doing nothing."

She looked at me and then looked away, and I 
knew I had done something contrary to her rules 
of doing nothing.

I knew I had to get her, and it was not going to 
be easy.

As we drove around the block to go back to our 
motel, we passed a thrift store. I looked at my 
wife, pointed to the thrift store, and said, "Hey, 
look at that! You want to go into the thrift store?"

Before I could park the car, she was out the door 
and going into this thrift store. I cherished the 
moment because it is a rare moment when I get 
one on her.

When she came out of the thrift store, she had 
several bags of whatever. I opened the door for 
her and said rather cheerfully, "How much did 
that doing nothing cost you?"

"Okay," she said, "I need these items for a project 
at home, and I really saved a lot of money in that 
thrift store."

“So,” I said as dramatically as possible, “your doing 
nothing is different from my doing nothing.”

"I'm sorry," she said very sorrowfully, "I made a 
mistake, so I will allow you to do one thing. What 
do you want to do?"

I must admit this caught me off guard. I thought 
for a moment that I was in control of the situation, 
and then it backfired on me. I tried to think 
of one thing to do, and my brain just was not 
working.

The more I thought about it, the less I knew what 
I could do. I do not go shopping, so that was out. 
All of my projects were back home, so that was 
out of the picture. I could think of nothing to do.

“I can’t think of nothing,” I said to my wife.

“That’s great. Now you’re doing nothing.”

While I was thinking of nothing, I was reminded 
of Scripture, “And as ye would that men should 
do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 
6:31).

Nothing is not that special but sometimes the 
right something can be real special.

Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of 
God Fellowship, Ocala, FL 34472. He lives with 
the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage in Silver 
Springs Shores. Call him at 352-216-3025 or e-
mail jamessnyder2@att.net. The church web site is 
www.whatafellowship.com.


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