Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, June 19, 2021

Mountain View News Saturday, June 6, 2020 11 Mountain View News Saturday, June 6, 2020 11 
HOW TO DOWNSIZE YOUR HOME FOR A MOVE 

Dear Savvy Senior:
What tips can you offer for downsizing? My husband and 
I would like to relocate from our house into a retirement 
community condo near our daughter but need to get rid of 
a lot of personal possessions before we can move.
Overwhelmed Willa 

Dear Willa: 
The process of weeding through a house full of stuff and 
parting with old possessions is difficult and overwhelming for most people. A good place to start is to 
see if your kids, grandkids or other family members would like any of your unused possessions. Whatever 
they don’t want, here are a few tips and services that may help you downsize. 

Sell It 
Selling your stuff is one way to get rid of your possessions and pad your pocketbook at the same time. 
Selling options may include consignment shops, a garage sale, estate sale and selling online. 

Consignment shops are good for selling old clothing, household furnishings and decorative items – 
they typically get 30 to 40 percent of the sale price. A good old-fashion garage sale is another option, 
or for large-scale downsizing you could hire an estate sale company to come in and sell your items. 
See EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org to locate options in your area. Some estate companies will even 
pick up your stuff and sell it at their own location – they typically take about 35 percent of the profits. 

Selling online is also a great option and opens you up to a wider audience. The OfferUp app (OfferUp.
com), Facebook Marketplace (Facebook.com/marketplace), Craigslist (Craigslist.org) and the CPlus 
for Craigslist app (Yanflex.com) are great options for selling locally, which can eliminate the packing 
and shipping costs and hassle. These websites and apps also don’t take a cut of your sales, but you’re 
responsible for connecting with your buyer and making the exchange of money and goods. 

Donate It 
If you itemize on your tax returns, donating your belongings to charitable organizations is another 
way to downsize and get a tax deduction. The Salvation Army (SAtruck.org, 800-728-7825) will actually 
come to your house and pick up a variety of household items, including furnishings and clothing. 
Goodwill (Goodwill.org) is another good option to donate to but they don’t offer pickup services. 

If your deductions exceed $500, you’ll need to file Form 8283, “Noncash Charitable Contributions” 
(IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8283.pdf). You’ll also need a receipt from the organization for every batch of 
items you donate and will need to create an itemized list of the items donated. To calculate fair market 
value for your stuff, use the Salvation Army’s donation guide at SAtruck.org/home/donationvalueguide. 

Toss It 
If you have a lot of junk you want to get rid of, contact your municipal trash service to see if they provide 
bulk curbside pickup services. Or, depending on where you live, you could hire a company like 
1-800-Got-Junk (1800gotjunk.com, 800-468-5865) or Junk-King (Junk-King.com, 888-888-5865) to 
come in and haul it off for a moderate fee. 

Another disposal option is Bagster (TheBagster.com, 877-789-2247) by Waste Management. This is a 
dumpster bag that you purchase for around $30, fill it to a limit of 3,300 pounds and schedule a pickup, 
which costs anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on your area. 

Get HelpIf you want or need some help, consider hiring a senior move manager. These are professional organizers 
who help older adults and their families with the daunting process of downsizing and moving to a 
new residence. To locate one in your area, visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers at 
NASMM.org or call 877-606-2766. You can also search at Caring Transitions (CaringTransitions.com), 
which is a large senior relocation and transition services franchise company that has more than 200 
franchises nationwide. 

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. 

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett 


THE PERFECT "REVERSE" FATHER'S DAY GIFT 

When you’re a dad, you don’t expect a new set of golf clubs or 
a shiny new grill for a Father’s Day gift, although that would be 
nice (hint, hint). In fact, even the basic necktie or socks is just 
fine. Afterall, we don’t do what we do so our kids will give us 
“stuff.” 

If you’re like me, the greatest gift is seeing your child exhibiting 
the values and principals you’ve taught him or her. 
When we think of estate planning, often the highest effort is put toward protecting and 
passing on our family’s financial wealth. And that’s certainly important. But not as many 
parents take the time to document, much less preserve, their family’s legacy – which is 
about so much more than just financial wealth. 

Legacy is about the stories, values, insights, and life lessons of our parents, grandparents, 

and those who came before them. And that legacy is all too often lost soon after those 

people pass away. But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Adding Your Story to Your Family’s Legacy

This Father’s Day, I encourage all you dads out there to take some time to be intentional 

about preserving that intangible part of your legacy. Record – by video or audio – 

highlights of your life, important values, lessons learned, insights gained. You can talk 

about parenthood, education, work and career, love and marriage, religion and spirituality, 

or anything else which strikes your fancy. 

If you’re a writer, pen (or type) a letter, make a card, or detail some of your life’s experiences. 
Collect photos, home videos, and other mementos so your loved ones know where to find 
them. Take pictures of important keepsakes and family heirlooms and write – on the back 
of the picture – the history of that item and why it’s significant to you. 

This will all be an incredible gift you give to your children, their children, and generations 
yet to come whom you will never meet but will know your story and appreciate your 
legacy. And I’m betting it will also be one of the best gifts you’ve ever given yourself, too. 
Preserving your legacy is grounding, and empowering, and uplifting. 

In the end, your family’s most precious wealth is not money, but the memories you make, 

the values you instill, and the insights and lessons you hand down. If left to chance, these 

assets are likely to be lost forever. 

Set aside some time to do this for yourself and for your family. By intentionally preserving 

your thread in the story of your family, you will cement your legacy and create a bridge 

from the past to the future. What’s better than that? 

Happy Father’s Day, fellow dads. 


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, CA91024. 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.GarlettLaw.com for more information. 


SENIOR ACTIVITIES IN SIERRA MADRE 

CHAIR YOGA 

Every Monday and Wednesday, 10-10:45 amChair yoga with Paul is coming back! Class be held in the Covered Pavilion in Memorial 
Park in front of the Senior Center. Please join us for some gentle stretching, yoga, balance exercise and overall 
relaxation. Classes will maintain a distance of 6 ft between participants. ALL participants must be wearing 
masks for the duration of the class. All equipment used will be sanitized after each use before it is stored. Each 
participant is responsible for providing their own water, masks and needed equipment or supplies for each class. 
Class size is limited so please call 264-8923 to reserve your spot. 

TAX ASSISTANCE 

If you are in need of assistance with your 2020 taxes please know that help is a phone call away. Don Brunner, Tax 
Saver, is not accepting in person consultations at the moment but available for a phone or email consult. Please 
call him at 626-447-8829 or email TAXSAVERD@gmail.com 

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP 

Have you ever thought about trying your hand at writing? Do you have an idea for a book and no idea how to 
begin? This program may be for you! Katy Nishimoto, Senior Editor with Random House, has graciously volunteered 
her time to lead this incredible writers workshop for seniors. Program participants will be given a prompt, 
a 10 minute writing task and a group reading. Discussions, readings and feedback to help guide your creative 
thinking into creative writing. If you have interest in writing nonfiction, a memoir, fiction or poetry then please 
call or email today to reserve your spot. Class will be limited to 10 participants. No writing skills or experience is 
required. Call Lawren Heinz at 626-355-7394 to reserve your spot and receive class information. 

MUG CRAFT 

Tuesday, May 18 at 11:00 am Join Lawren in making a delightful, colorful and artistic nail polish marbled mug! 
All supplies will be provided for you and we will meet in the Hart Park House patio. Please wear clothes you don’t 
mind getting nail polish on. To reserve your spot or ask questions please call Lawren Heinz at (626) 355-7394 or 
send an email to lheinz@cityofsierramadre.com 

IDEAS

 Do you have any ideas for programming? Is there a class or club you would like to see in our Senior Commu


nity? Please call or email Lawren Heinz with ideas or questions. 626-355-5278 x 704 lheinz@cityofsierramadre. 

com

 City staff are monitoring email communication daily, and although employees are minimizing direct engage


ment and interfacing less with the community, please note that voice messages, emails, and social media re


sponses are being addressed in the most efficient and timely manner. If at any time 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 per-son. 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. 
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 practic


ing 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 com


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

SENIOR HAPPENINGS 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …June Birthdays* 

Joanne Thrane, Nellie Haynes, Dorothy McKay, Diane Hatfield, Georgette Dunlay, 
Elizabeth Shul Donna Doss, Mary Carney, Carol Handley, Marilyn McKernan, 
Pat Fujiwara, John Shier, Beth Smith-Kellock, Ann Disbrow, Joan Ellison, Anne 
Montgomery, Trini Ornelas, Martha Spriggs, Pat Starkey, Kathleen Coyne, Suzanne 
Decker, Jacque Persing, Jeanne Peterson and Grace Sanders. * To add your name to 
this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not 
required 

OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

WHY DO I HAVE SO MANY TOES? 

I must confess that I'm not al


ways obvious to everything that 
is before me. I admit I miss a lot of things set 
before me. I don’t do this intentionally.
For example, sometimes, when I come home 
from the church office, I pass the Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage, and she is waving at me, 
but I don't see her. 
When I get home, she confronts me about it. I 
know it happened because, well, she told me it 
hap-pened. I wasn't very obvious of the situation 
at the time. 
Some things I see, some things I don't see. And 
I'm not sure the difference between either one. 
I don't know why I miss some things and not 
others. But I do, and I guess that's part of my 
personali-ty.
I know I have ten toes, five on each foot, and one 
on each foot is a big toe. I have known that since 
I could recognize things. I will not tell you how 
long that is because my calculator doesn't go up 
that high.
In the morning, when I get up, I stumble to the 
kitchen to get my morning cup of coffee. Without 
that cup of coffee, I have no idea what I'm 
doing or where I'm going. That's the reason God 
gave us coffee. I don't plan anything before my 
coffee. 
Several times I have to go to the doctor to get 
blood work done. I have to fast before I go, and 
that means no coffee. I told the nurse that was 
extracting my blood, "Are you sure you want me 
here before I have my coffee?"
Looking at me, she smiled and said, "It's okay. 
Remember, I have the needle."
I did remember. There are times when she can 
extract blood without any pain whatsoever. 
Then there are those other times that I will not 
talk about right now.
Before my coffee in the morning, I'm not exactly 
sure what I'm doing.
Being oblivious to things around me can catch 
up when I least expect it.
The other day when I got up, I think my eyes 
were open, but I'm not sure. I stumbled out into 
the kitchen to get my morning coffee.
On the way there, I heard a loud scream like a 
Comanche on the warpath and found myself 
danc-ing, and I don't dance. After a few seconds, 
I felt a pain coming from several of my toes up to 
the top of my head.
I had no idea what happened. I looked down and 
saw blood squirting out, I saw several toenails 
splintered, and two of my toes were black and 
blue. 

Before I could end my screaming and dancing, 
the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage came 
into the room and asked, "What in the world did 
you do?"
Of course, when anything happens in our house, 
it's always my fault. But I wasn't in the mood at 
that time to debate whose fault it was. At the 
time, I didn't care whose fault it was; it was the 
pain in my toes that captured all of my attention.
I couldn't answer her. I simply pointed down to 
my toes and let out another Comanche scream.
Somehow in walking down to the hallway, I 
smashed my toes into something that resisted 
them completely. To this day, I don't know what 
in the world my toes ran into. They've never revealed 
that secret to me. 
Fortunately, the Gracious Nurse of the Parsonage 
was able to take care of my toe’s situation. If 
I can break it, she can fix it.
Up to this point, I never paid any attention to my 
toes. Since that time, every time I walk, my toes 
remind me of the incident. I try not to limp because 
I'm not going to give those toes any credit 
at all. I'm going to walk despite their aggravation.
I've had some time to think about that little incident, 
and I began wondering how many other 
things in my life have I been oblivious to? What 
am I not paying attention to?
I have the opinion that when something bad 
happens, use it as a lesson. What is the lesson 
here? 
The lesson here is to pay attention to everything 
around you. That is quite a chore for me, and I'm 
working on it, but I'm not quite there yet.
I almost got in a traffic scrape the other day. Now 
when I'm out driving, I'm always looking to see 
if the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is driving 
by waving at me.
I do have one gripe, but I don't want to make it 
known to everybody. But every morning when 
I get up and come to the kitchen for my coffee, 
someone who shall remain anonymous always 
says, "How's your toes this morning?"
Usually, I will mumble back, "Fine; they're all 
fine." 
During this whole time, I had some serious 
thought about why I have to have ten toes? What 
is the purpose of all those toes?
I've been given a lot of thought to this, and in my 
devotions the other morning, this verse of Scripture 
was present. "Let thine eyes look right on, 
and let thine eyelids look straight before thee” 
(Proverbs 4:25).
I'm not sure why I have ten toes, but after this 
experience, I will give attention to my toes, but 
I'm going to give more attention to my eyes.