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Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 17, 2024 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL ASSISTED 

LIVING COMMUNITY WITH SAFE PATH 
FOR SENIORS

Are you or a loved one considering senior living? Safe Path 
for Seniors offers a FREE service to simplify your search. 
Our expert advisor will provide per-sonalized guidance, 
connecting you with the perfect assisted living community 
tailored to your needs and budget. With an extensive network 
and cost-effective options, we ensure peace of mind 
during this transition.

Why Safe Path for Seniors?

*Personalized Support: We understand unique requirements. * Extensive Network: Find communities that 
suit your preferences. *Budget-Friendly: Discover cost-effective solutions. * Streamlined Process: Save time 
with our seamless placement. *Compassion and Care: Your well-being is our priority.

 Let us be your trusted partner. Call (626) 999-6913 or visit www.safepathforseniors.com for a FREE consultation. 
Begin a comfortable, fulfilling senior living journey with Safe Path for Seniors.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JFEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS*

Tracy Verhoeven, Beatrice DaRe, Catherine Adde, Hilda Pittman, Anne-
Marie Stockdale, Susan Henderson, Allie Attay, Ursula El-Tawansy, ladys 
Moser, Sylvia Lorhan, Ana Ptanski, Winifred Swanson , Janet Gillespie, 
Marian DeMars, Vickie Vernon, Mary Beth Knox, Sharon Lefler.

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

 


PAPER QUILL HEART CRAFT – Monday, February 26th beginning at 
1:0pm. All materials will be provided and space is limited, please call to 
reserve your spot.

 

REAL ESTATE PLANNING – Come listen to a panel of expert professionals 
who support seniors and their families with their housing and real estate needs. 
Tuesday, February 13th from 1:30pm-2:30pm. Light snacks and beverages will 
be served. Reserve your spot today!

 

SENIOR CINEMA – Wednesday, February 21st, La La Land.

 

HULA & POLYNESIAN DANCE – Thursday 10:00am-11:00am in the 
Memorial Park pavilion and Friday 10:00am-11:00am in the Hart Park House.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAM TARGETS ELDERLY 
RESIDENTS - (Courtesy of Safe Path For Seniors):

 The police department alerts residents to a recent surge in home improvement scams, particularly 
targeting seniors. These scams involve contractors who take cash payments upfront but fail to 
complete the promised work, leaving homeowners with unfinished projects and financial losses.

Common Tactics Used by Scammers: Scammers typically approach homeowners offering 
assistance with repair and construction projects, such as foundations, masonry, chimneys, 
and roofing. After receiving payment, they perform minimal work or none at all, leaving the 
homeowners stranded.

Safety Tips to Avoid Scams:

Consider only licensed and insured and bonded contractors, ensuring accountability and 
protection against fraud 

Request proof of insurance from contractors to verify legitimacy and safeguard against potential 
liabilities.

Seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends and family, to ensure reliability and 
quality of service.

Research the contractor online using keywords like "scam," "review," or "complaint" to uncover 
any red flags or past grievances.

Read customer reviews and utilize reputable online rating platforms to gauge the contractor's 
reputation and performance.

Obtain multiple estimates with detailed breakdowns of the work, materials, completion timeline, 
and pricing to make informed decisions.

Avoid paying the full project amount upfront to mitigate the risk of financial loss in case of 
incomplete or unsatisfactory work.

Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities to protect the community 
from fraudulent practices 

--

THEAGENCY - Redefining real estate

 STEVEN GALINDO

Estates Agent | Senior Real Estate Specialist

626-639-8548

TheAgencyRE.com

StevenGalindo.com

Lic# 01002784


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

WHO DOESN'T LIKE BALONEY?


EASY TO USE DENTAL CARE 

PRODUCTS FOR ELDERLY SENIORS

When I was young, my 
favorite sandwich was 
the baloney sandwich. 
Sometimes, with cheese 
and other things, but most importantly, 
baloney. I can’t imagine what my 
childhood would have been like without 
those bologna sandwiches. Until I went 
to school, I thought my mother had 
invented the baloney sandwich.

My mother even prepared bologna 
sandwiches for my school lunch. Just 
about every boy in my class had baloney 
sandwiches for their lunch. I remember 
we would trade around and eat each 
other’s baloney sandwiches. If there 
was a sandwich contest, nobody really 
won because the baloney sandwich is a 
reward in itself. It’s hard to find a better 
lunch.

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a 
simple baloney sandwich for lunch. The 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage is a 
culinary expert specializing in making 
delicious meals. The simple baloney 
sandwich would not necessarily be on 
her menu. Sometimes, the simple things 
in life are the best things.

We were talking about something the 
other night. I’m not sure if it was politics 
or sports, but I expressed my opinion as 
clearly as possible. When I was through, 
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
just looked at me momentarily and 
said, “You do know that you’re full of 
baloney?”

At that point, I didn’t know if she was 
complimenting or criticizing me. From 
my point of view, baloney would be a 
high compliment. I did not pursue that 
then, but just let it go. An important 
lesson I have learned is that there are 
times just to let things go. This was one 
of those times.

Last week, I thought about pulling a 
little prank on her. I don’t know what I 
was thinking but I waited until she was 
in her craft room. I walked in and began 
looking around. Believe me, there is a 
lot to look at, and I’m not sure what I 
was looking at.

“What are you doing in here? Are you 
looking for something?”

Looking at her with a serious glare, I 
said, “I was just thinking that maybe I 
could come and help you organize your 
craft room. I have a lot of ideas of how 
you can make this a better organized 
craft room.”

The fact that I was in the craft room was 
a project in itself. If I ever went in there 
alone, I probably would get lost and 
never be found until she came into the 
craft room herself. If there ever is a time 
when I seem to disappear, just look in 
her craft room.

I then began to tell her some of the 
things I would do to help reorganize her 
craft room.

She just sat there staring at me with one 
of “her stares,” and just let me go on 
talking.

When I finished, I looked at her, smiled, 
and said, “So, what do you think?”

“What do I think?” responded The 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. “Let 
me tell you what I think. I think you are 
full of baloney. I do not need any help 
organizing my craft room, especially 
from you.”

I graciously left the craft room smiling 
and headed for my easy chair to enjoy 
my prank.

For me to reorganize her craft room 
would’ve been so far over the moon that 
I was starting to think I really was full 
of baloney.

A few days later, I was working in my 
office, and she stepped in for a moment 
and began looking all around at my 
bookshelves. For a few moments, all 
she did was look around at my books. 
Then she said, “I think I can help you 
reorganize your office here.”

At that point, I didn’t really know what 
to say because I did not need any help 
reorganizing my books. I looked at 
her and said, “Do you think I’m full of 
baloney?”

She laughed at me and said, “Yes, I do 
think you’re full of baloney.” And then 
she left the office laughing and went 
back into the kitchen.

It’s amazing that we both live in our own 
worlds. Her craft room is at one end of 
the house, and my office and library are 
at the other end of the house, and the 
twain never shall meet.

I had to think about that for some time 
because, after 53 years of marital bliss, 
we have never had a major conflict. 
Oh yes, there is the Apple Fritter and 
broccoli issue that still continues. But 
that’s about as bad as it ever got.

I wouldn’t say this to her, but I’m kind of 
thinking that might it might be that my 
baloney is one of the secrets of our good 
marriage. After all, what else is there?

The best celebration we could ever have, 
in my opinion, is a bologna sandwich 
lunch. That would make my day, but 
I’m not sure she could handle all that 
baloney. Then, of course, she’s handled 
me for 53 years. If she can handle that 
much baloney, she can handle anything.

I then thought of a verse of scripture on 
this subject. “Can two walk together, 
except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).

Thinking of this, it occurred to me 
how important agreeing really is in 
all relationships. Yes, there are certain 
things to disagree about. But, the key 
is what do we really agree about. Those 
things we agree on will establish a 
relationship of unity.

Dear Savvy Senior:

I have arthritis and hand tremors that affects my grip 
strength and makes brushing my teeth difficult. I’ve read 
that electric toothbrushes can help make the job easier. Can you make any recommendations for 
seniors? Arthritic Alice

Dear Alice:

For seniors who suffer from arthritis or have other hand weaknesses or tremors, an electric 
toothbrush is an often turned to solution for keeping your teeth clean. At the push of a button, an 
electric toothbrush will do everything but shake, rattle and roll to do the cleaning for you, and 
most come with a wide, slightly weighted handle and rubberized grip that make them easier and 
more comfortable to hold on to.

How to Choose

With dozens of different electric toothbrushes on the market today, here are several points to 
consider to help you choose:

Cost: The cost of electric toothbrushes will range from $10 for a model with replaceable AA 
batteries to more than $200 for some models with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, multiple 
brushing modes, smartphone integrations, and other features. How much are you willing to spend?

Brushing action: Brush heads tend to be either “spinning” (they rotate very fast in one direction, 
then the other, and bristles may pulsate in and out) or “sonic” (they vibrate side to side). Both 
methods are effective and a matter of personal preference.

Electric versus battery: Choose a brush with a built-in rechargeable battery and an electric charging 
station. They’re much more convenient and cost effective than toothbrushes that use replaceable 
batteries.

Brushing timer: Since most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes (most adults average 
about 45 seconds), get an electric toothbrush with a built-in brushing timer – most have them. 
Some brushes will even split the two minutes onto four 30-second intervals and will notify you 
when it’s time to switch to a different quadrant of your mouth.

Extra features: Most higher-priced electric brushes come with extra features like cleaning modes, 
pressure sensors, a charge-level display and more. There are even “smart” toothbrushes that 
connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to track brushing habits. What extra features do 
you want? 

Best Electric Toothbrushes

According to Consumer Reports – an independent, nonprofit product testing and research 
organization – the top electric toothbrushes for 2024 are the Oral-B iO 7 Series ($150); Oral B Genius 
X 10000 ($200); Bruush Electric Toothbrushes ($95); and the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 
6100 ($120). And the top rated low-cost electric toothbrush is the Brightline 86700 ($30).

The New York Times Wirecutter, another popular product reviewing service, rates the Oral-B Pro 
1000 ($40) as the best electric toothbrush followed by the Philips Sonicare 4100 ($40).

Easier Flossing Tools

If flossing has become challenging too, a good alternative to traditional string floss are floss picks. 
These are disposable plastic-handle tools that have floss threaded onto them, which makes them 
easier to hold and use. DenTek, Oral-B and others sell packages for a few dollars or check out the 
Listerine UltraClean Access Flosser, which comes with a toothbrush-like handle for a better reach.

Some other flossing products to consider that are easy on the hands are the WaterPik Power Flosser 
($15), which gently vibrates to dislodge embedded food particles between your teeth. Or consider 
a water flosser, which use high-pressured pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque 
and will stimulate your gums in the process. WaterPik offers a variety of water flossing products 
at prices ranging between $40 and $140, as does Oral Breeze, which offers the Shower Breeze and 
Quick Breeze water flossers (around $40) that connects directly to your faucet or shower head.

 All of these dental care products can also be found at your local pharmacy or retailer that sells 
personal care items or online.

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.

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