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 Mountain Views NewsSaturday, July 27, 2024

SENIOR HAPPENINGS


FREE ASSISTED LIVING PLACEMENT SERVICE

 

 Discover the perfect assisted living community with 
Safe Path for Seniors. Our compassionate advisors 
specialize in assisting individuals with unique needs. 
Benefit from our extensive network and affordable 
options. Plus, we offer personalized tours to help you 
explore each community firsthand. Call (626) 999-
6913 or visit www.safepathforseniors.com for free 
assistance.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JULY Birthdays*

Nina Bartolai, Mary Lou Caldwell, Louise Neiby, Betty Hansen, Melinda 
Rogers , Christine Durfort, Shahrzad Azrani, Jeanne Borgedahl, Janet Cox, 
Dorothy Montgomery, Bess Pancoska, Janet Swanson, Barbara Watson, Pat 
Alcorn, Karma Bell, Alice Clark, and Betty Dos Remedios, Bonnie Diener

Jan Greteman, Linda Heller

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


From The Desk of Steve Sciurba, Safe Path For Senior


START TO DOWNSIZE YOUR BELONGINGS

As people age, downsizing becomes a necessity often left by the wayside. Sorting through decades of 
belongings can be daunting especially if facing a short timeline due to illness or selling of a home. Starting 
the downsizing process early, while still mobile and capable, is essential.

Begin small to make the task manageable and set up a consistent schedule dedicated to decluttering and 
sorting. Tackle one space at a time, such as a single drawer, closet, or room, two to 3 times a week for 
30 minutes. This focused approach builds momentum and makes the process less overwhelming. Sorting 
methodically and intentionally helps make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard.

Retain only items that are truly loved or needed. While sentimental items hold emotional value, it’s 
important to differentiate between those that bring joy and those that merely take up space. Consider 
creating a memory box for treasured keepsakes. For practical items, assess their utility and fit for a smaller 
living space. Ask yourself:

• Have I used this item in the past 6 months to a year? If not, discard it.

• Can this be easily replaced for a minimal amount? No need to keep plastic utensils, tupper-ware 
from parties or fast food.

• Is there another multi-function tool or appliance that serves the same purpose? An Instapot, 

For example, can replace a rice cooker, mini oven, roaster, and slow cooker.

Involving family members can provide support, help with decisions, and allow them to keep items they want. 
If you do not have local support, engaging professional organizers or senior move managers are helpful as 
they are experienced, efficient, and compassionate with the downsizing process.

Downsizing isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about creating a more manageable, safe, and enjoyable 
living environment. By starting early and taking it step by step, aging adults can ensure a smooth transition, 
allowing them to enjoy their new, simplified living space with peace of mind. 

If you need professional assistance, please contact The KIND Organizer team based out of the San Gabriel 
Valley at (626) 509-5209 or visit: kindorganizer.com 


LUCY DE TERESA

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER | SENIOR MOVE MANAGER

www.kindorganizer.com

THIS IS NOT A SCAM: SOCIAL SECURITY NEEDS YOU TO UPDATE 
YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNT


Dear Savvy Senior:

I recently received an email that I needed to update my 
online Social Security account. Is this legit or is it a scam? 
Suspicious Susan

Dear Susan:

The Social Security Administration did indeed send out a legitimate email last month to notify 
recipients that they are making changes to the way you access Social Security’s online services, 
including your personal “my Social Security” account.

The changes will simplify your sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards, 
while at the same time provide you safe and secure access to your account and other online services.

If you created an online my Social Security account before September 18, 2021, you’ll need to shift 
to a Login.gov account to be able to continue to access your account.

Online my Social Security accounts enable both beneficiaries and people who are not yet receiving 
benefits to access services, including requesting Social Security card replacements, estimating 
future benefits, checking on the status of benefit applications and managing current benefits.

The online services aim to save time for both current and future beneficiaries, as well as the Social 
Security Administration, as the agency grapples with long wait times for its national 800 phone 
number. The average speed to answer those calls was about 36 minutes in the second quarter, 
according to the SSA. The agency is working to bring that average wait time down to 12 minutes 
by the end of September 2025.

Update Your Account

If you already have a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your 
Social Security username. You’ll then be guided through the process of creating a new account 
with Login.gov. Once you successfully link your personal my Social Security account with your 
new Login.gov account, you’ll get a confirmation screen and have immediate access to online 
services. In the future, you’ll sign into your account with Login.gov and not your Social Security 
username.

If you already have either a Login.gov or ID.me account, you do not have to take any action.

Beware of Scams

To be sure you’re taking the appropriate steps to update your account, it is important to verify 
any websites or links leading you to the Social Security website. Legitimate Social Security 
Administration website link is www.ssa.gov and the agency link to my Social Security account is 
www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

It’s very important to be mindful of potential scam artists who may send you fraudulent websites 
pretending to direct you to Social Security. These sites will closely mimic the format of the agency’s 
links to try to lure you into entering your personal information.

If you see a suspicious email or link, it is best not to respond or click on it. Instead, you can report it 
to the website of the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General or call the fraud hotline at 800-269-0271.

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.


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

WHO IS SHADOWING ME?

I’ve been bouncing back after 
a health hiatus and thought 
I was doing well. I still have 
some coughs and sneezes, 
but they are slowly diminishing. It’s good to 
get back on schedule again.

The other day, I had to get some gas for my 
vehicle. It’s been a long time since I put gas 
in that vehicle, and it was about time to get 
filled up. When I got to the gas station, I 
didn’t know if I needed to go to the bank and 
get a loan for my gas. Prices are ridiculous. 
When I first got my license, gas was $0.29 a 
gallon.

When I left that morning, I noticed a shadow 
on my left side as I was driving. I looked to 
the left, and saw nothing. I was sure there 
was something there because of the shadow.

Throughout the day, there was a scary shadow 
on my left side that I couldn’t identify.

I didn’t know if somebody was following me 
and if they were, why?

Of course, thinking the way I do, it could 
be an angel following me to make sure I got 
back home safe.

When I got home, I told The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage that I believed 
an angel was shadowing me to make sure I 
didn’t get hurt.

She just looked at me, laughed and said, 
“What angel would waste his time with you?”

Without thinking, I responded, “Well, you 
did.”

She looked at me with one of “those stares” 
and I realized I had said that phrase out 
loud. That’s my problem. I cannot keep such 
phrases in my head.

Throughout the rest of the day, I had this 
shadow to the left of me. No matter where 
I went, there was this shadow. I could never 
make it out, I could never see it, and I didn’t 
know what it was.

After a while, something like this can work 
on your nerves. I don’t know what’s wrong. 
Maybe I’m losing it.

Throughout the day, I went about very 
carefully, not knowing who was shadowing 
me. I got very frustrated with this, not 
realizing what in the world was going on.

The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
suggested that maybe it was old age catching 
up with me. Then, she laughed as she walked 
away.

I had a lot of places to go and was quite 
frustrated with this thing shadowing me.

Then, the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
asked if I could go to Publix and pick up some 
groceries she needed for the day. Of course, I 
agreed and got ready to go.

Shadowing me as I walked to my vehicle was 
this “thing” that had been shadowing me all 
day. I was trying to think of how to eliminate 
this nonsense.

Maybe, just maybe, if I sneaked over to 
Publix and got an Apple Fritter, I would be 
able to solve this problem I was having. At 
least it’s an excuse to get an Apple Fritter.

I got my Apple Fritter and sat on a bench 
outside to eat it. That lousy shadow was with 
me while I was eating. I was very cautious 
because I did not want that shadow to get 
a bite of my Apple Fritter. That would have 
spelled tragedy in the worst sense of the 
word.

As I took the last bite of the Apple Fritter, 
I turned to my left to find that person 
shadowing me, and there was nobody there. 
I was getting frustrated. Something had to be 
done.

On my way home, that shadow was still on 
my left side. I don’t know how that shadow 
could be there and not be seen. Something’s 
going on.

I had one final stop before I went home. I was 
going to get a haircut because it was that time 
of the month.

I went in and was seated. My barber got 
everything ready and then looked at me and 
said, “How did you get that little bit of peanut 
butter on your glasses?”

What? I removed my glasses, and sure 
enough, there was a little peanut butter spot 
on my left lens. I was a little excited because I 
had found my shadower.

He laughed, and I joined in the laughter, but 
underneath, I was as frustrated as I’ve ever 
been. All day long, this little bit of peanut 
butter had been shadowing me, and I had not 
noticed it until now.

When I got home, The Gracious Mistress of 
the Parsonage greeted me and asked me a 
simple question. “Have you been shadowed 
this afternoon?”

I had to tell her, so I revealed that I had a little 
speck of peanut butter on my left lens.

She laughed and said, “I saw that this 
morning and wondered how soon it would 
be for you to realize what it really was.”

While I was pondering my blunder for the 
day and shadows, I was reminded of a verse 
in the Bible. “He that dwelleth in the secret 
place of the most High shall abide under the 
shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

To be associated with this shadow is the 
most important thing in the world. To know 
that I’m under the care of God gives me the 
courage to walk in faith. If I am under that 
shadow I am where God wants me to be and 
where God can use me for His purpose.

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with 
the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. 
Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail 
jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.
jamessnyderministries.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