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Mountain View News Saturday, April 4, 2026 
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Mountain View News Saturday, April 4, 2026 
WHAT’D YOU SAY??? 

Salomon Audiology is quietly redefining 
what it means to hear—and to be heard— 
in the San Gabriel Valley. As someone 
born and raised in this community, I’ve 
always valued the sense of connection 
that makes this area special. It’s not just 
about living nearby, it’s about relationships, 
trust, and truly showing up for one 
another. Salomon Audiology reflects that 
spirit in a way that feels both modern and 
deeply rooted in local care. 


More than a clinic, we serve as a bridge between advanced science and genuinely personal 
attention. Every patient is treated not as a number, but as a neighbor, with a story worth 
hearing. That philosophy is clear in everything we do, from comprehensive diagnostics to 
thoughtfully tailored treatment plans. 

At its core, Salomon Audiology is driven by a simple belief: better hearing transforms lives. 
Whether it’s helping a grandparent hear their grandchild’s laughter again or restoring confidence 
in everyday conversations, the impact goes far beyond sound; we rebuild connections! 

What truly sets the practice apart is its balance of innovation and humanity. With access to 
the latest hearing technology, patients receive solutions designed for their real lives. Just as 
important, they are guided every step of the way with care, clarity, and patience. 

We offer both in-office and mobile care, tailored around you! To learn more or schedule a 
consultation, visit Salomon Audiology online or call their office directly; better hearing starts 
with a simple conversation. 

www.salomonaudiology.com / (626) 412-2120 

STRATEGIES FOR PAYING OFF CREDIT CARD DEBT 

Dear Savvy Senior,
My husband and I, who are retired, have accumulated 
about $7,000 in credit card debt 
over the past few years and need some help 
paying it off. What can you tell us?
Living Underwater 

Dear Living,
I’m sorry to hear about your financial woes but know that you’re not alone. Credit card debt has 
become a big problem in this country for millions of older Americans. According to a recent AARP 
report, 52 percent of adults ages 50 to 64 have credit card debt, along with 42 percent of those ages 65 
to 74. 


Rising costs of basic expenses like food, housing, utilities and health care are the main culprits. But 
now, new tariffs on products made in China and other foreign countries will make many goods more 
expensive, which could make this problem worse. Of older adults carrying a balance, nearly half owe 
$5,000 or more, and nearly a third owe upwards of $10,000. 

While paying off credit card debt can feel overwhelming, it’s doable with a solid plan and a bit of belt-
tightening and persistence. Here are some strategies to help you tackle it: 

Create a BudgetStart by taking a close look at your income and expenses to see where you can free up money to put 
toward your credit card debt. Also look for areas to reduce spending, such as dining out, entertainment 
or subscriptions. And see if you’re eligible for any financial assistance programs (see BenefitsCheckUp.
org) that can help boost your budget by paying for things like food, utilities, medicine and health care. 

Call the Card CompanyWhile the average credit-card interest rate is more than 20 percent, some credit card companies maybe willing to lower your interest rate or work out a payment plan, especially if you’re struggling. It 
doesn’t hurt to ask. 

Pay More Than the MinimumCredit card companies only require the minimum payment, but it’s usually mostly interest. Try to pay 
more than the minimum every month to make a dent in the principal balance. 

Choose a Repayment StrategyIf you have more than one credit card, pick one and get serious about paying it off. Start with the card 
that carries the highest interest rate, or the one with the smallest balance. 

If you focus on paying off the card with the highest interest rate first, you’ll pay less interest over time, 
saving yourself a lot of money. Once the highest-interest card is paid off, move to the next highest, and 
so on. 

Or you may want to start with the card with the smallest balance. Paying off smaller debts quickly can 
give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. 

Consolidate Your Debt 
If you have multiple high-interest cards, look into consolidating your debt with a low-interest personal 
loan from your bank or credit union. Or consider moving your debts to a balance transfer credit card 
with 0 percent interest for an introductory period, which is usually 15, 18 or 21 months. This will 
eliminate the amount of interest you’re paying temporarily. But be careful! Once the introductory promotion 
ends, the card company will charge interest on any remaining balance. 

Consider a Debt Management PlanIf you need more help, use a nonprofit credit counseling agency (see NFCC.org) to create a debt management 
plan for you. At no cost, a counselor will go over your income and debts and determine what’s 
workable. The counselor will then negotiate with your lenders, to get a payment plan that will lower 
your interest and monthly payments and maybe forgive some debt. 

If you accept their negotiated offer, you’ll start making one monthly payment to the counseling service, 
which will in turn pay the issuers. You’ll likely pay the agency a small fee and give up the cards 
included in the plan, but over time you’ll be able to pay off your debt. 

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, 
Norman, OK 73070. 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …APRIL BIRTHDAYS* 

Howard Rubin, Anita Hardy, Hattie Harris, Marilyn Diaz, Virginia Elliott,
Elma Flores, Betty Jo Gregg, Barbara Lampman, Betty Mackie, Elizabeth 
Rassmusen, Maria Reyes, Marian DeMars, Anne Schryver, Chrisine 
Bachwansky, Colleen McKernan, Sandy Swanson, Hank Landsberg,
Shannon Vandevelde, Barbara Rounkle, Wendy Senour 

* To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 
626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 
Enjoy classic and family-friendly films at our Senior Cinema series, held 
at the Hart Park House. Join us for a relaxed and social movie experience 
with a variety of titles throughout April. 

Upcoming Showings: 

• April 1 -McFarland, USA 
• April 8 -Ray
• April 15 -Evan Almighty
• April 15 -The Story of Us 
• April 29 -You've Got Mail 
For more information, please visit sierramadreca.gov or call 
626-355-5278. 


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

MY ADDICTION TO HAPPINESS 

One of the most important elements of life is happiness. When I look 
around the world, I notice how scarce happiness seems, which makes 
me reflect on its true value. 

I have come to the conclusion that happiness is a choice. I can be happy 
or sad. The choice is mine. 

Whenever things aren't going the way I want, and it seems very chaotic around me, I stop, 
think a little bit, and actively choose happiness over my worrying, which helps me regain 
perspective. 

Not too long ago, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage looked at me and said, "Why 
are you so happy?" 

I looked at her smiling and said, "As long as you're in my life, I will be happy."
She looked at me, smiled, and then walked away. I'm not sure if she understood exactly 
what I was saying, but I meant it from the bottom of my heart. 

I once told her that I had a PhD in happiness. "What does that mean?" She asked. 
"A PhD is a 'Perpetual Happiness Demeanor'". And I have earned that degree.
Throughout the years, I have had this degree challenged on many levels. When things 
seem at their worst, I need to step back, smile, and be happy. 

If you watch the news on TV, there are a million reasons not to be happy. If I believed everything 
on TV, it would be hard to be happy. The purpose of television news is to depress 
people, and they are very successful at it. 

No matter how bad a situation looks, I can be happy. For every bad thing in the world, I 
can always find something good to be happy about. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those possibility thinkers who think all I have to do is 
think it and I can achieve it. I don't believe that at all. But I do believe in happiness in itself. 

The other day The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage was looking very sad. I approached 
her and said, "What's wrong? Why are you looking so sad?" 

Then she explained to me in detail why she was so sad. Based on what she said, she has 
every good reason to be sad. She had both thumbs injured, and they were not quite movable, 
which hindered her from doing some of the work she does.
"I just am tired of my thumbs not working yet." 

It reminded me of a time in my life when I was hit with shingles on my right side. My right 
arm was limited in what I could do with it. It really may be quite sad.
One day, I went to Wendy's, and a man came out of the store without a right arm. From 
the top of his shoulders down, his arm was missing. 

As I watched him walk to his truck, I got to thinking. That man will never be able to use 
his arm because it's gone. I, on the other hand, will be able to use my arm again one daybecause it's just a temporary setback. 

So, I told my wife, "Don't get discouraged. That will soon go away and you will have full 
access to both of your thumbs." I smiled at her, hoping she would catch the happiness bug. 

I don't think happiness comes automatically. It's a matter of choice. In the midst of some 
very negative situations, I can either suffer through them or choose to be happy. I'm not 
happy about my situation, but happiness is my choice in life. 

When my schedule is full, it is an opportunity for something to go wrong. I've lived long 
enough to realize that something going wrong is always an option. When I think I've got 
everything in line and I'm ready to take the next step, something blows up in my face.
That is enough to make me sad and even angry. I see a lot of angry people in this world. I 
can choose to be angry or to be happy. The choice is all mine. 

It's taken me almost a lifetime to understand that and to choose happiness under everycircumstance. 

The other day I had a doctor's appointment across town. Just a checkup that the doctors 
like to do. I went out, got in my truck, and it would not start. I did everything I could possibly 
think of, but nothing got that truck running. 

That was a real recipe for some anger in my situation. I finally had to call AAA to have 
them come and start up my truck. When he came, he discovered that it was the battery.
It took him about an hour to fix my truck and get it running. In the meantime, I had to 
cancel my doctor's appointment and reschedule it. 

I was a little bit agitated. When I walked into the house, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
greeted me and said, "Are you happy now?" 

She caught me with pie in my face. I looked at her, smiled very gently, and said, "I am now!"
I found some scripture that supports my happiness. 

Proverbs 3:13, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth 
understanding.” 
My happiness is not found in the world, but in my personal relationship with God through 
the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 1-352216-
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