Mountain Views News Saturday, June 27, 2015
11THE GOOD LIFE Mountain Views News Saturday, June 27, 2015
11THE GOOD LIFE
SIMPLIFIED CELLPHONES FOR
SENIORS WITH HEARING PROBLEMS
Dear Savvy Senior:
Can you recommend some basic simplified
cellphones for seniors with hearing loss? My82-year-old father needs to get a new cellphonefor occasional calls or emergencies, but he needssomething that’s easy to use and one that he canhear on. Looking Around
camera, a powerful two-way speakerphone, andDear Looking;a ICE (in case of emergency) button on the backThere are several simplified cellphones on the of the phone that will automatically dial onemarket today that are specifically designed forpreprogramed number.
seniors – including those with hearing loss. TheseThe Doro 626 sells for $50 with service plansare basic cellphones that come with big buttons,starting at $10 per month, and no long-termeasy to navigate menus, SOS emergency buttons,contract. They even offer discounts to AARPenhanced sound and are hearing aid compatiblemembers.
too. Here are some top options.Another budget-friendly cellphone you shouldSenior-Friendly Phoneslook into is the Snapfon ezTWO for seniorsIf your dad isn’t locked into a cellphone contract,(snapfon.com, 800-937-1532), which costs underthere are three senior-friendly options to consider,$20, with a $35 activation fee, no-contract, and
all from no-contract cellphone companies.monthly service plans that start at $10. If you don’tOne of best is GreatCall’s Jitterbug5 (greatcall. want the Snapfon service plan (you can go throughcom, 800-918-8543). This custom designedAT&T or T-Mobile), the phone is $80.
Samsung flip-phone offers a backlit keypad withThis is a bar-style phone that provides big buttons,
big buttons, large text on a brightly colored screen,a color screen, enhanced volume with a speakerand “YES” and “NO” buttons to access the phone’sphone, a speaking keypad, and an SOS emergencymenu of options versus confusing icons.alert button on the back of the phone that canIt also offers voice dialing, a powerfulsound an alert when pushed and held down forspeakerphone, a built-in camera, and a variety offive seconds. It then sends a text message to asoptional health and safety features like the “5Star”many as five emergency contacts and calls thosemedical alert button that would let your dad call forcontacts in order until the call is answered. Or, for
help and speak to a certified agent 24/7 that couldan additional $15 per month you can subscribe toidentify his location and dispatch help as needed.their SOS monitoring service that will dispatch“Urgent Care,” which provides access to registeredhelp as needed.
nurses and doctors for advice and diagnoses. AndShared Plan Options“GreatCall Link,” which keeps family membersIf you want to get your dad a simple cellphoneinformed through your dad’s phone activities.through your cellphone provider, most carriers –
The Jitterbug5 sells for $99 with a one-time $35like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile – stillactivation fee, no-contract, and calling plans thatoffer a few basic cellphones that are inexpensivestart at $15 per month.and hearing aid compatible.
If you’re looking for something a little lessIf you’re an AT&T customer the option is the “LGexpensive, the Doro PhoneEasy 626 sold throughA380.” For Verizon users, there’s the “SamsungConsumer Cellular (consumercellular.com, 888-Gusto 3” and “LG Revere 3.” If you’re a Sprint345-5509) is an excellent option.customer there’s the “Kyocera Kona” and “AlcatelThis flip phone offers a backlit, separated keypadOneTouch Retro.” And for T-Mobile users there’s
that can speak the numbers as you push them,the “LG 450.”
which is a nice feature for seniors with vision
problems. It also has a big easy to read colorSend your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O.
display screen that offers large text with differentBox 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
color themes. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC TodayOther handy features include two speed dialshow and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
buttons, shortcut buttons to texting and the
KATIE Tse..........This and That
JOB’S WIFE
My mom and I started reading “The Bible through a Year.” It is not a book,
but rather a pacing guide for scripture reading that is included in many daily
devotionals, such as “Our Daily Bread,” “My Utmost for His Highest,” etc. Each
day there is scripture from the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, everyone
following along in “The Bible Through a Year” is currently in the book of Job and
the Acts of the Apostles.
The story of Job is an answer to the age-old question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
The account begins in Heaven, when the angels appeared before God, and Satan was there also. Like
a proud father, God asked Satan if he had noticed His faithful servant, Job. Satan challenged Job by
claiming that he was only faithful because God had blessed him so much. Essentially, Satan called
Job a mercenary who would reject God if the good things in his life were taken away.
Therefore, God allowed Satan to strip Job of all he had held dear. In that same hour four of
Job’s servants ran to him with different messages of doom. A band of Sabeans had killed his oxen,
donkeys, and the servants attending them. Another band of Chaldeans had killed his camels and
the servants attending them. Fire from heaven consumed Job’s sheep and their attending servants.
And the house in which his ten children were eating and drinking suddenly collapsed upon them by
a strong wind. Job tore his robe and fell down in dismay at this news. But he did not sin by charging
God with wrong doing.
The next time the angels and Satan appeared before God, God asked Satan again if he had noticed
His faithful servant, Job, (since Satan’s ploy to turn Job away from God had not worked). Satan said
that as long as Job had his health, he would remain faithful, but if not for that, he would curse God.
So God allowed Satan to strike Job with painful boils from the top of his head to the soles of his feet.
Job sat mourning in a heap of ashes. His wife suggested that he give it up, “curse God and die!”
Job did not do this, but cursed the day of his birth instead. (One is reminded of Jimmy Stewart in “It’s
a Wonderful Life” when he wished he’d never been born.) Job’s three friends visited him and silently
supported him for a week, but then spouted off bad advice. They accused Job of secretly sinning,
and that was why God was judging him. They didn’t understand why bad things happen to good
people any better than we do. Since Job was suffering, he must have done something to deserve it.
Job responded to them and the four men discussed different philosophical views of life. (I said that
in a few sentences, but they took 37 chapters!) “Miserable comforters!” Job called them.
Interestingly, when describing the mysteries of God, Job said that “He hangs the earth on nothing.”
(26:7). At a time when others theorized that the earth was held between Atlas’ shoulders or carried
on the back of a turtle, the God of the Bible was accurately credited with the concept of the planets
existing in space.
Finally God responded to Job in a series of questions that illustrated the infinite distance between
human knowledge and the wisdom of God. In the end, Job admitted his lack of understanding in
view of God’s omniscience (“I know that You can do everything.” “Therefore I have uttered what I
did not understand.”) God rebuked Job’s friends for having “not spoken of Me what is right” and
restored Job to good health. He also blessed Job with ten children and double the number of live
stock.
Although I knew the story, I just recently realized that, when Job was being stripped of all the
things that brought him pleasure and comfort, Satan let Job’s wife remain. So it seems Job did not
have a happy marriage! Since his wife’s only recorded words were negative at best, and hateful at
worst, it suggests that she wasn’t a great supporter of his. There are many lessons to be learned from
the book of Job, but I think Job’s wife offers an additional insight --don’t be like her!
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!
Call Patricia at 626-818-2698 Today!
By Pat Birdsall(Originally published in 2013)
FYI - PREVENTING FALLS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOME
Falls are one of the leading causes of accidental injury and death among Americans, particularly
with children, seniors and the elderly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), each year 1 in every 3 adults ages 65 and older falls and 2 million are treated in emergency
departments for fall-related injuries. Four basic fall prevention tips are recommended by the CDC
and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is as follows: 1) Get regular exercise: lack
of exercise can lead to weak legs and increase the chances of falling. Walking and exercise programs
(e.g. Tai Chi) can increase your strength and improve your balance. 2) Ask your physician and
pharmacist to review all your medications: Some medications or combinations of medicines can
have risky side effects like dizziness or drowsiness that make falling more likely.3) Have your vision
checked:Make sure you are seeing clearly by having your eyes examined annually; verify that your
glasses and/or contact lenses have the correct prescription strength. 4) Make your home safer by
eliminating potential fall hazards: About 50 percent of all falls happen at home. Conduct a home
safety check with a trusted friend or relative to identify potential hazards that need to be addressed,
like poor lighting, clutter and electrical cords in walking paths and stairways, worn or loose carpet,
etc. Some home improvements or repairs may be necessary to reduce fall risks depending on one’s
particular situation, like installation of grab bars inside and next to tub or shower and next to toilet,
etc. Check the website of the CDC www.cdc.gov as well as AARP at www.aarp.org
.....................................................................................
HELPFUL HINT: Use a magnet to find nails and studs in your walls.
.....................................................................................
FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE
On a business trip to New Orleans, my son-in-law bought a set of expensive kitchen knives for
his wife. His coworker was surprised. “You shouldn’t buy such an expensive gift for your wife on a
business trip,” he said. “She’ll think you’ve been up to something.” “If I’d
been up to something,” Mike replied, “I wouldn’t be bringing knives.”
~ ~ ~
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … June Birthdays*
Joanne Thrane, Nellie Haynes, Dorothy McKay, George Enyedi, Theresa Daley, Ann Dugerian,
Donna Doss, Marilyn McKernan, Pat Fujiwara, John Shier, Beth Smith-Kellock, Mary Carney,
Ann Disbrow, Joan Ellison, Irene Kudirka, Anne Montgomery, Trini Ornelas, Martha Spriggs, Pat
Starkey, Kathleen Coyne, Suzanne Decker, Halcyon Koerber, 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.
..................................................................
Quote of the Week: Seize the moment. Remember all the women on the Titanic
who waved off the dessert cart. - Erma Bombeck
...................................................
ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park House
(Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre
YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon
(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.)
All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00
for those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily reservations are necessary as space is
limited. Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256
HAWAIIAN AND POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASS: Every Tuesday morning from 10am to 11am.
Join instructor Barbara Dempsey as she instructs you in the art of hula.
BINGO: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00pm. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is
welcome to join. May be canceled if less than 5 people.
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11am to
12pm. No appt. is necessary.
CASE MANAGEMENT: Meets the 2nd Thursday of the month. Case Management
services are provided by the YWCA and provide assistance in a variety of areas. Appointments are
required and can be scheduled by calling the HPH Office at 626-355-7394.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Every second Thursday of the month the Hart Park House Senior
Center celebrates birthdays of our patrons. The free birthday cake is provided by the Sierra Madre
Civic Club.
GAME DAY: Every Thursday starting at 12:45pm. A regular group of seniors play poker. Other
games available for use.
TAX ASSISTANCE: Every Thursday February 5th through April 9th from 1:00pm-2:00pm. Don
Brunner is available for income tax consultation. Appointments are required, call 626-355-7394.
FREE STRENGTH TRAINING CLASS: Every Friday from 12:45pm to 1:30pm with Lisa
Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low impact resistance training. All materials for the
class are provided.
SENIOR CLUB: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown bag lunch at 11:30am.
Club meeting at noon. Bingo 12:30-3:30pm. Annual Membership is only $10.00.
THE ALPACA HACIENDA (TEMECULA)
Date: June 30, 2015
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Meeting Location: Hart Park House Senior Center Cost: $12.00 (Does not include lunch)
Description: Learn about the history of the alpaca, why we raise them and how we care forthem. You’ll learn some of their quirky traits and other interesting facts. You may hand feedthe alpacas if you like; this is a great opportunity for photographs! This tour includes a mini-
seminar on how we work with the fiber, from washing and carding, to spinning and felting, andwill give you a brief history of spinning fibers into yarn. Spend some time in our boutique whereyou can find beautiful, handmade items by local fiber artists made from alpaca fiber, as wellas luxurious scarves, hats, sweater and gloves. Lunch will be on your own at Old Town Temecula.
Participants should bring money for lunch and souvenirs. Last day to register is Wednesday, June24th. Level of Walking: Medium
Excursion Refund PolicyNotification of the cancellation must be made at least 3 business days before the excursion. A refundwill only be issued 1) for a medical excuse or 2) if the Department is able to fill the patrons spotfrom a waiting list. This refund will be issued in the form of a credit which will be applied to thepatron’s account with the City, less a $10 cancellation fee. The credit will remain on your account forone year from the date issued and the credit may be used for any program or service offered by theCommunity Services Dept.
SENIOR HAPPENINGS
UPCOMING EXCURSIONS:
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES EFFECTIVE JUNE 1,2015
Beginning June 1, 2015 Dial-A-Ride services in Sierra Madre will operate Monday through
Friday from 8:00am – 10:30am and 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Dial-A-Ride services are available to
Sierra Madre residents that are 62 years of age or older, or have a signed form by a physician
attesting to a disability that hinders mobility. The cost of a one-way fare is $2.00. Dial-A-Ride
users must submit an application prior to using the service for the first time.
Beginning June 1, 2015 the Gateway Coach fixed-route services operates Monday through
Friday from 11:00am – 2:00pm. The Gateway Coach is free for anyone to use. The Gateway
Coach stops at various points throughout the City including City parks, the library, City
Hall, Senior Center, and schools. In addition the Gateway Coach stops in Hastings Ranch.
To download a copy of the new Sierra Madre Public Transportation Brochure, please visit
the City’s website at www.cityofsierramadre.com/transportation. For additional informationcontact the Community Services Department at 626-355-7135.
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
|