Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, July 25, 2020

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Mountain View News Saturday, July 25, 2020 

FINANCIAL HELP FOR RETIREES AFFECTED BY COVID-19 

Dear Savvy Senior: 

Are there any financial assistance programs you can 
refer me to? The coronavirus pandemic has cost me 
my part-time retirement job and has shrunk my measly 
IRA account.Needy Retiree 

Dear Needy: 

Absolutely! In addition to the $1,200 federal coronavirus stimulus check that was distributed in 
April and May, there are many other financial-assistance programs (both public and private) that 
can help struggling retirees, as well as give relief to family members who help provide financial 
support for their loved ones. 

To find out what types of assistance you may be eligible for, just go to BenefitsCheckUp.org, a free, 
confidential Web tool designed for adults 55 and older and their families. It will help you locate 
federal, state and private benefits programs that can assist with paying for food, medications, utilities, 
health care, housing and other needs. This site – created by the National Council on Aging – 
contains more than 2,500 programs across the country. 

To identify benefits, you’ll first need to fill out an online questionnaire that asks a series of questions 
like your date of birth, ZIP code, expenses, income, assets, veteran status, the medications you take 
and a few other factors. It takes about 15 minutes. 

Once completed, you’ll get a report detailing all the programs and services you may qualify for, 
along with detailed information on how to apply. 

Some programs can be applied for online; some have downloadable application forms that you can 
print and mail in; and some require that you contact the program’s administrative office directly 
(they provide the necessary contact information). 

If you don’t have Internet access, you can also get help in-person at any of the 84 Benefit Enrollment 
Centers located throughout the U.S. Call 888-268-6706 or visit NCOA.org/centerforbenefits/becs 
to locate a center in your area. Some centers also offer assistance over the phone. 

Types of Benefits 

Depending on your income level and where you live, here are some benefits you may be eligible for: 

Food assistance: Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help 
pay for groceries. The average SNAP benefit for 60-and-older households is around $125 per 
month. Other programs that may be available include the Emergency Food Assistance Program, 
Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. 

Healthcare: Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs can help or completely pay for out-of-pocket 
health care costs. And, there are special Medicaid waiver programs that provide in-home care 
and assistance too. 

Prescription drugs: There are hundreds of programs offered through pharmaceutical companies, 
government agencies and charitable organizations that help lower or eliminate prescription drug 
costs, including the federal Low-Income Subsidy known as “Extra Help” that pays premiums, deductibles 
and prescription copayments for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. 

Utility assistance: There’s the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well 
as local utility companies and charitable organizations that provide assistance in lowering home 
heating and cooling costs. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI provides 
monthly payments to very low-income seniors, age 65 and older, as well as to those who are 
blind and disabled. In 2020, SSI pays up to $783 per month for a single person and up to $1,175 
for couples. 

In addition to these programs, there are numerous other benefits they can help you locate such as 
HUD housing, home weatherization assistance, tax relief, veteran’s benefits, senior transportation, 
respite care, free legal assistance, job training and employment and debt counseling. 

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. 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …July Birthdays* 

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

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


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 practicing 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 
community 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. 

Community Services Department will continue Electronic Seniors Newsletter on a weekly-basis 
distribution. 

Community Services Department will continue with mail drop-off of newsletters at the Sierra Madre 
U.S. Post Office Box (unless otherwise advised). 

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

Mater Dolorosa - Sierra Madre Meal Pick-Up Program provides seal-packaged frozen meals, 5-per 
person every Thursday, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Hart Park House Senior Center 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 
Donations are accepted. Call (626) 355-5278; x702 or 704. 

YWCA Intervale Meal Program - Effective Wednesday, April 1, 2020 

YWCA has transitioned their distribution of take home meals at the Sierra Madre Hart Park House Senior 
Center to a home-delivery meal program. Participants previously reserved for meal pick-up as of 
Wednesday, 3/25/20 were informed that they would begin to have their meals delivered to their homes, 
beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020 until further notice. 

For any additional participants calling in that are at a high risk and need meals delivered to, please 
provide us their name, date of birth (they must be 60+), address and phone number and Community 
Services Department will for-ward this information to our County Contact. 

Food Banks Support: Seniors & Families: 

If someone is outside of our local area and in need of a food bank, they can find one nearest them by 
going to www.lafoodbank.org and typing in their zip code; or call from the list here: 

First Church of the Nazarene-Pasadena 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-351-9631 

Wednesday 10:30 am-12 pm 

Pasadena Senior Center 85 E. Holly St. Pasadena 626-685-6732 

Foothill Unity Center 415 W. Chestnut Ave. Monrovia 626-358-3486 Monday 1 pm-3:30 pm, 
Wednesday & Friday 9 am-11:30 am 

Lifeline Community Services & Economic Development 2556 N. Lake Ave Altadena 

626-797-3585 2nd and 4th Wednesday 12 pm-2 pm & 8:15 pm-9 pm 

Morning Star Outreach Ministry 1416 N. Mentor Ave Pasadena 626-794-4875 

2nd & 4th Saturday 11 am-1 

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett 

ADVANCE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE 
PROVISIONS TO CONSIDER IN LIGHT 
OF COVID-19 


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 


Last week I discussed the vital importance of having updated advance 
directives in place considering COVID-19. Here, we’ll look at 
several provisions you might want to consider adding to your directives 
to address potential contingencies related to the pandemic. 

1. Permission to undergo experimental medical treatments: Since 
there is currently no proven vaccine or other effective treatment for 
COVID-19, you may consider adding provisions to your directives 
authorizing your agent to consent to—or withhold consent for—any 
experimental treatments or procedures that may be developed. Seeing that it could be years before an 
effective vaccine or cure will be available on a widespread basis, such a provision could be particularly 
important if you contract the virus while such treatments are still in the trial phase. 

2. Express your wishes about intubation and ventilators: In severe COVID-19 cases, patients often 
require intubation, which involves putting you into a medically induced coma and inserting a tube 
into your windpipe, allowing oxygen to be pumped directly to your lungs using a ventilator. However, 
some directives specifically prohibit intubation, since such measures are often a last resort and used 
primarily for life-support purposes. Indeed, some people’s greatest fear is being hooked up to a machine 
just to keep them alive. 

That said, some coronavirus patients have successfully recovered after being on a ventilator, so you 
might not want a blanket prohibition of intubation in all cases. But you’ll also need to weigh the fact 
that even if you survive after being placed on a ventilator, you’re likely to require months, or even 
years, of rehabilitation and may never regain the full quality of life you previously enjoyed. And if 
you’re elderly or have an underlying condition, the prognosis for full recovery is especially slim. 

For these reasons, you should carefully review your directives’ provisions regarding intubation and 
ventilators to be certain your documents accurately reflect your wishes. There is no right or wrong 
answer here, so it’s critical your loved ones and medical professionals know what you would want. 

 

3. Consider a liability shield for doctors and hospitals: Due to fear of getting sued, some doctors 
and medical facilities are hesitant to honor living wills during the pandemic. To deal with this, you 
might want to consider including language in your directives that “indemnifies” medical providers, 
facilities, and your agent from any liability incurred because of following your directions. People and 
institutions will be much more likely to fully honor your wishes if they understand they likely won’t 
get hit with a lawsuit for doing so. 

Pandemic planning 

The tragic reality of the pandemic is that far too many Americans are at risk of becoming seriously ill 
and even dying from COVID-19. In light of this dire situation, it’s vital that you and your loved ones 
take all possible precautions to not only mitigate your chances of catching the virus, but also having 
the best possible chance of surviving if you should become infected. 

In the event you become hospitalized with COVID-19, having updated advance directives in place 
can make the medical decision-making process for both your healthcare providers and family much 
safer and easier, while helping ensure your treatment is carried out based on your personal wishes 
and values. Given the overloaded state of our healthcare system right now, facilitating your medical 
care in this way could ultimately save your life. 

Whether you have yet to create these documents or need yours updated, don’t wait. These documents 
only work if you have them in place before you become incapacitated. 

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 ost. His office is located at 55 Auburn Avenue, Sierra 
Madre, CA 91024. 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.CaliLaw.com for more 
information 

IT’S MY BIRTHDAY I’LL LIE IF I WANT TO 

I’m not a proponent of lying. I don't 
like it when people lie. If they lie 
once, how do you know they're not 
lying again? 

Lately, I've been thinking about what the definition of a 
lie really is. Is there some time when telling a lie is the 
best to do? And, is every lie a non-truth? 

The reason I've been having these thoughts is that I just 
celebrated my birthday. It always sneaks up on me, and 
I'm not sure why because it happens every year. 

It was like when I was in school, we always had a test 
on Friday, and it always surprised me that the teacher 
had a test. 

So my birthday this year was somewhat of a surprise 
because I was so busy doing other things I forgot 
about it. Having a birthday every year can be a little 
monotonous. 

One good thing about my birthday is that the Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage's birthday is two days after 
mine. And so, if she remembers my birthday, then I 
will automatically remember hers. I love it when a plan 
comes together. 

Through the years, I wrestled with a certain problem. 
Do I really know my birthday exactly? Do I know the 
exact day, the exact month, the exact year? 

The reason I say this is because my parents are the ones 
that fed me this personal information. And to be honest, 
they have not always been truthful with me, I’m 
sorry to say. 

For instance, it took me a long time to realize that Santa 
Claus was not real. All those years my parents told me 
that Santa Claus was real and that he was going to bring 
my presents if I was a good boy. I believed and trusted 
them. 

I still remember the day when I discovered that Santa 
Claus was not real. When I accosted my parents with 
this new information, they simply explained it by saying, 
"Son, we were trying to make your life better and 
give you something to hope for." Then they would 
smile and asked me if I liked my Christmas present. 

So, if a lie produces good results, it’s okay? 

Then there was the Easter Bunny. Every year we would 
celebrate the Easter Bunny and collect the eggs scattered 
all through the yard. I was quite fascinated 
with the Easter Bunny to such an extent that I raised 
bunnies. 

Then the day came when I realized that the Easter Bunny 
did not exist. 

Again, I accosted my parents with this new information 
that I had, and they explained it by saying, "Son, 
we just wanted you to have something fun to look forward 
to." 

So, a lie is okay if it ends up with somebody having fun! 

As I got older, my favorite was the Tooth Fairy. For every 
tooth that I could pull, I would get $0.25 under my 
pillow that night. Whenever I had a loose tooth, I got 
very excited and began planning what to do with the 
$0.25. 

My parents were very excited when they saw how excited 
I was with a loose tooth, and my father helped 
pull it out for me. Then, when I went to bed, I slipped it 
under my pillow with the eager anticipation that there 
would be $0.25 under my pillow in the morning. 

Every morning there was that $0.25, and I grabbed it, 
ran down to the kitchen and showed my mother and 
father what the Tooth Fairy had brought me that night. 

One afternoon, I was looking for something in my parent’s 
bedroom, and I happen to come across a little box 
full of teeth. They seemed somewhat familiar; in fact, I 
realized they were my teeth. 

Again, I accosted my parents and said, “Why are my 
teeth in this little box?” 

Nervously, my mother and father looked at each other, 
and then my dad said, "I'm not sure. Maybe the Tooth 
Fairy dropped it by mistake.” Then both my mother 
and father would laugh and remind me of that $0.25. 

So, were my parents truthful in telling me when my 
birthday is? 

I say all of this to try to understand when it is appropriate 
to lie. 

On my birthday, several people were asking me, "How 
old are you today?" Then they would laugh. 

So taking some clues from my parents, it might be appropriate 
for me to spin some lies so everybody is happy 
and enjoying themselves. 

As I was blowing out the birthday cake candles, I said, 
"I'm not sure how old I am, but I feel like 27." Then everybody 
would laugh. 

Someone said, “What has been your best birthday 
party?” 

I had some in mind, but I said, “The one I’m having with 
you guys right now.” And everybody laughed. 

I spun a few other lies I will not mention now and then 
looked around at the group, and everybody was having a 
good time. Based on my parent’s example, if people are 
having a good time, it's okay to lie. 

Feeling a little guilty about the day, I happened to read 
what David said, “Blessed is that man that maketh the 
Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as 
turn aside to lies” (Psalm 40:4). 

As old as I am, I ought to know that nothing good comes 
from a lie. My birthday resolution this year is, "I shall lie 
not, no matter what.” 


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