Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, April 24, 2021

Mountain View News Saturday, April 24, 2021 

HOW SENIORS CAN LEARN NEW TECHNOLOGY SKILLS ONLINE 

Dear Savvy Senior:
Can you recommend some good technology classes 
or online learning resources for inexperienced seniors? 
I have a computer and a smartphone, but 
my knowledge and skills are pretty limited. Tech 
Challenged Senior 


fered at various times throughout the year where 
There are many different technology teaching 

Dear Senior: 

you can ask questions as well as share your strugtools 
available to older adults that can help you 

gles and experiences. 
learn new tech skills so you can better utilize your 
devices. Here are some good options to con-sider. 

And, if you ever have a technology question that 

pops up during the week, you can call their Na-
Local classes or workshops: Depending on where 

tional Senior Planet Hotline for tech help at 920you 
live, there may be community resources that 

666-1959 anytime Monday through Friday duroffer 
beginning computer and personal technol


ing working hours. 
ogy classes, be it online or in-person, for older 
adults that are new to technology. To find out 

OasisEverywhere.org: This nonprofit educational 
what’s available in your area, contact your local 

organization for older adults provides more than 
public library, senior center, college or universi


10 low-cost/free online computer, internet and 
ty, or local stores that sell computers. Your Area 

mobile technology courses for beginners. And 
Agency on Aging may also be able to help you. 

when the pandemic dies down, they will resume 
Visit the Eldercare Locator at Eldercare.acl.gov or 

offering beginner tech classes in their 27 locations 
call 800-677-1116 to get your local number. 

(located in nine states) throughout the country. 

CandooTech.com: This company provides feeing 
websites that partners with guides to provide 

GetSetUp.io: This is one of the best online learn-

based online tech support and training to help 
training on tech tools for adults 50 and older. 

older adults feel more comfortable with phones, 
They provide more than 350 online classes taught 

computers, tablets, home safety devices and more. 
in real-time by retired educators and tech industry 
experts in a way that lets older adults learn-by-

Their specially trained tech concierges will teach 
doing, versus just watching a video. 

you how to use your technology, fix what’s not 

working and install software, as well as learn how 
Their technology classes – all taught via Zoom – 

set-up and use email, video chat, social media, 
cover things like learning how to use smartphones 

online shopping and entertainment, ride sharing 
and tablets, how to set-up and use Zoom, how to 

services and more. 
utilize Gmail features, how to rec-ognize online 
scams, how to sell your stuff online and so much 

They offer one-hour, one-on-one or small group 
more. Most of their classes are free, however some 

sessions for $50, or you can become a member 
charge a small fee. 

and get two 90-minute training sessions plus 

unlimited quick support (30 minutes or less) for 
SeniorPlanet.org: Created and sponsored by na


$180 per year. They also provide device installational 
nonprofit OATS (Older Adults Technolo


tion and set-up done remotely for $180. 
gy Services) and recently joining forces with 
AARP, Senior Planet offers 60-and-older adults 

TechBoomers.com: This is a free educational web-
a wide variety of free online courses, programs, 

site that provides video and article tutorials that 
and activities that are taught in real-time to help 

teach older adults and other inexperienced tech-
seniors learn new technology skills, as well as save 

nology users how to use the most popular and 
money, get in shape and make new friends. 

trusted websites, apps and devices. 

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. 
“All Things Zoom,” “Everything Smartphones,”

Some of their more popular tech classes include 

Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySeand 
an “Introduction to Social Media.” They even 

nior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC 
offer a “lunch & learn – tech discussion group” of-

Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” 
book. 

FAMILY MATTERS By Marc Garlett 


LEGAL GANGSTERS: NETFLIX’S I CARE A 
LOT UNCOVERS THE DARK SIDE OF LEGAL 
GUARDIANSHIP—PART 1 

The Netflix movie I 

Based On True Events 
Care a Lot provides 

With its over-the-top violence, kidnappings, and 
a dark, violent, and 

Russian mobsters, some might dismiss I Care a 
somewhat comedic 

Lot as nothing but Hollywood hype and find it 
take on the real life 

hard to believe that an operation as sinister as 
and not-at-all funny 

Marla’s could ever actually exist. But the fact is, 
dangers of the legal 

the movie’s writer and director, J. Blakeson, came 
(and sometimes cor


up with the idea after reading news stories about 
rupt) guardianship system. While the film’s twist-

very similar (less the mob and murder) situaing 
plot may seem far-fetched, it sheds light on a 

tions. And knowing such things actually happen 
tragic phenomenon—the abuse of seniors at the 

makes the movie even more terrifying. 
hands of crooked “professional” guardians. 
The Most Punitive Civil Penalty 
In this two-part series, we’ll discuss how the mov-

What makes these cases particularly tragic is the 
ie depicts such abuse, how this can occur in real 

fact that for the most part everything these unlife, 
and what you can do to prevent something 

scrupulous guardians did is perfectly legal. As 
similar from happening to you or your loved ones 

Blakeson put it, “They had the law on their side, 
using proactive estate planning. 

and there was nothing you could do.” Although 
guardianships are designed to protect the elder-
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for the 

ly from their own poor decisions, guardianship 
movie I Care a Lot. 

can turn out to be more of a punishment than a 

benefit. 

At the beginning of the movie, we meet Marla 

Grayson, a crooked professional guardian who 

Indeed, once you’ve been placed under court-
makes her living by preying on vulnerable seniors. 

ordered guardianship, you essentially lose all of 
A professional guardian is a person appointed by 

your civil rights. Whether it’s a family member or 
the court to make legal and financial decisions for 

a professional, the person named as your guard-
senior “wards” of the court, who are deemed un


ian has complete legal authority to control every 
able to make such decisions for themselves. 

facet of your life. 

Working with a corrupt doctor, Marla targets 

Protection Through Planning 
wealthy victims and gets a judge to order these 

Given the potential for neglect, abuse, and exploiindividuals 
unfit to care for themselves and 

tation that guardianship affords, it’s crucial that 
then appoint her as their guardian. From there, 

seniors and their families take the proper steps to 
she and her business partner/ girlfriend, Fran, 

prevent any and all possibility of falling prey to 
move the seniors into a nursing home, seize their 

such scams. Moreover, because any adult could 
homes, and sell all of their assets for their own 

face court-ordered guardianship if they become 
financial gain. 

incapacitated by illness or injury, it’s vital that 
every person over age 18—not just seniors— 
Marla’s scheme takes a turn for the worse when 

take proactive measures to prepare for potential 
her latest senior victim, Jennifer Peterson, turns 

incapacity. 
out to be the mother of a Russian mob boss 
named Roman Lunyov. After Marla has Jennifer 

Fortunately, there are multiple estate planning 
placed in a long-term care facility, Roman tries 

tools that can prevent such abuse from occurring. 
unsuccessfully to get his mother out of the facil-

A good estate planning law firm can put planning 
ity, first by bribing Marla, then through the court, 

vehicles in place and offer ongoing advisory and 
and finally by trying to break her out. 

support that would make it practically impossible 
for a legal guardian to ever be appointed—or 
While this may seem ludicrous, this kind of abuse 

need to be appointed—against your wishes. 
actually happens outside of the movies to seniors 
with significant assets, even those with caring 

Next week, we’ll continue with part two of this 
adult children like Roman. 

series on the dark side of adult guardianship and 
offer tips for how you can avoid the potential for 
At this point, the movie descends into a violent 

abuse using proper estate planning. 
back-and-forth between Roman and Marla, as 
they each try and fail to kill one another, until 

Dedicated to empowering your family, building 
they both decide that rather than murdering each 

your wealth and defining your legacy, 

other, they could make more money by going A local attorney and father, 

into business together. Marc Garlett is on a mission to 

help parents protect what they 
Fast forward to several years later, we learn that love most. His office is located 
Marla and Roman have become millionaires af


at 55 Auburn Avenue, Sierra 

ter starting a global chain of senior care services, 

Madre, CA 91024. Schedule an appointment to 

called Grayson Guardianships, which employs 

sit down and talk about ensuring a legacy of love 

thousands of crooked guardians overseeing hun


and financial security for your family by calling 

dreds of thousands of “clients” all over the world. 

626.355.4000 or visit www.GarlettLaw.com for 
more information. 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …APRIL Birthdays* 

Dennis Marquadt, Howard Rubin, Anita Hardy, Hattie Harris, Wendy Senou, Mary 
Harley, Bette White, Dorothy White, Doris Behrens, Freda Bernard, Beth Copti, 
Terri Cummings, Marilyn Diaz, Virginia Elliott, Elma Flores, Betty Jo Gregg, Barbara 
Lampman, Betty Mackie, Elizabeth Rassmusen, Maria Reyes, Anne Schryver, Chrisine 
Bachwansky, Colleen McKernan, Sandy Swanson, Hank Landsberg, Ken Anhalt, 
Shannon Vandevelde, Wendy Senour * To add your name to this distinguished list, 
please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 

SENIOR ACTIVITIES IN SIERRA MADRE 

TEA AND TALK – SENIOR BOOK CLUB – SECOND 
staff is launching a new book club series the Tea and Talk that will meet virtually every other week and discuss 
the fun, suspense, intrigue, love and so much more that each selection will have in store! 
If you are interested in participating in what I hope will become a fan favorite please call Lawren Heinz at 
626-355-5278 or send an email to lheinz@cityofsierramadre.com. Once I have received a minimum of 5 participants 
I can announce the start date and tentative length of time for each selection. 
The first book of this fun new program will be “Code Name Helene” by Ariel Lawhon. Based on the thrilling 
REAL-LIFE STORY of socialite spy Nancy Wake, comes the newest feat of historical fiction from the New 
York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia, featuring the astonishing woman who killed a Nazi with 
her bare hands and went on to become one of the most decorated women in WWII. 

TAX ASSISTANCE 
If you are in need of assistance with your 2020 taxes please know that help is a phone call away. Don Brunner, 
Tax Saver, is not accepting in person consultations at the moment but available for a phone or email consult. 
Please call him at 626-447-8829 or email TAXSAVERD@gmail.comCHAIR YOGA Every Monday and Wednesday, 10-10:45 am Chair yoga with Paul is coming back! Class will 
begin on Monday, August 10th and will be held in the Covered Pavilion in Memorial Park in front of the Senior 
Center. Please join us for some gentle stretching, yoga, balance exercise and overall relaxa-tion. Class size is limited 
so please call 264-8923 to reserve your spot. 

HAWAIIAN AND POLYNESIAN DANCE CLASS Every Friday, 10-10:45 am Class will also meet in the Covered 
Pavilion in Memorial Park in front of the Senior Center. Join the class with instructor Barbara as she leads 
you through the art of Hula. Please call 264-8923 with any questions. 
Classes will maintain a distance of 6 ft between participants. ALL participants must be wearing masks for the 
duration of the class. All equipment used will be sanitized after each use before it is stored. Each participant is 
responsible for providing their own water, masks and needed equipment or sup-plies for each class. Please call the 
Community Services Department at 355-5278 with any questions or concerns. 

IDEAS

 Do you have any ideas for programming? Is there a class or club you would like to see in our Senior Community? 
Please call or email Lawren Heinz with ideas or questions. 626-355-5278 x 704 lheinz@cityofsierramadre.com

 City staff are monitoring email communication daily, and although employees are minimizing direct engagement 
and interfacing less with 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 time 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 per-son. 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. 

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) 3557135, 
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.

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


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

WHAT WOULD THE WORLD BE WITHOUT APPLE 
FRITTERS? 

Stress is not something new in 

looked at her and smiled one of my greasy smiles. 
my life or anybody else's, for 

"Are you sure it is for Thursday?" 
that matter. The thing about stress is that you 

She always tries to trick me, assuming this was 
never get used to it, or at least I don't. 

one of her tricks, I just looked at her, smiled, and 
I don't know what I would do if one week I had 

nodded very dramatically. 
no stress at all. When that happens, I'll let you 

“So,” she said rather hesitatingly, “what is today?” 
know. 

I didn't say anything; I just looked at her and 
This past week has not been one of those stress-

then looked at my watch. 
free weeks. Starting on the very first day of the 

"Oh, you silly boy, today is Wednesday." 
week, stress poked its nose into my business. 

I hate it when she is right! This only increased 
On Monday, as I sat at my office to begin the 

my stress level because now I had to wait a day 
week's work, I opened up my laptop, and I could 

for my eye appointment. 
not turn it on. It would not accept my password. 

Part of my stress this week was all the phone calls 
I've used that password for as long as I've had the 

I got to renew my car warranty, each one was the 
computer. However, today it would not work. 

last call for my renewal. 
I tried everything, but nothing worked except it 

By Friday morning, as I was going to my office, 
worked up my stress level. 

my stress level was the highest it's been for a very 
Finally, I had to take it to a computer store to 

long time. I'm not very good at dealing with 
fix it. It took them a little over an hour, but they 

stress, especially when I'm the cause of it. 
final-ly fixed it. The tech also set it up so that I 

I usually stop at McDonald's in the morning to 
did not have to use a password to open up my 

get a cup of coffee to take to the office. As I was 
computer. That eliminated a lot of stress. 

going through the drive-through, I happened to 
I took it home, had lunch, and then went back to 

think a very delightful thought. Not only do they 
the office to begin my work for the day. Already 

sell coffee here, but also Apple Fritters. 
half the day is shot. When I opened up my com-

Oh boy, when my brain starts thinking, it's hard 
puter, everything worked except the passwords 

to figure out where it's going. 
on all of my programs. Even Facebook would 

Leaving McDonald's with my coffee and Apple 
not work; it did not recognize my password. 

Fritter, I was very happy. There is no comfort 
For the rest of the day, I spent changing one 

food quite as comforting as a fresh Apple Fritter. 
password after another. Whoever invented the 

Sitting down at my desk, I took a sip of coffee 
pass-word phenomenon needs to be sued. 

and then opened up the bag with the delicious 
Finally, I got everything working, and all the 

Apple Fritter. I laid it on my desk and, just for a 
passwords were in place, and I could commit the 

few moments, stared at it taking in the delightful 
rest of the week to some kind of work. 

aroma of this wonderful comfort food. 
I had an appointment with my eye doctor this 

I took the first bite, and a great weight began to 
week, having to do with my cataract surgeries. 

lift off my head. It was a wonderful experience 
This was supposed to be the last one to make sure 

and helped me get rid of all of that stress I had. 
everything went fine. I was excited to go and get 

In finishing, I thought a few moments about that 
this done. Then, I could have my glasses ordered 

situation. If it were not for all the stress I experiand 
be able to see and read simultaneously. 

enced this past week, I wouldn't be having this 
The appointment was at 9:45, and I wanted to 

wonderful experience of eating my comfort 
make sure I would not be late. I could not drive 

food. At least stress does have a good side to it. 
be-cause of eye drops I was supposed to put in 

I remembered what Jesus said, “These things I 
preparing for this exam. So, the Gracious Mis-

have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have 
tress of the Parsonage was to be my chauffeur for 

peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but 
the day. 

be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” 
It was around 9 o’clock, I was dressed and ready 

(John 16:33). 
to go, so I asked her, "Are we ready to go now? 

Sometimes I let the world stress me out, but 
My appointment is at 9:45." 

when I look to the Lord Jesus, I see He over-
She looked at me with one of her "looks" and 

comes all of my stress. 
said, "Are you sure it is at 9:45?"
“Of course, I’m sure.” 

Dr. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of 
Again she looked at me and said, “What day is 

God Fellowship, 1471 Pine Road, Ocala, FL 
your appointment for?” 

34472. www.whatafellowship.com. 
“It’s for Thursday at 9:45 in the morning.” I then 


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