Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, November 11, 2023

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SENIOR HAPPENINGS

DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL ASSISTED 

LIVING COMMUNITY WITH SAFE PATH 
FOR SENIORS

Are you or a loved one considering senior living? Safe Path 
for Seniors offers a FREE service to simplify your search. 
Our expert advisor will provide per-sonalized guidance, 
connecting you with the perfect assisted living community 
tailored to your needs and budget. With an extensive 
network and cost-effective options, we ensure peace of 
mind during this transition.

Why Safe Path for Seniors?

*Personalized Support: We understand unique requirements. * Extensive Network: Find communities that 
suit your preferences. *Budget-Friendly: Discover cost-effective solutions. * Streamlined Process: Save time 
with our seamless placement. *Compassion and Care: Your well-being is our priority.

 Let us be your trusted partner. Call (626) 999-6913 or visit www.safepathforseniors.com for a FREE consultation. 
Begin a comfortable, fulfilling senior living journey with Safe Path for Seniors.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …November Birthdays*

Flo Mankin, Alberta Curran, Carmela Frontino, Kathy Wood, Lena Zate, 
Joe Pergola, Janice Kacer, Valerie Howard, Lois Stueck, Jean Wood, Shirley 
Yergeau, Pat Krok, Irene Nakagawa, Anna Ross, Mary Steinberg, Mary 
Bowser, Susan Clifton, Mary Higgins, Kim Buchanan, Leigh Thach, Sue 
Quinn, Jill Girod, Jeanne Martin. * To add your name to this distinguished 
list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required


SENIOR CLUB Every Saturday at Noon Hart Park House

Open to all seniors 50+ Fun - Games - And More! Call Mark at 626-355-3951 


HOW SENIORS CAN GET HELP PAYING FOR EVERYDAY NEEDS

Dear Savvy Senior:

What types of programs are available to help seniors 
struggling with their everyday bills, and how do I go 
about finding them? Since I lost my husband last year, 
my Social Security survivor benefit is barely enough 
to get by on. Searching Senior

Dear Searching:

I’m very sorry for your loss, but you’ll be happy to 
know that there are dozens of different financial 
assistance programs and government benefits that 
may be able to help you with your everyday costs.

To locate these types of programs, your best resource 
is BenefitsCheckUp.org. This is a free, confidential 
online screening tool designed for older adults and 
people with disabilities. It will help you find federal, 
state and local benefits programs that can assist with 
paying for food, utilities, health care, medications, 
housing and many other needs. This site – created 
by the National Council on Aging in 2001 – contains 
nearly 2,000 programs across the country.

To identify benefits, you’ll first need to type in your 
ZIP code and choose the types of benefits you’re interested 
in. Then you’ll need to answer a few questions 
regarding your personal and financial situation. 
Once completed, you’ll get a list of programs to 
choose from, followed by a personalized report that 
explains each program, and tells you where you can 
get help or how to apply.

If you need some assistance or you don’t have internet 
access, you can always speak with a benefits support 
specialist by calling 800-794-6559. You can also 
get help in-person at any of the 85 Benefit Enrollment 
Centers located across 41 states. See NCOA.
org/article/meet-our-benefits-enrollment-centers to 
search for a center in your area.

Types of Benefits

Depending on your income level, location and circumstance, 
here are a few of the many different benefits 
you may be eligible for:

Nutrition assistance: Programs like the Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help 
pay for food at the grocery store. The average SNAP 
benefit for 60-and-older households is around $105 
per month. Some other nutrition programs that are 
available to seniors include the Senior Farmers Market 
Nutrition Program and the Commodity Supplemental 
Food Program.

Utility assistance: There’s the Low-Income Home 
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that provides 
assistance in lowering home heating and cooling 
costs. And for broadband assistance, the Affordable 
Connectivity Program provides a $30 monthly subsidy 
that can be applied toward your home internet 
costs.

Health care and medicine: Medicare Savings Programs 
and Medicaid can help or completely pay for 
seniors’ out-of-pocket health care costs. And for assistance 
with medications, there’s a low-income subsidy 
program called ‘Extra Help’ that helps pay premiums, 
deductibles, and co-payments on Medicare 
(Part D) prescription drug coverage. You can also 
search for prescription drug help through patient 
assistance programs or your state pharmaceutical 
assistance program at Medicare.gov.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Administered 
by the Social Security Administration, SSI (see ssa.
gov/ssi) provides monthly payments to very low-
income seniors, age 65 and older, as well as to those 
who are blind and disabled. In 2023, SSI pays up to 
$914 per month for a single person and up to $1,371 
for couples.

In addition to these benefits, there are dozens of 
other programs BenefitsCheckUp can help you 
identify, like housing assistance, property tax reduction, 
home weatherization assistance, tax relief, 
veteran’s benefits, senior transportation, caregiving 
support, free legal assistance, disability services, job 
training and more.

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.


CHOOSING SHOES by Michele Silence


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 
professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes and a weight management support group. 
If you have questions or ideas for this column 

contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.com. 

Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.

You've decided to get more active – perhaps regular 
walks, a game of pickleball, or even some light running 
are on your agenda. Regardless of your choice, 
it's crucial to pay attention to your feet. Don't just 
dig out those old athletic shoes from the closet; 
each activity requires its own specialized footwear 
to provide the necessary protection, cushion and 
support.

Times have changed, and so has footgear. The latest 
materials and construction techniques make 
today's gym shoes more durable than ever, making 
them safer and a better value for your money. When 
your feet feel good, your entire body benefits.

The selection of your workout shoes may seem 
minor, but it can greatly impact your overall per-
formance and safety. Having the right pair of shoes 
is essential to prevent injuries and maximize your 
workout's effectiveness.

First, understand the type of activity you'll be engaging 
in. Different activities exert unique de-mands 
on your feet, so it's crucial to select footwear designed 
specifically for that purpose.

If you're planning to take up running, invest in a 
proper pair of running shoes. These shoes are engineered 
to provide great cushioning, shock absorption, 
and stability, essential for protecting joints and 
ensuring a comfortable run. Running shoes come 
in various styles, including those for road running, 
trail running, and sprinting. Choose the one that 
matches your running terrain and style. Replace 
them every 300-500 miles.

For strolling, pick walking shoes for comfort and 
flexibility. They provide the necessary support for 
your arches and heels. Walking shoes are usually 
lightweight and come in various designs, ensuring 
you can find the right fit for your daily treks. Replacement 
time is every 500-750 miles.

If you enjoy hiking, a sturdy pair of hiking boots 
is indispensable. Boots provide ankle support, traction, 
and durability, ensuring you can tackle rugged 
terrain without high risk of twisting an ankle 
or falling. Depending on quality, you’ll need to get 
a new pair every 200-1000 miles.

Sports like tennis, basketball, and pickleball require 
court shoes designed to handle the lateral movements 
and abrupt stops these sports demand. These 
shoes provide excellent grip on indoor and outdoor 
courts and help prevent ankle injuries. Because of 
the more aggressive movements you’ll need to replace 
them every 6-12 months.

If your fitness routine involves a mix of activities 
like aerobics, strength training, and agility exercises, 
cross-training shoes are your best bet. These 
shoes blend features from various athletic footwear, 
providing support for lateral, as well as forward and 
backward movements. They also need to be replaced 
every 6-12 months.

When choosing your shoes, comfort is foremost, 
and there shouldn’t be any breaking-in period. 
Look for features like breathability, as breathable 
materials and ventilation systems help keep your 
feet cool and dry during intense workouts, reducing 
the risk of blisters and discomfort. Find those 
with advanced cushioning systems that absorb 
shock from your movements, reducing strain on 
your joints while enhancing your comfort during 
workouts.

In addition, look for lightweight shoes that allow 
you to move freely and efficiently, along with those 
that provide good traction. Whether you're on the 
track, the court, or the field, superior traction can 
help prevent slips and falls, ensuring your safety 
during athletic activities.

Support is another key factor in preventing injuries 
and maintaining proper alignment. Many shoes 
now come with features like arch support, which is 
especially important for flat or high arches.

Choosing the wrong athletic shoe can lead to various 
problems. Namely overuse injuries, strains, 
sprains, and other foot-related issues. For example, 
running in shoes not designed for running can 
result in shin splints or plantar fasciitis. Discomfort, 
blisters, and foot pain can make workouts less 
enjoyable and discourage you from staying active. 
Your performance will be subpar, as your feet and 
legs will need to work harder than necessary, leading 
to increased fatigue and limited endurance. Selecting 
the wrong shoes costs money, either from 
needing to replace them or from medical bills if you 
injure yourself.

Find the perfect fit by visiting a specialty store with 
expert staff. Get your feet measured, consider the 
larger foot for sizing, and identify your arch type 
for proper support. Try on footwear in the afternoon 
with your workout socks on, leaving a thumb's 
width of space in the front for swelling. Walk or run 
in them at the store to make sure they feel comfortable 
and supportive. If you have specific foot issues, 
consult a podiatrist for recommendations on the 
right type of shoe for your condition beforehand.

Take time when choosing your shoes. You may need 
more than one type to fit your various activ-ities. 
Your selection can have a profound impact on your 
performance, comfort, and safety. Over time, it can 
save you money and spare you from unnecessary 
aches and pains.

OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder


THE COOKIE MONSTER HAS RETURNED

Sitting in my office working on 
some projects, I was suddenly 
surrounded by a familiar aroma. 
This surprised me because I had 
no idea what was happening.

That aroma was familiar, but I couldn't identify it.

I’m like that most of the time. My nose doesn't 
work quite like The Gracious Mistress of the Par-
sonage. I don't smell many things, and what I do 
smell I can't identify. On the other hand, my wife 
can smell something three days before it happens. 
How she does that, I don't know.

 Thinking about what I was smelling, it 
did have some familiarity to it. I know I smelled 
this aroma before and needed to find out what it 
was.

 The more I sniffed, the stronger that 
aroma became. Then, I had a flash in my head. I 
recog-nized that aroma. The aroma coming from 
the kitchen was freshly baked cookies.

 It's the time of the year when The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage spends a lot of 
time mak-ing cookies. You name the cookie, and 
she's making it. She can make cookies that I have 
not heard of before. That is her specialty.

 I leaned back in my office chair, trying to 
figure out what to do next. It is the time of the 
year when she makes cookies, and I smelled that 
cookie aroma all morning. What is my next step?

Should I sneak out to the kitchen and see what she 
was doing?

 If I do that, I am asking for trouble. Leaning 
back in my chair, I looked around my office 
and noticed one thing that could help. There was 
my coffee cup, and it was empty. All I needed to do 
was take my cup to the kitchen for a refill. I think 
that might work.

 With a very joyful demeanor, I picked up 
my cup and marched to the kitchen, expecting to 
see those cookies. I contemplated what cookies I 
would see, but there is nothing like seeing them in 
person.

 As I entered the kitchen, my wife said, 
"And why are you coming into the kitchen?"

I'm not a gambler, but I knew I had to lay my cards 
on the table, or I would be in trouble.

"Oh, my dear," I said with a smile, "I'm here to get 
another cup of coffee."

Looking at me with one of her looks, she said, "So, 
you're not here for any cookies?"

"Cookies? I didn't know you were making cookies 
today."

"You couldn't smell those cookies?" she said with 
a snicker.

 I had to divert her attention, so I complimented 
her, "This is the best coffee I've had in a 
long time. I just had to have another cup. Thank 
you so much for it."

 Looking at me, she said, "If I give you a 
cookie, will you stay out of the kitchen for the rest 
of the day?"

 I must confess I would do anything for a 
cookie. So I agreed to this, and she gave me a fresh 
cookie. I smiled at her and said, "Thank you so 
much."

 Basking in the aroma of that cookie, I 
headed to my office. What could be better?

Munching on that cookie was the best thing I had 
done all morning. I don't know how she does it, 
but she makes the best cookies in the world.

I finished that cookie and tried not to think of any 
cookies anymore. I remembered that cookie was 
given to me with the provision I would not come 
into the kitchen that day. Why did I make such an 
agreement?

 It was hard for me to return to work; 
I could only think of cookies. I don't care what 
cookie it is; if it comes from our kitchen, it is the 
best cookie in the world.

 Something happened that I wasn't expecting. 
My wife popped into my office with another 
cookie and said, "I gotta run across town 
to get something for my cookies. Here's another 
cookie if you promise not to come into the kitchen 
while I'm gone."

All I could see was the cookie in her hand. I nodded 
excitedly and took the cookie, and she left my 
office. It was a delight to have another cookie, and 
I munched on it rather slowly but enjoya-bly.

 The cookie disappeared rather quickly, 
and my wife had been gone for at least half an 
hour, and all I could think of was cookies, cookies, 
cookies.

Getting up out of my chair, I slowly walked toward 
the kitchen. As you go into our kitchen on the 
right, a table connects with the kitchen sink. I noticed 
on that table piles of freshly baked cookies.

I thought of my agreement with her that I would 
not go into the kitchen, and I stood there, reached 
my arm around the corner, found several cookies, 
picked them up, and returned to my office. I think 
I got away with some more cookies.

Not long after that, I heard The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage come into the house and go into 
the kitchen. Then I heard her say, "Oh, the cookie 
monster has returned."

I then knew I was in trouble.

 A scripture verse came to my mind, 
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and 
doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Ouch! I 
think I know what to do. Gracious Mistress of the 
Parson-age, here I come.

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