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Little Known Benefit Available for Older Veterans

Temple City Tribune — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:32:06 +0000

Veterans of any age can get assistance from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) but a little known benefit is available for older Veteran’s. This benefit is called Improved Pension with aid and attendance. This benefit helps pay for assisted living, nursing home care and home care for veterans 65 years old or older or their surviving spouse. For older veterans or their surviving spouse receiving this benefit could mean the ability to stay in their home longer with the aid of a home care provider or the ability to move to an assisted living facility sooner when this type of care is needed.
This aid and attendance benefit is a reimbursement: claimant must spend the money on care in order to receive the benefit thus the veterans and his/her surviving spouse can have some financial means and still apply for this benefit. Another unique feature of this benefit is that, while the veterans must have served at least one day during war and 90 days after he/she is NOT required to have a combat related injury or disability.
Many older veterans are not aware that the United States Congress in 1979 passed an improved pension program that made this benefit available to veterans or their surviving spouse. For the veterans who are already in assisted living, receiving care at home or who are in a nursing home these benefits can be a tremendous help to the family. Many World War II veterans are in their 80′s or 90′s thus their sons and daughters could well be in their 60′s and facing retirement issues of their own. What tremendous help this benefit could be to these families.
The above “snap-shot” of this benefit may make applying for this benefit sound easy, it is not. There is a good deal of application paperwork and the veterans or their surviving spouse must qualify in 3 areas, they must be medically qualified, income qualified, asset qualified and they must also have an Honorable or regular discharge from the service.
For answers to questions related to the aid and attendance benefit please contact War Era Veterans at www.WarEraVet.com or call 1(800) 901-0940 (War Era Veterans is not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs but a separate Veterans Advocacy Company.)

Deputy David W. March Remembered – 10 Years Later

Terry Miller — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:17:19 +0000

Deputies Moore and Sepulveda stand in honor of David March - Photos by Terry Miller

Ten years ago today LASO Deputy David March was shot during a routine traffic stop . Today, as they have for each year on April 29, Deputies honor his memory at the site where March was gunned down in 2002.

Be Careful When Asking Directions in Burbank

Terry Miller — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:32:16 +0000

A Driven Opinion:

Be Careful When Asking Directions in Burbank
Burbank’s Finest Just Might Follow You
By Terry Miller
It was a lovely, quiet morning for a drive. Bright, clean visibility and a mild Tuesday spring morning. My back seat passenger was a young feral kitty I was taking to the vet to get neutured thanks to the wonderful people at FixNation in Burbank who spay and neuter and vaccinate feral cats for free to help keep Los Angeles’ cat population in check.
Once I approached the final phase of my epic journey to Burbank from Pasadena, the google map directions confused me – it’s not too hard to do this these days. Suddenly I spied, with my baby blue eyes, a Burbank motorcycle police officer giving someone a ticket…”I’ll ask him for directions…police officers are after all to serve and protect!” I said to self.
Guys are notorious for not asking directions, but in this instance I was late and thought I was lost!
He was the epitome of the nice, neighborhood cop…polite, helpful , and more than willing to point a lost motorist in the right direction to transport this poor kitty to get “fixed”.
As it happened, I wasn’t that far from my destination just off San Fernando Road when I asked said officer for directions.
I thanked the polite officer, popped into the Honda Civic, buckled up and was off to the appointment for which I was already about 15 minutes late.
The poor kitty was not too happy about this trip at all. First he was trapped, spent the night in our bathroom and now he was in Burbank…the last place he , or I for that matter, wanted to be. Surgery to prevent any more unwanted kittens is the only way to help this guy and the colony where he lives.
There is a vocalization only cat lovers can truly understand and empathise with when a feline is in a trap. They are not at all happy and the sound can be quite disturbing and somewhat distracting.
As I approached the turn for my destination , I happened upon my rear-view mirror.
Flashing red and blue lights indicated to me that something was going on. I pulled over a bit to allow the police to pass, and to my surprise , that something going on was apparently my driving ability. I was stopped by a Burbank motorcycle police officer, approximately 4.5 minutes after I asked for directions from one of Burbank’s finest..
The officer approached my car and asked for my license, registration and insurance. I took one look and the pleasant officer’s face and said, “you were the very kind officer who just gave me directions for FixNation.”
Replying in the affirmative and smiling, he proceeded to write me a ticket, for speeding. The officer claimed he clocked me at 50 in a 35 MPH zone …remember this is a 2004 Honda Civic…not a Maseratti or a legendary MGB sports car. He already had inside information about my destination, methinks!
I have a completely clear and clean driving record. Not even a hiccup! I never thought I’d laugh about getting a speeding ticket but this situation was somewhat ironic to say the very least.
My feline friend became suddenly quiet at this point, I guess he felt he’d better be on his best behaviour when an officer of the law is writing his chauffeur a ticket.
The officer handed me the ticket to sign( promising to appear, but not admiting any guilt) telling me that there are a lot of trucks coming and going from the industrial area where he pulled me over- I didn’t see a single truck at 7:55 AM – and that is why they keep the speed limit low on this road Speed is a common problem along San Fernando Rd. apparently.
I smiled and thanked him, apologized profusely for not paying attention to my speedometer, although I didn’t believe I was actually speeding. I may not have been paying attention to my speedometer but I know I wasn’t driving any faster than any other motorist on that stretch of road at that particular time.
The ticket said the Laser clocked me at approx. 50MPH. He smiled and said I hope this was the ” last bump in the road for you today. Drive carefully.”
I assured the ever-so-kind and personable officer I would, and drove off, slowly with a smile on my face. What are the chances of that happening, I mused.
The moral of the story…think twice about asking a motorcycle officer directions, at least in Burbank. They know where you are going!

One of the World’s Greatest Athletes

Temple City Tribune — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:37:43 +0000

Wayne Grimditch, Superstars Winner, Olympic Medallist, Hall of Fame Water Skier and one of the finest, kindest, fitness trainers in the USA!

Harry Sneider with one of the world’s greatest athletes, Wayne Grimditch, at Sneider’s Arcadia fitness center. -Photo by Sarah Sneider

By Harry Sneider

We hear a lot about who are the greatest athletes in the world. There are various polls and talk show hosts on cable TV claiming various attributes for a certain athlete as being the greatest. One of the things that I consider greatness is a capacity to serve others particularly when one is in need. Wayne Grimditch reached out to me and my family in 1990 when Ambassador College closed its doors. I asked for God’s deliverance in my life to take care of my needs and He did.

Wayne Grimditch is truly a champion. He won the prestigious 1978 Superstars with the world’s greatest athletes competing on ABC TV in Freeport, Bahamas. As the time I was coaching Dwight Stones in this competition and there was a heated battle between these two great champions. Wayne beat out Dwight and Greg Pruitt from the Oakland Raiders for 1st place. He set the all time record in the cycling event and the rowing event. His competitions can be seen on ABC Classics, Superstars TV.

Wayne comes from a family of figure skating champions and his sister, Lynn, competed with gold medallist Dorothy Hamill in the 1980 Olympic trials. Wayne asked me to help him with his water-ski jumping training where he set the world record of 180 feet off a 6 foot ramp. He held the record for many years. At one time Wayne wanted to become a race car driver and trained for that as well as wanting to be a pro tennis player. He loves a challenge. At our church youth SEP summer camp in Orr, Minnesota, Wayne performed in a water ski show that was spectacular.

Currently Wayne is involved in developing innovative training routines for clients of all ages. He has a lot of wonderful ideas on how to stay fit. You can contact him at www.waynegrimditch.com. We spend many hours talking about what would be valuable training techniques for athletes, senior citizens and teenagers. Wayne’s philosophy for his clients is to maximize their human potential with goal setting, training routines, nutrition and world class motivation.

The secret of being a champion in life as well as athletics can be summed up with Wayne’s imput: 1. Have a worthwhile goal. 2. You need desire to achieve. 3. You are what you eat. Eat healthy like Wayne does. 4. Don’t be afraid of failure. 5. Workout with people around you that are positive and encouraging. 6. Continue your education in the fitness and health. 7. There is help from a higher power. Ask and you shall receive. Become a winner like Wayne by using these principles.

Harry and Sarah Sneider can be reached at 626-355-8964 or harrysneider@earthlink.net.

City of Arcadia & Rotary Salute to Seniors

Temple City Tribune — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:14:55 +0000

The City of Arcadia Recreation & Community Services Department in conjunction with the Arcadia Rotary Club is hosting the annual Rotary Salute to Seniors luncheon on Tuesday, May 8th from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive.

Jack Lamp has been selected by the Senior Citizen Commission to be the 2012 City of Arcadia Senior Citizen of the year and will be recognized at the luncheon by the Mayor and the Rotary Club for his extensive volunteer commitment to the community.

There are still tickets available for the luncheon and may be purchased at the Community Center. The cost is $4 per person. For more information, please call Arcadia Senior Services at 626.574.5130.

Train Volleyball with Misty May-Treanor

Temple City Tribune — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:05:03 +0000

Fans and up-and-coming players alike know that being able to train with Misty May-Treanor, who is one half of the world’s greatest beach volleyball team, would be a dream come true. For one lucky person that dream is going to become a reality!
Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Breads, the Official Bread Supplier of the U.S. Olympic Team, has partnered with Misty and are offering the opportunity for one fan to win a private volleyball clinic with this two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Beginning April 16, fans can submit their personal “Slice of Gold” sandwich recipe on the Arnold and Oroweat Facebook page for a chance to win the clinic. The contest, which runs until Noon EST on July 2, will be judged by Misty herself.
For more information on Misty, her pre-Olympic healthy tips, and the official contest rules, visit the “From Grains to Glory” tab on the Arnold and Oroweat Facebook page: www.facebook.com/arnoldandoroweatbread.

Juried Art Show and Sale – May 6th

Temple City Tribune — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:57:57 +0000

A juried art show and sale, Art Matters Encore!, sponsored by the San Marino League will be
held May 6th from 10:30 to 3:00 at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
In the Botanical Center. The works of over 100 artists will be featured in this fund-raising affair,
the proceeds of which benefit the endowment fund of The Huntington’s Japanese Garden and
scholarships for fine arts students at the Art Center College of Design. Also featured will be a talk at
11:30 a.m. by Tom Krumpak, painter and professor at Long Beach State University, whose subject “Art
Off the Radar” explores many artists of today who are creating exciting and challenging new work. At
1:00 p.m. a painting demonstration will be given by Jean Osher, a local artist noted for her still life
paintings. The show is free upon entrance fee to The Huntington. For further information contact
www.sanmarinoleague.org.

NOMINATIONS FOR: WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Terry Miller — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:42:50 +0000

NOMINATIONS FOR: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
13th Annual Legislative Update & Awards Luncheon
: State Senator Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) and Assemblymembers Mike Gatto (D – Silver Lake) Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) are looking for women who excel in the workplace to be recognized at the 13th Annual Women in Business Legislative Update and Awards Luncheon. The event will be held August 17 at the Pasadena Hilton.

Nominations are now being accepted in a variety of categories for women who have contributed to the economic vitality and quality of life in the three legislative districts. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, May 13, 2012.

Women in Business celebrates women who have contributed to the greater good of the region by advancing business and creating new jobs and serving the community. These women are role models for their community and co-workers. Nominees must live or work in one of the appropriate legislative districts that stretch from Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge, to Pasadena, South Pasadena, Temple City, Arcadia, Monrovia, and Duarte and include parts of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

For further information or to receive nomination forms, contact (626) 577-9944. Nomination forms are also available on the district events page at: www.assembly.ca.gov/a44.

SANTA ANITA STAGES ‘ON TRACK TO BEAT CANCER,’2ND Annual Benefit slated Aprill 22

Terry Miller — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:08:39 +0000

SANTA ANITA STAGES ‘ON TRACK TO BEAT CANCER,’
2ND Annual Benefit slated Aprill 22
Santa Anita Park has announced plans for a second annual “On Track To Beat Cancer” event on closing day, April 22. One in three women will be diagnosed with cancer this year and the public is therefore encouraged to join jockeys, horsemen and celebrities in a walk down Santa Anita’s historic homestretch to raise money to support City of Hope find cures for women’s cancers.
“This was a very successful fundraiser last year and all facets of the racing industry came together to help fund cures for women’s cancers,” said Santa Anita Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chris Quinn. “We expect to have a couple thousand people participating and we hope when they finish on the track, they’ll join us for some live music and our Party in the Paddock, which should be a lot of fun.”
All participants are encouraged to wear purple.
“We’ll have purple-colored “On Track To Beat Cancer” tee shirts available for everyone,” said Quinn. “We’re hoping to create a sea of purple and for those who would like to show their support for City of Hope’s women’s cancer research, treatment and education programs, they’ll get the tee shirt, a wrist band and be able to walk down the stretch for just $10 dollars.”
“We’re very excited to once again be partnering with Santa Anita for this year’s ‘On Track To Beat Cancer’ event,” said Steven Martin, Vice President of Marketing at City of Hope. “Last year was such a great success and this year is again a fantastic way to celebrate closing day at Santa Anita while supporting City of Hope’s work to end women’s cancers.”
Anyone making a $10 donation to City of Hope on closing day will be eligible to walk on the track. Fans are encouraged to bring signs and banners, create teams, take photos and dedicate their walk to cancer survivors or to the memory of loved ones who have succumbed to or who are battling cancer.
City of Hope will bring their mobile blood donation truck for fans who wish to donate blood while at the track.
For more information on how to participate in the “On Track To Beat Cancer” event, fans are encouraged to visit www.santaanita.com. To learn more about City of Hope’s Women’s Cancers Program, visit http://womenscancers.cityofhope.org.
About City of Hope:
City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope’s research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is based in Southern California and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on facebook, twitter, youtube or flickr.

Backyard Birding Topic at Sierra Madre Garden Club May 14

Terry Miller — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:32:22 +0000

BIRDING IN YOUR BACKYARD

Want to entice more birds to your yard? Laura Garrett, Board Member of the Pasadena Audubon Society, will share information on how to attract a wide variety of birds via plant selection, good bugs and safe pest control at the Sierra Madre Garden Club meeting on Monday, May 14, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. She will also introduce some of the more common birds of this area and give tips on where to see them. Bring your questions, concerns and enthusiasm. The public is welcome.

The presentation will be given in the newly renovated Memorial Park Hart House Senior Center, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. A catered dinner will be served at 6:30. Reservations for the $9 dinner must be made by calling 355-0606. If you wish to attend only the program, there is no charge nor reservation necessary; please arrive by 7:15 p.m.

On Saturday, May 12, at 10 a.m., Janet Raymond, chief gardener for the Wrigley House rose gardens, will conduct a tour of the Tournament House rose gardens for club members and their guests. Janet will share some of the tricks of rose culture she has developed through her many years as a head gardener at the Pacific Rose Society gardens.

For more information about club activities, please visit the Sierra Madre Garden Club website at www.smgarden.org. For information concerning the Audubon Society, go to www.pasadenaaudubon.org.