It has been a cool summer for the most part up here in what is known as "God's Country."  Today, however, as Shakespeare wrote, "Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines."  (Thanks to Len for the quote.)  Actually, as I write this it is cool again, but I wanted to use the quote.  "Fests" are a big thing up here.  So far, there has been a River Fest, a Corn Fest, a Jazz Fest, an Irish Fest, a Butter Fest, a Folk Fest, an Apple Fest, and soon the Mother of them all, The October Fest (held in September this year).  I suggest you check out.  Or, go to Google, put in <La Crosse River Cam> where you will see Riverside Park in La Crosse, and, who knows, maybe a fest will be going on.  (Hopefully it will be a nice sunny day.)


UPCOMING SRA EVENTS

Visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art 5905 Wilshire Boulevard (corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue)

On Thursday, October 8, 2009, Dick Martin will lead the group leaving the Emeriti Center at about 10:30 a.m. and using public transportation: DASH F (Seniors $0.10) to 7th and Figueroa, the Purple Line Subway Train to Wilshire/Western, and then MTA Rapid Bus #720 (Senior Day Pass is $1.80, covers all busses and trains, except the DASH) to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  A parking garage (entrance off 6th Street just east of Fairfax) is available at the museum, should you wish to drive.  You will meet at the ticketing area at 11:30 a.m. when the doors open; exhibits open at 12:00 Noon.  At 12:15 p.m. in the Japanese Pavilion Auditorium, Karen Lansky will present "The True Wild History of LACMA, 1879-1936: Judge Bowen's Gift to the City."  The Group Admission Cost for Seniors will be $7 per person (non-Seniors $10 per person).  Lunch will be no host at either Pentimento Restaurant or the Plaza Café, both in the museum complex.  If you haven't already confirmed your reservation, contact Dick Martin at <dickmar@msn.com> or 323-343-1146.  (It may be too late but try.)

SRA General Meeting September 15, 2009

Following up on our chair dancing experience in June, we have a special "Fuit for Life" program for you on Tuesday, September 15th, with two presenters from the USC Health Sciences Campus.  First, Dr. Dohwa Kim will conduct the medical portion of the fitness program and introduce USC's Geriatric Program.  Then, Lori Ginoza, DPT, will give a PowerPoint presentation of "Fit for Life" by Cheryl Resnik, DPT.  They'll be some surprises as well.  The program will begin PROMPTLY at 10:00 a.m. in the Gerontology Auditorium with lunch at 12:00 p.m. in Room 224 for meeting and greeting friends.  We're looking forward to seeing you at our first meeting of the 2009-2010 year!  To R.S.V.P., please call 213-740-7122 or e-mail <emeriti@usc.edu> by Thursday, September 10.  (HELP!!!!  Your expert input on three questions about life after retirement is crucial to the successful development of this pilot program.  Please stay 15–20 minutes after the September 15th SRA General Meeting.)


HOPEFULLY HELPFUL TIPS

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORES — Did you know that Habitat for Humanity has 550 "ReStores" around the country?  These stores sell new or used items at a fraction of their normal price, normally 50 to 90 percent off retail price.  The items are donated by retailers, contractors, demolition crews, and individuals.  To locate a ReStore in your area, go to <www.habitat.org/env/restores> or call 1-800-422-4828.

WHERE ARE YOU IN "THE DOUGHNUT HOLE" — There is "an easy to use" online calculator.  You put in your information and then get a customized report on how long your Medicare Part D coverage will last before you fall into the doughnut hole.  The information you plug into the tool disappears as soon as you exit the calculator.  You can try it out at <www.aarp.org/doughnuthole.com>  (AARP Bulletin, July-August 2009, page 24)

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS — I had a bit about when it is best to start taking your Social Security in issue #80.  For most of us, this ship has sailed, but, as I looked into in, I am convinced I made a mistake by taking it early.  I also learned that if you recently started taking benefits but now think that was a mistake, you may be eligible for "a do-over."  You can repay the benefits already received, free of interest, and reapply for a bigger benefit later.  <www.socialsecurity.gov> has many calculators and charts that may help you decide.  If any of these apply to you, check it out.  It can be complicated, and most every case is different.

KIPLINGER'S RETIREMENT PLANNING 2009 — This document is now on sale for about $6 at news stands.  It can also be ordered at <www.kiplinger.com/go/retireKRR>.  I am not a salesman for Kiplinger, but I do use their information frequently and find it most often useful and correct.

"THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT" — In May, HBO had a program called "The Alzheimer's Project."  If you missed it, you can watch the four-part series free online.  The project's Web site is <www.hbo.com/alzheimers>.

AUTO MECHANICS — Auto mechanics consistently rank high on the consumer complaint list.  Now here may be some help.  Try <www.repairpal.com>.  The site offers free, realistic quotes based on surveys of auto repair prices at thousands of shops across the country.  Repair Pal lists local mechanics and provides quotes for repairs in your local ZIP code, specific to your car's make, model, and year.  (AARP Bulletin, April 2009, page 23)

SUPERBUGS — There is a lot of information these days about people getting these superbugs while they were patients in a hospital.  Consumers Union offers information on states requiring hospitals to report infection rates.  You can find it at <www.stophospitalinfections.org> and click on "State Hospital Infection Disclosure Laws."  Or, try <www.leapfroggroup.org> that rates hospitals and provides information on infection prevention measures.  (AARP Bulletin, March 2009, page 14)

SAVE ON TAXES — Congress has raised the energy tax credit for homeowners who make energy improvements to their homes. You can receive a credit of 30 percent of what you spend for qualifying improvements in 2009 and 2010, up to a total credit of $1,500 over two years.  The 30 percent credit drops to 10 percent after 2010.  There is also a 30 percent credit to help homeowners pay for alternative energy equipment.  (Kiplinger's Retirement Report, July 2009, page 3)


NOT HELPFUL INFORMATION

The last time I did a newsletter, I referred to an Ole-Sven joke that I think is great, but it got voted down; so it is not included.  Up here, there are a significant number of people with a Norwegian heritage.  I am told I am Norwegian; so I believe it's OK to show you how we are made fun of, you betcha.

What did the Norwegian do with the Gold Medal he won at the Olympics?
Answer: He was so proud of it that he had it bronzed.

What do you find on the bottom of cola bottles in Norway?
Answer: The inscription, "Open other end."

Who invented the "Limbo"?
Answer: A Norwegian trying to sneak under a pay toilet door.

Why do many Norwegian dogs have flat noses?
Answer: From chasing parked cars.


See you at the October meeting.


C L A S S I F I E D  A D S
(Listed in order of receipt)

None this month.

[To have your free ad appear (for things to give away, to sell, to buy, etc.) in the next issue, please send to <len@winesland.net> before the first of the month.]


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*The content of this E-mail Newsletter is for the information of the members of the USC SRA.  It is not a University of Southern California official publication.  There is no intent to promote any particular product or point of view.  Personal decisions regarding health, finance, exercise, or other matters should be made after consulting with the reader’s own professional advisors.