Travel, Leisure & Fun for South Valley Adults

Articles from the May 1, 2019 edition


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  • Harnessing the Kaweah River

    Terry Ommen, Dusting Off History|Updated Jun 11, 2019

    In 1850, Lt. George Derby, a topographical engineer with the U.S. Army, and his party explored the Tulare Valley (now called the San Joaquin Valley) looking for a good site for a military post. In his report, he made important observations, especially about the water features. He noted the lakes of Buena Vista and Tache (Tulare) and rivers like the Kern, Tule and Francis. The Francis, now called the Kaweah River, seemed to attract his special attention. He wrote in his...

  • Is Medi-Cal Planning Ethical?

    Gregory A. Steen, Steen & Company|Updated Jun 11, 2019

    As in any area of consumer spending, knowing what to look for and what strategies to use in arranging for paid care services can save money. Medi- Cal planning allows many seniors to keep their homes and limit the depletion of their retirement savings. A person facing the prospect of long-term care with only moderate income and savings may have to rely on Medi-Cal to pay part or all of the cost of care. For example, someone making $2,000 a month would not be able to afford a...

  • Few Bitcoin Fans among Seniors

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    Retirees are not famous for being major risk-takers. In fact, quite the opposite is true with those in their age bracket. That said, it's surprising to learn that one third of them don't even know what Bitcoin is, according to results found through the survey launched by Gold IRA Guide, a magazine providing resources for IRA and 401k owners interested in investing in alternative assets such as precious metals, cryptocurrencies, annuities and other asset classes. "Frankly, the...

  • Tulare County Marks Mental Health Month with Focus on Reducing Stigma

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    May is Mental Health Month, and the Tulare County Health & Human Services Mental Health Branch and its partners are raising awareness about the connection between physical and mental health by holding events throughout the county. "Prevention, early intervention, education and engagement are key in addressing mental health issues," said Donna Ortiz, deputy director of Mental Health Integrated Services. Maintaining mental health involves a balanced diet; regular exercise and...

  • The Relaxing, Fun & Healthy History of Puzzles

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    (BPT) - Just try to walk by an unfinished jigsaw puzzle without stopping. It's almost impossible. In fact, nearly half of all Americans puzzle for fun, to relax or to relieve stress. Families puzzle together as a tradition. Millennials puzzle to connect with each other and disconnect from a hyper-digital lifestyle, while seniors puzzle for a brain boost. It may feel like puzzling is one of many retro activities in vogue again, but it has always been in fashion. Here are some...

  • Elderly Firearm Owners with Dementia Pose Shooting Risk

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    Red flag laws allowing for the removal of firearms from people with mental illness need to be widely extended to patients suffering from dementia, according to an article in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. The authors noted that the current lack of public policy could lead to an increase in suicide and accidental shootings among baby boomers and older adults, who have high rates of gun ownership and increasing risk for age-related dementia. While...

  • Farmers Markets Add New Locations, Double Vouchers

    Larry Kast, Publisher|Updated Jun 11, 2019

    Shoppers at Visalia's Farmers Markets will be saying goodbye to a long-time location this year, but will double down in more ways than one when two new venues open in May. The Downtown Thursday Night Market is no more, a victim of poor air quality and stifling summer heat, according to Farmers Market Manager Angie Warkentin, who added there has been a downward trend in vendor and participant attendance at the event. "Last year, we averaged 30 vendors," she said, contrasting...

  • Consider Adding New and Interesting Flowers and Plants to Your Garden

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    (BPT) - Today's plant lovers want more than the traditional flowers to enhance their home. Rather, people want to enjoy the experience of getting in touch with nature, while also looking for unique flowers and plants to add a more creative, personal touch of color and inspiration to their yards. This year, gardens will be more visually interesting, environmentally friendly and demonstrate the love and care provided by the families who tend them. Some will plant and grow...

  • Rawhide Seeks Pageant Contestants

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    The Visalia Rawhide baseball team is looking for local ladies at least 70 years of age to participate in its annual "Belle of the Ballpark" pageant on Wednesday, May 15. At the event, participants will be asked to participate in several in-game "challenges," including a runway walk, cookie baking contest, cheek pinching show-down, and "white t-shirt contest" (decorating a white Rawhide t-shirt). This annual event began in 2011 to celebrate the team's 65th anniversary. During...

  • Discharge Upgrades

    Ken Cruickshank, Veterans Corner|Updated Jun 11, 2019

    Former service members might remember hearing: “Just take the General Discharge; it will automatically be upgraded to Honorable in six months.” Most veterans who tried this found out this was not a true statement. However, there is a way that you can apply for a discharge upgrade. Each branch of service maintains a discharge review board with the authority to change, correct or modify a discharge or dismissal, if it was not issued as a result of conviction from a general cou...

  • 'Walk With Ease' Program Coming to Visalia Senior Center

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    Physical activity is important at any age as it helps to build a healthy heart, strong bones and improve movement and flexibility. As we get older, there are additional benefits such as preventing disease or chronic conditions, assisting the body with healing, lowering the chance of injury, improving mood, life expectancy and overall quality of life. It is with these goals in mind that the Visalia Senior Center is introducing a new program sponsored by the Arthritis...

  • Senior Day in the Park to Return to Mooney Grove

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    The 50th Annual Senior Day in the Park, a free event for seniors, their families and caregivers, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 3, at Mooney Grove Park, 2700 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia. This year's theme is "Golden Anniversary Bash." Entertainment will include Mariachi Juvenal Nueva Generacion, Jerry Hope singing "The Star Bangled Banner," Post 56 Color Guard and Flag Salute, and of course, a performance by "Elvis" (Jeremy Pearce). There will also be a...

  • 533 Athletes Compete in 2019 Visalia Senior Games

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    The 2019 Visalia Senior Games has wrapped up another year of successful competition with 533 athletes competing in various locations in Visalia over the last two weekends in March. Seniors from over 80 California cities and from Utah, Maine, Nevada and Washington competed in 13 various sporting events, including a 5k/10k run, archery, bowling, cycling, disc golf, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, softball, swimming, table tennis, track & field, and trap shooting. By far the most...

  • Local Events to Mark Elder Abuse Awareness Day

    Updated Jun 11, 2019

    Local events have been scheduled to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On Tuesday, May 28, "Elder Abuse Awareness Flag Ceremony 2019" will be held on the northeast lawn of Government Plaza, 5957 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, starting at 9 a.m. Coordinated by Tulare County Public Guardian & Adult Protective Services, the annual ceremony will again feature local officials and community leaders, and a display of purple flags. "Each report of elder abuse will be recognized with a...