BY AUGUSTINE CORCORON
 

 
Loyalton Grizzly Football went on the road to play the Greenville Indians in a traditional league matchup last saturday.   With he weather alternating between springtime mountain snow flurries and patches of sunshine your grizzlies came out of a long winters hibernation to defeat Greenville 30-0.  
 
The shutout win, made possible by a stifling defense was also punctuated by a number of splash plays on offense.   The Loyalton faithful that were allowed to attend enjoyed the day accompanied by the Cheer Squad coached by Sheri Jackowiak. 
 
The game started with Loyalton deferring the toss and starting off on defense.   The Grizzlies caused a sack and a fumble on the first series.  That along with a nice punt return gave the offense favorable field position, which they used to score on their opening drive.  The drive was capped by a touchdown pass from Quarterback Lathan Ryan, to James Durney.
 
Ryan, a savvy veteran coach on the field, finished the game 7 of 14 with two touchdowns and an interception.  James Durney threw two TD passes on reverses for 145 yards.  One of which was a 70 yarder to his brother Lucas.  Chance added 6 receptions for 52 yards to the passing game while Johnny Gould added a TD catch to the days’ fun. 
 
The defensive effort was anchored by Mason Williams who spent the day wreaking havoc all day in a performance that included forcing numerous fumbles while getting a sack, a TFL and several QB pressures all while drawing double and triple teams.  Other highlights include Lucas Durneys interception, Johnny Goulds 8 solo tackles and Sophomore Drew Jordans’ 3 Sacks.
 
A big thanks to all the Football Boosters and everybody who has helped with the program since we started back up! 

The contestants were unable to meet in person and held the competition via Zoom.
Jordyn Crews, first place winner of the Music Contest (photo submitted) playing sax.
Kylie Litz, second place (flute), Naomi Canseco, third place (clarinet).
Sophia Dutton, first place winner of the Speech Contest (photo submitted, Jostens).  Olivia Fragiacomo, second place.

​Jordyn Crews, first place winner of the Music Contest (photo submitted) playing sax.

Olivia Fragiacomo, Second Place Speech Contest

Kylie Litz (second place, music)  Not pictured: Naomi Canseco, third place (clarinet).
​

By Ted Gaines
Word count 532
 
Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, was passed by voters last November, enacting significant changes to California’s property tax law. One provision of the measure – that concerning “parent-child” and “grandparent-grandchild” exclusions – triggered a massive property tax increase that took effect February 16.
 
Unfortunately for homeowners, the statute in its current state is a confusing mess. As a State Board of Equalization Member and dedicated taxpayer advocate, I continue to work closely with state legislators and county assessors to provide clarity and answer as many questions as possible for taxpayers affected by these provisions.
 
While Proposition 19 has some serious shortcomings – increasing taxes on tens of thousands of California families and making it more difficult and expensive to pass on property and family farms to your children and grandchildren – it does offer noteworthy tax benefits to homeowners who are nearing retirement, severely disabled or victims of natural disasters. Beginning April 1, 2021, qualified homeowners can transfer their low Proposition 13 tax base year value to a replacement home of any value, in any of California’s 58 counties. Homeowners who want to downsize, move closer to family, or relocate for any other reason can blend the taxable value of their old house with the purchase price of a new, and possibly more expensive home, reducing the property tax burden they would otherwise face.
 
When voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 13 in 1978, it was to rein in property tax rates that had spiraled out of control as county governments routinely raised property taxes, in many cases forcing families from their homes. The landmark ballot initiative placed restrictions on how much a homeowner’s taxable value could increase every year, even if a home’s market value grew substantially.
 
California voters later passed Propositions 60, 90, and 110, which extended Proposition 13 protections to homeowners 55 or older and people with severe disabilities by giving them a one-time opportunity to retain their Proposition 13 tax base if they moved to a home of equal or lesser value within the same county or to one of the 10 counties with an intercounty agreement.
 
Proposition 19 further expands Proposition 13 benefits by allowing eligible homeowners to transfer their base year value up to three times. It also gives property owners whose homes were damaged or destroyed by a wildfire or other natural disaster the ability to transfer their Proposition 13 base year value to a new home. These provisions of Proposition 19 take effect on April 1, 2021 and give homeowners two years to transfer their base year value to a replacement residence in any county.
 
I support the base year transfer provisions of Proposition 19 because they allow more homeowners to take advantage of Proposition 13 protections that continue to be widely supported by California voters. While some of Proposition 19’s provisions hurt California taxpayers at a time when they need economic security the most, it’s always nice to have a silver lining.
 
Visit my website at boe.ca.gov/gaines for more information on Proposition 19. I encourage all homeowners to check with their County Assessor for specific county regulations, policies, and any paperwork associated with base year transfers.
 
Senator Ted Gaines (Ret.) was elected in November 2018 to represent the Board of Equalization’s First District. He is a leading taxpayer advocate and is committed to providing trustworthy and transparent representation for nearly ten million constituents in 30 counties of northern, eastern, and southern California. For more information, visit boe.ca.gov/Gaines.
​

The Eastern Plumas Recreation District, a Plumas County community services district, announces its newest project. The Board has approved a plan to build a Community Park, Gateway Visitor and Civic Center and a Railway Depot for the future commuter train on the 5 acres owned by the District at 95438 Highway70. This parcel is located alongside the Union Pacific railway line that runs east to Reno and Omaha and west to Quincy and Sacramento/Bay Area. The parcel is located just east of the Chilcoot Fire Department.
The Chilcoot Community Park will offer a ball park, outdoor amphitheater, dog park, children’s playground, running track, tennis courts and ample parking. The Civic Center will offer an indoor gym, art gallery, conference rooms for meetings, physical health classrooms and a Gateway Visitor Center to greet and assist incoming outdoorsmen and tourists to our High Sierra region.
The District is working towards initiating future commuter train service to connect Eastern Plumas County from Quincy to Reno, NV. The Chilcoot Railway Depot will be one of the 4 planned Plumas County depot stops. The other three will be located in Portola, Blairsden and east Quincy. Board members have been in contact with Union Pacific officials and both Northern Nevada and Northern California Railway Transportation Departments. The Plumas County Transit recently expanded their long term Transportation plan to include future railway service. Each of the depot locations will offer a community park, civic center, visitor center and railway depot amenities similarly planned for Chilcoot. Each depot would also become a safe transportation hub for other forms of transportation including bus stops, electric car and bike rentals, electric car charging stations, depot parking and UBER pickup and dropoff stops.
The District submitted a grant application to CA Parks and Recreation for the project but it has yet to be awarded any money. The Eastern Plumas Recreation District is seeking volunteers to help with the park project and it needs to fill two vacant board seats. If you are tired of staying home and want to get involved again in your community, please join us for our next meeting to be held April 21st at 5 pm at the Goodwin Store and Gas Station on Hwy 70 in Chilcoot. The meeting is open to the public and is handicap accessible. We could use your help. For more information please Contact Mimi Garner at 775-229-3140 (phone & text) or by email at MGarnerBroker@gmail.com
With the help of the community, we can provide quality parks and recreation for residents and visitors and better transportation solutions for Eastern Plumas County. 

​

By Diane Nens, Audiologist and Senior Clinical Director, UnitedHealthcare Hearing
 
While COVID-19 most frequently affects the lungs, other parts of the body may also be impacted, such as a loss of taste and smell. For a smaller number of people, instances of hearing loss are emerging, according to the International Journal of Audiology.
Of equal or greater concern is that some people with hearing loss may be opting to delay treatment, in part due to COVID-19 exposure concerns with in-person medical appointments for testing and care. While hearing aid sales reached nearly 3.5 million in 2020, that represents a significant decline compared to the previous year, which may be attributed to the fact that the average person with hearing loss waits seven years before seeking treatment.
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition among older Americans, affecting more than 48 million people nationwide. Hearing loss may become even more widespread in the future, in part because of an aging population and the frequent use of earbud headphones, which can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss.
Here are five tips to consider related to hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future: 
Prevent Hearing Loss Before It Starts. Our ability to hear declines naturally as we age, especially among people over 65. But exposure to loud sounds – both one-time and cumulatively – can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. To help reduce your risk, consider limiting exposure to loud sounds and the use of earbud headphones, especially when listening to music or movies on a mobile device. Consider over-the-ear headphones – especially models with noise-canceling properties – as those are generally considered a better option than earbuds. When using earbuds, follow the “60/60 rule”: listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time and at no more than 60% of the player’s maximum volume.

Look for Signs of Hearing Loss. For some people in the early stages of hearing loss, there is an expectation – and hope – the problem will resolve itself or improve eventually. The reality is hearing loss tends to gradually worsen over time without treatment. Unlike a broken bone or other physical injury, hearing follicles don’t regrow or repair themselves. Once someone has hearing loss, the most effective treatment is usually hearing aids. Common signs of hearing loss include turning up the volume on the TV or radio to levels that others find too loud, having trouble hearing people on the phone, and difficulty following conversations in noisy environments.  
Evaluate Testing Options. Online hearing screeners can help people identify potential signs of hearing loss and start the process for accessing care. Meanwhile, some primary care physicians are starting to offer hearing testing, making it more convenient to follow recommended guidelines, which include being screened at least every decade through age 50 and then at three-year intervals thereafter. Consider checking with your employer-sponsored or Medicare Advantage health plan, which may be able to connect you with an audiologist or hearing health professional for testing.  
Recognize the Risks of Avoiding Treatment. While some people may think diminished hearing is merely a nuisance or a sign of aging, it can have a significant impact on people’s overall health and well-being. For instance, people with hearing loss are 32% more likely to be hospitalized and have a 300% greater risk of falling, according to the Better Hearing Institute. For people in the workforce with hearing loss, the condition reduces household income by an average of $12,000 per year; the use of hearing aids can mitigate up to 50% of that loss. Importantly, people with hearing loss who obtain treatment experience a lower risk of falls, dementia and depression, as compared to individuals who delay treatment. 
Consider Virtual Care and Home-Delivery Options. Some new regulations and companies are changing the way hearing aids are sold, helping to bring down costs. Through home-delivery options, people may be able to purchase quality, custom-programmed hearing aids for less than $1,000 per device – a potential savings of up to 60% compared to devices sold through traditional channels.[2] As technology has improved and programming has become more precise, people with hearing test results may be able to order custom-programmed hearing aids, have them delivered to their doorstep and then adjusted virtually through a smartphone, potentially avoiding the need for in-person appointments with hearing health professionals.  
About 80% of people who could benefit from using a hearing aid do not actually use them, often because of cost, limited knowledge, or lack of access to a hearing health professional. By considering these tips, people may be able to maintain or improve their hearing health and contribute to their overall well-being.
 


 



Hello! Reaching out to ask if you can share, “The Surprising Connection Between Hearing Health and COVID-19,” with your readers.  Attached is a photo!  Please let us know!  Thanks, Maryann 949-375-0856

 
The Surprising Connection Between Hearing Health and COVID-19 
By Diane Nens, Audiologist and Senior Clinical Director, UnitedHealthcare Hearing
 
While COVID-19 most frequently affects the lungs, other parts of the body may also be impacted, such as a loss of taste and smell. For a smaller number of people, instances of hearing loss are emerging, according to the International Journal of Audiology.
Of equal or greater concern is that some people with hearing loss may be opting to delay treatment, in part due to COVID-19 exposure concerns with in-person medical appointments for testing and care. While hearing aid sales reached nearly 3.5 million in 2020, that represents a significant decline compared to the previous year, which may be attributed to the fact that the average person with hearing loss waits seven years before seeking treatment.
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition among older Americans, affecting more than 48 million people nationwide. Hearing loss may become even more widespread in the future, in part because of an aging population and the frequent use of earbud headphones, which can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss.
Here are five tips to consider related to hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future: 
Prevent Hearing Loss Before It Starts. Our ability to hear declines naturally as we age, especially among people over 65. But exposure to loud sounds – both one-time and cumulatively – can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. To help reduce your risk, consider limiting exposure to loud sounds and the use of earbud headphones, especially when listening to music or movies on a mobile device. Consider over-the-ear headphones – especially models with noise-canceling properties – as those are generally considered a better option than earbuds. When using earbuds, follow the “60/60 rule”: listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time and at no more than 60% of the player’s maximum volume.

Look for Signs of Hearing Loss. For some people in the early stages of hearing loss, there is an expectation – and hope – the problem will resolve itself or improve eventually. The reality is hearing loss tends to gradually worsen over time without treatment. Unlike a broken bone or other physical injury, hearing follicles don’t regrow or repair themselves. Once someone has hearing loss, the most effective treatment is usually hearing aids. Common signs of hearing loss include turning up the volume on the TV or radio to levels that others find too loud, having trouble hearing people on the phone, and difficulty following conversations in noisy environments.  
Evaluate Testing Options. Online hearing screeners can help people identify potential signs of hearing loss and start the process for accessing care. Meanwhile, some primary care physicians are starting to offer hearing testing, making it more convenient to follow recommended guidelines, which include being screened at least every decade through age 50 and then at three-year intervals thereafter. Consider checking with your employer-sponsored or Medicare Advantage health plan, which may be able to connect you with an audiologist or hearing health professional for testing.  
Recognize the Risks of Avoiding Treatment. While some people may think diminished hearing is merely a nuisance or a sign of aging, it can have a significant impact on people’s overall health and well-being. For instance, people with hearing loss are 32% more likely to be hospitalized and have a 300% greater risk of falling, according to the Better Hearing Institute. For people in the workforce with hearing loss, the condition reduces household income by an average of $12,000 per year; the use of hearing aids can mitigate up to 50% of that loss. Importantly, people with hearing loss who obtain treatment experience a lower risk of falls, dementia and depression, as compared to individuals who delay treatment. 
Consider Virtual Care and Home-Delivery Options. Some new regulations and companies are changing the way hearing aids are sold, helping to bring down costs. Through home-delivery options, people may be able to purchase quality, custom-programmed hearing aids for less than $1,000 per device – a potential savings of up to 60% compared to devices sold through traditional channels.[2] As technology has improved and programming has become more precise, people with hearing test results may be able to order custom-programmed hearing aids, have them delivered to their doorstep and then adjusted virtually through a smartphone, potentially avoiding the need for in-person appointments with hearing health professionals.  
About 80% of people who could benefit from using a hearing aid do not actually use them, often because of cost, limited knowledge, or lack of access to a hearing health professional. By considering these tips, people may be able to maintain or improve their hearing health and contribute to their overall well-being.
 
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Hello! Reaching out to ask if you can share, “The Surprising Connection Between Hearing Health and COVID-19,” with your readers.  Attached is a photo!  Please let us know!  Thanks, Maryann 949-375-0856

 
The Surprising Connection Between Hearing Health and COVID-19 
By Diane Nens, Audiologist and Senior Clinical Director, UnitedHealthcare Hearing
 
While COVID-19 most frequently affects the lungs, other parts of the body may also be impacted, such as a loss of taste and smell. For a smaller number of people, instances of hearing loss are emerging, according to the International Journal of Audiology.
Of equal or greater concern is that some people with hearing loss may be opting to delay treatment, in part due to COVID-19 exposure concerns with in-person medical appointments for testing and care. While hearing aid sales reached nearly 3.5 million in 2020, that represents a significant decline compared to the previous year, which may be attributed to the fact that the average person with hearing loss waits seven years before seeking treatment.
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition among older Americans, affecting more than 48 million people nationwide. Hearing loss may become even more widespread in the future, in part because of an aging population and the frequent use of earbud headphones, which can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss.
Here are five tips to consider related to hearing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future: 
Prevent Hearing Loss Before It Starts. Our ability to hear declines naturally as we age, especially among people over 65. But exposure to loud sounds – both one-time and cumulatively – can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. To help reduce your risk, consider limiting exposure to loud sounds and the use of earbud headphones, especially when listening to music or movies on a mobile device. Consider over-the-ear headphones – especially models with noise-canceling properties – as those are generally considered a better option than earbuds. When using earbuds, follow the “60/60 rule”: listen for no more than 60 minutes at a time and at no more than 60% of the player’s maximum volume.

Look for Signs of Hearing Loss. For some people in the early stages of hearing loss, there is an expectation – and hope – the problem will resolve itself or improve eventually. The reality is hearing loss tends to gradually worsen over time without treatment. Unlike a broken bone or other physical injury, hearing follicles don’t regrow or repair themselves. Once someone has hearing loss, the most effective treatment is usually hearing aids. Common signs of hearing loss include turning up the volume on the TV or radio to levels that others find too loud, having trouble hearing people on the phone, and difficulty following conversations in noisy environments.  
Evaluate Testing Options. Online hearing screeners can help people identify potential signs of hearing loss and start the process for accessing care. Meanwhile, some primary care physicians are starting to offer hearing testing, making it more convenient to follow recommended guidelines, which include being screened at least every decade through age 50 and then at three-year intervals thereafter. Consider checking with your employer-sponsored or Medicare Advantage health plan, which may be able to connect you with an audiologist or hearing health professional for testing.  
Recognize the Risks of Avoiding Treatment. While some people may think diminished hearing is merely a nuisance or a sign of aging, it can have a significant impact on people’s overall health and well-being. For instance, people with hearing loss are 32% more likely to be hospitalized and have a 300% greater risk of falling, according to the Better Hearing Institute. For people in the workforce with hearing loss, the condition reduces household income by an average of $12,000 per year; the use of hearing aids can mitigate up to 50% of that loss. Importantly, people with hearing loss who obtain treatment experience a lower risk of falls, dementia and depression, as compared to individuals who delay treatment. 
Consider Virtual Care and Home-Delivery Options. Some new regulations and companies are changing the way hearing aids are sold, helping to bring down costs. Through home-delivery options, people may be able to purchase quality, custom-programmed hearing aids for less than $1,000 per device – a potential savings of up to 60% compared to devices sold through traditional channels.[2] As technology has improved and programming has become more precise, people with hearing test results may be able to order custom-programmed hearing aids, have them delivered to their doorstep and then adjusted virtually through a smartphone, potentially avoiding the need for in-person appointments with hearing health professionals.  
About 80% of people who could benefit from using a hearing aid do not actually use them, often because of cost, limited knowledge, or lack of access to a hearing health professional. By considering these tips, people may be able to maintain or improve their hearing health and contribute to their overall well-being.
 
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

" src="cid:3278FB07-02F4-4566-8BB6-4A2AEF59530C" alt="Diane Nens (GA).jpg" type="application/x-apple-msg-attachment" class="Apple-web-attachment Singleton Apple-edge-to-edge-visual-media" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: start; text-size-adjust: auto;">

by Rebecca Weber, CEO of the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]
 
It would appear, based on the stories making news these days, that the younger generations among us are hell bent on revolution— but not the kind that gave us the Constitution and a way of life that made America the envy of the world. Rather, it’s more like the Russian revolution that enslaved hundreds of millions of people for nearly seven and a half decades from 1917 to 1990. But it appears that the young anarchists among us, including those with a so-called progressive agenda in Congress, are oblivious to that fact and are willing to risk our freedom to give it a try. 
 
As Winston Churchill put it: “A Nation That Forgets Its Past Has No Future.”
 
How could this be? Perhaps a recent opinion article in the Wall Street Journal signed by six former U.S. Secretaries of Education holds the answer. As co-authors Lamar Alexander, Arne Duncan, John King, Rod Paige, Richard Riley and Margaret Spellings put it: “Following years of polarization and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the world’s oldest constitutional democracy is in grave danger. We stand at a crossroads, called to protect this democracy and to work toward unity.” 
 
The progressive movement is specifically targeting America’s youth by sugar-coating the idea of socialism. Take the article with the headline “What Is Democratic Socialism [is that an oxymoron] and Why Is It Growing More Popular in the U.S.?” that appeared in Teen Vogue, which bills itself as “the young person’s guide to saving the world.” It was written by Samuel Arnold, an associate professor of political theory at Texas Christian University, and it focuses on what he seems to be promoting among the teenage audience-- the socialist ideal.
 
For example, he cites a list of reasons why “socialism is much more democratic than capitalism;” reasons such as “socialism would harness our collective wealth to meet everyone’s basic needs, or so its advocates maintain. No longer would some people be fantastically rich while others are reduced to begging in the street. Key needs like food, shelter, health care, education (including college), and retirement support would be “decommodified” — provided to all, regardless of ability to pay.”
 
I guess it works in countries like Red China, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela etc. – socialist paradises whose citizens, for some reason, are routinely seeking to escape. 
 
Meanwhile, the success of socialist Scandinavian countries that Bernie Sanders likes to bring up is a myth that has been debunked; it doesn’t exist. Jeffrey Dorfman, professor of economics at the University of Georgia, explained it in a Forbes article: “To the extent that the left wants to point to an example of successful socialism, not just generous welfare states, the Nordic countries are actually a poor case to cite. Regardless of the perception, in reality the Nordic countries practice mostly free market economics paired with high taxes exchanged for generous government entitlement programs.”
 
Bernie Sanders has long referred to himself as a socialist rather than a member of the Democratic Party, which has naturally led to a lot of questions about what socialism means to him. He consistently references the social models of the Nordic states — especially Denmark — as his idea of what democratic socialism is all about. But, not long ago, in a speech at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that while he's flattered to see Denmark discussed in a widely watched US presidential debate, he doesn't think the socialist shoe fits.
"I know that some people in the US associate the Nordic model with some sort of socialism," he said. "Therefore, I would like to make one thing clear. Denmark is far from a socialist planned economy. Denmark is a market economy."
 
So, why is socialism gaining traction among the younger generations. Maybe it’s because they don’t know better, because they didn’t pay attention in history class. As the late Dr. Bruce Cole, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, once put it: the U.S. is “a country of historical amnesiacs”
 
The National Assessment of Educational Progress issues its so-called Nation’s Report Card every four years and the recent report cards they’ve issued show that tAmerican schoolchildren have an “alarming” lack of knowledge when it comes to our nation’s history.
 
Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos put it this way: “In the real world, this means students don’t know what the Lincoln-Douglas debates were about, nor can they discuss the significance of the Bill of Rights … And only 15% of them have a reasonable knowledge of U.S. history. All Americans should take a moment to think about the concerning implications for the future of our country.”
 
Another former Secretary of Education, Dr. Rod Paige, had this to say: “History is an important and integral part of the foundation upon which our education system is built. It provides a logical context for our lives as Americans. It offers an understanding of how to overcome adversity and how to learn from our mistakes. It teaches us about ourselves—who we are, how the U.S. came to be a model for democracy in the world and why our melting-pot population has played and continues to play such an important role in the country’s development and success. If we don’t teach our children these things, they will be doomed to a lifetime of doubt and struggle.”
 
The Bolsheviks had a willing population of gullible peasants ready to take up the communist cause when they overthrew the Czar back in 1917. Is it too much of a reach to believe that those who would like to see our American democratic republic take a left turn are counting on the history deficit of our unwitting younger generations to promote a socialist agenda?
 
###


The 2.3 million member Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] www.amac.us is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization that takes its marching orders from its members. AMAC Action is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the membership in our nation’s capital and in local Congressional Districts throughout the country. 
AMAC | Washington DC | 917-846-8485 | Email | Website
Association of Mature American Citizens | 17th Street N.W., Washington , DC 20036