55 Plus

EE

Marilyn Pinsky Reecting on First Solo Trip (to Cuba, No Less)

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PLUS

Issue 40 August / September 2012

For Active Adults in Central New York

Boomerang Kids

Record R ecord numbers of young adults are moving back home.

What parents should do?

Time to Downsize Do you really need that four-bedroom home?

The

Maestro

Gift to Grandson Means a New Business for Grandma

Edward Lisk of Oswego is a celebrity in the world of bands.

He continues traveling the world, conducting clinics and sharing his musical knowledge

Suzanne Ellis: What Facebook Means to Me

THE ENERGY IS UNSTOPPABLE!

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When it sings and moves, this musical biography of pop icons Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons really rocks.”

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August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

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55 PLUS - August / September 2012

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55 PLUS

55 PLUS

August / September2012

20

Health Watch 6 11 ACTIVITIES Financial Health 7 • The Freemans have hiked, biked, Gardening 8

snowshoed and kayaked, and have written books to prove it

Golden Years 16 14 ADVENTURE My Turn 22 • Searching for shipwrecks in CNY Aging 32 18 FAMILY Visits 42 • A record number of young Consumers Corner 45

adults moving back home

Druger’s Zoo 48 20 INSPIRATION

• What a ride: Harv’s Harley Davidson founder turns 90

24 LIVING

• Do you really need that four-bedroom home?

CONTENTS

11

36

38 40

26 COVER

• Edward Lisk is a celebrity in the world of bands and he has traveled the world sharing his musical knowledge

36 INITIATIVE

• A gift to a grandson means a new business for grandma

38 OPPORTUNITY

• Business experts suggest some basic steps before people start new businesses

40 TECHNOLOGY

• What Facebook means to me

50 LAST PAGE

• Clara Kingsley, Aide of the Year August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

5

55PLUS

HEALTH WATCH Fish Oil Prevents Agerelated Loss of Vision

L

oss of vision due to age can potentially be prevented by DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish. The study, which was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science demonstrated that lab models fed with DHA did not accumulate the toxic molecule that usually builds up in the retina with age and therefore it prevented age-related loss of vision.

Yves Sauve and his team from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, said: “This discovery could result in a

very broad therapeutic use. In normal aging, this toxin increases two-fold as we age. But in lab tests, there was no increase in this toxin whatsoever.

This has never been demonstrated before — that supplementing the diet with DHA could make this kind of difference.”

The researchers are currently conducting another study investigating individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is the main cause for losing central vision, which results in blindness in individuals above the age of 50 years.

To Quit Smoking, Try Eating More Veggies and Fruits

I

f you’re trying to quit smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables may help you quit and stay tobaccofree longer, according to a new study by University at Buffalo public health researchers.

The paper, in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research, is the first longitudinal study on the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and smoking cessation.

The UB study found that smokers who consumed the most fruits and vegetables were three times more likely to be tobacco-free for at least 30 days at follow-up 14 months later than those consuming the lowest amount of fruits and vegetables. These findings persisted 6

55 PLUS - August / September 2012

even when adjustments were made to take into account age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, household income and health orientation.

They also found that smokers with higher fruit and vegetable consumption smoked fewer cigarettes per day, waited longer to smoke their first cigarette of the day and scored lower on a common test of nicotine dependence.

“We may have identified a new tool that can help people quit smoking,” says Jeffrey P. Haibach, first author on the paper and graduate research assistant in the UB Department of Community Health and Health Behavior. “Granted, this is just an observational study, but improving one’s diet may facilitate quitting.”

Editor and Publisher Wagner Dotto

Associate Editor Lou Sorendo

Writers

Sandra Scott, Suzanne M. Ellis Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Mary Beth Roach, Ken Little

Columnists

Eva Briggs, M.D., Bruce Frassinelli Marilyn Pinsky, Harold Miller Jim Sollecito, David J. Zumpano Marvin Druger

Advertising

Jasmine Maldonado Marlene Raite Tracy DeCann

Office Manager

Laura J. Beckwith

Layout and Design Chris Crocker

Cover Photo

Chuck Wainwright 55 PLUS –A Magazine for Active Adults in Upstate New York is published six times a year by Local News, Inc., which also publishes In Good Health–CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper.

Health in good

CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper Published at 185 E. Seneca St. PO Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126.

Subscription: $15 a year

© 2012 by 55 PLUS – A Magazine for Active Adults in Upstate New York.

No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher.

Third class postage paid at Syracuse, NY. Permit Number: 3071

How to Reach Us P.O. Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-342-1182 Fax: 315-342-7776 Email: editor@cnyhealth.com Editor@cnyhealth.com

financial health

Has your Hearing Aid Provider been sold to an expensive franchise or are no longer in business?

By David J. Zumpano

How to Avoid the Nursing Home

M

r. a n d M r s . R o b e r t s recently came into the office. Mr. Roberts was using a walker. They were concerned because he did not want to have to go to a nursing home and it was getting harder and harder for his wife of 53 years to care for him.

Many of their friends had gone to a nursing home and they were afraid it was imminent.

After sitting down and examining the mental capacity of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, it became evident they have full mental capacity. In fact, they’re even a little spunky. The only challenge was it was getting harder and harder for Mr. Roberts to move around.

We were quickly able to identify several options for Mr. and Mrs. Roberts they could do immediately to help them avoid, or at a minimum, prolong the need to go into a nursing home. The first was Medicaid home care benefits. The Roberts were confused when we suggested it. They had heard Medicaid only provided benefits for nursing home care. We explained Medicaid has a community benefit that pays for care in your home for up to 24 hours per day depending upon your need. And Medicaid would not only pay for basic care, but also for assistance to clean the house, do the laundry, take Mr. Roberts to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and other necessities for him.

The Roberts were excited but concerned they had too much income and assets to qualify. They were correct, but we explained there were legal strategies to make them meet the qualification guidelines within 30 days.

After completing the legal work, we would apply for benefits the next month. The best part was after qualifying, the Roberts got to choose their own caregivers, including their kids, grandkids or family friends.

They were very surprised and a

Even if you purchased hearing aids out of the area and need somewhere to go...

little bit excited. After discussing the Medicaid option, we told them about an additional option to help Mr. Roberts stay home without overburdening Mrs. Roberts; Veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefits. Since Mr. Roberts was a veteran and served in the military during the Korean War timeframe (WWII or Vietnam also qualify), he was eligible for up $2,020 a month from the Veteran’s Administration to help pay for medical expenses for him or his wife.

He was shocked.

He indicated they had attempted several times to work with the Veteran’s Administration, but they repeatedly had been told he did not qualify for any benefits. Again, through proper legal strategies, we assured him we could get him eligible for the benefits within 30 days.

In working together with the Roberts, we created a strategy to apply for the Medicaid benefits to get the needed care in place in their home and Veteran’s benefits of up to $2,020.00 to help pay for additional care above what Medicaid covered.

They thought it was too good to be true.

As it happens, there are some good things in life, and staying home is one of them.

Utilizing Medicaid, community, homecare benefits and Veteran’s Aid and Attendance benefits will allow for your care at home, slow the progress of your ailments and enable you to stay home longer. And, if done properly, avoid the nursing home all together.

David J. Zumpano is an attorney and a certified public accountant (CPA).

He operates Estate Planning Law Center.

He can be reached at 7933622.

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55 PLUS - August / September 2012

Gardening

By Jim Sollecito

A Lot Has Changed Since High School

T

his past winter, a former classmate and I organized the West Genesee Class of 1972’s 40th reunion. To promote the event, we thought everyone would learn the details through Facebook. It turns out many our age don’t “do” Facebook. They are just not comfortable sharing all kinds of information for the world to see.

Funny, because when I drive through neighborhoods to landscape consultations, I observe people telling us about their lives through the way they maintain their properties. It really doesn’t matter if they live in a high-end zip code or a more modest address. I have observed that if you don’t wash your car, then you probably don’t pull weeds. And as I learned from my in-laws, even pulling your vehicle out of the garage to take advantage of a heavy rain constitutes a natural washing. Life can be easier when we work together with nature.

Before the event, we pulled out the old class yearbook to share what we knew about our classmates. We noticed that we had lofty expectations for some who seemed to drift away like pieces of wood on the ocean.

And then there are those who truly did make a difference, often not through their bank accounts, but by choosing work that impacted many generations: they became teachers, social workers, various medical personnel.

I believe that I lucked out, because I found my life’s passion early, and chose my college field based in horticulture. While it’s true that I still spend a lot of time studying and reading about plants, much of what I know comes from paying attention in outdoor landscapes. The kind of education everyone can afford, at any stage of life.

I’ve learned that when a newly planted plant isn’t thriving, it can often be successfully moved to a different spot where it will reach its

full genetic potential. For example, sites facing southwest into the long and intense afternoon sun can be limiting. Afternoon sun is twice as intense as morning sun: the air has warmed and this sunlight, lasting until dusk, can bake the soil.

Noonday sun is twice as intense as afternoon sun, and is the harshest on plants, particularly if situated near a light colored building or pavement.

Light waves bounce around and can quickly scorch plants. Remember that only mad dogs and Englishmen are out in the noonday sun.

Morning sun, easier on plants, is gentle as it awakens the world.

Mature plants that have struggled for years might not easily survive a transplant. The great news is that a lot has changed since our high school days. Working with nature, scientists have enhanced the positive aspects of various plants and developed choices that flourish in many different planting locations. As with everyone else’s career, it’s not like it was when we were in high school. In the same way that you take advantage of modern technology for a new roof or dishwasher, there are state-of-the-art landscape options.

So if you were thinking that perhaps you might bring your own yard up to date, this is a great time of year to do it. This is my very favorite time to push a shovel into the ground and install something that might thrive to please future generations.

Jim Sollecito is the first lifetime senior certified landscape professional in NYS. He operates Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in Syracuse.

Contact him at 4 6 8 - 11 4 2 o r a t jim@sollecito.com.

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55+

activities

e k a Go T e k i aH

But don’t forget to take Rich and Sue Freeman along with you — or at least one of their guidebooks

By Mary Beth Roach

I

f you wish to take a hike in Central New York, paddle one of the area’s waterways, bike a local trail or visit one of the region’s many waterfalls, you may consider taking Rich and Sue Freeman along with you — or at least one of the dozen or so guidebooks the Rochester-area natives have written and published.

The couple does more than just write about these locales — they’ve actually experienced them firsthand.

Since leaving the corporate world in the mid-1990s and taking to the open trails and waterways, Rich, 63, and Sue, 59, have hiked, biked, snowshoed, and kayaked thousands of miles.

When asked if they had any idea just how many miles, Rich responded with a chuckle.

He had been working at Kodak in Rochester when he decided to take a leave of absence to hike the Appalachian Trail. It had been an adventure that Rich had been contemplating for about a year. The two had requested leaves of absences.

However, right before they were to go on their trip, Rich learned that his leave had been cancelled. So Rich said he simply walked away from Kodak and the two hiked the 2,100-plusmile Trail — from Georgia to Maine — finstead. About a month before they were to return to Rochester, Sue

found out that Johnson & Johnson, which had purchased her division from Kodak a few years prior, was doing a series of layoffs, and she was included in that round.

Although now jobless, Rich said that the six-month journey was a perfect opportunity “to find out what we wanted to do.” They spent some time touring the country, but decided to return to this area.

“Upstate New York is really a beautiful place to be,” he said. “It drew us right back.”

Founding members of the Victor Hiking Trails, Rich and Sue were familiar with the trails in the Rochester area. New paths were being August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

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activities

developed, and the couple decided that a guidebook would help to promote these trails.

So began their writing and publishing career, which combines their love of the outdoors with their respective backgrounds. Rich graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in photography, and Sue has an MBA in marketing, and she did a good deal of writing while in marketing with Kodak.

They publish their own books through their company, Footprint Press, which is based in Florida. The Freemans moved to Florida in 2005 to help care for Sue’s aging parents, but they continue to travel north to revise and update the guidebooks. Sue also writes a daily blog called New York Outdoors (http://newyorkoutdoors. wordpress.com).

Their first book, “Take a Hike,” was published in 1997 and was popular right from the start, Sue said.

“It was the right product at the 12

55 PLUS - August / September 2012

right time,” she said, as more and more people are getting outdoors and exploring.

“We thought, ‘that was easy,’” she said. “We had a ball doing the research.”

“The more we saw, the more we found,” Rich said.

The popularity of the books, Rich suggested, is due to the fact that they are very localized, whereas others often cover broader areas; there is a lot of attention to detail; the rankings of the trails, from easy to difficult, is consistent from one book to another; there is space in each book for their readers to make notes on their own adventures, and each book features a lot of trails, waterfalls and waterways from which their readers can choose.

For example, “200 Waterfalls” actually features about 250 waterfalls; and the book on hiking in the Finger Lakes region highlights more than 60 trails.

Sue indicated too that the maps that Rich does are very helpful for hiking, biking and kayaking enthusiasts.

Subsequent books and revisions of earlier publications have followed.

Sue explained that the revisions are prompted by chats with fellow outdoor aficionados, trail changes, and their desire to keep their information current and their inventories stocked.

Book signings and the opportunity to

The Freemans Book Titles • Take A Paddle – Western NY Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks • Take A Paddle – Finger Lakes Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks • Bruce Trail – An Adventure along the Niagara Escarpment • Take A Hike! Family Walks in the Rochester Area • Take A Hike! Family Walks in the Finger Lakes & Genesee Valley Region • Take Your Bike! Family Rides in New York’s Finger Lakes Region • Take Your Bike! Family Rides in the Rochester Area • Take Your Bike! Family Rides in the Finger Lakes & Genesee Valley Region • Snow Trails – Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe in Central & Western NY • 200 Waterfalls in Central & Western NY • Cobblestone Quest – Road Tours of New York’s Historic Buildings All books are available through www.footprintpress.com

For comprehensive, quality care from physicians you can trust, turn to University OB/GYN Associates meet their fans have brought about new book ideas, too, she said. Some people suggested that the couple try snowshoeing, which led to the “Snow Trails” book.

The couple enjoys hiking and biking, but kayaking was a new sport that they took up, and thus they created a guidebook about quiet waterways in Western New York and the Finger Lakes.

Because of the number of rivers, lakes and streams in the Central and Western New York region, Sue explained that they often had to tag team to cover them all. One would kayak while the other would drive to a pre-determined stop, and then at this spot, they would switch places, with one at the wheel and the other at the paddle.

While they may be partial to Upstate New York, the couple has traveled extensively, hiking all over the world, including the Bruce Trail in Canada, the Camino de Santiago Trail in Spain, England’s Coast to Coast Trail, and the Chilcoot Trail in Alaska. They have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, circumvented Hawaii and climbed Mauna Loa there, and trekked through the jungles in Panama.

How do they train for such arduous adventures?

They don’t, said Rich.

“It’s just a mindset,” he said. “You got with the flow.”

Yo u h a v e t o e n j o y w h a t ’ s happening, Rich suggested, but remember that it’s not your world.

Sue pointed out that one has to be confident in his or her skills. She gained some of her experience during her time as a Girl Scout, when she cultivated her love of the outdoors.

Their next adventure is to rent out their Florida home and live on a trawler for a couple of years and travel the Erie Canal. Since kayaks are the only boats the Freemans have ever owned, Rich is looking forward to life on a trawler.

“We never regretted walking away,” Rich said. “No regrets especially when you do it together.”

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August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

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adventure

Hunting Shipwrecks in CNY Waterways

By Mary Beth Roach

G

ranted, we’re not on the Atlantic Ocean and they may not have the lore that surrounds the Titanic.

But yet the remnants of hundreds of ships and barges rest in many of the waterways in and around the Central New York area.

And those who enjoy scuba diving, have a sense of adventure or have a passion for history can combine their pursuits and take them to new depths with shipwreck diving.

That this area should have so many wreck sites makes sense when one considers the number of waterways in Upstate New York that have been used for centuries to transport goods throughout the state, across the country, and internationally. For example, the Erie Canal in a bygone era, the Finger Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and Lake Ontario, and the other Great Lakes.

The Thousand Island region 14

55 PLUS - August / September 2012

is a diving paradise, and The Hunt Dive Shop, in Clayton, with a satellite in Alexandria Bay, has been involved for decades. Khris Hunt provides charter trips for divers of all levels. However, for those who do not take the charters or have access to a boat, Hunt suggested a couple of popular sites that divers can get to from shore.

In Alexandria Bay, near River Hospital, one can dive from the shore to check out the wreck of “The Islander,” which went down in the early 1900s, having caught fire right next to the dock. Near Cape Vincent, one can find the remnants of the barge “St. Louis,” and the rudder lies in about 15 feet of water, Hunt said. This latter locale is a popular spot for dive centers to do their open-water training.

Near the Chippewa Bay area are “Keystorm” and “The America,” a steel drilling barge, and a threemasted schooner near Rock Island.

Not only can divers see the

remains of these vessels, but a great deal of aquatic life, which make their home in these remnants.

Hunt was quick to point out that the wrecks may not look like one might see in the movies. Climate, water, time and other factors can all affect the condition of the wrecks.

Some historians claim that there have been more than 160 shipwrecks off the coast of Oswego County in Lake Ontario, according to the visitoswegocounty.com.

It also suggests that new divers will enjoy the wreck of the 35-ton tugboat, the Mary Kay, which sank in the fall of 1988 by the Oswego Harbor, since its location is in relatively shallow waters and there are no penetration areas.

Only advanced divers should attempt to penetrate the inside of wrecks, Hunt cautions, since they are entering an inside environment, with certain conditions that might prove too challenging for less experienced divers. For example, once inside a wreck, the divers lose the light coming from the water’s surface above.

Once at or inside a wreck, what are the chances of finding the mythical buried treasure?

“It all depends on what you call treasure,” said Bob Byland, president of the Finger Lakes Underwater Preserve Association.

“To us every wreck is a treasure.”

His organization is committed to preserving the wrecks, and is currently focusing on canal barges that sank in the 1800s. Since the Erie Canal and its feeder canals were major thoroughfares for transporting cargo from one part of the state to the other, wrecks represent considerable history, as FLUPA’s website points out.

Divers are encouraged to enjoy the treasures they may find, but to leave them at the wreck site for future generations of divers to explore, and the preservation of these artifacts in the Finger Lakes, for example, is one of the goals of Byland’s group.

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Protect the ones you love August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

15

golden years

By Harold Miller Email: hal@cny55.com

Our Culture Crisis How did America deteriorate from the common sense and work ethic taught by our parents to our current state of affairs?

A

merica is the greatest nation in the world — but for how long? Currently we are being tested by what may be the worst recession in our history.

Those of us brought up during the Great Depression soon learned that the best helping hand was at the end of our wrist. My father had a small shop on Genesee Street in downtown Auburn where he did carpentry, sold paints, and recaned chairs. Business was not good, so mother took in washing, I started a newspaper route, and my sisters baby-sat when they could. We rented a house just up the street from Dad’s shop so that he could walk to work. Many could not afford to keep up a car or buy a home.

There was no such thing as easy credit in those days.

By working hard and cutting our spending we made it through.

How did America deteriorate from the common sense and work ethic taught by our parents to our current state of affairs?

I am worried about America’s character — who we are and what kind of adults we are raising. Our family is doing well because the wisdom Janet and I learned from our parents was taught to our children, who in turned passed it on to our grandchildren. But we are fast becoming a minority.

Today, half of the population is 16

55 PLUS - August / September 2012

overweight or obese (fat and lazy), and almost half of all families are receiving some kind of welfare — many welfare families are in their third generation. Unemployment statistics are sugar-coated by the government. If the truth be known the current 8.2 percent unemployment statistic is almost double if you count the people who have given up looking for a job, or have little desire to work because they are on the dole, as the British would say.

Slovenly behavior and lack of discipline is but a small part of our problems. Benjamin Franklin said, “Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.”

Our already bloated government is becoming even more bloated with drudges and drones at a time when the not-so-small leak can and will sink the ship of state — unless we can reverse our overwhelming deficit.

The greatest threat, however, is the loss of morals, ethics, honesty and character.

Consider the Government Services Administration scandal. GSA is the largest owner and operator of buildings in the world. Likewise their workforce is among the largest in the world. Recently, they held a four-day regional conference in Las Vegas. In reality, it resembled a Roman orgy of drinking, gambling, and hired clowns.

They sang songs about the perks of a government job — and love for the taxpayers who footed the bill. It is not enough that they were squandering our money (the government has squandered our money for ages) it was that they thought they were way cool and we, the drudges and drones who paid the taxes, were uncool.

Then there is the Secret Service scandal involving our most respected government agency. Some trusted agents were sent overseas to scout

security for a presidential visit — and then sent home for drinking, partying, and engaging prostitutes.

Perhaps the most revolting example of what has become our welfare state is the case of the $41 cake purchased with food stamps — as reported in the Wall Street Journal. Gradually, our government has quietly done away with almost all of the restrictions on food assistance SNAP cards (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The WSJ reporter happened to be standing behind a woman in a super market checkout line as she placed the only item in her cart — an ice cream cake — on the counter. The clerk said “forty-one dollars.” Her son, about 12 years old, repeated “Forty-one dollars?” The mother ignored her son’s question, swiped her benefits card, and was off.

Now tell me who among you reading this — regardless of your financial situation — would spend 10 times more on a store-bought cake than you could make at home.

My wife clips coupons from the newspaper before she goes to the market and watches every penny.

I sincerely believe that we of the 55-plus generation have a lot to teach those within our sphere of influence — those who did not suffer through the Great Depression.

I believe that virtually anyone can get a job — if they want to work hard enough. Emma Lazarus, in her famous poem, said, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.” Our government has amended this to offer, “and we will put them on welfare as soon as they arrive.”

We need to return to the values that built America — before it is too late. How about writing your congressmen?

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August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

17

family Helping Boomerang Kids

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A record number of young adults are moving back home.

What should parents do?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

A I

re your adult children “boomerang kids,” which describes young adults who return home because of financial difficulties? n today’s economy, the phenomenon is becoming mainstream. According to a recent Pew survey, three in 10 parents of adult children (29 percent) report that a child of theirs has moved back in with them in the past few years because of the economy.”

“In the past 10 years in particular, the economy has been so difficult that kids go to college and have degrees but can’t find work,” said the Rev. Michael Heath, licensed mental health counselor at Pine Ridge Pastoral Counseling Services in Syracuse and minister at United Church of Christ. “The parents who are doing well say, ‘You can come back home.’”

Overwhelming college tuition debt, personal debt, poor financial choices and divorce can also send young adults home to mom and dad. While there’s nothing wrong with helping out your grown children, an arrangement like this can be fraught with problems.

“It’s not a positive thing in that it’s an interruption of a normal life cycle,” Heath said. “I’ve had a number of families I’ve worked with where a young person has moved back home. In some cases the homecoming is no big deal and other times where a lifestyle has 18

55 PLUS - August / September 2012

been established that the young person doesn’t want to give up but is abhorrent to the parent, the parent has to at sometime say, ‘You have to be reasonable to our rules or get out.’ I’ve had families decide in both directions. You can have angry confrontations which unfortunately are difficult to resolve.”

Your young adult is (somewhat) ready for independence, self-sufficiency and broadening his horizons.

Living with you puts a major crimp in those plans and urges.

“A lot of times the living circumstances are less than ideal,” said Colleen Fisher, licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Camillus.

Your child may be downsizing from a house to your basement and from meaningful employment or attending classes related to a future career to long hours of job hunting.

To make things go as smoothly

as possible, be compassionate and work with him. It’s likely your young adult child feels embarrassed about his situation.

Losing a job, possibly

55+ Three in 10 parents of adult children (29 percent) report that a child of theirs has moved back in with them in the past few years because of the economy, according to a recent survey a home or being unable to launch into adult life when he wanted are detours he didn’t want to take. He may feel like a failure.

If you’re supportive without smothering him, this could be a period to reassess his life and learn from his mistakes. Some parents go overboard with “help” and actually hinder their young adults from ever re-launching.

Making your home an openended offer of free lodging, food and household supplies can make some young adults a little too comfortable.

Heilmann Pair your offer of housing with stipulations.

“In that initial discussion, there has to be a sense of what each side expects and what’s required as far as financial contribution, the time limit and housekeeping Heath of their own space and common space in the home,” Heath said.

Your adult child should help out with chores by picking up after himself and helping with the common chores such as cooking

and taking out the trash. Ask what he thinks is fair in these areas to open this discussion so you don’t sound condescending.

“Parents must realize their children have gone away as teens but they’re now adults,” said Ronald W. Heilmann, licensed clinical social worker and licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice in Syracuse. “If people keep that in mind, it will work better.”

Not requiring that adult children have responsibilities represents a big mistake, not only for your sake but for theirs, too.

“Everyone feels better if you’re contributing,” Heath said.

“Parents will resent if they’re not contributing. The [adult child] doesn’t have a good feeling receiving that assistance. Before you actually have the moving back, talk about what the rules will be. Discuss in advance any problem areas.”

Since your utility expenses will increase with an additional person in the house, there’s nothing wrong with asking for money to help cover those expenses.

You can’t set a curfew, restrict your adult child from dating or tell him what to wear. He has been making these decisions himself for a while now. But you can set house rules that impact your life. It is reasonable to say “no overnight guests,” for example.

Don’t pry into his personal life. Respect his need for emotional independence, private space and alone time. Don’t pounce on him the minute he walks in the door after a job interview. If he wants to share how it went, he will.

If gross financial negligence has brought your grown child home, it may be helpful to suggest a mutual friend who could help.

Ideally, suggest someone your child respects who can give wise counsel on how to reduce debt, get a job and save money. Be careful about doling out advice yourself since that can sound a lot like criticism.

family

Is Your Grown Child Moving Back?

Here are some basic arrangement you have to discuss with your “boomerang child” • How long he expects to stay.

• What chores he will regularly do around the house in addition to keeping his private area clean.

• How much he will contribute to utilities.

• Your stance on overnight guests.

• How the household will pay for food (he buys his own, buys a share of the groceries or pays you for some of the expense).

• Whatever circumstances or behavior are totally unacceptable to living with you.

“Unsolicited advice often falls upon deaf ears,” Fisher said.

“Parents might have good advice, but saying, ‘I have a suggestion.

Are you willing to listen?’ is better. If they’re not willing, the parent can withdraw.”

Offering the name of a third party who can help with financial planning “puts the decision making power in the child’s hands,” Fisher said. “The more the parents can recognize it’s an adult and not a 14-year-old, the better. What would they say to someone else’s child?

That may help them moderate how they speak to their own child.”

“Talking with other parents is a good idea,” Heath said. “It’s not something to feel embarrassed about. It’s a generous thing to do.

We don’t have parent schools where parents learn to be parents. The more parents can communicate with someone who’s gone through it and knows things that work can help parents gain confidence that they can help their young adult children through this period.”

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19

inspiration Rousseau’s 90-year Ride

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Founder Harvey Rousseau celebrates 90 years of age and 50 years of his business, Harv’s Harley Davidson in Macedon

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

H

arvey Rousseau has re a c h e d a n a g e m o s t people never do: 90.

Considering his passion for motorsports and aviation, which can be dangerous avocations, it’s especially remarkable Rousseau has lived to be a nonagenarian and still in his own home.

As for secrets to his healthy longevity, he said, “Get a good night’s sleep, eat good and enjoy your work.

I have no real secret for longevity. If I knew the secret maybe I could live longer!”

His daughter, Kim Wyman, said of her dad’s longevity, “He has a great sense of humor; he doesn’t sweat the small stuff.”

Rousseau spent much of his life doing work he loved as founder and proprietor of Harv’s Harley Davidson in Macedon.

Rousseau was born in Macedon in the house next door to where he lives now. He always loved motors. As a boy, he liked his bicycle, but thought it would be better with a motor on it. He took the motor off a washing machine and tried to put it on his bicycle.

“That was my start,” he joked.

When he finished high school in 1932, he worked on his father’s farm.

When World War II began, he became interested in flying. After the Air Force turned him away for medical reasons, he joined the Civil Air Patrol where he volunteered part time until 1959 while working on the farm.

During the winter, when farm work lagged he worked at Bausch +

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Lomb on military projects. He also enjoyed participating in auto racing.

After the war, he started working at the American Can Company in Geneva as a mechanic, and later as a mechanic in Fairport. He married his wife, Mildred, known as “Milly” in 1949. They had two daughters born 10 years apart.

In 1962, Rousseau opened the motorcycle shop. He and his wife converted an old chicken coop on their

farm into the showroom. Daughter Wyman was just a toddler when the shop opened.

“It was a small building and we could only fit three bikes on the showroom floor,” Wyman recalled.

“I remember riding on the back of the motorcycle with him. I’d ride on a scooter through the apple orchard on the farm.”

Anytime Rousseau wasn’t working or sleeping, he was at the shop working on bikes. Training at a Harley service school in Milwaukee, home to Harley Davidson’s main headquarters, further honed his selftaught mechanical skills.

“When I started the motorcycle shop, they had full-time Harley Davidson dealerships only in the bigger cities, Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo, but not Geneva, so I was considered a small-time dealer until 1970 when I had full-time employees,” he said.

Since both were active riders in addition to dealing in motorcycles, they founded the Empire Riders Motorcycle Club and rode in many

Harv Rousseau and his daughter, Kim Wyman, celebrated his 90th birthday and his shop’s 50th anniversary in May. Rousseau started the business — Harv’s Harley Davidson in Macedon — out of his farm in 1962.

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motorcycle events.

Lady motorcyclists were not the norm in the ‘60s, but in 1965, his wife Milly was named Miss National Tour Queen at Laconia Motorcycle Week, an annual rally held in Laconia, N.H. Operating his own shop fulfilled a life-long dream for Rousseau, both in surrounding himself with motorcycles all day and in entrepreneurship.

“I’ve always enjoyed being in business for myself,” he said. “It’s more rewarding than working for someone else. I’ve loved motorcycles for traveling and the fun people I’ve met.”

Wy m a n h a s o p e r a t e d t h e dealership since 1989. Her children help out, too.

“I was brought up in it,” she said. “I’ve always ridden since I was 10 years old and it was a natural transition to be the next generation.

“He taught me to be involved with the customers, ride with them, and make them a part of the whole family.”

The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle awarded the family-run dealership with the Reader’s Choice Award Best Motorcycle Dealership each year since 2008.

Though he has grown a successful business from a humble chicken coop to a full-service, award-winning dealership and service shop, Rousseau has experienced his share of sorrows.

Milly and Rousseau’s older daughter was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1967 at age 17. Milly was killed in an auto accident in 1980.

He has retired from flying but to this day Rousseau occasionally rides his Harley, though now with a sidecar attached.

“You get 90 and you’re not quite as active as you once were,” he said.

He is proud of the achievements of his three grandchildren who are professional motorcycle racers. As for the motorcycle shop, living across the road from it makes it easy to attend special events or just drop in any old time.

In May, the shop hosted a combined celebration of Rousseau’s 90th birthday and the business’ 50th anniversary.

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21

my turn

By Bruce Frassinelli Email: bruce@roc55.com

Marie’s Idiosyncrasies Learning and practicing Marie’s rules and regulations have been challenging

M

y wife, Marie, was talking on the phone to her 44-year-old son (my stepson) and asking him when he was going to have supper and what was on the menu.

She underscored her concern over the number of hours he was working and whether he was getting enough sleep. “Make sure you go to bed early tonight,” she instructed.

Each school day, our 13-yearold granddaughter and 12-year-old grandson get off the school bus right in front of our home. Marie must be at the front door to eyeball their leaving the bus and walking the 10 yards to our door. “You never know…,” she says, a not-soveiled reference to potential bodysnatchers who might leap from the bushes in broad daylight, in front of a dozen or so other students and a bus driver, and make off with our grandchildren in gunny sacks.

Our 16-year-old grandson, who has had his driver’s license for several months, must call Marie after his visits to us to let her know that he has arrived safely at his nearby home and is inside the house with all doors and windows locked.

When the children and grandchildren visit in winter, Marie is incredulous when they aren’t wearing coats. “You’ll freeze,” she frets, as eyes roll practically out of their sockets. She has auxiliary coats and sweaters on standby, which they politely — but firmly — reject. “We’ll look like 22

55 PLUS - August / September 2012

nerds, Grammy,” they protest.

When her two sons are on the road, whether for business or pleasure, she is a nervous wreck until they reach their destination.

The process begins again when they are en route home.

One of her sons lives on the street next to ours, and Marie will frequently look out of our kitchen window to check on how many cars are in her son’s driveway.

If one of the family cars is not there at a time Marie believes it should be, speculation and fantastic scenarios run wild.

The micro-management doesn’t stop with the children; she is on the phone with her brothers daily, offering advice on everything from their jobs to their bowel movements.

By Marie’s standards, I am an uncaring lout.

I can’t ever recall asking my three sons what they had for supper, unless, of course, they were eating at a five-star restaurant in some exotic locale, such as Dubai. Since they know their own bodies far better than I ever could, they don’t need my input on an appropriate bedtime hour. I don’t fret for a second about where they go, because I figure at ages 48, 46 and 45 they will go and come as they please regardless of any suggestions or comments I may make. I rely on them to tell me information they figure I should know. If they don’t, I conclude it is none of my business.

The best-selling book from John Gray in 1992, “Men Are from Mars; Women Are from Venus,” explored how men and women differ in some substantial and fundamental ways when it comes to relationships.

Is Marie the stereotypical “crazy Mom”? Hardly. Her children and grandchildren adore her. They

are constantly concerned with her health and wellbeing, and they repay her concern about them in so many positive and loving ways.

They don’t, however, want her to worry about them. “It’s as if we are still little kids living at home,” says one of them, who politely asked to remain anonymous for obvious reasons. “We know that’s the way she is, and it’s all in the name of love, but, sometimes, well, it wears a little thin.”

Marie loves the TV sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” possibly because she sees some of herself in Marie Barone, the overprotective mom of sons Raymond and Robert. Marie and husband, Frank, live across the street from Raymond and think nothing of popping in unannounced or of meddling in any number of ways.

“Oh, my God, that’s Marie, her brother says when Marie Barone replicates something that Marie had done recently. The observation is followed by hysterical laughter, including Marie’s.

Marie is a super neat freak, an accommodation I have been working on during the past 20 years we have been married, but, alas, I still fall short of perfection and expectations and regress to my former slovenly ways.

Just two of many examples: • Family members are expected to remove their shoes at the door to our home. I have this one down pat, but where I sometimes fail is in the slippers department. I have two pairs of slippers — one for indoor use and one for outdoors, in the garage. If I am taking groceries from the car to the house, I put on the outdoor slippers until I get inside the house, then trade them for the indoor pair, and so it goes

until all of the groceries are inside.

If I forget to take off the outdoor pair inside the house, eagle-eyed Marie immediately reminds me.

• I love pretzels. In my preMarie life, I ate pretzels as most people do — take them from the container and eat. Now, I am expected to have a bowl under my mouth — at throat level — to catch any crumbs that might fall.

I have been toying with the idea of writing a book dedicated to Marie’s idiosyncrasies, but I have been hesitant because, at one per page, I am up to 738 pages.

Learning and practicing Marie’s rules and regulations have been challenging. I do rebel from time to time, but I have learned for the sake of matrimonial harmony it is best to pick my shots.

But I have to confess — and please do not tell this to Marie — when she is out of the house and I am home alone, I sometimes eat pretzels without a bowl.

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CPA, CFP� *Advisory Representative

August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

23

55+

living

Time to Downsize?

David Lasda, 61, and his wife Maureen recently moved to a two-bedroom house from a four-bedroom house to reduce their expenses and simplify their lives now that their two children are in college. “Physical maintenance of the larger property has become more difficult to do,” he said.

Do you really need that four-bedroom home, a large van and all those items you’ve been collecting over the years?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M

aybe one day you realize you really hate mowing that huge lawn. Or that cleaning three empty bedrooms and an extra bathroom is a hassle. Or that driving a big vehicle isn’t necessary since the kids moved out. Or maybe you discover that all the stuff around your house overwhelms you. But for whatever reason, you’re considering downsizing your home, vehicle and perhaps more.

“More than half of my sellers already this year are downsizing,” said Sandra Halliday, licensed associate real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Liverpool.

“We have many empty nesters who

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55 PLUS - August / September 2012

are downsizing to move into a smaller place.”

Going from a four-bedroom house on a few acres to a 1,200-foot ranch or patio home can be a huge benefit if you live on a fixed income. You’ll find your day-to-day expenses to shrink as you live in a smaller home, too, especially if you downsize to a newer, more energy-efficient home.

David Lasda, 61, and his wife recently moved to reduce his expenses and simplify his life now that his two children are in college. Lasda works as a financial consultant with Michael Roberts Associates, Inc. in North Syracuse.

M o v i n g t o a t w o - b e d ro o m

house from a four-bedroom house that is closer to work and services has reduced the couple’s utilities, maintenance expenses, commute and, in general, “altered the quality of life for the better,” Lasda said.

For example, Lasda used to spend two hours mowing the lawn with a ride-on mower. Now the chore is done in 15 minutes with a push mower.

He said he came up with the downsizing idea as a strategy to prepare for retirement and being older. “Physical maintenance of the larger property has become more difficult to do,” he said.

Lasda admitted that they miss the extra space when the children

55+ visit from college; however, they find ways to accommodated the children by using an inflatable mattress and extra space in the basement or living room.

“It’s catch as catch can,” Lasda said.

Renting a smaller house or apartment can decrease your responsibilities even more and help you plan for your housing expenses since the landlord would pay for property taxes, repairs and maintenance.

If you really enjoy your home and do not want to move, however, you may not have to in order to keep costs down and to reduce the amount of upkeep for your home. Especially during the economic downturn, more and more families have begun living together with two or three generations under one roof.

If your home is large enough, you could discuss with your adult children or grandchildren the possibility of adding another kitchen, bathroom and separate entrance.

“It’s important to do a review, obviously, of individual finances and exactly what the arrangements are with your children,” Lasda said.

Grandchildren just starting out could save up money to purchase their own home or to pay down college loan debt if you let them stay for free (except for utilities and some help with domestic upkeep). Free childcare now and then could offer them another great incentive for making the move, as well as the opportunity for you to create a close bond with the youngsters.

K e e p i n g a n d re n t i n g y o u r vacation property to others may be a good option if you have a strong attachment to it and the ability to perform maintenance yourself. You may consider hiring a property management firm to maintain it, too.

Creating a family trust could also help ease the burden if your children are also emotionally attached to the property.

“The children can pool money to take care of the home,” said Ted Sarenski, CPA and CEO of Blue Ocean Strategic Capital, LLC in Syracuse. “It

relieves the retiree of thousands of dollars in annual costs in operating a property they don’t use much.”

As gas prices continue to be high, driving a large vehicle doesn’t make sense for many people whose children have left home. Lasda got rid of his van for a smaller vehicle and has been saving on fuel, insurance and maintenance.

You could also consider sharing one vehicle with your spouse. If you usually go everywhere together anyway, do you really need two cars?

“You can sell the vehicle and reinvest the money and you won’t have the gas, insurance and repair costs,” Sarenski said. “The $5,000 to 6,000 per year is a significant savings.”

The IRS has changed its policy on charitable donations. If you donate a vehicle to charity, the deduction you receive is based upon the price the charity receives when the vehicle is sold.

“That’s the amount you get to deduct,” Sarenski said. “It’s not the Kelley Blue Book value deductible that you receive. It’s limited to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income. If you can’t use it all in the current year, you can use the amount you’re not able to use for the next five years.”

Consider selling both vehicles and getting into a newer model car with an intact warranty so you won’t have to worry about car payments or repair bills. Sarenski advises sticking with a domestic make vehicle.

“The cost of operating a BMW, Audi or Mercedes and getting a more reasonably priced vehicle can help,” he said.

Many retirees realize that the stuff they’ve collected through the years may have brought them pleasure or provided usefulness at one point but now no longer suits them.

If you want to liquidate fine collectibles, seek the help from a knowledgeable professional with no vested interest in what kind of price you receive. Outside help—your children, a friend or professionals— can help with your “regular” stuff.

Marlene Gallo, owner of Tender

living

Transitions in Syracuse, is one of those pros who helps people overwhelmed with deciding on what to do with their stuff.

She listed three ways of getting rid of unwanted possessions: giving them away to your adult children or to charity, selling or disposing of them.

If the kids want some of your things, “give a firm time limit for pickup,” Gallo said. “Make it clear if they haven’t retrieved their items by a date — no more than a month from the call — the items will be discarded.”

Go through each room and storage area of your house and contemplate each item’s usefulness and emotional value. Parting with possessions can be hard if you have developed an emotional attachment, but Gallo said that you must be honest with yourself as to why you’re keeping them. Many times, it’s because of guilt.

Instead of keeping an entire collection, “keep the one or two you will use or keep your favorite ones,” she said. “There are many organizations that could distribute the remaining items to needy people.

“If you have a collection and you haven’t looked at it in 12 years because it’s in a box in the cellar or attic, sell it.

It’s not doing you any good.”

Of course, keeping a few mementos is reasonable, but you don’t really need five different things to remember Great-aunt Agnes.

“As you rid yourself of the clutter, you’ll see that you feel lighter, it’s easier to move around your house and you may even be able to move into a smaller place that costs less,” Gallo said.

If you want to sell some general household items or popular collectibles yourself, you can host a yard sale, sell through a consignment shop, and/or sell items online through sites such as ebay.com, Amazon.com, Etsy. com and Craigslist.com. Auctioning items tends to be the fastest way to sell goods; however, you will likely receive the lowest prices.

Discuss with your financial adviser the possible tax benefits of donating items to charitable causes you support or family members who could use a hand.

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Hitting the High Note Edward Lisk is a celebrity in the world of bands. Author, clinician and conductor, he has traveled the world teaching, sharing his musical knowledge

By Lou Sorendo

E

dward Lisk is a conductor of music in the broadest sense of the word.

Not only does he take charge of an orchestra, but he also serves as the very medium through which music passes.

Armed with a baton, Lisk represents the very essence of music.

He is an internationally recognized clinician, conductor and author.

He is an elected member of the prestigious National Band Hall of Fame for Distinguished Conductors, regarded as the highest honor any band director can receive.

He joins the ranks of notable conductors such as John Philip Sousa, Edwin Franko Goldman, Frank Simon, Henry Fillmore, Col. Arnald Gabriel and Col. John R. Bourgeois, among many others.

He is a graduate of Syracuse University School of Music and also did graduate studies at SUNY Oswego, Ithaca School of Music and Syracuse University.

Lisk has also served as president of the American Bandmasters Association.

“Serving as president of the American Bandmasters Association is one of the two most notable 26

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events in my musical life, the first being inducted into the Hall of Fame for Distinguished Conductors,” Lisk said.

He served as the 63rd president of the association.

Goldman founded the ABA in 1929. Sousa was the first honorary president.

Lisk, a resident of Oswego, is a native Oswegonian.

In harmony with music Lisk began playing the clarinet at the age of 10.

“My father also played clarinet and this inspired me to pursue music,” he said.

At that tender age of 10, Lisk said his only wish was to become a clarinetist in a major orchestra.

This dream and wish came true.

Lisk became a clarinetist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra in the early 1960s.

“Throughout my school years at Oswego, my primary influence was my private clarinet teacher, Nicholas Cesarone, who was the principal clarinetist with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra,” Lisk said.

“Music was an extremely significant commitment in my life as my early years in elementary school were quite stressful,” Lisk said. “I did not speak English, only Polish. My difficulties were due to not understanding the teacher or what I was to do in reading, math and tests. With this stressful beginning, I devoted all of my time to practicing the clarinet.”

Being immersed in music eased the difficulties he was having in school.

After graduating from Syracuse University, Lisk felt he had to continue to learn.

“I immersed myself in reading philosophy books, psychology, and textbooks on how the brain processes information, meta-cognition, and everything that pertained to human learning,” he said.

Lisk said the most significant impact upon his learning was reading all of the Howard Gardner publications, which centered on the theory of multiple intelligences.

“I now apply instrumental music on the frameworks of Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. This approach

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is beyond most conventional methods,” he said.

The theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by Gardner in the 1980s as a model of intelligence that differentiates intelligence into various specific, primarily sensory, modalities rather than seeing it as dominated by a single general ability.

Back to Port City Lisk said the opportunity to return to his hometown in 1970 was a decision that “opened the doors” to an overwhelming career.

“Originally, I was not going to return until my wife Dorie stated, ‘they need you more here than at Liverpool.’”

Lisk signed a contract for Liverpool before accepting Oswego’s contract.

It was superintendent Pete Ahern who hired Lisk in 1970, and charged him with developing the most outstanding band program in New York state.

Lisk accomplished this in 1974 when the Oswego Wind Ensemble was selected as the premier band for the New York State School Music Association Convention.

Ahern’s successor, Darwin Carlson, then charged Lisk 28

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with developing the finest band program in the nation.

This happened as well in 1975.

The Oswego High School Wind Ensemble was one of four high school bands selected to play at the International Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.

Oswego was the premier band for that convention and it played a 90-minute concert on Dec. 19, 1975.

“With the support of Oswego’s superintendents throughout my years at Oswego, I was constantly encouraged to achieve excellence at the highest levels,” he said.

The quality and excellence of OHS’ Wind Ensemble brought national and international acclaim.

“We had 31 of the most notable conductors and composers serve as guest conductors during my 21-year tenure,” Lisk said. “It was frequently cited by university directors that the Oswego Wind Ensemble played better than 85 percent of the university bands.

This recognition and reputation carried on throughout my career at the Oswego City School District.”

“I never realized what was happening to my career while I was at Oswego. The music program was receiving many accolades and was serving as a model for many

school districts to emulate,” he said.

Lisk said his goal for the Oswego School District was to bring national recognition for its academic excellence.

“This was not difficult for me as my personal expectations were high and I never doubted that I could achieve this goal,” he said.

“As I travel, lecture, and guest conduct, I emphasize to teachers and students to live a life of truth and dignity,” he said. “Strive for excellence in everything you do and never be satisfied with less than your best. We are only here on this earth to give and share with others.”

Lisk said the joy of teaching young people the beauty of musical expression is life changing.

“Having the opportunity to shape beauty, compassion, appreciation, warmth, love, selfesteem, tolerance, cooperation, kindness and respect are but a few ‘living priorities’ that are hidden in the study of music. Music spans the entire universe of learning,” he said.

“I’m not sure as to the impact I have had on the American band movement. What was foremost in my career was to give and share my knowledge and experiences, through teaching the thousands of band directors and students who I had the privilege of standing before and improving their life through the truth and integrity of music,” he said.

The next journey In 1991, Lisk left the Oswego City School District, not to retire, but to continue his travels as a conductor, adjunct professor, lecturer, and clinician.

The demand for his presentations made it difficult to continue teaching at Oswego High School.

“I felt that my work with the Oswego City School District was complete. My commitment to Oswego included establishing a comprehensive music education program that would serve as a model in my profession,” he said.

That goal was achieved

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Demand for his presentations is mostly at the college and graduate levels of instrumental education.

“I teach teachers how to teach,” he said.

At this stage in his career, Lisk has made presentations at 85 universities in 46 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia along with state, national, and international conventions.

“My ‘musical journey’ throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia has been extremely rewarding,” he said.

He served as an adjunct professor for 16 years at Villanova University’s summer program, and Duquesne University for 13 years. He also taught a three-hour graduate course based on his publications.

Lisk also received the distinguished endowed chair for music education in 2007 at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala. “At a time of dramatic educational and societal change, when thinking and values of the past have been cast aside, Ed Lisk has established himself as a unique leader in the profession,” said Bobby Adams, director of bands, Stetson University, DeLand, Fla. “His ideas and methods are utilized daily by hundreds of band directors throughout the nation.

And it is making a difference. Ed’s contribution to the profession is beyond measure and his integrity as an educator is beyond reproach.”

Lisk’s extensive guest conducting includes high school bands, all state bands, honor bands, university bands, and adult professional bands.

He has conducted military bands stationed in Washington, D.C. This includes the U.S. Air Force Band, U.S. Army Band-Pershing’s Own, U.S. Army Field Band, and the U.S. Interservice Band.

Lisk said he has been fortunate to receive invitations to serve as guest conductor.

“What I enjoy most about conducting is being able to change the ‘sound’ of a band to a level that surprises directors,” Lisk said. “Moreover, the opportunity to shape and express music with truth and integrity and not something contrived as is often the case.

My conducting and teaching approaches are quite different and often referred to as being unique.

The design of my instructional procedures and conducting are what creates success.

“The key elements for success are determined by knowledge, experience and delivery.”

Celebrity status Lisk is a celebrity in the world of bands as his career experiences have gone beyond the high school level.

“I never anticipated, planned or expected such recognition,” he said. “My professional commitment was only to do the best I was capable of doing and to give and share my experiences and knowledge base to instrumental educators and students.”

Despite a rigorous schedule, Lisk stays in shape without special diets or fitness programs.

“I do not adhere to any special diet or fitness regimen. I am not overweight and maintain a normal diet,” he said. “At times, I will work out on our treadmill. This does make me feel better, although it is quite boring and I would rather devote my time to reading or writing.”

Lisk has nine publications with Meredith Music Publications;

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eight co-authored works with GIA Publications; five Edwin Franko Goldman March editions with Carl Fischer Publications; and one co-authored piece for MENC Publications.

“Ed Lisk is singularly one of the most remarkable pedagogical minds in our profession today,” said Paula Crider, director emeritus, University of Texas Band, Austin, Texas. “His concise prose, combined with a thoroughly researched, uniquely logical and analytical approach to all aspects of the musical process, makes any Lisk publication an eagerly awaited and thoroughly enlightening event.”

Lisk considers his two most significant publications as being “The Musical Mind of the Creative Director” and “The Creative Director: Conductor, Teacher, Leader.”

The publications are a part of his Creative Director Series.

“They are literally being used throughout the world. Since Meredith Music Publications August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

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contracted me in 1990, the publisher has informed me that my publications are their best sellers.

The sales during the past 20 years continue to increase,” he noted.

“The writings and publications of Ed Lisk represent the very best rehearsal and performance pedagogy to be found in our profession,” said John Locke, director of bands at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

“His advice is golden and, once employed, can often be life altering.”

“Writing truly inspires me to share what is ‘hidden’ in my mind,” Lisk said.

Ed Lisk At a Glance Birthplace: Oswego Current residence: 836 county Route 25, Oswego Education: Oswego High School, Syracuse University School of Music, Ithaca School of Music, SUNY Oswego Affiliations: National Band Hall of Fame for Distinguished Conductors; Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor; president/ CEO of the John Philip Sousa Foundation; vice president of the Midwest Clinic Board of Directors; past president of the National Band Association; past president of the American Bandmasters Association; cofounder of the New York State Band Directors Association; New York State School Music Association; National Association of Music Education Personal: Wife Doris; daughters Carol Ann Crist (Bill) and Jean Buske (David); grandchildren Lindsay, David, Brian, Jonathan, Billy, Emily; and great-grandchildren Carter and Matthew Hobbies: Writing text books, computers, golf, reading 30

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Successful Students Shed Praise on Accomplished Mentor Ed Lisk’s former protégés find success in world of music

By Lou Sorendo

F

or many of his most accomplished students, Oswego’s own Edward Lisk has hit the ultimate high note as a musician, instructor and conductor.

One such successful protégé is Jonathan Rosenberg, who was a trombone player in the Oswego Wind Ensemble and pursued trombone studies at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music.

“This distinguished appointment was notable for Oswego schools as Curtis Institute only accepts the finest musicians in the world with all expenses paid,” Lisk noted.

“Most of my students who chose music as a career received performance scholarships at the universities of their choice,” Lisk added.

Rosenberg, a member of the Oswego High School Class of ‘92, sees Lisk as an exceptional musician, instructor and conductor.

“In order to understand how Lisk is exceptional, I think we first need to contrast this with what makes someone an ‘excellent’ — but nonexceptional — musician/instructor/ conductor,” Rosenberg said.

“It seems from my experience that an ‘excellent’ musician is one who, out of love for the beauty and exhilaration of music, dedicates his energies, commitment and skills toward achieving the goal of making beautiful music and sharing this with others,” he said.

“Furthermore, the ‘excellent’ musician is conscientious, takes criticisms from his peers and grows from them, works hard to overcome

hurdles, cares for and dedicates his or her time to their students, and strives for quality and beautiful music,” Rosenberg added.

“One might suggest that the difference between ‘excellent’ and ‘exceptional’ is simply the degree of immersion and wholehearted, allconsuming dedication,” Rosenberg said. “Indeed, this is partly true, but I believe there is much more.

‘Exceptional’ defines someone who takes one’s vocation to new heights.

“In the case of Lisk, he has not only taken music education to new vistas, but has re-invented the system.”

“Excellent” music teachers are certainly noble, Rosenberg said, but for Lisk, it was insufficient to dutifully carry on the traditional teaching techniques and rely on the old system. ”

Positive feedback Another standout student is Michael Crist. He played trombone, graduated from Ithaca School of Music, and received his doctorate degree from Kent State University.

He serves as the director of the Youngstown State University Dana School of Music. Along with his directorship, Crist has an extensive background as a trombone professor and conductor.

“Ed Lisk is a caring and compassionate person who has spent his life listening to and studying great music,” Crist said. “Ed listens to the music, hears the music and understands what makes the music work. As a teacher and conductor, he

listens to the students and performers, and brings them to the music he has learned and knows from his studies.”

A sharing process takes place when Lisk teaches and conducts that requires an understanding of the human spirit, and the patience to wait for the music to develop within the student, Crist noted.

“Ed has refined that process to the point where it has become innate, and that is what draws musicians to him,” Crist added.

Lisk’s influences effected many aspects of Crist’s musical growth.

“There is one that stands out, and that is the development of standards,” Crist said. “Ed taught this concept by example. Understanding and employing the concept of quality can permeate your life. Developing and implementing the highest standards in music performance has been Ed’s goal, and he freely shares this with all who listen.”

Another prominent graduate is John McCullough, who lives in Los Angeles and has been music supervisor for TV documentaries and hundreds of TV episodes and movies.

“John was a superb student and devoted to music. I remember him telling me that he was going to Los Angeles to become a studio musician. He became more than a studio musician and now is a music supervisor for television and movies,” Lisk said.

“He just was able to instill in us musical integrity,” McCullough said. He wanted us to “always try to achieve the absolute best you can.”

“It’s not so much about being perfect as long as you give 100 percent,” McCullough said.

Lisk was able to get whole bands and marching bands to do that as a unit, he noted.

“It’s not just five or six of 100 people,” he added.

McCullough also mentioned that Lisk taught him to “follow what you love.”

“If you love the world of music, go for it,” he said.

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Traveling Alone to Cuba Reflections on my first trip as a single person

T

his is about my trip to Cuba.

Sort of. The place is peripheral to the story, though I loved it.

This article is really reflecting back on the first trip I’ve taken in my “revised” status.

Why Cuba? I had wanted to go there for years, and to get there before McDonald’s did. I wanted to see how I felt traveling as a single person and a group tour seemed a safe way to go.

I figured if I got homesick, Cuba was close enough to swim back, and except for the sharks and the fact that I can’t swim, it felt like a plan.

And it had to be to a place that Philip would never have gone. We had spoken of going to places in Europe together but life intervened and I knew I couldn’t handle going to places that we had either visited together, and therefore held too many memories, or places that we had talked about going to before he got sick and that I couldn’t bear going to without him.

Cuba fit the criteria. He would have hated Cuba. It was hot in May, they didn’t have steak restaurants, there was a lot of standing around in the sun waiting for things to start and, except for the last night’s “60’s revue” with lots of Sinatra music and beautiful dancers, it definitely was not his thing. It was perfect.

And it was a chance to test myself out. I always admired the adventurous looking gray-haired ladies with the ponytails, hiking boots and backpacks that I would see alone in the airports. Okay, so I didn’t have the gray hair ponytail thing totally 32

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down, but I did have the boots and a backpack.

It was a last minute decision to go. Or as last minute as getting a visa allowed. I had a free couple of weeks in which to travel and couldn’t find an available trip to Cuba until my sister-in-law, a travel agent, called as I was passing through Bloomingdales killing time between meetings. She said she found a trip with one opening but I had to call immediately.

I ran to the furniture department, commandeered a couch, called the tour agency while Googling their website to see what I could learn about the trip, gave the deposit over the phone and signed up. So much for research and planning.

It was a busy month and it wasn’t until the week before departure that I finally had time to give thought to the trip. I looked online and read comments that there were lots of bugs there and as I am a mosquito’s idea of an all-you-can-eat buffet, I spent most of my buying and packing time loading my duffel bag with bug

deterrents of all sorts.

The night before I left, the actual agenda for the trip finally arrived.

When I saw all the late nights on the schedule, I panicked and called my guru of all things, Linda Land, and said, “what am I going to do as I’m usually asleep by the time these things start?” She had me contact her world traveler son, and in five minutes he totally changed my mindset. He reviewed my agenda and said “you have to see X, Y and Z that are not on your tour, so go off by yourself to see these things; you’ll be safe. And by the way, there’s no bugs, so dump the paraphernalia.” I didn’t, but again he was right — I didn’t see one bug.

You need to arrive in Miami the day before the trip leaves because Cuba is strict about being in the airport departure lounge three hours before and if you’re not, you can’t get on the plane. My son picked me up at 6 a.m. in plenty of time for an 8:15 flight. At 9:30 the flight was cancelled and we were taken off the plane. I eventually got on another flight and did get to Miami.

I used my airport time to check out other travelers to get ideas of what to wear when traveling in the future. Unfortunately I have no useful research to pass on. In Philadelphia, Atlanta and Miami the look for women, ages13 to 95, seemed to be really tight pants and very high heels. No wonder the line in the ladies room is so long.

After just one day of traveling, I realized all the things Philip

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handled when we traveled that I took for granted — money conversion, making sure our passports, visas and plane tickets were always safe and at hand, confirming reservations, looking at backup flights, making sure the luggage was always where it was supposed to be and figuring out the tips.

Philip was also the one who got us places on time. With a group trip you don’t want to be the one holding up the bus, so I got up earlier than necessary and by dinnertime was ready to go to sleep.

The tour group met for the first time in the Miami airport, our ages ranging from early 40s to early 80s. Most of the people on the trip were either couples or good friends traveling together, but there were four others traveling alone, the couples were all friendly and it felt OK. I quickly learned that when traveling alone, you have to make the effort to be congenial. For someone who has been used to meeting new people while ducking in and out of events for years, I didn’t think that would take much effort on my part. But it did. Mostly, I realized, it was because Philip always had my back and I had the freedom to be the carefree one making jokes and knowing he would always rescue me if I got in over my head. Being on my own and having to be responsible turned me into a very serious person whom I wasn’t all that crazy about.

On the other hand, except for missing him, I was generally OK being alone. And that was important to learn about myself. And apart from traveling with my family, I’ll probably go on other tours by myself again.

Taking Linda’s son’s advice, I did take off on my own and learned 34

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a lot doing it. First lesson is to have at least a few basic words of the country you’re visiting (I didn’t) as smiling and pointing to places on vague maps can get you lost. My favorite was looking for the famous Cuban ballet theater and no one in the crowd understood what I was saying until I finally stood on my toes in the middle of the sidewalk and twirled around.

The second piece of advice is to figure out the money system before you get in the cab, or, in my case, the pedi-cab. I was arguing with the driver/pedaler over what seemed an exorbitant charge he was asking for only a five-minute ride and finally gave up, giving him the equivalent of $20. An hour later I realized he was asking me for what was really a reasonable amount in Cuban Convertable Pesos (CUCs).

Expensive lesson.

A little about Cuba. I loved it and can’t wait to go back. The Cubans would ask if we were Canadians and were surprised when we said we were Americans, but they were glad we were there and everyone was always warm and welcoming.

I won’t even go into the “embargo” issue, b ut it dominat es every conversation and, from the Cuban’s perspective, their very lives.

Politically and economically it is a complicated situation. The revolution has made some real quality of life improvements for all Cubans.

On one hand, the literacy rate is almost 99 percent, medical care is free, and with free birth control most people choose to have only one child as a personal, not a government, choice. Perhaps as a consequence, the children we saw, even in the poorer sections of the cities, looked well cared for and carefully watched over.

The economy is in transition to slowly allowing more free enterprise and new restaurants operating in private homes (paladars) and artist studios are sprouting up. The streets are immaculately clean and it felt safe walking most everywhere. The architecture is exquisite, though falling down and only very slowly being restored.

I have to mention the classic American cars from the ‘40s and ‘50s that are everywhere and the tremendous Cuban ingenuity that goes into keeping them running without access to parts because of the embargo.

On the other hand, life is hard for the majority of citizens and Cuba remains a one-party dictatorship.

Seeing gorgeous private homes that had been taken from their owners and “given to the people” to use for clinics, schools, restaurants, etc. raises questions about “the greater good” vs. “free enterprise” that I hope to find someone to answer for me.

That Cuba will change is probably inevitable, but I hope for them that they can keep the good parts and not become just another beautiful Caribbean island.

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with the U.S. Air Force, Todd, her oldest, met Haley, a single mom who was also serving in the Air Force.

Upon returning to the States, Todd and Haley were married, and Rounds became a grandmother to Haley’s son, Alex, then 5. The two bonded over “Rugrats,” Rounds chuckled, and have been close since.

So, she and husband, Brian, bought a dozen ½-pint canning jars, lined the sides and the bottoms of the jars with pie crust, put in the apple

By Mary Beth Roach filling, put them on a cookie sheet, baked them, put the lids on them, then the ring and put them in the canning otherhood and apple Rounds, however, has never been bath. After a successful taste test, pie. What could be more one to shy away from a challenge.

Rounds and Brian packaged them up American? Well, meet She decided that perhaps canning and shipped them to Alex.

Susann Panek Rounds, her pies might work. Growing up “I really did it just to make him 63, a former Syracuse Common in Ithaca in a home where five happy,” Rounds said, but after sharing councilor, the mother of four and the generations of her family lived, she her story with some friends, she was grandmother of four. had a lot of experience with cooking encouraged to make some dough from Last Thanksgiving, Rounds’ and canning. And she has been in the pies. oldest grandson, Alex, requested and out of the restaurant business for Since her birthday is on New one of her apple pies for dessert. The years, she said.

Year ’s Eve, she said she made a Westvale grandmother — known as “I was blessed to have four sons,” resolution to start her own business. “ YaYa” to her grandchildren, Alex, [Todd, Christopher, Matthew and This past January she began making Christian, Joseph and Jack — was Joey] and they loved to eat. My inquiries to the Health Department, more than happy to oblige, especially husband loves to eat. I love to eat,” which instructed her that she needed to since Alex was going to be deployed she chuckled. find a commissary kitchen and contact to Afghanistan in early December. He While stationed in Saudi Arabia the State’s Department of Agriculture had graduated at the age of and Markets. She was 17 from West Genesee High told she needed to School and joined the U.S. submit a sample and a Marine Corps. schedule of process to But Rounds’ apple pie Cornell Cooperative isn’t your typical pie.

Extension’s sample “When I make a pie,” kitchen. By the she said, “I get it all over the time she perfected oven.” So she came up with her recipes and got a solution a while ago — to a p p ro v a l , i t w a s make it in a casserole dish.

April. And while she And that has become her was baking the pies, signature style since. she was also cooking Alex hinted that he up a business plan. wouldn’t mind some of his Soon after, Pint grandmother ’s pies in his Size Pies LLC, was care packages from home. created.

But how was she going She knew that to send edible pies since she couldn’t open up delivery could take weeks? a shop, so she decided She feared that even if she that the Internet was made a pie, froze it and then one avenue on which packed it, it might still arrive to sell her products, so Former Syracuse Common councilor Susann Panek Rounds to Alex looking like a science she created a website project, she said, all fuzzy making unique apple pies to sell, inspired in a gift she created — www.pintsizepies. for his grandson and green. com — developed

A Gift to a Grandson Means a New Business for Grandma

M

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55+ her own labels, and is doing her own marketing. And she sells them on Thursdays at the Regional Market in Syracuse.

Rounds explained that the whole process is much more complicated than just putting the ingredients together and baking them. Husband Brian measures each batch for temperature and the correct pH levels, for example, and she cannot deviate from ingredients she uses, since new creations require approval from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

She has come up with some new flavors of pies, and obviously has had a lot of fun in naming them — Granny Smith Apple, Georgia’s Favorite Peach, Strawberry Blonde RhuBarbie, Thrillin’ Blueberry. She expects approval soon for Triple Berry Treat, Jazzin’ Razz Berry, and Cherie Amore.

“Strawberry rhubarb is one of my favorite pies,” she said, and she said that the flavor is a preference among

her customers, too.

Her customers at the Regional Market in Syracuse are offered samples, and she said that the pies in the jar are starting to sell better, due in part, she believes, to the convenience.

“You can just open it up and dig in,” she said. “I enjoy the reaction.”

During a recent visit with Rounds, she was wearing a stars-and-stripes apron, which serves to underscore her patriotism and the respect she has for those who serve in the military.

Rounds donates a portion of each purchase from Pint Size Pies LLC to Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build project.

“We send our men and women off to fight for freedom,” she said.

“The problem when some of these folks come home. . . they come back a different person. . . . The stress that it puts on those families.”

She knows firsthand about that stress. During the Christmas holidays,

initiative her grandson Christian, just barely a teenager, had his dad and other family here in Central New York, but brother Alex was in Afghanistan and mom, Haley, was in Iraq. Since that time, Haley has returned to the States, as has Alex, who is now based at Camp Lejeune.

While watching television one evening, Rounds saw a story on the Veterans Build project. During her time on the Syracuse Common Council in the 1980s and 1990s, she became familiar with Habitat for Humanity. Inspired by their efforts to build housing for vets, she decided to support the work that this organization.

“I can’t do great things, but I can do little things,” she said. “I have a magnet that says, ‘If I can’t do great things, I can do small things well.’”

Rounds and Brian and their pintsized pie business could well be on their way to great things.

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opportunity

Ready to Start a Business?

Business experts suggest some basic steps before people start new businesses

By Ken Little

M

ore folks over 50 are launching businesses.

Many have the knowledge, skills, and experience that are suited to the task.

But budding entrepreneurs may also need help in other areas to start or grow a business successfully.

Organizations such as SCORE, OASIS and AARP have resources available in Central New York that can assist in ensuring a successful business venture.

SCORE is a nonprofit association supported by the U.S. Small Business Association “dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.”

“The tips that we give to our clients do not really depend upon age so much as commitment and enthusiasm,” Bruner said.

“Retirees do have the distinct advantage of having survived the real world and all of its challenges.

That experience goes a long way in toughening up their outlook as to what

can and will go awry as they chart a course in a new direction,” Bruner said.

SCORE counselors “certainly explain that knowledge of the business is extremely important,” Bruner said.

Important Considerations Some considerations before starting a business are just common sense, he said.

“Someone who has been selling cars for 25 years is not a good candidate for opening a restaurant, and we always caution folks who are interested in opening an eatery that it is the No. 1 business that has historically failed more often than not,” Bruner said.

Firsthand knowledge of a business discipline “is truly paramount,” he said.

S C O R E counselors also reinforce the Feiglin

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practice of preparing a business plan “which is simply a comprehensive and detailed outline of the business, its target markets, competition and marketing strategy, its financials, sales projections, profit and loss estimates, overhead cost projections, management team and any other pertinent details,” Bruner said.

A business plan compels the client to think about all aspects of the business and what the next three years should look like to ensure continued growth and success, he said.

A business plan is usually used as the basis for securing a small business loan, “and if the client cannot articulate the details of the plan then the odds of getting a loan diminish greatly,” Bruner said.

‘Selling’ An Idea Loan officers use a business plan to evaluate the viability of the business and are looking to the client to be able to “sell” his or her business idea.

“That, of course implies that there is extensive knowledge of the discipline, management talent, a percentage of personal financial involvement as well as a high degree of commitment and enthusiasm,” Bruner said.

A business idea, he said, must be well thought out “and able to be sold on such aspects as ‘uniqueness’ — why is my business better than those of my competitors?”

“Is my product or service better or cheaper or more timely than those of my competition?

What makes me qualified to do this — do I have the moxie to struggle through the first few years of establishing my business?” Bruner said.

He said other questions people should ask themselves include, “Have I lined up the necessary resources to help me with insurance, legal

55+ issues, accounting, and do I have a banker in my corner?”

Another critical element, he said, is what type of business entity the enterprise will be.

“This decision should be made jointly by the client, a lawyer and an accountant,” Bruner said. “It is imperative to involve as many professionals as possible in the initial decision making. Otherwise uninformed decisions may not be the best for the long-term.”

Those are just some of the considerations that SCORE counselors try and instill in clients, he said.

“The business of starting a business is an enormous decision and an enormous task that truly requires a level of personal commitment and sacrifice that most have not experienced,” Bruner said.

Because SCORE is supported by the SBA, and has a network of more than 13,000 volunteers, services can be delivered at no charge or at very low cost, Bruner said.

SCORE can provide volunteer mentors who share their expertise across 62 industries, free and confidential business counseling in person or via email, along with free business tools, templates and online tips.

SCORE also offers inexpensive or free business workshops locally and webinars available online around the clock.

For more information, go to www.

SCORE.org.

Knowing Technology The connection with technology and familiarity with computers can be vital to ensuring a successful business, said Laurin Feiglin, executive director of the Syracuse OASIS chapter.

“Everybody knows the world has changed. It is different and we’ve seen a lot of changes with the economy,” she said.

OASIS is an educational program for mature adults “who want to continue to grow, learn and be productive during the best years of their lives.” Membership is free and open to anyone 50 or older. The Syracuse OASIS chapter offers a wide

opportunity

range of educational classes, including those in the computer field.

“When one wants to start their own business, they clearly need the technology skills today,” Feiglin said.

The Internet can also enhance the ability of older people to access information about community resources; perform tasks such as financial management or shopping; and expand opportunities for continuing education, new hobbies, and employment, she added.

A program called OASIS Connections can help someone interested in starting their own business feel more confident about computer skills, Feiglin said.

“Computer skills are becoming more and more necessary for adults aged 50 and over to access benefits and services, to succeed in the workplace, to manage finances, and to stay connected with family and friends,” according to OASIS. “Computer classes designed for general audiences don’t often meet the unique needs of older adults, which can leave them frustrated and discouraged. OASIS Connections is a curriculum designed specifically for older learners to help them build success, confidence and practical technology skills,” OASIS officials said.

AARP Offers Tips The AARP also has tips for those 50 and older considering starting a business, said Luci de Haan, senior communications manager for AARP in New York state.

SCORE is an excellent resource, de Haan said.

For those considering starting a business, AARP advises several things first.

First, “Take a hard look at your finances, your idea, and yourself,” AARP advises. “Research, network, and plan, plan, plan.”

It’s important to “analyze yourself,” according to AARP. “More and more boomers are taking the entrepreneurial route. But starting a business is a risky venture,” advisers say.

Business Plan a Must Several sources interviewed for this story said having a business plan with as many details as possible is key to a successful strat-up business.

Such a plan “shows why your idea is workable, how your business will operate, and how much your income and expenses will be,” according to AARP advisers.

The SBA’s checklist for starting a company is a good place to start, according to the AARP. It can be accessed at www.sba.gov/content/checklist-starting-business “It helps you assess your situation, identify a niche, analyze the market, and organize your finances,” AARP advisers say.

Here are some important questions to ask, according to AARP: • Do you have the confident, takecharge personality it takes to run your own show?

• Does your family support your entrepreneurial project?

• Do you have the tenacity to stick with it?

• Are you ready for a significant time commitment? Starting a business often involves more than a 40 hours a week.

• Are you comfortable with a certain level of uncertainty and chaos?

• Are you a risk-taker?

It’s also important to clearly identify the product or service to be offered.

“Take the time to choose. Carefully compare the pros and cons, the risks and benefits, of each type of business,” AARP advisers say. “Look for a business that allows you to specialize and fills a growing need.”

AARP advises learning the business by working for someone in the same line of work first.

Perhaps most importantly, “Pick something that you will enjoy doing,” AARP advises.

August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

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technology

What Facebook Means to Me If you haven’t yet jumped on the Facebook bandwagon, ask a friend or a child or a grandchild who’s familiar with the site to show you the ropes — you’ll be pleasantly surprised

By Suzanne M. Ellis

I

t troubles me when I hear friends in their 50s, 60s and beyond tell me they’re not on Facebook, more often than not following that with a comment like, “That’s for the kids.”

And let’s face it, at our age “kids” means anyone younger than 40.

Speaking from more than three

years of firsthand experience, I’m here to tell you that nothing could be farther from the truth. Facebook, the wildly popular social media network with more than 700 million users, is a uniquely different experience for each and every user. Like so many things in life, what Facebook means

Susanne Ellis working on her laptop at home.

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to us depends entirely on what we make it.

At last count, in April, there were 158 million people in the U.S. using Facebook. That’s a staggering 71 percent of the 221 million Americans who regularly use the Internet, according to a June 12 article in The Wall Street Journal.

So much for the notion that Facebook is “for the kids.”

“Although a persistent rumor claims that only the youngsters go online, online participation is actually growing faster in people over 50.

There are more online users over 40 than under 25,” according to Marsha Collier, the author of “Facebook and Twitter for Seniors for Dummies.”

“Perhaps these people were so busy living their lives and bringing up their children that they didn’t have extra time for themselves then — but they do now,” Collier said. “And just like in the 1960s and 1970s, they don’t want to be left out of anything. They want to be smack dab in the middle of the online revolution.”

Unfortunately, Collier said, a lot of what older folks encounter when they go online is “unfamiliar stuff.”

Therefore, it’s understandable that some of the graying members of our generation experience trepidation when it comes to the Internet.

“Most of all, they are a bit unsure about getting on … Facebook. I

55+ have to say: Why?” Collier wrote.

“Participating in social media is freeing and can bring so much into your life!

You can’t not be there! I encourage you [to] join your extended family, your children and your friends online. By participating in social media, you’ll find many of your old friends … In a world where people don’t chat on the phone much anymore, the online arena is the perfect place to connect, and you will also make new friends.

The online world has given me a whole new group of people that I can call on for advice or, better yet, go out to brunch with in the real world.”

Personally, I have created a network of Facebook “friends” that runs the gamut of my interests: friends and family members, including a grandchild who joined this year when she turned 13, high school classmates I hadn’t seen or heard from in decades, former newspaper colleagues at The Post-Standard, some favorite radio and television stations and their on-air personalities, people from my church, including two of our pastors, local organizations such as Beaver Lake Nature Center, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Onondaga Historical Society, Erie Canal Museum and Baldwinsville Theatre Guild, some favorite restaurants and stores, publications like The Washington Post, The New York Times and The Post-Standard — it’s a list of contacts (known as Facebook “friends”) that’s limited only by my imagination. And on any given day, with just a few clicks of a mouse, I can be in touch with friends around the globe.

Facebook gives me the chance to see frequent photographs of my Atlanta grandsons and their parents and read about what’s going on in their day-to-day lives. It provides me with emotional support when I’m feeling sad about something that’s happened in my life — or when I’m just having a bad day. If I can’t sleep, I can sign onto my Facebook account and there will always be someone there to keep me company in the wee hours. My “inanimate” friends like Kohl’s, Subway and Staples post news about special events and moneysaving deals; my numerous media

technology

This is the author’s profile page on Facebook, a uniquely personal space where users can share photos, biographical information, likes and dislikes, hobbies, favorite quotes and a myriad of other interests. For her current “cover photo,” Ellis chose a photograph of herself and two grandsons, taken in June in Atlanta. She chose the sunshine icon as her “profile picture” for June 20, representing the first day of summer. sources keep me updated around the clock with news as it’s happening.

For those with more clearly defined or limited interests, there are countless networks of “friends” on Facebook which share common themes like quilting, biking, genealogy, tennis, golf, reading, hiking, skiing, you name it, it’s all there if you take the time to get involved.

And for those concerned about online safety: Facebook hasn’t attracted — and kept — hundreds of millions of users during the past half-dozen years by being lax about such things.

Every user decides who can view their online information, and Facebook’s “privacy settings” and “account settings” offer an extensive range of choices related to who can see what.

Suggested Resources

Personally, I have always managed my account so that only those whom I have accepted as “friends” can see my profile information, my photos or anything I post on Facebook. And the personal information you provide in your profile is information that comes from you — and only you — so you can include as much or as little as you’re comfortable sharing.

If you haven’t yet jumped on the Facebook bandwagon, ask a friend or a child or a grandchild who’s familiar with the site to show you the ropes and help you get started.

Or you can pick up one of the books mentioned in the list of resources accompanying this story. “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable the experience will be,” she says about using Facebook.

• “Facebook and Twitter for Seniors for Dummies” by Marsha Collier • “The Facebook Guide for People over 50” by Paul McFedries • “AARP Facebook: Tech to Connect” by Marsha Collier • “Facebook for Seniors (How to do Everything)” by Carole Matthews • “Facebook for the Computer Illiterate: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Facebook” by Rebecca Robinson August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

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visits

Fort Ontario, Oswego

10 State Parks to Visit Celebrate the History of New York at These State Parks

By Sandra Scott

N

o matter where you go in New York state there is a connection to the past. Celebrate, learn and appreciate the history of the Empire State with a visit to one of the 37 New York state historic parks. Consider the Empire Passport for $65, which provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most state parks and recreational facilities. New York state residents 62 or older, on any weekday, except holidays, can get free vehicle access to park, boat launch sites and arboretums and fee reduction for golf and historic site admission by presenting a NYS driver’s license. Check before visiting as some locations are seasonal and others open only on certain days of the week.

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1 – Darwin Martin House: Buffalo is home to The Darwin Martin House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces. The prairie-style home featuring Wright’s signature low, horizontal design was built for Martin who was an executive for the Larkin Soap Co. Martin wanted a special place for his family so he commissioned F. L. Wright, one of American’s most respected designers to build the complex that includes a conservatory, garage/stable, a restored connecting pergola, and a separate house for Martin’s sister and brother-in-law.

2 – Old Fort Niagara: Built in 1726 by the French and later occupied and expanded by Great Britain and the United States, the fort controlled access to the Great Lakes and the Western frontier. Learn about the

fort and the people who lived at the fort through guided tours, costumed interpreters, live demonstrations and re-enactments. The museum collection encompasses the area’s history from the time of the Native American to the end of the Cold War. 3 – Lorenzo: Tour the house and gardens of John Lincklaen overlooking beautiful Cazenovia Lake. The house was in the family from 1807 until 1968.

Everything in the house belonged to the family, including four portraits by Samuel B. Morse. Admire the gardens; visit the Carriage House museum with many displays and carriages; and take along the free wildflower guide as you wander the Dark Aisle, a wooded trail.

4 – Old Erie Canal: Explore the 36-mile-long park that runs east

55+ from Green Lakes State Park to just outside the city of Rome. The park links Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, home to unique canal dry docks; Canastota Canal Town Museum, with a replica of a canal boat’s cabin, and Erie Canal Village, a recreated 19th century village. The area is perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking and other recreational activities.

5 – Fort Ontario: Poised on a bluff above Lake Ontario, the fort played a role in American History from the French and Indian War to the end of World War II. During the year there are encampments and reenactments. A unique aspect of the fort is remembered at the nearby Safe Haven Museum when it was the only refugee camp in the United States for victims of the Nazi Holocaust.

6 – Oriskany Battlefield: On a quiet hillside one of the most significant and bloodiest battles of the Revolution took place on Aug. 6, 1777.

General Nicolas Herkimer, leader of the American forces, though mortally wounded, kept command of the fight till the enemy had fled. The life-blood of more than 200 patriot heroes made this battleground sacred forever. Some Mohawk Valley families lost all male members; hardly any family escaped

visits

The Darwin Martin House, Buffalo

unscathed.

7 – Johnson Hall: Johnson Hall in Johnstown is the 1763 beautifullyrestored Georgian home of Sir William Johnson, one of the largest colonial landowners and most influential individuals in the Mohawk Valley.

Johnson was superintendent of Indian affairs for the British and was a loyalist during the American Revolution. A legend says that Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant used his tomahawk to put marks on the mahogany stair railing as a sign to the Native Americans not

The Lorenzo House and Gardens on Cazenovia Lake.

to burn the house; regardless of the veracity of the legend, the house was not burned.

8 – John Brown Farm: Located at the top of the ski jump in Lake Placid is the homestead and burial site of one of America’s most famous abolitionists who led the assault on the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry hoping to arm his followers and lead them on a campaign to free the slaves. He was captured, tried and hanged in 1859 and buried with some of his followers near his home. There are breathtaking views from the homestead.

9 – Schuyler Mansion: Major General Philip Schuyler and his wife were one of the wealthiest and most influential families in 18th century Albany. Schuyler was a Revolutionary War general, a US senator and a very successful businessman. Their home was the site of military strategy meetings and hub of Albany’s social scene.

10 – Washington’s Headquarters: Washington really did sleep here at his Newburgh headquarters where he made some of his most important decisions. It was here that Washington discarded the idea that he should be king and created the Badge of Military Merit which became the Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart Hall of Honor and other Revolutionary War sites are nearby.

August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

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consumers corner

By Eva Briggs

You’re Not Alone

D

We share our body with trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms

o you ever feel as if you are alone? Well, you’re not.

You share your body with trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms. They live in your skin, genital area, mouth and intestines. You harbor 10 times as many bacterial cells as your own human cells.

Each of us actually harbors a complex ecosystem. All these o r g a n i s m s a r e n o t a d a n g e r.

They’re involved in a give-and-take relationship, called a commensal relationship, in which the bacteria and their genes affect and contribute to our basic physiologic processes.

We start out alone, as the interior of the womb is a sterile environment.

We begin acquiring bacteria during the birth process, and continue picking them up from cooing parents, curious siblings, doting grandparents and friends, as well as from contact with inanimate objects (clothing, toys, furniture and the like) and pets. By late infancy each little human is a complex microbiome.

There is still a lot unknown about exactly which bacteria comprise this ecosystem and what their functions are. For example, may gut bacteria are anaerobic, thriving best in a low oxygen environment, and thus difficult to culture on a petrie dish in the laboratory. Recent advances in lab techniques make it easier for scientists to learn which bacteria are present by evaluating not the bacteria themselves, but their genetic material.

A 2010 census of bacterial genetic material in the human digestive tract found 3.3 million genes from 1,000 bacterial species. That’s 150 times more than the 20,000–25,000 genes contained in human DNA! What are all these bacteria doing?

Some build required nutrients. Our bodies require vitamin B12, but humans lack the enzymes required to produce B12 from scratch. Our gut microorganisms synthesize the B12 we need.

Our intestines can’t absorb complex carbohydrates until they are broken down into their simple sugar components. Humans lack the ability to make enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates.

Without these enzymes we can’t fully digest a myriad of plant foods: fruits, vegetables, and grains. Our gut bacteria come to the rescue again. One species, “Bacteriodes thetaiotaomicron,” is able to code for 206 enzymes that digest plant matter. Research in mice shows that “B. thetaiotaomicron” converts non-absorbable dietary polysaccharides into fatty acids that can be absorbed to provide fuel. Other mouse studies revealed that a related species “B. fragilis” affects immune cell function and appears to protect against intestinal inflammation.

Even more fascinating is that our microbial ecosystem can affect

behavior and hormone production.

It’s long been known that certain animal pathogens can cause their hosts to behave in bizarre ways. The parasite “Toxoplamosis gondii” causes mice to become attracted to cats, furthering the agenda of the parasite, which can then complete its life cycle in the cat. The parasitic fungus “Cordyceps” lives in ant brains, causing the ant to climb to the top of a plant, where it finishes off the ant brain, sprouts as a mushroom from the ant’s head, and distributes its spores from its elevated vantage point.

Fortunately our normal intestinal organisms aren’t known (at least not yet) to cause truly bizarre human behavior. But several studies suggest probiotic organisms, like “Lactobacillus acidophilus” reduce subjective psychological distress as well as showing changes in subjects’ brain activity.

Certain bacteria found in the stomach appear to influence the production of two hormones that regulate appetite: “ghrelin,” which tells the brain that the body needs to eat, and “leptin,” which signals that the stomach is full.

Some researchers postulate that the current obesity epidemic may in part be due to changes in intestinal bacteria that have occurred over time, due to improved sanitation and widespread use of antibiotics.

So you’re not only not alone, you’re vastly outnumbered, and that turns out to be a good thing.

Eva Briggs is a medical doctor who works at North Medical Urgent Care in Liverpool and Fulton Urgent Care in Fulton.

August / September 2012 - 55 PLUS

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55 PLUS - August / September 2012

grandparenting

t e S y Pla ping p o Sh Stores say grandparents are big buyers of play sets. They offer some general rules on how to buy the best sets for their grandkids

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

S

hopping for an outdoor play set for the grandchildren?

You’re in good company. Rob Franco, owner of Let’s Play in Syracuse, estimates grandparents purchase about 30 percent of his outdoor play equipment as a gift or to set up in their own yards when the youngsters visit.

Franco advises grandparents to avoid cheap sets such as those found at mass merchandisers. He said they easily tip over in high winds, wear out before they should and will be quickly outgrown. Sturdy wooden sets are the better choice.

Franco prompts customers to try to shake his display models to test

them for wobbling. He also warns customers that some company’s sets have only 2-by-4-inch beams, not 4-by6-inch ones, and some manufacturers skimp on the beam length, making swings so close together that children can easily bump each other.

Franco prefers redwood or cedar instead of pressure-treated wood, pine, spruce or cypress.

“If you buy a redwood or cedar set, it will most likely come stained,” he said. “It gives it moisture protection and durability. The wood will be less likely to dry out.”

Kathy Zaretsky, retail showroom manager of Atlas Fence, Inc. in East Syracuse, also sells many play sets to

grandparents.

“You get what you pay for,” she said. “When something is of lesser quality, of course it will cost less, but will it perform over the years?”

She said that some short-sighted grandparents buy a small, inexpensive set that will last for only about five years, even though children will likely want to use a play set from age 2 through 13.

Inexpensive sets “are buywhat-you-see,” Zaretsky said. “You can’t update them. Consider the custom units, which will support the kids, parents, and 10 kids from the neighborhood. They are built stronger and can be custom designed for the age group necessary. They’ll last longer. They can be added to as the children get older and taller.”

To increase the length of time the kids will enjoy the set, make sure the horizontal swing beam is at least eight feet above the ground.

“You can’t make swing height higher later on because you can’t change the swing beam,” Franco said.

If you hire a commercial installer you may not need to change your yard’s topography.

“Yards frequently don’t need work beforehand but if it has a slope or topographical issues, the swing set company will want to know that,” Franco said.

Want to Install it Yourself?

If you’re handy enough to do it yourself, follow these tips for an easier, safer setup: • Enlist a friend to help. Even an “unhandy” friend can help hold parts in place while you secure them.

• Inventory all the parts and read all the directions before beginning to make sure you have tools you need.

• Don’t modify the set unless it is with a kit provided by the manufacturer.

• Use the proper equipment and method for securing the set to the ground.

• If something doesn’t make sense, call the company’s customer support line for help.

• For more safety tips, visit www. health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_ prevention/children/fact_sheets/ birth-14_years/playground_safety_ birth-14_years.htm.

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druger’s zoo

By Marvin Druger and Robert Druger

The Dollar Store Phenomenon Just the idea of paying just $1 for an item is thrilling

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n these times of high prices and inflation, the dollar store is a paradise for humanity. For many people — including me — going to the dollar store is an addiction. Just the idea of paying just $1 for an item is thrilling, and the variety of items is almost endless.

There are many different dollar stores in the U.S. A popular one is Dollar Tree. There are more than 4,000 Dollar Tree stores in the U.S., and they are in almost every state. The dollar stores seem to have evolved from the 5 and 10 cents variety stores that existed in the past. Woolworth probably started the trend in the late 1800s. The Woolworth store sold items that cost 5 cents or 10 cents.

You may also remember some other noteworthy 5 and 10 cent stores, such as Kresge, McCrory, Newberry and Ben Franklin stores. Dollar Tree was founded in 1986, and has now become a Fortune 500 company. (Maybe, that’s because I spend a fortune in the store each week).

Among other items, I can buy toys, gift wrap, beauty care products, greeting cards, craft supplies, candy, kitchen gadgets, office supplies, party supplies, tools and many novelties.

Now, there seems to be an emphasis on food items (frozen or regular).

For only $1 each, I can get a pizza, Graham cookies, juices, or even a cup of something that looks and tastes like Jello.

There are many different novelties available in the dollar store. For example, I bought an LED light that I can glue to the back of my cell 48

55 PLUS - August / September 2012

phone. I can even buy an umbrella at the dollar store. I call these “onetime umbrellas,” since they invert and break at the first sign of wind or heavy rain.

Here are a few of the great buys at the dollar store: 1) I always buy my socks at the dollar store. Why pay $5 for a pair of socks when I can get the same quality for $1? They fit well and look nice, and nobody has accused me of wearing cheap socks from the dollar store.

2) Picture frames are another great bargain. They come in a great variety, and there is no picture that you can’t find a frame for in the dollar store.

3) You can also buy very attractive dinner plates and drinking glasses at the dollar store. They range from ones with colorful decorations to elegant white plates with a gold rim. (I didn’t buy any).

4) A variety of combs and brushes and hair products are available for those people with or without hair.

5) The toy section is a delight.

There is an incredible variety of toys, including cuddly stuffed animals. I bought my favorite teddy bear in the dollar store.

6) Even dogs and cats can have a shopping spree in the dollar store.

There are all sorts of animal toys.

I bought a chewable toy for my daughter’s dog. It didn’t take long for the dog to mutilate the toy and spread its stuffing all over the living room.

7) Dental products, such as toothbrushes and dental floss, are also good buys. We now have a lifetime supply of dollar store toothbrushes and dental floss. My teeth have never been cleaner. “Look, mom, no cavities!”

Some dollar store items are really good; others break as soon as you get them home.

When I was chairman of the department of science teaching at Syracuse University, I decided to buy a holiday gift for the faculty and the graduate students. We went to lunch at a Chinese restaurant and I presented each of 13 people with a gift….a pair of scissors from the dollar store. On another occasion, I gave each person a scientific calculator that I purchased at the dollar store. My generosity was overwhelming.

One problem that I have is that, if I like the dollar store item, I buy many of them. So, I never just spend one dollar. The scissors are a great buy, and I now have about 10 pairs of dollar store scissors at home. I bought a terrific sun hat, and I now have about 15 of those at home. I’ve stocked up on greeting cards since they are two for $1. I’m ready for any occasion, ranging from a birthday, to a friendly note, to a death. I buy garbage bags from the dollar store. I have so many bags at home that there is no way that we can produce enough garbage to fill them

“One problem that I have is that, if I like the dollar store item, I buy many of them. So, I never just spend one dollar.” in the next five years.

The merchandise in any dollar store changes rapidly. If you don’t buy it today, the item may not be there tomorrow. I bought a large tarpaulin for $1 to use to carry logs and debris.

I thought this was a great buy and I could use more of them. The next day, I drove to the store. They were gone.

One day, I bought a small mat for wiping messy shoes on. The price on the mat was $7.99 and I could buy one for $1. Recognizing the tremendous bargain, and knowing the transitory nature of items, I quickly drove back to the store and bought a bunch of them. Now, we have enough mats to completely carpet the living room.

Tools are another of my dollar store favorites. I’ve bought many screw drivers from the dollar store, but we never can find one when we need it. I also bought a rubber mallet, a hammer, pliers and lots of duct tape.

If anything needs repair in the house, I’m more than ready.

My wife Pat doesn’t like to shop at the dollar Store. She thinks that because all items are $1, they can’t possibly be any good. She would rather buy the same item at a higher price elsewhere, even if the item is actually inferior to the one in the dollar store.

Dollar store junkies have to be careful when they shop. Indeed, some items are almost worthless. My wife always scolds me for bringing home items that fall apart as soon as they leave the bag. “What worthless things did you buy again for the fifth time?,” she asks. My response is, “What do you expect for a dollar?”

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By Alyssa Mammano

Clara Kingsley Worker at Home Aides of Central New York Chosen as Aide of the Year

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he has worked for Home Aides for 18 years and has devoted more than 23,000 hours working as an in-home aide. She provides services to the elderly and terminally ill in order to ease their responsibilities and bring light and laughter into their lives.

The Kirkville resident recently received the aide of the year award at the annual Aide Recognition Dinner hosted by Home Aides of Central New York.

Q. Why do you believe you were chosen to receive the aide of the year award?

A. “I think because I’m really good at my job. I love my job, and it shows through. I’m loyal to my employer.”

Q. What does the award mean to you?

A. “It’s made me a celebrity.

Kirkville is a small place and so it’s kind of neat. It’s really been a rewarding experience to have that kind of recognition because I’ve worked for Home Aides for 18 years.

It’s really pretty cool.”

Q. What does your occupation entail?

A . “I take care of people’s personal needs. I give back. I do people’s laundry and take care of their homes for them. Sometimes I take care of people who are terminally ill.

There are bed-ridden patients. That is especially rewarding to myself. I help families; I bring humor to them.

I do grocery shopping for people. It’s what I do.”

Q. What do you enjoy most about your position?

A. “Meeting all kinds of people in different walks of life. Sometimes I meet young people, but I usually 50

55 PLUS - August / September 2012

work with seniors. Seniors are my specialty. But sometimes I work with people who are not tremendously ill and they can be a hospice case.”

Q. Where is your client base and how many clients do you visit?

A. “I have a regular client in Cicero, but I do serve Kirkville, East Syracuse, and Minoa. But I do go outside my area if needed. The Cicero case isn’t really within my area but they needed somebody out there and I’ve been out there for four years now.”

Q. What kind of relationships do you maintain with your clients?

A. “I do form good relationships with my clients. They seem to enjoy me and I enjoy them. We just have a good time together.”

Q . What training have you received?

A. “When we first begin we have two or three weeks of regular training, but I already came with training. Besides Home Aides I’ve been doing this kind of thing for 30 years. I initially had to do a two-week program that Home Aides offered. I have to keep up with my certificate and service meetings that are 12 hours per year. I’m hospice trained and I have mental health training as well.”

Q. Why have you chosen to devote 18 years and 23,000 hours with the Home Aides of Central New York agency?

A. “The simplest answer is because I love my job. I really love working with seniors; it’s just amazing to me. They have such rich histories and they need somebody to listen to them. I like it.”

Q. What do you feel are the benefits of in-home care vs. a senior community?

A. “The benefits of them staying home, of course, is that they’re in their own environment. I haven’t met anybody who wants to go to a nursing home. It’s really terrifying to them when someone mentions, ‘Well we might have to put you in a nursing home.’ So it is our goal that we keep them home. I’ve worked in a facility, and people become rushed there.

They go there and you have to hurry up, hurry up, hurry up, whereas in home care you can take time to really be with them.”

Q. What is the most challenging part about what you do?

A. “I would think when taking care of a hospice patient, being with families that are really, really hurting.

They’re hurting so bad and they may even still be in denial that this person is going to pass soon. It’s really difficult on families even though the patient is ready to go. The families aren’t ready to let them go. There’s a lot of tears shared with them.”

Do you have a few hours a week to share with a child?

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Tutoring takes advantage of the special relationships that develop across generations to reap benefits for both children and adults.

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To find out more about becoming an OASIS Tutor in our community, contact OASIS Outreach Coordinator, Sally Terek M.Ed. at (315) 464-1746 or Email: tereks@upstate.edu

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