Cny 55 #53 by 55 Plus: For Active Adults in Central New York

Savvy Senior: Life Insurance. Do You Still Need It?

PLUS Issue 53 October / November 2014

For Active Adults in Central New York

THE LOST ART OF TATTING IS MAKING A COMEBACK HOUSING: TIME TO BUY OR RENT?

BARRY SHULMAN A lawyer, a tap dance instructor, a community activist, a philanthropist. He talks about his career, community • Bruce Frassinelli ‘My Interview with God’ • David Zumpano ‘Are You the Spouse or Caregiver?’

A New Reporter in Town: Norm Poltenson

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CONTENTS

55 PLUS

October / November 2014

Savvy Senior 6 Financial Health 8 Gardening 10 My Turn 22 Golden Years 36 Life After 55 38 Druger’s Zoo 44 Consumers Corner 46 George DeMass: A town of Oswego native and resident publishes “Images of America: Town of Oswego.” 4

55 PLUS - October / November

12 TRENDS

• The last reunion, the final good-bye

16 NEW CHAPTER

• Norm Poltenson, a new reporter in town

18 INSPIRATION

• Jamesville author finds way to provide inspiration through devotionals

20 HOUSING

• To buy or to rent? Experts weigh in on the better housing option

24 COVER STORY

• The multifaceted Barry Shulman makes a difference in CNY

cny55.com

32 CRAFTS

• The lost art of tatting is making a comeback

34 MUSIC

• The Blacklites: endearing band brings a lot of soul to Salt City

40 PROFILE

• Ray “Spider Rybaack” Hrynyk shares thrill of fishing with others through writing

42 BUSINESS

• Owning a franchise in your plans? Experts weigh in

48 VISITS

• Haunted historical New York state

Smart Giving Forever

Catherine Winger at home with her dog, Jolie.

After my retirement, I longed for a deeper connection to my community and the nonprofits that interested me. I spent many hours volunteering for several organizations that focus on the arts. I enjoyed my time so much that it seemed natural to find a way to continue giving to those organizations beyond my lifetime. That opportunity came when my attorney suggested developing a charitable plan at the Community Foundation that could be implemented when I passed away. Community Foundation staff helped me identify and document the charitable focus for the portion of my estate that is set aside for charity. Though I hope it is many years before the plan is implemented, it feels good to have my estate plan complete. I also have the flexibility to adjust the charitable plan over time, which can be done easily without disrupting my formal estate documents. I feel so fortunate to be able to create a charitable fund that will provide for the community. I am proud that my hard work will reap benefits for the many amazing local arts organizations, hardworking animal charities, and deserving students seeking scholarships in Central New York. The Community Foundation helped make that possible, making it Where the Smart Money Gives. Read more of Catherineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story at CNYCF.org/Winger.

Where the Smart Money Gives. 431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 422-9538 www.cnycf.org

October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

savvy senior By Jim Miller

Do You Still Need Life Insurance?

hile many retirees choose to stop paying their life insurance premiums when they no longer have young families to take care of, there are a few reasons you may still want to keep your policy. Here are some different points to consider that can help you determine if you still need life insurance in retirement.

Dependents — Life insurance is

designed to help protect your spouse and children from poverty in the case of your untimely death. But if your children are grown and are on their own, and you have sufficient financial resources to cover you and your spouse’s retirement costs, then there is little need to continue to have life insurance. But if you had a child late in life or have a relative with special needs who is dependent on you for income, it makes sense to keep paying the premiums on your policy. You also need to make sure your spouse’s retirement income will not take a significant hit when you die. Check out the conditions of your pension or annuity (if you have them) to see if they stop paying when you die, and factor in your lost Social Security income too. If you find that your spouse will lose a significant portion of income upon your death, you may want to keep the policy to help make up the difference.

Work — Will

you need to take another job in retirement to earn income? Since life insurance helps replace lost income to your family when you die, you may want to keep your policy if your spouse or other family members are relying on that income. If, however, you have very little income from your retirement job, then there’s probably no need to continue with the policy. 6

55 PLUS - October / November

55PLUS Editor and Publisher Wagner Dotto

Associate Editor

Estate taxes —

Life insurance can also be a handy estate-planning tool. If, for example, you own a business that you want to keep in the family and you don’t have enough liquid assets to take care of the estate taxes, you can sometimes use a life insurance policy to help your heirs pay off Uncle Sam when you die. It’s a good idea to talk to a disinterested third party (not your insurance agent), like an estate planning expert or a fee-only financial planner to help you determine if your life insurance policy can help you with this.

Life Settlement Option — If you find that you don’t need your life insurance policy any longer, you may want to consider selling it in a “life settlement” transaction to a third party company for more than the cash surrender value would be, but less than its net death benefit. The best candidates are people over age 65 who own a policy with a face value of $250,000 or more. Once you sell your policy, however, the life settlement company becomes the new owner, pays the future premiums and collects the death benefit when you die. How much money you can expect to get with a life settlement will depend on your age, health and life expectancy, the type of insurance policy, the premium costs and the value of your policy. Most sellers generally get 12 to 25 percent of the death benefit. If you’re interested in this option, get quotes from several brokers or life settlement providers. Also, find out what fees you’ll be required to pay. To locate credible providers or brokers, the Life Insurance Settlement Association provides a referral service at lisa.org.

Lou Sorendo

Writers

Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Laura Thompson, Aaron Gifford Sandra Scott, Mary Beth Roach Matthew Liptak

Columnists

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

Advertising

Jasmine Maldonado Marsha Preston Jim Maxwell

Office Manager

Laura J. Beckwith

Layout and Design Chris Crocker

Cover Photo

Chuck Wainwright

55 PLUS –A Magazine for Active Adults in Central New York is published six times a year by Local News, Inc., which also publishes In Good Health–CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper. Published at 185 E. Seneca St. PO Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126. Subscription: $15 a year © 2014 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@CNY55.com Editor@cnyhealth.com

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financial health By David J. Zumpano

Invest in Oswego County’s future. The Oswego County Community Foundation is a union of gifts, big and small, made by those who want to make a charitable investment in this community.

We invite you to join us. Learn more at oswegocountycf.org The Oswego County Community Foundation is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation. 315.422.9538 www.oswegocountycf.org oswego@cnycf.org

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55 PLUS - October / November

Are You The Spouse or the Caregiver?

wenty years ago my grandmother developed dementia. My single aunt lived with and took care of her. As Grandma’s dementia progressed, her care became more and more burdensome. I recommended to my mom and her other two siblings that they consider putting Grandma in a nursing home. They rebelled. My mom, her sister who did not care for grandma and her brother had particularly strong feelings about ensuring that Grandma did not go in the nursing home and my aunt , who lived and cared for her, felt tremendous amount of guilt to even consider it an option. The reality was, Grandma needed help. It wasn’t fair that the relationship with my aunt who cared for her was that of a caregiver, tending to her needs, cleaning her behind, helping her up into bed, in the bathroom, fed her, etc., while my mother and her other two siblings got to enjoy Grandma “all prettied up” when there were family functions. So, my question is this: was my aunt the daughter of my grandmother or her caregiver? And that is my question to many elderly clients as where one begins to need help with daily needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, the well spouse’s role of caregiver supersedes the role of spouse, which is not healthy for either one. Fortunately, unlike 20 years ago, there are many more options today. Specifically, there are community-based programs, including Medicaid, which will help pay for caregivers to come into the home to provide assistance. While initially frowned upon by many people, (much like my mom and her siblings back in the day) the reality is it’s a much better result for everyone. It is important the well spouse maintains the spousal relationship, not primary caregiver, who often has to treat the ailing spouse

like a child. In addition, these community Medicaid benefits and other related programs can assist the ailing spouse with daily functions like making meals, cleaning the house, helping get dressed, and toilet, etc. Just relieving oneself of these burdens for a portion of the day will greatly enhance the quality of life not only for the well spouse, but also the ailing spouse, as it provides an opportunity to have a spousal relationship to the greatest extent possible; thereby often slowing the progress of the ailing spouse deterioration. In addition to Medicaid, there is a wonderful veteran’s benefit, “Aid and Attendance,” which will reimburse veterans for their surviving spouse for medical costs, including care giving services of up to $2,054 per month of World War II, the Korean War, or Vietnam era. Simple planning will make most veterans eligible and, with counseling and planning, we can typically get any veteran qualified within 30 days. The same is true for the community Medicaid benefit. The challenge is, most people try to go it alone and are quickly denied because they don’t know the rules. If you have a loved one who is beginning to ail, the sooner you get assistance in the home, you will ensure for a slowed progression for the ailment and a prolonged marital or parent child relationship. You don’t have to go at this alone; there are multiple solutions to get help in the home. The trick is to start early and with benefits that can grow and progress as the need increases.

David J. Zumpano is an attorney and a certified public accountant (CPA). He operates Estate Planning Law Center. He can be reached at 315-793-3622.

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Gardening By Jim Sollecito

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55 PLUS - October / November

For some, fall is prime planting season

know people who can kill a plastic plant. Often it’s because they try to put something in the wrong location. They want to do something in the worst way and they succeed. Another reason is that they try to do the right thing at the wrong time of year. This is like pushing water uphill. Most people choose not to plant because they are afraid to fail. They don’t understand that you may have to fight a battle more than once in order to win. That’s why I have long been a proponent of fall planting. It’s just easier in the fall. Right now, the soil is nice and warm. The warm and gentle rains are dependable. The day length is shortening so we appreciate our days a bit more. The temperature is very comfortable for outdoor activities, and plants are actively growing more roots than any other time of year. And, of course, the prices on nursery stock are certainly softer now than in the spring. At this reflective time of year, we take a bit more time to make our selections instead of impulsively reacting to the primeval urge to grab the same old thing. I like to select cultivars that give me double duty: spring flowers followed by fall foliage color. Leaf color sometimes lasts twice as long on flowers. There are far better plants than the plain old burning bush for colorful fall foliage. You’ll see loads of new varieties to bring that Better Homes and Gardens look to your landscape planting right now. Three great new varieties that come to mind are Center Glow Ninebark, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood and Donald Wyman Lilac. It’s all about working with Mother Nature, not against her, both in your landscape planting as well as your life. Plants make us feel happy. They

help us to feel more “at home.” When we moved our daughter to law school 10 hours away this summer, our garden was one of the first things she told us she missed. So I found her some potted tomatoes and colorful flowering perennials. I created a simple garden she could see from indoors. Instantly, this view helped her relax into her new home. Appreciating this garden view was like a large “chill pill,” washing away any stress with just a quick glance through the glass. The hummingbirds soon found this nook, and everyone was pleased. If something is pleasing to you in your favorite garden center now, it probably will be make you smile every year at this same time. If you like the way a plant looks, chances are there is a spot at your home where it’ll become an asset. Take a look around. Settle on a color scheme, grab three plants you like, and plant them. Select plants that don’t require spraying. Be thoughtful of those downstream. Try a newer variety of something familiar and learn how much easier it is to grow them. Friends don’t let friends plant annuals, so seek perennials that will give you wheelbarrows of color over a period of years, not just one season. It’s good to recognize when an opportunity exists. That time is right now. When some folks wake up and the temperature outside is less than their age, they stay in bed. Don’t be that person. Fall is for planting. It’s easier in the fall. Seize this opportunity. And seize the daisy!

Jim Sollecito is the first lifetime senior certified landscape professional in NYS. He operates Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in Syracuse. Contact him at 468-1142 or at jim@sollecito.com.

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The Last Reunion, the Final Good-Bye A woman says good-bye to the father she finally reconciled with By Laura Thompson

eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gone. He left us, finally, on Aug. 1, 81 years young, still making plans, still looking forward. He left us in a shockingly short span of time, three weeks between hosting his last family cook-out and his death, a time marked by the disorientation we felt when we realized a human being could deteriorate beyond all repair in 21 days. We were prepared, we thought, for this passage, and despite that there is a void left in our lives and a disjointed feeling we cannot quite shake. The main man in the family has gone, and surely the universe has shifted. He was such a tough, ornery man you thought he would never die. Time and time again, he outsmarted or otherwise bested death. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lucky, I know, to have reached the age of 55 and to have had both parents until recently. Many of my peers lost one or both parents in earlier years. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also lucky that both my father and I lived until we could finally put aside our differences and find some common ground. My father was not a good father. He was a former active duty combat Marine who desperately longed for sons. God, in a fit of pique, gave him three daughters, and Dad never quite recovered from this loss. He did his best to turn us into sons by proxy. We played baseball and worked alongside him in the woods. He barely tolerated and frequently

55 PLUS - October / November

complained about our girlish desires for dresses, curls and patent leather. We were a traditional family, with a stay-at-home mother who contributed little to the household income. My father was a poor financial planner, and he struggled to provide us with the bare necessities. Throughout my childhood he complained of the expense my sisters and I represented, always voicing, once again,

his desire for sons to begin with. I was the first to leave, although I was not the oldest. I had simply had enough of him, and left them all, returning only occasionally in the intervening years. I could not doubt he was my father, sharing certain personality quirks as well as facial features with him. But I did not like him, for the most part, and frequently wished he were a kinder, better man. One who liked daughters,

perhaps, or simply valued that which was his. But it was not to be, and he was never the father I wanted, the one closely modeled on Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” That was the father I deserved, I thought, the one I should have gotten. Our relationship was marked by years of absence and estrangement. We would briefly connect, then something — an errant word, a stray remark, misinterpreted — would send us reeling apart again. I began seriously speaking to both my parents again in the early to middle 2000s. Our erratic telephone conversations slowly gained traction over the years, resulting in yet another reunion in 2009. It had been 21 years since we had seen one another, face to face. Neither parent recognized me, until I spoke. I found my father a calmer, quieter, more reflective man, who questioned the decisions he had made in his life, who considered the way he had raised his children. He was no Atticus Finch, but finally he was a man I could talk to, laugh with, enjoy. Old age had not necessarily mellowed him but simply worn out his rage with the world. I’m glad I finally got to see another side of him, that we finally worked it out. I am grateful that we all lived long enough to have the last four years. You don’t get to choose your parents, the family you are born into. Given enough time, you may finally choose to reconcile with the ones you got. You may even find, eventually, that you like them. This was our last reunion, and now our final good-bye. The main man has left us, and we carry on.

This is Hearrh Living.

Friendships. As Good As Gold.

STORY IDEA? If you have any story idea for 55 PLUS magazine, please send an email it to editor@cny55.com

October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

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2/7/14 11:07 AM

Wintertime Bird Feeding By Adam Waterfield

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting cold outside and winter can be a difficult time for birds. As winter approaches, birds will start to look for reliable sources of food for wintertime survival. Natural food supplies are less plentiful or can be hidden by snow. Backyard bird feeding can make a world of difference in harsh, cold weather. During the winter birds need to eat rich, high calorie and high fat foods such as oil sunflower, suet and peanuts. When there are rapid drops in temperature or sudden winter storms, it is especially helpful to have feeders full so that birds can find food easily. Feeders should be positioned near cover but in the open to allow birds to watch for danger. Seed blends containing at least 50 percent black oil sunflower are my preferred offering to birds in the winter. Black oil has a high calorie/ounce ratio due to its high fat and protein content and attracts most songbirds that visit our area such as cardinals, chickadees and tufted titmice. A good quality seed blend may also contain safflower, sunflower chips and shelled peanuts to attract the greatest number of visitors to your feeders. Suet is a great food to offer to birds that visit backyards in the winter especially woodpeckers. Suet is a high energy, pure fat substance that is invaluable when insects are harder to find and birds need many more calories to keep their bodies warm. Look for suet that contains peanuts, which have high protein and fat levels. Peanuts are a favorite food of chickadees, blue jays and nuthatches. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to provide birds with a source of fresh water in the winter for both drinking and bathing. A heater in your birdbath will keep water from freezing. While birds can eat snow, converting it to liquid burns up precious energy.

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Adam Waterfield is the co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Fayetteville. October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

55+

new chapter

A New Reporter in Town After building his CNY Business Journal for nearly 30 years, Norm Poltenson is now the paper’s new reporter By Aaron Gifford

orm Poltenson finds the term “journalism” stuffy, opinionated and pretentious. Reporting or gathering news, he explains, is more fitting. Wi t h t h a t k i n d o f e a r n e s t , straightforward approach to the current events business, the 75-yearold founder and former publisher of the Central New York Business Journal recently signed on as a staff writer for the company he built up and maintained for nearly 30 years. While his daughter, Marny Nesher, calls the shots as publisher, Poltenson is pounding the pavement, working the beat, conducting interviews, taking pictures, making deadlines — and yes, reporting and gathering news. “Whether you call it a craft or a profession,” he said with a laugh during a recent interview, “I still won’t call it journalism.” Poltenson recently reflected on his career with the weekly-specialized publication and talked about his new experience as a reporter so far. He grew up in Syracuse and graduated from Nottingham High School. At an early age, Poltenson did not have aspirations to eventually take over his father’s printing company. During the teen-age years, he said, “I was pretty typical — interested in cars and chasing girls, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be.” Poltenson graduated from St. Lawrence University in Canton, where he also participated in the Army ROTC program. He continued onto graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in history.

55 PLUS - October / November

Reporter Norm Poltenson of CNY Business Journal. Poltenson was on track to become a history professor, but duty to his country called. The young lieutenant was deployed to West Germany, where he was stationed with the Army near the Berlin Wall in preparation for combat with encroaching Russians. The Berlin Crisis, as it was known, began in 1961 after East German leaders erected a fence in the city marking a border between the two nations. The fence, which was later expanded to include cement walls and guard towers, was meant to keep Western influence out of East Germany

and to stop migrants from leaving the Communist sector. Disputes over checkpoints followed, the Soviet Union stationed tanks near the wall and the United States sent troops. It was the height of the Cold War. The standoff eventually ended peacefully after both sides agreed to remove tanks from the area. “It was a scary time,” Poltenson recalled. Upon returning back to the United States in 1963, Poltenson came back to Syracuse and worked at his father’s business, printing college catalogues, labels and various special order items. He hadn’t heard the term niche market until he was assigned work for a NewEngland-based antiques magazine. “I had to get used to what my responsibilities were,” he said. When the senior Poltenson retired, his two sons took over the company. Norm focused on sales and business operations. After several years of success in the printing business, he figured he’d try his hand in publishing. In 1976, he purchased Adirondack Life Magazine, a bi-monthly glossy that typically includes feature stories and photos on the recreation, culture, history and wildlife of the Adirondack region. When Poltenson established the Central New York Business Review in 1985, the idea of business-tobusiness newspapers or magazines was relatively new, but the competition was already stiff. In Central New York alone, there were already three like-minded magazines here when Poltenson set up shop. “Looking back at it,” he said, “I think I was off my

medications.” Starting a publication from scratch, Poltenson recalled, was incredibly challenging. He had to secure funding, assemble a small staff, and conduct trial runs at printing a quality paper before it could be sold to an audience. It took several months to get the new operation going. “The biggest thing was learning about the business-to-business format,” he said. “That was different than what I had done in the past.” Poltenson said it was difficult to get people in the business community and local industry leaders to talk to his staff. The sources had bad experiences with other specialized publications or news sources. To develop a rapport, the start-up publisher and his employees needed to get a better understanding of what it was like to own and operate a business. That process took years. Poltenson’s magazine, which was later named the Central New York Business Journal, began as a monthly. Early on he realized that more advertisements were needed to keep the publication afloat, so production was ramped up to twice a month, or 26 issues a year. In 1999, it became a weekly.

The WSJ approach None of the business-to-business publications that Poltenson competed with as a start-up are still in existence today, though he was quick to point out that one of them remained in business for at least 15 years. He tried to separate his publication from the others by following The Wall Street Journal’s approach to reporting. “We tried to be like them,” Poltenson said. “Give the reader the information and let them make the decision. The staff was not comprised of ‘journalists.’ When you go down the middle, you report.” While daily newspapers around the world have seen major circulation and revenue losses in recent years, smaller community newspapers and specialized publications have remained remarkably steady. Poltenson said the key to the Central New York Business Journal’s survival has been to diversify without making any hasty decisions, and to stay true to its audience. “What you saw some (specialized publications) do was go to free subscriptions (print editions). I think that was the worst idea, and not

something we ever considered,” he said. “We’re a niche publication that’s for anyone who owns a business or wants to own a business.” According to its website, the CNY Business Journal’s average subscriber is a business owner, partner or middle manager, is about 50 years old, a college graduate, and has household net worth of about $1.55 million and an annual household income of about $215,000. In addition, that average subscriber Norm Poltenson in his office working on a story for works for a company CNY Business Journal in Syracuse. with a median of 24 employees that generates about $4.9 they are still in college. During his time off, Poltenson million in annual revenues. As for diversification, within the enjoys going to the gym, hiking and past decade the company spun off a spending time outdoors. He and his “BizEvents” service that helps local wife, Joan, travel to Israel frequently to businesses organize gatherings and visit their sons, Seth and Joshua. They have grandchildren in both countries. network with each other. Instead of retiring at a time when The CNY Business Journal also sells marketing consultant services. the company is enjoying tremendous The publication’s online edition has success and the next generation is well taken on significant improvements in prepared to take over the operation, Poltenson decided last year to take an recent years. “As much as I love ink on paper,” entry-level position of sorts. Nesher Poltenson said, “I still don’t care how has offered to let her dad continue working as a staff writer for as long as the product is delivered.” he’d like. Poltenson said his new role Tough territory is a delicate balance of learning more The most troubling aspect of the about reporting while trying not to job was hearing about how New York meddle in the new publisher’s work. state’s regulations, high taxes and red So far, he has enjoyed his work as tape have kept so many businesses a storyteller. His favorite subjects are from reaching their potential. “The “gazelle” companies that have grown fact that there are businesses that still by at least 20 percent a year and double thrive,” he said, “actually amazes me.” their revenues within five years. Take, Poltenson is also frustrated by the for examples, the cookie company narrow-minded attitude of companies that started with one person and now that refuse to think globally and, has more than 50 employees, or the despite the strength of their product or shredding business that is on track to services, show no interest in attempting tally $800 million in sales. sales in other states or other nations. “I really think businesses are the The most inspiring stories, Rodney Dangerfield’s of this society,” Poltenson said, are those from budding Poltenson said. “We want people entrepreneurs. He’s counted 3,000 U.S. to know that there are really some colleges and universities that offer great companies that have made our entrepreneurship classes, and many community a better place. Longprograms have given youngsters the time family businesses are still the skills to secure funding from venture strength of this area. We want people capitalists and start companies while to understand what we’ve got here.” October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

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inspiration

B d Spirite h c a o r p p A Jamesville author finds way to provide inspiration through devotionals By Matthew Liptak

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arbara Canale, 56, of Jamesville has published two devotionals in recent years and is already working on a third scheduled to be out in August of 2015. Her talent for writing, especially of a spiritual nature, has been there since she was a little girl. “I started writing when I was 5,” Canale said. “My mom saved everything I wrote as a child in a huge cardboard box. About a year ago I read them. Every story I wrote as a child was inspirational or religious. I think my purpose in life is to be an inspirational writer.” Although Canale’s focus was on writing from a young age, her path to publication wasn’t a straight line. Her formal post-secondary education was in nuclear medicine and radiologic technology. “I worked for many years in that field and loved it,” Canale said. “One morning as I was driving to work I asked God if taking X-rays was really what he wanted me to do with my life. That same day I learned my office was closing and I was unemployed.” Canale has written as a freelance journalist and also published a dozen inspirational stories with the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series of books. Shortly after she lost her job, her daughter Juliana was struggling in college and needed support from her mother. Barbara wrote her daughter inspirational letters which were later compiled and turned into her first devotional for Liguori Publications. “Prayers, Papers & Play: Devotions for Every College Student” was a success. It recently won an award from the Catholic Press Association for best book in the category of books for teens and young adults. “I honestly think the book did well because each word was written from a mother’s caring heart to her children who were struggling to succeed in school,” she said. Devotions in her mom’s book meant to be read prior to exams were

the most helpful, Juliana said. She prepared herself for the exams through academic study, but the devotions helped buoy her confidence before the tests so that she felt she could do anything.

To have and to hold Canale’s latest book is a 380page devotional titled “To Have and To Hold: A Marriage Devotional.” This book, also published through Liguori Publications, comes from her experience as a spouse and also from being a mentor, along with her husband Pat, to couples going through difficult times in their marriages. “My hope is that couples will become closer to each another and have happier, healthier marriages,” Canale said. “All couples struggle at some point in their relationship. This book will help them through it with useful advice.” The book’s passages are lengthier than those of her first devotional. They start with a Bible passage reflecting on a specific marital issue and then a 500-word essay on how to cope with the issue. It concludes with a prayer written by Canale herself. Each devotion takes up one page. There are also some additional prayers and material at the end of the book where couples can look for more help. The author’s inspiration for the new book came from the challenges she and her husband faced in their own marriage. After 20 years the couple was in what Barb Canale called a “lull” or slump. They went to a marriage workshop at their church, Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, in DeWitt. The workshop was called The Third Option. The Canales then became marital mentors. The Canales have now been married 32 years. “This book is an amalgamation of 10 years of ideas,” Canale said. She and her husband read the book every morning. Some examples of the subjects discussed are not unloading issues about your partner on your children or expecting them to take sides; accepting accountability for your own choices; and offering small gestures to your spouse to show your love.

is continuing to write her third book, the one scheduled for publication next year. It is a devotional about giving hope to parents raising teenagers. She has been writing it for several years. It has been an on and off process, where she put down ideas here and there whenever they came to her. “That’s pretty easy to write because my daughters are now in their early 20s,” Canale said. “It wasn’t that long ago that they were teenagers. I think about issues that I had with them and that their friends had with their parents, the neighborhood kids. 1 9/12/14 4:04 PM I prostate.55pls.half_Layout look at what’s happening around me

and I write about that.” In addition to her third book, she is thinking of creating a devotional for parents with young children, she said. Canale is enthusiastic about adding a bit of her inspirational insight wherever she sees a need. “I really like writing devotionals,” she said. “I’m thinking that I might do another devotional for families with young children. There aren’t many books out there for couples with young children. When there isn’t a book out there I feel like there should be and so I feel like I’m the person who is Page 1 supposed to write it.”

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The future The future looks bright for Canale and her inspirational endeavors. She October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

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housing

To Buy or to Rent?

A growing number of retirees choosing renting as opposed to buying properties By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

any people nearing retirement consider moving from their large, family-sized home to a smaller one that will better suit a couple. Now that the children are gone, it’s time to downsize and, in the process, shed some of the responsibilities related to a larger home and property. A growing number of retirees aren’t buying, however.

They’re renting. This is a trend observed by Constance M. Ryan, licensed real estate agent, certified residential specialist and senior real estate specialist with Century 21 Galloway Realty in Oswego. “Our broker owns eight apartments in our building,” Ryan said. “It’s been an active market for these apartments because there aren’t many apartments

that are like this.” Boasting stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and granite counters, the apartments offer many of the nicer appointments people want in a purchased home, yet without the responsibility of snow removal, repairs and maintenance. “Most renters enjoy landlordprovided maintenance to the property and any included appliances,” Ryan said. Plus, if the retirees want to travel, it’s easier to do from an apartment than leaving behind a large home with a yard. Some retirees switch to renting because of financial reasons. If they lack equity in their homes and feel the unnecessary space requires too much money to keep up, renting offers a way to reduce their expenses and stress. For some retirees struggling with diminished ability to drive, renting an apartment in town provides a feasible way to stay independent. Living within

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walking distance of resources like public transportation, dining and entertainment can delay the stage where they rely on others. Sandra Halliday, licensed associate real estate broker at Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Liverpool, views home ownership as a good investment. “You will always have a roof over your head and you can choose to have a smaller house with more convenient living,” she said. “The advantage of living in your own home is there’s privacy, the pride of home ownership and you know the house is yours and you can decorate it any way you’d like.” She has also observed many adult children living with senior parents to help them out, so that extra living space may come in handy later. “If you rent an apartment, your neighbors can be very noisy and there’s not much you can do about that,” Halliday said. “There are many

things you cannot control like who will be living upstairs, like smokers or barking dogs. With a house, you can buy many more things.” Of course, buying a small home, townhouse or condominium can help decrease the size of the space a retiree needs to clean and maintain

as well as reducing utility costs. A dwelling that’s part of a home owner’s association may also include maintenance for shared space. Homes that are paid off represent an asset that doesn’t depreciate in value easily and older retirees can consider a reverse mortgage to draw equity from their home for added income. Among retirees who buy a downsized home, Halliday has seen a surge of interest one-level living and small homes with a little yard so gardeners have some space to putter but not too much maintenance. If you decide to downsize, consider the layout of the new home. One-level homes with wide doorways, main floor laundry, and no interior steps (such as a sunken living room) can help you stay independent for longer. Even if you have no mobility challenges, an acute injury or illness can make navigation difficult in some homes.

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my turn

By Bruce Frassinelli Email: bruce@cny55.com

My Interview with God

don’t know about most journalists, but I have been pretty open and vocal about the fact that if I had my choice of a dream, exclusive interview, it would be with God. It is not that I am a holy person — far from it — but when you think of the mystery surrounding this enigma wrapped in a conundrum, who wouldn’t want to get a one-onone (or, more correctly, a one-on-three) interview with the Big Guy Himself and his two alter-egos? You can imagine my shock several weeks ago: I was sitting on the lounge recliner in my man-cave waiting for sleep to overtake me — my customary mid-afternoon nap. When I opened my eyes, I saw a winged man standing in front of me. Startled, I demanded to know who this intruder was. He told me he was God’s publicist, and he had come to transport me for the long-sought-after interview with God. O f c o u r s e , I f i g u re d I w a s dreaming, but it felt so real. “Oh, right,” I said in a cynical tone. “After all these millennia, God finally decides to go public, and He is going to give the exclusive interview to an obscure former publisher of a newspaper in Oswego, N.Y.” Why, I wanted to know, would He not seek time on one or all of the major TV or cable news networks and ask to be interviewed by the likes of a Barbara Walters or Brian Williams? “They never wanted this interview badly enough; you did,” the publicist said. “Jesus, especially, was amused by the column you wrote questioning what the hereafter might be like; even God the Father smiled once or twice, which is very unusual; the Holy Spirit was not amused, at least we don’t think so, but it’s pretty difficult to see any emotion there through that flickering flame.” 22

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The publicist said they took a vote about having me interview them, and by a 2-1 margin, they decided he should come and get me. The Holy Spirit thought it was a ghastly idea and chose not to appear. Pointing to the publicist’s wings, I asked whether we were going to fly to our destination. Yes…and…no, the publicist said. “Just touch my robe,” he said. Still trying to piece this together, I grabbed my Reporter’s Notebook and a pen, just in case. I did as the publicist instructed. This blur of intense, hot light and rustle of wind engulfed us, and in what seemed to be less than an instant, I was inside a darkened room, alone. In a few moments, a bright light shone into the room. Instinctively, I snapped to attention, sensing that I was in the presence of greatness. Through the light, I saw two chairs appear in the middle of the room, one slightly larger and more ornate than the other. It was clear to me that God the Father ruled the roost in this kingdom, and Jesus, who was sitting at his right hand, had status, but was subservient to His father. I was perhaps 10 feet from them, when I was telepathically ordered to sit down in a plain, straightback chair, which had suddenly appeared behind me. As if to prove this was no hoax, Jesus recited some background information about me then mentioned about a half-dozen indiscretions I had committed over my lifetime — highly personal embarrassments that only I knew. Not even my wife was aware of them. I was convinced: This was the real deal. The winged publicist came into the room to start the interview. “Are there any ground rules?” I asked. “Anything off limits?” The publicist smiled. “Do you think anyone is going to believe

that you really had this interview?” the publicist asked. “Oh, my God (whoops, sorry),” I exclaimed. Of course, he was right. When (and if) I get this published, readers will think I’m either delusional, ready for mental care or some kind of a charlatan with a hidden agenda. The publicist walked over to me and whispered in my ear: “There is one thing — Both are sensitive about Their age, so I would steer clear of questions about how old They are.” Both God the Father (GTF) and God the Son (GTS) shot the publicist dirty looks. B.F.: “Why are there so many religions, and how do we know which one is the true religion?” GTF: “I thought long and hard about giving humans the power of free will. I finally decided that if I controlled everything, this would get pretty boring pretty fast. Eternity is a long time. I’ll tell you, though, there are exasperating times when I’m tempted to get rid of free will. Some of the stuff that goes on is absolutely disgusting. I guess it’s true: Humans will be humans.” B.F.: “Do you rule Heaven like a dictator or king?” GTF: “Well, we do vote on important issues, but I want to make it perfectly clear that I have absolute veto power when I choose to use it. On less important matters, such as this interview, majority rules.” B,F.: “Do you ever challenge your father the way human sons do?” GTS: “I’m tempted from time to time, but I generally think better of it. The one time I really came close was when I was on the cross, but I decided to temper My language even then and merely said, `Why have You forsaken me?’” B,F: “What is it like having two fathers and neither of them truly

biological? GTS: “It’s challenging on occasion, although Joseph understands his place in the pecking order. He really has a great sense of humor about all of this, though. When we were discussing celibacy one time, he blurted out, `Why me, God?’” B.F.: How about your mother, Mary? Do you get to see her often? GTS: “I do. Although I am frequently about doing my Father’s work, Mom often drops by to visit. Her apple pie is to die for.” B.F: “What’s your relationship with Mary?” GTF: “She is a really great woman who has certainly had her share of crosses to bear. One in a million, for sure.” B.F.: “There’s been a lot of speculation about when the Second Coming will occur. I know this is supposed to be a deep, dark secret, but I thought maybe you can give me a hint to pass along to mankind. GFT: “Nice try, but can you imagine the panic and chaos that would occur if the date and time were known? Only I know, and my lips are sealed.” The publicist intervened. “That’s all the time we have for now,” he said. “I want to thank all of you for this unique opportunity,” I said. “Now the fun begins,” Jesus said. “Trying to get humans to believe that you — at best an occasional churchgoer — were singled out for this singular honor. You probably won’t even believe it yourself.” In an instant, I found myself back in the lounge recliner in my mancave, my Reporter ’s Notebook on my lap with lots of scribbled notes. I blinked several times trying to shake the cobwebs and taxing my mind to understand what may or may not have just happened. Was I dreaming or did this fantasy actually occur? My wife walked into the room. “Where were you?” she demanded to know. “I’ve been calling you for the last half-hour. I need you to take these laundry baskets to the basement.” Should I tell her? If I told her such a fantastic story, she would become instantly suspicious that I was up to no good, so I took the path of least resistance — I lied, sort of. “It was such a heavenly day, I decided to go outside for a breath of fresh air and take in the clear blue sky.”

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cover

A lawyer, a tap dance instructor, a communty activist, a philanthropist...

y r r a B t Mee n a m l u h S

By Marilyn L. Pinsky

hat do you call a r e s p e c t e d a t t o r n e y, an honor graduate of both the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and Cornell Law School, a tap dancer and teacher, a philanthropist with a great sense of humor, and one who quietly helps struggling young people find their place in life? Those who know call him Barry Shulman. Shulman is of counsel to the law offices of Gilberti, Stinziano, Heintz and Smith in Syracuse, consulting on both governmental and commercial transactions. He is also a musician, a choreographer and former counsel to New York state senators and U.S. Congressmen. An Ithaca native, Shulman was a just a toddler when his Cornell preschool teacher wrote, “Barry loves music, carries a tune beautifully, is cheerfully competent as long as things go his way, and if he can’t get what he wants, he’ll scream until he can.” He must have gotten the screaming out of his system. “I never heard him raise his voice,” said Patricia Shine, a legal

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administrator who has worked closely with Shulman for 30 years. “You would go to Barry with a problem and he didn’t so much as solve it for you, but give you the tools so you could solve it yourself. For him, it is all about people and helping them grow. “Because he’s such a private person, no one knows how many people he’s helped.” On just the known public level alone, Shulman is a civic asset. He was a former chairman of WCNY’s Tel Auc, president of Temple Adath Yeshurun, director of the Onondaga County Bar Association, chairman of the United Way’s Lawyers Fund and board member of Huntington Family Center. He also has held numerous leadership roles in the Jewish community for which he recently received the Jewish Community Center of Syracuse’s highest award. Shulman is heavily entrenched in the local performing arts community. “Salt City Playhouse asked me to do some shows as they heard I had toured as a singer and dancer and had been on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ with the University of Pennsylvania

Mask and Wig Club,” Shulman said. “My dance teacher in Ithaca, where I grew up, was a Shubert dancer and her husband was George Gershwin’s conductor. I lucked out by having her as a teacher. Some of her students went on to dance professionally.” In addition to practicing law, Shulman teaches tap and hopes to inspire in that way. For many movers and shakers in the community, he is a trusted friend who provides wise counsel in many areas of life. “From both a business and civic point of view, he’s one of the brightest minds in Central New York, intellectually, socially and legally,” stated Eric Mower of Eric Mower + Associates in Syracuse. “Barry has such perfect timing in knowing when to reach out and has given me some of the best advice I’ve ever received in my life. You can ask him questions ranging from legal issues to proper etiquette and his response will be detailed and explained perfectly,” said Kimberly Boynton, president and CEO of Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. Centro (the Central NY Regional

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cover stay afloat, he was in their corner.

Tap classes

Shulman’s tap classes at the Jewish Community Center have attracted a growing number of participants. Groups from about 20 to 60 people of all ages and walks of life — some driving from as far away as Ithaca — join to learn tap dance once a week. He spends more than three hours teaching the right dance moves. Photo courtesy or Klineberg Photography. Transportation Authority) is an essential part of the fabric of CNY and Shulman was there at its inception, writing the enabling legislation creating the authority. Frank Kobliski, Centro’s executive director, said, “He has a deadpan sense of humor that can totally turn around an awkward situation. I’m absolutely proud to call Barry a friend. He is far too modest and unassuming a person, never taking or seeking credit for all the good things he does.” Kobliski related a story about how Shulman personally impacted his life. “About a dozen years ago, my

Marilyn L. Pinsky, the author of this story, is a former commissioner of Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth 26

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wife suddenly faced a life-threatening illness. Within hours, Barry managed to find her into the finest medical care available and that absolutely saved her life. Since then, we’ve had a lot of birthdays and anniversaries that never would have been if it weren’t for Barry. What can I say? I love the guy!” Kobliski exclaimed. The really interesting stories are quiet. For example, Shulman helped a disabled veteran get his master’s degree in social work and now this young man works professionally to help others in the community attain their own personal goals. When I worked at the Syracuse/ Onondaga County Youth Bureau, I would get calls from Shulman advocating for young people in need. Whether it was for a place to live when they were in a difficult situation or looking for a part-time job to help them

“Tap really is a stress reliever; a wonderful moment for each of us,” said Shulman. “The music helps. However, when I lay down a tap step that looks impossible, but is conquered by the dancers, self-esteem skyrockets!” I attended one of Shulman’s tap classes at the Jewish Community Center while writing this story. For 90 minutes, I watched in amazement as 20 people of all ages and walks of life learned difficult new routines and functioned together as a troupe. It was hard not to be reminded of the show “A Chorus Line,” except that this choreographer, Shulman, was kind and funny and kept saying when there were mistakes: “Remember, it’s not life; it’s just tap.” Shulman began class by introducing everyone and providing an update of what each is currently doing. People drove long distances for this class that didn’t end until late at night. Lisa Frank, a well-known performer and graphic designer for Cornell Magazine, drove in from Ithaca, and Sheryl Woodmansee, a highly regarded ballet teacher, from Auburn. In the group were business people, students, teachers and performers, including Michael Berry, a Boston University theater graduate who just finished a national tour as Patsy in “Spamalot.” Also in the group were women who dance together and are known as The Time Steps. I spoke to a few of them. “His tap class is like an extended family,” said Amy Bartell, a SUNY Oswego art professor and assistant gallery director at Tyler Art Gallery. “Barry makes classes so much fun. There’s never pressure to reach any level. He says, ‘If you get it, great. If you don’t get it, also great, provided you’re not a professional,” related Patricia Berman, a member of the Onondaga Community College health and physical education faculty. “I joined at a sad time in my life,

following the loss of a granddaughter, and going to tap class took my mind off my sorrows.” Carol Minkstein introduces people to Shulman as “My lawyer and my tap instructor. How in one lifetime did he go to law school, be a husband and a father, become multi-lingual, teach dance and perform? To top it off, I think he’s one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever known.” Maryanne Iannettone, a tap instructor herself, comes to Shulman’s classes as a student. “You get to a point where you get stale and learning from him is great,” she said. “He’s a wonderful guy. He gives, he shares, and I often ask myself when teaching a class, ‘What would Barry do in this situation?’ I asked if he minded my taking notes in his class, and he said, ‘No, we’ve got to pass this on to future tappers so it doesn’t die.’”

The team Speaking for the artists and performers that Shulman embraces, Bartell said, “Barry and his wife are a team. They come to our concerts and exhibits, promote our work to others, serve as mentors, and are the best

friends anyone can have.” “No one knows what both Barry and his wife Debbie do behind the scenes,” said Brian Ehret, an Onondaga County forensic investigator and adjunct faculty member at Syracuse University. “Or how generous they are and how many people they really help in our community. Since the day I met them, they’ve just been a gift; I’m blessed to have them in my life.” I spoke to the other half of the Shulman team. Debrah Shulman is a retired school psychologist and alcohol and drug abuse prevention education program counselor. She is also known for creating and running the “Drug Quiz Show,” which, over the years, has taught nearly half a million middle school students about issues of tobacco, alcohol and other substance abuse, conflict resolution, peer pressure, grief and the like. They have three adult children, Marc, Jennifer, and Allison, and three grandchildren, Zac, Cecilia and Evan. “Barry makes opportunities available to young people and it’s up to them to take advantage,” Debbie said. “He does all this quietly and behind the scenes, without fanfare.

Just to give you an idea of what he’s given back to our community, many of the people he’s mentored are lawyers and other professionals in Central New York today.” “Last year, to celebrate our 50th anniversary, we surprised our children by inviting them to a room we had rented in New Jersey and performed a special tap dance Barry had choreographed for us to Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.’s ‘Me and My Shadow.’ At the end, when asked to perform it again, the grandchildren, 3-year-old Zac and 18-month-old Cecilia, spontaneously joined in, resulting in everyone laughing hysterically, which was precisely our original intent.” When I asked him what is most important in life, Barry responded, “It’s the ability to listen, empathize, and be independent. It’s like when you’re on an airplane and they say, ‘First put the oxygen mask on yourself and then on your children.’ I believe it’s important for people to figure out a way to help themselves and then, when they can, to pass it forward by helping others.”

lifelines Place of Birth: Ithaca Current Residence: Fayetteville Age: 74 Personal: Married to Debrah A. Shulman, Ph.D.; three children, three grandchildren Education: Honor graduate from both the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School (B.S in Economics) and Cornell Law School (J.D.) Career Highlights: Wrote a bill that became law in NYS protecting the elderly and the disabled from being evicted because their leased apartments were being converted and sold as condos. Wrote the law that created the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (CENTRO) and its many subsidiaries, which changed the transportation infrastructure and bolstered the economy throughout Central New York. Put an end to the use of the former

University Club by the Onondaga County Bar Association until women were allowed to lunch there. Served as adjunct professor for the Research Foundation of the City University of New York, charged with teaching state and local board members of public bodies how to carry out their responsibilities both ethically and meaningfully. Served as counsel to the NYS Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Sen. John Hughes. Created a charitable dinner event honoring U.S. Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson, sponsor of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which limited U.S. trade relations with countries that restricted freedom of emigration and other human rights. At the dinner were three tables of Soviet Jews who had arrived in Syracuse to start their new lives only the day before. As

honored guests, they were able to meet and personally thank the individual responsible for their newfound freedom. Community Involvement: Leadership positions include: Former chairman of WCNY-TV Tel Auc; president of Temple Adath Yeshurun; director of the Onondaga County Bar Association; counsel to the Jewish Home of CNY; campaign chairman of the Syracuse Jewish Federation; chairman of the United Way’s Lawyers’ Fund; chairman of the original Syracuse Jewish Community Center $2.8 million campaign; board member of the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Huntington Family Center, and many other local charities. Hobbies: Reading, traveling, learning foreign languages, enjoying live theater, doing the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle, playing the piano, mentoring others and, of course, tap dancing October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

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lder adults' minds may be sharpest in the morning, a new small study finds. Canadian researchers used functional MRI to monitor the brain activity of 16 younger adults (aged 19 to 30) and 16 older adults (aged 60 to 82) as they did a series of memory tests while subjected to distractions. When the tests were conducted between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., older adults were 10 percent more likely to be distracted than younger adults. But that gap narrowed when the tests were conducted between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., according to the study recently published online in the journal Psychology and Aging. The findings offer strong evidence that older adults' brain function can vary widely during the day, according to the researchers at the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care in Toronto. "Time of day really does matter when testing older adults. This age group is more focused and better able to ignore distraction in the morning than in the afternoon," study author John Anderson, a Ph.D. candidate at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute and the psychology department at the University of Toronto, said in a center news release. Older adults' "improved cognitive performance in the morning correlated with greater activation of the brain's attentional control regions — the rostral prefrontal and superior parietal cortex — similar to that of younger adults," he explained. In practical terms, Anderson said the findings suggest that mornings might be the best time for older adults to schedule their most mentally challenging tasks, such as doing taxes, taking a license renewal or other test, trying a new recipe, or seeing a doctor about a new health problem. "Since older adults tend to be morning-type people, ignoring time of day when testing them on some tasks may create an inaccurate picture of age differences in brain function," study senior author Dr. Lynn Hasher, a senior scientist at the research institute, said in the news release.

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55+

crafts

The

Lost Art of Tatting

However, comeback in the making in arts and crafts world By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f you tat, you belong to a rare group compared with the crowds of knitters or crochet enthusiasts. Few people practice the art of tatting anymore. Though a common means of producing dainty doilies, lace collars, lace trim and lace ornaments generation years ago, tatting has largely lost its attractiveness in the arts and crafts world. Chris Halpin, proprietor of Wool

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Haven in Remsen, Oneida County, enjoys tatting. She had wanted to learn how to tat but couldn’t catch on until taking a three-hour class in the art. “In the last five minutes, I caught on,” Halpin said. She doesn’t tat much, however. Since she practices other needle arts and crafts, they take up her creative energies instead of tatting. She instructs others informally on how to

tat on occasion. Halpin is surprised when she finds others who tat. She recalled once when she worked at a business that offered a waiting area. “A young girl came in who was around 19 or 20 and she brought her tatting with her. I was wowed. It’s like most things. You don’t realize how many people are involved until you start doing it,” she said. “I hope it

doesn’t get lost. It’s a very pleasurable art.” Carol Pettinelli owns Carol’s Crafts in Rome. She said more people do needle tatting than shuttle tatting. Though the results appear the same, the technique differs. “I do just about everything else, but not tatting,” Pettinelli said. “It’s sad so few do it because it’s beautiful work.” She hopes an avid tatter will start a class in Central New York. The nearest classes of which she is aware are in the Finger Lakes Region and westward. Susan Miller, owner of the Yarn Cupboard store in Jamesville, said she doesn’t know anyone who tats. “There are very few people that still tat that I have come across,” Miller added. “My aunt who was a Franciscan nun did beautiful work and my home has many of her pieces. I was taught as a child but have really lost the skill.” Barb Wainright teaches tatting at the Weaving & Fiber Arts Center in East Rochester. “I want to pass tatting on to those who are interested,” she said, confessing that she’s not an active tatter. “I believe all forms of handwork deserve preservation,” Wainright

said. “One of the wonderful aspects of handwork is that there are so many types; everyone can find at least one to enjoy. Tatting is a relatively modern form that did not gain momentum until the Industrial Revolution made strong, fine cotton thread widely available.” Tatting challenges many newbies because it’s difficult to remove errors from the knotted designs. Good quality thread makes it easier to tat instead of using thread that frays and snarls easily. If you know how to tat, why not share your knowledge with someone else to pass on your skill? And if you have always wanted to learn, a few groups in the area can help you get started.

Tatting pieces on these pages were made by Barb Wainright, who teaches tatting at the Weaving & Fiber Arts Center in East Rochester. “I want to pass tatting on to those who are interested.” she said.

Ready to Tat? Want to learn more? Check out these tatting groups near and far. • The Genesee Country Lace Guild meets in Pittsford on the third Monday of each month (www. GeneseeCountryLaceGuild.org). This group welcomes everyone interested in any form of lace. • Weaving and Fiber Arts Center (www.WeaversGuildofRochester.org/ center) offers tatting classes. • Finger Lakes Tatting Group hosts a local tatting convention each spring in Lodi. For information, email organizer Karey Solomon at threads@empacc.net or visit www. fingerlakestatting.com. • The Fringe Element Tatters in Ontario, Canada (www.FringeTatters. ca) and Palmetto Tatters in South Carolina (www.PalmettoTatters.org) also host conferences, exchanges, contests and other opportunities to interact. • Visit the Ring of Tatters online at www.ringoftatters.org.uk.

October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

55+

music

Blacklites Shine On Endearing band brings a lot of soul to Salt City By Matthew Liptak

he Blacklites are a big Syracuse band with a big sound. They’ve been playing their kind of music to local audiences since the early 1970s and they are going strong even today. The 12-member band, made up mostly of 50-somethings, plays rhythm and blues and funk, but also has been getting into jazz and blues. They cover the occasional pop tune too. “We’re going to get a little bit stronger in the blues area because we’re getting a little bit older now and our audience is asking for certain songs that we don’t have,” said Blacklites’ lead guitarist Emmanuel “E-Man” Atkins, 57, of Syracuse. “We do a lot of covers because doing covers is really how you stay abreast of everything. In this business, if you don’t have a record

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deal, it’s kind of hard to maintain out there unless you’re doing a lot of stuff people love.” The Blacklites tend to play larger public venues. The group has played for five Syracuse mayor ’s balls, including three for former mayor Matthew Driscoll and twice for current mayor Stephanie Miner. They also played at a function for Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney. They can be booked for weddings, galas and benefits, said the band’s front man, Eddie “Wall Street” Brown, 55, also from Syracuse. “We will do whatever it takes,” Brown said. “We have done benefits for people who needed help. There’s nothing for us to come together when someone calls us and says, ‘We had a fire,’ or someone needs to go into the hospital and they need to raise money.

SIx of the original Blacklites pause for a photo before a performance at the Greenwood Winery in East Syracuse. From left to right are Rod Little, Eddie “Wall Street” Brown, Emmanuel “E-man” Atkins, Jerry ‘the Governor” Patterson, Rick Woods, and James Patterson. Why do we do that stuff? Because we look at it like that could be any one of us, or one of our family members. We might need the same help.” Wherever they play, the Blacklites bring their own unique energy to the scene and fans seem to appreciate it. “I think they’re terrific,” said 50-something Mark Re of Camillus. He’s been following the Blacklites for eight years. “They get the crowd going. They’re exciting. They’ll come in, play their horns and walk around the dance floor while people are dancing and engage them.”

Brush with big time Though the band can draw bigger crowds now, it started out as quite small. In fact, its inaugural gig was

a family reunion back in 1973 in Syracuse, Brown said. There were nine of them back then. Michael McBride and Keith Broome originally founded the group, but Brown’s stepfather, Bill Goode, stepped in to manage along with help from his wife Deloris. T h e B l a c k l i t e s w e re y o u n g teenagers then — mostly 14 and 15 years old. They practiced hard at Goode’s house two or three times a week. As long as they were home by six, the young Blacklites’ parents didn’t mind, Atkins recalled. They eventually went to Boston to make their mark. “We had much success when we were younger,” Atkins said. “We just couldn’t get the record deal. When we had a chance to get the record deal, we were obligated under Bill Goode. Record producer Maurice Starr wanted to take us under his wing. Goode couldn’t come to an actual agreement. We kind of missed that boat. He had a song for us, “Candy Girl,” that we had helped co-write.” Instead, the group New Edition released the single “Candy Girl” in 1983. The song became a hit that year for New Edition. It even reached the top of the United Kingdom charts. The song was part of the platinum-selling album “Candy Girl.”

Brown has few regrets though when thinking of the missed opportunity. He said Starr poorly managed New Edition and maybe the Blacklites actually dodged a bullet in the long run. He said the Blacklites have been treated like “royalty” by Syracuse, even getting their own official day, July 27. They have also enjoyed a longevity that many other bands never see. The Blacklites did take a 20-year hiatus when they came back from Boston after the failed record deal. They had grown up and were young men seeking to get on with their lives, start families and find other work.

Back on stage Their 1999 reunion was the inspiration of Emmanuel Atkin’s brother, Mike. Mike Atkins was a Syracuse Common Council member at that time. He wanted the group to reunite for the community’s Juneteenth celebration. Letters went out and about 16 guys who had been members of Blacklites over the years came back. They performed together at the Juneteenth event for the first time in two decades. “ We w e r e r e a d y, ” A t k i n s remembered. “We had a hell of a show. With that show it really changed us and we kept it going ever since.” Seven of the original Blacklites

decided to keep the show on the road. All but gifted keyboardist Donald Ransom remain today. Ransom died in an accident in 2007 while working for the city’s Public Works Department. The six original Blacklites playing with the band today are Rod Little (front line vocals), Jerry “The Governor” Patterson (front line vocals), James Patterson (front line vocals), Rick Woods (rhythm guitar), along with Atkins (lead guitar) and Brown (frontline vocals). The band has added some new blood too including Joe Colombo (trombone), Jeff Stockham (trumpet), Jimmy Spivey (bass), Teddy Boileau (drums), Dave Frateschi (saxophone), JJ Johnson (keyboard) and Michele Rourke (manager.) Bass player Jonnie Bowens died in 2011. The Blacklites may be older now but they are not resting on their laurels. They put out a new up-tempo single this year called “Energy” with producer/writer Melvin “M. Island” Eiland. Eiland is a young artist from the Bronx who is a Syracuse University alumnus. “We’ve got decades of different generations of people in our following right now, from kids on up to senior citizens,” Brown said. “Just to make them happy makes me happy.”

Blacklites at a recent performance at Greenwood Winery, East Syracuse. The 12-member band, made up mostly of 50-somethings, plays rhythm and blues and funk, but also has been getting into jazz and blues. October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

golden years By Harold Miller Email: hal@cny55.com

God Bless America Let the freedom flag fly high

ne word defines the United States of America beyond all other countries in the world. That word is freedom — freedom of religion, freedom to live life as we please, freedom of opportunity, and the freedom that only a true democracy can provide. There are some today who believe we should curtail some of our “rights” — such as the right to bear arms and the right to practice all religions (even those who chant, “Death to America”) — but the Bill of Rights still stands. R e c e n t l y, I l e c t u r e d a t Syracuse University’s School of Entrepreneurship. Most of the students in that lecture hall were from China. Afterwards, one of them came up to me and said, “My father used to own a large metal recycling company but recently the government appropriated his business. He told me that the government is so corrupt that I should stay in America after my schooling so that I can take advantage of the

55 PLUS - October / November

career opportunities available only in America.” I was watching a television show the other evening on the History Channel about the war that erupted in 1948 between the Arab States, Palestine, and Israel immediately after the United Nations approved the State of Israel. Actually it looked suspiciously like the recent newsreels of the Gaza conflict. Some wise pundit once said, “There will never be peace in the Middle East,” and if you look back over the past 3,000 years or so, it looks like he hit the nail on the head. And then there is the conflict in the Ukraine with Vladimir Putin acting out Hitler’s role in the takeover of Europe that occurred in 1939. The only question now is whether or not Europe will stand against the shameless treaty violation this time around. Not that there isn’t conflict within our great country — such as between the left and the right as we try to shape our future — but at least we can be

confident that as election day draws near, the tanks won’t roll and bombs won’t drop. We’ll fight this one out in the halls of Congress and the voting booths as we have for the last few centuries. America has been on the right side of humanity since the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. They wanted to be free and all of them on the Mayflower were willing to take the risks and suffer the hardships that entailed. When England tried to reel them in with high taxes and no representation the pilgrims had a little tea party in Boston Harbor (that tea party is still going on today) and Paul Revere climbed on his horse. The fight for independence went on for some time but the U.S. finally won and America’s brilliantly crafted Declaration of Independence still stands today. As America grew and prospered we attracted immigrants from all corners of the globe — sturdy stock — who were escaping famine, wars, and repression wherever and whenever it occurred. Consequently, this produced a disciplined and patriotic population. The real test of a nation’s success is measured by how many people are fighting to get in versus how many are fighting to get out. Along the way there were many threats to our liberty but we fought them off every time and won. The greatest threat was World War II. The evil forces that invaded us completely underestimated our will and ability to knuckle down and do what was necessary to protect our freedom. Today, the U.S. faces an even greater threat — terrorism. How we can pool our resources and pull together will determine our future. I’m betting that God will continue to bless America.

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life after 55 By Michele Reed Email: michele@cny55.com

Culture Shock: It’s Not All Wine and Roses

he French have a saying, “Vive la différence!” and retirees hoping to spend all or part of their year in La Belle France would do well to take it to heart. For while daily life there is awesome (we can’t wait to go back!), it is definitely different from life here in Central New York, in ways both large and small. The biggest, of course, is the language barrier. The “Learn French” CDs, books and apps we bought in no way prepared us for total immersion in another language. The simplest of tasks — buying groceries, catching the right bus, visiting the cafe — becomes an exercise in frustration on both parts.

But a little effort goes a long way. Most French people do speak some English, especially in the areas frequented by British tourists, as ours is. But if you start out asking, “Parlez-vous Anglais?” they will most likely answer, “Non.” Once you make the effort to speak in their tongue, however, they are not only willing to help you, many — especially the younger people — are thrilled to get to practice their English. And it’s not just spoken language, gestures are different there, too. Instead of counting one with the index finger, it is the thumb. Two is the thumb and index finger and so on. I often came home with more pork chops or croissants than I wanted, until I

Dogs are everywhere in France, even in the cafes. We had fun meeting little Stitch, and he enjoyed the treats we shared with him. Photo by Bill Reed 38

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Editor’s Note: Local writer Michele Reed and her husband, Bill Reed, spent the winter of 2013-14 exploring the possibility of retiring to the south of France. In a series of articles, she takes readers along on their journey, sharing the ups and down of senior expat living. learned this crucial difference. When you are out shopping with your broken French, there are other bits of culture shock waiting for you. Don’t expect to find your favorite brands. While our grocery store did have some familiar cereals and toothpaste, other items are impossible to come by. Shoppers who are used to filling their cart with foot powder, deodorant and aspirin at an American drug store, will be surprised to have to wait in line to “consult” with the pharmacist for even ordinary purchases. I wanted some menthol cough drops but none were on display. I was proud that I managed to make known my need for “pastilles contre la toux” — literally “lozenges against the cough.” But I had to wait for 10 minutes while the pharmacists consulted with each other, pulling product after product out and debating their merits. When they considered a bag of Vicks cough drops, I excitedly yelled, “Oui, le Vicks, s’il vous plaît!!” and despite their disapproving looks, they sold them to me. But on other occasions I was happy to learn about French hand creams that made my hands the smoothest ever,

and French shampoos that made my hair thick and shiny. Of course, don’t go to that pharmacy during the extended lunch hour — usually about noon to 2 p.m. Like every other place of business except restaurants, they will be closed while the employees go home or out to eat. Lunch in France is an hour and a half affair. Anything less would be uncivilized. For Americans used to fast food joints or eating at our desks, it is culture shock, but even more so the fact the waiter will not bring you the check until you ask for it. They want to give diners the chance to enjoy their food, wine (yes, with lunch!) coffee and conversation. And don’t waste your time calculating a 15 or 20 percent tip. In most restaurants the gratuity is added into the cost of the meal, and it says so right on the check. For superior service, leave your waiter a few euros, literally “bus money,” and he will be happy for the extra kindness. Speaking of that coffee at the end

of the meal, don’t expect bottomless 20-ounce mugs of java. If you order “café,” you are getting a tiny cup of espresso, served black with a tube of sugar and a gingerbread biscuit on the side. Café au lait or coffee with milk is only served in the morning, but you can always order café crème to get a stronger, shorter version of what we could call coffee with cream. Don’t be surprised if there are several dogs enjoying lunch with you at the café. The French love their dogs and a well-behaved pooch is welcome at any restaurant, aboard the train and in most shops. Since we couldn’t bring our beloved pets with us, we were thrilled to have a pup to pet or sneak a treat under the table. Things are not very handicapped accessible. When we first set foot on French soil — changing trains at the border — we were shocked to have to carry our heavy bags down a long, steep flight of stairs, through a tunnel under the tracks, and then up an

equally steep flight to the proper track. No “ascenseur,” or elevator. They are making inroads, however, and the beach in our town was recognized for its accessibility. French bureaucracy is legendary — and with good reason. We were surprised to have to show our passports to buy a simple cell phone, and real estate agents won’t even show you a long-term rental until all your paperwork is in order. You could buy a house more easily, but mortgages are extremely hard to get for senior citizens, and require a medical exam to prove you can live long enough to pay it off. Speaking of home, there’s a lot to get used to, with no less than six different kinds of light bulbs, all with various shapes and bases, and some needing special tools to extract. Laundry is in the kitchen, or at least the washing machine is. Don’t expect an electric or gas dryer; the only “dryer” is usually a fold-up rack to hang your clothes. And the “water closet” is just that — a tiny narrow room with only the toilet. The “bathroom” is the room with the bath, although some more modern houses do feature all necessities in one room. I did say it’s not all wine and roses, but actually it’s pretty close, and that’s the best part of our culture shock. When you visit the vintners’ direct shop (we found at least three in our tiny village, and I suspect more), wine is dispensed into your own bottle or your “cubi,” which is a kind of plastic milk jug for wine. Best of all, it costs about 2 euros, or $2.69, for a full liter. And, when we arrived in December, the roses were still in bloom and stayed beautiful throughout the very short winter. By February, that herald of spring, the flowering mimosa, lined the lanes. Culture shock is just that: a bit of a shock. But with some preparation and a sense of humor, anyone can learn to say, “Vive la différence!” NEXT: Food, food, glorious food!

Buying wine by the “cubi” directly from a spigot at the vintners’ shop or at market, is one of the more pleasant culture shocks. Photo by Bill Reed

Michele Reed retired after a career spanning four decades in public relations, advertising, journalism and higher education. She now writes travel articles, book reviews, haiku poetry and fiction.

October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

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profile

Fishing Fanatic Angler shares thrill of fishing with others through writing By Aaron Gifford 40

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ay “Spider Rybaak” Hrynyk has fished waterways throughout the world — Alaskan rivers, southern bayous, European lakes, and ocean shores throughout Africa and South America. He’s hooked creatures that are colorful, exotic, dangerous and huge. And yet, he insists the best angling in the world is arguably right here in Upstate New York. He also maintains that you don’t need a boat to catch lunkers in any of the Empire State’s plentiful waterways. “New York has the greatest variety,” Hrynyk said. “We have bass, pike, yellow perch, crappies, trout and a salmon season. We have a wonderful spider web of streams — fast water, slow water, stagnant water.” Hrynyk, 65, may very well set foot on the shores of every fishable waterway in New York before he leaves this earth, probably pole in hand. And he’ll continue to write about it. His fourth book, “Fishing Oneida Lake,” is scheduled for release early next year, and he’s already started work on his fifth book, “Fishing the Adirondacks.” Hrynyk also pens articles for a variety of outdoor publications and chronicles his daily happenings on the water at Oswego County Tourism’s site, “fishingandhuntinginoswego.blogspot.com.” The European immigrant followed an unusual but adventurous path en route to becoming one of Central New York’s most colorful journalists. He was born in a post-World War II refugee camp in Germany to Ukrainian parents who were enslaved by the Nazis. His dad was a Russian prisoner of war, while his mother’s entire family was deported to work in the Nazi war machine. The family moved to the United States upon their release and settled in Syracuse’s west side. Ray’s father Paul Hrynyk worked nights in a foundry. Ray went fishing for the first time at age 4, on the shore of the Seneca River near Baldwinsville. He still remembers that day in detail. “I was hooked immediately,” Hrynyk recalled. “It was a sunfish about the size of my dad’s palm. I reeled it in all the way to the top eye on the rod. I remember that my hat got in the way.” And so, the boy’s obsession with fishing was on. Paul made an offer with his son: When I get home from work and you’re still asleep, I’ll tap you on the shoulder to see if you want to go. But only one tap. “When he got home,” Hrynyk said, “I was already dressed and awake.” Hrynyk’ s experience with fishing, early on, wasn’t limited to the thrill of seeing the

rod bend, the frantic reeling motion and the image of a hooked fishing emerging from the surface. He also cherished how his father was so relaxed and carefree when they were near the water. “All his anxieties disappeared,” Hrynyk said. “He was the greatest dad in the world.” Like most Eastern European immigrants, Paul Hrynyk started out fishing carp but eventually preferred the hunt for bass and pike, his son explained. Overseas, northern pike were rare and extremely sought after. But here, they are plentiful in many lakes and rivers. Upon graduating from high school, Hrynyk and his twin brother, John, were drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. But the military preferred not to keep twins in the same unit, so Ray was sent to Europe while his brother went to the jungles. Because of his language skills, Ray was assigned to a military intelligence unit where he reviewed documents and was trained to perform interrogations. The twins’ older brother, Walter, had also served in the war. All three returned home safely. “We were very lucky,” Hrynyk said. After the war, Hrynyk worked as a construction worker and painter for several years. But exposure to certain chemicals resulted in skin problems that forced him to go on disability well before retirement age. So Hrynyk got out of painting and into writing.

Chronicling outdoor adventures In the late 1980s, Hrynyk enrolled at Syracuse University, majoring in English and using his GI bill to cover the costs. He developed an interest in magazine-style writing and decided to specialize in covering the outdoors. He eventually landed assignments at various fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and outdoor recreation publications. He bought a place in Bridgeport, on Oneida Lake — his second favorite fishing spot in the world, behind the Salmon River. His pen name is derived from the nickname spider, and Rybaak means fisherman in Ukrainian. Hrynyk and Susan, his girlfriend of 30 years now, have four cats but no children. As a sportsman, Hrynyk usually practices catch-and-release, but when the couple craves a Friday night fish dinner, Hrynyk simply

casts out into his back yard in search of perch or walleye. When he’s not fishing, hunting or mountain biking, Hrynyk enjoys following Syracuse University football and basketball. In his 61 years of fishing thus far, Hrynyk has spent the vast majority of time casting from shore. The locations and species vary by season, and sometimes he uses waders to get out a bit deeper, but he’s been able to catch the largest varieties of most freshwater game fish, including walleye and salmon, without a boat. Still, he concedes that the largest fish he’s ever caught — a 40-plus inch muskellunge pike (musky) — was taken from the St. Lawrence River on a boat. “I still think a boat is basically a hole in the water,” he said with a laugh. “You just keep pouring money in it.” Once he became an established magazine writer, Hrynyk in 2004 took a crack at penning a book, “Fishing Eastern New York.” It worked out well, so he wrote more, continuing with “Fishing Western New York,” and then “Fishing the Great Lakes of New York.” In performing field research for those publications, Hrynyk visited about 400 streams, lakes, ponds and rivers. While Hrynyk’s style is not to promote one body of water over another, he’s happy to explain why the Salmon River is an angler’s Mecca: He loves wading in during the warmer months and he loves fly fishing. Don’t forget about the trout and, of course, the 30-plus pound salmon that make their run in the fall.

Teaching next generation Hrynyk said the next best thing to fishing is writing about it. And the next best thing about writing, he says, is teaching youngsters how to fish. He established a free children’s instructional fishing program at Wellesley Island State Park 10 years ago. It started with six seminars per year and later expanded to 12 programs there and 13 additional programs spread out between the Oneida Lake Fish Hatchery, Lake Neatahwanta in Fulton, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Cayuga County and the Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota. The idea to reach out to youngsters had been in Hrynyk’s head for decades. One summer day in the mid-1980s, he noticed a trail that led to one of his

favorite childhood fishing holes in Jamesville was overgrown. And while peace and quiet goes well with fishing, the constant silence at that spot was disturbing. “I haven’t heard a kid laughing on those banks in years,” Hrynyk said. “We have the best fishing in the world because of the sportsmen’s support. In order to keep it that way, we need to get the next generation involved.” Hrynyk wanted to play the role of the Pied Piper leading young anglers to the docks. So far, his program has been a success. Some classes, whether it’s instruction on fishing with worms, lures or fly fishing, have had up to 40 kids. Hrynyk donates his time for the free program but is reimbursed for travel costs and bait. Rod and reel manufacturers as well as lure companies have provided equipment. “I really think we have a chance of getting a lot more young people to stick with fishing as a life-long passion,” Hrynyk explained. “I don’t think it can return to how it was when I was growing up. I’m afraid this digital age has corrupted the chances of that. But when you see these kids catch a fish — and 90 percent of them catch something — you see their eyes light up and the celebration. You really do see that they are starving for anything to do with nature. I really think we’re planting the seeds of environmentalism.” Hrynyk said fishing in Europe, Latin America and Africa was interesting, but maybe not enough to warrant a book. He thinks he’ll wrap up his career someday with a book of short stories, and most will be about fishing in New York state, of course. While it was nice to fish with relatives in the Ukraine, it was a lot more fun when they came here, the author explained. “When I went there, we didn’t get a bite in two weeks,” Hrynyk recalled. “People would catch a goby if they were lucky, and they’d keep it. When I had my uncle here 25 years ago, he couldn’t believe it. We caught a 12-pound brown (trout) and a 15-pound rainbow trout. He said, ‘I’m an atheist, but you guys are blessed.’ I told him religion has nothing to do with it. We buy licenses here and that provides for the fisheries. I said to him, ‘You get what you pay for. That’s capitalism!’” October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

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business

Owning a Franchise in Your Plans?

Franchises offer easy way to business ownership By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

onsidering a post-retirement business? It makes good sense to start a business after you’ve retired so you can stay busy, continue to use your skills and make additional income. Many retirees who want to start a business turn to franchise opportunities. Franchises offer the advantages to starting a business from the ground up. “The benefit of the franchise is you’re buying a national brand and an established system,” said Joe Pagano, board member and spokesman for S C O R E Onondaga C o u n t y. “They’re going to train you on this.” If you need to borrow some money to get the franchise rolling, many l e n d e r s a re more willing to work with Pagano you if you’re buying into a well-known brand. Franchises also offer the advantage of a ready-to-go operation. The business plan, training, procedures, employee manuals, branding and more are already done for you. Franchisors typically offer initial 42

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and ongoing support to franchisees. If you start a business from scratch, you may not have that kind of mentoring. Franchises are also easier to sell than independent businesses when it’s time to get out of the business. National name recognition also helps franchisees succeed. Consumers feel a measure of assurance that if they’ve purchased a service or product at one franchise, your new franchise will probably replicate their past, good experience. But name recognition may work against you, too, if a franchisee in another area delivers poor service. Tania Hanouille is a certified business adviser with the Small Business Development Center at SUNY Onondaga Community College. The Small Business Development Center is one of 25 offices statewide. “ T h e franchisors who sell the franchise license usually provide a lot of support, marketing training and help,” Penders Hanouille

said. “Some provide more than others. But what you’re buying is the name. Small business is hard, whether you start your own or someone else’s.” Some franchisees-to-be anticipate hiring all the brains and brawn they need for success, but Hanouille advises that “no one you hire will be as invested or interested in your business as you are. They’re employees.” Since so many franchises are opening up, both national and local, it pays to thoroughly research the franchise to make sure you want to invest your time and money. Hanouille advises people looking at franchises to visit www.frannet.com to find a legitimate and personally compatible franchise. “We always tell people to research, research, research so you don’t get into a bind you can’t get out of,” Hanouille said. “Every franchise doesn’t fit every person. Some are very cheap and some are expensive. Some are geared toward certain groups. It’s not one size fits all. “It might be a good franchise, but if you lack background, management skills, and the stamina to run a small business, it won’t happen. There’s a lot involved.” Peggy Penders, representative of the Better Business Bureau in Upstate New York, said that people interested in buying a franchise should proceed with caution. “Like any other investment, there’s no guarantee

of success,” she said. “There are a lot of details about control and input you should know about before proceeding.” She named as just a few of the possible red flags: high pressure sales, urgency in your decision making, inflated return on the investment, and sketchy details. “If you’re considering buying a franchise, consider working at one so you have experience with that brand,” Penders said. “How is this brand valued? It’s feet-on-the-ground experience.” You should also travel to visit several other franchisees in different locations. Choose ones that have been established at least three years to ask about how supportive the franchise is, how their investment is panning out and how bright their outlook is. Observe how carefully they adhere to the franchise rules. A lack of success may indicate they do not follow the franchisor’s guidelines. “Whether we have information or we don’t isn’t an indicator [of trustworthiness],” Penders said, “because our business reviews are placed by marketplace activity. Not every business is going to have a BBB review; however, every business should have these types of practices in place.” Consider your own capabilities. Someone who has never managed other people may be more successful in a franchise where the owner completes most of the work hands-on, especially if his background aligns with the new business. But someone comfortable and experienced in managing may be capable of starting a franchise that differs from his own work history and hiring people to do the work. “If you’re not already in the restaurant business, it won’t be the easiest [franchise],” Pagano said. “If I retired and decided a Burger King franchise, it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m qualified to run a franchise. Each franchisor has rules to qualify. It’s hard to say if someone will qualify. You need expertise within that franchise as well as significant capital. The company running the franchise takes their cut, also.” As with any other business, a franchise requires dedication, patience and persistence. But these are traits most 55-plussers already possess.

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druger’s zoo By Marvin Druger

Reflections on the Younger Generation

s I grow older, I have become more aware of the behaviors of the younger generation. The most obvious observation is the obsessive devotion of the younger generation to technology. Most children are glued to their cell phones and electronic devices. Texting has become the norm and few youngsters ever talk to each other or observe the world around them. I n m y d a y, a f a c e - t o - f a c e conversation, or a direct phone call, would accomplish communication. Now, Facebook, Twitter, FaceTime, Skype or texting are the ways kids communicate with each other. One day, I was driving with my granddaughter in the car. She was immersed in sending text messages. I told her to put the device away and I pointed out to her, “That thing over there is called a ‘tree’. That sign is called a ‘stop sign,’ etc. For a while, this education was meaningful, until, in an interim moment, she sneaked back to her electronic device. Some parents limit the time their kids can spend with the iPhone. This intent is often ignored, as demonstrated by a hidden cell phone on a lap at dinnertime. Technology has invaded our society for the older and younger generations. I bought a new car recently. When I drive it, I feel like I’m sitting in a computer. The technology is amazing. I’m fearful that I’ll be focusing on how to use the great variety of technologies and will forget that I’m driving a car. There are electronic signals for everything and touch screens are the vogue. I don’t even need a key to start the car. All I have to do is push the start button with my foot on the brake. The GPS

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is touch screen and “the voice” has now become my friend. A signal on the outside mirrors light up when a car is in my blind spot (I still turn my head to see for myself). Sometimes, I long for my 1951 Chevrolet, which I could simply drive and listen to the radio without other distractions. The good news is that almost every youngster seems to know how to use technology. Whenever some electronic device breaks, my grandchildren know how to fix it. My theory is that there is peer pressure to know how to use technology. A child would be considered a “clod” if he or she didn’t know how to text, or use Facetime, or play a game on the iPod. Yet, there is little peer pressure for a child to know mathematics or geography or history or science. Just imagine how effective education would be if we could somehow institute the same peer pressure for these subjects of life. Many behaviors of youngsters have stayed the same over the years, e.g., leaving the half-

empty can of soda on the living room table; scattering clothing all over the house; reluctance to help with any chores; arguing with siblings; delaying doing anything right away when asked; being unappreciative of parents and their advice. I asked one of my teenage grandchildren to mow my lawn. He mowed half of it, and then he got “tired.” “I’ll finish it later,” he announced. When I insisted on his doing it “now”, his reply was, “I’m not experienced enough to mow the lawn.” So, I mowed the lawn. When my son, Robert, entered college, I suggested that he become an engineer. “I hate it!” was his reply. “Do you know what engineering is?” I asked. “No, but I hate it!” In reality, he hated it because his father suggested it as a career. An engineering professor explained engineering to him and my son ended up with three undergraduate degrees, one in biology; one in psychology; and one in chemical engineering. My grandson and granddaughter always argued against the advice of their parents. Nothing the parents suggested could possibly be correct or helpful. Now that the grandchildren are more mature, they think their parents’ advice is priceless, and they both claim to have the best and smartest parents in the world. The late journalist Tim Russert wrote, “The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.” There is much truth to that statement. Obsession with sports is another common behavior of youngsters. “The game,” no matter what the game

is, becomes a major focus. Most kids are active in sports and they want to live a healthy, active lifestyle. With college students, I have noticed a greater concern about achieving successful careers. When I went to college, I simply wanted to learn and get good grades. I never worried about having a successful career in the future. Nowadays, students seem to be more aware of the practical purposes for their education. They also seem to be more outspoken. If they don’t like something, you will hear about it. Dress has changed from conservative styles in the old days to risque clothing in girls. In the old days, girls wore skirts and blouses that covered most of the body. Nowadays, skirts (if worn at all) are almost up to the waist and blouses (if you want to call them that) expose much of the upper body. Jeans are common and I casually mentioned to one young lady, “Did you know you have a hole in your jeans?” She looked at me with surprise and remarked, “It’s supposed to be that way.” Nowadays, many youngsters seem more respectful of older people. Youngsters commonly hold doors open for me. They say, “excuse me,” and “thanks” and they call me “sir.” Many youngsters smile at me spontaneously and I’m obliged to smile back. Maybe my face looks funny? On the other hand, some youngsters are disrespectful of the elderly. I tested “respect” on a road near my Owasco Lake house. I walked on the side of the road facing the oncoming traffic. I noticed that older drivers moved to the middle of the road when they approached me. Younger drivers tended to stay on course and zoomed right by me, not missing me by much. I also noticed that drivers of all ages toss garbage out of their cars. Trenches on the side of the road are littered with beer cans and food wrappings. Young and older people need to learn respect for the environment and for each other. No matter what I think about the younger generation, human reproduction will go on for some time and there will continue to be a younger generation. In about 5 billion years, our sun will burn out and life on the earth will cease. Until then, let’s try to make the most of it.

What’s ahead for you?

DANIEL R. CUDDY

Moving into retirement means adopting a new perspectiveand learning new ways to manage your money. Partner with Dan Cuddy to create a plan that works for you- so you can get to where you want to be in retirement. Call or e-mail Dan today for a no-cost, no-obligation retirement consultation.

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consumers corner By Eva Briggs, M.D.

Our Border Collie Rikki Just Died From Epilepsy Complications Understanding the causes of epilepsy in dogs and humans

t has been a sad week at the Briggs household. Our little border collie Rikki passed away from complications of epilepsy. What causes epilepsy and seizures? We don’t have all the answers yet, but in this issue of 55 PLUS I’d like to write a bit about brain function — physiology — and how it plays into seizures and epilepsy. The brain contains nerve cells called neurons. The typical neuron consists of a soma (cell body), dendrites, and an axon. Dendrites are ling thin branching projections, and a single neuron may have many. Axons are thicker projections that may extend a long distance, up to one meter. Neurons typically have just one axon, which may branch multiple times. Neurons communicate with each other at synapses, a narrow space between the axon of one cell and the dendrite of another. Signals usually travel from the axon to the dendrite. Signaling between cells involves special chemicals called neurotransmitters. The cell uses electrical current to propagate a signal along the dendrites and axons. In order for this electrical system to work, neurons need to maintain a different concentration of ions (charged atoms or molecules) inside, compared to the fluid outside the cell. In other words, the cell membrane is polarized. The usual ions involved are potassium (higher inside the cell), sodium (higher outside the cell), and calcium. The different concentration of ions, or polarization, is made possible by special pores in the

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neuron’s cell membrane, called channels. You can think of them as gates. When closed, nothing gets through. When a signal tells the channel to open the gate, the type of ion specific to that channel passes through. The cell membrane has mechanisms to pump potassium in and sodium out, maintaining the gradient, the different ion concentrations inside and outside the cell. When the cell needs to send a signal, the channels open. Ions flow from areas of high concentration to lower concentration. That’s called depolarization. And it causes the neuron to “fire” — to send a message to other cells. Various signals instruct a neuron whether to permit those channels to remain closed or to open. These include both chemical signals from neurotransmitters and electrical signals. Signals that increase the degree of polarization across the cell membrane are called inhibitory, because they decrease the likelihood that a cell will fire. Signals that depolarize the cell are excitatory, promoting cell firing. It turns out that there are several types of ion channels for each type of ion. Each type has a specific chemical construction. There are also several types of neurotransmitters that send signals at the synapses between cells. For example, glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. An epileptic seizure is an episode of neurologic dysfunction that occurs when neurons fire abnormally. Symptoms can include changes in

movement, sensation, behavior or autonomic function (such as flushing, incontinence, goose bumps, dilated pupils, sweating, rapid heart beat). Seizures occur when a group of neurons begin to fire abnormally at once. If part of the brain is affected, only part of the body will be affected — a partial seizure. For example, seizure activity in the section of the brain controlling the right side of the body could cause twitching and jerking of the right side only. If the entire brain experiences abnormal electrical activity, a seizure is generalized, affecting consciousness and causing symptoms throughout the body. There are six common kinds of generalized seizures. • Tonic-clonic seizures begin with muscle stiffening (tonic phase) followed by muscle jerks (clonic phase.) This is the type of seizures my dog experienced. An old name for these is grand mal seizures. • Absence seizures consist of a brief loss of consciousness. An old name is petit mal. Patients seem to space out briefly, usually without falling down. • Myoclonic seizures manifest as sporadic jerking movements. • Tonic seizures show rigid muscle contraction. • Clonic seizures involve repetitive jerking movements. In a tonic seizure there is a sudden loss of muscle tone. Types of partial seizures include simple seizures, during which the patient remains aware. Simple seizures can be motor (jerking, spasms, head turning), sensory

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(abnormal smell, taste, touch, vision, or hearing), or psychological (disturbed memory or emotions). • Complex partial seizures impair awareness and manifest as involuntary but coordinated movements such as lip smacking, chewing, fidgeting, or walking. Partial seizures with secondary generalization begin as a partial seizure and turn into a generalized seizure. We don’t know what causes all these types of seizures, but some — as is probable in the epilepsy experienced by my dog — arise from inherited genetic abnormalities. Mutations that alter the structure of ion channels, structure of the receptors for neurotransmitters or the amount of neurotransmitter produced, could all cause epilepsy. Some types of genetic disorders involving these mechanisms have been discovered in humans. Other times seizures and epilepsy arise from acquired brain insults, such as injury, tumor, stroke or infection. Scientists have also discovered that other cells in the brain, called glia, may play a role in seizures. Although there are many medicines for epilepsy, some patient’s seizures are difficult to control. Other people have side effects from anti-epileptic drugs. Recurrent seizures can cause brain damage, and can leave the brain vulnerable to more seizures. As scientists learn more about the chemistry and genetics behind epilepsy, we can hope that better, more targeted treatments will help patients with seizure disorders. Although my little dog couldn’t be saved despite the best efforts of veterinarians Kraii and Bruck in Marcellus and veterinarian Downing at the veterinary Emergency Hospital in Dewitt, I sent a sample of his blood to researchers studying canine epilepsy. Perhaps their research will help not only dogs, but human patients as well.

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visits Haunted Historical NewYork State

55+

Located on an island in the Hudson River, the Scottish-style Bannerman Island in Beacon has tales of hauntings dating back to the Native Americans.

By Sandra Scott

ow brave are you? New York state is not only historic but also haunted. From the time of the Native Americans, New York has been a place where mysterious events and unexplainable phenomena have occurred. Interest in ghosts, UFOs, things that go bump in the night and otherworldly events has always titillated people. Some of the historic haunted places in New York state offer special tours and events during the haunted month of October but others welcome visitors yearround. Many of the sites have been featured on paranormal television shows and in writing. Most of the “spirits” are said to be friendly so not to worry about any malevolent experiences. New York State Capitol, Albany. The state Capitol was completed in 1899 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The

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“Million Dollar Staircase” adorned with carved busts is magnificent. Free tours are offered year-round with special haunted tours during October. Learn about the two deceased presidents who still visit and the night watchman who continues to make his rounds even though he died in 1911 during a Capitol fire. See the demon carved in stone. Free Capitol Haunting Tours are held in October. Bannerman Island, Beacon. Located on an island in the Hudson River, the Scottish-style castle has tales of hauntings dating back to the Native Americans who considered it an “evil” place, making it a refuge for early settlers during times of Native American aggression. Washington Irving added to the lore when he wrote about the goblins that inhabited the island. Guided and self-guided walking tours are available from May to October with

access to the island by boat or kayak. Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown. The Otesaga on beautiful Otsego Lake is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Since it opened in 1909 there have been rumors of paranormal activity. Guests have reported hearing children playing or giggling in the third floor hallway. From 1920 to 1954 the hotel was a private school known as the Knox School for Girls. Voices have also been heard in the Glimmerglass Room and apparitions have been seen walking hand-in-hand in period clothing. Rolling Hills Asylum, East Bethany. The sprawling red brick building was built in 1827 as The Genesee County Poor Farm and in the 1950s it was a county home and infirmary. Over the years people reported strange occurrences of the paranormal kind. It was declared

the “Second Most Haunted Place in the United States” by Haunted North America and has been featured on many TV shows. Tours and other “experiences” are available year round including a nine-hour “quarantined” tour. Landmark Theater, Syracuse. The theater, originally known as Loew’s State Theater, is an opulent, historic “movie palace” theater with a sweeping staircase, gilded Oriental-style décor, and large murals. Workers and visitors claim to have seen the spirit of Clarissa who fell to her death from a balcony in 1930. It may have been when she saw her husband electrocuted while working on the stage or, according to another version, she was an actress distraught over losing a coveted role. It is just one of the hauntings at the theater. Seward House, Auburn. The Seward House was the home of William H. Seward, who served as a New York governor and Secretary of State under Lincoln. Haunted tours are not of the house but in the manner of a neighborhood walking tour. Learn about Victorian funeral practices, the 1918 influenza epidemic, and the crazed murderer Seward defended. The most dramatic is the retelling of the assassination attempt on Seward the same night President Lincoln was assassinated. Seward survived, Lincoln did not. Fort Ontario, Oswego. Fort Ontario, “The Guardian of the Northern Frontier,” has been rebuilt many times since the first fortress was erected in 1755. According to the TV show “Ghost Hunters” it is one of the most haunted places in the United States. Sightings, smell and music are often part of the paranormal experience. The fort was a military hospital and later a refuge for Jews during WWII. Ghost tours occur in October but visitors may tour the fort from May to October. Casey’s Cottage, Mexico. What was once the carriage house for Mexico Point Inn was turned into an 11th century English Manor House in the mid-20th century by William Casey, a Columbia professor, and Severin Bischof, an artist. During the season there are several haunted events including a family-fun haunted house and ones that allow a limited number of people to help in the investigations for other

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The Morgue at Rolling Hills Asylum. worldly phenomena. Who knows, you may see the ethereal spirit of The Blue Lady. Casey’s Cottage is located at Mexico Point State Park. T h o m p s o n P a r k Vo r t e x . Watertown: For the uninformed, vortexes and ley lines are places where there are special energy forces. In fact, some say the vortex portal at Thompson Park has sent people into time warps and has transported people to other parts of the park. For more than 100 years there have been reports of people who have “gone missing” only to show up claiming they were transported to the “past.” The park is a Frederick Law

Olmstead-designed park so it is special in its own right. Marjim Winery, Appleton. Get into the spirit where guests enjoy a glass of wine along with ghostly tales shared by the staff. The owners believe that Sophie, who died during the construction, revisits the house that her husband, Shubal Merritt, was building for her. The house later became the home of Dr. Charles Ring, the first director of the Buffalo Psych Center. Later the Sisters of St. Joseph purchased the house as a summer retreat.

Paranormal activity continues at the the Fort Ontario cemetery. October / November 2014 - 55 PLUS

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By Mary Beth Roach

George DeMass, 69 The book is a pictorial journey though the history of the town, which was settled in 1797. Q.This is your second stint as Oswego town historian, with 50 years between each stint. Can you tell us about that? A. Fifty years ago, the town board appointed me as town historian on the recommendation of my predecessor, Benjamin B. Place, at the age of 16, which probably made me the youngest appointed official in New York state. I remained in that position through college at SUNY Oswego. When I retired six years ago and 50 years later, the supervisor appointed me again to the position. I was away for about 40 years and am a retired clergy person with Presbyterian Church USA. I started in a parish in Buffalo and spent 33 years in Baltimore in the same parish. After I retired, I returned to my boyhood home in Southwest Oswego. I have always kept my connections with the historical societies and I would visit my parents here while on vacation. I’m the exception to “You can never go home again.” Q.What was the motivating factor behind putting this book together? A. I got a call from one of the Arcadia Publishing editors asking to do another volume of “Images of America: Around Oswego, N.Y.” Terrance Prior and Natalie Siembor did that quite a few years ago for the city of Oswego. I told them, ‘First of all, I didn’t work on that and I’m in the town of Oswego.’ Arcadia, which has over 8,000 titles, said it would like to do one on the town of Oswego. I was really motivated to do this because the town of Oswego has a large photo collection. I started collecting old photos of people in the town back in high school. Lyman T. 50

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Place of Southwest Oswego took quite a few of the pictures. In the late 1890s, he would go around taking pictures of families standing in front of their homes. I also wanted to do s o m e t h i n g o n D r. M a r y Edwards Walker, being that she is a Congressional Medal of Honor winner and a resident of the town of Oswego. Arcadia doesn’t do books on people, but I have a chapter in my book on Walker. Q.Many of the images in the book come from your own collection. What prompted you to take the images and collect them at such a young age? A. My grandmother, Tressa Groat King, is one of the people I dedicate the book to. She loved history and was a country schoolteacher. There were once 13 one-room schoolhouses in the town of Oswego, with some two rooms. I just got my love of history from her. I would take my bike and run around to the neighbors and tell them I was writing a little paper. In fact, in 1960 when I was 15, I presented the paper at the lecture series at the RichardsonBates House. I would ask people for pictures of their grandparents and such and they would have it, bring it out, and many would say, “Here, you can have it,” because they knew I was interested in it. Q.What are some of your favorite images in the book? A. The unusual picture from Dr. Walker ’s own personal belongings where she is sleeping at a studio is one of my favorites because of its uniqueness. She wrote on the image,

“Dreaming of justice for all.” That thought sums up her whole life. I also like the early 1950s shot of Rudy’s, bee keeping and the production of honey, the cider and vinegar mills, and just the landscape. Q.Who are some of the longtime families that have helped shape Oswego Town history? A. The Pease family, who are descendants of Asa Rice, who was the first settler in Oswego town in 1797. He called it Union Village, but it was on Three Mile Creek, which is where the first cemetery in the town is — the Rice family cemetery. There are also the Todds, Pritchards and McConnells. David McConnell was the founder of the Avon Products Co. Q.How relevant is history today? Why should people be concerned about history? A. You can better understand the present, because history does repeat itself. It also helps us to look toward the future and appreciate all that people went through before us. The town of Oswego celebrates its bicentennial in 2018, so this book will be nice to have and we might do another book by then.

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