A Special Section Highlighting Senior Lifestyles This month’s focus: Summer Fun
Advice to fellow seniors:
‘Be a little bit selfish’ BY EMILY HEDGES CONTRIBUTING WRITER
loomington senior Steve Paladie’s advice to anyone in retirement – be a little bit selfish. The 69-year-old points out that by that age, you’ve probably spent your life doing for others. Retirement is the time to do the things you always wanted to do and have fun, and his friends and family couldn’t agree more. “You worked your whole life. You might as well reap the benefits,” said Paladie, the father of three. “The people I value
B
PALADIE: TO PAGE 3
2 Mature Lifestyles– Thursday, July 19, 2012 - Sun Current Central
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Sun Current Central - Thursday, July 19, 2012– Mature Lifestyles 3
Bloomington senior Steve Paladie zooms down the bicycle trail. For Paladie, being ‘selfish’ means being physically active and competitive.
(Photos by Paul Groessel – Sun Newspapers)
Paladie FROM PAGE 1 and that value me agree with it. I guess I have good kids and friends.” These days, the retired computer operator spends his “selfish” time being physically active, a lifestyle he began later in life. “I turned jock in my early 40s. Before that, I was a cerebral guy,” said Paladie who served in the Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. “I got into running marathons.” His change in lifestyle happened after his divorce, and the death of his father due to a massive heart attack. “My kids tell me I was a basket case in my 40s,” he said. “I think it was because of that my competitive juices started flowing.” At that time, he also began to look at the rewards, versus the effort, of trying to crawl up the corporate ladder.
“I came up with a different route. I started running and it all evolved from there,” he said. He likes to be outside as much as possible during the summer. While he no longer runs full marathons, he competes in shorter runs and triathlons. “I like being able to train by yourself. So many activities require a group or a team. I like being on my own, not dependent on others,” he said. He’s found as the years go by the number of adults competing in his age bracket are dwindling. “I’m not that great, but I’m durable. Probably because I go slow,” he said. He recently took first place in his age division in White Bear Lake’s Optum Manitou run. But he points out that he was the only entry.
“At my age, there are small numbers and determined people,” he said. His next event is an adventure run near Alexandria. “I get to crawl through the mud, climb over fences,” he said. “How often do adults get to run and slop through puddles?” Finding enjoyment in youthful activities has given Paladie something in common with his grandkids. “They give me the greatest encouragement. My grandson is a fast runner. He and I can poke fun at each other,” he said. Paladie also loves swimming, hiking, dog walking, and cross-country skiing, but not all of Paladie’s activities are solitary. He enjoys putting his hiking and biking skills to use by volunteering with Three Rivers Park District,
‘I’m healthy and able to do what I want to do. I couldn’t imagine life being much better than it is right now.’ -Steve Paladie
where he patrols the walking trails to Hyland Park and along the light rail, directing people and maintaining a presence. “I enjoy interacting with people and answering their questions,” he said. Paladie’s other love is traveling. His latest trip was to Costa Rica where he went zip lining, swimming, horseback trail riding, and white-water rafting. Some of his other memorable trips include Italy, Greece, Croatia and the Dominican Republic. Paladie points out that he is not a wealthy person. He credits an understanding of his priorities with his ability to travel the world. “I’m more of a do-er than a have-er. I don’t own a home. I don’t have fancy computers,” he said. “I’m reaping the rewards of being frugal.” For Paladie, the rewards of retirement are well worth the sacrifice. “I’m enjoying it. I’m healthy and able to do what I want to do. I couldn’t imagine life being much better than it is right now,” he said.
4 Mature Lifestyles– Thursday, July 19, 2012 - Sun Current Central
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You’re never too old to dream about being a rock star BY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER When St. Louis Park resident Ed Hollinger bought his first drum kit on Ebay at 45 years old, he had no idea it would lead to the fulfillment of a childhood fantasy. Now the physician’s assistant for North Memorial Hospital spends nights and weekends playing oldschool AC/DC tunes in band called Old Voltage, and loving every minute of it. Hollinger’s experience on stage began when he signed up for the AC/DC tribute camp at St. Louis Parkbased Rock Camp for Dads. Opened in 2009, Rock Camp for Dads offers six camps each month geared to beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels. “We’re all about living the dream of a rock star,” said Camp Counselor Denise “Rock Mama” Ryan. “It’s guys getting together who had put their instruments in the closet for work and raising kids.” That’s where Rock Camp for Dads comes in. One night a week for four ROCK CAMP: TO PAGE 6
Old Voltage pictured here from left to right: Chris Henze, Jerry Beach, Phil Vanner (front), Ed Hollinger, Dave Wilwert.
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Rock Camp FROM PAGE 4 weeks, musicians go to the fully equipped studio for instruction and rehearsal. Each camp culminates with a gig at a local bar. “Fifty-five percent come back and do it over and over. It’s the man cave,” said Ryan. “It fills a void for so many people. Not a want, but a need.” While Hollinger had never played drums before purchasing his drum kid, drumming always found its way into his life. “I beat my steering wheel to a pulp my whole life,” he said. “I was on Ebay looking for golf equipment and a drum kit popped up. I thought why not.” Hollinger started playing in his basement with headphones and a stack of classic rock CDs. Hollinger said that none of his current band mates knew each other or had ever performed on stage before Rock Camp for Dads. “We’re a bunch of regular guys with families and lives,” he said. “That’s what Rock Camp for Dads is all about – getting guys out of the basement and on
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stage.” The group consists of Phil Vanner (vocals); Chris Henze (guitar); Dave Wilwert (guitar); Jerry Beach (bass) and Ed Hollinger (drums). They range in age from 40 to 55 years old. Vanner owns the Square Peg Diner in Minneapolis; Henze is an electrical engineer; Wilwert is an accountant for Wa s h i n g t o n County; and Beach works as an analyst for Comcast. After the AC/DC tribute camp was over, the group hadn’t planned on staying together, but Hollinger said they kept being asked to play, kept improving, and kept having the time of their lives. They came up with the name Old
Voltage as a baby-boomer twist on the AC/DC song High Voltage. “This fulfills a fantasy. We’re regular working Joes with some music ability. This has given us a platform to explore and have a lot fun. That really comes across when we play,” said Hollinger. They call themselves five old dudes who like to rock. They play oldschool AC/DC tunes from the Bon Scott era (1974-80), with no keyboards, lipsyncing, autotune or choreography. According to their Facebook page, they play “just straight-up, balls to the wall rock n roll.” “They are true rock and rollers,” said
‘This fulfills a fantasy. We’re regular working Joes with some music ability. This has given us a platform to explore and have a lot fun. That really comes across when we play.’ - Ed Hollinger.
Ryan. “They are one of the local bands that have made something of themselves. They are a good group of guys who still support Rock Camp for Dads. They remember where they came from.” Old Voltage recently had the chance to open for Hairball in Duluth on July 3. Old Voltage will play Open Mic Night on Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m., part of the Summer Concert Series at Veterans’ Memorial Amphitheater, which gives local artists and groups the chance to build an audience. The concert is free to the public. “I think we’ll fit in at Open Mic Night. We’ll amp it up and draw some people,” he said. “ We’re a little harder and louder than they are used to,” he said. Find more information on Old Voltage at Facebook.com/Old Voltage. Click “Like” to receive concert updates. For more information on Rock Camp for Dad’s, go to www.rockcampfordads.com. Upcoming August camps include Rock 101; Woodstock; Jimi Hendrix; Death to Disco Punk Camp and 70s Classic Rock. For more information on St. Louis Park’s Summer Concert Series and Open Mic Night, go to stlouispark.org/events.com.
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MATURE A Special Section on Active Adults
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Sun Current Central - Thursday, July 19, 2012– Mature Lifestyles 7
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8 Mature Lifestyles– Thursday, July 19, 2012 - Sun Current Central
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Retirement means having fun Having fun means fishing, running, volunteering BY EMILY HEDGES CONTRIBUTING WRITER Doug Erbeck will tell you that retirement is the best time in your life for having fun. If the 76-year-old Crystal resident isn’t out training for a halfmarathon, or fishing with his patented lure, he may be found judging a regional science fair or planning weekly programs for the Fin and Feather Club of Osseo. The point is to stay busy, do what you want to do, and have a great time. “Now I that I retired two years ago, life is about what I want it to be,” said Erbeck, who earned a PhD from Kansas State University at 55 years old and worked as a veterinary pathologist until retirement. “What I get out of life has improved exponentially in each decade of my life.” One of his favorite things to do is go for a run, not necessarily for what it does for his body as much as what it does for his mind and spirit. “Running is my quiet time, time to be with nature and my maker,” said Erbeck. “This is my contemplation time, my prayer time, my time to be with myself and think how I want to act within my community.” Erbeck began running at 36 and hit his performance peak in his 40s, but finds running as a senior to be more rewarding. “It’s less stressful. I’m not trying to kill myself,” he said. “I’m really relaxed when I run. I never go beyond what my body can take.” After returning to the state after earning his PhD, Erbeck joined the Minnesota Distance Running Association. A program called the Grand Prix caught his eye. It is a series of 14 races that range from one to 26.2 miles. Participants receive points based on how they finish. Because Erbeck doesn’t run full marathons
Fishing area lakes is one of Doug Erbeck’s favorite retirement activities. He is pictured here with his grandson, Max Clepper, after a successful outing. anymore, this year he plans on running 10 of the 12 Grand Prix races. In 2011 he was named runner up for Minnesota Distance Runner of the Year in his age bracket. “The number of people in my age group gets less and less. I seem to be a little bit faster than the others, except for one guy,” he said. “So I ended up being number two in the State of Minnesota in the 7579 age group. I thought that was a great honor.” When Erbeck isn’t out running, biking or swimming, he is probably on the lake fishing. He started fishing as a young man with his grandfather, aunts and uncles in Wisconsin. Although he calls it a
life-long pursuit, in recent years it has taken on a new level of interest for him. “I decided I want to be a pan fisherman, blue gill fishing in particular,” he said. “I have tested lures, and I have invented the lure I feel is best pan fishing lure in world, especially for blue gills.” He hopes that in the future it will become a profitable enterprise. But making money isn’t why he does it. “I’m going fishing twice a week and furnishing fish to my wife’s large family in Wisconsin, and to my three daughters and families who live in area,” he said. “Fishing and eating fish are part of my quality of life.”
Erbeck also spends a lot of his time these days coordinating weekly programs for the Fur, Fin and Feather Club in Osseo, and serving as a volunteer and judge with the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair. He and his wife, Faye, recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. He has nine grandchildren, who he calls the “joy of our lives.” His advice to other seniors: “Try to stay as active as you can in your community, neighborhood and church. I think that has kept me young at heart.” To learn more about Erbeck’s patented fishing lure, go to fisherbeck.com.
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Sun Current Central - Thursday, July 19, 2012– Mature Lifestyles 9
Mounds View woman finds calling in festival planning BY EMILY HEDGES CONTRIBUTING WRITER Mounds View resident Theresa Cermak goes to work at 11 p.m. most evenings and works as night manager for McDonalds until 7 a.m. This leaves time during the day for her role as president of the Mounds View Festival in the Park, one that has changed the way the 56-year-old mother of nine sees herself. “I never thought I’d be the president,” she said. “It’s been a great confidence booster, and made me realize that I’m a lot smarter than I think I am.” Cermak began working with the festival 18 years ago when her employer asked her to get involved. She says that a core group soon formed. “I’ve made great friends. There was a time in my life I never thought I could be in charge. It has given me confidence to serve on executive boards on other commit-
tees. We’ve become like a family. When I do retire from it I will miss them,” she said. The Mounds View Festival began in 1976 as a one-day festival traditionally held the weekend before the State Fair begins. The family and budget friendly activities include a car show, craft show, food vendors, children’s area with face painting, entertainment from local artists, and fireworks. “This is a hometown festival put on for the people in our city,” said Cermak. “We want them to enjoy a day in the park that everyone can afford with lots to do for the kids. We won’t allow anything that isn’t family friendly.” The committee works hard to make sure all the participating vendors make money by not allowing duplicating food, crafts or other services. They keep costs down in a number of creative ways. “When the Irondale Robotics Team wanted a free booth for
demonstrations, I told them yes, but that they had to help me hang up signs. We barter a lot around here,” she said. In 18 years, Cermak has lots of favorite memories. But the one that sticks out for her was the year they decided to kick off the festival with a special wedding ceremony. “We decided Ole and Lena were going to get married. We actually had people dress up and had a volunteer play the preacher,” she said. “We set it up like a church in the woods. It was such a hoot.” She also recalls a couple of years ago a performer called Mr. Fun twirling fire batons while on stilts to music before the fireworks. But she said there was one Mounds View resident that wasn’t delighted with the show. “I guess we should have cleared it with the fire chief,” said Cermak. “I think he almost had a heart attack.” Cermak says that every year she
considers passing the torch, but admits the overwhelming urge each year to make the festival better always brings her back for more. “I hear the oohs and ahhs over the fireworks, and I think maybe I’ll do this one more year,” she said. “Fall comes and we’re off and running.” Cermak credits dedicated volunteers that make the festival work each year. “The Girl and Boy Scouts help out. The Mounds View City Council backs it. The Spring Lake ParkBlaine firemen will send volunteers to help with the parade. We ask, and they help. It’s a win-win,” she said. Mounds View Festival in the Park will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18 in City Hall Park at 2401 County Road 10 in Mounds View. This year, the feature act is Jonah and the Whales, with a beer tent sponsored by the Blaine Jaycees. For more information, go to ci.moundsview.mn.us.
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10 Mature Lifestyles– Thursday, July 19, 2012 - Sun Current Central
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Leprechaun Days evolves into a premiere community event BY EMILY HEDGES – CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Minnesota version of Trivial Pursuit asks players to name the town that hosts the community celebration called Leprechaun Days. For John Loch, former Rosemount business owner and one of the event founders, this was an indication their hard work had paid off. “When we saw that, we knew we were big time,” he said. Loch (65) technically lives in Apple Valley, but is quick to say his house lies just across the street from Rosemount. He moved to the area in 1973, working as a pharmacist for Robert’s Drug. The owners encouraged him to start attending Chamber of Commerce meetings. He was soon president of the organization and holding office for the Rosemount Jaycees. In 1983, Loch purchased the business and renamed it Loch Pharmacy. In 1988 he relocated to the corner of 145th and Highway 3 where the business remained another 10 years before he sold it to Horizon Pharmacy. “My philosophy was that to promote the town, we should hold events that people enjoy. Then they are going to stay in town and shop in town,” said Loch. “I read a lot about the sort of picturesque
places that people want to live. It dawned on me – those things don’t just happen. People have to start them and continue them.” At that time Rosemount hosted a summer celebration called Crazy Days, but Loch and a few others felt it needed some work. After a couple of years billed as “Rosemount Family Fun Days” the group decided to go back to the drawing board. Loch hosted a meeting on his front porch to brainstorm how to improve Rosemount’s festival and set it apart from other communities. “The park and recreation director was here and four or five other people. They weren’t all chamber. They were from all parts of the community,” he said. Rosemount’s Irish heritage was the natural starting place for the discussion. It didn’t take long for someone to suggest the Leprechaun. “Leprechauns are cute. The High School mascot was a Leprechaun. We thought we could name the activities to correspond with the Irish theme,” said Loch. “We had the theme and the mascot, and away we went.” Some of the creative event names include the Blarney Stone hunt and the pot-o-gold toilet bowl races. Now Leprechaun Days is one of the
premiere community festivals in the state. In 2012 it will span 12 days and host thousands of people from all over the area. Loch says that the success of Leprechaun Days is not measured in money raised or number of attendees. It is about the quality of the event and whether or not everyone had a good time. “I wanted to be proud of the place I lived in and had a business in. I get great satisfaction seeing people enjoying themselves,” he said. But no one enjoys themselves more than Loch during Leprechan Days. “I’ve always liked the fireworks. I get goose bumps,” said Loch, who has fond memories of friends and neighbors sitting on the hillside by the High School tennis courts oohing and ahhing over the displays. He also looks forward to the marching band each year. “I see Rosemount marching band coming down the street. That does it for me. These kids are so good and so dedicated. It’s your hometown band, and something we should be very proud of.” Although Loch’s role these days is mostly the coordination of the Bluegrass Festival, which was added in 2008 and has become one of Leprechaun Day’s biggest draws, he finds numerous ways to help.
“The man is really tireless. He’s more than willing to roll up his sleeves to get things done. He’s got great ideas, knows how to keep Leprechaun Days family friendly and knows what kinds of events to add to it to keep it fresh,” said Tad Johnson, member of the Rosemount Leprechaun Days committee. “He helps pick up trash late into the night and early morning after the events are done.” Loch credits the entire community for coming together to volunteer, especially the work of Rosemount’s Public Works Department. “The crew is out there making sure everything is clean and painted, flowers are at their peak, flags are on the poles,” said Loch. “They really take personal pride in making the city look great.” Anyone who knows Loch will tell you that no one takes more pride in their community than he does. “His heart and soul is in trying to help the people of Rosemount,” said Joe Walsh, longtime chairman of the planning committee. “When he retired from the pharmacy, he didn’t retire from the community.” Leprechaun Days will be held from July 20-29th. For more information on Leprechaun Days, go to rosemountevents.com or call 651-322-6020.
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Directions to Augustana Emerald Crest During the Hwy 5 Construction For more information on the project, visit victoria detour.org. FROM THE EAST: Hwy 5 to 41 North to 7 West to Rolling Acres Road south. Cross Hwy 5 to Bavaria Road/County Road 13. Emerald Crest is 2 to 3 blocks on the right. FROM THE WEST: Option 1: Travel Hwy 5 East and follow Detour Signs through Victoria (on Stieger Lake Lane). Left on Hwy 5, and across Hwy 5, to 78th Street. Then turn right on Bavaria Road/CR 13 South. Emerald Crest is 2 to 3 blocks on the right. Option 2: From Waconia, Hwy 5 to Main Street South to County Road 10. Take left to CR 43. Turn left. At intersection of CR 43 and CR 11 in Victoria, continue straight onto CR 18 to Bavaria Road/CR 13. Take left. Emerald Crest is first driveway on the left. FROM THE SOUTH: Hwy 41 north to Pioneer Trail. Left on Pioneer Trail to Bavaria Road/ CR 13 north. Emerald Crest is one block north of intersection of Bavaria Road (CR 13) and CR 18. FROM THE NORTH: Hwy 7 west to Rolling Acres Road south. Cross Hwy 5 to Bavaria Road/CR 13. Emerald Crest is 2 to 3 blocks on the right.
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Sun Current Central - Thursday, July 19, 2012– Mature Lifestyles 11
Avoiding the penalty on early retirement plan withdrawals The money that you’ve built up in a retirement savings account can look awfully tempting at times, particularly in an uncertain economy. If you feel you have no choice but to withdraw from a retirement account, you may find that it’s a costly option because of the potential taxes and penalties involved. The Minnesota Society of CPAs explains the price you’ll have to pay and how the exceptions to the rules work. A double whammy As a general rule, if you take an early distribution from a qualified retirement plan or deferred annuity contract before age 59½, you will be hit with a double whammy of penalties. First, you will have to pay ordinary income taxes on your withdrawal. In addition, you’ll face a 10 percent penalty on the amount because of the early withdrawal. Those two rules apply to 401(k)s and traditional IRAs. With a Roth IRA, a qualified distribution escapes taxes and penalties, but a non-qualified distribution does not. Since the distinctions between the two are complicated, be sure to consult your CPA for more information. In all cases, the taxation and penalty don’t apply to distributions that are rolled over into another qualified retirement plan. How do exceptions work? There are several exceptions to the penalties. Retirement plans may permit withdrawals when there is an “immediate and heavy” financial need. The Internal Revenue Service notes that needs that fit this definition may vary based on each situation. However, it is safe to say there would be no exception if you have other resources to address the need. The need may relate to yourself, your spouse or a dependent. In its guidance, the Internal Revenue Service includes funeral or medical expenses in this definition. Education and health exceptions There are also exceptions relating to education and health concerns. The penalty generally doesn’t apply (although the tax may) for withdrawals made to cover qualified higher education expenses for yourself, your spouse or your children or grandchildren. When it comes to health concerns, you may take early withdrawals if you are totally or permanently disabled. In addition, you can tap into your retirement funds to cover medical expenses that add up to more than 7.5 percent of your adjust-
ed gross income. Only deductible medical expenses paid in the year the distribution is taken qualify for the exception. Medical insurance for the unemployed You can also take a penalty-free early distribution for health insurance premiums if you are unemployed, have received unemployment compensation for at least 12 consecutive weeks and have taken the distributions during the same year in which the unemployment compensation is made, or the succeeding year. But, these payments are limited to the actual amount paid for insurance for the employee, his spouse and their dependents. In addition, taxpayers who are self-employed qualify for this exemption if self-employment is the only reason they do not qualify for unemployment compensation. Purchase of a principal residence A qualified first-time homebuyer can take a distribution and escape the 10 percent penalty to the extent that the distribution is used by the individual to pay a qualified acquisition cost for a principal residence. Distributions can be up to $10,000 during the individual’s lifetime, provided they are used within 120 days of withdrawal to buy, build or rebuild a first home that is the principal residence of the individual, his or her spouse or any child, grandchild or descendant of the individual or spouse. Taking periodic payments Another exception comes into play in certain circumstances when you take distributions in a series of substantially equal periodic payments over your own life expectancy or the life expectancies of yourself and your designated beneficiary. These withdrawals must be taken at least annually, and there are complicated approaches to calculating them and ensuring that they remain tax free. Be sure to contact your CPA if you want more information. Consult your CPA As a general rule, if you need money in a pinch, it’s best to draw first from your emergency funds or from any investments that you have. If you don’t have a nest egg available and are seriously considering withdrawing from a retirement account, given the complexity of the rules on retirement plan withdrawals, be sure to turn to your local CPA. He or she can provide advice on all your financial questions. Don’t have a CPA? Visit mncpa.org/referral to locate one in your area.
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