Mature Arkansas

Mature Arkansas june, 2013

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MATURE ARKANSAS

june, 2013

1

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FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE

Lines From My Father

By Dwain Hebda

I

recently asked my father, 83, what was the secret to a long life.

“Don’t try to be someone you’re not,” he said.

It was a simple statement, something Dad is famous for. His best lessons in life were always punctuated by a keeper of a tagline. I think it has to do with the years spent in the newspaper game where space is scarce and brevity is revered. The editor in him always made the important points punchy and memorable.

Another line I’ve always remembered, delivered in my teen years, was “Don’t be an also-ran.” It was something he would tell me before I went out to some school competition and it, too, was culled from his 30-plus years in community journalism.

When writing a high school track story, he noted who won or placed, then to give the laggers a little of the spotlight, he would summarize, “John Jones and Tom Smith also ran.”

He was telling me if I was going to invest my time and effort in something, to always strive to be the best. You have to show up anyway, he reasoned, might as well stand out from the crowd.

There was the pronounced voice of his pioneering grandparents that rang through his messages on hard work and the value of a job done right. There were axioms on the importance of an abiding faith and family. A man truly defined his character by the lengths he was willing to go to protect, teach and provide for his household, and the reverence and humility he demonstrated CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

We Want To Hear From YOU LETTERS OR EMAILS from readers on any subject of interest to older Arkansans are encouraged. Letters or questions to columnists are also welcome. Email to annewasson@arktimes.com or mail to P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203 GUEST EDITORIALS, on issues of interest to Arkansans over age 50, are encouraged.

MATURE ARKANSAS is a forum for readers’ opinions and comments. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the Publisher.

Send 300-500 word editorials to annewasson@arktimes.com All editorials and letters subject to editing and space limitations. Call 501-375-2985 if you have questions.

CALENDAR ITEMS should be of interest to Arkansans over age 50, in central Arkansas, and open to the public. Submit to address or email above.

SUBSCRIPTIONS are $15 a year (12 issues), via US Postal Service. Send name, address and $15 check to: MATURE ARKANSAS, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203-4010. cover photos: ©Photos.com, Photodisc (files, right), Ann Baldwin (woman), Feng Yu (files, Left)

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Mature Arkansas Publisher Alan Leveritt Editor Anne Wasson Art Director Mike Spain Photographer Brian Chilson Graphic Artist Bryan Moats Production Manager Weldon Wilson ad Coordinators Roland Gladden Kelly S. Carr

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Phyllis A. Britton ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Katherine Daniels Tiffany Holland Darielle D’Mello Jo Garcia Thanh Rasico Circulation Director Anitra Hickman Office Manager Kelly Lyles Billing and Collections Linda Phillips

Mature Arkansas is published monthly by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 E. Markham St., P. O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203, phone 501-375-2985. Reproduction or use, in whole or in part, of the contents without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. The publisher assumes no responsibility for care or safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to Mature Arkansas’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially. All contents copyrighted 2013 Mature Arkansas.

MATURE ARKANSAS

june, 2013

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ADVOCACY n By Herb Sanderson

FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 before the Almighty.

He was adamant about building one’s reputation by being on time or living up to a promise. Simple things stuck with people and followed a guy around more than a place in society.

He preached fearlessness; to speak up for what was good and decent in the world, and to never be afraid to stand alone if truth was on your side.

Some of all this stuck, some slid off my back depending on how shortsighted or bull-headed I was being at the time. Not everything he said was right, or fair or correct, of course. Some of it was merely the residual thoughts and attitudes from an outdated era I did not know and that he sometimes found hard to shake.

More often than not though, he was right. As the parent of four teenagers who have all become confident, strongwilled young adults, I know firsthand how infrequently a dad hears that. As a reasonably hard-headed adult myself, it can also be a tough thing to admit.

But it’s true.

Time has given me a perspective that appreciates the living, the praying, the heartbreaking missteps and the personal resurrections that minted those one-liners–just like he said it would.

“Anything good is bad, when taken to excess,” is perhaps my favorite of all the lines he has given me, and good advice for writers. Therefore, I won’t belabor a point with excessive words, but pay tribute to my father in kind: Dad, you gave me everything I needed to become the man I wanted to be.

Thank you.

CORRECTION

In the May issue of MATURE ARKANSAS, the article, “Keeping Up Appearances,” should have quoted Denise Johnson of Arkansas Laser Dynamics as saying: “Yet, if someone doesn’t understand how melanin reacts to light and how different skin has different levels of melanin, there’s a huge potential for scarring.”

4 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

1500 New Laws: What it Means for Older Arkansans

T

he regular session of the 89th Arkansas General Assembly ended after 100 days.

Of the 2,490 bills introduced, 1500 became law. For those on the high side of 50, here are some of the highlights: The Health Care Independence Act of 2013 expands access to affordable health care in Arkansas (Acts 1497 & 1498). This bipartisan legislation allows the state to use federal Medicaid money to purchase private insurance for over 200,000 Arkansans and their families. The legislation is literally a life-saver for those too young for Medicare, but too old to obtain affordable health insurance. Governor Mike Beebe and his administration worked leaders of both parties to craft the legislation that has received national attention.

A related piece of legislation, the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace (Act 1500), establishes a state-run health insur-

ance exchange. Under the Affordable Care Act, states were given the option to operate their own exchange.

An effort that could have opened the door for payday lenders to return to Arkansas died in the Senate. Less than three years ago Arkansas voters approved Amendment 89 to the Arkansas Constitution setting 17% as the maximum interest rate for consumer loans.

Senate Bill 900 would have overridden the will of the voters and ultimately paved the way for outof-state lenders to set up shop in Arkansas and roll back hard-won consumer protections.

Good news for senior center programs was found in HB1602 that appropriated $1,000,000 in General Improvement Funds for Senior Centers. Other bills added an additional $590,000 for a total appropriation of $1,590,000. The actual amount available for funding will be based on available unspent funds

The legislation is literally a life-saver for those too young for Medicare, but too old to obtain affordable health insurance.

L E T T E R to the editor Dear Editor: Regarding the articles, “Why Women Excel” and “Why You Can’t Open a Nursing Home,” (May MATURE ARKANSAS) the “Why Women Excel” article nails the subject and should be recommended reading for any woman who is in the work force or who contemplates entering it. Actually, it should be required reading but we have to be realistic. If read and studied, it will do more to put the subject into perspective than anything I can think of.

The article on nursing homes largely misses the point. Certainly, it outlines a matter which should be explored and acted on by the Governor and the Legislature. However, the path to bettering the deficient care provided by a lot (certainly not all) of nursing homes is not to add more nursing homes, which may provide the same deficient service.

Rather, the solution is for nursing home

residents, their families and advocates to become familiar with the rights of the residents followed by their insistence that the residents receive the benefits of those rights.

Those rights are set out in federal regulations and knowledge of those regulations is a bedrock necessity for proper nursing home care. However, if Mature Arkansas offered a free subscription to anyone who could tell what regulations cover nursing home residents or who could recite the provisions of a single regulation, the increase in circulation would be miniscule. Until this changes, nursing home care will remain largely as it is.

Mature Arkansas is increasingly providing a real service to mature Arkansans and I am pleased to have been small part of it.

—Ken Forrester Maumelle

from previous fiscal years.

General Improvement Funds, though Act 1518 injects $500,000 into the Arkansas Housing Trust Fund to create pilot housing options in each of the four congressional districts.

Act 1450 eliminates the sales tax on food in the future after certain revenue conditions have been met.

No one likes to think about losing capacity, but we know it happens.

The Arkansas Healthcare Decisions Act (Act 1264), provides for an adult to authorize a designated agent to execute advance directives that provide for healthcare decisions in the event the individual loses capacity. The act is not a complete answer to this delicate issue, but a step in the right direction.

Finally citizens, especially older ones, should become familiar with Act 595 which requires voters to have a government-issued voter identification card in order to vote. Governor Beebe vetoed the legislation saying “…the bill will unnecessarily cost taxpayers money, grow bureaucracy and risk disenfranchisement of voters…I cannot approve such an unnecessary measure that would negatively impact one of our most precious rights as citizens.” However, the Arkansas House voted 52-45 to override the Governor’s veto.

Finally, with little fanfare or debate the legislature adopted the State’s $4.9 billion budget that will keep intact vital services like nursing home care and home-based long-term care services and supports.

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Mr. Sanderson is associate state director for advocacy with AARP Arkansas.

F AMI LY C AR EG IVING T IP S

Redirect to Avoid Agitation

By Priscilla Pittman, MSW, MA

P

ersonality and communication change as dementia alters the brain. When behavior begins to mirror the care recipient’s frustrations, life can be difficult.

Creating a memory page can stimulate healthier conversations and minimize problems. The memory page needs a photo of the person in their 20s or 30s. Using that decade as a starting point, list: • Where they were living • What they were doing (job, school, homemaking?)

• Their favorite music • Their favorite food • How many siblings and where were they raised • Childhood adventures or memories.

Caregivers who are attentive to the care recipient’s body language are often aware of agitated behaviors before they get started. Use entries from the memory page to interject into the conversation.

This can avert their attention and redirect their behavior.

The music from their youth is good “medication” if played 30 minutes to an hour before a stressful event (bath, doctors’ appointment, etc.). Many caregivers use it from daylight to dark.

Quality of life is a formula of various strategies; make the search an adventure!

Ms. Pittman is program director with Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services, Little Rock.

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Arkansas

M EN’S CLI N IC Walk-Ins Welcome • 5800 W. 10th St. • Little Rock, AR 72204 MATURE ARKANSAS

june, 2013

5

CA L EN DA R P IC KS

June, Glorious June...

By A.H. Wasson

ART JUNE—ART GLASS EXHIBIT AT GARVAN GARDENS, 225 pieces of custom art glass by James Hayes on display throughout the gardens; 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs; 800-366-4664.

JUNE 5-29—SMALL WORKS ON PAPER, 37 works of Ark. artists, coordinated by the Ark. Arts Council; at The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs, 626 Central Ave.; Tues.-Sat. 10:30 AM-5:00 PM; FREE; 501-624-0489.

19th St. (945-2921) and North Heights Rec. Center, 4801 Allen St. (791-8576). Call for class schedules; no registration or center membership required.

JUNE—YOGA CLASSES; Quapaw Community Center, 500 Quapaw Ave., Hot Springs; 5:30-6:30 PM on Wed. & 10:00-11:30 AM on Sat.; FREE for members, $5 non-members; 501-623-9922.

JUNE—ZUMBA GOLD CLASSES, sponsored

by CareLink; call the location for class schedule.

In North Little Rock: -Indian Hills Church, call 835-2838.

-Lakewood United Methodist Church, call 753-6186.

JUNE—UAMS THERAPY & FITNESS CLASSES include: evening pool classes like Aqua Cardio and Aqua Zumba; evening gym classes such as line dancing, Zumba Gold, strength and cardio fitness. UAMS Reynolds Institute, 629 Stephens Dr., Little Rock; 4:30-5:30 PM. Call Kellie Coleman at 501-526-5779.

JUNE 7—GALLERY WALK in historic downtown Hot Springs; 5:00-9:00 PM; FREE.

JUNE 3-27—SENIORNET COMPUTER CLASSES in Little Rock includes Fundamentals for Beginners and Intro. to Computers; Reynolds Institute on Aging, Room 2156, UAMS campus, Little Rock. $45 per class ($75 for couples), manuals are $15. Call 603-1262 or visit littlerockseniornet.com

JUNE 14—SECOND FRIDAY ART NIGHT, enjoy art and entertainment during open houses at downtown Little Rock art galleries and museums; 5:00-8:00 PM; FREE. JUNE 21—ARGENTA ARTWALK, galleries’ open house; 300-700 blocks of Main St., North Little Rock; 5:00-8:00 PM; FREE; 993-1234.

MON.—KNITTING CIRCLE; Roosevelt Thompson Library, 38 Rahling Circle, Little Rock; 1:00 PM. FREE. All ages, all skill levels welcome; 821-3060.

UN T I L JUNE 2 2 — M I D - S O U T H WATERCOLORISTS exhibit; Cantrell Gallery, 8206 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock; FREE; 224-1335.

MON.—KNITS & PURLS; Adolphine Terry Library, 2015 Napa Valley Dr., Little Rock, 5:00 PM; FREE, refreshments provided; 228-0129.

UNTIL SEP. 22—ARK. ARTS CENTER EXHIBITS:“Bauhaus twenty-21: An Ongoing Legacy,” features 77 modern architecture photographs by Gordon Watkinson; 9th & Commerce streets, Little Rock; FREE, call 372-4000 or visit arkarts.com UNTIL AUG. 12—CRYSTAL BRIDGES EXHIBITS include “American Encounters,” and“American Experience”—both portraying everyday American life; Bentonville; FREE; visit crystalbridges.org/exhibitions or call 479-418-5751.

UN T I L S E P T . — T H E A R T O F ABANDONMENT, Walter Arnold’s photos of artful abandoned places; Museum of Contemporary Art, 425 Central Ave., Hot Springs.

501-609-9966.

CLASSES & LECTURES JUNE 18—“FIT 2 LIVE,” monthly topics to keep you healthy; Laman Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock; 6:30 PM; FREE; call 758-1720.

JUNE—FITNESS CLASSES, FREE and open to the public; North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow St. (791-8541); Sherman Park Rec. Center, 624 Beech St. (340-5373); Glenview Rec. Center, 4800 E. 6 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

THIRD TUES.—SIT & STITCH; Main Library, 5th Floor, 100 S. Rock St., Little Rock; Noon-1:00 PM; all skill levels of knitting, croquet, embroidery; FREE; 918-3000.

Cain & Abel (2012) oil on canvas, by Guy Bell THROUGH JULY 9—BEST OF THE SOUTH exhibition and sale, Greg Thompson Fine Art, 429 Main St., North Little Rock.

The best in southern artists; FREE; 664-2787.

In Little Rock: -UAMS Institute on Aging Ottenheimer Fitness Center, call 526-5779, includes Zumba Gold and Aqua Zumba -Bess Chisum Stephens Community Center, call 664-4268.

-Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, call 664-3600.

-LifeQuest of Arkansas, 2nd Presbyterian Church, call 225-6073 -Tai Chi class: Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church, Little Rock, call 529-2140.

THURS.—STITCH NIGHT; enjoy knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch; all are welcome Argenta Branch Library, 506 Main St., North Little Rock; 6:00 PM. FREE; 687-1061.

THURS.—FIDDLESTICKS KNITTING GROUP; Amy Sanders Library, 31 Shelby Dr., Sherwood; 1:00-3:00 PM; all skill levels. FREE. 835-7756.

FRI.—PINNACLE PIECEMAKERS QUILTING CIRCLE; Roosevelt Thompson Library, 38 Rahling Circle, Little Rock; all skill levels; 10:00 AM. FREE. 821-3060.

SAT.—LET’S STITCH TOGETHER, meets first Sat. at 11:00 AM; Laman Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock; all ages, all stitching hobbies are welcome. FREE; 758-1720.

COMEDY & GAMES UNTIL JUNE 15—“STEEL MAGNOLIAS,” at Murray’s Dinner Playhouse, 6323 Col. Glenn Rd,. Little Rock. Dinner 6:00 PM, curtain 7:45; 562-3131 for reservations. Next: “Southern Crossroads,” June 18-July 20.

UNTIL JULY 20—“WEINER DAYS AT THE ROLLERCADE,” all-ages, original live comedy at The Joint; 301 Main St., North Little Rock; Fri. & Sat. nights at 8:00 PM; reservations at 372-0205. Cabaret-style theatre with beer, wine, coffee and desserts at your table.

JUNE—BINGO; Quapaw Community Center, 500 Quapaw Ave., Hot Springs; Tues. & Thurs. 12:30-3:30 PM. 501-623-9922.

DANCE MAY 17 & 24—ARK. COUNTRY DANCE SOCIETY at Park Hill Presbyterian, 3520 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, 7:30-9:30 PM. No experience needed, all ages welcome. $4 for society members, $5 nonmembers. Call Carolyn at 252-0094 or visit arkansascountrydance.org MON.—SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE SOCIETY, Park Hill Presbyterian Church, 3520 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock. Beginner’s and intermediate classes; no experience or partner needed; $5. 821-4746.

WED.—VILLAGE A-TEAM SQUARE DANCERS, Coronado Community Center, Hot Springs Village, 7:30 PM; $5 for guests.

FRI.—SPA CITY BOP & SWING DANCE CLUB, VFW, 2231 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, 7:00 PM, 2nd, 4th 5th Fridays, $2. Free lessons with $20 membership at 7:00 PM Thurs. 501-760-7375.

SAT.—MERRY MIXERS DANCE CLUB; Coronado Center, Hot Springs Village; 1st Sat. 7:00-10:00 PM; $10; 3rd Sat., 7:30-10:30 PM, $10. 501-922-2997.

THIRD SAT.—BURNS PARK DANCING; Burns Park Hospitality House, North Little Rock; polka, waltz and potluck supper; 7:00-10:00 PM; $10. 680-2994.

Rick London

www.ltcartoons.com ©2012 londons times cartoons

TUES. & THURS.—QUAPAW COMMUNITY CENTER dancing includes BALLROOM lessons, Thurs. 7:00-8:00 PM; CLOGGING, Tues & Thurs, 8:30-11:00 AM; LINE DANCING, Tues.& Thurs. 11:00 AM-noon; and DANCE PARTY, 8:0010:00 PM Thurs.; 500 Quapaw Ave., Hot Springs. 501-623-9922.

Mature Arkansas Like Us On facebook and get daily updates on events, issues and things you want to know www.facebook.com/MatureArkansas MATURE ARKANSAS

june, 2013

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C AL EN DAR PIC KS IRISH MUSIC; Hibernia Irish Tavern, 9700 Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock; 2:30- 5:00 PM; FREE. Call 246-4340.

Also on second and fourth Mondays at 7:00-9:00 PM.

FARMERS MARKETS ARGENTA FARMERS MARKET, Saturdays 7:00 AM-noon, 6th & Main Streets, North Little Rock; FREE and free parking.

1st & 3rd WED.—ARK. CELTIC MUSIC SOCIETY session; Something Brewing, 1156 Front St., Conway; 7:00-9:00 PM; FREE. Call 501-602-5508. Everyone welcome to sit in and jam.

CONWAY FARMERS MARKET, 717 Parkway St.; Tues., Thurs., Sat. 7:00 AM-1:00 PM; 501-329-8344.

CONWAY ON-LINE FARMERS MARKET, visit Conway.locallygrown. net; order Sun.-Tues. by 9:00 PM and pick-up following Fri. 4:00-6:00 PM HOT SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET, 121 Orange St, Hot Springs; Sat. &Thurs. from 7:00 AM-noon, Tues. 5:00-8:00 PM; FREE parking; visit hotspringsfarmersmarket.com HOT SPRINGS ON-LINE FARMERS MARKET, visit spacity.locallygrown. net/market; order from Sat.-Tues.by 9:00 PM every other week, pick-up 3:00-5:30 PM 301 Whittington Ave.; 501-760-3131.

The Old Gold team won the 75+ bracket last year and some will be competing this year in the 80+ bracket. Photo by Dawne Brooks, tournament director.

JUNE 20-23—SENIOR SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT, sponsored by the Senior Arkansas Sports Organization, home of the Ark. Senior Olympics; Kimery Park, Hot Springs; games on all 4 fields begin at 8:30 AM-6:00 PM. FREE for fans, $325 team entry fee; concessions open all day. 6 age brackets: 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+, 80+ with trophies for all brackets (1st thru 3rd place); umpires professionally sanctioned; call 800-720-7276 for more information.

LITTLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET, Tues. & Sat. 7:00 AM-3:00 PM; River Market Pavilions, 400 Pres.

Clinton Ave.; 375-2552 or visit rivermarket.info

$7 adults, $5 for seniors 62+, college students and retired military, $3 ages 6-17, free for under 6 and active military. 374-4242.

LITTLE ROCK’S BERNICE GARDEN, 1401 S. Main St., Sundays, 10:00-2:00 PM; 617-2511.

UNTIL AUG. 31—CAPTAIN’S CABIN EXHIBIT, AR Inland Maritime Museum, 120 Riverfront Park Dr., North Little Rock; includes photos, sea stories from the crew, personal artifacts and tour of Razorback submarine; 5:30--8:00 PM. Visit AIMM.museum or call 371-8320.

LITTLE ROCK’S HILLCREST FARMERS MARKET, Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh, Sat. 7:00 AM-noon.

MUSEUMS UNTIL JUNE 15—“PORTRAITS IN GRAY,”CivilWar Photography Exhibit from David Wynn Vaughan collection; exhibit hall, Laman Public Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock; FREE; lamanlibrary. org or call 758-1720.

JUNE—MACARTHUR MUSEUM OF ARK. MILITARY HISTORY, exhibits depict Ark. military history; 503 E. Ninth St, Little Rock; FREE; 376-4602.

JUNE—OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM offers multiple exhibits about AR history and people, 300 W. Markham St., Little Rock; FREE; Mon-Sat, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM; Sun. 1:00-5:00 PM; 324-9685.

UNTILJULY12—HISTORICARKANSASMUSEUM will feature several exhibits: “The Curious World of Patent Models,”“Reflected by Three,” and “Painting in the Open Air;” 200 E. Third St., Little Rock; Fri. 5:00-8:00 PM & Sat. 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; call 324-9351.

UNTIL JULY 21—JAZZ: THROUGH THE EYES OF HERMAN LEONARD, main exhibit at The Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 Pres. Clinton Ave.; 8 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

MUSIC 1st THURS.—BLUEGRASS JAM; Garland Co. Library, 1427 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs; 5:30-7:30 PM; all acoustic, all ages; FREE. Call 501-623-4161.

2nd THURS.—ARK. ACCORDION ASSOC.; Community Room, Whole Foods Market, I-430 & Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock; warm-up starts at 6:30 PM. FREE, call 228-7166.

3rd FRI.—ARK. RIVER BLUES SOCIETY; Cornerstone Pub & Grill, 314 Main St., North Little Rock; 8:00 PM; $3 members, $5 non-members. Call 870-833-3498.

SAT.— “PICKIN’ PORCH;” Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler St., Conway, Sat. 9:30 AM, FREE. Call 501-327-7482.

2nd SAT.—ARK. DULCIMER SOCIETY; Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock; hammered and mountain dulcimers welcome; 2:00-4:00 PM; FREE. Call 661-1129.

1st&3rdSUN.&2nd&4thMON.—TRADITIONAL

PARTIES & EVENTS JUNE 1—TOUR DE ROCK, bike rides for all ages, all lengths and other fun activities benefit CARTI cancer programs; Burns Park Soccer Complex, North Little Rock; 6:00 AM-4:00 PM. Fun ride 10 miles, all ages, over paved trails. Advanced ride (30, 50, 68, or 100 miles) leaves from Burns Park at 7:00 AM; $35 registration, $40 after May 25. Visit CARTI.com/events/tour-de-rock

JUNE 7—CELEBRATETHE GRAPE WINE, FOOD & JAZZ FESTIVAL, 6:00-9:00 PM, Argenta Farmers Market Plaza, 6th & Main streets, North Little Rock’s Argenta Arts District; $25/$30 at the door, tickets at CelebrateTheGrape2013. eventbrite.com JUNE 13—“A ROCKIN BOW TIE AFFAIR,” a gala to benefit the Ark. Prostate Cancer Foundation, Tennebaum Center, 3700 North Rodney Parham, Little Rock; 6:00 PM; 379-8027.

JUNE 21—ANTIQUE/BOUTIQUE WALK, historic district of Hot Springs; FREE; call 501-624-4083.

JUNE 22—MOTORCYCLE & SCOOTER SHOW, Hot Springs Village Visitor Center; 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, FREE for fans, call Dan Gruben 501-915-9596 if you want to display your bike. Live music by Larry Wilson and food from Grampa’s Catfish House.

JUNE 28—SENIOR CRAFTS DAY, Plantation Agriculture Museum, US 165 & Ark. 1612, Scott.

Groups are welcome but reservations suggested; $5 includes craft supplies.

UNTIL JULY 31—HOT SPRINGS FISHING CHALLENGE, chance to win $250-$10,000 by catching one of over 50 tagged fish; fish must be presented with tag intact to win cash; Lakes Hamilton & Catherine; open to anyone with Ark. fishing license; 501-321-2277.

TAKE THE GRANDKIDS JUNE—MOVIES IN THE PARK, will feature FREE movies, every Wed. night, in June and July;

JUNE 22-SEP. 22—“HOW PEOPLE MAKE THINGS,” inspired by Mister Rogers’ Factory Tours, this interactive exhibit has four major manufacturing processes, accessed through hands-on activities, factory displays and role playing with costumes; Museum of Discovery; 500 Pres. Clinton Ave., Little Rock; 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Tues.-Sat. &1:00-5:00 PM Sun.; 396-7050.

Riverfront Park Amphitheater. Park opens 6:30 PM, movie starts at dusk, about 8:00 PM. Popcorn, candy and cokes available; coolers and picnics are encouraged. Bring a blanket and sit on the grass; seats fill up quickly. June 12, Twilight Breaking Dawn PG 13; June 19, Remember the Titans PG; June 26, The Notebook PG13.

JUNE—TEEN NIGHT, every Thurs. and FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT, every other Thurs., Oley Rooker Library, 11 Otter Creek Court, Little Rock; Teen Night at 5:00 PM; Family Movie (all PG rated) at 6:00-8:00 PM. FREE. JUNE—WILDWOOD PARK FOR THE ARTS is open FREE to visitors for a stroll or picnic (except during special ticketed events), 20919 Denny Rd., Little Rock; weekdays 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sat. 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sun. noon5:00 PM. 821-7275.

JUNE—CHILDREN’S LIBRARY & LEARNING CENTER; 4800 W. 10th St., Little Rock; FREE. Includes computer lab, teaching kitchen, greenhouse, garden, study rooms, theater, community room and walking paths.

JUNE—MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM, 500 Mid-America Blvd., Hot Springs; features over 100 hands-on exhibits; Tues.-Sat. 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sun. 11:00 AM-5:00 PM; 501-767-3461.

SEARCHING FOR A GOVERNMENT SERVICE OR BENEFIT?

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ry Benefit Finder at benefits.gov, a partnership of most federal agencies and organizations. This FREE, trustworthy source is userfriendly and makes navigating the Internet easy and quick. You will be asked a number of questions about your background and needs to determine the services and benefits for which you may be eligible.

MATURE ARKANSAS

june, 2013

9

S UC CESSFUL R ET IR EMEN T

Reducing Retirement Stress

By Anne H. Wasson

T

he American Dream of retirement is often viewed through rose-colored glasses: Lots of fun, interesting activities, enough money to pay for it all, and a stress-free life. However, that last illusion of a stress-free life is not the reality for many new retirees.

“Retirement can be stressful because it entails significant life changes that require adaptation,” according to Denise Compton, PhD, neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist at the Reynolds Institute on Aging and assistant professor at the Univ. of Ar. for Medical Sciences. “For persons who have never developed outside interests and hobbies, retirement may result in too much idle time that leads to feelings of ‘worthlessness,’ until new activities are developed,” she says.

“Apart from the obvious reduction in income,” says Sally Browder, PhD, a Little Rock private practice clinical psychologist specializing in older patients, “retirement can mean a major reorganization of one’s life, routine and even personal identity. People build their lives around work schedules or the schedule of their spouse…they may find that large segments of their lives now lack a structure they had taken for granted.”

“The ‘unknowns’ of retirement can produce strong fears,” according to Patricia L. Griffen, PhD and clinical psychologist in private practice in Little Rock. “Retirees may worry about their health, affording health insurance, about losing most of the social connections they had in the workplace. Grief over the loss of employment, especially if retirement was forced upon them rather than a choice, can be intense,” Griffen says.

Retirement may mean taking on new responsibilities, such as volunteer work. “While this can be rewarding and meaningful,” Browder says, “it is also possible to be overwhelmed by demands on their time.”

Compton adds that couples often face a major change in relationship dynamics, “particularly when one has been the homemaker while the other was in the workplace. The transition to both being present in the household

each day can be complicated and stressful.”

The stress disease “Stress is not a medical diagnosis,” Compton says, “but a term often used to describe feelings of pressure and tension due to the perception of too many responsibilities or challenging life situations.”

Dr. Denise Compton, Dr. Sally Browder, “Stress isn’t always neuropsychologist & clinical clinical psychologist dangerous to our health,” psychologist Browder says. “It is a normal part of living, because life involves change and change is always stressful. efficient daily functioning Even changes for the better, changes we seek • Loss of concentration and /or short-term out, are stressful because they require us to memory, meaning we don’t think, remember, change how we think and behave.” and solve problems as well “Stress becomes a problem when symptoms • Reduced immune system effectiveness, have a negative effect on health,” according increasing the risk of illness to Griffen. Stress can worsen chronic health • Increased anxiety causing excessive worry conditions such as cardiovascular disease, or fear diabetes and can accelerate aging. For older • Increased risk of depression, decreased people, who may already have several chronic interest in formerly pleasurable activities; health conditions, unrelieved low self-esteem, changes in appetite stress can worsen their overall • Muscle tension, body aches, headaches health.

• Irritability, frustration, moodiness, or a quick “Stress is dangerous to temper our health when we fail to • Avoiding responsibilities accommodate change; when • Withdrawing from others we keep acting like the world • Inability to finish tasks or taking on too many is one way when, in fact, it is projects at once; difficulty making decisions. another,” Browder says. “Our body gives us signals that Stress is treatable alert us to change.” Called the “Stress is entirely treatable and it’s never too “fight-or-flight response,” it causes increased late to get professional help,” Griffen advises. blood pressure and heart rate, upsets the digesAdjusting to the new circumstances of retiretive system and tenses muscles. “All of these ment takes time, Compton adds. “The first things prepare us to take action, whether the approach is to employ patience and creativity. change is small or substantial,” she says.

Developing new routines may require experiWaking up each morning and realizing mentation and trial-and-error learning to figure there’s no job to go to anymore can be a out what works. Flexibility and an open mind substantial stressor. “We choose, then how to are helpful when developing new interests and react to the stressor: Take a deep breath, laugh, activities that are satisfying and meaningful,” start running, focus on something positive,” she says.

Browder says.

“If stress becomes unmanageable, then develop a relationship with a trusted counselor Stress symptoms or psychotherapist to talk through options and • Changes in sleep (either too much or not strategies,” Compton advises. enough), causing daytime fatigue and less “Medications are not always necessary. We

Stress is a normal part of living, because life involves change and change is

always stressful.

10 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

prefer talk therapy first because it has a longer-lasting effect,” Griffen says. “Medications to help with sleep or anxiety may be prescribed for a short time.”

“A good evaluation of symptoms is necessary to determine whether medication should be aimed at anxiety or depression or both,” Browder says. “While a doctor can review the possible side effects, one usually begins with low dosages that minimize these problems.

“Typically, the safest medications,” Compton says, “are the newest classes of anti-depressants that also have anti-anxiety properties. Some are also helpful with appetite and sleep disturbance.”

Compton warns that “some classes of medications (benzodiazepines and sedatives) have potentially harmful side effects for older adults, including increased confusion and risk of falling, and they are habit-forming . Many overDr. Patricia L. Griffen, the-counter sleep medications can also clinical psychologist impair cognition,” she says.

Successful retirement tips “Those who make the transition (to retirement) smoothly have given it some thought and planning. They have a network of friends and family with whom they can talk and prepare,” Browder says. She advises starting with activities you love or things you’ve put off because you didn’t have time while still working.

Griffen recommends five natural ways to deal with stress she says really work if you incorporate them into your retirement lifestyle: • Exercise for 30 minutes, four to five times per week • Get fresh air outside every day; also permits the body to produce Vitamin D • Stay active and engaged with other people • Eat a healthy diet. Consultation with a nutritionist can help improve food choices • Get enough rest and sleep every day.

Griffen advises learning to live within your retirement budget. She also encourages retirees to getting in touch, and stay in touch, with their inner self. “This can be done through their spiritual/religious life, yoga, prayer, meditation—whatever works for you. It’s a very individual approach.” She advises her patients to get out of the house and establish a new routine. “I tell them, ‘your day starts when you go to bed.

After plenty of sleep, get up and get dressed; have breakfast and get going. Keep your routine constant.’”

Griffen says “evolve” is an important word to focus on when adjusting to retirement.

Browder offers other strategies to address stress symptoms: • Identify and focus on things for which you are grateful • meditation • get together regularly with friends/family • find meaningful ways to help others. ”If these don’t help, ask for help. Counseling and psychotherapy are increasingly available options to deal with life changes,” she says.

Evolve is an important

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For more information: 800-981-4463 www.arkansasrelay.com

word to focus on when

adjusting to retirement.

If you are interested in learning more about Mature Arkansas and how you could promote your business or services, please contact katherine@arktimes.com or call Katherine Daniels at 501-375-2985.

URE MKAATN SAS AR MAY, 2013

LEADING LADIES

HOW AND WHY UL SUCCESSF WOMEN EXCEL — OWN IN THEIR ..

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incapacitated. “These documents allow someone, such as a spouse or adult child, includes the various documents, wills, powers of attorney and other to help you if you become ill or are injured in an accident,” Harvey says. Adding a items your family should have before your demise. It’s not a fun child’s name to a bank account is not a topic but once it’s done, you can forget about it and enjoy retirement. substitute to having durable powers of attorney (POA).

• Durable Power of Attorney for Anyone who’s had the responsibility of tying up the many healthcare and a living will. A healthcare POA means legal and financial loose ends, at the end of a loved one’s life, delegating your healthcare decisions to a family member or knows it is essential to have this information. This friend, in the event you cannot, such as having dementia or month MATURE ARKANSAS is highlighting what being in a coma. “The form needs to name who will make you need, where to get it, where to keep it, and the decisions for the patient, what decisions can be made why you need it. The experts we’ve consulted (or cannot be made), when the power becomes effective, have made it simple for you to get started. as well as when it ceases (if ever), and who will be the “The biggest mistake we see most often back-up or successor,” Wolff says. Healthcare POA is also as people prepare for retirement is not called a healthcare proxy, appointment of a healthcare agent, taking the time to have a good estate or durable POA for healthcare. Remember, a regular durable plan prepared,” says Little Rock Attorney POA only covers financial matters.

Rufus Wolff. “Or, if they already have a will, “A healthcare POA is generally effective when the patient trust or other estate planning documents that are either does not have the mental capacity to make healthcare several years old, to have a legal check-up of their decisions or cannot communicate those decisions; however, existing plan to see that it fits their needs in the form itself may specify when it is effective,” Wolff adds. retirement.”

A POA can be written so that it goes into effect when the Raymon Harvey, a Little Rock attorney specializing Once it’s done, you can forget about it and enjoy in elder law and special needs trusts, says the biggest mistake is, “…waiting person is incapacitated. Harvey says he recommends against too long to do this and assuming adding that. “It makes the process more complicated because that everything will be taken care the agent has to obtain one or more physician statements of when they die.” It doesn’t before they can act.” have to be difficult or expenAlong with the durable POA for healthcare, you should sive; it just takes a bit of your also prepare a living will (also known in Arkansas as a time, well focused. Harvey Declaration Relating to Use of Life-sustaining Treatment). says, “You can classify every“A living will specifies what types of life-sustaining treatthing into two areas: what you ment is to be withheld in circumstances where the patient need while you are alive and what is either terminally ill with death impending or permanently happens when you die.” unconscious,” Wolff says.

“One suggestion I have for healthcare POAs,” Harvey says, What you need now: “is to talk with the person who serves as your agent (the • Durable Power of Attorney person to whom you entrust with the POA). Everyone has for financial matters. Without their own view of end of life and you cannot assume your this, no one can make finanagent understands yours or agrees with it,” Harvey says. cial decisions for you if you are • Medical records permission. You should also complete eady to retire? Have you done your “paperwork?” Paperwork

Photos.com, Feng Yu ©

12 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

y

By Anne H. Wasson forms allowing access to medical records and the patient’s healthcare providers. Federal law protects patients’ privacy, prohibiting access—even by family members—without written permission. This is a readily accessible form at hospitals and doctors’ offices.

• Last Will and Testament. “The essential documents at death deal with the disposal of property,” Harvey says. “Your ‘stuff’ will go somewhere and if you do not direct it with a will or trust, state law will make that determination for you,” he says.

If you write your own will, here’s what Wolff says it should include. “Any will should nominate both an executor and a back-up or successor. It should provide to whom the ‘residue’ of one’s property is (not just specific items). It should incorporate provisions of Arkansas law that allow the executor to do certain things in administering the estate, such as sell real or personal property, without court approval or serve without having to have a bond.”

Wolff adds that a holographic (hand written) will “must be entirely in the handwriting of the maker and signed by the maker. It requires three unrelated persons who do not benefit under the will to testify as to the handwriting and signature of the maker. This can be a problem since wills are generally kept private during the maker’s lifetime. retirement. If someone else writes the will or it is typed, then it is not a holographic will and must have at least two disinterested and unrelated witnesses who sign the will,” he says.

• Revocable Trust (also called a living trust). Harvey says this is important but not as critical as the durable powers of attorney. “Property held by a trust will not require the probate process,” he says, and that’s the main reason to establish a trust. “Other reasons are when there is a second marriage to ensure property passes to both families or when there is a disabled beneficiary,” he says. Revocable trusts are more private and much harder for other family members to dispute.

You can change, revise, update a revocable trust any time during your lifetime. Your assets (home, car, stocks and bonds, etc.) are transferred to the trust. You or your designee, serve as trustee on behalf of the beneficiaries you name. That means you control all the assets while you are alive. They go to your beneficiaries after death,

without going through probate. This process also avoids probate fees.

• Retirement plan asset documents. “For many people,” Wolff says, “their largest assets include retirement plan assets (401(k), IRAs) and life insurance. They will need information on their retirement plan assets, including beneficiary designations, and life insurance information, including ownership and beneficiary designations.

• Letter of instruction outlines any special requests, such as plans for a funeral and names of people to contact. It also should include important phone numbers, such as your employer and your insurance agent or broker. You can include a list of meaningful possessions you’d like to give to certain loved ones.

This is not a substitute for a will, but it helps clarify your intentions.

“Talk with the person who serves as your agent” -- Raymon B. Harvey, attorney at law

Options You can prepare some of these documents yourself.

There are examples on the Internet, if you know what you’re looking for. However, these documents will control what happens to you and your estate. Harvey says using an attorney to prepare them will, “avoid some common mistakes, explain what each document does and make sure it is signed and witnessed or notarized properly.”

“A mistake or inconsistency can lead to a very expensive and uncertain situation if you have to go to court to try to correct some mistake or have the will interpreted,” cautions Wolff. The expense will greatly exceed the cost of having an attorney prepare the will in the first place,” he says.

“Because a will is subject to some fairly complex laws and requirements, I generally do not recommend a holographic (hand-written) will (or a will prepared by forms or computer programs other than from a lawyer.”

“Passing your property with the least cost and complications is the next consideration,” Harvey says. “All the property you own at death, other than property owned with another or directed to another as beneficiary, will go through a court process known as probate.”

Probate is the legal proceedings that determine where your property goes and includes an inventory of your property including appraisals, settling outstanding debts, and distributing your assets as you have set forth

“Documents should not be kept hidden among the papers and files of the maker, where no one knows about them” -- Rufus Wolff, attorney at law

MATURE ARKANSAS

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13

in your will. If no one can produce the original will, any family member can challenge a copy in court. “Both having a will or not having a will require probate,” Harvey adds.

Will or Trust? “Just about any time a person has property that will require probate, a revocable trust that is properly designed and

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powers of attorney every five years. Wolff When there’s a need to produce a POA, recommends reviewing your estate plan every every entity requests the original—insurance three to five years, depending on the complexity, companies, utility companies, even the cable as well as when personal or financial circumcompany. To provide an acceptable copy, take stances change. the original POA to the Circuit Clerk in your Wolff says an important new update becomes county who will record it for the record and effective October 1, 2013. “The Arkansas make a digital copy that will be available there Healthcare Decisions Act will provide for an permanently, but replace‘Advance Directive’ that provides for both the able if you need to change appointment of a healthcare agent to make it. When an original POA is decisions, as well as addressing life-sustaining requested, send a copy of treatment. Any living wills or healthcare POAs the original, with the Circuit entered into before October 1, 2013, will have to Clerk’s stamp on it and they either refer to this new act or otherwise comply will readily accept that as with it to remain valid. Therefore, we will all “original.” The fee (set by need to review existing living wills and healthstate law) for a durable POA care powers of attorney to see that they comply,” is $10; the fee for a general he says.

POA is $15 for the first page There are several good advance directive and $5 for each subsequent forms readily available on the Internet. One page. for Arkansas is at aarp.org/relationships/careYour circuit clerk can also giving-resource-center/livingwill keep wills for safe keeping The new Arkansas Act for advance directives for $5. They are kept in a has an official form attached. “In some cases,” sealed envelope with your Wolff says, “there may be advantages to using your executor’s Harvey recommends keeping the original name, an attorney-prepared form as these can address and your attorney’s name. in a safe deposit box at the bank and issues that are not always on the pre-printed Those are the only people forms. For example, multiple agents may be to whom the clerk will give copies at home in a fire-proof safe. named, such as adult children, and instructhe original will. Your origtions as to who may make decisions based on inal will be kept safe until funded will be preferred to a will,” according availability may be useful.” Wolff adds that it is filed with probate proceedings, if necesto Wolff. “A revocable trust also greatly simpliboth the healthcare POA and a living will are sary. The circuit clerk in your county can also fies the management of one’s affairs if he or now required to comply with the Arkansas supply divorce papers ($5 for a certified copy) she becomes incompetent. If person does not Healthcare Decisions Act or state that which are often needed by the Social Security have a sufficient amount of property to require they are intended to Administration. probate ($100,000 that is owned individually) comply.

Where not to keep them: “The documents a simple will may suffice, in the event there should not be kept hidden among the papers and are other assets that are discovered or there is files of the maker, where no one knows another reason to potentially need a probate about them or would not be (such as, a claim or lawsuit that needs to be sure if what is found is current pursued after the person dies),” Wolff says. or some older version that has been replaced,” Wolff says. “It Where to keep documents is a good idea to provide a copy If you use an attorney, he or she will keep copies of estate planning documents to in their office. Harvey recommends keeping the adult children or other beneficiaries original in a safe deposit box at the bank and or at least explain the overall estate copies at home in a fire-proof safe. plan to them,” he says. This will avoid “What is most important,” Wolff says, “is surprises, as well as disputes about that the location of the originals is known to the what “mom or dad intended” after death. attorney and those persons named as executor, Updates recommended successor trustee or other positions of adminMost experts recommend reviewing istration. If the original documents are lost or your beneficiary designations periaccidently destroyed, copies can be used to Your ‘stuff’ will go odically. Always review them after prove the originals in court, if necessary.” somewhere and if you major life changes—births, deaths, Wolff says it’s important to have readily divorce, receiving an inheritance, accessible (yet safely stored) copies of these do not direct it with when a beneficiary reaches the documents because they are needed during lifea will or trust, state legal age, if a beneficiary becomes time. “Particularly a durable POA, healthcare disabled. Even if there are no life POA, and revocable trust documents,” Wolff law will make that changes, Harvey recommends says. “Funeral planning should be readily availdetermination for you. reviewing and updating durable able to family members.”

14 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

Missing Documents How to find them

WOODLAND H E IG H TS

If you have no clue as to where a loved one’s documents are, there are a few things you can do.

Search the home for any known“hiding places,”file cabinets, boxes or trunks in the attic or barn.

Check for documents tucked into books or bookcases.

Review every bank statement for payments to insurance companies and income tax returns for sources of investment income.

Check with the person’s bank or credit union to see if there is a safe deposit box.

Wait for bank statements, brokerage account statements and 1099s to appear.

If you think there may be missing accounts, contact MissingMoney.com

What You Need

Create a comprehensive file (or box or fireproof safe) that can be accessed in case of emergency—either a death, or in case of emergency after a natural disaster.

You should have originals or copies of the following: • Marriage certificate and divorce papers, if applicable

Photos.com, Stockbyte ©

• veteran’s discharge papers

invites you to join

Dr. David Lipschitz

as he completes a monthly series of talks on lifelong health

“Caring for Caregivers” Monday, July 15, Noon

• health insurance information • life and long-term care insurance information • proof of housing and land ownership (deeds) • proof of ownership of vehicles, business contracts/property • funeral pre-planning contracts, cemetery plots, and any prearrangements • list of brokerage and bank accounts, including stock certificates and bonds • contact information for all pension plans, IRAs, 401(k) documents • safe deposit box contracts and keys (Consider registering a family member’s name with the bank and have them sign a registration document. This will give them access without having to get a court order to open your safe deposit box.)

• the names and contact information for attorneys, doctors, accountants and financial planners • income tax returns—three to seven years’ worth

Dr. David’s greatest goal is to educate the public about aging. Most importantly, he aims to empower people with the tools to live longer, happier and healthier lives.

Lunch will be served.

This event is free but seating is limited.

Please call Wendy Hudgeons for reservations at 501-492-2911 or email whudgeons@woodlandheightsllc.com.

8 7 0 0 R i l e y Dr i v e L i t t l e R o c k

501-224-4242

• loan information, including loans made to others • list of your debts to avoid unpleasant surprises • list of on-line log-in information—user names and passwords are essential in today’s digital world.

woodlandheightsllc.com MATURE ARKANSAS

june, 2013

15

R E T I R E M E N T advice

HEALTH ADVOCACY

Didn't Plan for Retirement?

CDC Urges Widespread Testing Hep C highest among boomers

It’s not too late, here’s how

T

By Dwain Hebda

he vast majority of persons living with hepatitis C are baby boomers (born from 1946 to 1964), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is urging all baby boomers to get tested because, “it is critical to stem the increasing toll of death and disease from hepatitis C in this nation.”

A new multi-area study, released by the CDC late last month, suggests that“only half of Americans with hepatitis C have received complete testing for the virus. Up to 75% don’t know they are infected, placing them at serious risk for liver disease, cancer and death.” If they don’t know they are infected, they aren’t receiving medication. Up to 80% of HCV-positive patients can be cured, IF they receive proper prescriptions and other medical care.

Study results show that only about half of Americans identified as ever having had hepatitis C received follow-up testing to determine if they needed treatment. Even among individuals who receive an initial antibody test, as many as half do not know for sure if they still carry the virus.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an infectious disease that can damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure. HCV is the leading cause of liver transplantation. The primary means of transmission is blood-to-blood. Most cases are from intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, and poorly sterilized medical equipment, such as unprofessional tattooing or piercing.

The CDC has issued updated guidance on HCV testing to ensure people infected are properly tested and linked to treatment. They say everyone in the U.S. born from 1945 through 1965 should be tested. They also recommend that populations at increased risk for HCV get tested. Men are at higher risk than women; alcoholics are also at higher risk.

I

Take heart; it’s almost never too late to start providing for retirement.

Photos.com, Alexander Raths ©

16 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

f with each passing birthday you feel the clammy hands of Father Time tightening around your financial retirement windpipe, you’re not alone.

In its 23rd annual Retirement Confidence Survey, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reports that barely a majority of workers, (51%) feel “very confident” or “somewhat confident” of their prospects of enjoying a comfortable retirement. The 28% reporting they are “not at all confident” about their retirement planning is the highest since the survey began and underscores a growing pessimism over the ability to adequately fund retirement.

The EBRI survey reports 58% of workers over 55 have saved less than $100,000; only 19% more than $250,000. More telling still: asked if they could come up with $2,000 in 30 days for an emergency, 22% of retirees said they couldn’t do it.

The simple fact is, a staggering number of people haven’t saved enough for retirement, either through bad planning, bad luck or having to dip into the nest egg to offset a financial situation life kicked their way.

Curbed earnings growth, mounting debt and a cut-throat labor market have forced people to make hard decisions about where to allocate family revenues. Increasingly, retirement takes a back seat to other demands.

For the 50- and 60-somethings, who don’t have much rebound time, here’s what local experts recommend: Take heart; it’s almost never too late to start providing for retirement. Money managers say it just takes a dramatically different game plan to pull it off.

Hoyte Pyle, senior portfolio manager for Meridian Investment Advisors in Little Rock, said the fundamental levers of investing—strategic planning, capital outlay and risk—don’t change whether an investor has 40 years to work with or less than 20. What changes is the sophistication of the investor’s understanding of how to make these elements work together.

“We see a lot of folks who haven’t saved a lot, because they don’t understand how much they’re actually going to need to support the retirement they want,” Pyle says. “Someone who wants to draw an income of $50,000 and not touch the principal is going to need a million dollars to do that.”

Pyle’s recommendation is to first analyze your financial situation and determine needs and desires for retirement. Then, renew a focus on funding—as the luxury of time is now diluted—outlay will have to increase.

That might mean holding down a part-time job after retirement or

Parkview Towers

Photos.com, Jacob Wackerhausen Š

delaying retirement in order to amass the necessary funds. Those still employed full time should take full advantage of the company’s 401k, if the company matches contributions. Check with the human resources department to be sure you are contributing the amount that gets you the maximum match from the employer—essentially free money.

Pyle says people generally have more money to work with than they think, they just don’t know precisely where it goes every month. “Credit cards are some of the most expensive debt you can have,�

Pyle said. “Eliminate that and the high interest rates that go with it and it’s a quick way to free up money to put towards retirement.�

Risk is often considered a dirty word in late-retirement planning, but the fact is, risk is inseparable from investing; it cannot be eliminated, it can only be managed. A sound strategic plan strikes the right balance of growth and stability appropriate for the individual investor.

Pyle is particularly high on turnkey products where the fund is managed according to investor-set retirement date and financial goals.

A pA r t m e n t l i v i n g f o r s e n i o r s

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Enjoy All Utilities Included In Monthly Rent Security System With Intercoms Resident Manager On Property In-House Library Exercise Room Transportation To Local Churches And Grocery Stores Kitchens Equipped With Refrigerator And Range

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The Roth IRA, where tax is paid on contributions rather than at withdrawal, is another popular option.

While risk is a fact of financial life, investors should pay attention to some red flags that they may be taking unnecessary chances. Investors should think long and hard about bonds that aren’t highly rated. Rating reflects the issuing entity’s credit and therefore their likelihood to pay off the notes. Beware of those that concentrate too many assets in too narrow a field. “There are strategies out there that are very high risk and high reward,�

Pyle says. “I consider those grand slam strategies and if it pays off, you share in that success, but if it doesn’t it’s devastating.�

One seemingly obvious tip: take the time to consult a financial professional and listen to what they advise. Surprisingly, EBRI’s survey reported that only 23% of workers and 28% of retirees sought professional guidance. More incredibly, 68% ignored some or most of the pro’s recommendations.

But, it’s never too late to start.

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17

M O N E Y n by G ary G arrison

Secure Retirement Accounts If Divorcing

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arried couples share just about everything, including retirement planning.

Divorce, however, is a true game changer for retirement assets.

The U.S. divorce rate among adults over 50 doubled between 1990 and 2009. Almost 25% of divorces are now among people over 50. When divorce happens to people in this age group, it merits a thorough examination to ensure all retirement accounts are protected.

Retirement funds opened during marriage are treated in most states as marital property.

But if one of the spouses already has money invested in a 401(k) that was started before they married, that money is considered separate property. If divorce occurs, it won’t be included when the couple’s assets are divided.

In Arkansas, that includes any increase in the value of the investment occurring while the couple was married.

be correctly prepared to ensure it protects your rights and investments; if you wait to file a QDRO after your divorce you won’t like the results!

work is less than what you would get based on your ex-spouse’s work.

I f y o u r e m a r r y, you generally aren’t eligible to collect Social Security on your ex’s record unless your later marriage ends, either through death, divorce or annulment. If your ex-spouse hasn’t applied for retirement benefits but can qualify for them, you can receive benefits on his or her record if you’ve been divorced for more than two years.

There are more conditions pertaining to divorce and Social Security. For more information visit www.ssa.gov/retire2/divspouse.htm

who specializes

IRAs Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are treated differently. There are general state statutes that cover IRAs, but most of them are dealt with as part of the partners’ divorce settlement. It’s important that your settlement agreement specifies how this is done.

in divorce law.

Pensions Military pensions and state, federal, county and city retirement plans each have their own rules for divorcing couples. Talk to each retirement plan’s administrator to determine what actions to take.

Divorce is a true game changer

401 (k) accounts If a divorcing couple plans to divide a 401(k) or a pension, the court has to order a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order). The QDRO will allow funds in a retirement account to be separated and withdrawn without penalty, and then deposited in the non-employee spouse’s retirement account. The QDRO must

Anyone undergoing a divorce should have an attorney

Social Security Social Security is probably the most convoluted retirement plan where divorce is concerned. If the marriage lasted 10 years or more, you are eligible to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record, provided you are: a) unmarried; b) 62 or older; c) your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits; and d) the benefit you’re entitled to receive based on your

for retirement assets.

Get professional help Anyone undergoing a divorce should have an attorney who specializes in divorce law.

Representing oneself in a divorce proceeding is a recipe for disaster when retirement assets are included.

Another great resource is your financial planner. He or she can provide guidance so your retirement assets and plans can be preserved.

Mr. Garrison, president of Asset Protection Wealth Management, specializes in financial planning for retirement.

Retirement living at its liveliest.

Parkway Village redefines retirement with care-free amenities, active social life, a pet-friendly environment and 24-hour resident support staff. Ask about our multiple payment plans, including our NO ENTRANCE FEE option.

For a tour, call Mark Hamby at 501.202.1626 or visit online at ParkwayVillageAR.com.

18 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

GARDENING

Fireproof (Outside) Your Home Now

By Mary Hightower, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Ark. ummer’s here and its heat and dryness mean Arkansans need to be aware of all potential sources of wildfire around their homes. The last two years’ intense drought and the Christmas Day snowstorm left tons of broken trees and other deadfall – all of it potential fuel for a wildfire.

“There are so many ways to start a wildfire or feed one that we take for granted,” according to Tamara Walkingstick, associate center director for the Arkansas Forestry Resources Center.

Not tossing smoldering cigarettes from the car window may seem obvious, but many people don’t give it a second thought. “Many fires are started by cars,” she said. “A hot exhaust system parked over uncut dry grass can turn into a fire quickly.”

Recognize hazards around your home.

Eastern red cedars are a potential fire hazard because they contain resins that make them very flammable.

“If you have a large cedar with branches over the house, or anywhere near your home, prune them,” she said. “Create open areas that make it hard for sparks to jump and ignite new fires.”

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management recommends: • Clear a 30- to 100-foot safety zone around your house and all outbuildings. Remove flammable vegetation, keep the lawn mowed, and

• Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, dry vegetation) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings. If it can catch fire, don’t let it near your house, deck or porch.

• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

• Inspect and replace/repair roof shingles or tiles that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetraWell hydrated landscapes are better able to resist wildfires. tion.

• Cover exterior attic vents and make sure there are no branches overhanging under-eave and soffit vents with metal wire the roof. mesh no larger than one-eighth inch to prevent • Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, sparks from entering the home. eaves, porches and decks to prevent embers Contact your local fire department if you from igniting your home. have questions or an unusual situation such • Remove dead vegetation from under your as a home on a steep slope. deck and within 10 feet of the house.

Current burn ban and fire risk informa• Remove anything stored underneath decks tion is available from the Arkansas Forestry or porches.

Commission at http://www.arkfireinfo.org/ • Screen or box-in areas below patios and index.php?do:showWildFires. FireWise providecks with wire mesh to prevent debris and deinformation may be found at: http://www. combustible materials from accumulating. arkansasfirewise.com/.

Photos.com, Comstock ©

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Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory

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Snell Laboratory's professional staff members know that the precision engineering and technical innovations that go into today's prosthetic and orthotic designs are anything but child's play. Therefore, our practitioners and technicians participate in on-going training courses to ensure that even the most intricate devices consistently deliver outstanding benefits to our patients and their loved ones.

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MATURE ARKANSAS

june, 2013

19

Hosted and Organized by Senior Arkansas Sports Organization

M E D I C A RE M A T T E R S n B y Sally Johnson

Medicare Starts Mail-order Diabetic Supplies

Presented by

Racewalks Road Races Cycling Discus Javelin Shot Put

Swimming Horseshoes Airgun Tennis Archery Table Tennis Track & Field Raquetball Badminton Pickle Ball Bowling Rec. Events Golf

2013 S t a t e G a m e S

Hot Springs National Park September 19 • Beanbag Baseball Tournament September 21-22 • Cycling events October 2-6 • Games

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f you’re a Medicare beneficiary and use diabetic testing supplies, there’s an important change coming. Beginning July 1, 2013 Medicare will begin using a national mail-order program for beneficiaries who want diabetic testing supplies delivered directly to their home. The program will use only certain suppliers that have a contract with Medicare to sell supplies for a set price.

You can still buy supplies in person at any store that has contracted with Medicare to sell diabetic supplies at the set price. The amount Medicare pays for the supplies will be the same if you buy them through mail-order or in a local store. Companies that have contracted with Medicare cannot charge you more than the 20% coinsurance, plus any unmet

deductible.

You can also choose to buy diabetic testing supplies at any Medicare-enrolled supplier store accredited to furnish these items, but if the store doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, you may pay more. That means if you buy testing supplies in person, you should check with the store first to see how much you will pay. Stores that do not accept Medicare assignment may charge more than 20% coinsurance and any unmet deductible.

Medicare will mail a notice about the new option to beneficiaries now receiving mail-order diabetic supplies. It will explain what steps they may need to take. Beneficiaries won’t be required to get a new prescription from their doctor, as long as the current

MeMber National Senior Games association

RegisteR Now 1-800-720-7276 • (501) 321-1441 Email: arsrolym@hotsprings.net

Hall of Fame Inducts 5

www.srsports.org

EAT LOCAL

Inductees are (left to right): Wetzel LaGrone, Jean Ann Roddy, Paul R. Mruk, Ann Ashcraft, and Warren Blaylock.

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ive Arkansans were recently inducted into the Arkansas Senior Hall of Fame. The Senior Hall of Fame honors Arkansans over 65 who, through volunteering, have worked to improve and enhance the lives of other older Arkansans.

The award is given each year in May to coincide with Older Americans Month. This year’s inductees represent longtime volunteers committed to ensuring seniors have enough food to eat and a place at the table during policy decisions that affect older Arkansans.

The 2013 inductees include: Ann Ashcraft, 78, of Malvern, has served on several

20 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

boards and councils, including the Area on Agency Board of Directors.

Warren Blaylock, 92, of Alma, serves on the Crawford County Hospital Board of Directors and is a volunteer auctioneer for various charities.

Wetzel LaGrone, 79, of Dover, is an artist who donates his works to fundraising events. He chaired three Silver Haired Legislature Sessions.

Paul Mruk, 68, of Mountain Home, chairs the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and has endowed the Mruk Family Educational Center on Aging.

Jean Ann Roddy, 71, of Fort Smith, has been a delegate to the Silver Haired Legislature and delivers

Volunteer Spotlight prescription is valid.

Using a supplier that contracts with Medicare could save you money. If you switch suppliers, you might need to get a new prescription for testing supplies or arrange to have your current prescription transferred to the new supplier. Make sure to plan ahead so you don’t run out of supplies.

For more information call Medicare toll free at 800-633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov Sally Johnson is manager of beneficiary relations at the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care.

A

volunteer ombudsman can make a big difference in the lives of nursing home residents. Volunteer ombudsmen visit with and help residents with any concern. Protecting the resident’s rights is a priority. Volunteer ombudsmen are authorized to take complaints and report things they see that are questionable to their regional ombudsman, who can remedy the situation or improve conditions.

Volunteer Ombudsman training takes only one day, it’s free and it can make an incredible difference in the quality of life for residents. After training and a

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“We had an outstanding group of applicants this year, and the decision was tough,” said Krista Hughes, director of the DHS Division of Aging and Adult Services. “I think we selected leaders in our communities who are tireless in their pursuit of senior supports and services. We couldn’t be more proud of this year’s inductees.”

short orientation period you can become a Certified Ombudsman. You can choose to be assigned to a specific nursing home where just two hours of visiting per week is expected. Regardless of whether or not you end up becoming a volunteer ombudsman, your knowledge will increase greatly by attending an ombudsman training session.

Contact Martha Deaver at 501–450–9619 and she will put you in touch with your regional ombudsman.

He or she can give you details about the next local training session and answer your questions.

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MATURE ARKANSAS

june, 2013

21

Graffiti's: A Profitable Business G

raffiti’s, on Cantrell Road, has been a part of the Little Rock restaurant scene for many years. I think it was Paul Bash’s first venture, but could be wrong. I hadn’t been there in a while, but a visit with my favorite cousin and her delightful husband last week provided a nice opportunity to return.

Bear with me for a minute, though. I’d like to explore the idea of just what a restaurant is. A restaurant is, foremost, a business. Like any other business, its main objective is to produce profits for

Walleye Pike Filet the owners. I always have to keep this fact in mind, because I naively view restaurants as comfortable places to eat good food, drink good wines, and enjoy conversation and laughter with friends. That view is simply not realistic today.

A case in point: during our meal at Graffiti’s, I ordered a bottle of Bolla Valpolicello (sic, “Valpolicella”) from their wine list. This simple red wine with a hint of sweetness pairs well with most Italian foods. I buy it occasionally at my favorite wine shop for $8.39 a bottle. On their wine discount days, I get it for $7.13, before tax. At Graffiti’s, a bottle is $28.50, which represents a mark-up of almost 300%. Ah, yes, it is a business; I forgot again. And, that tells you something.

22 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS

To me, a restaurant’s main objective is to prepare and serve excellent food. When they do that, everything else falls into place. Customers enjoy their experience and come back. The owners often make a good profit, unless they hire terrible managers.

But, it seems that many restaurants today stay in business primarily through their bar sales. Food quality is secondary or worse. I can think of many other places that fit that description.

Graffiti’s refers to itself as an “Italian bistro.”

Fresh pasta is the foundation of Italian food. So, does this Italian restaurant consider it important to make its own pasta? At Graffiti’s, the answer is no. Making your own pasta isn’t particularly difficult, and the difference between fresh and commercially purchased pasta is profound. Again, that tells you something.

At Graffiti’s, we ordered cocktails (a martini and glass of wine), a small Caesar salad ($5.50), a half-order of spaghetti with meatballs ($6.95), and the Walleye Pike Filet ($18.75), and a Caramel Custard for dessert ($4.95). The food prices there are really quite reasonable…sort of. The salad was nice, the spaghetti and meatballs were forgettable, and the Walleye was bland. However, the custard was quite good.

The service was excellent. I think our server’s name was Lynn; she was friendly, attentive, unobtrusive, helpful — all the things you want. She is really quite good at her job.

In the end, though, our total tab for two was $96.16, before tip. Hmm. To me, that’s high for very average, undistinguished food, even if it is served in a “stylish, Italian bistro, with a modern California flare” (sic, “flair”).

And, that tells you something.

Graffiti’s 7811 Cantrell Road Little Rock 501-224-9079

Top 10 Snacks

Photos.com, Stockbyte ©

A WOULD-BE G OU R MET n by bob wood

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nacking can be part of a healthy diet if you choose nutrientdense snacks with relatively low calories. Snacks can serve as one or two of the four or five “meals” that nutrition experts recommend to keep blood sugar and hunger under control. Choose these 10 tasty snacks instead of empty calories like cookies, candy, soft drinks or alcohol: • Low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers • Nuts are nutrient-rich but also high in calories. Count out one serving and reseal the container to limit your calories.

• Keep raw, cut-up vegetables in a see-through container in the refrigerator. In addition to carrot and celery sticks, try sweet pepper strips, broccoli florets, asparagus and cucumber slices.

• If your budget allows, keep pre-cut packages of fresh fruit in the frig; add fresh berries and grapes in season. Canned pineapple, peaches and pears are less expensive and mix well with fresh fruit.

• Try dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, apricots or prunes. ¼ cup dried = ½ cup fresh.

• Frozen juice bars (100% juice) are an alternative if chewing raw fruit is an issue.

• Top low-fat plain yogurt with berries or kiwi fruit.

• Spread whole wheat toast with low-fat cream cheese or peanut butter.

• Spread peanut butter on apple slices or celery sticks.

• Popcorn, a whole grain, is healthy if you limit the salt and butter.

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24 june, 2013 MATURE ARKANSAS