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F E B R UARY 2 0 14
• cOFFee
the good and the bad
• go nUts for nUts • arthritis easing symptoms
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February 2014
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PR I M E TI M E February 2014 1944 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 Distribution Special Delivery PUBLISHERS Barry W. Fain, Richard g. Fleischer, John Howell MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella donnaz@rhodybeat.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com
WRITERS Jessica Botelho, michael J. cerio, John grow, Don Fowler, Tim Forsberg, Terry D’Amato Spencer, Elaine m. Decker, Joan Retsinas, mike Fink, meg chevalier, Joe kernan, kerry Park, kathy Tirrell, Jennifer Rodrigues
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Health & Wellness 4
Love, Health & Coffee
6
Living with Arthritis
8
A Nutty Legacy
the good, the bad and the delicious
Easing the symptoms – integrated therapy options
The virginia Spanish Peanut co.
10 One in a Million
Don Fowler talks about living with an Ostomy
12 ”Running with a
Wounded Heart”
Read an excerpt from Stephen morley’s e-book
14
RI Ocean Tides Senior Games keeping the body, mind and spirit active
18
Why the Y?
keeping active and getting healthy
PEOPLE & PLACES
glimpse of RI’s Past ..............................................................15 Love Stories - Faith in god and marriage...............16 ........................................................................17
LIFESTYLES
What Do You Fink .................................................................20
professional prospective
Your Taxes ..................................................................................19
SENIOR ISSUES
Retirement Sparks ................................................................10 Director’s column .................................................................19 Alzheimer’s Association ....................................................21 Need for Nursing Home Resources ...........................21
NEXTMONTH Aging in Place
A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications. PrimeTime magazine is published monthly and is available at over 400 locations throughout Rhode Island. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters unless exceptional circumstances can be shown.
February 2014
PrimeTime | 3
Love,
by JOHN gROW
I
t’s estimated that here in the U.S. last year, we drank 6 4 million cups of coffee, every single day. That’s a lot of coffee. And you hear a lot of talk about how bad it is for you. But every now and then, you’ll also catch a news blurb that says coffee is practically a health drink. Guess what? Nobody can tell you definitively if consuming coffee is a good thing or a bad thing. Normally one would say both positions can’t be right. But with coffee, they are. The key is a matter of when--and just how much--coffee you drink, plus how you as an individual metabolize the caffeine and other properties of coffee. Fifty-four percent of all Americans over the age of 18 (around 100 million of us), drink coffee daily, according to Live Science, Coffee 4 Dummies coffee research. Sixty-eight percent of us will have our first cup within an hour of getting up, and drink an average of 3.1 cups before we go to bed. Most of us have so thoroughly incorporated coffee into our lives that in a recent survey of coffee drinkers commissioned by Dunkin Donuts, 83 percent said they cannot imagine life without it. Women were asked a hypothetical question: If they had to choose to give up either their sweetheart or coffee temporarily, for a couple of weeks, which would it be? About 70 percent said they’d rather keep their coffee. Ogden Nash wrote, “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.” Maybe. But if you’re looking for a meaningful relationship, you stand a better chance with coffee. The vast majority of couples in long-term relationships said the first time they got together was over a cup of a coffee. Coffee is a stimulant. Alcohol is a depressant. That’s why society’s great lubricator is really coffee, not booze. Coffee makes us think clearer and faster; alcohol slows us down and confuses thought patterns.
H E A LT H and
And the caffeine in coffee helps us remember things, and communicate better and more easily. After a couple of cocktails some people can’t remember where they put their car keys. Coffee brings people together and creates a very egalitarian atmosphere. You might say that, to a large extent, modern Western Civilization was fashioned by it. Most every new idea, revolution and great romance since the 16th Century was fomented over a cup of coffee. The Ottoman Empire tried to shut down the first coffee houses in Istanbul for fear they were breeding unrest. And they were right. A combination of the invention of the printing press and the introduction of Turkish coffee in Europe helped bring on The Age of Enlightenment. Even the Boston Tea Party was planned in a coffee house. And, as we said, meeting someone somewhere for coffee is how two-thirds of all committed couples got started. “Coffee is an amazingly potent collection of biologically active compounds,” Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard
School of Public Health said during a National Institute of Health report. The fact is there are more than 1,000 active compounds in a cup of brewed coffee, and science has yet to figured out what they all do to the human body. Let’s start with some of the things we do know. Sex and coffee share certain beneficial attributes. Sex is good for your heart; so is coffee. Studies show that people who are healthy enough for sex, and have sex regularly, cut their risk for heart attack and stroke in half, according to Laurel House, noted lifestyle author. Likewise, a joint study by the NIH Cancer Institute and AARP, conducted for more than 10 years on over 400,000 men and women aged 50 to 71, showed that drinking coffee regularly (either caffeinated or decaf), lowers the risk of death from heart disease and stroke, as well as respiratory disease and several other causes of death, when compared to non-coffee drinkers. Two other studies, one in the U.S. and another in Sweden, found that older women who drank more than a cup of coffee everyday reduced their risk of stroke by 0 to 5
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February 2014
your health
percent. A Swedish study of older, coffee drinking men had similar results. Caffeine has been shown to protect against a lot of problems. One NIH study of heavy coffee drinkers (those who drink more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee a day), showed they seemed to be 4 to 8 times less likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease. Men and women who drink 3 to 5 cups a day during their 40s and 50s seem to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia by 70 percent when they’re in their 70s. That particular study was done in 2009 at the University of Florida, but the results are backed by other studies that show regular caffeine consumption slows the rate of cognitive decline in older adults. It also seems to have some cancer protection in older adults. UCLA produced an overview of several major coffee consumption studies in 2010. They found that people who drank 4 or more 8-oz. cups a day were half as likely to die of oral cancer--mouth and upper throat. They found a strong protective association between coffee drinking and lower rates of colon, uterine, prostate and liver cancer, too. The relationship of coffee and diabetes is a mixed bag. While several studies reported by AARP show that high consumption of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, they also indicate coffee may raise blood glucose levels in people with diabetes, at least on a short term basis. Both sex and coffee can help you lose weight and get in better shape. Several studies show that sex is an excellent cardio workout. It can also help weight loss because, when aroused, a person’s heart rate jumps from around 70 beats per minute to 150, or so. Sex helps the body burn something like 200 calories, which is about the same as walking three miles. Likewise, a study in Wisconsin showed that drinking coffee prior to exercising improves results. Two similar groups were asked to work out on a treadmill. One was given coffee and the other water 10 minutes before starting. They were simply told to walk as long as they wanted. The coffee drinkers kept going about 35 percent longer than the other group. The reasons for much of the good things coffee has to offer isn’t well understood. Some benefits come from the caffeine, of course. But others may come from one or more of a thousand other properties found in roasted, ground and brewed coffee beans. Coffee beans, remember, are seeds, and all seeds provide many substances that help our bodies once ingested; most importantly strong antioxidants It’s been suggested that drinking coffee is such a social ritual, the mere act of having coffee may provide benefits. Its recognized role in reducing depression may be due to just getting together with someone over a steaming cup. It can have dramatic affects on people’s moods. In 2013, Harvard School of Public Health issued a study which noted that people who drank 2 to 3 cups of coffee everyday were 45 percent less likely to attempt suicide. Clearly, there are several significant downsides to coffee we need to consider, as well. High levels of caffeine can
February 2014
lead to spinal bone loss in older women, so if you drink more than 3 cups a day you should consider a calcium supplement. Caffeine interacts with some medications such as thyroid medication, psychiatric and depression drugs. It also affects the antibiotic Cipro, and the heartburn medication Tagamet. Heavy doses of caffeine can also raise your blood pressure temporarily, so cutting back or switching to decaf would be a good idea if you have blood pressure issues. But the biggest problem with coffee is its acidity. It’s very irritating to sensitive digestive system. It exacerbates heartburn and acid reflux conditions. And there’s no way around it. If coffee causes you this kind of trouble, switching to decaf won’t help (it may even make it worse). The only solution is to stop drinking coffee all together. Caffeine will absolutely wreak havoc on many people’s sleep patterns. That’s one of its blessings as well as a curse. Experts have some very simple and very wise advice for this: Drink your last cup of the day at 2 p.m. or before. Nearly every study shows the major effects of caffeine are negligible after 6 hours. The average adult finds about 300 mgs of caffeine a day is beneficial, but too much more than that is counterproductive. So how much coffee are we talking about?
But you know, some people can pound down coffee all day and all night, go to bed and sleep like an innocent babe. Others can have a cup with dinner and be up until the wee hours. It’s all a matter of your individual metabolism. But on the whole, and for most people, coffee has a lot to offer. It can help you make a good time a little better, and help you get through those times that are not so good. Coffee can not only make you feel healthier, it can actually contribute significantly to your health. In this the most romantic of seasons, why not stop and, as they say, “Smell the coffee.” Only, when you do, make sure your sniffing the aroma with somebody special.
Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say: • An 8-oz. cup of instant coffee will give you 40 to 75 mgs. of caffeine; • An 8-oz. cup of regular coffee you brew at home contains 95 to 200 mgs. of caffeine, depending on how strong you make it; • A 16-oz. cup of McDonald’s coffee gives you about 100 mgs. of caffeine; and, • A 16-oz. cup of Starbucks’ brew delivers 330 mgs. of caffeine.
PrimeTime |
easing
your health
Arthritis symptoms Arthritis is the number one cause of disabilities in Rhode Island, as well as across the country. With at least 125 arthritis-related diseases in existence, the disorder causes pain, swelling in joints, stiffness, difficulty moving, and affects about 52 million adult Americans and 237,000 Rhode Islanders. “That number is increasing because baby boomers are in the prime age for developing osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis,” said Rebecca Farnlof, associate vice president of public health and advocacy for the Arthritis Foundation, New England Region Rhode Island office. “It is expected by the year 2030, somewhere in the area of 67 million people will be affected.” While there is no cure, integrated treatments such as aquatics, massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, walking, yoga, and Sun-style Tai Chi help ease symptoms. They are not intended to replace seeing a doctor, physical therapy, medication or surgery, but are to be used in conjunction with them. “When they are practiced properly, these therapies can be a piece of the puzzle for helping people manage pain,” said Farnlof, who has been working for the Arthritis Foundation since 1988. She has the beginning stages of osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder, in her fingers. “Managing pain is a big part of living with arthritis. The sooner we can manage it, the better. If you have symptoms for two weeks or longer, you should definitely be talking to a doctor. They won’t just go away.” To help, the Arthritis Foundation established the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, “a low-impact physical activity program” consisting of routines that reduce pain and decrease stiffness. It includes “gentle range-of-motion exercises” suitable for all fitness levels. Certified instructors at various agencies throughout the state offer the program, which is approved by expert physical therapists and Rheumatologists. Individuals are also able to experience the program in the privacy of their own home, as some routines are simple enough to replicate. One option best suited for in-
| PrimeTime
Integrated
Therapy Options dividuals who are hesitant to try new methods is aquatics. “You can do a lot more on water than on land,” said Farnlof, noting that water temperature must be at least 83 degrees. “The buoyancy helps a lot and takes the pressure off your joints. It supports your body while you move.” Renay Houle, who has been volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation for 25 years, agrees. In 1976, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Since her diagnosis, Houle has endured 24 surgeries. She started aquatics about 10 years ago, and plans to get back into it as soon as her doctor gives her the OK. “After 24 surgeries, that’s probably going to be the best form of physical therapy,” said Houle, also noting that acupuncture has been helpful, however, health insurance doesn’t cover it. But there are plenty of other inexpensive options, including Sun-style Tai Chi, a martial art developed by Australian physician Dr. Paul Lam. “It’s very relaxing,” Farnlof said. “It is a higher stance, so you are not putting as much stress on your knees. It [incorporates] smooth, slow, flowing motions. You’re not jerking your joints with punches, things you’re used to seeing in other marital arts.” Another effective exercise, she said, is yoga, which includes breath control, meditation and the adoption of bodily postures. The Foundation offers classes, as well as an instructional DVD. For individuals seeking a more traditional form of exercise, the Foundation recommends walking. People have the option to participate in group classes or opt for a self-directed program. “Most everybody can do some walking,” Farnlof said. Houle said people who are hesitant to experience new methods should look beyond any fear they may have. Staying active, she said, is half the battle. That’s why she rides a few miles on her stationary bike each day. “You want to try to stay as loose as you can, otherwise your joints will stiffen up on you,” she said. “A lot of the pain you have is because you haven’t moved. You have to start gradually and keep at it. If you want to get through it, you’ve got to try different things because sitting there feeling sorry for yourself isn’t going to make it any better.”
February 2014
Programs Offered through the Arthritis Foundation
sUn-styLe taI chI
• Safe, easy to learn & suitable for every fitness level. • Reduce stress • Feel relaxed • Increase balance and flexibility • Improve your overall mind, body and spirit
aQUatIcs
• Suitable for every fitness level • Reduce pain • Decrease feelings of isolation through social interaction • gain strength and flexibility • Improve your day-to-day life The Arthritis Foundation
exercIse prOgram is a low-impact physical activity program proven to reduce pain and decrease stiffness. • keep joints flexible and muscles strong • Sleep better • Increase energy • Improve your overall outlook
massage therapy
more people are looking for effective, natural solutions to supplement their pain management. massage can help you relieve pain naturally. Studies have shown massage can trigger an endorphin release that raises your threshold for pain. Specific types of massage for pain management like Swedish and sports massage can also help boost mood and relaxation by releasing oxytocin and serotonin. If you have chronic conditions like arthritis, massage therapy may be a helpful aid in managing pain. A study from the Touch Research Institute at the University of miami showed that receiving massage on a regular basis lowers anxiety, reduces pain and improves grip strength for those with arthritis. massage reduces pain, anxiety and depression and encourages relaxation, which can help restore normal sleep patterns. (courtesy of Massage Envy www.massageenvy.com)
yOga gentle movements can in-
The Arthritis Foundation
crease muscle strength, improve flexibility, enhance respiratory endurance, and promote balance.
exercise program that can reduce pain & improve overall health. • Walk safely & comfortably • Improve flexibility, strength and stamina • Reduce pain and feel great
acUpUnctUre A method of relieving pain by placing needles at particular points on the body. It is thought to decrease pain by increasing the release of chemicals that block pain, called endorphins.
WaLk WIth ease
Aside from exercising, maintaining a healthy weight is important. Excess weight puts people at a greater risk for osteoarthritis, so eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as food low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, is essential. “Is there a true arthritis diet? No,” Houle said. “But eating healthy is going to make you feel better. I eat a lot of vegetables and I don’t eat fried foods or a lot of red meat.” Remembering that there is hope is also healthy. A positive outlook can’t hurt. “I’ve seen the gamut of people living with arthritis and doing it very successfully,” said Farnlof, whose mother had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, while one of her sisters has psoriatic arthritis, a joint issue that often occurs with the skin condition psoriasis. Her two other sisters have advanced osteoarthritis. Farnlof, along with Houle, pointed out that following a doctor’s advice is crucial. They recommend talking to a physician to determine what’s best before exploring integrated treatments.
February 2014
“Work with your doctor in coming up with your plan,” Farnlof said. “Ask questions. And call the Arthritis Foundation. We have all kinds of information.” The Foundation also hosts support groups, as well as free seminars and expos that educate people on various topics. The next seminar will take place March 1 at the Radisson in Warwick beginning at 9:30 a.m., and focus on “More Life, Less Limits: A Seminar for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis.” “We’re going to have a variety of speakers talking about managing pain, fatigue, depression, how to eat healthy, how to increase energy with physical activity, and maintaining healthy relationships,” she said. “With any kind of chronic illness that requires a lot of management, it affects relationships. We’ll have specialists addressing these topics.” Learn more about the Arthritis Foundation at Arthritis.org, or by calling 739-3773.
Supporting veterans in need
Representatives of the Giovanni-Folcarelli Disabled American veterans Chapter #1 recently presented two checks for $500 each to the Providence veterans Administration Medical Center for Homeless Women’s veterans and the Homeless veterans to Donna Russillo, chief of voluntary services. The money was collected by the members from donations solicited at the Stop & Shop stores located at Commence Way in Johnston and Manton Avenue in Providence. From left to right are Adjustant-Treasurer Raymond Denisewich of Cranston, Commander Donald Bothelo of Johnston, Russillo, Judge Advocate John O’Hara of narragansett and Chaplain John D. Cesana of Charlestown. (Submitted photo)
PrimeTime | 7
DOER’S PROFILE
by JOAN RE TSINAS
people
and
places
Three Sisters with a
Nutty Legacy The three sisters – Candace, Shelley, and Ellen - work amidst piles of nuts. All kinds of nuts. Peanuts. Almonds. Walnuts. Pecans. Cashews. Pignolia. Brazils. Macadamias. Filberts, blanched and unbalanced. Pistachios. Nuts roasted, salted, raw, shelled. With raisins, cranberries, seeds and dried fruit added for variety. Candy and popcorn too. And chocolate of course: chocolatecovered almonds, chocolate-covered raisins, chocolate-covered cranberries. The sisters spend their days in snackers’ heaven. Although the nuts come from all over the country, as well as overseas, they end up on Dexter Street in Providence. For more than a century, The Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company has distributed snacks wholesale to the state’s restaurants, markets, social functions – and, retail, to ordinary Rhode Islanders: the bridge players, the brides planning wedding favors, the hikers eager for the Trail Mix packages, the foodies lured by the preservative-free peanut butter. The company does not advertise. It doesn’t need to. Once a Rhode Islander discovers this mecca of snacks, the grapevine takes over. Candace notes: “I love hearing those ‘I remember’ tales when people come in, saying that their grandmother came here, or that they come every holiday for ingredients for their favorite cake.” The company began in 1913. The sisters’ great-grandfather, Peter Kaloost-
ian, had arrived from Armenia when he was 20 years old, fired with an immigrant’s zeal to prosper. Since he spoke six languages, he first translated for the government. Eventually he opened a market, then a bathhouse, which he ran with his wife. Family lore holds that he next considered two possibilities: selling cars (in the early 20th century, cars were an iffy proposition), or selling nuts. Nuts won. The company started with a handful of employees. Peter marshaled customers from restaurants, candy shops, ice cream shops. And he enlisted the help of his two sons, Leon and Anthony. In time that second generation took over. Then on to the third generation – Leon’s children, Peter (the father of Candace, Shelley, and Ellen), and Robert. Candace recalls that her grandfather once thought of being an architect, had taken art courses; but the business needed him. And he didn’t regret entering it. She recalls: “He loved it. He especially loved the family part of it.” And he used his artistic gifts: she proudly points to the logos for the Brown Bear peanut butter, the Anchor Brand nuts, and the popcorn tins – all designed by her grandfather. She didn’t initially plan on working at the Company. When she graduated from University of Rhode Island, she intended to teach in an elementary school. But in 1980 when she graduated, teaching jobs were scarce. So when her grandfather suggested she join the family business “t e m p o r a r ily”, she did. Fifteen years ago Shelley KaloostianConti joined Candace, and, more recently, Ellen Kaloostian Ferrara joined the Leon Kaloostian in the original delivery truck (circa 1920) fold. Shelley’s
| PrimeTime
Sisters Ellen, Candace and Shelley husband Joseph Conti also works here. The quartet oversees this business. Over the years, they have added some new products; e.g., trail mix, concession ingredients (for making candy apples, cotton candy, and sno-cones), and chocolate coatings. The basics, though, remain the same nuts her great-grandfather sold. Munchers have always loved the Virginia & Spanish Peanut Company’s snacks. A century ago Peter tapped into a robust market for his wares. But today these wares are no longer simply yummy delights: they have gained favor as powerhouses of nutritional oomph. Dietitians now praise nuts for their proteins, antioxidants, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers from Harvard Medical School researchers followed 119,000 men and women: those who ate an ounce of nuts daily showed a lower risk of dying from heart disease and cancer. And they were slimmer than the non-nut-eaters. (The authors offer no definitive reason: it may be that people who eat nuts sprinkle them in salads.) In 2003 the Food and Drug Administration recommended a “fistful” of nuts daily as a preventive measure. Even chocolate, with their flavonoids (teeming with anitoxidants), has gained nutritionists’ stamp of approval. Indeed, chocolate-covered nuts are a healthy twofer. From the fifth generation, Shelley’s 23 year-old son, named Peter after his great great grandfather, works parttime at the Company, while studying at Rhode Island College. At the turn of the last century, Peter Kaloostian set down roots in Providence, building a company that continues to serve Rhode Islanders. He also built a family: 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 23 great great grandchildren. Wonderfully, the company and the family thrived together. A Rhode Island tale. The company has a small retail operation. See their website: www.vspnutco.com or call (401) 421-2543
(submitted photo)
FOR YOUR HEALTH Almonds are loaded with ingredients that increase energy levels, including vitamin E, phosphorous, vitamin B2, and magnesium, which serves numerous beneficial functions, including aiding in the production of energy and relieving stress and anxiety. Because they are rich in protein and fiber, almonds take longer for the body to digest, which means energy levels will stay up for longer periods of time than they would for those snacks that are easily digested. Almonds also contain healthy fats that curb appetite, making it less likely that men and women who snack on almonds will overeat and find themselves fighting the fatigue that’s often a byproduct of overeating. Peanuts are high in fiber and are an excellent source of protein. Walnuts, rich in omega3 fatty acids, can alleviate symptoms of fatigue. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that alphalinolenic acid found in walnuts can boost energy and relive depression symptoms. brazil nuts are rich in calcium
February 2014
KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY!
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February 2014
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Hearing Health Professionals Seniors with hearing loss more lively to develop dementia Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing, a study by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging researchers suggests. The findings, the researchers say, could lead to new ways to combat dementia, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and carries heavy societal burdens. Although the reason for the link between the two conditions is unknown, the investigators suggest that a common pathology may underlie both or that the strain of decoding sounds over the years may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia. They also speculate that hearing loss could lead to dementia by making individuals more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders. Whatever the cause, the scientists report, their finding may offer a starting point for interventions— even as simple as hearing aids— that could delay or prevent dementia by improving Christopher Curren, patients’ hearing. To find out more information visit: BC-HIS, HIS, Founder & http://gazette.jhu.edu/ 011/0 / 1/sePresident, HHPNE niors-with-hearing-loss-more-likely-todevelop-dementia/ One of the many concerns as people age is health care; staying up to date with immunizations, physicals, and screenings. As healthcare providers, Hearing Health Professionals of New England (HHPNE), realizes this and has invested themselves in making this process more streamlined to the general public. HHPNE has partnered with The Starkey Hearing Foundation, and the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in order to offer Free Hearing Screening Public Service events to our local communities. Through this program HHPNE offers Free Hearing Screening events for ALL Rhode Island and Mass. Employers. This means that any employer can host a Free Hearing Screening event for their employees as an added health benefit, for not cost. This encourages good hearing health practices and helps raise awareness of the importance of maintained hearing health. In addition to their community programs, HHPNE offers Free Hearing Screenings to all local Community Centers, Senior Centers, Adult Day Facilities, etc. If you have a need, they will be there. There is never a co-pay fee and your insurance is not billed. All Hearing Exams and Screenings are free of charge, as well as all follow-up appointments, counseling sessions, adjustments, and any in-office repairs. Contact Hearing Health Professionals of New England when you are ready to take care of your own hearing healthcare. Call 1-888-HEAR-CLEAR (1-888-43 -7 53) or 401-944-5000.
PrimeTime | 9
retirement sparks
senior
issues
b y elaine m . de c k er
Why We Forget More As We Age Recently I discovered a scientific basis for why we forget so much as we get older. To explain this, I need to put it in biological context. A woman is born with a finite number of eggs in her ovaries. Once they’ve all made that monthly journey down her fallopian tubes (or have shriveled up in situ), there are no more eggs to be had. It’s much the same with brain cells wired for memory. Our brains have a finite capacity for the number of things we can remember. Once our hippocampus is full (usually as we approach retirement age), there’s no more room for new stuff. Depending on your sentiments and the type of brain you have, you either fail to store any new information, or the new information bumps out something older that’s already in there. If you’re paying attention, you’re no doubt wondering how your gray matter decides whether to refuse to remember new information vs. getting rid of something older, and what that “something older” might be. A key factor is the state of the economy when you reach your golden years. Accountants will be familiar with two ways to value inventory: LIFO (Last In, First Out) and FIFO (First In, First Out). In an inflationary economy, companies prefer LIFO accounting. Inventory you
use up is valued at the higher cost of a recent purchase, rather than the lower cost of something procured perhaps years earlier. (Yes, I know that companies can’t just switch back and forth willy-nilly.) An older brain will simply refuse to remember something new unless it’s really important. In that case, in a deflationary economy (speaking hypothetically, of course), a FIFO brain jettisons the oldest memories first, if it can find them. A LIFO-economy brain bumps out one of the more recently-acquired pieces of information. This explains why, in the real world, those with failing memories can often recall things from decades past, but not from yesterday. Like everything else involved with gray matter, this is not a simple, clear-cut process. There’s a certain amount of emotion involved, too. If the positive emotional value of the memory about to be expunged is at least twice that of the new item, the brain will refuse the new information. Similarly, if the negative baggage of the old stuff is twice that of the incoming, it’s out with the old, in with the new. I hope you’re getting all of this. If you’re of a certain age, expect to be forgetting more and more recent knowledge from now on. Baby Boomers have little chance of approaching retirement in a deflationary economy. Interest rates
may start ratcheting up next year. If rates go up, can inflation (and LIFO memory) be far behind? Getting back to the ovary/eggs comparison. Scientific advancements enable a woman to use a donor egg to create a baby. We need to co-opt that science for gray matter in order to counteract the forgetfulness that comes with aging. We donate blood. We donate bone marrow. Is it too much to ask to be able to donate a few cells from one hippocampus to another? While we wait for this breakthrough, there are certain mental exercises you can do to help you retain the memories you cherish most. If you were paying attention three paragraphs back (and if you’re not functioning in extreme LIFO mode), you’ll remember that emotions can influence which older memories get expunged to make way for new ones. This tidbit is the basis for your exercises. Decide which memories you are determined to hold onto. Pair them with some positive emotional imagery. Focus on this pairing for at least two minutes. The emotional connection will now override the LIFO/FIFO functioning of your brain. The memories you want to keep will remain, regardless of where they are in the LIFO/FIFO hierarchy. Conversely, think of something
you’re perfectly willing to forget. Pair it with something repulsive in your emotional repertoire. Focus on this pairing for at least four minutes; (bad stuff takes twice as long to jettison). The emotional connection will similarly override the hierarchy. There you have it. A simple explanation for why we forget more as we age and easy-to-perform exercises to manage this problem while we await a scientific breakthrough to allow brain cell transplants. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to scatter some notebooks around your house and in your car. And several pens or pencils. Write down anything really important, and then hope you don’t forget where you put the notebook. You can thank me later, if you remember. Copyright 2014 Business Theatre Unlimited
Elaine M. Decker’s books—Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks and CANCER: A Coping Guide— are available at Books on the Square, the Brown University bookstore, and SPECTRUM-INDIA, on the East Side of Providence, and on Amazon.com, including Kindle editions. One of her essays appears in the recently published anthology: 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com.
your health
by DON FOWLER
I’m One In a Million (Living With an Ostomy) There are over a million of us in the United States. They call us “Ostomates”. Before our operation, we suffered from ulcerative colitis, cancer, or Crohn’s Disease. The surgery requires the removal of our large intestine, or colon, and the creation of a bright red stoma, sticking out of our stomach just below our navel. You can’t tell who we are, unless you’re in a nudist colony, because the stoma is covered by a bandage and a plastic bag. And our clothing covers the bag. It is not easy to join our group. Most of us went through a lengthy initiation, highlighted by years of pain, discomfort, weight loss, cramps, diarrhea, and quick and lengthy trips to the bathroom. You don’t hear much about ostomies. Conversations about high blood pressure, arthritis, and triple bypass surgery are acceptable topics, but diseases of the small and large intestines don’t make for proper dinner conversation. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we are cured, and go on to lead nearly normal lives. Rhode Island Ostomy Association There is an organization for every disease known to mankind, and an ostomy is no exception. The Rhode Island Ostomy Association is a non-profit, all-volunteer group of over 200 people of all ages who meet four times a year at local hospitals in a support group atmosphere. Doctors, nurses and medical suppliers provide us with the latest information, and people like me, who have lived
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with an ostomy for years, provide “Mutual Aid” to new “ostomates”. Not a meeting goes by where we do not learn something new that will make our lives easier. I’ve lived without a colon for over twenty years, and believe me, it beats the alternative. At its worst, the ulcerative colitis caused extreme stress, anxiety, pain, and loss of appetite. While I was never a fan of fast-food restaurants, I knew the location of every McDonald’s and Burger King in the state, knowing where I could find a clean, private, easily accessible rest room. Being a theatre critic, I used to get irritated when an audience member got up in the middle of a performance, but I soon became empathetic when I realized that in every group there were probably a small percentage of people suffering with some form of intestinal disease. Famous Ostomates My surgery was performed in April of 1990, and I was back to work by the end of May. Like most major surgeries, a period of rest and recovery is necessary. My goal was to be back playing tennis by the end of the summer…and I was. Lying in the hospital after the surgery, I was visited by a psychiatrist friend who I played tennis with, never realizing that he had an ostomy. A lawyer from West Warwick visited, and told me of his many skiing trips. I visited a young woman who had given birth to a healthy son following her ostomy operation. I learned that there were others who led normal lives. When Pope John Paul II was shot, doctors had to surgically create an opening in his colon, performing a temporary colostomy. Champion pro golfer, Al Geiberger, battled
intestinal problems for 20 years when he was rushed to the hospital during the 1980 Gerald Ford Invitational, where doctors performed a permanent ostomy. He continued to play golf (and won) and joined the lecture circuit, encouraging others with ostomies. Remember San Diego Padres placekicker, Rolf Bernischke? He kicked a 29-yard field goal to lead his team to an overtime victory against the Miami Dolphins, in what many sports fans consider the greatest game ever played. Benirschke is a spokesman for one of the ostomy suppliers, traveling the country giving inspirational speeches, filled with humor about how his teammates protected him and kidded him in the shower room. “Don’t forget your bag, Rolf!” was the call when he headed on to the field. There are thousands of other famous and not-so-famous people out there suffering from gastrointestinal problems that may lead to ostomy surgery. Chances are you have sat next to them at the theatre or stood alongside them in an elevator. Many are still suffering and hoping for a cure. Many, like me, are more fortunate. We may have a slight inconvenience in our lifestyle. But we are cured! We play tennis, swim, golf, ski, travel, and lead “normal” lives. And for that we thank God…and our doctors. Editors Note: Don Fowler is President of the RI Ostomy Association. If you would like more information about the support group, call him at 461-4405, or e-mail donjoycefowler@aol.com.
February 2014
test! n o C d ir B ly r a E l ia c Spe Fe b r uary 10th Deadli n e
❤
Find the HEART for a chance to WIN a Pair of Tickets to Shen Yun Performing Arts at PPAC!! February 2014
mail entries to:
ACTUAL ❤ Beacon Communications SIZE 1944 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI 02889 attn: I Found It! or send an e-mail to: donnaz@rhodybeat.com EARLY BIRD DEADLINE – Entry Deadline: February 10, 2014 Name__________________________________________________________________________________ Address_ ______________________________________________________________________________ Phone#________________________________________________________________________________ e-mail__________________________________________________________________________________
PrimeTime | 11
by STEPHEN mORLEY
the story of a cardiac athlete. I was born in London on the east side. So, officially, I qualify as a Cockney, or for those of you familiar with British soaps, an Eastender. For the past twenty years I’ve lived in East Anglia in the East of the UK. I live in a little village: in the lovely Suffolk countryside, just outside Newmarket with my wife Clyrene and our cat Sammy. Suffolk is a really nice County for running with lots of quiet country lanes, bridle paths and footpaths around farmer’s fields. The environment suits me perfectly and gives me a wonderful feeling of peace and contentment when I’m out running. People take up running for all kinds of reasons. Some people run because they want to lose weight, some to improve their health. I started running late in life as a way to improve my fitness. However as a sixty something athlete, I now find the mental aspects of running are as beneficial to me as the physical. A few years ago I began to notice that ideas for stories would come to me while I was out on my regular runs, so I started to write a few of the stories down. The first story that I wrote was about the heart attack I had in November 010 during a seven mile road race. A wrote it soon after the event in late 010. When I revisited it and realised that three years of running and recovery had elapsed, I thought I’d give the story an update. I started writing and didn’t stop. The result was “Running with a wounded heart.” The story of a Cardiac athlete.
enjoy this excerpt from steve morely’s e-book Running With a Wounded Heart. to keep reading, purchase a copy at www.amazon.com
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February 2014
YOur Health
RUNNING WITH A WOUNDED HEART
head saying, “We need to slow down a bit; I think I’m getting a stitch. We really need to ease off the pace; I think my legs are going to cramp”. This was no trick. This was no Preface mind game. Something was wrong. Sunday, 14th November Something I had not experienced 2010. The Stowmarket before. I slowed the pace right down Scenic Seven Mile Race. almost to a walk and gave up any thought of catching the runners I had just passed the six-mile mark- ahead. I needed to figure out what er. I’m thinking, just one more mile was wrong. Do I have to stop and quit to go. Around the next corner the the race? I wondered. I kept my pace hill was waiting. I had run the Scenic to just above a walk and slowly the 7 race many times before. Each year pain subsided. A few minutes later I would enter the race completely and the pain had passed. By now I forgetting about the hill. Usually I’d re- had almost reached the top of the hill member just as I was lining up at the and the road had started to flatten start line. You would hear somebody out. I was feeling better. “What the ask, have you done this race before? A hell was all that about?” I asked myself few mumbled comments would usuout loud. The pain had gone as quickally come back from somewhere in ly as it had arrived. My next thought, the crowd, followed by the inevitable was there still time to speed up and unwanted and unsolicited advice. maybe make up a few more places? I Well watch pushed out for the hill hard and My name is Steve Morley, I’ve just at mile six, it’s passed been running in a seven-mile road race a killer and two I’d suddenly runners and I think I am having a heart attack remember. Ah as we enyes, of course, tered the last 100 yards to the finish, The Stowmarket 7, the race that ends but how much time had I lost? with the killer hill. I completed the 7 miles and saw Well now the killer had arrived and the clock at the finish line. My time as the hill got steeper it was making was disappointingly slow; my slowest its presence felt. I hate running up ever for this race. Still at least I had hills. This one was a nasty one and made it and I seemed to be in one I wasn’t enjoying it. To be honest, I piece. I rang my wife to let her know hadn’t felt that great even before the that I was ok. “How did it go? She hill. It seemed as if I had not been asked”. Not too good, it was a terrible running well for months. From about time, the slowest ever. I don’t know July onwards my race times had been what’s going on. Anyway at least I getting progressively slower. It was finished the race and lived to tell the now November and, even leaving tale. “Oh good; I’ll put the Insurance aside the hill, what should have been Policy away then shall I?” She said. We an easy seven-mile race was turning both laughed. into a real struggle. I’d gone to the race with Kevin, a The hill was steep but it didn’t go friend from our local running club, on for that long. Once over the top the Brandon Fern Hoppers. I just had the going gets easier and you have to drop him back to Brandon then it a nice run in to the finish. Seeing a would be straight home for a shower, group of runners about twenty yards something to eat and a chance to ahead of me, I decided to push on. I put my feet up. We headed off and at picked up the pace and lengthened first everything was fine but we’d only my stride. Almost instantly the pain been on the road about ten minutes arrived. I say pain but it wasn’t pain when the pain started again. I took like somebody kicking you in the shin some water but decided not to say or as if you were stuck with someanything to my traveling companion. thing sharp. Not that kind of intense Then I started to sweat. I mean really pain. It felt more like the sort of pain sweat; water was literally falling into you might feel if somebody punched my lap like I was standing in the rain you in the stomach. Like all the wind and the intensity of the pain indecides to leave your body and sudcreased. Suddenly I knew with an abdenly the whole inside of your chest solute certainty what had happened seems to shrink to half its normal size. to me during the race and what was You know when something is not happening to me now. I was having right. I am not an elite athlete but I’ve a Heart Attack! There were no sharp been running, playing badminton pains in the chest, no pain radiating and generally training long enough to down one arm. I had none of the clasknow my body well. I know when it’s sic Heart Attack symptoms, but there on song and performing and I know was no doubt in my mind. when it’s struggling. I also know all its Kevin, I don’t want to worry you mate little tricks. but I think I need to go to the Hospital. The mind games it plays with me. He took one look at me and The little voice that you hear in your RUNNING – PAGE 22
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February 2014
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a worthy cause
b y Mi c hael j . c erio
keeping the
Body, Mind, Spirit active It’s been nearly 15 years since Nancy Dobie taught her last physical education class, but for a person whose life has heavily focused on athletics—she was a threesport athlete at the University of Connecticut—not even two hip replacements and a soon-to-be-replaced knee can hold her back. And, for the past 7 years, she’s brought hundreds along with her for the ride. Today, Nancy is the chairwoman of the Rhode Island Ocean Tides Senior Games, a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the Rhode Island Senior Agenda Coalition that encourages adults ages 40 through 80 and above to remain active in life through participating in organized sports. “I’ve always been a people person, and once I retired, I quickly realized that many of the sports I taught were truly lifelong activities,” says Nancy. “Although I sometimes feel like my body is falling apart, I’ve always felt young at heart and wanted to find a way to help others become more active and feel good about themselves.” As someone who has played their fair share of organized sports over the years, I find it difficult to put into words just how inspiring the work of Rhode Island Ocean Tides Senior Games is. Sitting down with Nancy not only put into perspective how important and beneficial it can be for older adults to become involved again in sports, but also how life can often come full circle. Calling it one of the “greatest joys of being a teacher,” Nancy, who taught in Seekonk, MA for more than 30 years, touched thousands of lives during her career. Now, with many of her former students in their 50s, she’s had an opportunity to reconnect with those who participate in the organization’s games. A relatively new group, the Rhode Island Ocean Tides Senior Games began in 2008, creating athletic opportunities for people over the age of 50. Recently, and due in part to its success, they lowered the entry age to 40—allowing more people with a desire to remain active and fit an opportunity to do just that. “We made this change because we found that for people who played sports when they were younger, a gap existed between what was available in the years following college and being a senior where people still wanted to continue playing sports,” says Nancy. “This brought in a whole new group of people, and it’s been fantastic for everyone involved—they all see the benefits of exercising, meeting people and being energetic in their own community.” With a new year of activities on the horizon, Nancy was eager to speak with PrimeTime about the benefits that the Rhode Island Ocean Tides Senior Games offer those who wish to relive their athletic prowess of yesterday.
A list of sports and activities planned for 2014: • Men’s Basketball & Swimming: Saturday, May 31 – Roger Williams University (Bristol, RI) • 5K Cross Country Run/Walk & Track and Field: Sat., June 21 – Wheeler School Farm (Seekonk, MA) • Sailing: Saturday, June 28 – Bristol Yacht Club (Bristol, RI) • Bocce: TBA at Bristol Town Beach (Bristol, RI) • Bowling—Duck Pin: TBA at Dudek Lanes (Warren, RI) • Bowling—Ten Pin: TBA at AMF Cranston Lanes (Cranston, RI) • Golf: TBA at Agawam Hunt Country Club (East Providence, RI)
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Al Freniere participates in the Long Jump during the Rhode Island Ocean Tides Senior Games’ track and field event in 2012. (photo by Paul Palange)
➤ What are some of the sports you offer?
We offer a wide-variety of games: bowling, basketball, track & field, golf, a road race, swimming and even sailing. This coming summer, we’ll also add bocce Bristol Town Beach. We’ve really focused on having sports that are very active and require strength and endurance—those that would be considered fast pace—and then we have other sports, like bowling, which are more relaxed and reach a different group of people. There are all different levels of athletes and we make it a point to offer sports that appeal to everyone. Most importantly, it’s all about getting people involved, and we’ve been fortunate to have over 200 participants across all of our activities each year.
➤ Leading an active lifestyle is important for people of all ages—would you say it becomes even more important as you get older?
Yes, without a question. Most seniors are retired, so not only is this an outlet that keeps them active, it also allows them an opportunity to socialize, which I believe is important to keeping the mind and spirit going. These types of activities allow people in their senior years to feel good about themselves and not dwell on their own aches and pains—particularly with swimming, which is one of our biggest programs. It’s the perfect sport to be relaxed. You get in the water and don’t have to worry about pounding the old knees, hips or joints, which many of us went through in our younger sporting years and are now paying the price for. If you’re a senior living alone, it’s not hard to get gloomy or down in the dumps if you don’t get out of your house to be active with people, which can lead to other debilitating issues—both mental and physical. A big part of all of this is helping people stay healthy enough to remain in their homes—no one wants to go to a nursing home or rely on long-term care. So, hopefully, we’re providing a mix of activities for people that will help them achieve their goals.
➤ Does everyone who gets involved have a background in sports, or are the games set-up for people of all ages?
We welcome everyone, regardless of their skill level; its part of what we are founded upon. The important thing is for people to have fun, socialize, and see that participating in sports again can help flexibility and strength. People feel really good about their involvement, and they should. We have t-shirts and hats so we can suit-up an athlete—you should see the confidence this gives everyone. And, after all is done, they get a medal. People absolutely love them. They take them home, they wear them; hang them up, and later they give them to their grandchildren. The grandchildren are delighted and will often brag, “This is grandma’s medal from running the 100 yard race.” While some of our participants still have that competitive drive, many are past that point in their life and just want to come and see what they can do and be proud that they’re still able to do something, even if it’s not as fast or as long as it used to be, but they’re still there—so much comes from within.
➤ What sort of feedback do you get from those who get involved?
The biggest thing I hear is, “I feel like a kid again—I never thought I’d still be able to do this.” For a lot of people, again, even though they can’t swim or run fast, or play basketball like they used to, participating brings back happy memories of their younger years. We also hear people say that they feel better physically, notice a good change in their bodies and are having fun while seeing old friends and meeting new people. That’s what it’s all about. February 2014
your health ➤ Do you ever have people get involved in one sport and then participate in others?
Absolutely; participating in one sport can give someone a lot of confidence, and then they want to try something else once they see the list of everything we offer. We have a number of people who sign up for several different sports, which is why we’ve adjusted the entry fees to make them even more accessible. To organize everything you offer, you must have a lot of community support—who are some of your partners? We’ve worked very hard to generate community support, and now have people coming to us who say they like what we’re doing and want to help. Some of our sponsors and supporters include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Walgreens, Gilbane, Bristol Yacht Club, Wheeler School, Rhode Island Senior Agenda Coalition, Roger Williams University, Agawam, Dudek Bowling Lanes, AMF Cranston Lanes, and so many more. We are also an integral part of the new QuintaGamelin Community Center in Bristol. It was the old Army reserve building that’s been turned over to the town and is in the process of being remodeled and updated. It’s going to be an incredible resource, not only for us, but for so many people. And, of course, in order to host our games, we need to have facilities. Roger Williams University has been great; we have access to their pool and gym. It’s the same thing with the Wheeler School, which allows us to use their beautiful facilities in Seekonk. I also can’t stress enough how wonderful a partner the Town of Bristol has been, particularly Walter Burke, who is their director of Parks and Recreation. He has been instrumental in making the new community center a reality.
➤ What would you say to people who are considering getting involved, but may be apprehensive?
That’s an easy one. I’d tell them to bring a friend who is fun to be with and come and make new friends. When people bring a friend, I find that they are more comfortable going into something new with somebody they know. Get involved with us and rekindle your love for sports. Most importantly, have fun. You’ll never know how good you can feel until you give it a try.
➤ How does the future look?
Well, thanks to the Quinta-Gamelin Community Center, we’ll be building two new pools for a new aquatics center. One of them will be a warm weather wellness pool featuring a ramp and stairs for entry. It will make it possible for very young children to walk into the pool at their own comfort level, and will also allow for people in wheelchairs and walkers to get into the pool for arthritis relief and physical therapy. The other pool will be a regulation 25-yard lap pool. It’s also my vision for the center to allow us to add new activities like, yoga, Pilates, badminton, volleyball, basketball—we’ll have a variety of activities for people of all ages.
➤ Lastly, how can folks contact Rhode Island Ocean Tides Senior Games and sign-up?
Even though we have all of this information up on our website (www.riotsg.org), a lot of seniors are not on computers, so it’s important that we also have everything in paper form. Folks just need to call me at (401) 253-1425 or send an email to RhodyTides@ aol.com and I’ll be happy to help them out. The entry fees for all our activities are very reasonable and include t-shirts, hats and awards.
February 2014
A GLIMPSE OF RI’S PAST
PEOPLE AND PLACES
h i s t o r y w i t h T e r r y d ’a m ato S p e n c e r
Warwick’s Hotels Duringing the Colonial Period, Warwick’s need for “hotel” rooms was met by the various taverns in the town. Stagecoach lines running through Rhode Island often stopped at well-known establishments such as the Greenwood Inn and the Carder Tavern. In the nineteenth century; during the apex of the textile industry, hotels and boarding houses grew to accommodate that industry. The Carder Tavern in Pawtuxet, a large imposing structure built in 1740 still stands at 118 Post Road. It was built by Malachi Rhodes III and was used for town meetings as well as a stagecoach stop and inn. During the Revolutionary War, the Carders, “men of quality”, ran the tavern and played host to a number of important figures of the period. Among the tavern’s most famous guests in the 19th century were Chan and Eng, the original Siamese twins. The role of these establishments was minor in comparison to today’s demand for hotels in the city. This need has been greatly accentuated by the $300 million terminal at Theodore Francis Green Airport and by the $25 million federal grant to extend Boston’s Amtrack service directly to Warwick. In 1978 the Rhode Island Inn, conveniently located on Post Road, close to the airport, gave Johnson & Wales a unique opportunity to train culinary arts and hospitality students. The slogan “Dine Inn Style Plantations Room” helped bring Warwick residents into a closer union with the school. The Rhode Island Inn at 2081 Post Road is now the Radisson Airport Hotel. This 111 room, full service hotel, a Johnson & Wales university educational facility, allows tomorrow’s hotel managers and executives to gain the necessary hands-on training in the industry. In 2000, in keeping with the rapid growth and demand for new facilities, Carpionato Properties officials have announced the construction of a new Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and the Airport connector. This 147 room structure offers free parking and complimentary airport shuttle service for overnight travelers. Warwick’s reputation as a host city continues to grow throughout New England. While sitting in Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, I overheard one well traveled lady comment, “I’d much rather fly to Green Airport in Warwick than to Logan. The hotels there (Warwick) are excellent.” The hotel business in Warwick began in earnest after the building of the state airport in1932. Earlier, in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, however, it had served as a place to house railroad and mill workers. When World War II brought a great deal of activity to Quonset, some of the city’s large homes became temporary hotels and made rooms available for service men and their wives. During World War II short term housing was at a premium. Mrs. William Spencer, owner of the lovely Vaughn-Goodwin House at 51 Hesper Drive in Cowesett, opened her house to a few navy couples for the duration of the war. The Vaughn-Goodwin house, once known as “Sunnybank” has been beautifully restored by Jeanne Smith Haroian and is once again one of Warwick’s beautiful Victorian homes. The Daniel Arnold Tavern, built in 1750, served to contain the British General William Prescott. In a daring raid, Prescott was snatched from the home of his mistress in Portsmouth and taken to Warwick. His brave captors came across the bay undetected under the guns of British warships. The tavern was demolished in the 1950s. During the Colonial and Revolutionary Eras, travelers on horseback or by coach often came from Boston through Warwick on their way south. The stagecoach was slow and the stops frequent. It often took more than one day to get through Rhode Island. Fortunately for these early travelers, some excellent inns were available. The Golden Ball Tavern in Pawtuxet, built in 1799, was one of the finest in the region. Ernest Lockwood, writing in 1937, tells us, “The sign of the Golden Ball was, no doubt, a signal relief to the weary traveler who felt assured of the cheer and comfort of good food and drink, and a night’s lodging beneath its hospitable roof ”.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn at the Crossings) attracts modern travelers in much the same fashion that the Golden Ball Inn did many years earlier. As did the ancient structure, it provides meeting rooms and quality food services. In addition, its spacious grounds provide adequate room for dog shows and other competitions. Today, more travelers are finding that Warwick is an excellent base from which to work and play. Long-term hotel suites have been built to supply that need. As more businessmen and women find Warwick a convenient place to conduct business, suites that can serve as temporary offices are in demand. Main Stay Suites at 268 Metro Center Blvd. in Warwick provides travelers with the comforts of home and the essential utility of an office. Today, rapid transportation by train, automobile or plane has made the world a smaller place. The demand for good quality inns, however, remain as high as it did two and a half centuries ago.
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people and places
b y jessi c a a . botelho
Faith in
God
R
aised a Roman Catholic, Ernest Botelho Jr., 33, has always known he wanted to marry a woman who shares his religious faith. He found the perfect match at church six years ago when he met Meghan Souza, 28. “I saw her giving Communion and the first thing I thought was, ‘Here’s a woman that’s close to my age who doesn’t seem to have an issue staying faithful to God,’” Botelho said. “I was just impressed by her.” Souza, who along with Botelho is a Eucharistic Minister, felt the same. She found it refreshing to see a young man at Mass. “I was always told, ‘You’re different because you go to church all the time,’” Souza said. “I saw this young guy coming to church and I thought ‘Wow. That’s awesome.’ It’s not that normal to see people our age that involved in church and it attracted me to him.” Their mutual love for God is one of the main reasons Botelho decided to pop the big question at the same place they met: Sts. Rose and Clement Parish at 111 Long Street in Warwick. After finding an immaculate diamond and pairing it with a gold setting, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his bride on April 7, 2013, which was Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday that follows Easter and reminds Catholics to always trust in Jesus and His unfathomable mercy. “We went up in the first pew to kneel in front of the Divine Mercy image and prayed,” Souza said. They said the chaplet, or prayer, together. As they got up, Botelho’s plan was to genuflect with Souza, stay down on one knee and propose. “It sort of happened that way, but she was already turning around and going down the isle,” Botelho said. “I was like, ‘Wait a second!’” By the time she realized what was happening, Botelho presented the ring. Her answer, of course, was “yes.” “I was shocked,” Souza said. “I think I blacked out for a second and was like, ‘Is this happening right now?’ I teared up and started shaking uncontrollably.” They then headed to the Sacristy of the church, where they told Rev. Father Edward Wilson Jr., the parish pastor, who immediately blessed the ring and the couple. He said while it’s uncommon for couples to get engaged at church, he believes it’s where every love story should begin. “If God is love, and pure and perfect love, then we need to bring our human love to Him to let Him strengthen and bless it,” said Fr. Wilson. “By seeing them at Mass, it says that they have a deep faith in God, and that faith is a lived faith. They bring God’s pure love to the world through their lives.” Since proposing, Botelho and Souza have been planning their wedding. It will take place at Sts. Rose and Clement on April 27, 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday. The ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m., the hour of Jesus’ death on the cross. The significance of this date runs deep in their hearts, as Botelho’s grandfather passed away on April 27, 2003, which fell on Divine Mercy Sunday that year. The link seemed to get stronger after he met Souza. The day his grandmother died in 2008, Souza gave Botelho a statue of the Divine Mercy, which he propped beside her hospital bed. He turned the TV on in the room to EWTN, a global Catholic Network, and they were praying the Divine Mercy chaplet soon after she passed. When his great aunt died last year, the same in-
16 | PrimeTime
cident occurred just moments following her death. Botelho also came across an image of the Divine Mercy as he was driving to meet Souza at her favorite Italian restaurant before they became an item. That night, he planned to tell her he had romantic feelings for her and feared she was only interested in him as a friend. He went to church and prayed before heading to the restaurant. Along the way, he noticed a woman on the side of the road holding a large photo of the Divine Mercy. “I knew right then that God answered my prayer within minutes,” he said. “That gave me the courage to do what I needed to do.” After dinner, Botelho confided his feelings to Souza. She was a bit ambiguous, but knew she was beginning to fall in love with him. “I would pray, ‘If this is your will, God, lead me that way,’” Souza said, pointing out that she frequently prayed to meet a traditional gentleman with old-fashioned values. Their bond progressed when Botelho started volunteering in the parish gift shop. One of the reasons he decided to volunteer was because he saw her doing it. “I was asked to work in the gift shop and I thought, ‘This is the perfect opportunity for me to get to know Meghan,’” Botelho said. They also volunteered at a three-day youth conference, together helping younger parishioners during the program. These days, they still attend the event and serve as volunteers. As with any relationship though, it was not without its trials. About a year into their relationship, Botelho began having doubts about his future. “I started to question it,” he said. “I quit my job and was all freaked out about turning 30.” Souza sensed his apprehension and gave him space. Still, she never lost faith. One night, as they were watching “Clannad,” an animated Japanese series based on a visual novel, Botelho
realized he was thinking too much and overreacting, as the series depicts a young couple that overcomes challenges. “We related to this couple in the cartoon and it broke me out of my mind set,” Botelho said. “It helped me to see that I can’t imagine life without Meghan. I wouldn’t know what I would do if she wasn’t in my life.” The experience not only strengthened their bond, but also intensified Souza’s interest in anime, as well as Japanese culture. Botelho’s fascination with Japan started when he was a child. Many of his favorite cartoons, such as the original “Transformers” and “Voltron” were Japanese imports. Additionally, he was a Nintendo fanatic and began taking Judo, a Japanese martial art, when he was 13. As an adult, he became more interested in the culture and the food. Every Friday evening after work, they go out for Japanese cuisine. They are also learning the language with Rosetta Stone. “We speak it as often as we can,” Souza said. While they were thinking about going to Japan for their honeymoon, Souza is afraid to fly. Instead, they are incorporating a Japanese theme as part of their wedding. They drove to Washington, D.C. a few weeks after they got engaged for the annual Sakura Matsuri, or the Cherry Blossom Festival. But their love for Japan isn’t as intense as their devotion to their religion. They are yet to cohabitate and don’t plan to until after their nuptials. “Part of my attraction to Ernie is that he loves God above everything else,” Souza said. “Our faith in God is the foundation of our relationship. We don’t want to live life without God.” Botelho feels the same. Looking at his bride-tobe, he summed up his emotions with just one word: “Daisuki,” which literally means “big love,” or “I love you.” Jessica Botelho, who wrote this story, is Ernest’s sister
February 2014
people and places
b y jessi c a a . botelho
Faith in
Love
I
t was a warm winter day in San Giovanni Incarico, which is located about 100 kilometers southeast of Rome, Italy, when Franco and Maria Louisa Ruscetta exchanged wedding vows in a Catholic church Dec. 10, 1972. He was 23; she was 18. “We didn’t even need coats,” said Maria Louisa, known to her friends as Louisa. “It was so beautiful. We were laughing and he was tickling me constantly. Everything was really nice.” Forty-two years later, their love is as strong as ever. They tribute their solid bond to a shared belief in God. “We have so much faith that no matter what the problem is, we never worry,” she said. “That’s why our marriage goes on. I depend on him, and he depends on me. He tries to please me, and I try to do as much as I can to please him.” Franco agrees. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be,” he said. A few years following their wedding, the couple moved to the United States after living in Italy: he was born in Pico, while she was born in San Giovanni. They briefly lived in Providence before relocating to Johnston. Every week, the couple visits St. Robert Bellarmine Church at 1804 Atwood Avenue, where they’ve been parishioners for 39 years. Louisa, a Eucharistic Minister, said all they have to do is take a short stroll to get to St. Robert’s, as they live across the street. Each night, Franco goes for a walk around the parking lot, rosary beads in hand, often popping in church to pray before or after his walk. Praying, he said, is good not only to help others, but also for their marriage. “I see a lot of couples arguing, but we hardly have arguments,” said Franco. At least a few nights per week, they invite Fr. John LaPoint, parish pastor, to their home for dinner. “He’s a nice priest,” Franco said. “He’s like a brother.” Louisa feels the same. “He’s an excellent preacher and good friend,” she said. Fr. LaPoint also thinks highly of Franco and Louisa. He enjoys sharing dinner with them, as well as having them as parishioners. “They are very down-to-earth, practical, sincere, believing people,” he said. “Their faith is founded on God’s love and their family, and they try to translate that by showing kindness and generosity to people around them. They are a very loving couple and you see God’s love in them. They have open hearts and open hands.” Aside from attending Mass, the Ruscetta’s volunteer at parish functions. As a retired dressmaker, Louisa makes items for the church at no cost, including altar cloths, and garments children wear for functions held at the church. They also provide assistance to other parishioners in need. “We try to help people when we can,” Franco said, noting that they also assist their two daughters, Roberta Fahey and Giovanna Ruscetta and, along with their six grandchildren, as often as possible. “I have a beautiful family and I try to help them as much as I can.” They raised their children Catholic, a fact that makes Louisa’s mother, Marianna DiManna, who lives with them, proud. And while Louisa’s grandmother is no longer alive, Louisa relies on advice her grandmother shared with her to keep her marriage solid. “My grandmother used to say to me, ‘;never go to bed angry. Always make sure before you go to bed to
February 2014
make peace with your husband,’” Louisa said. “It’s true. I don’t understand how people fight and stay angry. If you have a problem, don’t go to strangers; go to your husband. Have no secrets and talk like friends more than husband and wife. I trust him and he trusts me.” Franco pointed out how important it is for husbands to be the same way. Leaning on one another for emotional support, he said, is essential to a happy marriage. Not being jealous is also key. “You get jealous - forget it,” Franco said. “That’s the worst thing for [a] couple.” Resisting the urge to nag or criticize one another, Louisa said, is a good way to stay happily married. “I’m sure I do things that he doesn’t like, but nobody’s perfect,” she said. “You can’t go into a marriage and think everything is going to be smooth. You have your ups and downs.” They agree that if a husband or wife is too self-centered or overly focused on sex, they are setting themselves up for an untrustworthy relationship. Franco said waiting until marriage to consummate the relationship is a good choice. “You have to take your time,” he said, also noting how vital it is for couples to truly get to know one another before tying the knot. He doesn’t advise rushing into marriage. “We were engaged for two years.” They also have patience with one another concerning other issues. When Louisa
became sick last year, Franco did everything he could to nurse her back to health. As a longtime landscaper with a knack for construction, he built her a screened in porch in their backyard for her to enjoy, as her doctor told her to avoid direct sunlight. “He’s good husband,” Louisa said. They often sit together in the screened in porch to enjoy the weather. But mostly, they enjoy one another, as well as their three kittens frolicking at their feet. “I feel happy inside and know my husband’s a good person,” Louisa said. “You show your happiness on the outside and happiness is beautiful.”
PrimeTime | 17
b y k athy tirrell
Y?
your
health
Why the
Winter is here again. Many of us like to hibernate during these cold, snowy months and prefer to snuggle under blankets or on the couch, reading or watching TV. But going outside to exercise? Nope. That’s something many would like to avoid. Or driving to a nearby ‘Y’? Nope. Don’t want to do that either. If you find yourself coming up with excuses not to go to a gym to exercise in the cold winter months, some of them may be easy enough to overcome. According to Edna Kurtzman, active older adult coordinator at the Bayside YMCA, there are a few factors people often cite, such as transportation and financial issues, along with the bitter cold. If transportation is a problem for you, a few companies to look into are RIDE, JennaLine, and Home Instead Senior Care. They all provide transportation services to seniors, some based on income and medical conditions. “I had a 92-year-old woman in the arthritis foundation exercise class,” said Kurtzman. “She is a resident of the East Bay manor and has a driver who brings her here. She pays a flat fee per month (to JennaLine) and her driver takes her wherever she wants to go.” And carpooling with other ‘Y’ members is also an option. Money is sometimes a stumbling block when it comes to signing up for exercise classes. But often people don’t realize there are financial assistance opportunities available to them. “Many of our older adults would qualify for financial assistance,” said Kurtzman. The ‘Y’ holds an annual campaign to raise money to assist those who need help paying for their membership. Their goal is normally about $150,000, and all of the money raised is just for this purpose.
So financial assistance is available to those who qualify. All you have to do is fill out an application found at the welcome desk at each ‘Y’ branch. “Because the ‘Y’ feels it’s so important to help get more people in here, for the first time ever they have dropped the annual membership rate,” said Kurtzman. “For 2014 you’ll pay less than you paid in 2013.” And as for the third objection, the cold weather, well, that’s something that can’t be avoided. But knowing you’ll be spending time in a nice, warm building might be reassuring. Or perhaps a nice, warm pool? As of June 17, 2013, the Barrington ‘Y’ has a brand new 6-lane swimming pool. The water temperature is kept at a comfortable 83 degrees, perfect for a nice relaxing swim. They also have a number of exercise programs designed especially for older adults. Kurtzman said she ran into a gentleman who had completed her “Matter of Balance” program while she was out shopping at a store. “He came up to me,” recounted Kurtzman, “saying, ‘I wouldn’t be here now (at the store) if it wasn’t for you. And for the first time in 5 years I went to the theater.’” She said this man had been afraid to go out to various stores and events because he feared he might fall. But the Matter of Balance program helped alleviate that fear. According to Diane Nahabedian, the YMCA’s chief marketing officer, all of the ‘Y’ branches offer some programs for active older adults. You can check the web site to find out what is offered at each particular branch – www.gpymca.org Bayside YMCA, Barrington • 401-245-2444 Cranston YMCA • 401-943-0444 East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA • 401-521-0155 Kent County YMCA, Warwick • 401-828-0130 Newman YMCA, Seekonk • 508-336-7103 Providence YMCA Youth Services • 401-456-0604 South County YMCA • 401-783-3900 West Bay YMCA, N. Kingstown • 401-295-6501
The following is a list of some of their programs: The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program—designed to help those with arthritis increase joint flexibility range of motion and muscle strength. The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program—a low intensity exercise program to improve range of motion, develop muscle strength and increase flexibility. It’s for non-swimmers as well as swimmers. A Matter of BalancE—an evidence-based 8-week program meant to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels in older adults. Tai Chi for Arthritis—a slowmoving, gentle Chinese martial art, intended to improve balance, flexibility, and coordination. Silver Sneakers Muscular Strength & Range of Motion—an exercise class designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and improve daily living skills. Zumba Gold—a Latin dance inspired dance fitness program for those who seek a beginner level class or who require a chair for support. This is a less intense workout than the traditional zumba class.
YMCA Camp Fuller, Wakefield • 401-783-5359
18 | PrimeTime
February 2014
senior
issues
b y c atherine T erry taylor
Stop Medicare Fraud Beneficiaries should protect their Medicare number. Do not provide this number to anyone except your doctors and medical professionals. Don’t give your number out over the telephone. Medicare never requests your information – they have it already. Do not carry your Medicare or social security cards with you, to reduce the risk of their being lost or stolen. You can help detect Medicare fraud by reading your Medicare Summary
“I didn’t know I’d broken my leg
”
until Medicare told me
never delivered, examinations never performed, tests never conducted. A fellow parishioner recently told me this had happened to him: “I didn’t know I’d broken my leg until Medicare told me!” You don’t notice because you don’t pay the bill. But Medicare does. The solvency of the Medicare Trust Funds is under siege as much from fraud as it is from escalating health care costs. The Affordable Care Act allocates $350 million over 10 years to combat Medicare fraud, in conjunction with other measures such as tougher sentencing rules for those convicted of health care fraud, better screening of providers and suppliers, a competitive bidding process for durable medical equipment, and enhanced technology to root out fraud and corruption. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), these aggressive tactics have yielded a total of $10.7 billion being returned to the Medicare trust fund so far. However, the most effective weapon in the fight against Medicare fraud is YOU. CMS awards grants to the states to support the Senior Medicare Patrol program (SMP), which trains volunteers to work with beneficiaries to recognize and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse. SMP volunteers also work to increase public awareness of Medicare fraud. In Rhode Island, there are more than 45 SMP volunteers working in every corner of the state. In 2013, they made nearly 150 community presentations and participated in more than 100 health fairs and expos to spread the word about Medicare fraud. Whether they are working one-onone with beneficiaries, taking reports or complaints of Medicare fraud, waste and abuse, or speaking out in the community, the volunteers proclaim the SMP message of Protect, Detect and Report. February 2014
professional perspective
b y m e g c he v alier
d i re c to r , r i d e p a r t m e n t o f e l d e r l y a f f a i r s
What do you do when your Medicare Summary Notice arrives in the mail? It’s not a bill, so you may not feel it needs your immediate attention. You set it on a side table with some junk mail and magazines, and pretty soon it’s at the bottom of a pile, forgotten. Scam artists and criminals count on Medicare beneficiaries not to pay too close attention to these mailings. They get hold of your Medicare information, and they slip in charges for equipment
your taxes
Notice – the account you receive periodically of medical claims that have been paid through Medicare. Common fraudulent claims include incorrectly reporting a diagnosis, procedure, treatment, or medication to get a higher payment; billing for individual mental health services when group counseling was provided; billing for brand name prescriptions when generic medications were dispensed; using another person’s Medicare or Medicaid card to get services; or double-billing Medicare, Medicaid, and/or a private insurance carrier for the same service. These notices can be extraordinarily complicated and technical, so don’t be shy about getting a trained SMP volunteer to help you. If you suspect Medicare fraud, it’s important to report your concerns. Silence is the ally of any scam artist. Often, an investigation will reveal only a billing or coding error – that was the case with my friend from church, and it was easily corrected. Sometimes, however, a more in-depth investigation may be warranted, and a suspicious trend uncovered. In Rhode Island, beneficiaries can call the Rhode Island SMP at the Division of Elderly Affairs at 462-0931. Reports of Medicare fraud may also be filed with the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-447-8477. (The TTY number is 1-800-377-4950) You can also get more information on Medicare fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-42270, or by going to www.medicare.gov. The TTY number is 1-877-486-2048.) If you are interested in volunteering for Rhode Island SMP, call Aleatha Dickerson, SMP program coordinator, at 462-0931. This is an especially good volunteer opportunity for retired teachers and insurance and finance professionals. We’d love to have you aboard. Join the fight against Medicare fraud. Do your part to protect the Medicare Trust Fund, so that it’s there when you need it.
Free Volunteer Tax Preparation Each year millions of people have their tax returns prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteers. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs provide free tax help in communities across the country. Here are 10 things the IRS wants you to know about these programs. 1. The IRS sponsors both the VITA and TCE programs and works with community organizations to train and certify volunteers. 2. The VITA program offers free tax help and return preparation to people who generally earn less than $52,000. 3. The TCE program offers free tax help and tax return preparation with priority assistance given to people who are age 60 or older. The AARP Tax-Aide program is part of TCE and helps low to moderate income taxpayers. The IRS certifies this group of volunteers to specialize in retirement issues unique to seniors. 4. The VITA and TCE programs provide free electronic filing. An e-filed tax return means an accurate return. E-file combined with direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund. 5. Using VITA and TCE can help ensure you get all the tax credits and deductions you may qualify to claim. For example, credits could include the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for the Elderly. 6. The IRS continues to expand partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations to offer these vital services. Thousands of free tax preparation sites around the na-
tion are opening in late January and early February. 7. Some sites have bilingual volunteers to assist people who speak limited English. 8. The IRS partners with the military to provide free tax assistance to military members and their families. Volunteers receive training on tax issues related to the military. These include special rules and tax benefits for those serving in combat zones. 9. This year at select sites, you have an option to prepare your own simple federal and state tax return. This option allows you to use web-based tax preparation software for free. This service can help people who need a little help or don’t have computer access prepare their own tax return. Volunteers at these sites guide taxpayers to help them prepare and file their own simple tax returns. 10. Local VITA site information is available by calling the United Way number 2-1-1. Also at IRS.gov - search the word “VITA” and then click on Free Tax Return Preparation for You by Volunteers. Site information is also available by calling the IRS at 800-9069887. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, visit aarp.org, or call 888-227-7669.
Stop Medicare Fraud! Save Medicare Dollars! It’s as easy as 1-2-3
1
PROTECT Your Medicare Number
2
DETECT
Read Your Medicare Summary Notice
3
REPORT
Your Concerns
Volunteer for the Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMP) and teach Medicare beneficiaries how to fight fraud. For more information,call the RI Division of Elderly Affairs at s 449
SMP
Empowering Seniors To Prevent Healthcare Fraud
Rhode Island
The production of this ad was supported by grant #90MP0166/02 from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHS).
PrimeTime | 19
What dO yOU FInk?
lifestyles
by mIkE FINk
Folkloric rumblings The little hut across the street from Gregg’s – where Howard Johnson’s and Sullivan’s Steak House used to stand and beckon – is all that’s left of the social whirl of the East Side. You could have a cup of soup and a piece of pie at the counter or in a booth at Ho-Jo’s, alone or with a chum (and get a pack of Chesterfield’s for a quarter and even get a few pennies back under the cellophane) OR you might, if you had a charming date, join the just-back-home G.I. vets and their fiancees at Sullivan’s and maybe even sip a grown-up cocktail! If you were hanging around with a gang of buddies, though, on an off-night, the place to go was . . . the bowling alley, an underground world with its own set of rules and customs. It was such a pleasure to belong to the routine of that almost folkloric rumbling chamber beneath North Main Street, that I saved the score-papers for years... even decades. To remember the names of the classmates, sometimes even the very honorable upperclassmen, or their romantic partners. If they deigned to join you and vie with you for the victo-
ries of the game, it was a special evening worth the saving of a souvenir. So, on several occasions, I have made an errand, through the troubles of the great dig going on endlessly along the avenues, streets, roads, and driveways of the Summit or Mount Hope blocks, of snapping a few shots of what’s left of that world of yore. The wee box of a structure is surrounded by asphalt parking lots, mounds of stone and sand, enormous machinery of what is laughingly labelled “development� and the blank look of our town these days. Even so, I would hate to see this reminder of happy days come down and bite the dust. Instead, I point and shoot my antique camera and dream of yesteryear, when you didn’t need the outside world beyond the borders of our neighborhood zone. The globe? Nah, the planet is flat, and small as a board game’s folding tablet. Everything you need is right at hand. When you change your shoes, grab a...beer?...pick up those miniature-sized ten-pins, aim down the chute and hope to keep the boy in back
Elderly Housing
lACAsA Apts. S. Kingstown, RI
• ApArtments AvAilAble •
plAzA EspErAnzA Apts. West Warwick, RI
WildbErry Apts. West Warwick, RI rodMAn CoMMons South Kingstown, RI • ApArtments AvAilAble •
Electric Lights, Monthly Cable & Phone
0 | PrimeTime
no response demanded or expected. Anybody else whose name was inscribed on those enormous sheets of paper, who has crossed my pathways is a welcome memento of some good, easy, weekend pastimes. With precious papers, I cannot bring myself to crumple them and toss them into the trash and onto the dump. Instead, ritualistically, I build an open fire in the grate of my hearth and heart and watch the scraps curl like autumn leaves and say a fond farewell to what is gone but not entirely forgotten within the soul and mind. Our East Side itself is one giant album of cheerful, if sometimes also lightly melancholy ruminations, now in mid-winter halfway toward spring, the snowdrops coming up, like forgotten reminders.
This Year, Spend the Winter With Us...
AllEgriA Court Johnston, RI
• ApArtments AvAilAble •
FEATURES InclUdEd In yoUR REnT: Heat, Hot Water, Appliances, Elevators, Emergency Pull Cords, Laundry Facilities, Parking, Intercom, 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance Service, Cable Ready Apartments, Community Room equipped with Computer, Out Door Patio and Furniture, Flower Gardens, On-Site Management FEATURES noT InclUdEd In yoUR REnT:
busy replacing the shmoos you have successfully knocked askew, you have joined Society itself. I remember all the kids, and, perhaps, of late, most significantly, a classy gal I dated once, named Carol. She had yellow hair and green eyes, and a delicate, refined figure. And she bowled! (She bowled me over! and knocked me down!) Years later, on a nostalgic visit to this site, there she was, all properly married and truly, not just in make-believe, grown up. I greeted her with restrained courtesy, and then life went on, and on. Once, among the years that have passed by as swiftly as a bowling ball down the aisle, rolling with a subdued roar, I had occasion to write her a sympathy card. There was no answer. Which is the privilege of grief,
AdElAntE Apts. Providence, RI
sAugAtuCkEt springs Hopkinton, RI
Must be 62 years of age or older. Rents are based on 30% of adjusted household income.
This little leftover hut, with its basement secrets, is an underground folkloric world for us senior citizens, pulls us backward and downward into the realms of our youth and that of our shared community.
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401-941-2900
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February 2014
by c A m I L L A FA R R E L L de Ve l o p m e n t d i re c to r , alZH e i m e r ’s a s s o c i a t i o n
ri
letters
addressed during the workshops. The demands on a person taking care of elderly parents, spouses, or friends can result in a great deal of stress. There are several workshops focused on how to improve stressful situations associated with caregiving and support for caregivers. Conference brochures are available on our website, www.alz.org/ri or by calling the RI Chapter office at 800 7 -3900. Although the conference is free to family caregivers, advance registration is required. The fee is $75 for healthcare professionals and and $100 for professionals who wish to receive contact hours. The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter, an affiliate of the National Alzheimer’s Association, is a private, non profit organization started in 1989 by family caregivers and interested community healthcare professionals. The Chapter programs and services include a 4/7 Helpline, Support Groups, Training for Families, Early Stage Engagement Program formerly known as the Live & Learn, Newsletter, Advocacy, Resource Library, Conferences, Lectures, and special fundraising events. If you are interested in receiving more information about Chapter programs and events, please contact Program Director, Marge Angilly, mangilly@alz.org or Development Director, Camilla Farrell, cfarrell@alz.org; or if you would like to receive a conference brochure, please contact the Chapter Office, 1-800- 7 -3900.
TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor,
PrimeTime values the opinions of its readers and wants your feedback -positive and negative. Whether you want to drop a line of thanks to one of our writers, share your story or you disagree with something in the magazine, we want to hear from you. Letters, comments or questions can be sent directly to LindaN@rhodybeat.com or by mail to PrimeTime Magazine 1944 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI, 02889 attn: Letter to Editor
Thank You
I was delighted to read John Grow’s narrative (We Are Definitely Not in Kansas Anymore–December 2013) on his move to Rhode Island. Immediately sent it to a friend who visits me from Central Kansas (Cloud County as they say out there.) But Mr. Grow has a steep learning curve still ahead. He won’t find the Senegalese restaurant (Bayal Buffet) until he can understand ‘RI direction.’ “The restaurant is off north Main St., just before you get to Pawtucket. It’s down a hill where the Shaw’s used to be!” It only took me 30 years! Joanna Wood Providence
We would like to thank everyone who participated in making this year’s Elves for Elders program a huge success. We were able to fill over 700 gift requests in 13 different facilities across Rhode Island. Our Christmas tree sponsors were: Emerald Square Mall in north Attleboro, Clements’ Marketplace in Portsmouth, Mission nutrition in Cranston and Warwick Mall in Warwick. Our gift wrapping hosts were: All
February 2014
senior issues
c H a p ter
Caregiver’s Journey conference The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter is pleased to announce the return of our annual Caregiver’s Conference. The conference for caregivers, named “Caregiver’s Journey” will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick on March 7, 014 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Caregiving is a long-term commitment when caring for someone with a progressive disease. “If you are a family caregiver seeking assistance for your own health and well-being or that of your loved one, this conference is for you,” said Alzheimer’s Association Program Director and Conference Coordinator, Marge Angilly. The conference features nationally known keynote speakers and advocates, Dr. Steve Hume and Candace Darcy. There will be 4 workshops and more than 30 exhibitors related to Alzheimer’s care. Caregivers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to attend, and onsite respite is available for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. With the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease on the rise, the conference is timely. New statistics just released by our National Alzheimer’s Association based in Chicago, Illinois states that the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease throughout the country is increasing. The conference addresses the need for more education about living with Alzheimer’s disease, person-centered care, and ways to cope. Family caregiving issues like health and wellness are
b y k E R R Y PA R k
About Home Care in Middletown and All is Well Home Care in Warwick, Hebert nursing Home in Smithfield. Our corporate sponsors were: Alex and Ani in Cranston and Amica Insurance in Lincoln. Monetary Donations: Cardi’s Furniture and Seniors RULE members. And a special thank you to all the unknown ‘elves’ out there that took a star and filled a gift request. Thanks, Maxine HutchinsExecutive Elf for Seniors RULE
need for nursing Home Resources Rises Recently, Blum Shapiro, the largest regional accounting, tax and business consulting firm in New England, released the results of a report on the state of Rhode Island’s nursing home industry. The research analyzed patient mix, occupancy percentages, and labor and employee related expenses at all of the 84 nursing homes in Rhode Island from 009 to 01 . BlumShapiro’s report on the State of the Nursing Home Industry in Rhode Island found that though the industry itself remained relatively stable from 009 to 01 , nursing labor expenses on a per patient, per day basis have increased by nearly thirteen percent, or approximately $ 7 million. Providers, who have incurred millions of dollars in Medicaid funding cuts in recent years, say that the data provides conclusive evidence that as the acuity of nursing home residents rises, so too does the need for more resources. The enhanced accessibility of Medicaid-covered long term care in the community, while a positive development, has resulted in nursing home care being reserved for the frailest of the frail - patients who require more hands-on care for complex conditions. Unfortunately, Medicaid funding for this care has not risen in conjunction with the increase in resident frailty. The report also showed that, after a slight decline in 010, occupancy levels rose during 011 and 01 . Occupancy rates for residents whose care is paid for by Medicaid – roughly two-thirds of all nursing home residents – increased, while patients paying privately decreased. This presents a challenge to skilled nursing centers, since Medicaid reimbursement does not even cover the cost of care, and private pay revenues help to make up some of that shortfall. Rhode Island’s unique demographics make the sustainability of nursing facility care a serious issue. Our state is first in the nation with respect to the percentage of our population aged 85
and older, the demographic with the highest usage of skilled nursing care. Fighting for adequate Medicaid funding has become an annual battle for Rhode Island skilled nursing and rehabilitation providers. Currently, the quality of care provided in our skilled nursing centers is top notch. Although Rhode Island’s Medicaid reimbursement rate falls below the national average, our facilities’ performance on state health inspections, customer satisfaction surveys, and nationally reported quality indicators from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, rank among the best in the country. In addition, Rhode Island ranked second in the nation in a newly released survey of nursing home quality of care, according to Families for Better Care, a Florida-based nursing home resident advocacy group. The group published the nation’s firstever state-by-state nursing home report card, analyzing eight federal measures to benchmark nursing home quality. Rhode Island scored superior grades in five of the eight measures and is the only one of two states that scored above average grades across the board, according to the report. “Despite chronic underfunding, Rhode Island nursing homes deliver outstanding care. Repeated funding cuts jeopardize our ability to maintain a high level of performance,” said Virginia Burke, President/CEO of the Rhode Island Health Care Association, the state’s largest professional organization of skilled nursing and rehabilitation providers. “The Blum Shapiro study should help legislators understand the dire need for adequate fiscal resources.” “Rhode Island’s growing elderly population, combined with changes in the healthcare law, will undoubtedly have an impact on future operating costs, occupancy rates and workforce demands,” stated Monica Motta, a partner at Blum Shapiro.
We’re looking for new members . . .
KOREAN WAR VETERANS KOREAN SERVICE VETERANS MEETINGS HELD 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH Chepachet Senior Center, Rte. 44m 1210 Putnam Pike, Chepachet
Call Frank 231-3736 or Gil 831-3301 For More Information KWVA – Chapter 3
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WEST VIEW NURSING AND REHABILITATION 2014 LECTURE SERIES 239 Legris Road, West Warwick. call 8289000 to register. Free. FEBRUARY 11: 10:00 Am “How to Navigate the Hospital” • 7:00 Pm The “Educated Patient”
PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER – ALTON BROWN LIVE! February 21, 8 p.m. Iron chef host and television personality is taking his quirky humor and culinary science on the road. www.ppacri. org,, (401) 421-2787. 220 Weybosset St.
TOWN OF EAST GREENWICH SENIOR SERVICES - valentine’s Day Luncheon, Wednesday, February 12th. Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon, march 17th at noon. The suggested donation is $3 per person. For reservations or more information, please call carol at 886-8638.
WOONSOCKET MARDI GRAS - February 22. St. Ann’s Art and cultural center, 84 cumberland Street. www.nrica.org/mardigras.html. $30 in advance, $35 at door (cash only) 401-769-9072
OCEAN STATE THEATRE – “LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR” January 29 - February 16. chaos is king backstage at “The max Prince Show”, a popular 1950s comedy-variety Tv series. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. 921-6800 www.OceanStateTheatre.org
RUNNING – FROM PAGE 13 I could see the concern in his eyes; He seemed to notice for the first time my lack of colour and the rivers of sweat running down my face. “Do you want me to drive?” He asked. kevin is in the US military and had only arrived in the country from the U.S.A a month earlier; he was still finding his way around. I knew the area and the quickest way to the Hospital. No, I’ll be Ok. I lied! I didn’t feel Ok at all and by the time I arrived at A& E, I was most definitely not Ok. “my name is Steve morley, I’ve just been running in a seven-mile road race and I think I am having a heart attack.” Everything from then on was a blur. I remember a wheel chair being thrust under me and being taken straight in to see the doctors. No waiting around for hours in casualty that day. I remember being asked lots of questions. I didn’t want to answer questions, I felt so tired. I just wanted to sleep. In the end kevin was answering most of the questions. “mr morley, we have ordered an ambulance to take you to Papworth” they told me. “I’m afraid that you are having a Heart Attack”. Thank you I managed to say, I’d figured that one out for myself. Awkward laughter filled the small cubicle. I drifted In and out of consciousness during the Ambulance ride. I thought about my wife. I thought about the hos-
AN EVENING INSPIRED BY DOWNTON ABBEY - February 27, 6-9 Pm. WgBH Studios, 1 guest Street, Boston, mA. Join WgBH for a special evening to sample some of the music, fashion, food, and dance that make the era portrayed in Downton Abbey so appealing. Period formal dress is welcome. http://bit.ly/1l7TmSU $50 617-300-2000
pital I was being taken to. Papworth, I’ve heard of Papworth, it’s the leading Heart Hospital in the country right? That’s got to be good Hang in there Steve I’m thinking. Slow everything down. conserve your energy. You will be fine. If only this invisible person would just get off my chest and let me breathe. my thoughts returned to my wife. Somebody must have told her by now. I hope she’s not too worried. Did I think about dying? Well Interestingly no. I can honestly say that thought never occurred to me. The ambulance arrived at Papworth and I was taken straight into theatre. White coats, blue gowns, people in masks. I wanted to sleep, to close my eyes. They wouldn’t let me. Stay with us, a voice said. Stay awake Stephen. It’s the sound of a woman’s voice. Try to stay awake if you can. I was being given instructions, explanations of where I was, what was happening to me, what they were going to do. Too much information. Just let me sleep. I had to sign some papers. A clip board is rested on my chest, a pen placed in my hand. I think they call it a disclaimer. It means that it’s not their fault if I don’t make it. I asked for my wife, signed the papers. They began. KEEP READING...Stephen Morely’s e-book “Running With a Wounded Heart” can be purchased at www.amazon.com
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