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August 2018 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 Editor / Creative Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com WRITERS / CONTRIBUTORS Don Fowler, Karen Kalunian, Katenna Jones, Tim Forsberg Larry Grimaldi, Elaine M. Decker, Michelle LaFrance, Meg Chevalier PRODUCTION Lisa Bourque Yuettner Brian Geary ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com Bob Giberti, Lisa Mardenli, Melissa Miller, Cheryl Petrarca, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski Classified ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications.
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Tail of Trey
Don Fowler’s 3-legged cat has a lot to say. Read his story
Why Do They Do That?
Ever wonder why your pet does some of the crazy things they do? Animal behaviorist Katenna Jones tells us why
Seniors for Seniors
The benefits of for seniors adopting an older pet
Animal Talk
Karen Kalunian introduces us to some local shelter stars looking for their forever homes
Senior issues Alzheimer’s Association.........................10 Operation Stand Down in need.......11 Retirement Sparks.....................................12
LIFESTYLES ON THE COVER: Ewok the Pomeranian is looking for a forever home with his brother Waddles – read their bio on page 9. Photo by Karen Kalunian
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all about pets
as told to DON FOWLER
True ‘tail’ of Trey the 3-legged cat My name is Trey. I just celebrated my one year anniversary with my new humans, Don and Joyce, on July 7. They named me Trey because I only have three legs. It’s a long, sad tale; I’ll spare you some of the gory details. I was living with my first human family in Connecticut, and things were going along pretty good until I ventured outside and got my front right leg and tail caught in a bear trap. I was rescued and taken to a veterinary hospital, where this lovely young lady named Tara found a chip inside me that told her who my humans were. I thought they loved me, even though their kids taunted me. When Tara told them that they had to amputate my leg, they said they couldn’t afford it and didn’t want a cat with three legs. The veterinarians removed my crushed leg after shaving half my body, and stitched me up with 22 enormous staples. I was feeling pretty miserable, scared, and abandoned. How was I going to survive with only three legs? Tara began searching for a new home for me. But who would want a three-legged cat with a crooked tail? Tara’s grandparents had never had a cat. In fact, I overheard her grandfather tell her that he did not like cats. “You’ll love this cat,” Tara said. “He is friendly, cuddly, has all his shots, and is trained to use the litter box.” To tell the truth, I didn’t feel very friendly and cuddly. Injured, abandoned, cut open, disfigured, and losing so much hair all made me frightened and angry. A few days after my operation, still feeling a bit groggy, I was put in a carrying case and driven from Connecticut to Rhode Island, where I was introduced to my new home and my new humans. The house seemed very strange and big, especially after being confined to a small cage at the vet’s. Tara took me out of the carrying case and put me in the man’s lap. I’m not sure who was more nervous, me or him. I squirmed a bit and the man gave me to the woman. She seemed to be a little bit more relaxed, but I was still fearful. I’d had enough changes in my life and I just wanted to be left alone. I surveyed the room and found two recliners to hide under. “Don’t worry,” Tara told the man and woman, “He’ll come out soon. He’s just scared.” You bet your life I was scared. I stayed under those chairs for over a week. I came out to use the litter box at night when the humans turned off the lights and went up a flight of stairs, not returning until morning. I was too upset to eat, but did consume a few tasty treats they left on the rug for me. They put my litter box in the fireplace, which they didn’t use. Then they put my food and water dishes next to it. Now I ask you-Do you want to eat your meals in your bathroom? I decided to make the dining room my bedroom and was comfortable most of the time under the dining room table. The humans wised up and moved my food and water dishes into that room. I left a few small deposits for them in the litter box, which they promptly disposed of, telling me I was a “good boy”. I wanted to explain that I was not a good boy. I was a three year-old cat. And I didn’t feel like a very good one at that. | PrimeTime
I overheard them calling their granddaughter, asking for advice. She told them to be patient. I had been through a traumatic experience and would eventually come around. I soon fell into a routine: The man would feed me breakfast, pick me up, and I would sit in his lap and let him pet me for about ten minutes. Then I would retreat to my spot under the dining room table. After almost a month I started exploring the rest of the house. When I wanted a change, I went in the TV room and hid under a big plant. Having only one front leg is a big drag. They bought me all these toys and I had to learn how to sit back on my haunches and swat at them without falling flat on my face. I did have one major thing going for me. When I wanted to be left alone, which was most of the time, I could make myself invisible. It drives them crazy. They would look under all the chairs, in every corner, and in all my favorite hiding places, all to no avail. Then, when I’ve tortured them enough, I would magically appear in the first place they looked for me. Sometimes I meowed, but the man is hard of hearing. I was getting used to my humans and my new home. I prayed (Yes, cats pray) that they would let me stay. Maybe someday I will venture into the kitchen. Or maybe up that big flight of stairs.
Seven Months Later
Boy, have things changed around here! I have really bonded with my male human. I climb in his lap and purr. He can hear me when he puts in his hearing aids. He pets and strokes me from head to foot and I can’t stop wagging my tail. Slowly, I have learned to like and trust the woman. One day I made the big leap into her chair. I love to sit on the arm and let her pet me. When she (or I) gets tired, I jump into the man’s lap. I decided to find out what was up those stairs. There are beds. And they are comfortable. I surprised the man one day by climbing in bed next to him. I only do it once in a while. Don’t want to spoil him. It’s more fun to show up in the morning when the sun comes up. I meow a few times, and then leap into bed with him. Life with three legs hasn’t been so bad. I don’t think of myself as handicapped. I can run up and down stairs, leap into chairs and end tables, play with my catnip mouse, and do most anything that four-legged cats do.
Happy Anniversary
I can’t believe that a year has gone by! So much has changed. I’ve taken complete control of the house. When my humans go out and leave me alone, I check out all of their possessions, sneak upstairs and even into the dark basement, where I surprised them with a mouse one day. When I hear the door, I run to greet them, and they always pet me and give me a treat, and still say “Good Boy”! One day the woman made a quick movement to my belly. My old instincts kicked in, and I bit her arm. It swelled up and turned red and she had to take some pills. I felt awful, so for the first time ever I crawled up in her lap and let her pet me. I think she forgave me.
My only regret is that they won’t let me go outside. I understand why. There are coyotes and other dangers out there. I heard that there’s even been a bear sited in Rhode Island. I’ve gotten out a couple of times, which really frustrated the man as he chased me around the yard. I think he got tired before I did, so I let him lure me back with treats. All in all, it’s been a good life, and I think I bring as much pleasure to my humans as they bring to me. Sometimes I even let them think they are in charge. They keep saying, “I love you!” I feel the same way. Hold on, my male human wants to say something...
Important Life Lessons Taught to me by Trey By Don Fowler
1. It’s never too late to try something new- Eighty-one years old now, and here I am, adopting a three-legged cat. I’ve always been a dog person and would never have even thought of having a cat in my house. 2. Prejudice is just plain ignorance- I used to tell people that I hated cats, and then reel off a dozen reasons why. Was I ever wrong! When a cat greets you at the door when you come home, climbs in your lap and purrs contentedly, and even sleeps with you, how could you not love him? 3. Cats reduce stress- When I’m disturbed by world events, health problems, politics, constant marketing calls, being put on hold, and other major and minor events, Trey climbing in my lap, wagging his tail and purring while I gently stroke his smooth fur, reduces my stress 100 per cent. 4. If a cat can overcome adversity, so can I. – This poor creature was caught in a bear tap, lost his right leg and clavicle, had major surgery, was abandoned by his family, was confined to a kennel cage, and shipped off to a strange house. And he survived. 5. Handicapped people and animals can adjust their lifestyle and live productive lives.-As I watch Trey jump into my chair, run up and down stairs, sit back on his haunches and swing his one front paw at a ball, I am reminded of the Paralympics and the brave men and women who compete. 6. There can’t be a heaven without cats. August 2018
all about animals
b y katenna jones , ScM, ACAAB, CCBC, CDBC, CPDT-KA jones animal beha v ior
Why do they do that? Why do dogs walk in a circle before they lie down? This is probably an evolutionary behavior left over from wolf ancestors. Wolves instinctively circle to create a nest in brush, snow, grass, or other bedding. Some believe the circling also allows them to scan for danger, but since wolves will not curl up and sleep soundly if they sense danger, this theory is not likely. Your dog is essentially flattening an evolutionary nest in brush that isn’t really there. Why do cats breathe with their mouth slightly open after smelling certain smells? This is called a Flehmen response. Many animals do it, including horses and elephants. The animal is curling back their upper lip to transfer molecules, like urine, to their vomeronasal organ (VNO) or Jacobson’s organ. The VNO is a receptor that provides certain information about the animal who left behind the signal, such as estrus, how long ago the animal passed by, etc. You can try this yourself, but you’ll just look really odd because humans do not have a VNO. Why do dogs kick out behind them after they urinate or defecate? There are a few thoughts behind this one. One is that
the dog is trying to spread around the chemical message they just deposited, for maximum communication. Another thought is that the animal is leaving a visual marker on the ground with all that disrupted earth that will signal others to come over and check out this spot. A third thought is that the kicking is a visual signal to anyone who might be looking. Many dogs will kick out and hold their legs out and head high and look around as if to say: “Everybody see that? I just pooed on the grass! Yeah, that’s right, it’s my grass now! You see that?” Personally, I believe it’s all of the above. Why are cats afraid of cucumbers? If you’ve seen the Youtube videos, you know what I’m talking about. The fact is, they aren’t afraid of cucumbers. They are startled when large things suddenly appear right behind them, while they are in a vulnerable position – such as eating or napping. I address this very issue here: https://tinyurl.com/yazwjv32 . Why do dogs roll in dead things? Dogs are predators, and predators instinctively do not want to be detected. What prey animal would be afraid of a dead bird? Or a pile of horse manure? Dogs love to roll in stinky things to cover up their own scent. This
is especially true of hunting dogs, and even more so after they have just returned from the groomer. Powder smells great to us; rotten squirrel smells great to a dog. Why do cats knead soft things? Kittens instinctively knead their mommy’s belly to stimulate milk production during nursing. This behavior is often retained into adulthood, and when a cat steps on something soft they may automatically start kneading. No, they aren’t waiting for milk to come out of the couch – it’s more like a comforting feeling. “Ahhhh, yeeeeessss, that’s nice….” I especially enjoy it when my cat kneads on my stomach…makes me think about joining a gym… Why does my dog bark at nothing? Chances are, your dog is barking at something. They can hear frequencies we are incapable of perceiving, their sense of smell is FAR superior, and they can see things better in lower light that we could ever home to. Don’t assume that it’s “nothing” just because YOU can’t sense it, puny human! I’ve visited several homes for dogs who “bark at the walls” only to let the clients know WHY –PAGE 6
The Rehab Center at Saint Elizabeth Manor For all your rehab and post hospitalization needs
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■ WHY they have mice. Occasionally, of course, dogs may just think they heard or saw something. Who hasn’t been startled by nothing? I freaked myself out recently when I walked into my bedroom, forgetting I had put up a new mirror. Dogs who are prone to anxiety, stress, or are over aroused tend to overreact to insignificant triggers. Excessive barking may be a sign that your pet needs help. Why do cats tip over and act “paralyzed” when I put her harness on? Cats are very sensitive at the back of their neck, or the nape. When mom cats pick up their babies from this spot, they go limp so they are easier to carry. Evolutionally, this helps moms relocate
them quickly and quietly. Some cats freeze when they are scruffed at the back of the neck, because this behavior can continue into adulthood. It is believed that a harness triggers the same response. With time and patience, most cats can be trained to accept a harness. Our pets display many odd behaviors that captivate and intrigue humans. Pay special attention - you may just see something you’ve never noticed before. Katenna Jones is an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Certified Cat and Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Pet Dog Trainer, and provides one-on-one pet consulting in most of RI and parts of SE MA. Jones Animal Behavior www.JonesAnimalBehavor.com
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Seniors for Seniors
A big challenge for older adults is loneliness. One of the biggest challenges for older shelter dogs is finding a forever home. Senior dogs and and senior humans can be a good fit for each other, improving lives and health. Walks provide exercise and can help seniors stay connected to their neighborhood. Walking a dog is great conversation starter. Not only is the physical exercisee beneficial, but time spent with pets can lower stress hormones, ease loneliness and protect heart health in seniors. But keep in mind, your new pup shouldn’t raise its owner’s stress levels or wear them out. That means senior dogs, not puppies, are usually a wiser choice for senior adopters. People who adopt a puppy after many years of living with either an older dog, or no dog at all, may be surprised by how much physical attention, effort and money puppies demand. House training, obedience training, puppy-proofing the home and yard and making frequent trips to the vet for well-puppy checkups and shots can be stressful. They need supervision to keep them from teething on the furniture, and they require lots of exercise and attention to use all that puppy energy. Older dogs are typically house trained and their energy levels are lower, so a walk or two a day may be just enough. Adopting a senior dog also helps reduce the number of senior dogs who languish in shelters because so many adopters prefer puppies.
Caring for your senior dog
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Dogs mature at faster rates than people. While many have heard the rule that every human year equals seven dog years, the reality isn’t so cut and dry. Size and breed play roles in determining a dog’s age equivalent. According to the pets division of WebMD, the first year of life for a dog may be roughly equivalent to 15 years for a human. Dog food manufacturer Purina says that by tens years of age, a small, medium and large dog is 56, 60 and 66 in human years, respectively. Thanks to advancements in veterinary care, dogs are living longer lives. Pet owners may have to adapt their care and exercise regimen to accommodate the changes in their pets. Senior dogs show some distinctive signs of aging that are on par with what humans experience. These include cloudy eyes, gray hair (in dogs this starts around the muzzle and spreads to other areas of the face, head and body) and loose skin. Elderly dogs also may begin to experience stiffness in their legs, particularly the hind quarter. To ensure a dog’s quality of life remains consistent through its senior years, pet owners can take the following steps. • Have a candid conversation with the vet. Make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian to discuss a plan for making the dog comfortable and happy as the animal ages. Your vet can make recommendations regarding which type of foods the dog should eat and how much exercise it needs. • Make accommodations based on disability. A dog may develop arthritis or another degenerative disease that causes a general slowing down. Dogs may not be able to walk as far or play games as long as they used to. Some dogs also struggle to find a comfortable position when attempting to lie down or sit. Dogs also may have difficulty getting up and down stairs. As a result, aging dogs may need some extra help getting around. Invest in ramps and ergonomic pet beds and bowls to help ease aging dogs’ discomfort. • Examine and modify dogs’ diets. Food needs can change as dogs become less active. Keeping dogs lean can prevent a host of illnesses. PetMD says more than half of American pets are overweight, and obesity can contribute to disease and put stress on pets’ joints. Let your vet be your guide in choosing high-quality, low-calorie foods and treats. He or she may also recommend supplementation to alleviate stiffness and address other needs. • Keep up the exercise. Exercise helps slow down the degeneration of joints and helps keep dogs healthy. Continue walks, but pare them down if your dog can’t keep up. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is great for senior dogs. Look for a dog swim vest, which can help the animal maintain some buoyancy. • Be patient. Elderly dogs will need extra care, and that can be taxing. Exercise patience and you will see that the pampering and extra attention will help prolong your dog’s happiness through its golden years. August 2018
Animal Talk Local❤Adoptable❤Loveable by Karen Kalunian
Please consider opening your heart and your home to one of our wonderful senior pets looking for their forever family. If you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen directly at:
ilovedogs1920@gmail.com
A Precious Lady Are you a Beagle lover? Well here she is! Her name is Precious and that describes her personality too. At 11 years old she recently became a Mom to four beautiful puppies, which wasn’t easy for her! Precious really deserves a special home where she will be surrounded by love. She is very smart, loving and craves attention. You can see her at The East Greenwich Animal Protection League on Wednesday’s from 4:00-6:00 or Saturday’s from 12:00-2:00 at 44 Worthington Road, Cranston. You can also call 401-4673670 or visit www.egapl.com for more information. Please share her story so she can find a comfy, loving home soon.
Those Eyes!
Look at this handsome 13 year old brown tiger boy. His name is Pretzel. Talk about a sexy senior! His eyes are like citrine colored gemstones with brilliant splashes of gold and amber. They accent his lovely sable colored tiger striped coat. He has a loving disposition and will be your best friend for a treat! He had previously been declawed in the front but his overall health is great and he’s got the body to prove it! He is available for adoption at the Cranston Animal Shelter 920 Phenix Ave. Cranston, RI 02921 401-464-8700 August 2018
Meet Buddy
Just look at Buddy’s smile. He is a senior Hound with lots of love to give! Buddy’s family could no longer care for him so he finds himself in search of a loving home. He is very smart, loves to play outside and is an overall happy boy! Buddy needs to be an only pet and also needs a fenced in yard. If you have the love in your heart to give to this senior boy please contact the RI Pet Connection Foundation at ripetconnectionfoundation@gmail.com or go to their Facebook page RI Pet Connection Foundation and tell them you want to meet Buddy. He will be waiting to meet you. Photos by Karen Kalunian
“Tunes for Tails”
A benefit concert for The East Greenwich Animal Protection League will be held on September 8, 2018, 7:00pm at the The Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich. RI’s own Emily Luther from “The Voice” will be performing along with very some special guests. Our sponsor Blu On The Water in East Greenwich will be hosting an after party following the concert. For more information please visit www.egapl.com or email egaplevents@gmail.com Photo credit: Brad Smith Photography
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Meet Kim Morse, the Director of Admissions at The Rehab Center at Saint Antoine, located in North Smithfield. Kim is seen here in front of the center’s “grocery store” and “mock” car used to simulate the real-life situations patients will soon return home to.
The Rehab Center at Saint Antoine
For a “one of a kind” rehabilitation experience By Jennifer Coates For those who have ever undergone a prolonged period of rehabilitation, they know that there is nothing “easy” about the process of recovery; it takes time, commitment, resolve, strength and endurance. It also takes a team of dedicated professionals who work together on behalf of a patient to achieve the best possible outcome ~ a smooth transition to home and a return to a life of independence. Though the road to recovery can often be an arduous one, for those who are taking this journey at The Rehab Center at Saint Antoine in North Smithfield, that road is a literal walk down “Easy Street”. “Easy Street”, as it has been affectionately christened, is a path that has been painted down the middle of the center’s recently renovated and expanded therapy room. It divides the room into lifelike “rehab modules” such as a fully-operational kitchen, living room and bathroom as well as a “mock-up” of a Whole Foods market (complete with food, a register, a cart and a model of an ATM). There is a washing machine and dryer, a dishwasher and even half of a full-scale car! All these places on “Easy Street” were specifically designed to give rehabilitating patients real-life experiences as they prepare for a successful transition to home. The fourteen-member team of full-time Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists at The Rehab Center use this advanced therapy room to re-introduce their patients to every skill they will need when they are discharged, especially after an extended hospital stay where many of these skills have been lost or significantly diminished. This includes everything from making a purchase at the grocery store to reaching up to get something out of a cabinet, to using a microwave to prepare a light meal, to doing the laundry, to getting safely in and out of a car. Every possible scenario has been imagined here at this rehabilitation center and literally every detail has been implemented with purpose and intent. The therapy room is also fully-equipped with the most advanced pieces of therapeutic equipment from the Nu-Step Machine to a full slate of therapy aids, among others. These provide patients with everything they need to get the most effective and safest work-outs possible, all with the goals of making them stronger, reducing rehospitalizations and returning them to their former lives with confidence and support. The Center’s rehabilitation services also include comfortable and welcoming accommodations. The rehab wing has 23 beds; each room is flooded with natural light and has such amenities as cable TV, a phone, a comfy recliner and ample closet space. There are also several common areas to host guests, play games or just relax. This is a place of recovery, peace and hope. Come take a walk down “Easy Street” and tour The Rehab Center at Saint Antoine, set on an expansive, serene piece of property at 10 Rhodes Avenue in North Smithfield. For more information, contact Kim Morse, the Director of Admissions or Jackie Woznicki, the Executive Director at 401-767-3500, ext. 102. Find them on online at www.stantoine.net. August 2018
Some great reasons to adopt a shelter pet
She’s a Showgirl! Lola is the sweetest little girl around! She is an all white, seven year old Chihuahua with the biggest “airplane” ears just waiting to fly right into your arms! If you been thinking about adopting a small breed dog then pick Lola, she loves people and gets along with other dogs too! You can see her during adoption hours at The East Greenwich Animal Protection League located at 44 Worthington Road in Cranston. They are open on Wednesday 4:00-6:00 and Saturday 12:00-2:00. You can also call 401-467-3670 or visit their website at www.egapl.com for more information. Lola can’t wait to meet you!
The ASPCA estimates that 6.5 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States each year. The organization DoSomething.org states that, each year, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized because shelters are too full and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. Homeless animals outnumber homeless people five to one. Here are reasons why adopting shelter dogs and cats is such a great idea. • Well-behaved animals: The Humane Society of America says most shelter pets end up in facilities not because of behavioral issues or something they did wrong, but due to circumstances affecting their owners, such as moving or divorce. That means there are thousands of housebroken, behaviortrained pets just waiting for a new family. • Lower costs: When a person adopts a pet, microchipping, first immunization costs, neutering/spaying, and some vet costs may be covered by the adoption fee. • Longer life expectancy: The Canine Journal says mixed breeds, animals whose genetic makeup are a combination of at least two breeds, tend to have fewer health problems and live longer than their purebreed counterparts. But shelters also house many purebreeds for those who prefer to go that route. • Room for others: For every adopted cat or dog, room is freed up to take in more pets that need assistance. • Make puppy mills obsolete: Puppy mills produce pets in factory-style facilities that seldom take the welfare of animals into consideration. Adoption hurts puppy mills’ bottom lines and helps fight against their inhumane breeding techniques.
Pretty Brindle Girl “Go fetch!” That’s Cali’s favorite game to play! If you are looking for an active, happy eight year old girl then go to the Warwick Animal shelter to meet Cali. She is sad at the shelter and wants her own yard to chase the ball around. She also likes walks on the leash and sits nicely for treats. Her coat is a pretty chocolate brown brindle with splashes of white and her smile is as big as they come! Please contact the Warwick Animal Shelter at 401-468-4377 or email animal.shelter@warwickri.com if you are interested in meeting Cali and be sure to bring a ball with you!
Perfect Pair Ewok & Waddles (our cover pup) are the perfect Pomeranian pair! This little dynamic senior duo deserves to be in a loving home for their golden years and they are both hoping that you will be the one to take them home. At thirteen years old they do not belong in a shelter, all they want is love and attention.They have been together since they were born and must be adopted together. Ewok is a bit more outgoing than Waddles but both are extremely affectionate. Please contact the Warwick Animal Shelter at 401-468-4377 and hurry over there to scoop up these adorable little fluff balls! August 2018
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b y M ichelle L a F rance a lzheimer ’s asso c i a t i o n r h o d e i s l a n d c h a p te r
issues
Walk To End ® Alzheimer’s Participants to Raise Critically Needed Awareness and Funds for Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research The Alzheimer’s Association® is inviting Rhode Island residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Walk will take place in three locations in Rhode Island; Fort Adams in Newport on September 16, Roger Williams Park in Providence on September 30, and new this year, Misquamicut Beach in Westerly on September 23. Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants will complete a 3.5 mile walk in Providence, and a 2.5 mile walk in Newport and Westerly, and will learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixthleading cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more than 16 million family and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the U.S. In Rhode Island alone, there are more than 23,000 people living with the disease and 53,000 caregivers. Register today. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual at alz.org/ri/walk.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Association® The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
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10 | PrimeTime
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August 2018
senior
b y tim forsberg
issues
Operation Stand Down in great need of food, toiletry donations The pantry shelves at Operation Stand Down Rhode Island are nearly bare, and the organization is looking for the community’s help in restocking them to assist veterans in need. It’s the middle of summer, and about as far as one can get from the holidays when food and toiletry donations seem to peak. With a lack of recent donations, food stocks at OSDRI are at dangerously low levels. “People obviously have it on their mind around Thanksgiving and Christmas to donate food and we’re usually pretty stocked up,” said OSDRI’s Executive Director Erik Wallin. “As we exit the spring and move through summer it becomes pretty difficult.” OSDRI is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Rhode Island’s primary nonprofit resource for homeless and at-risk veterans. The non profit was founded in 1993 and is headquartered at 1010 Hartford Avenue. Their mission is to help homeless and at-risk veterans secure stable housing. The organization offers a wide range of life-changing services for veterans, including supportive permanent and transitional housing, intensive case management, basic human needs assistance in the form of food and clothing, and an employment training and placement program. According to Wallin, the organization’s food pantry specifically caters to veterans in need. Unfortunately the Rhode Island Food Bank has rules which prevent the organization from getting food from the bank at a significantly reduced price because the organization only serves veterans and not the community at large. “Our mission is just for veterans, and even if we wanted to we don’t have the staff to support non-veterans,” said Wallin. “Our food pantry is supported solely by donations by individuals, groups, churches, and schools. As you can imagine, come summer less people are going to churches and no one is going to school.”
Did you know? Animals verbalize in many different ways to
communicate. One thing cat owners may notice is that cats have a tendency to meow as a form of speaking with humans. However, according to the North Shore Animal League America, cats almost never meow at other cats, as meowing is a sound generally reserved for interacting with humans. Cat owners should talk back to their cats often, as cats enjoy hearing their own names and their owners’ voices. TF16B541
Wallin said that the organization currently serves about 50 to 60 veterans a week through the pantry. He’s concerned about current food and toiletry levels and does not want to turn veterans in need away. OSDRI is looking for donations of non perishable items, including but not limited to cereal, juice, canned meat, soups (both dry and canned) oatmeal, rice, beans, applesauce, raisins, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, shelf milk, pasta, pasta sauces, instant potatoes, macaroni and chees, and canned goods. Toiletry items needed include toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, mouthwash, floss, razors, shaving cream, bar soap, and Qtips. While these items are needed, the real issue is food. “We have an organization that helps with toiletries year round, so it’s really the food that’s needed,” said Wallin. Donations may be dropped off to 1010 Hartford Avenue in Johnston Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page or website at www.osdri.org.
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PrimeTime | 11
lifestyles b y L arry G rimaldi
Rhode Island’s Silver Sluggers Keep Swinging Every Wednesday morning from late April through late August, six tribes gather at neatly groomed and lined diamonds at Warwick’s City Park to repeat a ritual most of them have honored over the span of many decades. At 9:15 a.m., battle tested warriors in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and one intrepid 90 year old take positions on the diamonds waiting for the first pitch to be arced towards the batter. Warwick Senior Slow Pitch Softball double-headers are underway. This is my third season in the league. I began playing softball in 1972 with the Davol Rubber team in the old Industrial League. With the exception of 7 or 8 seasons, I’ve been a pitcher, catcher, first baseman, middle man (over second base), and occasional outfielder for more teams in twilight, night, and Sunday morning leagues. I even made a guest appearance on a New Hampshire team in a Vermont Labor Day tournament several years ago. I have played in hundreds of games on dozens of fields and Warwick Senior Softball is the most fun I’ve had playing ball in many years. The league has given me a chance to rejoin former teammates and compete once again with old rivals. While a few players are still active in more competitive settings, the perspectives we bring to the game today are distinctly different from past contests tucked into our softball memory banks. The emphasis today focuses on enjoying the sunshine, getting some exercise, and engaging in the time-honored tradition of kibitzing. The Wednesday slow-pitch softball rules are different from those of more traditional leagues. We use a wooden platform to determine balls and strikes. If the ball hits the platform, it’s a strike. We umpire our own games; keep our scores without the aid of an electronic scoreboard, and are very liberal regarding the use of courtesy runners. With some of our older players, a substitute runner leaves home plate and sprints (or what passes for sprinting at our age) towards first base on contact. Rules prohibit throwing a runner out at first base from the outfield on a base hit and outfielders position themselves behind plastic cones placed 150 feet from home before each pitch. Every out on the base paths is basically a force out. For safety, runners must touch a first base bag placed on the side of the official base. Runners score by touching a home plate stationed a few feet outside and parallel to the official home plate. 12 | PrimeTime
You are allowed to score only five runs an inning until the 7th “open” inning. In an open inning, the trailing team can score as many runs as it can to win or tie the game. Sometimes we create our own rules. On one particularly hot summer morning with the score tied after 7 innings, we agreed to start the next game rather than break the tie. All players are listed in a continuous batting lineup and are free to go in and out of any defensive position at any time. Players frequently share defensive spots during a game. To assure that all players get an equal opportunity to hit, the batting rotation picks up in the second game of the doubleheader where the lineup ended in the previous game. On occasion, this ironic diamond twist allows players like me, who are often accused of running with a pianos strapped to our backs, to become lead-off hitters! Many of the traits and abilities displayed by players in their younger years are still evident today. The power hitters of yesteryear are today’s silver sluggers. The jackrabbits of earlier days are still speedsters. Well known kibitzers have polished their repertoire of baseball jabs and retained their ability to turn out snappy phrases seasoned with humor. No standings are kept; there’s no year-end tournament to crown a league champion; and we don’t name a league’s Most Valuable Player. At the season ending pizza party, the year’s highlights are embellished and bloopers are exaggerated. After all the innings are played, there is a unanimous consensus about the season. Warwick Senior Softballers are happy to be healthy enough to play and enjoy a game we love. We revel in the camaraderie. We are staying active and celebrating the American baseball tradition. If the ritual repeats itself, we’ll begin our “spring training” sometime in March…or maybe not. It’s much more likely that a few days before the season starts we’ll rummage through the closet or go into the garage, find our bats, balls, and gloves, (AND the compression pants and assorted braces), and show up for opening day. We’ll jog at bit; stretch a bit; take a few silver slugger practice swings and announce that we are ready for the season. Play ball! Larry Grimaldi is a retired freelance writer living in North Providence. Comments can be emailed to lvgrimaldi49@gmail.com.
senior
retirement sparks
issues
b y elaine m . decker
Retirement Prenups
A New York newspaper reported on a trend of increasingly bizarre prenuptial agreements. It’s not too surprising that a bride-to-be would want to be compensated for marital sex in the event of a divorce. Likewise, “no smoking” and “no cheating” clauses are to be expected. But not being rude to the wife’s parents? Or having to make an annual pilgrimage to a Rice Diet Program? Not your typical boilerplate. As I took this in, it occurred to me that there’s a more important agreement for seniors to craft. That’s a retirement “prenup.” Yes, dear Prime Time readers, it’s crucially important for partners to have an advance understanding of what they can or cannot do when they retire. Following are suggestions for you to consider for your own retirement prenup. Based on my own experience, I’d suggest a clause specifying the maximum amount of weight you can gain each year. Perhaps it should be whatever the national average is for your sex and age group. That seems reasonable. I think that’s about one pound per year for me, so I’ve used up about ten years of my retirement allowance already. I’d be willing to include this in a prenup since I assume these can’t be retroactively enforced. Also based on my recent behavior, husbands might want to stipulate that retirement is no excuse to be delinquent in dying your gray roots. The penalty should probably kick in when the gray goes beyond ½ inch. Most months I’d be in trouble even if the limitation were 1 inch. An extension of the gray roots clause should be a prohibition on dying your hair pink, purple or green. Those feather and bead extensions that are all the rage right now should also be banned. Blue hair that happens by accident at the beautician’s could be tolerated for a short period, but the prenup should specify how long you get to correct the problem. Here’s one the wives will love: no Velcro shoes without a written exemption and the spouse’s approval of the footwear prior to its purchase. Nothing screams “retiree” like those parallel sets of straps, not to mention the annoying sound they make when they’re undone. Shoot me now, because I know my husband will eventually be wearing these. Another popular retiree purchase is the Hoveround® scooter. Once again, this is a clear tip off that you’re retired. If I had a retirement prenup, I’d have a serious penalty clause associated with my husband’s acquisition of one of these scooters. Unless it’s fire engine red, with a sidecar. And matching helmets. Both partners should appreciate a clause that reads that you cannot hang out in your PJs all day unless you’re sick. I’d go even further by stating that changing into sweat pants does not count as getting dressed. Similarly, you should not be allowed to wear slippers with animal heads on the toes. Ever. I can’t believe I’m writing this, but you might want to set a limit on how many hours per day can be spent cuddling the family pet. Two hours is probably about right, but personally, I’d lobby for three. That would be per pet, of course. Likewise, you should put a limit on how many animals can be rescued from the pound once you’re in retirement. I won’t even speculate on what that number should be. Many folks decide to learn a foreign language in retirement. If that’s not in your wheelhouse, be sure to state that you will not be forced to learn one along with your spouse. You might also want to put in writing that your partner cannot try to teach that language to the family pet. Another post-retirement hobby is music, especially taking up an instrument. This area also needs careful prenup discussion. Consider restricting the hours of practice (both in number and time of day). You might want to prohibit certain instruments, but that could be squeaky to negotiate. Prenups are delicate agreements, not to be entered into lightly. The retirement prenup is a whole new category for attorneys to sink their teeth into. I suggest you get yours done before the crush that this Prime Time column will inevitably create. The cost to get one prepared is certain to go sky high. Oh, another thing. Be sure to decide up front who’s paying the lawyers to draft this sucker. Copyright 2018 Business Theatre Unlimited Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon.com. She’s also been featured in ReaderSupportedNews.org. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com. August 2018
your taxes
professional perspective
b y meg che v alier
Protect Yourself from Scammers Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to avoiding tax scams. Here’s what taxpayers need to know to determine whether an encounter — in person, over the phone or by email — is an imposter or an actual IRS employee: The IRS Does Not: * Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. * Demand taxpayers pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed. * Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law enforcement to have someone arrested for not paying. * Threaten to revoke someone’s driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status.
August 2018
The IRS Does: * In general, first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes. * Normally initiate contact with taxpayers through mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. * Present official identification when visiting a taxpayer. Taxpayers have the right to see these credentials, and – if they would like – the representative will provide them with a dedicated IRS phone number for verifying the information and confirming their identity. * Call or visit a home or business under certain circumstances. This includes when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, to secure a delinquent tax return or a delinquent employment tax payment, or to tour a business as part of an audit or criminal investigation. Even then, taxpayers will generally receive several letters from the IRS in the mail first. * Assign certain cases to private debt collectors, but only after written notice is given to the taxpayer and their appointed representative. * Offer several payment options. Payment by check should be payable to the U.S. Treasury and sent directly to the IRS, not a private collection agency. For more information please visit the www.IRS.gov and search for “Avoid Scams.”
Platinum Anniversary
Leo and Clara Beaudoin, of Springfield Avenue in Johnston, recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. The couple married on June 1, 1948. On June 1, 2018, a celebration of the Beaudoin’s wedded bliss was held at Osteria Romana in Johnston. Another celebration was held on June 10 at the home of Leo and Clara’s daughter and son in law in Cranston. The couple has four children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Here’s to another 70 years of happiness! (Submitted photos)
PrimeTime | 13
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PrimeTime | 15
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August 2018