PrimeTime January 2016

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Jan uary 2 0 16

Money Matters Grow Your Money Is a Reverse Mortgage right for you?

How to Avoid

$$ Scams

XT !!

E N US R U ITH O Y W N A AY L P AW T GE

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January 2016

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Pr i m e Ti m e January 2016 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 Director Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com WRITERS Michael J. Cerio, Don Fowler, Kelcy Dolan, Daniel Kittredge, Elaine M. Decker, Larry Grimaldi, Mike Fink, Meg Chevalier, Kerry Park ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com Lisa Mardenli, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski, Alex Viscusi Classified ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com

money money money 4 Reverse Mortgage

people & places

I Love Retirement! calendar.........12 Homoring a WWII Vet.......................17

Is it right for you?

6 Don’t be a Victim

Protect yourself from scams

8

Heating Your Home

9

Senior issues

Alzheimer’s Association..................15 Making a List..........................................18 Retirement Sparks..............................21

Dont’ break the bank this winter

Winterize your Wallet Prepare your home for winter

A little planning goes a long way

14 Financial Decline

Pairing Food & Beer...........................18

LIFESTYLES

What Do You Fink...............................13 Larry Grimaldi........................................15 That’s Entertainment........................17

10 Financing Elder Care

FOOD & DRINK

professional prospective

Your Taxes................................................22

Signs an aging loved one needs help

PRODUCTION STAFF Matt Bower, Brian Geary, Lisa Yuettner

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January 2016

PrimeTime |

Reverse Mortgage b y jessi c al selby

Is it right for you?

You’ve heard of a mortgage before. But have you heard of a “reverse mortgage”?

As you age and your financial picture changes, extra money might be useful – whether for home improvements, to supplement income, or to cover healthcare expenses. A reverse mortgage might just be the option you’re seeking.

According to information provided by the Federal Trade Commission, a reverse mortgage allows you to convert part of the equity in your home into cash without having to sell your home or pay additional monthly bills.

The FTC does warn, however, that reverse mortgages can be complicated and are not always right for everyone and every situation.

According to the commission’s website, “when you have a regular mortgage, you pay the lender every month to buy your home over time. In a reverse mortgage, you get a loan in which the lender pays you.”

The way it works, as explained by the FTC, is that the reverse mortgage takes “part of the equity in your home and converts it into payments to you – a kind of advance payment on your home equity.” Based on the information on the commission’s website, the money one receives is “usually” tax-free and generally will not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. The money is also not required to be paid back for as long as one lives in their home. When the borrower dies, sells their home, or moves out, they, their spouse, or estate would have to repay the loan, even if that sometimes means selling the home to get the money.

According to the FTC, there are three kinds of reverse mortgages – singlepurpose reverse mortgages, offered by some state and local government agencies, as well as non-profits; proprietary reverse mortgages, or private loans; and federally-insured reverse mortgages, also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs).

So for those 62 or older, a HECM could be the option to help tap into the equity of a home and turn it into cash that can be used today, or a line of credit that will be there when needed.

| PrimeTime

Carol Miller, a reverse mortgage specialist for Reverse Mortgage Funding, writes in an article on reverse mortgages titled “Closing the Financial Gap for a New Generation of Retirees” that HECMs can also help to preserve invested assets, leaving them intact to continue earning.

“Retirement has become a bit more complicated in recent years,” Miller writes. “Retirees can no longer rely on just Social Security, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and personal savings—what’s known as the ‘three-legged stool’ of retirement planning. Many of today’s retirees simply do not have the employer-sponsored plans their parents did, and therefore need to rely more closely on personal savings and other assets to close the gap and meet their financial needs.”

That is where the reverse mortgage option comes into play. The HECM loan program was originally created by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) specifically for homeowners age 62 and older. Initially, there were some major setbacks, Miller said.

According to information provided by Miller, FHA – now a part of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – didn’t insure these loans prior to 1990. Now, however, the majority of reverse mortgages are insured and regulated by HUD who guarantees that the borrower will never owe more than what the house is worth.

There’s a reason for this, because prior to HUD stepping in, Miller indicates, lenders were taking part of the home’s appreciation during the life of the loan – the theory being that the risk of lending and not getting paid back until the last borrower passes away needed to be compensated for with an extra incentive for the lender at the end of the loan. That’s what gave these loans their bad reputation, along with very high closing costs, she said.

“This appreciation-sharing mechanism of the past devastated many families because it became very difficult, as an heir, to retain the family home or for the senior to move to another home because they were sharing the appreciation with the bank, and the borrowers hands’ were tied,” Miller said.

According to Miller, today it’s completely different, and the days of appreciation sharing are virtually non-existent. There could be a rouge lender that comes out with a product that has this feature, but it would be hard to find. In fact, she said, the old news of “the loan of last resort” is not true of the modern reverse mortgage.

January 2016

your money

According to the Federal Trade Commission, a reverse mortgage takes “part of the equity in your home and converts it into payments to you – a kind of advance payment on your home equity.”

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$ In April 2015, HUD came out with a revamp of the HECM and made income and credits a qualification that mirrors mortgages in the “forward” world. HUD determined that they were having a default rate of nearly 10 percent, and Congress had at the time threatened to discontinue the program altogether. A reverse mortgage is considered to be in default if the borrower doesn’t pay their property taxes or insurance on time. As a result, the government reacted, and ultimately, if one’s credit is not good or income isn’t enough to pay for necessities, getting a reverse mortgage will not be easy and could in fact be impossible.

“Today, many consumers and their financial advisors view HECMs, in the right circumstances, as a smart solution to help qualified homeowners achieve their retirement goals,” Miller said. “Remember, this is not your parents’ retirement planning! It’s yours. You owe it to yourself to explore all of your available financial options, including a HECM loan.”

If you think an HECM may be right for you, contact Miller at Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC at 401-848-7281 or cmiller@reversefunding.com.

Miller is an experienced HECM specialist.

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Appellation: Monterey County Oak Aging: 10 mos, 25% French Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir Total Acidity: 6.24g/L PH: 3.58 Alcohol: 13.5%

Food Pairings: Smoked Salmon Asparagus Pork Poultry Steak January 2016

PrimeTime |

b y Mi c hael Ceri o

Don’t become a Victim Being prepared: What to know to protect yourself, loved ones from scams targeting seniors It’s the New Year, and with it comes plenty of unknowns. And, let’s face it – that’s a big part of the fun when the calendar turns from December to January. What waits for each of us in 2016?

Families, some unknowingly at this very moment, will welcome new bundles of joy. People will find their soul mate and marry. Others will land new jobs or promotions. A few will experience a financial windfall, while some will plan the trip of a lifetime (you can sign me up for either). And, of course, there is the excitement that comes from life’s unexpected simplicities and the milestones of another year lived.

But with almost every unknown comes some near certainties – taxes, traffic, an increase in the costs of food and living expenses, political bickering, and more taxes.

Also certain are scams by those look-

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ing to take advantage of others for their own personal gain. Sadly, older citizens are not only disproportionately at risk, they’re purposely targeted.

According to The Federal Trade Commission, fraud complaints by people 60 and older rose by 47 percent between 2012 and 2014, while a national survey indicates that one in five people within this same age group reports having been taken advantage of financially.

Quite simply, seniors are targets and victims of scams more than any other age group, and the reasons are well documented. Seniors are seen as having a “nest egg” and quick access to more money available in their checking and savings accounts. They also tend to be more trusting, a quality derived from the upbringing of generations passed, when questioning an authority that says you owe money – such as the IRS

or your utility company – would seem out of place.

“Unfortunately, the number of seniors affected may actually be higher than the figures show because many don’t report they’ve been scammed because they are embarrassed or fear relatives may think they are no longer able to take care of their own finances,” says Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin.

“I also believe the increase can be attributed in large part to an increase in scams and their complexity.”

Scams are nothing new. But for a world that’s seen an explosion in technology over the past decade that’s unlike anything previous generations have experienced, the way in which they are perpetrated is constantly evolving.

Instead of a scam artist needing the pre-technology boom approach of door-to-door, face-to-face interaction when targeting a victim, wireless tech-

nology, the Internet, and even smartphone apps have made their “job” easier. Most would be awfully surprised to learn the amount of information available online about each of us.

“There is spoofing technology to make a phone number look like it’s an official state or federal agency, like the IRS, when in fact the person is calling from somewhere overseas, far outside the reach of traditional law enforcement,” adds Kilmartin. “Scam outfits are also experts in gathering personal information and using it to their advantage.”

While there’s sure to be another new scam to rear its ugly head this year, here’s descriptions of three scams continuing to make the rounds with periodic changes aimed at making them more believable.

January 2016

your money

“I’m sorry, your account is past due and we’re shutting off your electricity.”

Both the Attorney General’s office and National Grid have warned customers in multiple states, including Rhode Island, of an aggressive utility billing scam. How does it work? Utility customers are contacted by phone by someone claiming to be from National Grid and told they have a past due balance on their bill. The customer is then told their service will be shut off immediately unless they provide sensitive bank account information and agree to make an immediate payment.

Though this scam has been around for years, it remains effective due to more advanced phone manipulation abilities (the incoming call can really be made to look like it’s your utility company) and its nature to scare people into action before they can think twice.

While National Grid, for example, does contact customers with past due balances by phone in order to offer payment options, they never demand direct payment over the phone. So, if you receive a call asking for immediate payment and feel it’s suspicious, it probably is. Don’t give any information, and be sure to notify your utility company immediately.

“This is the Internal Revenue Service.

You owe back taxes.”

This is one of the most persistent scams. After all, who wants to mess with the IRS? Again initiated by phone, an individual or business is contacted by someone claiming to be from the IRS and asking for payment of back taxes. Often, the phone number will appear to be from a Washington area code, and callers will leave a message identifying themselves as IRS if they don’t reach you. During a call, the scammer impersonating the IRS may threaten arrest, a lawsuit, driver’s license suspension, or even deportation if payment is not made immediately.

Payment is then requested in the form of credit card, electronic bank account withdrawal, or pre-paid debit cards.

Beyond never giving out any bank account, personal, or financial information over the phone, never wire money or provide pre-paid debit card information to an unfamiliar person or business. Also know that the IRS not only won’t call out of the blue to ask for payment, they won’t ever demand a specific form of payment or use scare tactics to receive payment.

Any potential IRS scam should be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at (800) 366-4484.

“A warrant will be issued for your arrest unless you pay this fine.”

Being that I doubt anyone ever wants to hear there’s a warrant out for their arrest, this scam is meant to feel like an instantaneous punch to the gut. It’s also one designed to appear hyper local.

Victims are targeted by phone by someone claiming to be from a local court. When this scam first appeared in Rhode Island in winter 2015, callers were identifying themselves as from “Providence County Court,” complete with the caller-ID displaying a number assigned to the Rhode Island Supreme Court clerk’s office.

The caller proceeds to inform their target that a warrant – often the result of a parking or moving violation – will be issued for their arrest unless a fine is paid before end of business that day by either a pre-paid debit card, telephone, or in person. If the target opts to pay by phone, they’re given an out-of-state number for a payment processing company. If they choose to pay in person, they were given the address for Providence City Hall.

January 2016

“The level of sophistication being used to trick consumers has never been higher – piecing together bits of legitimate information can lend just enough credibility to a call,” says Kilmartin. “The Rhode Island Judiciary does not contact individuals for outstanding warrants, and no local state law enforcement agency will accept a payment in lieu of arrest.”

Last year, the Office of Attorney General conducted more than 100 consumer protection seminars at senior and community centers aimed at helping people learn how to spot scams. First and foremost, the most effective rule of thumb is to never share personal or financial information over the telephone. And if you feel you’ve been targeted, inform the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Unit immediately at (401) 274-4400 or contactus@riag.ri.gov.

“Unfortunately, this these illegal outfits most often being outside Rhode Island, and very often outside the United States, there is very little, if anything at all, an individual, the police, or the Office of Attorney General can do to get the money back; once the money is gone, it’s probably gone for good,” says Kilmartin. “If our office receives 10 or so calls about a scam, chances are hundreds, if not thousands, of Rhode Islanders are receiving the same call – the sooner we know what’s infiltrating the state, the sooner we can alert the public and hopefully thwart the scammers.”

PrimeTime |

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Westbay Café…More than a Meal Making a luncheon reservation at our eight Westbay Cafes is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Special

January Meals

Tuesday, January 12 Bring A Friend Luncheon Fruit Salad, ¼ Rack BBQ Ribs, Baked Beans, Roasted Veggies, Dessert PuB OPTiOn: Turkey and Cheese Grinder with potato chips Thursday, January 21 Cozy Winter Meal Butternut Squash Soup, Stuffed Chicken Breast with Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Roasted Potatoes, Creamed Spinach, Dessert PuB OPTiOn: Waldorf Salad Our caterer provides the following three options (two each day) for your meal • Hearty Traditional Meal – Appetizer, Main Entrée with sides (potato, vegetables) • Pub Option – Delicious Sandwich • Spa Option – Lighter, healthy option for those on the go All luncheons include an appetizer, bread, dessert and coffee or tea

For more information, please call patty martucci, Assistant Director of Senior nutrition program

401-732-4666 ext. 142

Senior CenterS Charlestown 401-364-9955 East Greenwich 401-886-8638 Jamestown 401-423-2658 The Center–S. Kingstown 401-789-0268 West Warwick 401-822-4450 Westerly 401-596-2404 Senior ApArtmentS (you do not have to be a resident) Park View-Westerly 401-596-4918 Shalom Apartments 401-737-0180

We invite seniors age 60 and older and individuals with disabilities to join us at these Cafes for a nutritious lunch. The suggested donation is $3/person. Reservations are necessary and should be made by Thursday for the following week.

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Stay comfortable this winter without breaking the bank Throughout the cold days of winter, homeowners are inclined to turn up the dial on their thermostat to maintain a warm, comfortable home. However, homeowners may not realize the presence of drafts and air leaks throughout the home can lead to temperature fluctuation and higher than normal heating bills.

Drafts and gaps in insulation coverage can be a major contributor to increased utility bills, as well as inefficient performance of HVAC equipment. Conditioned air continually escapes the home, leaving the HVAC equipment to work overtime to compensate in an effort to reach the thermostat’s set temperature. Air leakage from walls, windows, ceilings and floors can account for up to 40 percent of the energy lost by your home, potentially costing homeowners thousands of dollars annually.

Plus, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests air leakage contributes to potential moisture problems that can affect occupant health and the home’s durability.

Homeowners can reduce air leakage in several ways, and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends homeowners take a comprehensive approach. First, detect where the air leaks are within your home. A certified HERS Rater will be able to help you identify such areas, as well as help assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality.

Once all sources of air leaks have been identified, air sealing techniques and materials can be applied. Caulking and weather-stripping are two of the most popular and common techniques that can help address air leaks. However, building experts will suggest considering solutions that go further in terms of air-sealing by selecting a high-performance building material like spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation, such as Icynene, works well in all climates to seal the building and fill every gap to stop air leakage and help reduce the strain on HVAC equipment. As a solution that performs effectively year-round, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature while helping to control monthly heating and cooling expenses.

Additionally, spray foam insulation helps minimize random airborne moisture and pollutants from entering the home, ideal for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies once the snow melts and spring arrives. More information on how spray foam insulation can help homeowners minimize air leakage is available online at www.icynene.com. (BPT)

January 2016

your money

Winterize Your Wallet:

Maintenance projects to save money and prepare your home for winter Cooler temperatures signal it’s time to switch gears and prepare your home for the 3. Get smart with heating approaching winter. A few modifications can go a long way - here are four key projects to winterize your abode, help you stay warm and save money this coming You may think your old thermostat is doing just fine, but the truth is a new one season and beyond. can save you up to 12 percent on heating and 15 percent on cooling, according to The Nest. The Nest Thermostat is a new-age way to conserve resources through its 1. Stop letting money slip through the cracks ability to learn your schedule and teach you how to save through notifications. In turn, it’ll save you money, since you’ll be heating and cooling your home only when An easy way to winterize and keep heat in is to find drafts and seal them. In fact, necessary. drafts can waste five to 30 percent of a home’s energy usage according to the U.S. Department of Energy says. Keep drafts at bay by simply placing a rolled bath towel 4. Water heater cool down under doors and seal gaps in windows with caulk, or apply weather stripping or window winterizing film to keep the warm air from escaping.

The furnace isn’t the only place to save by turning down the temperature. Many water heaters are set to 140 degrees, which can actually be dangerous and cause scaldCan’t find the drafts? Simply run your finger around edges of windows and doors to ing. Simply lowering the temperature 20 degrees can save you $36 to $61 annually, feel where air is leaking; or use a flashlight to see where light passes through. according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This will also slow mineral buildup and corrosion in the water heater and pipes, saving significant money in the long 2. Save water year-round run by preserving the life of your unit.

The kitchen is one of the hardest working areas in the house, and installing a low- Getting a head start on winterizing projects this fall will not only prepare your home flow faucet can help cut back on your water bills. Choose an option with a pulldown for the season to come, but make your wallet happy. spray wand, like the Kendall kitchen faucet from Moen, that helps conserve water as well as make tasks in and around the sink easier. The spray wand features Reflex technology, which allows for easy and secure docking of the wand.

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PrimeTime |

senior issues

b y kerry park

Financing Elder Care A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way As loved ones age, the focus should be on health and comfort. Financial burdens can add stress and take time away from caring for those you love.

Planning for long-term care expenses in advance can help make the process less nerve-racking and more cost effective. Understanding the general financial options available is the first step.

Personal Funds At first, many people pay for long term care services with their own money. Personal savings accounts, retirement funds and reverse mortgages can all be tapped into when needing to cover care costs.

However, paying wholly out of pocket is not a viable option for most. Many turn to other options to cover these costs.

Long Term Care Insurance While many believe that general

health insurance covers long term care, many policies do not include these services. Long term care insurance, however, is designed to offer financial support for things like in-home assistance, assisted living facilities, residential skilled nursing care and adult day service centers.

Whether or not you should purchase long term care insurance, and how much coverage you need, depends upon a number of factors. Gender, age, health status, life expectancy, family situation, income and assets, and retirement goals can all impact your long term care insurance decision. Experts suggest making the purchase in your mid-50s. That way you are more likely to qualify for the policy and lock in a lower premium.

Long term care insurance offers many

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10 | PrimeTime

benefits. Private policies offer better control, stability, security and independence during one’s later years. Public payment options, such as Medicaid, can greatly impact a person’s ability to bequeath personal property to heirs or to self-select a care setting. Long term insurance helps you avoid these limitations. Some long term care insurance policies also offer tax advantages.

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program provides long term care insurance to Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants, active and retired members of the uniformed services and qualified relatives.

You can learn more by visiting the Long Term Care Insurance Program’s website at www.ltcfeds.com.

Veterans Affairs Programs VA offers many assisted living, residential care, and home health services for eligible Veterans, including in-home and community-based care, respite care, residential skilled nursing care and family support services. Rhode Island veterans can find out more about elder care services at the Providence Vet Center at 2038 Warwick Avenue in Warwick.

The Center’s phone number is 401-7390167.

Medicare Medicare is a federal assistance program that is available to people who are age 65 or older, permanently disabled, or affected by kidney failure or long term kidney disease. There are four different parts of Medicare. Each covers specific services: * Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)—includes limited nursing care facility coverage * Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) * Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) * Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage) Medicare does not provide a comprehensive long term care component.

In general, it does not pay for assisted living costs, though it may cover short term services, such as on-site therapy.

If certain conditions are met, Medicare offers limited coverage for Medicare beneficiaries who require skilled nursing care or rehabilitation. For day 1 through 20, following a 3-day hospital

stay, Medicare will pay 100% of covered services; for days 21 through 100, you or your loved one will need to pay a daily copayment.

Medicaid Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program available to those with limited income and resources. Eligible individuals include pregnant women, children age 19 or younger, persons age 65 or older, and those who are blind, disabled or in need of nursing home care. Medicaid will pay for skilled nursing care, provided the Care center is certified.

If your income is limited, apply for Medicaid, even if you aren’t sure whether you qualify or not. A qualified caseworker will review and determine your eligibility. Because Medicaid is based on financial need, applicants are asked for extensive information, such as family composition, income, property and banking or investment resources.

Integrated Care Some individuals are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Beginning in April, 2016, these individuals may be eligible to receive coverage through the State of Rhode Island directly or through Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (NHPRI). Those transferring into a long term care facility will be automatically enrolled in the NHPRI care management program but do have the choice of opting out if they prefer to have their care and payments managed by the State. Eligible residents will receive details prior to the April rollout.

There’s no doubt that long term care financing is complex but there are several sources that can help you navigate the maze of options. The Rhode Island Health Care Association’s website, www. rihca.com, has a collection of “Care Conversations” that help family members jump start difficult discussions about long term care. The Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs website, www.longtermcare.gov, is also a great resource with answers to consumers most frequently asked questions.

Source: Care Conversations, American Health Care Association

January 2016

business Spotlight

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Where accurate and expediency in test results are guaranteed To many patients who visit doctor’s offices or hospitals, procedures such as drawing blood or other specimens are pretty straightforward and commonplace.

Drawing these specimens, however, is only the first step in a long line of successive steps whose final outcome yields important, even lifesaving, information. Once these samples are procured, they are then sent to laboratories to be tested and analyzed. Armed with these critical results, physicians and health care providers can then develop treatment plans essential to the care of their patients. There is no room for error in this process, which is why the professional and progressive services of Lifespan Laboratories are so highly sought after.

Accredited by both the College of American Pathologists and the American Association of Blood Banks, Lifespan Laboratories operates an integrated set of coordinated laboratories throughout the state. These are the region’s largest and most sophisticated testing facilities, setting the highest standards for speed and accuracy.

Lifespan Laboratories are also the first laboratories in the entire region to use the patented Power Express™ technology. This system routes samples through the automated laboratory in the quickest and most efficient manner. This expediency both increases patient safety and makes the diagnostic process easier and faster for them and their doctors. When waiting for test results can often seem like an eternity, the speed and efficiency of Lifespan Laboratories provide true comfort and peace of mind.

How laboratories test samples and send results can vary greatly from lab to lab, but because the process at Lifespan Laboratories is automated, they are far “ahead of the curve�. As Dr. Douglas Anthony, the chief of pathology at Rhode Island and Miriam Hospitals explains: “The quality is better with this advanced technology. It is mostly hands-off. There is no chance for cross contamination between specimens and it is 100% accurate in linking the results with the specific test tube.�

The process of testing specimen samples unfolds in this way: Samples come to the lab by way of laboratories and physician offices throughout the region, involving over 3.2 million tests a year. Each sample is then entered into a computer by a lab technician, or entered directly by the doctor via Lifespan’s LifeChart systems.

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January 2016

PrimeTime | 11

b y D aniel K ittredge

Ralph Sword, Richard Regan, Antonia Benvenuti and Tarja Vienonen are featured in the January image, which celebrates “I Love Lucy.” (Submitted photo)

Donald Palumbo, Teruko Langwell, Ralph Sword and Joanne Quinn are featured in the April image, which celebrates “The Honeymooners.” (Submitted photo)

people & places

Part of the Show

Senior center celebrates classic TV with unique ‘I Love Retirement’ calendar When watching a favorite TV show, it’s not unusual to become immersed in the story and the fictional world depicted to the screen. A viewer may even imagine what it would be like to become one of the characters.

Thanks to a unique initiative, a number of Cranston Senior Enrichment Center members have gotten something approaching that experience this holiday season.

“It was quite a production,” Sue Stenhouse, Cranston’s executive director of senior services, said of the first-ever “I Love Retirement” calendar, in which the faces of senior center members have been integrated into images of classic TV shows. “It was a fun way to get people engaged … This has been really well received.”

More than 80 members of the center were involved in the calendar, Stenhouse said. Each month features at least one show – including “I Love Lucy,” “M*A*S*H,” “Star Trek,” “The Jeffersons,” and “The Golden Girls” – and photographs of center members’ faces appear in place of the stars of each program.

The calendar also highlights health and wellness tips for different times of year, and provides reminders of important dates and events at the center.

Stenhouse said the concept for the calendar was inspired by a similar project done by a senior organization in Germany. Shully Peguero, who does editing for the center’s “55+ No Limits” television show, took the lead on the technical aspects of the calendar’s production.

A professional photographer donated time to take pictures of willing seniors around the center, and Sally Beauty Supply helped prepare those being photographed. Appointments were set, and Stenhouse said those involved “made it a really special day.”

Peguero said the faces weren’t matched to particular shows or characters beforehand, so the final result – which took many hours of work – was a surprise for each participant.

“I know they’re amused by it,” she said, noting that people are already asking about next year’s calendar.

Peguero also said she hopes the calendar will provide a fun way for families to connect as seniors recall their favorite shows and fond memories.

“It provides a bonding time for the family,” she said.

Seniors who took part in the calendar were effusive in their praise.

“It was fun,” said Marie Charpentier, who is featured in the July image as part of the “M*A*S*H” ensemble. “Everybody that I’ve talked to loved it.”

“It was a wonderful experience,” said Rita Penzo, who is featured with Marilyn McCabe as “Laverne & Shirley.”

The center produced 150 of the calendars, which are available for $10 each. Proceeds will go toward programming at the center.

The center, located at 1070 Cranston St., can be reached at 401-7806000.

Sue Stenhouse and Shully Peguero look through the first-ever edition of the “I Love Retirement” calendar. (PrimeTime photo) 12 | PrimeTime

January 2016

LIFESTYLES

wHAT DO YOU FINK?

by MIKE FINK

Celebrating the journey, and those met along the way Mr. Bernard Bell recently celebrated his 95th birthday with an afternoon gala at Tamarisk in Warwick.

Bernie has many interests among myriad communities.

Tennis in Newport and alma mater, Brown, where he has led the commencement parades through the quadrangle gates, down College Street and along Benefit to the First Baptist Church. He spent this past Thanksgiving at the residence of the Brown president, and has been received with much gusto and graciousness by previous presidents as well for his loyalty to his class and his college. He loves to root for the home team in any weather of all seasons.

Bernie has taught me many lessons – how to stay faithful to the less fortunate who may be in nursing homes, who may have lost a loved one, who may be lonely. He attracts those who need anything, including chauffeur service. He has a blind young chum who relies on him for rescue or for a ride, and named him “next of kin.”

But back to Tamarisk and the birthday toasts, with wine red or white and tea or coffee – regular or de-caf.

A lovely lady in an elegant gown played piano, a Chopin prelude, to honor the event, and accompanied the crowd with a “Happy Birthday” song. To which Bernie replied, with his customary ironic wit, “See you all in five years!”

You may note in the snapshot that illustrates this recognition, that our host is wearing a flower in his lapel. He keeps a pot of cornflowers by his doorway, wherever he resides, to celebrate every day of his sociable life.

“My mother packed us up as youngsters and took us to Palestine, as it was then titled, to learn the language of the bible and watch a new nation grow from the desert soil,” he said.

Bernie phones his friends who fought in the war of independence for Israel every day. “I am a doer,” he declares about himself, because he keeps busy with a wide range of connections, from the John Carter Brown library to Hospice Care. He has friends all over the world, who admire him and enjoy his company.

I am among his regular guests at cocktail time, where he introduces him to his diverse community of old and new acquaintances. In fact, he has never done me anything but good!

Oh, I could go on and on and get in trouble for leaving out the chapters of his life, pleasant and melancholy, successful and disappointing, but that is not my aim with this particular piece. I only want to congratulate my long-time pal, with whom I have shared many a glass of good bourbon, and a coffee at a sidewalk café, while he prefers to bring his own de-caf teabag and order a cup of hot water. To put my blessing on the next five years until the next big date to toast with wine, women, and song.

Age may dim the vision, blur the hearing, slow down the pace, but age cannot wither the infinite variety and vitality of those among us lucky enough to reach the milestones along the journey, with so many companions along the great road.

January 2016

PrimeTime | 13

5. Are they having new difficulty identifying investment risks? Are they able to minimize the risks in potential investments? Did they recently fall victim to fraud or a scam because they could not spot the liabilities?

Pay extra attention toward looking for the warning signs of mental and financial decline.

Most importantly, take the time to talk to your parents about their wishes and how you can help them.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

I

FAMILY FEATURES

f you’ve been entrusted to assist an elderly relative with scheduling preventive exams and putting a health care plan in place, you may struggle with knowing when it’s time to take on a greater role in other aspects of their life. That’s why now is the perfect time to look for warning signs that your loved ones might be suffering from a decline in financial ability.

Despite years of accumulated knowledge and experience, it is likely that at some point your loved ones’ financial capability will be challenged as they age, making it more difficult to competently handle money-related matters on their own. And this decline can occur even if illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, are not present.

14 | PrimeTime

Establishing a plan to manage your parents’ finances is an important task in their senior years, particularly if you intend to engage other family members in the process.

A survey from the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) found that 86 percent of people want their family to help with financial matters if they become unable.

However, nearly 7 in 10 say their family dynamics prevent that from happening.

According to the survey, 58 percent of families experience disagreements, conflicts or confrontation with others when aging affects financial decision making.

Whether you’re a child or family member who has been enlisted to help or even charting your own financial future, approaching these discussions with candor and an open mind is critical.

“Especially if you’re accustomed to handling money matters privately, learning to talk more candidly about your finances may be uncomfortable,” said Ted Beck, president and CEO of NEFE. “However, allowing trusted individuals to take a closer look at your accounts can help you establish a realistic plan for the future, and help flag any potential concerns.”

One way Beck recommends protecting your parents is to allow view-only access to let loved ones help monitor for unusual activity on your banking and credit accounts. If restrictions to unauthorized users prohibit this, you can set up an alert program (via email or text) when a transaction over a set amount occurs. Also, remember to perform regular credit checks to avoid scams and identity theft.

Check the three major reporting bureaus and stagger the reports to get one every four months.

Additional tools and resources are available at smartaboutmoney.org to help ensure your loved ones’ finances stay healthy through these golden years.

January 2016

lifestyles b y L arry G ri m aldi

Returning to Florida as a snow bird I am not Nostradamus and don’t own a crystal ball, but I can predict some 2016 events with absolute certainty.

My beloved New York Football Giants, with their Swiss cheese defense, will not win the 2016 Super Bowl. Unless the New York Yankees transform their roster from a collection of Social Security beneficiaries to a team populated by players age 28 and under, they will not win the World Series. No matter how many rounds of golf I play, my scores will not suddenly dip from an average of 100 to 72. Neither carnival barker Donald Trump, nor avowed Socialist Bernie Sanders, will be elected president of the United States. And my wife Kathy and I will officially become snow birds. Between Martin Luther King Day and March 1, we will be temporary transplanted Floridians.

Our winter migration is the convergence of two unrelated, but very significant, circumstances. First, the icy images of last year’s Siberian Winter still terrorize my memory bank. Secondly, my son Matthew recently purchased a vacation condo in Ft. Lauderdale. Motivated by either generosity or partial atonement for traditional teenage transgressions of many years ago (I prefer to think it’s the former), he has offered us free lodging at the condo.

This impending seasonal immigra-

tion to South Florida prompts memories of the only the family vacation we ever took – Providence to Florida in October of 1960. My mother, father, sister Maryann and I piled into a mammoth Oldsmobile 88 owned by my aunt Mary and uncle Domenic for a two-week visit with their daughter in Miami.

Never having been anywhere farther than Albany, N.Y., the anticipation that surrounded this trip was incredible. In what seemed like a gift from the heavens, my sister and I got permission to leave school. While the conventional reasoning was that the trip would provide countless lessons in geography and history, I reveled in the secret joy of being paroled from Tyler School and the disciplinarians known as the Sisters of Mercy for two weeks!

The adventure was noteworthy for several reasons. In 1960, the construction of Interstate 95 had progressed as far as Richmond, Va. A large, yellow and black road sign and very tall wooden blockade proclaimed that this was the end of the modern highway. The rest of the journey would be traveled via the narrow roadway, framed by foreboding swamps, that meandered through the Carolinas and Georgia. The musty odor of drooping moss hanging from ancient trees still lingers in my memory bank. We passed by peanut fields and

acres of growing cotton. Remnants of rundown empty ramshackle farm cabins still stood as silent witnesses to another era.

When we finally reached Miami and my cousin’s house, I marveled at the tantalizing smell of a lemon tree growing in their back yard. On the short drive to Miami Beach, we passed the by the elegant Fountainbleu Hotel. Later, we walked the white sands of the beach and were treated to a circus of acrobatic flying fish in a nearby cove.

Since my aunt and uncle were staying in Florida a little longer, our journey home was booked by train from Miami to New York City. My love of train travel was born on this trip. While my memory wants to tab this train as the Gold Coast Railroad, research identified the caravan north as the Silver Star. The hypnotic rhythm of the cars clattering over the tracks made sleeping during the 1,500 overnight haul very easy.

After getting off the train in New York City, I got my first look at the world’s most wondrous, and yes frightening, city. Skyscrapers rising though the clouds, yawning street canyons, and the deafening array of competing sounds dwarfed Boston. The whirlwind of sights and sounds was very intimidating to an 11-year old, and I was glad

to board the New Haven train to Providence and home.

While the sense of adventure and anticipation may not be the same as it was 55 years ago, this year’s Florida stay promises new status as a snow bird and a refuge from yet another Arctic winter predicted by the Farmer’s Almanac.

I suspect the Almanac is right because my backyard is littered by thousands of acorn crowns left by industrious squirrels. I can also take comfort in the knowledge that Interstate 95 now extends all the way to Miami!

senior

b y Ca m illa F arrell d e ve l o p m e n t d i re c to r , a l z h e i mer ’s association r i chapter

issues

6th annual conference for caregivers, healthcare professionals The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter is pleased to announce the return of our annual Caregiver’s Conference. The 2016 all-day, free conference for caregivers, named “Caregiver’s Journey,” will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick on March 31, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A fee will be charged for health professionals and attendees seeking contact hours.

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 Executive Director Donna McGowan.

This year, along with our keynote address and workshops presented at the annual Caregiver’s Conference, our National Alzheimer’s Association CEO Harry Johns will join us as our lunchtime speaker to discuss the future of January 2016

our vital research efforts throughout the world.

The Caregiver’s Conference will begin with a keynote address by Alzheimer’s master trainer Kelly McCarthy, and her topic is the “Brass Ring-Memoirs from the Road.” McCarthy has been in the senior health industry for 28 years and provides countrywide training and support in memory care for the Alzheimer’s Association, The Assisted Living Federation of America and other organizations.

She is currently employed by Benchmark Senior Living.

In addition to the Keynote address, we will be offering 21 workshops with topics ranging from “Challenging Behaviors” to “Access to Local Resources” and “Nutrition and the Elderly,” and concluding with a Yoga session. There will also be more than 40 exhibitors related to Alzheimer’s care. If you are a caregiver or healthcare professional, or want to learn more about Alzheimer’s

disease, please join us. On-site respite is available for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.

With the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease on the rise, our “Caregiver’s Journey” conference is timely. Our 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 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 and registration are available mid-January on our website, www.alz.org/ri, or call the Chapter office to receive a brochure.

Although the conference is free to family caregivers, advance registration is

required. There is a fee for professionals who wish to receive contact hours. There are also opportunities for sponsorship of the conference and exhibit space available – please visit our website or call the Chapter office at 1-800-272-3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter, an affiliate of the National Alzheimer’s Association, is a private, nonprofit organization started in 1989 by family caregivers and interested community healthcare professionals.

The Chapter programs and services include a 24/7 Helpline, Support Groups, Training for Families, Early Stage Engagement, Newsletter, Advocacy, Resource Library, Conferences, Lectures, and special fundraising events.

If you are interested in receiving more information about Chapter programs, please contact Program Manager Annie Murphy mmurphy@ alz.org or Development Director, Camilla Farrell, cfarrell@alz.org

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January 2016

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

lifestyles

b y kel c y d o lan

people & places

by DON FOWLER

Ring in the New Year with great theatre When I moved to Rhode Island in the mid-1960s, Trinity Rep was just starting up, and there were only a few local theatres, all struggling for audiences.

Here we are now in 2016 with a plethora of high quality professional and community theatres to choose from.

This winter, get away from the TV, bundle up, and make that trip to one of the many theatres in Rhode Island. I’ve included a few that I enjoy. And most of them offer senior discounts.

2ND STORY THEATRE Ed Shea’s 2nd Story Theatre has been around a long time, settling on Market Street in downtown Warren, where the emphasis is on contemporary plays, with a few classics thrown in, with theatre space both downstairs and in the second story.

Terry Johnson’s “Hysteria” opens the year on Jan. 20, a play that seniors should enjoy. It’s a farce about Sigmund Freud and Salvador Dali meeting at the psychoanalyst’s home with “egos running amuck.”

David Mamet’s modern classic, “Speed the Plow” opens March 10.

Shea calls it “a razor-sharp satire on the ethics of the film industry.”

For tickets, call 247-4200.

OCEAN STATE THEATRE COMPANY “Breaking Legs”, one of the funniest plays about the theatre I have ever seen, plays Jan. 31-Feb. 16 at Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company, followed on Feb. 26-March 13 by the Tony Award-winning musical, “1776.”

Ocean State also produces a number of one-night comedy shows and concerts that appeal to seniors.

Call 921-6800 for reservations.

SANDRA FEINSTEIN GAMM THEATRE Pawtucket’s Gamm Theatre presents George Brant’s “Grizzly Mama” Jan. 7Feb. 7.

Artistic Director Tony Estrella describes the play as a “pitch-black comedy about motherhood, feminism and the shallowness of sound-bite politics, eliciting shocks and laughs in equal measure.”

This looks like a good one as we move deeper into the political year.

Irish playwright Martin McDonagh (“The Beauty Queen of Leenane”) has written a “blasphemously funny whodunit complete with flying skulls and bloody hatchets”, titled “A Skull in Connemara,” that will be on the Gamm stage during the months of February and March.

Call 723-4266 for reservations.

January 2016

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Direct from Broadway, the acclaimed masterpiece launches its National Tour right here in Rhode Island, as many Broadway shows have been doing.

The Tony Award-winning production by the Roundabout Theatre Company should be one of the hottest tickets of the year. “Cabaret” plays Jan. 26-30.

It gets better!

“Pippin”, Broadway’s high-flying, death-defying hit musical, full of extraordinary acrobatics, music, and a great story comes to PPAC Feb. 16-21.

If you have seen the musical in the past, you will want to see this allnew production, winner of four Tony Awards in 2013.

Rogers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” follows, March 9-13, in an all-new production, with some of the most memorable music ever written for the Broadway stage.

Call 421-ARTS for reservations.

‘We all did it together’:

Johnston WWII vet honored at surprise gathering Francis Norman Saran thought he was going on a quick trip for fish and chips with his children on a recent Friday afternoon.

It was actually a ploy to bring him to the Johnston Senior Center, where Mayor Joseph Polisena and U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse were waiting to present the World War II veteran with certificates of recognition.

Saran, 96, was drafted into the Army during World War II at the age of 19.

By this time, he was married and already had two children. He served in the 69th and 272nd Infantry Division, known as the “Battle Axe Regiment,” fighting in Normandy and at the Battle of the Bulge.

After four years, he returned to Rhode Island. He would go on to work in carpentry, own a gas station, and later work at the Johnston Public Works Department.

Denise Saran, his granddaughter, said that during his time in the Army, he manned a bazooka, carrying the heavy weapon through battles.

“He won’t talk about it at all,” she said. “All he will say is that war is hell.”

As Saran walked into the senior center, he was welcomed by Whitehouse, Polisena, as well as family and friends.

His sons Richard, Arthur and Robert Saran and daughter Dorita Saran Downey were in attendance.

“As we pause to salute America’s veterans this week, it is an honor to meet a brave member of the Greatest Generation who put his life on the line for our country. On behalf of all Rhode Islanders, I thank Mr. Saran for his service,” Whitehouse said.

Saran was presented with certificates of recognition from both Polisena and Whitehouse, who also presented a certificate on behalf of his colleague, U.S. Jack Reed, who is also a veteran.

In a statement, Reed said: “We owe Mr. Saran and his fellow World War II veterans a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.”

“It wasn’t only me, it was everybody, even those who stayed at home. We all did it together,” Saran said.

“You guys were the real heroes, on and off the field,” Polisena said. “Your work was very important.”

Saran said it was a “different time” back then, and he was appreciative of being recognized.

“This is beautiful,” he said.

“We are grateful for your service,” Whitehouse said. “Your family really loves you. They put a lot of work into this.”

After the surprise, brief ceremony, Saran left with his children to get a welldeserved dinner of fish and chips.

TRINITY REP “The Hunchback of Seville” by Charise Castro Smith opens the 2016 season Feb. 4-March 4.

At the turn of the 16th century, Columbus (Christopher, not Artistic Director Curt) has just returned from the New World. Maxima Terrible’ Segunda, adopted sister of dying Queen Isabella, is locked away in a tower, until they realize that that the future of the country lies in her hands. What follows is a bitingly funny take on Spanish history.

The classic Harper Lee novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird”, has been adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel, and will be directed by Brian McElerney March 3 through April 3. This is one not to be missed.

Call 351-4242 for reservations.

Francis Norman Saran was told by his children that they were going to get a fish and chip dinner, when really they were on their way to the Johnston Senior Center. He is pictured with friends and family. (PHOTO BY KELCY DOLAN) PrimeTime | 17

food & drink

primetime rhode island

Pairing Food with Beer For many amateur cooks, the joy of cooking lies in trying new things. But trying new things need not be limited to ingredients or exotic dishes. Sometimes unique food and beverage pairings can be just as eye-opening as the cuisine itself.

While wine is often associated with food, beer also can be enjoyed with many a meal, including certain foods that few would think to enjoy with a cold beer. The pairing of beer with food is a big part of writer and author John Holl’s book, “The American Craft Beer Cookbook” (Storey), which shares recipes from brewpub chefs across the country. Those who want to pair beer with the following recipe for ‘Sage Veal Medallions’ can consider the Willimantic Brewing Company’s Willimantic Flowers Infusion, which includes many botanical notes perfect for bringing out the flavors of the dish. Willimantic Brewing Company is housed inside a decommissioned post office in Willimantic, Connecticut.

happy new year!

Sage Veal Medallions Makes 6 servings

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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 1/2 pounds veal medallions, pounded thin 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted 6 whole sage leaves plus 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh sage leaves 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 pounds dried spinach fettucine 12 fresh chives, thinly sliced 1. Combine the flour with salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Dredge the veal in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, and set aside.

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18 | PrimeTime

January 2016

by DON FOWLER

senior issues

Making a list, checking it twice

BLOOD ISN’T BLUE OR GRAY

Happy New Year.

January is that time of year when we look ahead and think of all the things we want to accomplish in the next 12 months.

It is a time for making lists.

It isn’t only Santa Claus who makes a list and checks it twice.

Obsessive-compulsive people (of which I am one) make lists for everything.

During my working years, I started off and ended each work day by making a “to-do” list … and checking it twice.

At the beginning of every work day I would make a list of the things I HAD to get done that day; the things I WANTED to accomplish; and the things that I would LIKE to do if I had the time.

At the end of the working day, I would review the things I had done, cross them off, and add the things I didn’t get done to the next day’s “to-do” list.

I followed a work schedule, listing all of my meetings, appointments, and social activities in my pocket day-timer, which never left my sight.

Today, busy executives depend upon electronic gadgets to record that information. While they play around with their latest toy, I have already flipped through my book and found out where I’m going to be on a given day at a given time.

Retirement Lists I still make daily lists, and I still live by my daily calendar.

While most of us have occasional senior moments, it isn’t just seniors who forget important events and appointments. Writing things down and checking them is a good idea, no matter how old or young you are.

There is, however, a radical change. Check these out: 1. Medication list. A laminated list of all my medications, who prescribed them, and when they should be taken. (If you have a caretaker or nurse, that person should have a duplicate copy.)

2. Doctor list. I keep this in my computer. It includes name, address, and phone number of doctors, their specialty, and date of next appointment. It wasn’t that long ago I had only a primary physician. Now the list fills the page.

3. Menus. My wife watches calories and I count carbs (diabetes). Every Friday we make a dinner menu for the following week, which includes dining out. They do it in schools, nursing homes and assisted living facilities – why not at home?

4. Week’s activities. These go in the day-timer, and on the calendar. (Word of warning: When you record upcoming dates in more than one place, double check to be certain they ARE in both places.) These could consist of a number of items, including: Doctors’ appointments.

Movies, plays, concerts.

Church and civic activities.

Recreation: Tennis, golf, bocce, bingo, bridge, etc. (The importance of lists and calendars should not be underestimated. If you are in a tennis or bridge foursome and don’t show, three people will be affected by your absence.)

Birthdays, anniversaries, special days. A call or a card will make a friend or relative’s day. Keep a good list or add it to your calendar, and be on time.

Work list. This is that never-ending list of things that need doing around the house. Fix the doorbell. Take the Christmas decorations down. Rake the leaves. Put all of those old photos in an album. Just remember: You’re retired. If it doesn’t get done today, there’s always tomorrow … or the next day.

Book list. My wife is an avid reader and a weekly visitor to the Cranston library.

She keeps an alphabetical list of the books she reads. She started it years ago when she realized she was picking up books she had already read. She also goes through the best seller lists and reserves them.

Dream list. You may never get to do many of the things you put on this list, but make it out anyway. It may be as simple as going to a Philharmonic concert or as daring as sky-diving These are just suggestions. Come up with your own lists. Whether it helps you remember or keeps you better organized, lists can make life more interesting.

I keep a pad and pen by my bedside, in my car, and by my favorite chair. When I get an idea for an article – or for anything in my life – I write it down.

I’ve had the idea for this article on my “to-do” list for months.

January 2016

A NEW PBS ORIGINAL SERIES

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January 2016

retirement sparks

senior

issues

b y elaine m . de c ker

Signs You Need A Fitness Regimen Here we are again in a new year. I’ve never been one for annual resolutions, preferring instead to share some New Years confessions. This is my philosophy on the issue: If people my age haven’t managed to eat less, exercise more, quit drinking or stop swearing by now, New Years resolutions aren’t going to make it happen.

While I still feel that opinion is valid, I’ve noticed some signs that it might be time for me to consider the need for a fitness regimen. Now that we’ve finally sold the big old house in Providence and downsized to a more manageable condo, I’ve become increasingly lazy. This has led to some noticeable physical deterioration in my retirement.

In short, dear readers, I’ve reached the point where I can no longer ignore the fact that age is catching up with me. I’ve concluded that if I don’t take some action and take it soon, age will not just catch up with me; it will overtake me. Ones former self in the rear view mirror is not like Lubbock, Texas; that is to say: not happiness. (For those who didn’t follow country music in 1980, Google Mac Davis.)

Lest you think I’m exaggerating my condition, I present ten personally experienced signs that it’s time for a fitness regimen.

certainly not walking out to the car to get them. Besides, your expanding midsection blocks the view of that little window with its teensy numbers.

10. You buy a seven-day feeder for the cat’s dry food and you’re not planning a trip anywhere. (This is even more disconcerting if you no longer have a cat.)

4. Your muffin top has become more like a loaf of bread. And it’s not even whole grain. It’s pasty, white bread. Kind of like the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

9. Your mid-section is almost as big around as your chest is, despite your having cheated a little when you took the measurement.

3. You ask your heating contractor if he can install a remote control on the thermostat. You have a back up list of four other contractors, just in case the first one says he can’t.

8. Even your tongue has become fat; you chew on the sides when you grind your teeth in your sleep. (At least that muffles the grinding sound.)

7. You get so out of breath when you lace up your shoes that you’re seriously considering the ones with Velcro straps. (Bite my tongue! Oh, wait. I’m already biting my tongue…)

6. You now empty your plate and everyone else’s. And the serving bowls. In all fairness, it’s really your mother’s fault. And your real estate stager’s. Your mom always lectured: “Don’t waste food. Think about the poor starving children in China.” You still feel guilty if you throw food away. But you got rid of most of your plastic containers for leftovers when you cleared out the kitchen in preparation for listing your house for sale.

5. You buy a talking scale so you don’t have to bend over to read the numbers. Your eyes can’t see details five feet away without your driving glasses, and you’re

2. The seat on the couch in the TV room is beginning to have indentations in the shape of your bottom. (Remember the mother’s bed in Psycho? Creepy!)

And the number one sign that you really do need a fitness regimen: 1. You’re too lazy to come up with the tenth sign that you need one.

I rest my case. Happy New Year everyone!

Copyright 2016 Business Theatre Unlimited. Elaine M. Decker’s books—Retirement Sparks Redux, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks and CANCER: A Coping Guide—are available at SPECTRUM-INDIA, on the East Side of Providence, on Amazon.com, including Kindle editions, and by special order through your local bookstore. One of her essays appears in the anthology: 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com.

Free seminars

Free seminars on how to obtain Medicaid to pay for a nursing home and protect assets will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 20 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 22 at the Warwick Public Library. Attendees must RSVP to reserve a seat by calling 401-398-8383.

The seminars are being sponsored by the law office of Laura M. Krohn, elder law attorney, 25 South County Commons Way, Wakefield.

Alzheimer’s/dementia support group

A new support group for caregivers of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or one of the related dementias will begin on Thursday, Jan. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Brookdale West Bay, 2783 West Shore Road in Warwick, is providing this service to any caregiver in the area who is struggling to care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The sessions will be held on the second Thursday of each month, and are open to the public. Doreen C. Putnam, a certified dementia practitioner, will be the facilitator of this support group. Putnam has 18 years of experience in the Alzheimer’s/dementia field. Contact Doreen Demers, sales and marketing director, at 401-234-2704 or at doreen1@brookdale.com for details and reservations.

January 2016

PrimeTime | 21

your taxes

professional perspective

b y m eg c hevalier

Free Tax Help More than 70 free tax preparation sites are open in Rhode Island this year as the Internal Revenue Service continues to expand its partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations. The sites provide vital tax preparation services for low- to-moderate-income and elderly taxpayers.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help generally to people who earn $54,000 and less. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers free tax help to taxpayers who are 60 and older.

Taxpayers need to present the following items to have their returns prepared: * Proof of identification (photo ID) * Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents * An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number * Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN * Birth dates for you, your spouse and

dependents on the tax return * Wage and earning statements (Form W2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers * Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) * A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available * Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check * To file taxes electronically on a marriedfiling-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms * Total amount paid for daycare services and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number * Forms 1095-A, Affordable Health Care Statement, if applicable * Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable Trained and certified community volunteers can help eligible taxpayers with credits, such as the EITC, Child Tax Credit or Credit for the Elderly. The EITC is one of the federal government’s largest benefit

programs for working families and individuals. Workers must file a tax return, even if they do not have a filing requirement, and specifically claim the credit to get the benefit.

As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 40 sites throughout the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors help all taxpayers with special attention to people age 60 and older.

In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, sites will file returns electronically for free. E-file, when combined with direct deposit, is the fastest way to get a refund. The IRS expects to issue more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. It takes longer to process paper returns and due to a reduction of the IRS budget, it will likely take an additional week or more to process paper returns meaning that those refunds are expected to be issued in seven weeks or more.

Taxpayers who file electronically also can opt to file now and pay later. If taxpayers owe, they can make a payment by

April 18, 2016, using one of many secure methods, like the IRS Direct Pay free service or by choosing an approved payment processor.

For taxpayers who want to prepare and file their own tax returns electronically, there is IRS Free File. Everyone can use Free File, the free way to prepare and e-file federal taxes either through brand-name software or online fillable forms. Individuals or families with 2015 adjusted gross incomes of $62,000 or less can use Free File software. Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms, has no income restrictions. For either service, taxpayers must go through www.irs.gov/ freefile to access the programs. Also MyFreeTaxes is available at www.myfreetaxes. com with up to three free state tax returns.

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 800-906-9887. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, visit aarp. org, or call 888-227-7669.

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January 2016

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January 2016