March 2012 PrimeTime by Beacon Media

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Money, Money, Money... • Retirement Planning • Maximize Your Taxes • Smart Investments

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enerally speaking, I think we, as a society, care far too much about other peoples’ opinions. We never want to look stupid or naïve, or even worse, embarrass ourselves and as a result, we don’t challenge ourselves. Challenging yourself means stepping out of your comfort zone and often times, when you do that, you run the risk of falling flat on your face.

Unfortunately, it can also mean that we’re afraid to ask questions. In my line of work, however, asking questions is kind of a requirement. Journalists ask questions for a living. And in Journalism 101, I was taught that it’s best to ask even the simple questions - questions you know the answers to - in order to get a response in the individual’s own words, and a response that all of your readers can understand. Lucky for me, it means I get to ask whatever questions I want, and experts on everything from politics and the environment to art and fashion answer those questions. This month, I took advantage of that opportunity and learned a lot in the process. To be completely honest, I wouldn’t consider myself entirely literate when it comes to finances. I pay my bills on time and I never overdraft from my account, but if you were to ask me about retirement planning or investing in stocks and bonds, all you’re going to get is a blank stare, and you can’t exactly take that to the bank. In this issue of PrimeTime, I learned enough to get my financial house in order for the future, and I hope you will too. No one wants to think about getting old, or potentially needing long-term care, but it’s a reality many of us will face. Rather than wait until you’re in an emergency situation, get your ducks in a row. Elder law attorney Lillian Lloyd explained exactly how to do that in this issue, and Kerry Park touches upon long-term care insurance and other precautions that can give you some peace of mind as you enjoy retireMarch 2012 ment. 1944 Warwick Ave. If you’re not retired yet, get some finanWarwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 cial planning advice from John Finnerty, or maximize your tax return with the help of Meg Distribution Special Delivery Chevalier from the IRS. If you’re struggling with debt, the Department of Elderly Affairs has some solid advice for how you can get back PUBLISHERS on track. Pensions have been a hot topic over Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, the past two years as well, and we caught up John Howell with General Treasurer Gina Raimondo to get a better understanding of how reform affects EDITOR existing retirees and those nearing their end Meg Fraser megf@rhodybeat.com date for service. Are stocks and Roth IRAs swimming MARKETING DIRECTOR around in your head yet? Take a break from Donna Zarrella counting dollars with the perfect St. Patrick’s donnaz@rhodybeat.com Day recipe, or go out to eat instead at two Creative Director Rhode Island restaurants that Don Fowler has Linda Nadeau given his seal of approval. Or, best of all, pour lindan@rhodybeat.com yourself a glass of wine and kick back with this month’s Retirement Sparks. Elaine M. Decker WRITERS will have you in stitches, which is a good way Don Fowler, Don D’Amato, Elaine M. Decker, John Howell, Joan Retsinas, Mike Fink, to pass the time as winter comes to an end. By Meg Chevalier, Cynthia Glinick, the time we meet again next month, we’ll be Joe Kernan, Kerry Park opening the windows and emptying out the closets for our spring-cleaning issue. ADVERTISING

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Talking cents into Rhode Island

7 Buy local banking How credit unions are giving banks a run for their money

9 get your financial house in order Taxes and savings and 401(k)s - oh my!

Pr i m e Ti m e

REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com Carolann Soder, Lisa Mardenli, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski, Gina Fugere

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Charting a course for the future

PEOPLE & PLACES Woonsocket senior sings up a storm..............................10 A worthy cause............................................................................15 Doer’s profile.................................................................................17 Glimpse of RI’s past....................................................................24 SENIOR ISSUES Be smart about planning........................................................12 Retirement Sparks......................................................................14 Department of Elderly Affairs column............................22 FOOD & DRINK A St. Patrick’s Day staple..........................................................13 LIFESTYLES That’s Entertainment.................................................................18 What do you Fink?......................................................................19 PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE Your Taxes........................................................................................20

PRODUCTION STAFF Matt Bower, Joseph Daniels, Brian Geary, Lisa Yuettner

A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications.

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nextmonth Spring Cleaning!

o n t h e c ove r Gina Raimondo (Photo by Meg Fraser)

b y Meg Fraser

Talking cents into

Rhode Island

4 | PrimeTime

financial planning

oved by some and hated by others, Gina Raimondo has certainly made a name for herself in Rhode Island. To the lovers, she’s the taxpayers’ financial saving grace. To the haters, she’s the Grinch, stealing their pensions and hoarding them in state coffers. But love her or hate her, she made pension reform a reality in Rhode Island. It’s been a long two years for Raimondo, who, immediately after assuming the office of the General Treasurer, got to work devising a plan that would lighten the state’s unfunded pension liability load. It was a tough sell, but ultimately, the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act set out to achieve $4 billion in savings over the next 20 years. “It’s designed to fix the state pension system once and for all,” she said from her first floor State House office. “If we didn’t reform the pensions, there would have been extremely painful cuts to human services, to education … it’s a hard issue. For too long, the way people have addressed pension reform is to make minor changes in the pension to address a hole in the budget.” Instead, Raimondo embarked on a complete overhaul. At public hearings around the state, unionized employees and existing retirees shared emotional anecdotes at what a reduction in their pensions would mean. They are the faces behind reform. They were banking on that money for a healthy and happy retirement. What would pension reform mean in terms of human impact, not just dollars and cents? “It’s because they’re banking on it that we had to reform it,” she said. “We called it the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act for a reason; that was all about retirement security. Folks wouldn’t have had any security otherwise.” Raimondo admits that she felt a certain amount of pressure to get it right, but most of all, to be fair to all of the stakeholders - both the pension beneficiaries and the taxpayers. Her plan, supported by Governor Lincoln Chafee and ultimately by the General Assembly, took much of the risk off the state by moving to a combined defined benefit and defined contribution system, which fundamentally saves taxpayers, whereas a defined benefit system leaves taxpayers on the hook for the difference. The other benefit of incorporating defined contribution is that beneficiaries have more choice and control when it comes to their investments. Educating state employees on how best to invest their money is the next priority for the General Treasurer. Especially important to retirees and those nearing retirement, however, were the changes in retirement age and cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). Despite a slew of misinformation spread during the public vetting of the bill, the change in retirement age has little impact on those nearing retirement. The retirement age for

new employees is equal to the Social Security retirement age, but for individuals closing in on their end-date of public service, there is a transition formula that does not push back retirement all that significantly. In other words, those with the most longevity are the least affected. “We wanted them to be the least affected. One of the priorities of reform, we needed to be fair about it. All benefits that have been earned are untouched,” she said. The fate of COLAs was at the center of debate throughout Raimondo’s campaign for reform. Under the RIRSA, COLAs are tied to the system’s funding level and actual investment returns. Starting next year, COLAs will be suspended until the pension fund is healthy, at 80 percent funded. That does not mean pension benefit checks will be reduced for current retirees. “They’re not going to see any reduction in their pension. With respect to the COLA, we’re just talking about the raises that they’ll get,” Raimondo said. The bulk of the savings from RIRSA comes from the COLA suspension. Retirees receiving Social Security (all state employees, with the exception of state police) will still see that cost of living adjustment, of course, on their SSI checks. Suspending COLAs was an unpopular decision, but Raimondo said it was essential. “I would rather debate is there a COLA than is there a pension,” she said. While state employees can rest easy now that the uncertainty has come to an end, municipal employees across Rhode Island are still in limbo. Like the state plan, pension plans at the city and town level must be funded at 80 percent to be considered healthy and viable, but some municipalities have plans funded at less than 20 percent. Raimondo says she can’t force reform down mayors’ throats, but she is hopeful that they will implement changes based on her recommendations. “There are some independently managed plans that have real problems,” she said. “What we did for the Rhode Island Retirement Security Act provides a great guide for them to follow.” But for unionized employees and private sector workers alike, Raimondo advises that no one should put all their eggs in one basket when it comes to planning for retirement. “I think you can’t start retirement planning soon enough. A pension should be one piece of your retirement income,” she said. No matter your age, Raimondo recommends brushing up on your financial literacy so you can cut out debt, invest your money well and plan for the future with a combination of pension benefits, savings, SSI and thought-out estate plans. The most important question when it comes to planning for the future? “Are you saving enough?”

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March 2012

b y Meg Fraser

buy local

g n i k n Ba Between bank bailouts, revolt against the “1 percent” and November’s Bank Transfer Day, financial institutions have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. But backstage, there’s an understudy earning the trust - and the money - of millions of Americans. Enter stage left: credit unions. Robert Kimmett, senior vice president of public relations and marketing for the Credit Union Association of Rhode Island, says that credit unions nationwide and across the state have exploded in popularity since the dot com bubble 10 years ago, the housing crisis, and most recently, the major financial downturn of 2008. “People understand that there’s value in being able to go into a locally owned organization where the owners are answerable. They can talk to the people who are the decision makers,” he said. “That local ownership is empowering; that connection to the community meant a great deal.” Credit unions don’t answer to stockholders - they answer to regular members. “It means there isn’t a middleman. The people who use the company actually own it; there isn’t a third party who’s looking to make a profit from it,” Kimmett explained. But a vote for credit unions isn’t necessarily just a vote against the big banks; Kimmett points out that small credit unions have a myriad of benefits you won’t find at a national banking institution. For starters, credit unions are non-profits, so all of the money that is generated in income goes back into the credit union. As a result, members can rest assured that banking costs are not driven up in the pursuit of profits. “There are fewer demands on the credit unions, so [members] can expect to get high quality, low cost loan products from their credit unions,” Kimmett said. For example, there are good rates on credit cards, low or no fees on checking ac-

March 2012

financial planning counts and the rates on deposits can be higher, which is of particular key for retirees or those living on a fixed income. Deposits are insured as well. The flip side is that credit unions generally have a lower loan limit. Greenwood Credit Union in Warwick offers many of those benefits. As a result, CEO Jim Irving is not surprised that deposits grew from $295 million to $330 million last year alone. “We’ve had some fantastic growth over the last couple of years but this past year has been very good,” he said. “Part of it is the fact that we continue to pay some pretty good rates and with people not knowing what interest rates were going to do, they just parked their money in the share accounts,” he continued. The share rate stayed steady at 1 percent at Greenwood for quite some time, and recently went to .75 percent, which is still as much as three times higher as other banking institutions. Checking accounts at Greenwood are free, and fees for an insufficient balance are among the lowest in the state at $20 per item. “We don’t have to pay dividends to stockholders so we can give members better interest rates on deposits, lower interest rates on loans ... There’s a lot of benefit there,” he said. Still, many consumers are wary of credit unions because of past misconceptions. Many credit unions are tied to workplaces, churches, scholastic institutions or other organizations, but that is not universally true. “There is a credit union for anyone,” Kimmett said. “It is unfortunate that people don’t consider credit unions sometimes because they aren’t familiar with them. It can be a full service financial institution.” Another common criticism of credit unions are the lack of access points. Small, member-owned credit unions do not have the widespread ATMs that you’ll see for bigger banks, but it’s worth checking into your local CU, because many belong to ATM networks that lack surcharges. Moreover, these institutions are plugged in, allowing for online and mobile banking. “In many regards, credit unions were leaders in remote access and adopting technology because we didn’t go through a period of adding branches as quickly as banks did,” Kimmett said, adding that he believes more and more consumers are relying on online banking anyway. “It’s more convenient for most people,” Irving added. Credit unions don’t have the answer to all that woes this country. They are not immune to the nation’s financial crisis, and are likewise susceptible to defaults and collapse, but it appears that the buy local trends have now trickled into the banking market. And if the past three years are any indication, credit union growth will only continue. “It is never too late to check out a credit union and I think consumers would find somebody who is going to actually interact with them and not just pick off a menu,” Kimmett said. “If they need some extra attention, they’ll be able to come in and talk to us, to the decision makers.”

PrimeTime | 7

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March 2012

financial planning

b y Meg Fraser

getting your

financial house in order With more than 20 years of public accounting experience, John Finnerty has worked with all kinds of clients, but if there’s one thing he’s learned, it’s that there is no one approach to financial planning. With the IRS tax filing deadline around the corner on April 17, the topic of finances is on everyone’s mind. Whether or not they need a professional’s perspective, especially when it comes to taxes, depends on their circumstance. “If your return is pretty straightforward and you don’t own a home, those types of free online avenues for filing your return are OK. If you own a home, you pay real estate taxes ... that’s when you start getting into the more complex returns,” said Finnerty, a principal at Lefkowitz, Garfinkel, Champi & DeRienzo in Providence. Despite his extensive background in finance, Finnerty doesn’t discount online filing tools like TurboTax. When those tools fall short, though, he’s ready to step in. “There’s a place for it, and then there’s a place for us as well. We cover individual returns from a 1040EZ to a very complicated 1040 that’s 500 pages,” he said. Before sitting down to do your taxes, Finnerty advises that you compile all your financial information. From bank accounts and new purchases to business expenses and investments, an accountant needs to get a full picture of the money you’ve earned, spent and saved in a given year. Expenses are just as important as your income, as there are countless tax credits available, covering everything from energy improvements on your home to credits for continuing education. March 2012

“

If you own a home, you pay real estate taxes ... that’s when you start getting into the more complex returns

”

“On the whole, I don’t think there’s the awareness of the credits and the options that are available,” he said. “It’s hard to know all that’s out there for people who are doing their own returns.” Fortunately, Finnerty doesn’t foresee a lot of gamechanging legislation coming down the road, as it’s an election year. That means that now is a good time to start fresh and get your financial house in order. Step one is to tackle debt. Find a credit card with a low interest rate and transfer debt on existing cards as a way to get ahead. Resist the urge to use the card and instead set a reasonable timeline in which to pay off the balance. Use that as an opportunity to re-evaluate how you spend your money, and start saving more - especially if it’s for retirement.

“With the way the economy’s been and the stock market’s been up and down, it’s been tough, but it’s never too early to start retirement planning,” Finnerty said. There are several types of retirement savings accounts, including 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs and, notable for those nearly retired, Roth IRAs. The 401(k) emphasis is on employee contributions, and therefore allows quite a bit of freedom. There are many kinds of IRAs, on the other hand, with traditional IRAs usually featuring tax-deductible contributions and withdrawals that are taxed. The Roth IRA is not taxed and includes investments in stocks and bonds, often through mutual funds. Rather than granting a tax break for contributions, the break is granted on the money withdrawn during retirement. “Is it worth paying the tax today and then having the tax-free growth going forward? That’s always been the crux of the issue,” Finnerty said. “How you’re contributing to those retirement plans depends on preference, how much control you want and your age. The older you get, and therefore the closer to retirement you get, you should consider moving investments out of stocks and into bonds, which are a safer, less volatile option.” Like Finnerty said, it’s never too early to start planning, and you can never be too cautious. Save early and save enough to make sure your retirement years are some of the best times of your life.

PrimeTime | 9

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Woonsocket senior singing up a storm

he January 2010 PrimeTime featured a story about Woonsocket’s Ginny Loring, tour guide, social hostess and professional entertainer. “Immediately after the article appeared, I had 10 bookings,” said the ‘Star to the Seniors.’ “I’ve performed at Rumford Towers, The Bridge at Cherry Hill in Johnston, Albion Court in Lincoln, and senior centers in Cranston, Coventry and Narragansett.” Loring recently represented the United States while serving as a tour guide on a Russian Cruise Ship, where she received a standing ovation as part of a show featuring many of the tourists on board. “On most cruises, it’s the nationality of the ship’s crew that does a talent show,” she said, “but not the Russians. They had the passengers perform.”

The trip was a dream come true for Loring. “Visiting Russia was always on my list, and I’m so glad I had the chance to do it,” she said. Ginny is still performing her act of Broadway show tunes and standards, with a little soft shoe thrown in, to fill in the gaps between tours. “I love to involve the audience and bring back some old memories,” she said. She has some great stories to tell about her travels, including her latest encounter with the Russians. You can call her at 769-4418, or on her cell phone at 914-815-1240 for a booking. Report by Don Fowler

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March 2012

financial planning

b y Meg Fraser

Safe and Sound Charting a course for the future Plan A: Create an estate and retirement plan as early as possible that protects your assets and prepares for even the worst case scenario Plan B: Call Lillian Lloyd

n elder law attorney with Visconti and Boren, Ltd., Lillian Magee Lloyd knows that advanced planning is preferable, but there are resources out there to help seniors even when faced with emergency situations. If you can help it, though, don’t put life planning off. “Every adult should have some kind of estate plan if they own anything at all, and even if they don’t own anything, if they have children, they should have a plan in place,” she said. Writing a will, and establishing power of attorney, is the first step in getting ready for the future. “If someone doesn’t write a will, the state writes one for you,” Lloyd said. Asset-protection trusts are one way to protect your assets, but the trustee gives up much control, as the funds are held on a discretionary basis. Living trusts are another planning method, but Lloyd admits that they’re not for everyone. “For 25 years, estate planners have been telling folks they should avoid probate and they should be using living trusts, but if you have significant long-term care expenses, then living trust plans are no good at all,” she said. That’s because everything in a living trust is countable when it comes to long-term care. They have a purpose for younger people, but when thinking longterm, Rhode Islanders need to be honest in considering whether or not they could require significant care or a nursing home stay. “You do meet some folks who say, ‘Nope, not me; I’m not going to a nursing home.’ They don’t want to talk about death,” Lloyd says, but “It’s when for all of us.” While many people assume that Medicaid will foot their nursing home bill, that is only true when the rest of your assets have been drained. There is an income test for Medicaid eligibility, and an individual can only have $4,000 in their account in order to qualify. If the couple is married, that means there needs to be shifting of assets. Burial costs are not countable assets, nor are homes in most cases, but the equity limit in the case of property March 2012

is $500,000. In other words, if a single individual has a home worth $600,000, they could be on the hook for $100,000 in nursing home costs. In the case of couples, the spouse can remain in the home and maintain half of their assets up to approximately $113,000. The other half goes to nursing home costs, as does all of the income of the individual requiring care. Improvements to homes are not countable assets, so if repairs are needed and a couple can afford them, planners will encourage those changes be made prior to a nursing home stay, but only if they do not bring the home value over $500,000. Vacation homes and rental properties, on the other hand, are rarely salvageable. “This is where the planners are very helpful to families,” Lloyd said. In some cases, estate holders gift their assets to family members. Often, that can be avoided if planning starts early enough. “A sophisticated planner very rarely suggest that clients give their assets to their child,” Lloyd said, explaining that this move can often have bad tax results and the parents lose control of the assets they worked hard to acquire. “A better planning technique is to use trusts that have good tax results.” Still, passing vacation homes to the next generation or making gifts is not uncommon, as people are able to give away up to $13,000 each year. If that’s a route you plan to take, however, you need to plan early. When seniors become eligible for Medicaid, there is a five-year look back. Any shift in assets, gifts made or property sales made within five years of a nursing home stay are considered countable assets. In recent years, Lloyd points out that has been a problem for older Americans helping to provide for their adult children. “Especially in these hard economic times, parents have been giving children money to live on,” she said. Unless the individual in question can prove that the gift is habitual, and extends well beyond five years, they could be penalized for those transfers. If, for example, a senior has

been making $10,000 annual deposits into a 529 college savings plan for their grandchild over 18 years, those payments would not be counted. Otherwise, they might have to ask for the funds back from the recipient or risk having to pay those additional sums. The same penalty can be felt by adult children, if they find themselves paying bills for their elderly parents. They must put in writing that the payments are a loan, not a gift, in order to have the chance to recoup those funds when their parent or parents end up in a nursing home. Navigating this maze of long-term care, asset-protection and living well in retirement is a complicated process, but Lloyd says that the sooner you have these difficult conversations, the better off your family will be, now and in the future. “It’s very important,” she said, “and it’s one of the most loving things you can do for your family.”

PrimeTime | 11

senior issues

b y kerry park

tudies show that 40 percent of people now age 65 will spend some time in a nursing home at some point in their lives. Twenty percent will live there five years or more. Yet few plan for this likely event, relying instead on government programs like Medicare and Medicaid to pay for their care. In fact, however, there is no governmental program designed or intended to cover nursing home care for middle class or well-to-do Americans. Medicare, the program most often associated with health care for the elderly, only offers financial support for the first 100 days of care in a nursing home and only if the patient is admitted following a hospital stay of at least three days. As it happens, the Medicaid program pays for the majority of nursing home care. Medicaid, however, is a program that was created to provide health coverage for the poor. That means that people with income, savings and other assets are not generally eligible. More than two-thirds of all nursing home residents rely on this welfare program to cover long-term care in a nursing home setting - many of them became eligible only after “spending down” their savings and assets to the point of impoverishment. Moreover, as

Be smart about planning government budgets become increasingly overburdened, the Medicaid rules of eligibility are becoming increasingly complex. The growing numbers of elderly poised to flood the long-term care system in coming years, coupled with the weakened state of government-backed health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid, has created more of a need than ever before for advance planning for longterm care needs. With funding cuts rapidly eroding the reliability of government payment programs, it’s becoming more important to take charge of our own financial planning. While no one wants to think about failing health, the time to plan for all possibilities is before you’re in the throes of dealing with a medically complex or debilitating health issue. For middle class Americans who wish to maintain their assets, long-term care insurance is a good answer, though determining where, what and how much to access can be confusing at best. Experts suggest that at a minimum, you should be able to review an outline of coverage that clearly describes the policy’s benefits, terms and limitations. You should also receive a guarantee that the policy cannot be terminated because of the policyholder’s age or physical or mental health condition. The

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cost of long-term care insurance escalates at age 60, so buying earlier results in a more affordable option. Reverse mortgages, which allow seniors to pull proceeds from their homes to pay for their health care needs, have also grown in popularity. Those with equity in their homes can tap that equity to pay for care without having to pay it back until the home is sold. At that point, the sale works like any other. Proceeds are realized only after the mortgage obligation has been met. Another option is some life insurance policies, which have clauses that allow terminal or long-term patients to access “accelerated benefits” to pay for long-term care needs. Trusts, annuities and other forms of savings can also be good choices. But how do you choose? Consult with an expert. There is no one “right” answer, but if you have a financial planner or accountant, they should be able to steer you toward the right options for your financial situation. The Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs can also serve as a resource for information and guidance. Bear in mind, the earlier you start planning for your future health needs, the better you will be able to maintain control of your future.

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food & drink

A St. Patrick’s Day staple Soda bread has become a staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. But the tradition of Irish soda bread is a relatively recent one, especially when considering the extensive history of Irish culture. In the 1800s, yeast breads were practically unheard of in rural Ireland. Yeast bread took a while to make and the results were not consistent to make it a worthwhile venture for many households. Instead, people began experimenting with baking soda as a leavening agent. Not only was it a quick way to produce the aeration necessary for bread, the results also were more consistent than using yeast. The first soda breads featured only a few basic ingredients in addition to the baking soda, including salt, buttermilk and flour. The bread was served often with fresh, churned butter. It is a recent change to the recipe to include other flavoring agents, like sugar, currants, caraway seeds, and raisins. Although soda bread can be easily purchased at a bakery or supermarket, it’s more traditional to try to bake it at home. Here is a recipe for “Irish Soda Bread With Raisins,” courtesy of Epicurious.com.

Irish Soda Bread With Raisins (Makes 1 loaf ) Nonstick vegetable oil spray 2 cups all purpose flour 5 tablespoons sugar, divided 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3 tablespoons butter, chilled, cut into cubes 1 cup buttermilk 2/3 cup raisins

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Spray an 8-inch-diameter cake pan with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl to blend. Add butter. Using your fingertips, rub in until coarse meal forms. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the buttermilk, gradually stirring dry ingredients into the milk to blend. Mix in the raisins. Using floured hands, shape dough into a ball. Transfer to the prepared pan and flatten slightly (dough will not come to the edges of the pan). Sprinkle dough with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake bread until brown and when the tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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PrimeTime | 13

retirement sparks

senior

issues

b y elaine m . decker

Fine-tuning the Budget

An essential step in retirement planning is to prepare a realistic budget. I’ve been tracking my expenditures for years using a spreadsheet I created myself. Since its original purpose was to help at tax time, I didn’t obsess about where to log items that weren’t deductible. As I inch toward fullscale retirement, I need to decide where to cut back. That requires thinking more carefully about how I categorize everything I spend. Let’s take, for example, how I account for wine, which I log under entertainment. After all, it has no nutritional value. Entertainment happens to be a category where I expect to cut back. Although I share much of the wine with friends, sometimes I drink alone. That begs the question: Should the wine I drink by myself get logged under “personal?” Don’t get that “I understand, dear” look on your face. A glass or two gives me inspiration for my writing, my profession in retirement. Come to think of it, does that mean I can claim it as a business expense? What about cat food, which I log un-

der groceries? It’s all on one receipt, so that makes it easier. I suppose it really belongs under “cat care/vets.” Then there’s the food I give to the neighbors’ cats that beg at our door. Doesn’t it properly belong in “gifts” (another category where I plan to cut back)? If one of the cats turns out to be a stray, can his food be claimed as “charity” (and hence deductible)? I can configure my plan anyway I want, but that won’t guarantee that the numbers will hold up. I had no idea budgeting for retirement could be so stressful. This leads me to open a bottle of wine, and since I’m doing it to deal with the stress, I log it under “medical.” It turns out, I’m on the cutting edge of medical thinking. Time magazine reported on research suggesting that alcohol consumption extends your life. You read me right. A study of 1,824 people showed that 69 percent of teetotalers died during the study, while only 41 percent of moderate drinkers did. Heavy drinkers fell in between, with 60 percent dying. Don’t panic. They were aged 55 to 65 when the 20-year study began.

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These astonishing results lead me to immediately increase my budgeted allocation for wine after I retire. The main reason I don’t drink more now is that I’m usually the driver. When we’re home more, I’ll be able to imbibe more. Knowing that it’s healthy is just added incentive, not to mention the possibility of a tax deduction. Other ramifications of this study occur to me as I read it a second time. The first is that I must get my husband on the vino wagon so that he’ll have a 28 percent greater chance of living longer, too. Jagdish has a bad reaction to the preservatives in most wines, especially so-called “affordable” ones. However, his system tolerates the pricier wines that we usually have at holiday dinners with my sister Barbara’s family. Since we’ll be living near them in retirement, I foresee more opportunities to enjoy the good stuff. This, of course, means revising my wine budget still higher, even more so because I’m not as likely to be drinking alone. This is probably good news, since the researchers surmised that the social interactions that usually accompany drinking are a factor in maintaining good health. Flash forward to visions of my brother-in-law, Bob, and me, relaxing in side-by-side lounge chairs, cradling our shared bottle of Barolo. Barbara and Jagdish are reading nearby, looking far more dignified and far less in their cups. My husband, the non-drinker, is unexpectedly very interested in this study. “How do they define moderate?” he asks. The answer is a surprising one to three glasses per day. He follows this with “What size glass?” I say I assume a typical size for the drink being consumed. Note to self: Buy larger wine glasses when we retire. What has me scratching my head is the “per day” part. I would have guessed “per week.” If “one to three glasses per day” were moderate, how much would I have to

drink for it to be considered heavy? The answer is immaterial. In order to afford even a moderate amount of good wine each day, I’ll have to let my hair go gray and give up professional haircuts altogether. This might be a sacrifice worth making, since I’m committed to improving my health in retirement. It also seems like the least I can do for my husband, my sister and my brother-in-law. I raise my wine glass: Alla famiglia!

Elaine M. Decker has published a collection of Retirement Sparks posts. It’s available at Spectrum-India on Thayer Street in Providence, at the Brown University Bookstore, at Books on the Square on the East Side of Providence, and on Amazon.com. ISBN: 9781468095708. E-mail emdecker@ ix.netcom.com for more information.

March 2012

a worthy cause

PEOPLE AND PLACES

b y M ichael j . ceri o

Making a House a Home Perhaps one of the most unfortunate effects of the prolonged recession has been its impact on senior citizens. Living on fixed incomes and struggling with the increasing costs of utilities, food and medical care, many seniors are faced with the difficult decision to leave their homes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seniors are falling into poverty at a rate faster than any other time in history. In Providence alone, nearly one in 10 seniors lives below the poverty level. Fortunately, there is a local organization dedicated to meeting the needs of those who are struggling seniors in particular. The Furniture Bank of Rhode Island, formerly The Rhode Island Donation Exchange Program, recently celebrated 25 years of service. The organization provides usable furniture, appliances, household goods and clothing at no cost or for a nominal fee. As the needs of the

communities it serves change, so has the Furniture Bank. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being a statewide agency with a lot of needs and populations to help, it was important for us to do community outreach as a way to expand our services,â&#x20AC;? said Mary Landreville, executive director of the Furniture Bank of Rhode Island. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever is going on in the community, we need to be able to react to the changing environ-

ment to make sure people have what they need.â&#x20AC;? As part of their efforts, the organization operates four programs: the Furniture Bank, Thrift Shop, Project Undercover and Project Cover-Up. The Thrift Shop provides clothing and household items to people in need, while Project Undercover collects and distributes new diapers, un-

derwear and socks for Rhode Island children living in poverty. Taking this effort one step further, Project Cover-Up annually collects and distributes more than 1,000 new and gently used winter coats, hats and mittens to local families. Best known for their work to rescue good surplus furniture across the state, the Furniture Bank is the only statewide program providing usable furniture to low-income people in every community. While donations have increased steadily since the organization began its work, so have the number of households served. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Much of the population that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been seeing over the last year is one that has never walked into a non-profit or social service organization for help,â&#x20AC;? said Landreville. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As times change, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve realized the need to adjust how we serve people, and right now, based on the economy, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing a new population of people seeking help, particularly among the elderly.â&#x20AC;? BANK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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PrimeTime | 15

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– BANK Many of those elderly, she added, are being forced to leave their homes. “Unfortunately, their landlords struggle to pay the bills and end up losing the house. It’s forcing elderly tenants to the streets and has become quite common,” she said. Change can be hard, especially for seniors. Often times, when seniors face transition on a fixed income, they realize that all they can afford is something much smaller than what they’re accustomed to. “It can be extremely hard for older individuals to let go of their belongings and all of the memories associated with them. It’s our job to help them during this time and get them what they need to create new memories.” Over the years, the Furniture Bank has developed ongoing relationships with Cardi’s Furniture, Ocean State Job Lot, CVS, Providence College, Brown University and the Newport Naval Base, to name a few. Through these partnerships, the organization is able to offer a variety of inventory and also save furniture that otherwise may be destined for the landfill. Thanks to its Furniture Repair program, the Furniture Bank also has the ability to accept damaged items that will help a needy home. “Not only are local businesses and private donations critical to our efforts, but a lot of great items come from the local colleges and universities at the end of the school year,” said Landreville. The Furniture Bank determines a client’s eligibility based on the low-income guidelines established by the federal government for assistance programs. For example, if an individual or family receives Food Stamps, the Furniture Bank knows that these households are eligible for its services. “While not everyone we see is eligible for our programs, we try to do everything we can to help people with their basic needs because we understand that circumstances change,” said Landreville. “We see a lot of people who had good jobs but have had everything change as a result of becoming unemployed.” One particular story that sticks with Landreville is about an elderly couple

that owned a home in North Providence. Over the years, the couple, living on a fixed income, began to struggle with property tax increases and the rising costs of utilities, medical care and prescriptions. “This was a couple that did not want to leave their house, and were looking for simple amenities like a comfortable couch and chairs because they didn’t have any,” recalled Landreville. “We were able to help them, and to this day, I’ll never forget the note that I received, which said ‘Thank you for making our house a home.’” Landreville recognizes that the state’s economic woes are likely to continue, making the work of the Furniture Bank even more important. Recently, the Furniture Bank began offering a mobile program that brings items directly into difficult-to-reach communities where seniors often encounter transportation issues. The organization currently operates this program in Newport and Woonsocket, and hopes to expand into Pawtucket later this year. Public support, both monetary contributions and donations of household items, are critically important to the Furniture Bank. Each day, the organization has two trucks on the road that focus on a particular region of the state to pick up private donations. “Even if you can’t make a monetary donation, look around your house for usable items that could be of help to others,” said Landreville, adding that all donations are tax deductible. The Furniture Bank also regularly recruits volunteers to help in their Thrift Store, at the annual bazaar and during fundraising events. According to Landreville, many people who have benefited from the organization’s services return as volunteers as a way to give back for the help they’ve received. For more information on the Furniture Bank, call Mary Landreville at 831-5516, or visit their website at www. RIDonationExchange.com. “You have to think with your heart first, and everything else can fall into place,” said Landreville. “When people are struggling, they need a place that they can turn for help, and that’s exactly what we provide.”

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Art takes off at T.F. Green The work of Ruth Dealy, Shawn Gilheeney and Sue McNally is on display at T.F. Green Airport through April. The GREEN SPACE display is a partnership between the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, promoting the work of local artists. The artwork is located in the airport terminal where the skywalk meets the main building.

Welcome to Paradise The Contemporary Theater Company will present “Paradise Park” at The Towers of Narragansett, which is an offbeat comedy about love. Shows run through March 10, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7 p.m., Sunday performances at 2 p.m. and Thursday performances on March 1 and 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20, except for $15 shows on Sundays and pay-whatyou-can on Thursdays. The Towers are located at 35 Ocean Road in Narragansett. For details, call 218-0282. March 2012

DOER’S PROFILE

people

by JOAN RE TSINAS

and

places

AARP to the tax rescue Tax time! Many Americans cringe as April 15 nears. They see a nightmare of forms: 1099s, W-2s, 1040s, Schedules C, D, E... And the questions: where do I record alimony? Must I pay taxes on a pension? What interest is tax-free? Can I deduct sales tax from purchase of a car? My life insurance policy segued into stock. What do I do about that? For people unaccustomed to computers, the software adds to the befuddlement. At the end of the ordeal may lie a refund, but the ordeal still terrifies filers. At the same time, a contingent of Americans enjoys tax time. They like the complexity of the forms - they see it as logical, sequential, much like constructing a puzzle. The software has simplified the process. And the thornier the questions, the more they relish ferreting out the answers. How fortuitous that the AARP has matched the two parties: those who have a phobia about filing and those who relish its complexity. In 1968, the AARP office in the District of Columbia recruited four members to help people file their forms. The volunteer program grew. In 1980, the program joined with the IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. Today, AARP Tax-Aide is the largest free service. Last year, nationally, 35,000 volunteers, at 6,500 sites, helped 2.6 million Americans file their returns. The net gain for these people: $1.2 billion in refunds, $235 million in earned tax credits. The cost to filers: none. The AARP service is free, open to everyone, though aimed at people over age 60 with low incomes. In Rhode Island, the AARP last year sent out 145 volunteers to 40 sites. They helped 5,500 clients. Dick Paul is one of the volunteers. Born in Massachusetts, he stud– Dick Paul ied mechanical engineering at what is now Western New England University in Springfield. After 18 years at Bostitch, this Coventry resident retired. His wife, a school social worker, continued to work. Like the other Tax-Aide assistants, Paul had spare time. His wife saw the advertisement in the newspaper for AARP tax-aides. “My wife was looking for something for me to do during the day,” he recalled. So Paul found a volunteer niche. “I always enjoyed the challenge of doing my own taxes,” he said. Twelve years ago, Paul joined the AARP tax program, when most filers still used paper forms and most aides helped with calculator in hand. Aides today work from Taxwise, a software leased for AARP by the IRS. The training is vigorous; indeed, veteran aides still take the yearly training, if only to keep abreast of new rules. Aides sit through a week of three-hour morning classes. While an instructor goes through the forms, line by line, students follow on their computer screens. They delve into the minutiae of filing: yes, you can take a standard deduction for sales taxes, but you can also deduct sales tax for a new car or the purchase of building materials. The interest from Rhode Island municipal bonds is exempt from federal and state taxes; interest from out-of state bonds is exempt only from federal taxes. If you sell stock, you should record the basis (original price). If the broker doesn’t tell you, you can call the library. The tax on pension income depends on the contribution from the employee. After the training, aides take an open-book test designed by the IRS. They must score at least 80 percent. If a student fails, he or she can retake the

“

Dick Paul rides in to the rescue of taxpayers.

test only one time, with slightly different questions. The program self-selects volunteers - only people who enjoy the complexity of numbers and the challenge of the forms will apply. Once the AARP opens its tax-help centers in libraries, senior centers and community centers, the IRS will send out three different evaluators. One group will check that the aides are respecting privacy and that the center has mounted the appropriate IRS posters. Another team will check a random sample of returns, to verify that people are getting the refunds they are entitled to and that the data are entered accurately. Finally, unidentified evaluators will pose as clients needing help. The IRS will give the results to AARP, which will discuss them in summer meetings. The ultimate test, though, comes from clients, who come back year after year, and spread the word to their friends and relatives. “Some come in deathly afraid of the IRS. We are doing the returns for people who are afraid of doing it themselves,” Paul explained. Those people, he adds, are extraordinarily grateful that the service is available. Ironically, Paul notes that most of the clients have simple forms. Volunteers spend an average of 45 minutes with each client. The typical client has income from Social Security, maybe a pension and perhaps some part-time work. Paul says some clients never filled out the simple forms themselves, but had paid people to fill them out - often at considerable expense, without getting the optimum result. Clients with complicated forms (the Schedule C folks) generally have higher incomes and won’t seek out the AARP service - even though the volunteers have studied the intricacies of all the Schedules. Paul notes that most volunteers “do it until they can’t do it anymore.” Some of the Rhode Island AARP tax-aides have been sitting across from terrified clients for 20 years. They come from all occupations (they are not retired accountants or tax attorneys). Like Paul, they enjoy meeting, and helping, people. For information on AARP Tax-Wise assistance, call 1-888-AARPNOW or log onto www.aarp.org/taxaide.

Some come in deathly afraid of the IRS. We are doing the returns for people who are afraid doing it themselves.

March 2012

”

PrimeTime | 17

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

lifestyles

by DON FOWLER

Pizzico Ristorante for quality Italian food

Fire and Ice for entertaining dining

Providence Restaurant Weeks brought us back to a place we haven’t visited in years - Pizzico. We enjoyed a three-course luncheon that was superb, making us wonder why we don’t enjoy our big meal in early afternoon, like many seniors do. Joyce and I had to wait a few minutes for a table, as the place was bustling with businesspeople, Restaurant Week patrons and East Siders who appeared to be regulars. While service was a bit slow, the waitstaff quickly replenished water glasses and brought warm, soft Italian bread, made at Wayland Square Bakery. Like all good Italian restaurants, there was a dish of olive oil for dipping, and no butter. The accompanying focaccia bread is baked in-house. We both chose the calamari fritte for appetizers, a good-size plate of hot, tender, golden fried squid with a hot pepper topping and delicious Marina sauce for $8.99 (prices quoted are luncheon prices). Joyce chose the clams zuppa ($14.99), a half dozen clams over angel hair pasta. She couldn’t remember having a better sauce, which was enhanced with shallots, rosemary and olive oil, and a slice of garlic bread to sop up every bit of the broth. The clams were a bit too chewy for me, so Joyce didn’t have to share. Funghi con vitello - veal scaloppini to us non-Italians - was heavenly at $15.99. Sautéed with wild mushrooms, garlic, fresh herbs and mustard brandy sauce, it had a completely different taste than the usual wine-based sauce. Served with roasted potatoes to help get the last of the sauce, it made for an exquisite meal. When I saw the large, thick piece of veal, I was concerned about tenderness. Being used to having my veal pounded to death, I was apprehensive until my knife cut easily into the meat, and I enjoyed one tender piece of veal. For the smaller appetites, Pizzico also serves a variety of panninis served on fresh baked focaccia with house-made potato chips. Vitello-veal scalopinni, mozzarella, roasted peppers, arugula and balsamic dressing for $12.99, is the one that caught my eye. Angus beef burgers, wraps and Tuscan grilled pizzas add to the luncheon menu. There is always an entry that we want to return for. Mine is the Maryland style lump crab cakes insalata ($15.99) served over mixed greens with chipotle tartar and balsamic dressing. Joyce’s is everything on the menu. Joyce enjoyed a coconut gelato, while I finished my perfect meal with a melt-inyour-mouth tiramisu. Pizzico is located at 762 Hope St. in Providence. There is on-street parking. They are open Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch, and 4 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Saturday and Sunday, they open at 5 p.m. for dinner. For reservations, call 421-4114, or check them out online at pizzicoristorante.com.

If you like entertainment and variety in your dining, a trip to Fire and Ice in the Providence Place Mall will satisfy your needs. We first reviewed the unique restaurant when it opened over a decade ago, and wanted to see how it was doing these days. The good news/bad news is that we went on a Monday night, which is traditionally Student Night, when anyone with a college ID can eat to their heart’s content for only $9.95. We enjoyed the young folks devouring a variety of food and the showmen chefs preparing it on the 25-foot round grill. Unfortunately, the restaurant did not put out the shrimp and scallops we had come to enjoy. Our accommodating waitress did bring us a bowl of shrimp, which caused a few stares from the college kids. The Mongolian Grill style of eating is lots of fun, if you are up for it. The first step is grabbing your bowl and filling it with a huge variety of meats, fish, veggies, pasta and other items. Next, you select your sauce from about eight varieties, ranging from mild and sweet to hot and spicy. You bring your selections to the grill, where it is cooked before your eyes. Standing at the grill and watching the chefs perform is part of the show. There are a variety of plans, including an ice cream sundae bar that defies description. Just don’t check your blood sugar after a visit. One plan allows you to return to the marketplace, getting a smaller bowl on subsequent trips. The “regulars” know just what to go for, leaving the broccoli, hamburger, chicken and items they can eat anytime, while filling their bowls with mussels, sirloin, calamari, jalapenos, Italian sausage, and except for Mondays, scallops and shrimp. Veteran eaters have learned how to choose the correct ingredients for making Spanish paella, while those with dietary restrictions can carefully choose the right foods. I loved the two types of sausages, angel hair pasta and a pork patty that included corn and beans. However, we found the beef to be a bit tough, the pulled pork tasteless and the calamari the consistency of a rubber band. If you are going for the first time, it helps to ask questions of a regular or your waitress. While I found it fun to mix a lot of different items together, the disadvantage is that some cook quicker than others, resulting in a few overcooked items. There are a variety of prices, depending on what and when you eat, but you can eat very well for under $10. Fire and Ice is on the street level of the mall. You can park for $1 for three hours, and still have time to walk around the mall. Hours are Monday through Thursday, with lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Add an hour on Friday and Saturday. They have a Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They also have a full bar. You can make reservations, but the place is huge and there usually is no wait. Call 270-4040 for details.

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March 2012

wHAT DO YOU FINK?

LIFESTYLES

by MIKE FINK

Finding Roger Williams What does a RISD professor promise to do during a sabbatical semester? Pursue “research” into the world of art, and show and tell when you come back to campus. I won a mini-grant from the R.I. Council for the Humanities on a pledge to travel not only far and wide, but also near and close to uncover the statues, signs, paintings, sketches and landmarks of the figure of Roger Williams. Our founder hiked from Massachusetts through the forests and upon the rivers, to pitch a tent as a “shelter for persons distressed in conscience.” He named the settlement “Providence.” God would provide what was needed, and like the South Providence street sign, “Plenty” would be enough, and it was a rather subsistence “plenty.” Nobody drew a picture of R.W. during his lifetime, so illustrators and stonecutters could project their dreams upon the idea of the actual parson, preacher and pilgrim with their brushes, pens and rocks. We have an important small painting of Roger with his family and followers stepping out of a rowboat to share a peace pipe with the Narragansett Sachem. That was an easy visit, for me, as Pendleton House, part of our museum, is just next door to the College Building where I hold court in my office/parlor. The painting that is hidden in the upstairs storage facility of the John Brown House was harder to get access to. It shows Roger Williams in high boots, carrying a walking stick, and making his way all alone through dark woodland covered with snow. I had to fly to Geneva in Switzerland to snap a shot of Roger along a canal, standing with his fellow philosophical founders of the Reformation in a well-kept sculpture garden. In Europe, he is associated with Oliver Cromwell, John Milton and the dignitaries of the Protestant movement of which Geneva is proud. In our capital, Washington, D.C., a statue of the

first voice to articulate the principle of the separation of church from state, the privacy, the liberty of the soul, was cherished within an alcove in the rotunda, although it is now kept in a vault, like many treasures in the RISD museum. I have spent my semester weeks gathering photographs and writing very personal accounts in a journal of thoughts about the message and the legacy of the man in whose honor the National Memorial on North Main Street was dedicated as the only federal park and monument in our state. I will submit the report to the Council for the Humanities. I offer a glimpse of the fun, the surprise and the creative pilgrimage, with a travelogue of an intimate voyage to Prudence Island. You have to take the ferry from Bristol. It was so tiny a craft there was no room for a vehicle, or maybe just a small car. Once your “machine” made its way through the choppy bay, it tended to remain and rust away on the 9-mile, comma-shaped isle. So, in time, the ferry had to accommodate a small group of trucks and automobiles just to stay in business. If you board the boat at 8 a.m., you usually have to wait until teatime to return to the mainland. There’s just one place of business on Prudence, and an 87-year-old lady named Marcy runs it.

“I can’t stop the aging process. But I can make it less stressful.” I’m Jenny Miller. I’ve devoted my life and career to assisting seniors and people with disabilities. My goal is to help them maintain their well-being, independence and dignity. If you or your family aren’t sure where to turn, how to gather information or who can help—then get in touch with me today.

“I wasn’t born here, but I’ve lived here for 85 years. I hate any change in the place,” she says. She doubles as postmistress and sells the sort of things I used to buy at variety stores in the oldtime, Depressionera Oakland Beach: white bread in bright cellophane packages, pretty postcards (“My daughter took that photograph”) and other souvenirs. A lady, who works for the Conservancy and Research Center, Nan Jurnak, helped me to locate the focal point of my quest. A large boulder in the middle of the woods with a sign that reads, “Roger Williams preached here to the Narragansetts.” And here my story found its climax. I do not believe that sign. I do not think that Roger Williams preached to the Indians. Yes, he rowed here, as he paddled everywhere in the colony and named each tiny space with the poetic word for a virtue, a warning or a spiritual metaphor. But he did not think he had the right to tell anybody what to believe. Only to talk with him about words, ideas and hopes. His most famous, and, at the time, notorious phrases were about the equality of human rights and of divine protection. I think that the “Pulpit Rock” is actually the first university in all Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. It pre-dates Harvard, during this year of its 375th birthday and has a wonderful fate and destiny of its own. Nan, my guide and driver, said, “If we understood why the rock fell apart, we would understand the ecology and philosophy of this spot.”

I snapped a few pictures of the minimountain, and then, Nan snapped me and I snapped her, just for the record. En route back to the afternoon ferry, we stopped at the Indian well, a clean tiny oasis with a bridge over the creek. We strolled the 17th Century cemetery, in which the slate stones have half returned to nature, but keep a few cryptic words still chiseled among the lichen veils. I browsed beside the ferry harbor and chatted up Marcy, the proprietor. “I know very well what broke that pulpit rock in half. It was a sapling. A tree grew in a crevice, spread its roots and cracked the boulder,” is her account. The day was perfect and I have 100 no, 1,000 - conclusions. I will spell them out in my classrooms as I have to present an account of my semester off. I will file the forms for the R.I. Council for the Humanities. But on the occasion of the trip from Bristol to Prudence, I have mostly this to say: In my way, I have become Roger Williams. I talk to everybody. I learn from everybody. Roger published his dictionary of the Narragansett language. No, he didn’t teach English; he shared words and blessings at a pow-wow at the rock on Prudence Island. I even looked up in my big dictionary the meanings for the very title “prudence.” It means, “wisdom,” “care” and “thrift.” All useful guidelines now, as it was then. If you should follow in our footsteps and visit Prudence, it offers trails that lead to hills from which you can see both Hope Island and that dark, mostly submerged, rock called “Despair” like the Greek legends of the Odyssey. Roger Williams is everywhere in Rhode Island, on the names of every nook and cranny, and even within your own identity.

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Important tax law changes for 2011 Due date of return

The due date for the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2011 is April 17. The due date is April 17, instead of April 15, because April 15 is a Sunday and April 16 is the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia.

Higher filing requirement for 2011 tax returns In 2011, the exemption amount was increased to $3,700, and the standard deduction was increased for all filing statuses. These changes increased the income level at which most taxpayers have to file a return. For 2011, the filing requirements for most taxpayers are shown below:

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Volunteer opportunities abound Southern Rhode Island Volunteers places volunteers with more than 100 non-profit community partners. Searching for a place where you’re needed? Call 789-2362 or e-mail krosum@southernrivol. org. • South Kingstown CARES is seeking a mentor to support 10 elementary and middle school students who need extra help. The position entails one hour a week reading and playing games with students and helping them with homework. • Habitat for Humanity is seeking in-store helpers and cashiers to assist customers in donating or purchasing items at the Restore. Hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. Free lunch is offered to volunteers.

Gross Income means all income you received in the form of money, goods, property and services that is not exempt for tax. Do not include Social Security benefits in gross income unless you are married filing a separate return and lived with your spouse at any time during 2011. Note: If you turned 65 on Jan. 1, you are considered to be age 65 at the end of 2011. The filing requirements shown in the grid to the left are for most taxpayers. Special rules apply if you are being claimed as a dependent by another person or are self-employed. Please call 1-800-829-1040 for information regarding these situations. While the above income limits require you to file a return, if you had withholding credits, made estimated tax payments, have a refundable Earned Income Tax Credit, or the additional Child Tax Credit, you should file a return to receive a refund.

Free tax return preparation The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. The TCE Program offers free tax help to everyone with priority assistance to people who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement issues unique to seniors. VITA/TCE sites are generally located at community centers, libraries, schools, senior centers, shopping malls and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To find an AARP/TCE Tax-Aide site near you, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/Tax-Aide. Also at www.irs.gov, type free Tax Return Preparation in the search box.

20 | PrimeTime

• Southern Rhode Island Volunteers needs two board members who are passionate about service to Ocean State communities. They will work on fund development and promote SRIV in the community. The board meets once a month. • Well-One of North Kingstown is seeking volunteers to provide office and data-collection services. One volunteer will interview clients and collect data about their health care needs weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; the other volunteer will provide assistance in the office on Thursday mornings. Both will receive training and free up staff for other, more clinical, duties. • Smith’s Castle needs: volunteers to help with cataloging collections of donations of historical artifacts; a membership secretary to promote funding for operations of historical landmarks; and volunteer in the office to facilitate the operation of a local tourist attraction. Computer skills are needed for all three positions. • Courthouse Center for the Arts-West Kingston needs a receptionist to answer phones and take messages. Vacancies are available any weekday. A guide is needed weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to give tours of the gallery and provide information about local culture. Also, they need a fundraiser to assist the development director to bring in more donations, develop strategies, draft letters and meet with donors. The work may be done from home.

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PrimeTime | 21

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prohibits debt collectors from using unfair, abusive or deceptive practices. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that the agency received 140,036 debt collection complaints in 2010 - an increase from the 119,609 complaints logged in 2009. The top three consumer complaints lodged against debt collectors are repeated or continuous calling; misrepresentation of the nature, amount or status of the debt; and failing to send the consumer required statutory notice of the debt and their rights. In dealing with debt issues, it’s always wise to try and resolve the problem before collection proceedings are started. Seniors can start by using debt-counseling resources. Money Management International is a full-service, non-profit agency that provides financial counseling, financial education, debt management programs and housing counseling. Services are provided

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either in person or over the Internet. All information is confidential. Call 866889-9347 or visit www.MoneyManagement.org. The FDCPA covers personal, family and household debts. These categories include credit card accounts, auto loans, medical bills and mortgages. The Act does not cover debts associated with running a business. The Housing Network of Rhode Island works with various non-profit organizations to prevent elder consumers from becoming victims of predatory loan practices. Counseling is available for consumers who are looking for a loan, refinancing, have fallen behind on mortgage payments or are facing foreclosure. Call 800-436-3180 or go to www.dontborrowtroubleri.org. If a debt collector contacts you, you have certain legal rights as a consumer. For example, a debt collector cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and they cannot call you at work unless you have given them permission. It’s advisable to talk with a debt collector at least once to see if you can resolve the matter. If you decide that you don’t want the debt collector to contact you again, you must notify them in writing. Go to www.ftc. gov, or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877382-4357) for details. TTY users can call 1-866-653-4261. If an attorney represents you, the debt collector must contact the attorney rather than you. A debt collector may contact other sources, but only to find out your home address, home telephone number or where you work. Every collector must send you a “written validation” telling you how much money you allegedly owe within five days after they contact you for the first time. If you do not think that you owe the money, you must send a written reply to the collector within 30 days of receiving the “validation notice.” While the debt collector cannot contact you again after receiving your letter, collection actions can begin again if you are provided with written verification, such as a copy of the bill. Debt collectors are prohibited from using harassing language, threats of violence or harm, or using obscene or profane language. Debt collectors may not misrepresent themselves as attorneys or government agents, falsely claim that you have committed a crime, lie about the

amount owed or indicate that documents that they send to you are legal documents when they are not. They cannot threaten you with arrest or claim that they can garnish your wages or place liens against your property when they cannot, or tell you that they intend to take legal action if they are, in fact, not going to do it. Debt collectors cannot use false names or give false credit information to any organization, including credit card reporting companies. Finally, a collector may not try to collect any interest or fees in addition to the amount owed, deposit a post-dated check early, contact you by post card or threaten to take your property, unless they can actually do it legally. If there are multiple debts involved, the collector must apply any payment made to the debt that you designate. If a debt collector sues you, do not ignore the summons. Respond either personally or through your lawyer to preserve your legal rights. If you do not pay a debt, a creditor or debt collector may sue you to collect the money owed. If they are successful, the court will decide how much you owe, and then can also authorize garnishment of funds from wages or direct your bank to turn over money in your accounts. Many federal benefits are exempt from garnishments. Some of these exemptions include Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Veterans benefits, civil service and federal retirement or disability benefits; military pay; Railroad Retirement benefits, Merchant Seaman wages; military or survivor payments; student assistance; or Federal Emergency Management disaster assistance. To report problems or to file a complaint against a debt collector, call the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office at 274-4400, or visit www.riag.gov. You should also file a complaint with the FTC.

March 2012

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As soon as you enter the physical therapy room of Heatherwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Newport, you are immediately aware of the feeling of warmth, caring, and true professionalism. Not only is there is a great deal of personal interaction between therapist and patient but a strong commitment to the goal of achieving the patient’s maximum functionality and independence. One of the benefits that our rehab patients receive when choosing Heatherwood as their inpatient recovery facility is that our therapy department can provide up to 3 hours of therapy, 5 days a week. According to Cynthia Holmes, the Rehabilitation Manager (under the auspices of “Rehab Care”), the primary goals of the therapy department are: To restore full function to a patient; To continually evaluate and adjust patient’s individual treatment plan; and To always reach for a “higher level of independence”. Here is what Robert Sleiertin of Newport had to say about his shortterm stay with Heatherwood, after having hip surgery: “I was very pleased with all aspects of care and treatment by all Heatherwood personnel”!

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Cindy is very passionate when it comes to what goes on in the therapy room. She oversees not only the level of care provided to the patients, but also the professional development of the therapists themselves. Professional development is part of their routine, and a real “team” approach is taken amongst each of the disciplines which include physical, occupational, and speech. Cindy and the therapists realize that the success of any treatment plan is wholly dependent on the morale, commitment, and hopefulness of each patient, and so, each patient is treated as a partner in their own recovery. A philosophy of mutual respect, dignity and compassion are highly valued and fostered by the team of Rehab Care at Heatherwood. To Learn more about both Heatherwood, please contact Jennye Durante, Director of Admissions at 401-849-6600, ext. 4041, or visit the website at www.heatherwoodnursing.com.

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PrimeTime | 23

PEOPLE AND PLACES

A GLIMPSE OF RI’S PAST h i s t o r y w i t h d o n d ’a m at o

Rocky Point:

New attractions

CLUES ACROSS 1. Bay Area Transit Auth. (abbr.) 5. Pull apart by force 9. Ancient Egyptian King 12. Missing soldiers 13. Capital of Japan 14. Diamond month (abbr.) 15. Spheres 16. Surpassing good 17. British thermal unit 18. Philippine island & seaport 19. Legally argued 20. Belonging to singer Fitzgerald 22. Bowler hats 24. Has a strong odor 25. Doyens 26. London Gallery 27. Rural delivery 28. Rods 31. Stonhenge plain 33. Withdraw from membership 34. Execute or perform 35. Central or Yellowstone 36. Municipality in Norway 39. Bay of NW Rep. of Ireland 40. Skin designs 42. Son of Jephunneh 43. Baseball’s Ruth 44. Clare Booth __, Am. writer 46. Black tropical American cuckoo 47. Filled with fear or apprehension 49. 6th Jewish month 50. Wide metal vessel used in cooking 51. Make by pouring into a cast 52. Colombian city 53. Heat unit 24 | PrimeTime

54. Carpenter, red and army 55. Adam and Eve’s garden CLUES DOWN 1. Big man on campus 2. Made public by radio or television 3. Labelled 4. Inform positively 5. Drinks habitually 6. Supplemented with difficulty 7. SW Scottish river & port 8. American poet 1874-1963 9. Pads 10. Ingestion or intake 11. Tie up a bird before cooking 13. Bulrushes of the genus Scirpus 16. Turned rod on a spinning wheel 21. Having or covered with leaves 23. The 44th U.S. President 28. Midway between S and SE 29. Tuberculosis (abbr.) 30. Inspected accounting procedures 31. A twilled woolen fabric 32. Potato state 33. The work of a sailor 35. Involving 2 dimensions 36. Fanatical or overzealous 37. Consolation 38. Wild sheep of northern Africa 39. Erect leafless flower-bearing stalk 40. Afrikaans 41. Weighing device 43. Very dry champagne 45. Emerald Isle 48. A resident of Benin

One of the most important stops along the old Warwick Railroad line was at Rocky Point, the greatest amusement park in New England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The park drew such great crowds that the R.I. Suburban Railroad added a spur to the tracks to take merrymakers directly to the park. In 1900, according to a document from the Office of the Clerk of the Common Pleas Division of the Supreme Court within or for the County of Kent, a strip of land, 50 feet wide, was used by the Rhode Island Suburban Railway Company to run tracks to Rocky Point. The tracks started on the northern boundary line of land formerly belonging to Anne B. F. Woods, daughter of Governor John Brown Francis, and extended for 585 feet taking up a total of 21,200 square feet on to Rocky Point. The stop became so significant to the line that in the early 1900s, it became the car barn for the trolleys on that line. Longtime trolley conductor William P. Delacour told Providence reporter Caleb M. Burbank in 1961 that after he traveled through Shawomet, River View, Longmeadow and Grant’s station, “he turned on the bay ward switch to Rocky Point Junction and Highland Beach and then to Col. Harrington’s famous Rocky Point.” Tens of thousands of patrons of the trolley found the ride to Rocky Point as exhilarating and fun-filled as the stay at the amusement center. Rocky Point, thanks to the Warwick Railroad and the trolley, became accessible to everyone, young and old, rich or poor, and the park prospered, as did the trolley line. In time, the automobile and bus brought about an end to the trolley car. By the 1930s, streetcar companies found the long lines to the suburbs were not economically feasible and the streetcars were operated only on an intracity basis in Providence. Many of the patrons of Rocky Point in the early 20th century recall some of the highlights of those years at the park. One individual whose memories helped recall those years was the late Joseph Fitzpatrick. Joe Fitz remembers Joe Fitzpatrick, who later was the stage manager at the Theatre at Rocky Point, remembers the fine bathing beach between the baseball field and the dining hall and has especially fond memories of the Rocky Point Theatre. The theater had five dressing rooms for its performers and many of the top vaudeville stars performed at the park. Rocky Point was able to take advantage of the Providence ordinance that barred vaudeville in that city on Sundays. Top name acts on the Keith circuit, which came to Providence’s Keith-Albee Theatre played at Rocky Point, as Warwick had no such ordinance. At the movies In the years preceding World War I, the motion pictures were beginning to come into their own. As Rocky Point usually had the newest films, people came from miles around. It was not uncommon for chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce or Packard limousines to drive up with their passengers on a regular basis. Admission was 10 cents, but the best seats in the center aisle cost an additional nickel.

March 2012

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732-3100 Ireland Festival of Fine Food Local chefs show off their culinary talents at restaurants around Newport for the 11th annual Kinsale, Ireland Festival of Fine Food. Lodging packages are available as well. The festival runs from March 8 to 11. Visit GoNewport.com or call 800-976-5122 for a complete list of events. Boom at Gamm The hilarious play, “Boom,” will take over the Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre from March 8 through April 8. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday, and tickets are $30 or $40. The Gamm Theatre is located at 172 Exchange Street in Pawtucket. For tickets or details, call 723-4266 or go to www.gammtheatre.org.

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Can you tell me how to get...? Grab the grandkids and head to the Providence Performing Arts Center for “Sesame Street Live: 1-2-3...Imagine! with Elmo and Friends.” Sesame Street takes over Providence from March 9 to 11, and combines music, dance and education for families. Tickets range from $18 to $53; get yours now by calling 421-2787 or buy online at ppacri. org.

At the 95 Strange Attractor Theatre Co. will present the third and final phase of their play-in-development, “A Terrific Fire” from March 9 to 24, with shows running Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m. Admission is $15, or $10 for students and seniors. There are also paywhat-you-can performances. “A Terrific Fire” is part haunted house and part adventure novel, and will take place at

95 Empire in Providence. Full information can be found at 626-0157 or www. strangeattractortheatre.org.

The Museum is located at 52 Power Street in Providence. Call 331-8575 ext. 28 or visit www.rihs.org.

Happy St. Paddy’s Day Join the Providence St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 10, starting at noon. Now in its ninth year, the parade includes nearly 80 acts, including bagpipers and Irish step dancers. The parade starts on Smith Street in Providence. Learn more at www.providencestpatricksparade. org or call 751-1553.

Ballet Coffee Hour Admission is free on Saturday, March 17, when the State Ballet of Rhode Island invites the public in for a behind the scenes look at how a ballet is created, how dancers are trained and how the music and choreography come together. Together, with author David Ira Rottenberg, the State Ballet will stage a reading/performance of “Gwendolyn the Graceful Pig.” From Studio to Stage will run from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the State Ballet Rehearsal Studio at 52 Sherman Avenue in Lincoln. Visit www.stateballet.com or call 334-2560 for details.

The Rhode Island Campaign John Brown House Museum will host a discussion with Christian McBurney on March 15 at 6:30 p.m. McBurney is author of “The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War.” He will give a detailed history of the campaign.

PrimeTime | 25

Senior volunteers needed for Special Olympics The Federal Hill House Association (FHHA), an independent non-profit organization serving Providence’s largest multi-ethnic community, recently announced that it is sponsoring a Special Olympics team for athletes ages 8 to 15 through the agency’s Capital Region Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The athletes will participate in track and field this spring, and the FHHA needs both athletes for the team and senior volunteers to coordinate activities year-round. Athletes and senior volunteers who want to participate can contact Pat Strezo (pstrezo@federalhillhouse.org), Federal Hill House’s RSVP coordinator at 421-1095 ext. 31. Volunteers can put in as much or as little time as they want. For more information about the Federal Hill House Association and its programs, contact the Federal Hill House Association, 9 Courtland Street, Providence, RI 02909, at 421-4722 or by e-mail at fhh@federalhillhouse.org.

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Senior Care Concepts Inc. celebrated its sixth anniversary in February. “It is amazing to think back to when we first started and had three clients for the first three months. As nervous as I was, I knew that there was a need for our services for Rhode Island seniors and their families, and we continue to provide those services and much more. In the last six years, we have been able to assist over 350 seniors and their families,” said Jenny Miller, MSW, CMC, in the agency’s monthly newsletter. “This effort could not be done alone. I have a great team and this was done with their help, assistance and guidance!” Senior Care Concepts Inc. is a professional geriatric care management firm that provides strategies and solutions to seniors and their adult children that maximize a senior’s physical, emotional and social well being and independence. For more information, visit www.seniorcareconceptsinc.com, or contact them at PO Box 2104, East Greenwich, RI 02818, or at 398-7655.

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Irish Folk Music Visit the Linden Place Museum on March 23 at 7:30 p.m. to see Robbie O’Connell perform Irish folk music in the tradition of his Clancy family. Tickets are $25, or $20 for Linden Place members. Learn more at www.lindenplace.org or call 2530390. Meet Sam Aldrich Born into a life of wealth and privilege, Sam Aldrich was expected to follow his father into a career of high finance. He had other plans. Learn more about his escapades at “A Discussion with Sam Aldrich” at the Rhode Island Historical Society’s Aldrich House. The house is located at 110 Benevolent Street in Providence. Admission is free for this Saturday, March 24 performance, which begins at 2 p.m.

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C/O BEACON COMMUNICATIONS CLASSIFIEDS 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 OR CALL (401) 732-3100 OR EMAIL sueh@rhodybeat.com

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calendar of events The Home Show The Rhode Island Convention Center will once again host the Home Show from March 29 to April 1. Come see Southern New England’s largest home show with more than 400 exhibitors, and enter to win a vacation to Jamaica, a cruise, artwork and more. The show is open on Thursday and Friday from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children under 15 get in free. Find out about exhibitors and more at www. ribahomeshow.com.

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26 | PrimeTime

March 2012

exhibitors wanted s p r r i u n o g s e s x i po! m t ’ n o D

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 • Warwick Mall • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

We take care of . . .

Planning Promotion Follow-up

Exhibitor space includes tables, chairs, pipe & drape, tablecloths & skirting, and electricity.

g n i v i Le x p o

P r i me T i me M a g a z i ne

senior

For registration information call Lisa Bronstein

American Health Resources, Inc.

508-588-7700 or e-mail lisab@ahrevents.com

Market your product or service

to thousands of seniors and caregivers.

Combine the advertising of

PrimeTime Magazine with face-to-face marketing opportunities at the Expo

Extensive networking opportunities

with major senior organizations

“That’s “That’s Life.” Life.” But, But, this this is is style! style! Frank Sinatra sang “That’s Life…” and we loved it. But, if “Old Blue Eyes” were performing in a Brookdale Senior Living® community now, he might be singing “This is Style.” Our communities offer great food, great times and Optimum Life®, a concept that helps you live each day at your peak level of ® wellness by matching your interests with a healthy lifestyle. We also provide a variety of services and multiple care options that respect your freedom and your ® access to those services or care choices. And as a Brookdale resident you will always have priority options you want or need whenever you need them – even if your needs change.

Frank Sinatra sang “That’s Life…” and we loved it. But, if “Old Blue Eyes” were performing in a Brookdale Senior Living community now, he might be singing “This is Style.” Our communities offer great food, great times and Optimum Life , a concept that helps you live each day at your peak level of wellness by matching your interests with a healthy lifestyle. We it Life. Call it Style. also provide a variety of services andCallmultiple care options that respect your freedom and your Either way, we deliver exceptional experiences everytoday. choices. And as a Brookdale resident you will always have priority access those services or care To learn more, call or visit a Brookdale community today. options you want or need whenever you need them – even if your needs change. Visit these communities at www.horizonbay.com

EAST BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living 1440 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI 02915 (866) 786-5473

POCASSET BAY RETIREMENT LIVING a Brookdale® managed community Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living 12 Old Pocasset Ln., Johnston, RI 02919 (888) 904-6289

Call it Life. Call it Style.

Either way, we deliver exceptional experiences every day. SAKONNET BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living To learn more, call or visit a Brookdale community today. Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

EMERALD BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing 10 Old Diamond Hill Rd., Cumberland, RI 02864 (888) 815-1201

Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing 1215 Main Rd., Tiverton, RI 02878 (888) 905-9964

Visit these communities at www.horizonbay.com

GREENWICH BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 945 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (888) 451-2269

SOUTH BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing ® 1959 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, RI 02879 (866) 705-9213

EAST BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living NEW ENGLAND BAY RETIREMENT LIVING 1440 Wampanoag Trail,managed East Providence, a Brookdale communityRI 02915 Personalized Assisted Living (866) 786-5473

POCASSET BAY RETIREMENT LIVING a Brookdale managed community Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living BAY RETIREMENT 12WEST Old Pocasset Ln., Johnston,LIVING RI 02919 Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s Dementia Care (888)and904-6289

EMERALD BAY RETIREMENT LIVING NORTH BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Care Rehabilitation &Dementia Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing 10171 OldPleasant DiamondView HillAve., Rd., Cumberland, 02864 Smithfield, RIRI 02917 (888) 474-0609 (888) 815-1201

2783 West Shore Rd., Warwick, RI 02889 (888) 704-6386

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care 600 Centre of New England Blvd., Coventry, RI 02816 (866) 995-7269

SAKONNET BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing 1215 Main Rd., Tiverton, RI 02878 (888) 905-9964

GREENWICH BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care SOUTH BAY RETIREMENT LIVING Your story continues here... 945 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818 Independent Living • Personalized Assisted Living

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