RETIREMENT REDEFINED
AUGUST 2012 • A Claremore Daily Progress Publication
RETIREMENT REDEFINED 2 6 12 14
Art of Retirement Janice Baldridge has found a new palette that includes painting, golf and family.
For the Love of Quilting Carol Thurman’s love of crafts led her to learn how to quilt.
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Janice Baldridge
Bridge King L. D. Allision has discovered retirement is everything he expected it to be and much more.
Volunteering benefits children Pat Paris has been volunteering at Stuart Roosa Elementary School since 2002 and loves helping.
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Hook, Line and Sinker
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Green not just a Buzzword
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Pat Paris
Bill Rader loves fishing. He coordinates the Claremore Jackpot Fishing Tournament.
Today’s senior community is finding ways to reuse and recycle past methods for a new living. Page 16 Bill Rader
Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 1
Art of Retirement
Janice Baldridge
Claremore woman’s palette after working years includes painting, golf, family 2 • Retirement Redefined • August 2012
By Tom Fink or Claremore woman Janice Baldridge, retirement is something she paints in broad strokes. Figuratively and literally. After spending more than 30 years in the workforce, lifetime Claremore resident Baldridge began the next chapter of her life with a paintbrush in hand when she retired in the early 90’s.
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I really enjoy what I am doing not working — Janice Baldridge “All my life, I’d been interested in art, and even took some evening classes in drawing years ago at Oklahoma Military Academy (now Rogers State University),” recalled Baldridge, “but my husband, John and I married when I was 19 and I started work early, so I really didn’t have the time then to invest in art the way I wanted to. “When you’re working, you really don’t have time for much more than your job or your family, both of which I loved, but it left little time for me to really explore my interest in art,” she said. Instead, Baldridge continued to be a wife and soon a mother to the couple’s daughter, Tamara, as she rose in the ranks at her workplace, Southwestern Bell — from operator, to service representative in the business office, to a spot in the Tulsa office as a communications technician. “I enjoyed what I was doing — I enjoyed work, but I never lost an interest in art — it was always there, no matter what I was doing,” she said. “By the time I retired in 1992 — for one thing, I’d been preparing (to retire) for years, and when I was able, I was ready. I knew it was time, and with all of the new free time I had, I was finally able to take more (art) classes, and really try my hand at drawing, painting, etc. “As it turns out, I wasn’t too bad at it,” she said. Now, 20 years later, Baldridge and her artwork are still going strong. Her artwork has been entered (and won) contests, as well as been shown on exhibit around the county and state as an independent artist and member of Three Rivers Artists, an organization which supports the arts in the Claremore area. “I’ve worked in just about every medium there is but if I had to pick a favorite, I might say I prefer graphite pencil (similar to charcoal),” she said. “For me, working with it is more calming somehow —I find myself more relaxed when drawing with graphite (pencil), and I enjoy it more. To some extent,
painting is just an extension of drawing, but it’s very different than strictly drawing a subject.” Baldridge says she tries to paint at least twice a week or more, whether she’s working on a particular project or not, just to keep her skills “honed.” “I like to keep busy (painting),
just to stay in practice — not that a person loses their talents if they don’t do it regularly, but their skills tend to lose something if they walk away from it for very long,” she said. As far as a favorite subject matter, Baldridge says “It depends.” “I’m a very detail-oriented person — I pay extreme attention to the little particulars in anything I’m painting, so the more detailed the subject, the better,” she said. “When I’m using watercolor (paint), I tend to paint more floral pictures — watercolor is a good medium for that as its brighter and more translucent, but when it comes to detailed paintings, for which I use more acrylic (paint), I prefer animals or birds, those would be a preference, or if I’m working in still life, maybe something with a lot of lace, again, because of all the intricacies to paint.” Typically, Baldridge paints for her own enjoyment, but she said she
does occasionally take on projects for family or friends. “Depending on the complexity of a piece and how much time I’m willing to spend on it a day, it might take up to a couple of weeks from start to finish, but usually, my paintings don’t take nearly that long,” she said. “Right now, I’m working on something I didn’t realize would be as much work as it’s turned out to be. I was visiting my daughter in New Jersey and at the garden center there, there’s a beautiful metal bench with flowers strewn across it. “When I saw it, I thought to myself ‘Oh, this is beautiful — I want to paint it’, so I took some photos for reference and later got to work on it,” she said. “After I started, it didn’t take me long to realize how much work it was going to be. I had no idea there were so many angles (to the bench), and I wanted to do the painting correctly or it wouldn’t look ‘right’ to me, you know? “Sometimes, I paint for other people, but I was painting this — I’m still painting this — for myself, and trying to capture the beauty that I saw that day,” she said. “Trying to capture it on canvas the way I originally saw it as beautiful has been challenging. I’ve been working on it for quite a while and I’m only now getting to where I’m painting the flowers. “It may be a long while before I take on another project this technical,” she laughed. Retirement has opened up another recreational pursuit for Baldridge: Golf. “Retirement has been wonderful, I do have to say — I’ve gotten to do a lot of things I never had time for before, and I’ve started playing golf,” she said. “That (golf) is something I never thought I’d do or even want to do, but my husband took up golf when he was getting ready to retire and out of curiosity, I took some lessons to see what it was about. “I got hooked,” she said. So, these days, Baldridge enjoys her time on the greens, playing with Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 3
her husband and friends (”My handicap just went up to 24, which I’m glad about — I play with some pretty good golfers,” she laughed) or relaxing at home, creating art on her own schedule. “This is really the best time of my life,” she said. “I prepared early for retirement, so my husband and I don’t have to pinch pennies now like we did before retirement. I was fortunate in that I always enjoyed what I did when I was working, but I think of myself as even more fortunate in that I really enjoy what I’m doing not working.”
Longtime Claremore resident Janice Baldridge is a prolific artist and aspiring golfer. After being part of the workforce for more than 30 years, she began her second career as an artist — something she said she’d had a passion for her throughout her life.
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Delaying retirement has financial, social benefits he need to save for retirement is something professionals start hearing about from the moment they begin their careers. Whether it’s parents extolling the virtues of retirement plans or employers who encourage their employees to take advantage of their retirement programs, saving for retirement is never far from the minds of professionals. As important as such savings can be, many workers are deciding to delay their retirements. As much as men and women envision retiring to a faraway seaside villa for their golden years, such retirements are not terribly common, and many older workers have begun to recognize the economic and social benefits of delaying retirement. Those undecided about when they want to say goodbye to the office should consider the following benefits to delaying retirement. • Fewer years to worry about financing your lifestyle. Thanks to advancements in medicine and more and more people living healthier lifestyles, men and women are now living longer than in years past. While living longer, healthier lives is a plus, it does have an effect on retirement. Because people can now expect to live longer, they must ensure their money lasts long enough. By delaying retirement, men and women will have fewer retirement years to finance. • More chances to save money. It might be your dream to retire early, but you could be doing yourself a great disservice by ending your career prematurely. Men and women at or near the end of their careers are often making more money than they ever have, which enables them to save more than they have in the past, especially if children are full grown and supporting themselves. Take advantage of these high-salary years, even if it means working an extra few years. If you do, when you retire you could have substantially more in savings than you would have had you retired early. • Stay socially active. In addition to economic benefits, delaying retirement has social benefits as well. Many people get the bulk of their social interaction with colleagues and coworkers. When men and women retire, these opportunities for social interaction can dwindle rather quickly, and it’s not uncommon for retirees to battle feelings of isolation. Delaying retirement allows you to easily maintain contact with friends and colleagues, and can lead to a better quality of life. • The chance to give back. Many older professionals view retirement as being put out to pasture, where their years or experience aren’t utilized. However, individuals who
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delay retirement can use their extra years around the office as an opportunity to leave a legacy for the next generation. This is something professionals find especially valuable as their retirement draws nearer and they want to leave a lasting mark, be it on their company, within their industry or in the community in which their company operates.
Delaying retirement provides more time to build this legacy, and can create a greater sense of fulfillment when men and women do decide to retire. Delaying retirement is growing increasingly popular. Men and women often see it as a chance to build a bigger nest egg and leave a more lasting legacy within their company and community.
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Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 5
For the Love of Quilting
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Thurman’s love of crafts and family helped her learn to quilt By Salesha Wilken arol Thurman is not your average retiree and certainly not ready for the rocking chair, that is unless it comes with baskets of patterns, thread, fabric and other needle turn appliqué supplies. Carol is a quilter and specializes in needle turn appliqué and in the past 10 years she has sewn more than 100 quilts. Many of those quilts feature this specialized type of work. Needle turn appliqué is a traditional method of hand sewing fabric on top of another piece, usually in a pattern or involving an intricate design. Often times the method involves patches or blocks and is very detailed work performed by hand. “Needle turn appliqué is my favorite. It takes a little time, but I love it,” Carol said. This type of quilting is significant throughout history and the cloth decoration technique is crosscultural and can be found in cultures around the world. To some ancient societies it was considered a form of writing, storytelling or a way to record information, according to www.textilesindepth.com. However, for her it is the simple pleasure of creating something by hand, something she loves, a gift that can be passed down for generations. Carol sits quietly showing her artwork, as each piece is unique and stitched with love. It was a love for crafts and her family that brought her to learn to quilt. “When my mother died I found a box of fabric that was my grandmothers quilt pieces, I wanted to make something with them,” Carol said. She had done a little sewing as a child, but had never quilted before. During her life she had learned to sew various items including clothing for her four children, but this was a new adventure. So Carol then took up the challenge and started looking into quilting including joining the local quilt guild, Country Fare Quilters Guild. “The guild has been so wonderful, their friendship means everything to me,” Carol said. “They feel a big need in my life.”
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Carol Thurman expresses her thoughts through her craft of quilt making. She specializeds in needle turn applique, which is a traditional method of hand sewing fabric on top of another piece.
Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 7
Through the guild a friendship and a skill blossomed. She quickly picked up the art and put her imagination to work. The best part of the process for Carol is designing the quilt in her head. “Nobody will have one just like mine,” she said. Then shopping for the fabric brings an exciting, fun challenge to find just the right pieces to match her design, she explains. From the quilt shop to the quilt room, design starts to become reality and the process continues sometimes for weeks as each quilt takes on its own life through her hands. Once you make one it just starts getting addictive, she explains. “I think I will have to live to 200 years to get in half of the quilts I want to do,” Carol said. Quilting takes a little patience, Carol explained but it is a productive activity that keeps her connected
with others in the community. “I feel like I am doing something good,” Carol said. “Without this I would go nuts because I have worked all my life.” It is more than a hobby; quilting provides Carol with something more valuable, friendship. The guild members become stitches in the each other’s lives, she explained. “Their friendship is everything it is more than quilting,” Carol said. Carol is now looking to take what she has learned with the craft of quilting to begin to teach others. Soon she will be teaching classes in the area to help others learn the art of needle turn appliqué. Carol has taught others in her guild from time to time but now she hopes to expand this to the community. Teaching will add another avenue for her to share her talents and love for the timeless tradition of quilt
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making. “I would love to see young women to start an interest in quilting.” Carol said. “I would love to see kids learning to do this as well.” Carol works with her granddaughter when she comes to visit and enjoys watching her learn. It is a joy to see others enjoy something that she loves and the opportunity to share the skill with others is very exciting, according to Carol. Carol also wants others to share in the guild experience; she wants people to get involved with their local quilting guilds. Her passion for the craft is displayed in the stitches of the every heirloom she creates. Carol is creating a kind of happiness and joy that is contagious. Through quilting she has found a way to defy retirement and provide new opportunities for years to come.
Are you ready for retirement? Tips to get on track Family Features hen it comes to planning for retirement, there are many factors to consider. For instance, when is the ideal time to retire? How much should you save and contribute annually? How do you know which type of retirement investments will fit your needs, goals and risk tolerance? “Retirement today is, not surprisingly, being redefined for many people,â€? says Lule Demmissie, managing director of investment products and retirement at TD Ameritrade, Inc., a broker dealer subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average life expectancy is now 78 years. In addition, the Families and Work Institute reports that nearly 75 percent of people age 50 and older expect to work during retirement. “If you’re not prepared, you may find yourself having to work in some capacity to supplement your retirement savings. For some, this may not be an available option due to health issues as they get older,â€? says Demmissie. “So taking careful consideration when planning for your financial future can help you retire when the time is right for you and your family.â€? With that in mind, Demmissie shares the following retirement planning tips: Focus on the key areas There are four areas that can directly impact your retirement plan - your budget, resources, investments and lifestyle: • Lifestyle - Consider factors such as where you live, what hobbies you will pursue, and whether or not you will continue to work in some capacity. • Budget - Make sure you have a clear understanding of your expenses during retirement, from medical needs to the cost of housing and inflation. • Resources - Determine where your money will come from during retirement. • Investments - Develop a plan that will try to make your money last throughout your retirement. Utilize online resources In addition to focusing on the key areas, there are a num-
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ber of free online resources that can help investors, including TD Ameritrade’s online retirement center, www.tdameritrade.com/retire. Understand the benefits of a Roth IRA versus a Traditional IRA It’s also important to keep in mind that retirement accounts can lead to tax benefits, such as: • Roth IRA - Affords the ability for tax-free growth and federal tax-free withdrawals (for those investors meeting IRS requirements, such as age). • Traditional IRA - The ability to deduct contributions on your income taxes now and pay the taxes when you make qualified withdrawals in retirement. In the meantime, savers can benefit from tax-free growth in the account. •While some may think they’re too young to begin planning for retirement, it’s actually never too soon,â€? advises Demmissie. “It can be difficult to understand the different plans, but there are many resources available to make the decision making process easier. It’s important to ensure that you are prepared for retirement, with the tools and knowledge to live the life you’ve worked for, and the ability to enjoy retirement when the time is right.â€? For help deciding which retirement plan may be right for you, visit www.tdameritrade.com/retire.
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Bridge King
L.D. Allison
Retirement is everything Allison wants it to be By Rebecca Hattaway
arking his 20th year of retirement, L.D. Allison is healthy and active and doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon. He retired in 1992 after 34 years as a County Agent with OSU extension. Since then, he’s filled his time with a variety of hobbies and volunteer opportunities.
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“I’m 77 and I feel like I want to stay active and keep contributing,” he smiled. He said retirement today isn’t what it used to be decades ago when people quit working and just waited around to die. “You can stay active with a good mind a lot longer than people could 40 or 50 years ago,” he said. One thing he credits with keeping his mind strong is bridge. “I play bridge now so I have a full deck later on!” he chuckled. “It’s very relaxing and sure takes your mind off of a lot of other things. It’s also a good memory-builder.” He has been playing for about 25 years, starting with a two-table men’s club. Four years ago, he helped start a duplicate club in Claremore. “We found out we had a director in Claremore. Richard Butrovich had just moved here,” Allison said. “We started off with 28 people that met with us that first time.” Now the club averages 40 to 44 players when they play the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Claremore Community Center. “We are tickled at how the bridge club is
doing and how much people are enjoying it,” he said. “We’ve lost some players over the years. The age of group...well, the women wouldn’t appreciate that, but they are people well into retirement! “The ladies love to dress up — they dress like they’re going to church. People are so friendly and we enjoy visiting before we start playing.” The success of the Claremore club is also seen in its attraction of players from the surrounding area. “Four people from Catoosa play with us,” Allison said. “We’ve had two sectional tournaments that have brought people here from Kansas, Arkansas, Texas and a number of clubs around Oklahoma.” They will host a third tournament Sept. 2830 and hope to play 25 tables every day. But retirement’s not just about having fun; it’s also about doing good. Allison has served as vice president of the Friends of the Will Rogers Library for the last four years. He’s been involved in the organization for about 20 years, even serving as president at one time.
Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 11
“Our Friends of the Library is one of the best in the state of Oklahoma,” he said. “Libraries are having a tough time right now. We formed a foundation about four years ago to continue to support the library by providing supplies and other things. They give us a ‘wish list’ every year and we fill that for them.” Once a month, Allison uses his pickup truck to haul food from the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma in Tulsa to his church — First United Methodist of Claremore— for use in their Good Samaritan Ministry. “When I started doing it, we were storing food in a 4x6 foot room,” he said. “Then we moved to a larger room, then another larger room as the ministry continued to grow. Now we’re in a 40x60 foot room.” He said that while the food supply has been cut back recently, at its peak he was hauling 6,000 pounds of food a trip which was distributed to 380 people each month. Three years ago, Allison decided to become a docent at the Will Rogers Memorial. “The National County Agents Association meeting was in Oklahoma that year and I signed up so I could help take them to Claremore,” he said. Now he enjoys meeting people from far and near who visit the museum. “You just ask people where they’re from and find you have a lot of things in common, and then I have stories I like to tell them about different parts of the Memorial,” he said. “You’d be surprised at the number
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of people from foreign countries who visit. They know the Mother Road. They fly into Chicago and take buses along Route 66 to LA. We are on that circuit.” This year, Allison started volunteering with the election board, counting votes during elections. “You don’t do that because of the money, you do it because you want to help out,” he said. “I think it’s something everyone should consider doing sometime in their lives. My folks counted votes after I left home. Of course, it’s a little bit different today.” Then there’s the work he does appraising crops for the Farm Service Agency, tending to his flower garden, and traveling. “Anything that interests me I might try because I like to stay busy and don’t like a lot of dead time,” he said. His biggest hobby is investing, an interest that began 53 years ago when he started buying stock. “That’s what I read about the most — investments and companies,” he said. “I used to spend most all my Sunday afternoons reading investments.” Allison’s retirement has proven that you’re never too old to learn something new, help your community, and enjoy life. “A lot of older people are ready to fold the tent,” he said. “But retirement is everything I wanted it to be. I just hope I have enough time to do all the things I still want to do.”
Adding to Life with ‘Independence Plus’ at Baptist Village By Jason Davis hat if senior adults and their loved ones were given more options? Resident choice is at the center of the Baptist Village of Owasso philosophy and has placed the community in a unique position. It allows Baptist Village to offer an entirely new and distinctive type of living called Independence Plus, in addition to its other neighborhoods of apartments and patio homes. Services you want, when you want them, in a place you call home. This is the lifestyle Baptist Village residents are experiencing through Independence Plus. “Independence Plus is something unlike any other service you’ll find at other communities,” says Nathan Purifoy, campus director. “We’re really excited to offer this special concept to senior adults.” Senior living communities long have held a traditional hierarchy of service levels. Senior adults are led to believe they start with residential (independent) living and proceed to assistance in living or health center with 24-hour care, dependent on what services they may need later in life. Assistance in living services typically cost considerably more than independent living. This is understandable, since many more living services accompany assistance in living. But what about those that don’t necessarily need or want all of the services? What if someone just wanted a few services? This is how Independence Plus was born. Independence Plus is available within the Sycamore Square neighborhood. Residents experience living through an
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array of services specifically designed for convenience, security and support. Designed around a courtyard, Sycamore Square includes private, coded entryways, sunrooms and a large community room. “This innovative neighborhood provides an enriched lifestyle along with additional peace of mind for residents and their families,” said Purifoy. Among the many Independence Plus services included in the monthly service fee are neighborhood breakfasts, additional dining, housekeeping and laundry, emergency response pendants and utilities. Every Independence Plus resident is provided with the contact information of their personal, trained “My-L.I.F.E.Guide”. L.I.F.E. stands for Living well, Inspiring others, Fulfilling dreams, and Exceeding expectations. My-L.I.F.E.Guide services were introduced by Baptist Village Communities (BVC) to serve the greater Tulsa area and can be reached at 1-888-910-2234. By including My-L.I.F.E.-Guide as an Independence Plus service, BVC provides residents with one contact person to provide resource coordination, answers to daily living, and even individualized
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goal planning. “My-L.I.F.E.-Guides serve by assessing where you are now and what you want to do with the rest of your L.I.F.E.,” says Lisa Gilbert, RN and MyL.I.F.E.-Guide supervisor. “We listen to your goals, find the tools needed to achieve them and provide encouragement along the way.” The concept is simple. My-L.I.F.E.Guides lead the way through the details of aging services. My-L.I.F.E.-Guides are the solution to financial and time management challenges. One resident moved to the Independence Plus neighborhood to be closer to her Oklahoma family. “I love the socialization with other residents and going to lunch in the Redbud dining room,” declares the resident. “I have the best of both worlds – living independently in a neighborhood of friends while being able to attend church and family functions with my family.” Another resident has lived independently in her Sycamore Square apartment home for nearly 29 years. “I used to volunteer here, so I knew the Friends Team (employees),” attests the resident. “I have always loved going on the planned life enrichment trips.” Independence Plus and My-L.I.F.E.Guide services are part of the greater BVC L.I.F.E. Network of patio homes, residential living, assistance in living, Entrusted Hearts services at home, medical equipment, health centers and 24-hour skilled nursing. Baptist Village of Owasso is a ministry of BVC, which operates eight Villages, five home health offices and a medical equipment company throughout Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.baptistvillage.org.
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Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 13
Volunteering benefits children
Pat Paris donates her time and love for teaching after retirement.
Paris gives back to community By Mark Friedel laremore resident Pat Paris retired from Verdigris Elementary in 2003. For seven years she has actively volunteered her time and talent, helping in the library at Stuart Roosa Elementary School. In 2002, Paris received news that she
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was going to have a third grandchild, a boy. Shortly after, she decided it was time to retire and stay home to take care of him. “I would come to Roosa and help in the mornings when he was in Pre-K. By the time he was in 1st grade, I was staying all day and helping in the office or wherever I was needed,” said Paris.
I started helping in the library and loved it. — Pat Paris
“Somehow I started helping in the library and loved it,” she said. Paris assists in checking books in and out, escorting children to the playground or reading center, as well as categorizes books and inventory. “Getting to see these kids everyday is a treat. I love all of them.” she said. Paris taught mostly 2nd through 5th grade while at Verdigris and started volunteering in Claremore to be closer to her grandchildren. She keeps herself busy by spending time with them and attending church at Cedar Point with her husband. In 2008 she became the first to receive the Heart of the Community Award. The award was given by RCB Bank and Oklahoma Bankers Association for exemplary spirit of volunteerism and community service. She emphasized the importance of staying active and having a plan to help the community in someway after retirement. Paris demonstrates dedication, heart and immense service every day while volunteering her time to help benefit the students of Roosa. “The little ones love Miss Pat and always ask for her. She helps out a lot and is good at recommending books for the children,” said Vanessa Kirton, media intern for Roosa. After each school year Paris gets asked if she will come back. She replies, “It just depends.” “The teachers of course know I am returning, but I still like to lead them on a little for fun,” she said. As for future goals, Paris wants to continue volunteering in the library and remain active in assisting with end of year testing for students at Roosa and the junior high. Her plans are to keep enjoying retirement with her husband and grandchildren.
Pat Paris has been volunteering at Stuart Roosa Elementary since 2002.
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Hook, Line and Sinker
Bill Rader By Tim Ritter
n the banks of Claremore Lake, Bill Rader takes in the picturesque morning sun coming over the horizon. It’s a setting that the long-time educator considers to be perfect, especially when it comes at 6 a.m. with his fishing rod and reel in hand. The 61-year-old Rader can’t think of a better way to retire than waking up to the sounds of birds chirping and largemouth bass splashing.
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Changing jobs or retiring? Consider IRA Rollover n the near future, are you going to change jobs or retire? If so, then you’ll have a lot of things to think about. And one of the most important considerations is what to do with the money you’ve accumulated in your employer’s 401(k) plan. While you have a few options, your best choice may be to roll over your 401(k) money into an IRA - so you'll want to know, in advance, what’s involved in this move. By rolling over the taxable portion of your 401(k) - your pre-tax contributions, employer contributions and all earnings - into a new or existing IRA, you’ll gain some key advantages. First, you’ll avoid all immediate taxes and penalties. Second, you’ll continue to benefit from tax deferral. And third, IRAs offer you a wide variety of investment options. Eventually, though, you’ll have to decide what to do with your IRA. You can start taking withdrawals at age 59-1/2 without having to pay a 10 percent penalty tax. But suppose you’ve built up a considerable balance in your traditional IRA, and you don’t think you’ll need to use it all to help pay for your re-
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tirement. Can you pass on your IRA’s tax deferral to your children? Yes, you can - through the concept of the “stretch” or “multi-generational” IRA. To understand how the stretch IRA works, you need to know one of the rules governing traditional IRAs - specifically, you have to start taking “required minimum distributions” at age 70 1/2. In recent years, the IRS changed the life expectancy factors used to determine your required minimum distribution calculations. Consequently, you can now take out smaller amounts of money from your IRA, which allows you to extend the number of years your IRA money has the potential to grow tax-deferred. Obviously, the revised life expectancy rules will positively affect how much of your IRA money you can leave to your children. But the rule changes also permit your children, once they inherit your IRA, to base their minimum required distributions on their life expectancies. So, if they are in their early middle-aged years when they receive your IRA, they can take out relatively small amounts, thereby avoiding big tax
hits. And, if their situation allows, they can then leave the IRA to their children, who can continue to enjoy the benefits of tax deferral. Rollover to Roth IRA Until recently, you couldn’t roll over a 401(k) directly to a Roth IRA - first, you had to roll over the 401(k) to a traditional IRA and then convert the traditional IRA to a Roth and pay tax on the conversion. But new tax laws allow you to make direct rollovers to a Roth IRA, starting in 2008. You’ll still have to pay taxes on the converted amount, but you - and your children or grandchildren - might come out ahead in the long run, because Roth IRA earnings have the potential to grow tax-free, provided certain requirements are met. You’ll need to consult with your tax advisor to make sure you are eligible to open a Roth IRA. Keep Your 401(k) Working for You Before you change jobs or retire, consult with your financial advisor and tax professional on whether an IRA rollover makes sense for you. You worked hard for your 401(k) funds - so keep them working for you.
Having More Retirement Accounts Is Not The Same As Having More Money. When it comes to the number of retirement accounts you have, the saying “more is better” is not necessarily true. In fact, if you hold multiple accounts with various brokers, it can be difficult to keep track of your investments and to see if you’re properly diversified.* At the very least, multiple accounts usually mean multiple fees. Bringing your accounts to Edward Jones could help solve all that. Plus, one statement can make it easier to see if you’re moving toward your goals. *Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss.
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Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 17
Bill Rader coordinates the weekly Claremore Lake Jackpot Tournament, where fishermen compete for prizes.
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“Fishing is a way for me to relax and enjoy the quietness of God’s wonderful creation,” Rader said. For the past nine years, Rader has enjoyed his retired lifestyle — going crappie fishing with his grandson, duck hunting in the fall and deer hunting in the winter. Though the three outdoor activities take up most of his time, he still enjoys following the Claremore Sequoyah Eagles — where he spent nearly 11 years of his time as an elementary school teacher, principal, coach and athletic director. According to Rader, Sequoyah turns out some really great kids. “Sequoyah provided me a down-home feeling and the community lets the teachers, administrators and coaches do their job,” Rader said. “The people I worked with at Sequoyah were wonderful and everyone I was around was top class.” Rader got his first teaching job in 1976, after serving a two-year stint in the United States Navy. While working in Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon, Rader said he received a call from Tiawah schools about a teaching position. “My wife and kids were living in Claremore at the time, and my time in the Navy was getting ready to be up, so I needed a job,” Rader said. “After going through the interviewing process, they (Tiawah) offered me a job and I accepted.” Rader spent four years at Tiawah, and then six years at Foyil before finishing his teaching career at Sequoyah. “Every school system I’ve worked in has provided me great friendships and good memories,” Rader said. One superintendent in particular that Rader considered top notch was Olin Graham at Sequoyah. “Olin made Sequoyah what it is today,” Rader said. “He was a very, very honest man that didn’t play a lot of games. It didn’t matter who you were. If you needed your rear end chewed on, Olin would do it.” Rader added that Graham’s leadership carried over to the athletic teams as Claremore Sequoyah head coach Jody Iams brought a Class 3A state championship in football to the community. “The seniors that were on that 2006 team,
I really like to crappie fish. When the weather is just right, you can’t find a better place to catch a mess of crappie than on Oologah Lake. — Bill Rader I had them in the fifth grade and could tell then that they were going to be a pretty competitive group,” Rader said. Though he spent 32 years in the classroom, Rader has always found time for his true love — his wife and his love for fishing. In his ninth year as the Claremore Lake Jackpot Tournament Director, Rader has seen a rapid increase in participation each Thursday night in the summer. “We have more traffic out here in one week than Claremore Lake had in a month when I started coordinating the Jackpot,” Rader said. Rader’s involvement with the Claremore Lake Jackpot has enabled him to stay active in the community and develop new friendships and fishing buddies. “Everyone that competes in the Jackpot is exceptional and really good guys,” Rader said. “I’ve never had to break up an argument or a fight, and the guys that fish the Claremore Lake Jackpot are some of my best friends.” Each Thursday night, Rader can be spotted between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. near the boat ramp with his scales ready to weigh-in the tournament’s next winning largemouth bass. “Every bass that we catch in the tournament is immediately released back into the lake,” Rader said. “In the nine years that I’ve been tournament director, we’ve probably had 10 or so bass die.” Rader added that the Claremore Lake Jackpot draws 21 teams each Thursday night and 42 anglers. Each team has the opportunity to compete in 21 tournaments throughout the summer, and the end-of-the-year ‘Classic’ usually takes place in September. “Our Classic this year will be on Sept. 8, and we’re expecting it to be one of the
best in years,” Rader said. “The team that fishes the most tourneys over the summer will start out at No. 1 and then go down to No. 25.” With fishing becoming a big part of Rader’s life these days, the local angler never passes up a moment to tell a ‘fish story’ or two. “One time on a trip to the ‘Pump back’ at Salina, I reeled in my biggest fish ever. It was a 23-pound Flathead Catfish that I caught on a rod and reel combo with a piece of shrimp,” Rader said. Though catfishing is fun, Rader prefers the suspense that goes into crappie and bass fishing. “I really like to crappie fish,” Rader said. “When the weather is just right, you can’t find a better place to catch a mess of crappie than on Oologah Lake.” Rader, who eats, sleeps and breathes that Oologah Lake is the best in the country for crappie fishing, comes prepared with his 1/64th ounce Bobby Garland tube jigs in lots of green or chartreuse and black. “I’m usually crappie fishing at least 2to-3 times a week,” Rader said. Now if Rader is bass fishing, his lure selection involves a chartreuse and white crank bait or a chrome and blue ‘Sassy Shad’. “Lots of guys, including my son, are finesse bass fishermen. They would rather work a worm or spinner bait than fastroll a crankbait through the water,” Rader said. “That’s not my style. I love ripping the crankbait and stirring up a splash.” And, it’s that ‘splash’ that has Rader coming back to his ‘Honey Hole’ every week. Hook, Line and Sinker ... Bill Rader finds his home away home at Claremore Lake.
Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 19
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ge is just a number, according to the old adage. Whether you are turning 20 or 60, it is your inner age and how young you feel that really counts. This is even more true when you create everyday healthy habits that help you feel younger. “Living a healthy life starts from the inside,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, registered dietitian and national CocoaVia supplement spokesperson. “We don’t often think about it, but the health of your circulatory system is essential for a healthy life - it should be important to everyone and taken care of as you would any other part of your body. This is key to healthy aging.” Your circulatory system impacts many facets of your health and the way you look and feel. In fact, explains Taub-Dix, heart, brain and eye health - even exercise performance - depend on a healthy circulatory system. But as you age, your blood vessels may become less flexible and less able to expand when needed to keep circulation running smoothly. “Cocoa flavanols are scientifically proven to help support healthy circulation by helping your blood vessels stay flexible and expand as needed, even as you age,” says Taub-Dix. “With daily intake, cocoa flavanols - such as the 250 mg found in the CocoaVia Cocoa Extract Supplement - help oxygen and nutrients reach your organs and tissues, so you look and feel your best today and every day.” To help keep your circulatory system healthy, Taub-Dix has found a number of ways to help you be your inner best, including: Start your day on a healthy note. When you wake in the morning, set a healthy tone for the rest of your day and begin with a wholesome breakfast, such as almond butter mixed in oatmeal with a fruit smoothie or a yogurt parfait to make sure you’re nourishing your body with exactly what it needs. Add even more health benefits by stir-
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CONTINUED on page 23 Retirement Redefined • August 2012 • 21
Green not a buzzword but a way of living for seniors
Recycling and reusing items and reducing reliance on fuel are not new concepts for seniors, many of whom grew up during the Great Depression. he senior demographic is quite possibly the best generation to emulate when trying to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. That’s because so many of the guidelines for being green are concepts that have been a part of seniors’ lives for decades. A portion of today’s seniors grew up during the Depression, when recycling and conservation weren’t the trends du jour, but survival strategies. In a time when money was scarce, many people made due with the resources they were dealt, stretching dollars just to stay afloat. Many of the concepts associated with today’s environmental movement are strikingly similar to the ones employed during the Depression. The behaviors of an elderly parent or grandparent that
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22 • Retirement Redefined • August 2012
may have seemed eccentric or odd at one time are now turning out to be what many people are embracing in order to live green. Concepts like relying on reusable handkerchiefs instead of disposable tissues; reusing lightly-soiled napkins; collecting discarded items from the curb and repairing them for renewed use; saving cans or food jars and using them to store other items; buying local products from smaller vendors; and similar things are methods of living ingrained in the persona of many older people. Frugality and awareness of what things cost and what constitutes waste are other concepts seniors know well. Many have never adapted to the notion that products are disposable, preferring instead to hold onto appliances, electronics, clothing, and other items because they still have
Feel Your Best. . . utility, not because the current season dictates they should be upgraded. In 2008, Harris Interactive polled Baby Boomers ages 45 to 62 about their interest in the environment. Ninety-four percent of respondents said they took steps in the past 6 months to do something green. More than 80 percent were concerned about the environmental legacy that would be left for their grandchildren. While many seniors are going green today for altruistic reasons, it also makes good financial sense. Recycling items, conserving utilities and fuel and making smart choices can stretch a fixed income even further. Choosing to walk or ride a bike instead of getting behind the wheel may be not only environmentally friendly, but it’s financially savvy as well. Here are some ways of living straight out of the Great Depression that can be put to use today. • Use the milkman. Although it may seem like the milkman is extinct, milk and other dairy products can still be delivered straight to a person’s home from a local dairy or farm. Adding reusable milk bottles reduces the reliance on disposable containers, while buying local cuts down on the fuel costs necessary to transport products. • Pass down clothing. Clothing that is gently worn can be passed down to children or even donated. • Walk. During the Depression, cars were a luxury many people could not afford. Walking or taking a bus or train were some popular modes of transportation, and such options are still available today. • Use cloth diapers and linens. Reusable items, like cloth diapers, handkerchiefs and linens, are more environmentally responsible. • Get outdoors. Instead of relying on television, which had yet to be invented during the Depression, children and adults went outdoors to socialize and have fun. • Open the windows. Instead of relying heavily on air conditioning, try opening the windows on nice days and let some fresh air in. • Use clothes lines.Clothes dryers use about 10 to 15 percent of domestic energy in the U.S. A clothesline can help reduce electric bills and energy consumption. • Get into gardening. If you can grow what you eat, that reduces the dependence on commercially produced and harvested crops. Many elements of the Go Green movement are similar to those employed during the Depression, when survival mandated people reuse and recycle items.
ring a package of 30-calorie unsweetened or sweetened Dark Chocolate flavored CocoaVia supplement in the oatmeal, smoothie, yogurt, or even your glass of milk or cup of coffee. With 250 mg of cocoa flavanols, it’s an easy way to have a delicious breakfast and support your cardiovascular health by supporting healthy circulation. Fit exercise into your day. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking daily walks is a great way to get your blood flowing, but speak with your doctor about the level of activity best suited for you. When possible, avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you work in an office, make sure to fit in small walks throughout the day even if that means taking a short 15 to 20 minute walk during your lunch break.
Try to get up and move around every half hour or so. Stay hydrated. Hydration is important for many reasons, but if you’re looking to stick to your goal of exercising daily, you want to make sure your body is properly hydrated. If you’re a soda drinker, consider switching to flavorful options that offer health benefits. For example, add a 20-calorie fruit-flavored CocoaVia packet to your water bottle or iced tea. With two refreshing flavor choices - Summer Citrus and Cran-Raspberry - it’s a flavorful way to stay hydrated while helping support healthy circulation. To learn more, follow CocoaVia on Twitter at @CocoaVia, like CocoaVia on Facebook or visit www.CocoaVia.com for more information.
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Dealing with joint health can allow for more activity ith the population of Baby Boomers — people born between 1946 and 1964 — at over 77 million, obesity at an all-time high, and initial signs of osteoarthritis often symptom free, the vast majority of the population is still relatively unaware of their current state and the importance of joint health. According to a recent study, approximately one-third of Americans 35 and older said their joints prevented them from doing their favorite sport or activity and more than 50 percent of them just accepted that as part of the aging process. This leaves a lot of people asking questions like, “What can I do?” The Joint Juice(R) joint health assessment (www.jointjuice.com/joint-health.jsp) is one of the first interactive Web-based tools that allows individuals to easily evaluate their joint health and take proactive steps to improve it. Individuals are now able to log onto jointjuice.com for an illustrative assessment that determines the condition of their joints based on a series of 15 questions regarding Body Mass Index (BMI), diet, exercise, lifestyle, and joint health history. Renowned orthopaedic surgeon and founder of Joint Juice, Inc., a leading joint health nutrition company, Kevin R. Stone, M.D., created the joint health assessment as a means to educate individuals about key factors that impact joint health and to provide expert insight that can empower individuals to improve their joints — such as weight loss, regular exercise or taking crucial vitamins and minerals, including glucosamine and chrondroitin. The Joint Juice(R) joint health assessment not only features joint health tips from Dr. Stone but also includes fitness tips from celebrity ultramarathoner and long-time user of Joint Juice(R) products Dean Karnazes. With these simple tips, people can take control of joint health and continue doing the activities they love to do throughout their life. When suffering from joint health-related issues, it’s imperative to see a physician for a routine check-up at least once a year. Request an examination of your joints — from head to toe — and ask for tips on protecting your joints from daily stress.
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