CreativeLiving West/Northwest • September 2009
Retirement
Planning Everything you need
Out in the world
Maple Knoll Village
Cedar Village
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An Advertising-Sponsored Magazine Published by The Community Press/Recorder.
CreativeLiving Features 4 8 15
Saving your home, life in case of a fire Safety tips on how to keep safe if a fire breaks out in your home!
Retirement planning The ABCs of baby boomer retirement planning.
Worry-free wedding Seven tips on how to make your wedding day stress free.
Editor’s note If you’re one of the 78.2 million baby boomers in America, you are most likely thinking about retirement. In this issue be sure to check out the article on the ABCs of baby boomer retirement planning. There are some helpful tips on how to meet the goals you’ll need to set for the ideal retirement. Also in this issue, learn how to avoid a stressful wedding day by taking care of some often forgotten tasks.
Specialty Publications Editor
Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.
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Departments & Fitness 3 Health Mind • Body • Spirit
Makers 13 Smile Gums • Teeth
Shops 5 Specialty Boutiques
14 Bridal
5 Funeral & Estate
16 At Home
Planning
Pre-planning • Wills
7 Senior Living
Apartments • Care
Dress • Gifts
Decor • Repair
Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/ 394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com. For advertising call 923-3111.
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Don’t let this happen to you or a loved one
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f you snore and have excessive daytime sleepiness, there is a high probability that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a sometimes lifethreatening sleep disorder. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s “Sleep in America” poll, 60 percent of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37 percent admit to actually having fallen asleep behind the wheel in the past year. It has been reported that drowsy drivers are up to 10 times more likely to have an automobile accident, more dangerous than drunk drivers. An estimated 1 in 20 Americans have sleep apnea, a condition where the airway collapses during sleep, causing the person to stop breathing and awaken multiple times every hour with a gasp. This leads to chronic daytime sleepiness and if untreated, greatly increases chances of a heart attack or stroke. How do you know if you have sleep apnea? At Cincinnati Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller uses a number of screening tools to assess the likelihood of sleep disordered breathing. During your initial consultation you will be asked the following questions: • Do you snore on most nights? • Has anyone reported that you stop breathing or gasp in your sleep?
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If you aren’t treating your sleep apnea, drowsy driving can kill.
• Is your neck size large (men 17 inches/ women 16 inches or greater) • Have you had, or are you currently being treated for high blood pressure? They will also review your score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to determine your level of daytime sleepiness. If you answer yes to two or more of these screening questions and score a 10 or greater on the Epworth, Dr. Kitzmiller will put together a plan for your proper diagnosis and treatment including CPAP alternative Oral Appliance Therapy. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations? Rate on a scale of 0 being no chance of dozing, and 3 being a high chance of
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dozing, then add up your total. 1. Sitting and reading 2. Watching TV 3. Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. a theater or a meeting) 4. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break 5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit 6. Sitting and talking to someone 7. Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol 8. In a car while stopped for a few minutes in traffic Save a life – share this survey with a family member or friend and then call Dr. Kitzmiller’s office at 248-8848 with your results. Dr. Kitzmiller and his team are here to help you feel the difference a healthy night’s sleep can make!
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Tips to save your home, life in case of fire
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very year more than 500,000 fires occur in homes across the nation. To help protect your home and your loved ones, the experts have come up with the following easy-to-follow tips that could make all the difference.
Protect your home Any home is susceptible to fire, and the first step to keeping your family safe is to purchase two essential items. • Fire alarms: Fire alarms are your first line of defense when it comes to fires. Make sure that you have one installed on every level of your home even the attic. To get the most protection, install one in, or near, every bedroom. Fire alarms use three different methods to detect fire: photoelectric, which responds to smoke; ionization, which responds to smoke and gas; and thermal, which responds to heat. When choosing an alarm, select one that utilizes more than one of the above methods. Once the fire alarms are installed, be sure to test them once a month and change the batteries twice a year. A good reminder is to change the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings. • Fire extinguisher: Every home should have a fire extinguisher, specif-
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ically one that is labeled as “ABC” which means it can be used on all types of fires. Additionally, bigger is not always better when it comes to these products. It is important to select a size that fits within your appropriate storage location. The experts also suggest keeping a fire extinguisher within 10 feet of the stove, on the same side of the kitchen that has the exit. Many fires occur in the kitchen, such as grease fires, and keeping an extinguisher nearby can help you contain the damage. Once you have selected your fire extinguisher, purchase the desired number plus one additional extinguisher for you to try out. Remember, you don’t want to have to learn how to use the extinguisher while there is a fire in your home.
Stop fire before it starts While fires can start for any number of reasons, there are two common causes that are easy to fix. • Fireplaces: There is nothing better than sitting in front of a warm fire on a
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cold day, but unmaintained fireplaces can be a huge hazard. Your chimney should be cleaned and inspected on a yearly basis. After you get your fireplace cleaned, install a chimney spark arrester that will prevent stray sparks from catching your roof on fire and a fireplace screen that will keep stray sparks from coming into your home. • Appliances: Electrical fires can occur out of nowhere, so if your appliance is emitting an unusual smell, unplug it and have someone repair it before using again. Additionally, replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don’t overload extension cords. Never run cords under rugs. If you find you have too many plugs going into one outlet (or extension cord), purchase a surge protector, which will keep your appliances safe should a surge occur, and keep overloaded electrical systems from catching fire.
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A little touch of Gatlinburg in Cincinnati
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sn’t life sweet? It certainly has been to A Sweet Life, now celebrating its one-year anniversary. The specialty boutique has been called “a little touch of Gatlinburg all in one spot.” A Sweet Life features works of 34 local crafters, antiques and collectibles and 30 different gourmet cup cake flavors, as well as chocolate pretzels and fudge. Yum! To celebrate its first anniversary, A Sweet Life owner Cheryl Cleary will
host an open house Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2-3 with refreshments and door prizes. Be sure to bring in the coupon on this page for 10 percent off your purchase. With a background in retail that includes nine years as a manager for Bath & Body Works, Cleary recognized a need in the area for a specialty gift shop that offered affordable items in a relaxing atmosphere. A Sweet Life is located at 9898 Colerain Ave. Call 741-7800 for details.
Personal, compassionate service
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or more than 100 years, MihovkRosenacker Funeral Homes has been providing families with personal, compassionate funeral services. Family-owned and operated, they are dedicated to serving families in their time of need. Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Homes offers total service from Preneed to After Care. They have a complete selection of all funeral and cremation products including caskets, cremation urns, grave markers, and printing services. They offer several packages for families to choose from and work with each family to honor all of their requests.
To take some of the burden off of loved ones and for peace of mind that their family members’ wishes be granted, Mihovk-Rosenacker offers advanced funeral planning and services. Pre-planning your funeral guarantees today’s funeral prices, making it a smart financial move, as well. They have two state-ofthe-art facilities that they are constantly improving for increased family comfort. On the West side of Cincinnati, they are located in White Oak/Monfort Heights area on Cheviot Road near North Bend. In the Blue Ash/ Evendale/ Sharonville
area on Plainfield Road they are located on the grounds of the Rest Haven Memorial Park and have a formal chapel and a large community room for luncheons after services. The compassionate, friendly staff at MihovkRosenacker is dedicated to providing high quality services at affordable prices. For four generations they have been building the trust of families and are dedicated to the dignity of funeral service. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 385-0511 or visit www.mrfuneralhome.com.
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How to avoid probate, minimize estate taxes
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state planning allows you to decide to whom, when and how your assets are distributed, while minimizing/avoiding estate taxes and attorney fees. Additionally, it allows you to plan for the support of your family and any disabled children as well as plan for any charitable contributions. The type of estate plan depends upon many factors – the value of your estate, your personal estate planning goals and objectives and privacy concerns. Assets are transferred primarily in three manners. Contractual Provisions – You can place a “Transfer of Death” or “Payable on Death” provision on bank accounts, investment accounts, real property and motor vehicles. Statutory Provisions Specific statutes of the Ohio Revised Code provide for the transfer of
Example of a simple estate plan A widow wishes to divide her $300,000 estate equally between her three children. She names her children as beneficiaries on her bank accounts, annuities and IRA. Additionally, she executes a Transfer on Death Deed to transfer her home to her children at her death. By taking just a few steps, she’s transferred a majority of her assets without a probate administration. Example of a complex tax planning plan – A couple whose assets total $600,000 wish to avoid taxes and probate. They execute a Marital Deduction Credit Trust, transfer their assets to the trust and are able to avoid all estate taxes and probate administration. If they did not execute the trust, they owe approximately $18,300 in Ohio estate taxes. property. Last Will and Testament – Your Last Will and Testament is your instructions regarding the distribution of your probate estate. An estate is taxable in the state of Ohio if it is valued at more than $338,333. Currently, an estate is taxable at the federal level if it exceeds $3,500,000. If an individual’s estate is
taxable, planning should be utilized to minimize the estate taxes. Sue E. Gilkey, an attorney at Frank B. Rosenacker’s law office, focuses her practice in estate planning and probate. She is available for presentations to community groups. Sue lives in White Oak with her husband, John, and their two sons.
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S E N I O R Judson Village is more than just a place to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle without the concerns of home ownership. It is a place and Skilled Nursing. They are where you choose accommodafully approved by Medicare and tions based on your individual Medicaid. needs and desired level of indeSituated amongst 30 rolling pendence. acres on Harrison Avenue, You choose the living arrangeJudson Village offers many activi- ment that makes you feel most ties and amenities to ensure their comfortable. Residents can residents can maintain their inde- choose from two different living pendence and live with comfort options. One- and two-bedroom and convenience. apartments are available in assistThere are many comfortable ed living for those who want a lounges throughout the facility secure and independent lifestyle. for residents to socialize with one And for those who require another or visit with family and more around-the-clock nursing friends. There is a gift shop and care they can choose the Care snack bar, a beauty salon and Center. barber shop and an activity cenJudson Village recently underter and wood shop. went a $1.4 million renovation in Residents can take an exercise order to add a short-term rehabilclass, attend a morning concert, itation unit, as well as Matthew’s participate in a Bible study or Unit, a memory impairment unit. join some friends for a pen pal The Rehab Unit offers physical, social. Judson Village’s objective occupational and speech therapy is to make each day fun and fulprovided through Genesis Rehab filling. Services. The staff is experienced
‘Your family is our family’
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ith a motto like, “Your family is our family,” you can rest assured that your loved ones are being well taken care of at Judson Village Retirement Community. Their caring and professional staff is dedicated to meeting all of the residents’ health care, social, physical and spiritual needs. Judson Village was founded in 1948 in the heart of Western Hills in a beautiful Victorian mansion as a charitable, Christian organization. Initially they housed eight residents but today they provide accommodations for almost 200 people. Judson Terrace Apartments offer independent living apartments. The Judson Care Center building offers Assisted Living, the Sedziol Therapy Unit, and the Matthews Unit for Memory Impairment
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in orthopedics, stroke and dementia issues. Patients are comprehensively evaluated upon admission allowing Judson Village to provide individualized treatment plans to each patient. Prior to discharge, each patient’s home is evaluated for safety and to assess equipment needs. The Matthew’s Unit for Memory Impairment is located in a secure, locked area with a specially equipped dining room on the unit. The Matthew’s Unit staff work with the dementia residents’ remaining capabilities using a social model of care. This model has proven successful in care facilities throughout the county in slowing the progress of the disease while enhancing the quality of life of the resident and their family. To learn more about Judson Village Retirement Community, visit www.judsonvillage.com or call 662-5880 to schedule an appointment to tour the facilities.
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The ABCss of baby boomer retirement planning According to the Social Security Administration, today’s retirees count on corporate pensions and Social Security for 56 percent of their retirement income.
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f you are one of America’s 78.2 million baby boomers, you are likely considering what ideal retirement will look like, and the steps required to achieve it. With the current economic downturn, many boomers are finding it necessary to revisit their initial retirement goals. According to the Social Security Administration, today’s retirees count on corporate pensions and Social Security for 56 percent of their retirement income. With a few minor adjustments, some careful planning and a positive attitude, the other 44 percent is attainable. Consider the following ABCs of retirement planning:
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Assess your financial plan and budget
• Begin to assess your basic retirement income sources such
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as a 401(k) plan, IRA, and life insurance plans. • How much will you need to retire? Determine this by creating a budget that will enable you to pay your monthly expenses such as food, heat, rent and transportation.
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Consider expenses that may increase such as health insurance and prescription medicines. At the same time, consider those that may decrease, such as work-related and educational spending. • Health care coverage is
necessary in supplementing your financial foundation and these costs can add up fast. It’s important to have an adequate plan both before and after retirement. After age 65 you are eligible for Medicare coverage. But what if you want to retire
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before then? Your employer may offer a plan for retiring employees, or you may have to look into private coverage, so be sure to consider this. • Take into account variable expenses such as tax liabilities on your home, illness or the
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care of elderly parents. Other, often underestimated, variables include gifts, clothing, recreational expenses, and increases in costs of living. For valuable retirement planning resources and projected trends in costs of living visit www.usa.gov.
Begin to explore other retire ment income options
• Determine the amount of guaranteed retirement income you already have. Examples of these are cash savings, corporate pension plans, home equity, or annuity-type investments. • Are you married? If so, how will that affect your retirement budget? • Pay attention to how your retirement funds are earning money. Are they structured for maximum returns? It’s crucial that you continually assess these funds. • Decide when to begin Social Security benefits. According to AARP, for each year you put off collecting your benefits between ages 62 and 70, you increase your payments by 8 percent. • Calculate your potential monthly retirement budget based on your estimated income weighed against your expenses. At minimum, you need enough retirement income
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to cover basic living expenses for your lifetime. • If your initial assessment requires additional income, consider part-time work during retirement, or perhaps selling your larger home for a more comfortable, carefree condo.
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Consider life insurance – the foundation of a solid retire ment plan • If you don’t have a life insurance policy, get one. Life insurance not only helps to leave a legacy for generations to come, it will protect your loved ones and help provide them with financial security once you’re gone. • Consult an expert in order to find the right life insurance for you. Start planning your retirement today. With a little strategy and the right attitude, you can build the financial security you need to live a successful, happy retirement.
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Evergreen is a special place for your retirement
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vergreen is here to offer a beautiful opportunity for a life of continued growth and fulfillment with freedom, privacy and security. A rental community with no entrance fee offering a complete range of services to create a better senior lifestyle for you. The good life: courtyards, gardens, three-hole golf course, bowling on the green, heated swimming pool, transportation and a dining room offers delightful culinary experiences in a classic and elegant setting. No wonder residents and guests alike look forward to an Evergreen dining experience. All one-bedroom, two-bedroom apartments and the country cottages include individually-controlled central air conditioning and heating, wall-towall carpeting, large closets and special senior living features.
Full-time nurses and the medical professional staff at Evergreen and Wellspring Health Center provide round-the-clock care for Assisted Living and skilled nursing needs. Come in for a visit, open seven days a week for tours. See how Evergreen Retirement Community can change your life!
Quality nursing care, rehabilitation at Clovernook
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lovernook provides quality nursing care and rehabilitation, as well as one of the most progressive, effective wound care centers in the Tristate. Clovernook is nestled into six park-like acres in the residential neighborhood of North College Hill and its caring professional staff is dedicated to serving the needs of the residents and their families. The Progressive
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Wound Centre was opened in 2004, due to Clovernook’s successes in healing vascular, venous, diabetic, surgical, pressure and complex wounds. The Progressive Wound Centre team uses state-ofthe-art products and innovative treatments. With quality care, careful monitoring, and a unified team approach, the professionals at The Progressive Wound Centre advance healing in dramatic ways. The
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Progressive Wound Centre is like no other in the region! All rehabilitation therapies: Physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, and recreational are available to their residents. Clovernook is Medicaid and Medicare certified and provides private pay, as well as some private insurances. They provide longterm and short-term care, and skilled and intermediate care.
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Cedar Village goes into the world significance of that year in Jewish tradition, we recCEO/President of Cedar Village ognized that is the time that young people have a n 2007, Cedar Village Bar or Bat Mitzvah, conbecame the third senior firming their commitment care facility in the to their faith. nation to undertake a 10Why not, we thought, day mission to Israel. make the ceremony of Bar It was an extraordinary of Bat Mitzvah, B’nai undertaking to take senMitzvah, available to our iors, with an average age residents? of 85, traveling internaOn Oct. 12, nine resitionally and maintaining dents, both from our the same intense schedule Health Care Center and of missions done with apartments, will begin this younger participants. unprecedented journey. From the top of And on Oct. 15, at Masada to floating in the Robinson’s Arch in Dead Sea and from a visit Jerusalem, they will take to Yad Vashem to a pripart in the B’nai Mitzvah vate audience with the ceremony. Some of the U.S. Ambassador, the participants did not have team from Cedar Village the opportunity to do this was in constant motion when they were young and had constant learnpeople, others will be ing. doing it for the second Just weeks from now, time. Cedar Village will become All will have a chance the first anywhere to to say the blessings over undertake an entirely new the Torah, to read or chant kind of mission – a B’nai a section and to deliver Mitzvah Mission to Israel. their own words of comWhat does that mean? mentary. Cedar Village is curThe B’nai Mitzvah cerrently in its 13th year and emony will be broadcast as we thought about the live, via U-Stream, to famBy: Carol Silver Elliott
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ilies here at home and will be recorded for future viewing. It will be followed by a special luncheon which will certainly celebrate this incredible achievement. Of course, this is not all that will happen during the Mission. There is a full schedule for the rest of the trip including visits to the Knesset, Masada, the Dead Sea, Yad Vashem and more. Residents will be in Jerusalem, Haifa and spend two nights on a kibbutz. Throughout the mission, we will be sending photos and blogging daily. Why? Because this mission is not just about those who are a part of it, rather it is for everyone at Cedar Village. Those who cannot travel are still engaged and involved in the experience and they will have the opportunity to participate to whatever extent is possible for them. You can follow the mission too at http:// cedarvillageblog.blogspot.
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Experience living life at Maple Knoll Village
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aple Knoll Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community, located on 54 acres in Springdale, is designed for those 55 and better. Maple Knoll Village has all the amenities and activities you need, every day! This facility offers the continuum of care providing the security, and care needed in your retirement years. Maple Knoll is a pet-friendly, non-profit retirement community offering exceptional amenities like a club room, cafÊ, bank, the Hemsworth Wellness Center and convenient access to restaurants, shopping, physicians’ offices, major thoroughfares, places of worship, parks and local attractions. At Maple Knoll Village, resi-
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Leave a legacy with Maple Knoll Village
dents experience a dynamic atmosphere where they live life! The moment you step foot on campus, you realize our residents
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love to call Maple Knoll Village home. With 279 residential living accommodations, 60 assisted living apartments, and the 186-bed
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nursing facility and Maple Knoll rehabilitation Village center Everything You there is a Need to Live Life! new Call today home per782-2717 fect for everyone. With everything you need you can certainly Live Life At Maple Knoll Village! New funding options are now available, including a plan that guarantees 70 percent of your entrance fee is refundable so you can leave a legacy to those you love. If you would like more information about living at Maple Knoll Village, please call 782-2717 or visit www.mapleknoll.org.
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Family from your first visit at Anderson Ferry Dental
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Anderson Ferry Dental Center a stress-free one.
The doctors Dr. Patrick O’Connor is a 1976 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Dentistry.
After graduation from dental school, the Cincinnati native served as a captain in the U.S. Army dental corps. He opened the practice upon his return to the West side in 1978. His personal motto is to:
“Treat patients as if they are my family.” Dr. Steven Levinsohn is a 2002 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He received a perfect score on all clinical sections of his licensing board examination and graduated in the top of his class with special recognition in his research of implant dentistry. He prides himself in having a gentle touch with nervous adults and works excellently with children. Dr. Amanda Levinsohn is a 2001 graduate of the Ohio State College of Dentistry. She sees both children and adults in her practice and enjoys taking the time to care for each patient as if she, too, were caring for a member of her own family. Anderson see page 14
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n your first visit to the Anderson Ferry Dental Center, you will be treated like family, not just a patient. Anderson Ferry Dental is unique in that its two main objectives are to provide the highest quality dental care available and to provide what they call “Five Star” service. They offer all types of dentistry. In the last 31 years the staff has established a non-compromising attitude when it comes to treatment and patient care. Every person working in the office is dedicated to these principles. The staff is here to help you with everything, from arranging a payment to scheduling an appointment to answering any questions you may have. The caring and gentle staff will make your experience at the
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Winery hosts beautiful weddings
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wedding at Vinoklet Winery is different from any other venue in Cincinnati. The atmosphere, the views, the food and wine are all truly unique to this Hamilton County vineyard situated on 30 acres of rolling hills. Vinoklet has been hosting outdoor weddings, wedding ceremonies and receptions and rehearsal dinners for many years. Many brides dream of an outdoor wedding in a romantic setting, surrounded by their family and closest friends. At Vinoklet, outdoor ceremonies take place near the vineyard and overlooking the scenic heart-shaped lake. The scenery is a magnificent backdrop for wedding pictures. Wedding parties can then conveniently move the celebration into the Veritas Room on the grounds that comes equipped with private rest rooms, a dance floor and its own private courtyard. The reception package
is reasonably priced and the outdoor wedding is discounted if you have them both at Vinoklet Winery. Packages include four hours in the banquet room, linens, china and flatware, a full wait staff, setup and clean-up and cake cutting.
“Rehearsal dinners featuring the ‘Grill to Perfection’ can be accommodated in several different areas at Vinoklet Winery. Guests will be treated to delicious menu items that cater to all individual tastes …” You are offered a choice of two different menus including beef, chicken and fish options, four side dishes and tossed salad and dinner rolls. The package also includes soft drinks, all bottled beer, and the Vinoklet’s own award-winning wines. Liquor is available at a cash or open bar. Rehearsal dinners featuring the “Grill to Perfection” can be accommodated in several different areas at Vinoklet Winery.
Anderson from page 13 Dental hygienists, assistants The dental hygienists are well-trained and very gentle when they clean your teeth. They are great with children and even the most nervous of adults. The dental assistants are professional and friendly. They help to make your experience at Anderson Ferry Dental easy and comfortable.
Front office staff
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The front office staff strives for “knock your socks off” service. The attentive staff wants you to feel comfortable at the center. They work hard for you in many ways: Insurance filling, maximizing your benefits, getting you scheduled for
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Guests will be treated to delicious menu items that cater to all individual tastes and will, of course, get to enjoy all of the great wines. Vinoklet features seven different wines ranging in taste from a dry, robust red wine to a light and
delicate white wine to a sweet and flavorful red wine. Vinoklet Winery is located on Colerain Avenue and can be conveniently accessed from Interstate 275 at exit 33. Weekend dates for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners fill quickly, so they suggest that you call far in advance. To schedule a meeting to tour the facilities you can call 385-9309 or visit www.vinokletwines.net.
your dental needs, making financial arrangements, and much more behind the scenes.
Massage therapist Tina Bedinghaus, licensed massage therapist, graduated in 2001 from the Cincinnati School of Medical Massage. Make an appointment with Tina in her own private, state-of-the-art treatment room at the center. Some of the services she provides include Swedish massage, hot stone massage, therapeutic massage, and therapeutic body work. Gift certificates are also available. For more information about the Anderson Ferry Dental Center visit www.andersonferrydental.com or call 922-8500 for an appointment.
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Seven tips to ensure a worry-free wedding day
ou can hear the wedding bells
already. Friends and family gathered together to witness your big day. The limousine ride, the toasts, wedding cake and the first dance – it’s all coming together for the perfect day. But wait! Before you say “I do,” there are a number of important things that you and your future spouse must do to become officially married.
Many newlyweds overlook the fact that a marriage is a legal contract. Two individuals merge all they have into a new legal entity or partnership. While many couples often focus on the big day and all of the events surrounding the ceremony and reception, there are a number of legal steps that newlyweds must consider as part of the process, according to FindLaw.com, the world’s leading online source of legal information for consumers. To help you and your partner have a worry-free wedding day, here’s a prenuptial checklist from FindLaw.com with legal items to consider as you merge your households into one.
Changing names It’s often one of the first big dilemmas facing a new bride: Keep your maiden name, or take his last name? It’s a big decision, because if you decide to change your legal name, it means changing your name on everything from your driver’s license to stock certificates. While thinking this through, also think about the last names of children you may have in the future.
Marriage requirements Each state has its own requirements for couples wishing to be married, some of which include: marriage licenses, blood tests or residency requirements. Make sure you and your future spouse know what the requirements are in your state, and have fulfilled all marriage requirements before
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the big day. If either you or your future spouse has been married before, make sure you have obtained all legal documents to ensure that your new marriage is valid and legal in the eyes of your state.
Marriage ceremonies Most states have legal requirements pertaining to the marriage ceremony itself, including who may perform the marriage ceremony and whether witnesses are required. Check with your county or state government Web site about these requirements.
Prenuptial agreements A prenuptial or pre-marriage agreement can help define the property and financial rights and obligations of marrying spouses, including what will happen if the marriage ends. If you are considering entering into a prenuptial agreement, you should be aware of the legal requirements that must be met in order for the agreement to be considered valid and enforceable.
Marriage, money and property In a recent, national consumer survey by FindLaw.com, the topic of money came in second, tied with having and raising children, as the topic that most led to a fight among married 18- to 34 year-olds. When you get married, your property and finances will, to a certain extent, merge with those of your spouse. Based on the
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laws of the state in which you marry and/or intend to establish your permanent residence, you should become familiar with what is and is not considered marital or “community” property, and understand how to keep certain assets as separate property. You also should become familiar with your obligations as a new spouse in taking on the debts and tax liabilities of your partner, and agree on how you’re going to handle finances as a newly married couple.
Wedding day contracts In preparing for your big day, you will sign a number of contracts for items such as wedding day photos, the reception hall and a honeymoon package. Now is a good time to start working together as a team to carefully identify credible wedding day vendors, to negotiate these contracts together, and to decide in advance how you will handle a problem if something goes wrong.
Will and health care directives As you and your new spouse work together on merging your finances and assets, now is a good time to write a will together that also incorporates end-of-life health care directives. This is especially important for previously married individuals who may be merging families together. For more information about preparing to get married, visit findlaw.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Decorators Workroom gives windows the treatment
D
o you love those beautiful custom window treatments in model homes and on HGTV? Don’t let the high price of custommade window treatments keep you from enjoying superb quality in your home. Go direct to the skilled craftsmen at The Decorators Workroom. They create exceptional window treatments at surprisingly affordable prices... direct to you, with no middleman
adding extra charges. “I priced custom cornices with an interior designer and also at a shop specializing in window treatments,” said Anna Rumsey of Anderson. “The prices were just too high. Then a friend of mine told me about The Decorators Workroom. Their prices were so reasonable and the quality was top-notch. Best of all, everything was tailormade for my windows!” A designer from The
Decorators Workroom will and a playful tassel detail come to your home for a at the bottom edge. no-cost consultation. Anna’s total cost for She’ll listen to what you fabrics, trims and labor
“Each window creation from The Decorators Workroom is made by hand right here in Cincinnati with top-of-theline fabrics, expert construction, and quality dressmaker-style details.” want, offer lots of ideas and fabrics to choose from, and show you samples of their beautiful workmanship. Check out the beautiful results for Anna’s kitchen window in the ad on this page. Her fully-upholstered classic cornice features two fabrics in coordinating checks and stripes with jute rope trim
was just $199. Compare that to her quote of $425 from a retail store. “I was almost ready to settle for readymade window treatments, but they looked like everyone else’s windows and were really a bit skimpy,” said Anna. “Then I discovered The Decorators Workroom!” In addition to cornices
and valances, The Decorators Workroom can create any type of window fashion for your home including draperies, side panels, Roman shades and more. They also design upholstered headboards and ottomans to add that truly custom touch... all at surprisingly affordable prices. Each window creation from The Decorators Workroom is made by hand right here in Cincinnati with top-ofthe-line fabrics, expert construction, and quality dressmaker-style details like covered buttons, lush fringe, covered piping and contrasting borders. Call 515-1138 today to schedule a free, no-obligation appointment with an interior designer from The Decorators Workroom.
Call 923-3111 to advertise in Creative Living.
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Communitypress.com
September 16, 2009
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