Coastal Empire

COASTAL EMPIRE

SENIORS lifestyle digest

Family Friendly, Homestyle, Senior Living. See Pg. 8

TAKE ME I’M

VOLUME

2014:1

FREE

www.CoastalEmpireSeniors.com

FEATURES

On the Cover

THE SUITES AT STATION EXCHANGE see p.8

NEW PRODIGY LIFE LINK MEDICAL ALERT see p.5

THE RICHMOND HILL CITY CENTER see p.6

UNDERSTANDING REVERSE see p.12 MORTGAGES

ELDERTREKS ADVENTURES see p.10 FOR 50+

To have your story told, advertise, or suggest content, Contact us at Publisher@CoastalEmpireSeniors.com

ENt LL curr A G IN L CA L ed & RetSiPr OUSES! y militar

marne community spouses

Membership Drive

Tuesday, August 19,2014 9AM THROUGH 1PM

Vender space available $20 MCSC Members $30 Selling Vendors

Richmond Hill City Center

For More Info Email: Marneclub@gmail.com

The Marne Community Spouses Club at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield has merged. If you are a DoD ID Cardholder join us for a wonderful year as we Celebrate Coastal Georgia with military style. Our meetings will be held alternatively at Fort Stewart and The Richmond Hill City Center the second Tuesday of each month @ 11am. We encourage retirees to join us in serving and giving back to our community. It is a fun time of friends, fellowship and volunteerism. We hope to see you there!

2 Find Us Online www.CoastalEmpireSeniors.com

Where do you turn for local news for Coastal Empire Seniors?

FROM THE PUBLISHER We are excited to bring you our summer edition of Coastal Empire Seniors Lifestyle Digest. We exist to tell all of our stories: how we work, play and the resources that assist us as we find our way into the Golden Years. In print and online, we have something for every senior.

We'd like to thank all of our readers, advertisers, and community groups who have helped us identify the articles and information to present in this edition - we couldn't do it without input from each of you.

Look for updates and additional articles, information, and events on our website:

Too long, we’ve settled for a paragraph in the newspaper or a quick blurb once a week on the TV. Now, Effingham, Bryan, and Chatham county senior citizens have CoastalEmpireSeniors.com Coastal Empire Seniors provides local news and information for our seniors 365 days a year – 24 hours a day.

www.CoastalEmpireSeniors.com

PUBLISHER Leigh Payne EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Daryl Fant CREATIVE DIRECTOR LPC Studio ACCOUNT MANAGER Annelise O'Connor

COASTAL EMPIRE

SENIORS lifestyles digest

Leigh Payne, Publisher

251.648.6830 Publisher@CoastalEmpireSeniors.com To Advertise Call 251.648.6830

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One of the fears we all have as we age is the thought that we will have to leave our home and go to an assisted living facility. Home is the place where all of our memories were created – family gatherings, birthdays, holidays, celebrations etc… You never want to leave. Now, with Prodigy medical alarms, you can significantly extend the time you have in your own home and save thousands of dollars over your lifetime in fees not spent on assisted living or monthly monitoring services.

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C

oastal Empire Seniors Get Back to Nature at

Richmond Hill City Center

Coastal Georgia seniors are discovering a treasure in our own backyard – the Richmond Hill City Center.

This unique conference and event facility is conveniently located inside J.F Gregory Park in Richmond Hill Georgia, on the I-95 Corridor and offers an abundance of treasures to each visitor.

Some take advantage of the three mile trails to explore the pristine Wetlands. The flora and fauna draw visitors from around the US. Birders in particular fall in love with the untouched habitat and the feathered creatures that call these Historic Wetlands home. For others the Tuesday Farmers Market located under the Pavilion of the park allows local vendors to sell their organic items to the general public. Overall this unique location is a nature lovers dream.

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The Richmond Hill City Center is an ideal meeting place for reunions, weddings, corporate trainings and team building events. With 12,000 square feet of meeting space, the ability to accommodate multiple break out rooms, state of the art audio visual equipment, and a wonderful executive service and catering staff, the Richmond Hill City Center provides an “Eco friendly country club atmosphere”.

From the ground up, the facility was designed to be a friend of the environment. With a low carbon footprint, sustainable vegetable garden on-site, and use of state of the art natural construction products, the Richmond Hill City Center was one of a very few facilities named “Green Meeting Approved” by Convention South. www.CoastalEmpireSeniors.com

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The facility has been especially popular with companies, families, military, and association groups with attendees coming in from a wide area. Events that were previously hosted in downtown Savannah have complimented Richmond Hill City Center on their ample free parking and their friendly staff’s eagerness to accommodate special needs.

Executive Chef Greg Tanner receives rave reviews from diners for doing the seemingly impossible – pioneering healthy locally sourced cuisine with a classic Southern flair.

When you are scouting locations for an upcoming wedding, meeting or social event you’ll find everything you’re looking for – and more- at Richmond Hill City Center.

To Advertise Call 251.648.6830

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M

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a Difference...

A Senior Moment

By Rich DeLong

I started my professional career as a teacher and coach at a small elementary school in South Florida. My principal was a wonderful educator and a very caring person. During our first organizational meeting of the new school session she handed every member of her staff a lapel pin to wear

of community and family make The Suites At Station Exchange a very special place to live. It might also be the home-cooked meals we serve or the safe and secure feeling of living in a small town like Richmond Hill. It is also nice to know that we are just minutes away from the culture and beauty that Savannah offers.

throughout the year. It was in the shape and color of an apple and had an inscription on it that read, “I Make A Difference”. She wanted to be sure that we understood the tremendous impact our actions could have on our students.

When you think about what makes an organization stand above the rest, or a particular moment in your life meaningful, chances are a person, or a collective group of people – like a team of school teachers, was involved in the effort to make that positive difference.

At The Suites At Station Exchange it is our people that serve with both passion and patience that make a positive difference in the lives of our residents. Love, joy and a sense Find Us Online

Cookouts on Petticoat Patio or watching a movie in the Third Rail Theatre can make the day exciting as well. The chandeliers in the Delmonico Dining Room make even a cloudy day bright. And the views of Pullman Pond from the balconies above are peaceful and pleasant.

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www.CoastalEmpireSeniors.com

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positive difference in the lives of our residents. Love, joy and a sense of commu Suites At Station Exchange a very special place to live. It might also be the hom or the safe and secure feeling of living in a small town like Richmond Hill. It is a are just minutes away from the culture and beauty that Savannah offers.

Cookouts on Petticoat Patio or watching a movie in the Third Rail Theatre can m well. The chandeliers in the Delmonico Dining Room make even a cloudy day b Pullman Pond from the balconies above are peaceful and pleasant.

Our Healthy Active Lifestyles program is second-to-none in promoting healthy choices, engaging residents to be active and involved, and giving meaning and purpose to life beyond the barriers of age. I have always said, “If you have a pulse you have a purpose”. And our residents can even earn rewards for participating in our programs.

Our Healthy Active Lifestyles program is second-to-none in promoting healthy residents to be active and involved, and giving meaning and purpose to life beyond the barriers of age. I have always said, “If you have a pulse you have a purpose”. And our residents ca participating in our programs.

Within The Suites At Station Exchange is our Seasons Memory Care Community; which offers an advanced level of safety and support for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Residents are provided with secure spaces, enhanced care by trained staff, increased staff to resident ratio, and a specialized program of activities. Seasons is designed to provide a therapeutic environment using the latest techniques to help residents maintain quality of life and as much independence as possible in a safe, caring home.

But without a doubt, our number one asset is our friendly staff of professionals that provide help based on our philosophy of care; which includes knowing that our beliefs, our service and our attitudes are what set us apart from other senior living communities.

Almost 30 years have passed since I received that very special pin from my principal; and I still wear it from time-to-time to remind myself that every day I have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone I meet. If you are interested in living life with a purpose, desire home-cooked meals and a family-friendly atmosphere, and wish to have services that are tailored to your style of living, then visit The Suites At Station Exchange and see how we can make a difference in your life too.

Rich DeLong is the Executive Director of The Suites at Station Exchange www.thesuitesatstationexchange.com You can e-mail him at: Suites.StationExchange@gmail.com or contact him at 912-445-2425.

To Advertise Call 251.648.6830

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E

LDERTREKS is the world's first adventure travel company designed exclusively for people 50 and over. Established in 1987, ElderTreks offers active, off the beaten path, small-group adventures by both land and sea in over 100 countries. ElderTreks offers wildlife and tribal African safaris, active hiking trips to the Rockies, Himalayas and Andes, expeditions by icebreakers to the Arctic and Antarctic and cultural journeys throughout Asia, South America and much of the world. They cater to people 50 and over and have five activity levels for you to choose from.

What makes Eldertreks right for you?

Small group experience-Maximum group size on our land adventures is 16 - guaranteed.

Expedition ships, not cruise ships Smaller vessels allow for more personal interaction and reduce our impact at the sites we visit.

Hassle-free all-inclusive land and sea packages- All meals, accommodation, domestic transportation and domestic departure taxes, entrance fees, tips at hotels and restaurants...nothing is left to chance.

Freedom to choose the airline and routing of your choice-It's your choice. Use your frequent flier points, Genuine travel experiences- off the beaten path on carefully crafted itineraries that are unique and thoughtfully planned.

Sustainable, responsible travel-We support a number of development projects throughout the world, and we make sure you have close contact with local people.

Find Us Online

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This is a guideline of what to expect on our tours. This is not to say that we don’t stop and enjoy the views, it is simply a guideline of what physical condition you should be in to fully enjoy your adventure.

Easy This may include individual hikes up to one hour with some inclines. Walking through archeological sites for 1-2 hours, stopping along the way. Walking through towns or cities for 1 hour. Should be able to climb 2-3 flights of stairs and walk at least 1 mile without any problems.

Moderately Easy This may include individual hikes of 2 hours, which may have gentle slopes. Walking through towns or cities for 1 or more hours. Archeological sites for 2-3 hours. Should be able to climb 3-4 flights of stairs and walk at least 2 miles with no problem.

Moderate This may include individual hikes up to 3 hours, with some steep slopes and loose surfaces. Should be able to climb 5-6 flights of stairs and walk at least 3 miles without a problem.

Moderately Challenging This may include individual hikes up to 4 hours, with some steep slopes and loose surfaces. Walking through towns and cities for 3 or more hours. Should be able to climb 6-7 flights of stairs and walk at least 4 miles without a problem.

Challenging Designed for hiking. Individual hikes may be up to 8-10 hours, with some steep slopes and loose surfaces. Should be able to climb 8-10 flights of stairs and walk at least 8 miles without any major problems.

Call today to book your next adventure 1-800-741-7956

www.eldertreks.com

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t To Advertise Call 251.648.6830

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$

imple Facts about Reverse Mortgages

Savannah seniors are hearing a lot about reverse mortgages, but most have lots of questions. One of the most common we get from our Savannah senior readers is: What is a reverse mortgage?

A Reverse Mortgage is a loan against your home that you do not have to pay back as long as you live there. You or your estate pays the money back plus interest when you die, sell your home, or permanently move out of the residence.

A Reverse Mortgage can be a great product for Coastal Empire seniors who wish to access their home equity. But there are drawbacks to the program and it is not for everyone.

Is a Reverse Mortgage right for you? Consider these questions.

Do You Need or Want the Cash?

The most important consideration when looking at a Reverse Mortgage is whether or not you need (or want) additional funds for retirement. Many Coastal Georgia seniors have opinions about Reverse Mortgages, but the reality is this: Reverse Mortgages can be a great way (and sometimes the only way) for seniors to get access to their home equity to use however they want.

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Today’s Coastal Empire Seniors are living longer than ever and many people need to tap their home equity to fund their longevity. Many people use Reverse Mortgages to supplement their retirement income, fund medical expenses, pay for education expenses, or even fulfill a lifelong dream like traveling. www.CoastalEmpireSeniors.com

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To qualify for a Reverse Mortgage Coastal Georgia Seniors must:

Be 62 years of age or older.

Be eligible for a loan amount sufficient to pay off all mortgages and liens on your property.

Own and reside in your home.

Reverse Mortgages can also be a great way to help Coastal Other Considerations Empire Seniors eliminate your mortgage. If you have an existin Even if you need or wantagainst the cash meet the eligibility mortgage yourand house, a Reverse Mortgage may enabl requirements foryou a Reverse there areyou other important to pay Mortgage, it off. This will save money every month by considerations. eliminating your mortgage payment and possibly even leave How Long Do You Expectcash to available Reside intoYour additional you. Home? Many financial experts believe that Coastal Empire Seniors should plan on residing in your home for a number of years if you intend to get a Reverse Mortgage. Why? Reverse Mortgages have relatively high closing costs and as the Reverse Mortgage loan comes due if your home is no longer your primary residence, it is not necessarily the best short term option.

A Reverse Mortgage can affect your eligibility for Medicaid and other low-income programs such as SSI. If you are enrolled in Medicaid or another low income program, you need to be careful that the income from a Reverse Mortgage does not disqualify you from these benefits.

Your Heirs: Many people are concerned about what happens to a home with a Reverse Mortgage after they die. While a Reverse Mortgage does decrease your equity and can impact the overall value of your estate, you can still leave your home to your heirs and they will have the option of keeping the home and refinancing or paying off the mortgage or selling the home if the home is worth more than the amount owed on it.

Consider all the alternatives Reverse Mortgages continue to increase in popularity. However, there are other options for accessing your home equity.

HELOC: A home equity line of credit. The main downside with this type of product is that there are income requirements in order to qualify. Additionally, unlike a Reverse Mortgage, the loan must be paid back via monthly payments. On the other hand, the overall impact of a HELOC on your estate tends to be less than that of a reverse mortgage.

Downsizing: Moving to a less expensive residence can be a financially efficient way to access your home equity.

To Advertise Call 251.648.6830

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FRESH FROM THE Having a garden and growing my own fruits and vegetables is something that I have great pride in doing.

There is nothing like slicing up a big beefsteak tomato to sit on the dinner table accompanied with sliced cucumbers marinated with onion and vinegar. But I will be honest, I am not the Gardner I once was, too many times weeds take over, we travel out of town and everything burns up or I am just too busy to fool with it. Thankfully the Coastal Empire is filled with farmers that take time and grow and sell at your local Farmers Market!

Savannah Open year-round featuring locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, nursery plants, and seasonal items.

Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m 701 Hwy 80 West

Richmond Hill

Bring the family to J. F. Gregory Park for the Richond Hill Farmers Market. Each week they offer the best in local produce and crafts. Tuesday from 3pm-7pm April to Mid October

Hinesville

Fresh local produce, agricultural/farm items, floral & plants, baked goods, specialty foods, prepared foods, and original crafts will be featured at the market. The Market is held in Bradwell Park/Commerce Street across from City Hall, in beautiful Downtown Hinesville. Every Thursday 4pm - 7pm

Shelter Cove Farmers Market Hilton Head Island

Local farm-fresh produce, art work, sweets, baked goods and other specialty foods. Tuesday June- August 4pm - 9pm

FARMERS MARKET

Dates and time subject to change

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Fo r those who love shrimp but hate to clean them!

2 1 3 4 2 ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 ¾ 1 2

sticks butter cup vegetable oil tsp. garlic, finely minced whole bay leaves tsp. dried rosemary, crushed tsp. dried basil tsp. oregano tsp. salt tsp. cayenne pepper Tbs. hot pepper sauce tsp. fresh ground pepper tsp. fresh lemon juice lb whole fresh shrimp in the shell

In a saucepan melt the butter, add the oil and mix well. Add remaining ingredients, except shrimp. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly, until sauce begins to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat and let rest at room temperature for thirty minutes. Add the shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly.

Cook over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes or until shrimp just begins to turn pink. Remove from heat and place in preheated 450* oven and bake for 10 minutes. Divide shrimp into equal portions into soup bowls and ladle the sauce over each portion. No need for knives or forks- just plenty of napkins and crusty French bread for dipping.

BUY

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