Medicare Misty's Let's talk! Magazine (Spring Issue)

Let’s Talk Medicare

Welcome from misty Bolt

Welcome from Misty Bolt

Dear Reader,

Wow! What a ride it has been to get this first issue of our magazine, “Let’s Talk!” into your hands! What you’re holding is the culmination of many years of hard work in the business of Medicare, a personal passion for serving the senior population and a long-lived dream of bringing you a magazine that would prove to be a valuable resource for you and your family. Look for us to be coming to you each quarter through your mailbox and online (coming soon!). Our vision is to bring you Insights & Inspiration for Your Later Years” with each issue and we welcome your feedback!

Welcome to the Spring 2021 issue! We’re glad you’re here, and sincerely hope you’ll enjoy reading our Spring 2021 Issue as much as we love bringing it to you. Inside these pages, just as in our 2020 Preview Issue, you’ll find a mix of columns on health, community, money, lifestyle, and of course, the ever-evolving and sometimes complex issue of Medicare. Our vision is to bring you helpful, informative and entertaining content.

privilege for our team to be able to bring you inspiring stories on wom en like Sonia Young, Chattanooga’s own “Purple Lady,” 110-year-old Ha lie Forstner, local entrepreneur Janet Miller and last but not least, Benora Holder, a beloved former mother fig ure to so many in our community.

Inside this first issue, you’ll find a mix of contributed columns from Tennessee Valley experts on a variety of topics that many of you have told me are important to you - health, business, money, lifestyle, and of course, the ever-evolving and sometimes complex issue of Medicare.

After a long season of the pandemic and waiting for magazine distribu tion to re-open. we are thrilled to be back in print. With this month being May, we couldn’t help but run with a Mother’s Day theme. What a

In a column co-authored by Andy Bailey and Jim Coltrin of True North Advisors, Raymond James Financial you’ll find an update on The SECURE Act of 2019. Information in this article may affect you, and we think you need to know about it. On the topic of health - you’ll find an article from the amazing folks behind the seniors’ programming at the YMCA and from our columnist Susan Ross, LNP, an article to help you make sense of alllllll those vitamins and supplements that may be sitting in your medicine cabinet. I could go on, but better for you to start flipping the pages and enjoy all that “Let’s Talk!” has to say for yourself.

You can find a digital version of the current issue by visiting www. medicaremistysletstalkmagazine.com, or find and follow our Facebook page, @LetsTalkMaga zineChattanooga. Happy Spring, Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers and mother figures in our beloved “River City.” If I can be of service to you in any way, call me at 423-240-0794, and let’s talk!

About Medicare Misty

ABOUT MEDICARE MISTY

I’m a native Chattanoogan with a love for life and people. I spent nearly two decades as a single, working mom to my amazing son, Landon Anderson, during which time I also built my individual Medicare broker business into what is now a team of 20 agents across TN, AL and Northwest GA. In 2018, God blessed me by bringing my high school sweetheart, Patrick Bolt, back into my life and we soon married. My family is my #1 priority, yet it’s my clients who have taught me how to be a good agent and I’m grateful daily for their trust placed in me. Best of all, many of them are also my friends and mentors, and they inspire me to keep doing what I do every day. The name “Let’s Talk?” Well, it was the obvious choice for the magazine name! If you know me, then you know I love to talk - it’s what I do! My business is about relationships - and how can we have relationships without conversation? So I suppose that’s just what “Let’s Talk” is - a conversation between you, me and the contributors to this magazine. Feel free to write me at medicaremisty@gmail.com or call me on my mobile at 243-240-0794 with feedback or if I can be a resource for you.

I’m a native Chattanoogan with a love for life and people. I’m a wife to a retired Air Force military sergeant, who inspires me to contin ue to do what I love, a devoted mother and owner of my individual Medicare broker business, now a top agency with a team of 20 agents across TN, AL and Northwest GA. God and my family are my top priorities, in that order; yet it’s my clients who teach me daily how to be a good agent and I’m grateful for their trust placed in me. Best of all, many of them are also my friends and mentors, and they inspire me to keep doing what I do every day. When not with my family or working, I enjoy volunteering for a number of organizations in town for which I’m passionate, among them, The Senior Olympics, The Special Olympics, The Kidney Foundation, Room in the Inn and many more.

The History of Mother’s Day

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”

Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service.

Over time the Mothering Sun day tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of ap preciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merg ing with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.

Ann Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe

The origins of Mother’s Day as celebrated in the United States date back to the 19th century.

In the years before the Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. These clubs later became a uni fying force in a region of the coun try still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from the abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in pro moting world peace. In 1873 Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2. Other early Mother’s Day pi oneers include Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a temperance activist who inspired a local Mother’s Day in Al bion, Michigan, in the 1870s. The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering, meanwhile, both worked to organize a Mothers’ Day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some have even called Hering “the father of Mothers’ Day.”

Anna Jarvis

The official Mother’s Day holi

day arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.

After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker, in May 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day cel ebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia.

Following the success of her first Mother’s Day, Jarvis—who remained unmarried and childless her whole life—resolved to see her holiday added to the nation al calendar. Arguing that Ameri can holidays were biased toward male achievements, she started a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politi cians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood.

By 1912 many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday, and Jarvis had established the Mother’s Day International Association to help promote her cause. Her persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Jarvis Decries Commercialized Mother’s Day

Anna Jarvis had originally con ceived of Mother’s Day as a day of personal celebration between

mothers and families. Her ver sion of the day involved wearing a white carnation as a badge and visiting one’s mother or attending church services. But once Mother’s Day became a national holiday, it was not long before florists, card companies and other merchants capitalized on its popularity.

While Jarvis had initially worked with the floral industry to help raise Mother’s Day’s profile, by 1920 she had become disgusted with how the holiday had been commercial ized. She outwardly denounced the transformation and urged people to stop buying Mother’s Day flowers, cards and candies. Jarvis eventually resorted to an open campaign against Moth er’s Day profiteers, speaking out against confectioners, florists and even charities. She also launched countless lawsuits against groups that had used the name “Mother’s Day,” eventually spending most of her personal wealth in legal fees. By the time of her death in 1948 Jarvis had disowned the holiday al together, and even actively lobbied the government to see it removed from the American calendar.

Mother’s Day Around the World

While versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, traditions vary depending on the country. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit.

(Source: The History Channel and History.com)

7 Health Benefits of Sunlight

Do you know how important it is to get a little sunshine?

Scientifically, sunshine has a lot of benefits for our bodies. Here are seven great reasons to get outside and soak in the sun.

1. IMPROVES YOUR SLEEP

Your body creates a hormone called melatonin that is critical to helping you sleep. Because your body starts producing it when it’s dark, you usually start to feel sleepy two hours after the sun sets, which is one of the reasons our bodies naturally stay up later in the summer.

2. REDUCES STRESS

Melatonin also lowers stress reac tivity and being outside will help your body naturally regulate mela tonin, which can help reduce your stress level. Additionally, because you’re often doing something ac tive when you’re outside (walking, playing, etc.), that extra exercise also helps to lower stress.

3. MAINTAINS STRONG BONES

One of the best (and easiest) ways to get vitamin D is by being out side. Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight— about 15 minutes in the sun a day is adequate if you’re fair skinned. And since Vitamin D helps your body maintain calcium and pre

vents brittle, thin, or misshapen bones, soaking in sun may be just what the doctor ordered..

4. HELPS KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF Getting outside for 30 minutes sometime between 8 a.m. and noon has been linked to weight loss.

5. STRENGTHENS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Vitamin D is also critical for your immune system, and with consis tent exposure to sunlight, you can help strengthen it. A healthy im mune system can help reduce the risk of illness, infections, some can cers, and mortality after surgery.

6. FIGHTS OFF DEPRESSION

It’s not just in your head; there’s a scientific reason being in the sun shine improves your mood. Sun shine boosts your body’s level of serotonin, which is a chemical that improves your mood and helps you stay calm and focused.

7. CAN GIVE YOU A LONGER LIFE

A study that followed 30,000 Swedish women revealed that those who spent more time in the sun lived six months to two years longer than those with less sun exposure. More research needs to be done in this area, but it’s something scientists are continuing to study.

Source: Selecthealth.org

by Amberlee Lovell Peterson

Agent Spotlight: DOLL SANDRIDGE

For Doll Sandridge, her job as a Medicare agent comes naturally. She and Misty Bolt became friends before Doll decided to take a leap of faith and go to work for her a few years ago. Ac cording to Doll, Misty has been a loyal mentor and coach, bringing her up in the business for the last several years, and “teaching (me) everything I know.” It’s to Misty that Doll attributes her success.

Growing up in Chattanooga, Doll developed a love and re spect for seniors at an early age. Her grandmother and great-aunt, along with her mother, were al ways been involved in her devel opment. “Having them as role models was and still is invaluable to me. And in raising my son now, they are still very much involved in my life and his. I wish all people would realize what a blessing and resource our seniors are to us, and not just those in our family. All of my clients and senior friends enrich my life and make going to “work” everyday rewarding.

Among her clients, she is known for her customer service and for always going the extra mile to be sure their needs are met. In fact, when Doll learned that a client-turned-

friend needed a kidney transplant, she decided to undergo testing to see if she would be a match. Indeed, she was. With that news there was no stopping Doll from donating her kidney to her client and friend, who is living a healthy life today.

“I have so much admiration and respect for my clients,” says Doll, “they are wonderful people and always let me know how much they appreciate me. They know they can call or text me at any time with their questions or if I can be of help to them, whether it’s Medi care-related or otherwise,” she continued. “I love working with seniors; they quickly become my friends, not just my clients.”

Doll and Misty at a local charity event.

Doll Sandridge

Let’s Talk Medicare

The Top Ten Things You Need to Know about Medicare Today

Hello friends, if you’re reading this there’s a good chance you’re eli gible for Medicare coverage but may not be aware of the many options available to you or how to acquire optimum coverage for your specif ic needs. I’ve been in the business of helping individuals sort through this issue for more than a decade, and it’s something I do every day. Recently, Money.com published a well-written and accurate summa ry on what you need to know. Give it a quick-read, jot down notes or questions and if you like, contact me for a free consultation. There is never a charge to you for the consultation, and I guarantee you will leave feeling clear on how to make the most of Medicare’s of ferings for you and yours.

Sincerely, Misty Bolt

Most retirees receive health insurance through Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program for people age 65 and older. To maximize the value of the health plan, make sure to sign up at the cor rect time and take advantage of the free and low-cost services Medicare provides. Here’s what Medicare cov ers and how much you can expect to pay for benefits and services. What Is Medicare? Medicare is a government health insurance program for people age 65 and older. Medicare helps cover the costs of health emergen cies and chronic conditions, but it can also be used to help maintain good health. Medicare beneficiaries have to pay premiums and a variety of other out-of-pocket costs, and must make decisions about their coverage options.

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Medicare Part A covers hospital care and hospice. Part A will also pay for short-term stays at a skilled nursing facility if it follows a hospital stay of at least three days. Most retirees don’t pay a premium for Medicare Part A, but there is a $1,408 deductible in 2020 and additional charges for long hospital stays.

What Does Medicare Part B Cover?

Medicare Part B is medical insur ance that pays for doctor’s visits and outpatient care. Part B pro vides a variety of free preven tive services, such as an annual wellness doctor’s office visit, flu shot and screenings for certain conditions. Beneficiaries can go to any doctor, specialist or other health care provider that accepts Medicare and is taking on new patients. Most beneficiaries pay the standard Medicare Part B premium of $144.60 per month in 2020, but higher-income retir ees pay more. “If your income is at least $87,000 or more, then you pay the income-related premium, which is indexed and rises with income,” says Tricia Neuman, director of the Program on Medi care Policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation. Medicare Part B has a $198 deductible in 2020, after which beneficiaries are generally responsible for 20% of the cost of most doctor’s services.

Let’s Talk Medicare

What Does Medicare Part C Cover?

Medicare Part C or Medicare Ad vantage Plans are an alternative to original Medicare in which private insurance companies pay for Medi care-approved and sometimes other services, but with different prices and restrictions than original Medicare. You may be required to use doctors in the plan’s network and get a referral to see a specialist.

What Does Medicare Part D Cover?

Medicare Part D provides pre scription drug coverage. Part D plans are private health insur ance policies that follow rules set by Medicare. The premium for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage varies depending on the plan you select. Plans can charge deductibles of up to $435 in 2020. What Does Medigap Cover? Retir ees can purchase Medicare sup plement insurance policies called Medigap to pay for original Medi care’s out-of-pocket costs and ad ditional services Medicare doesn’t cover. Medigap policies typically cover the copays, coinsurance and deductibles of original Medicare in exchange for a monthly payment. It’s important to enroll in a Medigap plan during the sixmonth period that begins when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy or could be charged significantly more.

What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?

Medicare doesn’t cover all of the health care services older people are likely to need in retirement. Medicare generally won’t pay for glasses and contact lenses or the routine eye examinations to prescribe corrective lenses. Den tal care and hearing aids are also commonly needed services that aren’t covered. Perhaps most sig nificantly, while short-term nurs ing home stays might be covered under specific circumstances, Medicare does not pay for longterm care.

When Should You Enroll in Medicare?

Retirees can first enroll in Medi care during a seven-month win dow that begins three months be fore the month they turn 65. Sign up at the beginning of this period if you want coverage to begin the month you reach age 65. If you miss the initial enrollment peri od, you can sign up between Jan. 1 and March 31 for coverage that will begin July 1, but you will be charged late enrollment penalties for as long as you have Medicare. “Late enrollment penalties from Medicare can be long-term,” says Anna Maria Chávez, executive vice president and chief growth officer at the National Council on Aging. “You don’t want to have to worry about higher costs just because you didn’t act when you

Let’s Talk Medicare

became eligible at 65.” If you delay Medicare enrollment because you or your spouse is still working at a job with group health insurance, sign up within eight months of leaving the employer or health plan to avoid the penalty.

How Do You Sign Up for Medicare?

Social Security beneficiaries are often automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, with coverage starting the month they turn 65. If your birthday falls on the first of the month, coverage will start at the beginning of the prior month. Medicare cards are mailed out to most Social Security benefi ciaries three months before their 65th birthday, and Medicare Part B premiums are withheld from Social Security payments. However, you will need to actively sign up if you want prescription drug cover age, a Medicare supplement poli cy or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Senior Spotlight

At Home with SONIA YOUNG, Chattanooga’s

“Purple Lady” & Her Giraffes

For this Mother’s Day issue of Let’s Talk! Magazine we chose Chattanooga’s very own “Purple Lady,” Sonia Young. To say that Sonia Young is an institution in Chattanooga would be quite the understatement.

For decades, Young has been

Young’s beautiful purple giraffes to commemorate her bringing the real giraffes to the Chattanooga Zoo. They sit among her many treasures in her delightfully purple, stylish home.

The “Purple Lady,” Sonia Young.

known as a devoted activist in the community, and as a change-maker and philanthropist who gives “voice” to those who cannot speak for themselves, namely chil dren and animals. Now in her late

Photography Lexie Bess | Bess Pics

Senior Spotlight

eighties, the former UTC Professor of Theatre is always developing some initiative, program or oppor tunity that will enhance the arts or culture in River City, and childrens’ access to it.

Sonia’s affinity for the color purple and her choice to wear it always, embellish her home in it, and even drive a purple car earned her the title, “The Purple Lady.” But why the purple you might ask? According to Sonia, there is an obvious answer to that question. “You see, purple people are known to be imaginative, creative and ar tistic. We have a love for all things beautiful and magical, and are re lentless in pursuing our ideas. (see photo, right inset)

As a child she was imaginative and creative, always writing stories, plays, designing all the ele ments of the “stage” and casting family and friends, or sometimes imaginary friends, as cast mem bers. In the 1980’s, Young took her play, “The Purple Princess,” to the stage of The Chattanooga The atre Center, casting children in the roles she had created many years before, as a young girl. The debut of this play planted the seed for what would become Young’s cam paign seeking corporate and pri vate support to make Youth The atre a vibrant and active program within the CTC.

“I didn’t really think too much about it,” Young says. “It was obvious, not only to me, but to all stakeholders, that Youth Theatre was the next step for our theatre

community. I knew we needed to make something wonderful avail able to the kids, so I simply went to everyone I know - corporate, civic and private - and said how much can you give,” she explains.. “And so then that was that, and Youth Theatre has been a growing and essential part of theatre in our city ever since.” Put simply, when Sonia Young gets a “bee in her pur ple bonnet” for something, you best get on board or step aside. Stretching beyond her comfort zone to see a vision brought to life

Purple Profile

isn’t really stretching at all for her; rather, stretching is her comfort zone.

After graduating from Chatta nooga High School she received a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane Uni versity before returning to Chat tanooga to get a master’s degree from UTC. Through her efforts, tens of thousands of children have been able to experience and appreciate the beauty and inspiration that are provided through arts.

Among her many contribu tions to the city, was her driving force behind the multi-million dollar campaign to bring the gi raffe exhibit to the Chattanooga Zoo, an exhibit which continues to thrive today. She spearheaded the raising of the nearly $15 million to build the Chattanooga Theatre Centre; she was an inte gral player in raising funds for the

Senior Spotlight

Young’s dining room with her vintage purple glass chandelier is stunning.

Chattanooga Public Library; she conceived of StarNight, the annual black tie fundraiser that bene fits Siskin Children’s Institute, and chaired the event in its first three years.Young has also served on the boards of Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Allied Arts (ArtsBuild), Chattanooga Opera Association, Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Chattanooga Zoo, The Chattanooga Ballet, McKamey Animal Care Trust, Girls Inc., Children’s Hospital Foundation and Kids on the Block, and The William L. Montague Jr. Performing Arts Fund, to name a few. Young was recognized as a Tennessee Woman of Distinction (was 2007) and as the 2017 re cipient of the Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award. Young continues to lecture at UTC and has written for a variety of city papers for more than 25 years.

Purple Lady Christmas Ornament.

Purple Lady Statue sits among the many treasures and gifts from admirers.

The Classroom of Life

To “Mothers,” With Love

Author: Phyllis Nicholson

In thinking about Mother’s Day, I know as a widow, it can be an incred ibly difficult time. There are cards, gifts, flowers and family gatherings all in the air. While the day can bring joy to so many, and rightfully so, what comes to mind for me are the empty nesters, single mothers, and parents of any age who have lost a child. During my tenure as a Singles Director at a loyal church, I often heard from widows, divorcees, singles, and bereaved parents that this is one of the sad dest times of the year. It certainly can be, and if you find that to be true for you, I want to challenge you to think in a different direction this year, as we focus on others. There is a saying that the more you give, the more you receive. I certainly can testify to that as I have tried to make myself get out and do for others instead of feeling sorry for myself. I must add, that is not al ways easy. But oh, what a blessing! Benora Holder was a great example of “maternal love” expressed in her work as a nursery worker of fifty

years at First Baptist Church, Chat tanooga. Never did a week pass that she wasn’t “moth ering” young chil dren, as well as their parents, none of whom were her own. Whether giving advice, babysitting in their homes, or calming their crying child so they could attend wor ship or study, par ents came to rely on the love and light she spread. Many people, like Benora, can be found working tirelessly in and around our community. Teachers, daycare workers, nannies and oth ers who care for children, often call them “their own!” You don’t have to be employed to make an impact on families around you. Volunteering is a great way to connect to others and to carry your “parental love” to many who would benefit. Add to that, Chat tanooga offers so much in the way of service and giving back to the community. Tennessee is the Vol unteer state for a reason! Below are a few organizations where I personally can say that I received more of a blessing than I gave.

Phyllis with Beloved Mother Figure, Benora Holder (age 103 in photo).

The Classroom of Life

1. Salvation Army……is always looking for volunteers to give back to those in need in and around Chattanooga. While serving on the Auxiliary Board, we assisted seniors in low-income housing, at Christmas with parties and stockings and Angel Tree in collect ing gifts. How about Madi Bra? Doesn’t that sound like fun?

2. Cry for the Broken…… An orga nization that ministers to women involved in sexual exploitation in Chattanooga. There are ways to volunteer, give monetarily, or write cards of encouragement to these girls who so badly need love and support in achieving sobri ety-based living.

3. Christian Women Job Corp…… help mentor ladies that are with out hope for the future. They need job skills, high school diploma preparation, and job readiness. A great way to give back to our community and to help transform young women into God’s perfect plan. There is also a clothes closet where there are many needs for the donation and organization of clothes, or just helping the girls select appropriate clothes for a job interview or job.

4. Homeless Community at a local church or within the city…... volunteering to feed, make mats, blankets, donating clothes. There is also need to help by donating with your time or money at the lo cal food bank or your favorite faith based organization.

5. Tutoring or working with children with needs…..Many schools have volunteers to read to the children or provide tutoring as needed. A great way to give back to our future leaders!

6. Finding an elderly person to go see regularly and giving a hug…… As a Children’s Minister for many years, there were many older in dividuals who loved seeing you on a regular basis. We would have “Hug Day” at our church for our preschoolers to go around and give hugs and kisses around the church.

7. Going to Assisted Livings or Nursing Homes……to give a pro gram or sing to the residents. A great way to share a special time with others.

There are so many things that we can do to make life more meaningful for ourselves and others, versus focusing on what we do not have. I think it is all in our mind and heart. Once we accept that things didn’t go as planned, we need to be ready to let go of the past and look for the future with a newness and freshness that,I can tell you, will bring you great joy!

The Giving Tree by Shel Sliverstein is a favorite parable of mine. The story follows the life of a boy from his childhood through his elder years-and the giving tree that provided for him. As a boy, it provided him with a place to play, climb, eat apples, and rest. As a

young man, the tree provided him with apples to sell when he need ed the money. As an adult, the tree provided him with branches for lumber to build a house. As an older man, the tree provided him with her trunk so he could make a boat and sail away from his prob lems. The tree is now left with only a stump.

As an elderly man he returns to the tree. The tree sighed and said, “I wish I could give you some thing…. but I have nothing left. I am so sorry.” All I need now said the man is a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired. Well, the tree said he could take care of that. “An old stump is good for sitting and resting, sit down and rest and be happy.” And they were both happy.

There may be things we use to do that we feel we are inadequate to do today, but there are always seeds for growth in other areas of our life that we might share. The well-tended and aged tree pro duces the most vibrant blossoms and the sweetest fruit. There is al ways the gift that gives and gives, never expecting anything in re turn.

In closing, several years ago, Dayspring Cards put out a prayer written by Holley Gerth based on 1 Corinthians 13. I’ve paraphrased it below, and believe it can be of encouragement around Mother’s Day.

Because love is patient…. help me to be slow to judge, but quick to listen. Because love is kind…… help my

words to be gentle and kind. My actions thoughtful and kind Because love does not envy or boast…. help me to have a humble heart and see the good in others.

Because love is not rude or self-seeking…. help me speak words that are kind and not hurtful.

Because love is not easily an gered and keeps no record of wrongs…. help me forgive oth ers.

Because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth…help me stand for what is right.

Because love protects and al ways trusts…help me to be a refuge for those around me. Because love always perse veres…. help my heart contin ually to beat with love for You and others.

My deceased husband who was an after-dinner speaker had the philosophy throughout his presentations that we need to live well, laugh often, and love much. As scripture tells us, the greatest of these is love. May we do that every day as we share our selves with others, as Benora did so well. On this and each Mother’s Day, she is greatly missed by many. Let go of the past and embrace the present with a renewed spirit that I guarantee will bring you great joy!

In loving memory of Phyllis’ mother, Hazel Mason Edmonds and Benora Holder.

Strawberry Chicken Salad is light and fruity, with crunchy toasted pecans and a creamy, honeykissed, poppy seed dressing that’s been lightened up with Greek yogurt!

1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, for up to two days. 2. To the bowl of dressing, add diced chicken, toasted pecans, diced strawberries, and poppy seeds. Carefully stir until all ingredients are evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to chill and allow the flavors to blend.

Strawberry Chicken Salad https://www. fivehearthome.com/strawberry-pop py-seed-chicken-salad-greek-yogurt-recipe/ All images & text copyright of Five Heart Home.

Giving Back through the Gift of Music

Recently I had the privilege to interview a young man who has spent his entire life sharing memories through music to seniors. Michael Prettyman, one of the pastors at Grace Works Chat tanooga, does just that week by week. He takes a group from the church to sever al assisted livings in the area and they have a ball. Residents request their favorites to sing and the fun begins! Pat Vaugh, along with Chip and Judy Liner, help make each week a success. Of course COVID 19 has played havoc with this ministry but things are improv ing and life is getting back to nor mal. At present they are going weekly or at least monthly to: Morning Pointe Hamilton Place,

Morning Pointe of East Ham ilton, Morning Pointe of Hixson, The Lantern at Morning Pointe, Hickory Valley Retirement Community, Elmcroft of Hamilton Place, El mcroft of Shallowford, Creekside at Shallowford, The Terrace at Mountain Creek, Garden Plaza at Greenbrier Cove, and Life Care of East Ridge. As a young child of only five or six, Michael went with his dad, who was a pastor, each week to the local nursing home in the area where he grew up and watched his dad minister to the seniors there. He can remember singing to them at an early age and how much they loved him being there. He re membered going to the cafeteria and eating Jell-o (all colors). It was

The white cross that stands high above GraceWorks Church at 6445 Lee Highway.

Phyllis Nicholson Author

Pastor Michael Prettyman Takes His Singing on the Road in Response to the Pandemic.

instilled in him to give back. He didn’t think about it at the time, but now he can see how those in the nursing homes loved seeing the children come in. The residents love to get hugs, just sit, and watch the children. Many of them have not seen their own relatives or especially children in such a long time. So making things special to them has been a passion for Michael. Just sitting and having a short conversation, giving a hand, or a smile means more to them than anything you can give materially.

As soon as Michael became one of the pastors at GraceWorks, someone called and asked him to sing. He immediately said yes and things quickly opened up for the church. He and Pat Vaughn have worked together to help get the entire church in volved. The In-Home Ministry chaired by Chip and Judy make it easy for people to be a part of this. They go, take gifts, send cards, and do things to help make folks’ lives sweeter as the days go by. Michael noticed that the workers in these facilities enjoy this time as well for they see their patients having fun, singing, and interacting in ways they

Pastor Michael Prettyman sings with a crowd of residents during a regular visit to Morning Pointe.

don’t experience on a daily basis. The other ministries of the church also are in volved such as the Children’s Ministry volunteers tak ing cards, presenting musicals, etc. and also when appropriate taking a bus to bring them to the church to enjoy an event or outing. Just being a part means so much when life has changed and you no longer can do the things you loved to do. Michael dreams of a bus ministry where individuals can be brought weekly to the church and GraceWorks can be their church.

As we went through the quarantine this past year and Christmas and New Year’s fell into these times, Michael was called by Morning Pointe Hamilton Place and asked if he could just go stop by each resident’s door to sing. What a blessing each received that night. A smile and a song said it all! He has been their Christmas, Easter, Valentines Day, etc during these times. They might not be able to go out but Michael and his group have become their family. This passion of a child has now become a blessing for an entire church. He commented that each time he goes in he feels liberated like those who had been in con finement in concentration camps. Time is something that can be lost and never reclaimed so each moment is precious.

If you are interested in this ministry or have a loved one

who needs help, the information below might help you understand a bit more. You can be on a team or just share life with oth ers. You never know, you might reunite with someone from the past or see an old neighbor. This indeed will bless your life. They also go to members’ homes to visit, take gifts, and sing.

If interested, go to Facebook and you will see the weekly visits, Trivia, and also the messages on Sunday mornings led by our Pas tors Tony Leonard and Bill Owens. Also, the website is graceworkschatt.com for more information.

GraceWorks hopes to return to normal one day soon and have events or concerts. “Giving to oth ers is just what we do”, comment ed Michael, “It is a commandment from our Lord and Savior.”

Whether being a part of the Alzheimer’s Walk, going to assist ed living facilities, or visiting the homebound, GraceWorks takes this mission seriously. As seen below, they just assisted with the Reopening of Morning Point on Shallowford.

Recently, Ruth Lowery at this lo cation said, “We can’t wait for the third Wednesday of each month for Michael and Pat to come sing. It’s just like getting to go to church and is such a blessing.”

Michael Prettyman is the Associate Pastor of GraceWorks Church, 6445 Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421

Michael Prettyman

Let’s Talk Money

Check These Financial To-Do’s off Your Spring Cleaning List

Mark your calendar with im portant deadlines for taxes, savings account contributions and required minimum distributions. Check-in on your accounts, organize important documents and review your credit report.

Dates to Remember

May 17: Tax day – the deadline to file your return and pay taxes or request an extension. Also, first quarter estimated tax payments are due, if required. May 17: Last day to contribute to traditional and Roth IRAs or health savings accounts for 2020.

Things to Do

Read up on RMDs: If over 72, take required minimum dis tributions (RMDs) from your IRAs and qualified plans. You must begin RMDs by April 1 the year after you turn 72. Subsequent distribu tions must be taken by Dec. 31 each year. That means if you reached 72 during 2020, and you delayed your 2020 initial RMD until April 1, 2021, you still have to take your 2021 RMD before Dec. 31, 2021. For more information, go to irs.gov/rmd. Go house hunting: It’s homebuying season. If

Andy Bailey, True North Advisors

AAMS®, CFP® Managing Partner, Financial Advisor, RJFS

you’re considering buying or refinancing a home, keep an eye on mortgage rates and plan to review the terms with your advisor as such a major purchase will have an effect on your financial plan.

Mull over an ex tension: If ap plicable – par ticularly if you hold securities subject to income reallocation –ask your tax advisor if fil ing an exten sion with the IRS would be beneficial.

Restore balance to your portfolio: Similar to your re tirement accounts, consider a seasonal re view of your portfolio to en your allocation is optimal for your objectives.

Gear up: After the New Year’s fit ness craze has subsided, spring is a great time to find deals on ex ercise equipment. That means everything from tech to tennis shoes, according to Wisebread. It’s also when deals on last year’s

Let’s Talk Money

road bikes roll in. Just in time for pleasant cycling weather.

Conduct a cash-flow checkup: Make sure all expenses are con sidered, and that you’re still al locating enough to your savings, retirement and “rainy day” ac

Tidy up: Create a spring cleaning ritual and let go of the clutter consuming space in your home. Giving items away offers its own benefits – just re member to get a quali fied appraisal for more valuable donations. Inspect your credit report: Mak ing a habit of checking your credit report at least once a year can help you detect and dispute errors.

Talk to your advisor to make sure you don’t miss any important fi nancial planning dates in the com ing months.

Source: Raymond James, True North Advisors, Retirement and Longevity

Since 1986 owner, master builder, and general contractor Denis Kamp has been building homes and transforming indoor and outdoor living spaces for homeowners in Alabama, Florida, Ohio and Ten nessee. Best-known for his quality, creative and budget-conscious re modeling concepts, Kamp proudly now calls Chattanooga home. Liberty

Fashion for Mothers & Daughters Irma Marie Boutique

by Sheri Kamp

The story of Irma Marie De signer Apparel, and how it came to be, sounds like something out of a classic story book. It all begin in New York, where a young girl being raised by her seamstress mother, Ma rie, and aunt, Irma, falls in love with...you guessed it, fashion. While other girls were playing “tea party,” young Janet Miller was busy running her “fabric store.” Nearby her mother and aunt’s time was in high de mand, as they ran their custom tailoring business out of the home. With no abundance of toys around, imaginative play

Spring color abounds at Irma Marie.

Victoria Cassel (partner) and Janet Miller (owner).

Photography Lexie Bess | Bess Pics

was divinely accessible. On any day you could find her pretending to cut fabric (because cutting her mother’s fabrics, would mean severe consequences), running the cash register, entertaining imag inary customers with previews of the latest styles, and last but not least, doing what every smart storekeeper does, keeping the books.

So six years ago when Miller opened her very own real boutique, named appropriately after her mother and aunt, it was the culmination of years of planning and preparing to use her natu

Business Spotlight

ral talents and acquired business acumen. Her entrepreneurial leap from homemaker to boutique owner was a natural transition… one that had been in the works since childhood.

At the time, Miller called on her son’s girlfriend, now wife, Victoria, to jump in to help man age the day-to-day operations. Victoria quickly became a per manent fixture at Irma Marie, and the two say they now enjoy an intuitive and trust-filled dynamic that makes them a strong business pair. Together, they are known for offering their clientele

Janet helps customer Darlene Horne make spring selections.

Pinning for a hem.

unparalleled customer service, personal shopping opportunities (by appointment or after hours if needed), and seeing to their every need - from assisting them by phone, buying for them when at market, to making minor alter ations in-store (thanks to Janet’s lifelong skills and an eye for a “good fit.” )

“We love our customers, and we’re told by our customers that they love us, too,” says Miller. “That is the absolute best part of what we do. Helping women find something that makes them feel beautiful, and that they know is a quality piece,” she added.

“We have something for women of all ages,” added Victoria. “Our customers trust us and enjoy the personal at

tention we give them,” she continued. “We believe we make shopping personal and easy, even fun, an experience wom en don’t easily find.”

Irma Marie in lights.

How To Know If You’re Ready To Retire

Eric Brotman, Forbes.com

Retiring is a huge life event, and it isn’t one that comes with many do-overs. You have to get it right the first time

Luckily, there are ways to pre pare for retirement—and even practice it—to help ensure you’re ready when the day comes.

What to do first

A few years before you plan to retire, have a practice run. If you have a retirement plan that gives you a clear picture of how much money you’ll have to live on annu ally, spend a full year to two years living only on that amount. If you don’t, your first step is to meet with a financial advisor to get sense of your retirement income estimate.

If you can live comfortably on the decided amount, that’s great. If not, it’s better to know that now rather than later, and it’s time to devise a plan to increase your fu ture income.

Have a timeline for your decisions

Do you know when you must make certain retirement-related decisions? Do you even know what decisions you’ll need to make? Hav ing a clear idea of these decisions and a timeline to make them will reduce your stress and make retire ment a smoother event.

Pre-retirement decisions

Before you retire, you’ll need to determine if you have any debts that need to be refinanced. It’s hard to refinance mortgages or other loans when you don’t have demonstrable income, so do this long before you give notice at work.

You’ll also need to decide how you’ll handle long-term care ex penses and if you want to use long term care insurance for some of those potential costs. Applying for this insurance should ideally be done ten years prior to retiring, and three to five years before is basically the last chance for it to be affordable.

Retirement day decisions

Retiring likely means losing your employer-sponsored benefits, so you’ll need to make decisions about health insurance. If you’re retiring at or after age 65, then you can seamlessly transition into Medicare. Make sure you remember to enroll in Medicare Part A 60 to 90 days before your 65th birthday whether you’re planning to retire

or not. For Part B, you can wait to enroll until after your retirement as long as you’re at least 65 years old. You can learn more about Medicare in this episode of my podcast.

If you’re retiring after age 63 ½, you can use COBRA provisions to continue your employer health plan for up to 18 months until you’re eligible for Medicare. However, if you’re retiring earlier than that, you’ll either need to join your spouse’s health plan or to use the health insurance exchange in your home state.

If you’re one of the fortunate few people who will still be receiving a pension, you’ll need to decide how you’d like to receive your benefit. You will likely be given the op tion to maximize your benefit as a single person—meaning it expires after your death—or a few options on how you’d like a spouse to re ceive income from your pension should he or she outlive you.

Post-retirement decisions

Social Security is a very complex benefit, and timing your benefit claim is an important decision you’ll need to make. You and your spouse must determine whether to claim immediately at age 62 or to wait until full retirement age or even

There’s a lot to con sider when you’re thinking about re tiring. Starting to make decisions and prepare for the life change early will help you be successful in your retirement.

age 70 to begin receiving benefits. The decisions you and your spouse make can greatly impact how much money you’re eligible to receive during your lifetimes and during a period of widowhood for either of you. While I could go on and on about this, I’ll let those interested read more in this article I published on the topic.

You’ll also want to review your current insurance coverages to see where you can save money. Since you’re no longer commuting to work, you may be able to lower your car insurance premium. If you’re paying for disability insur ance, you’ll no longer need it and can let it expire. Lastly, if you have term life insurance, you may no lon ger need the extra death benefits and can consider discontinuing the coverage after claiming your Social Security and pension income.

The most important step

The most important thing to do before you retire is make sure you have a substantial nest egg you’ve built up over the years.

You don’t know what the future will hold, and having access to capi tal—especially funds not subject to market volatility—is vital to a successful retirement.

THE LESSON

Retirement is the one thing you cannot borrow money to ac complish, so make sure you’re able to live off the income you’ll have. Returning to work out of necessity after you’ve started your retirement is not only the opposite of what you’ll want to do, but it can also be incredibly difficult to do so.

Coming Home to Morning Pointe with

Mrs. Halie Forstner

by Sheri Kamp

Meet Mrs. Halie Forstner, an ex traordinary example of strength and humility to so many. She meets me with a warm smile in her eyes, as we settle for a brief time togeth er to discuss her recent milestone of turning 110, and what life at Morning Pointe is like after more than thirty years of living alone, and prior to that with her husband of many decades.

Me: So what are your thoughts on the pandemic, the mandates and now, the vaccination becoming available?. I asked her what she thought about the pandemic, the masks and mandates, and about the vaccination.

Ms. Forstner: “Well, you know, we have to be smart. I’ve lived through other pandemics and I’ve seen many people die as a result.” She went on, “when I was very young, my mother put me in a wagon and took me from our home on the Georgia side of Sand Mountain to Chattanooga to get vaccinated against the Spanish Flu of 1918. I remember it well.. I chose to get vaccinat ed for Covid-19 recently, thanks to the people here at Morning Pointe making that available.”

Me: Why did you decide to move

Queen Halie takes a sip of Coca-Cola at her 110th birthday bash.

into Morning Pointe after so many years on your own?

Ms. Forstner: “Well, giving up liv ing by yourself is not an easy thing to do. My husband, Charles Forst ner, died in 1990, so that was 31 years ago. I got along fine on my own during those years, and had no complaints,” she continues. “I think as I’ve grown older my

Senior Community Spotlight

friends would express concern for me from time to time. It was just time for me to move to a safe place, where I could be surround ed by a community of people. So here I am, at this beautiful place!”

Me: What do you like most about Morning Pointe and what do you miss most about living alone?

Ms. Forstner: “The best part about living here is the people. The staff - they are just wonderful people! And I can’t really think of anything I miss, but I can tell you what I don’t miss - cooking,” she exclaims. “The food here is delicious.”

Me: Can you tell me about what life was like for you growing up?

Ms. Forstner: My mother was a farmer and my mother cared for the house, for me and the many hands who helped us on the farm. At that time there was a small school on Sand Mountain

with a 16-year-old girl teaching all the kids of many ages. My mother would have no part of that, so she saw to it that was able to attend Chattanooga High School (now called the Chattanooga School for the Arts of Sciences).

Ms. Forstner is known throughout the Chattanooga community for her sharp mind, historic knowledge, and, of course, her age. She graduated from Chattanooga High School in 1930. In 2016, Ms. Forstner was named an honorary graduate of the University of Ten nessee at Chattanooga and was recognized by state legislators and then-Governor Bill Haslam.

Just a few weeks after moving into Morning Pointe, she turned 110 years old. The weekend of March 20th, the leadership and community of Morning Pointe, along with friends from Look

Halie Forstner with members of her Morning Pointe family and friends.

Senior Community Spotlight

out Valley Presbyterian Church, threw her a “big birthday party,” she said. A celebratory lunch, plenty of bottle Coca-Cola (her favorite drink) and a beautiful cake set the table. After lunch, the day was capped off with a birthday parade through the portico as she watched and waved to pass ers-by. Clowns, antique cars from different decades, and plenty of friends and well-wishers drove through with “Happy Birthday” signs and cards for her. Bagpipers from Alhambra Shriners Highlander Pipes and Drums played beautiful hymns and songs. All in all, it was a birthday celebration fit for a queen—Morning Pointe’s queen, Ms. Halie Forstner.

According to Morning Pointe of Chattanooga executive director Cody Harvey, since Halie moved in

last January 2021, she has been an inspiration to everyone there. “She’s an example to all of us on how to age gracefully, and is still quite active at 110! You will see her out and about, visiting with other residents from time to time. It is really quite something!”

Morning Pointe of Chattanooga at Shallowford is one of six local assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in the Chattanooga area owned and operated by Morning Pointe Senior Living, founded in 1996 by Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow. The Lantern Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence at 7620 Shallowford Road is currently under reconstruction and is scheduled to open Summer 2021. For more information, visit www.morningpointe.com.

Main Entry to Morning Pointe of Chattanooga, Shallowford Road.

Sudoku is easy to play and the rules are simple.

Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9. (Answer Keys on Page 39)

Mind the Gap

I have never felt more confused, lost and alone than when I ended up on the wrong train, headed in a direction I didn’t want to go, in a city I had never been. I am talking about riding the subway in NYC, but if you think about it, families facing decisions regarding their loved ones' care...can feel the same way.

In the 1980’s and before there weren't many options for seniors as their care needs increased. There were basically only two options - move in with family or live in a nursing home. Thanks to the aging baby boomer population, that has all changed. We now have so many options and levels of care, from in the home to skilled nursing facilities. Not only that, but the quality of care and regulation has increased resulting in better environments and standards for seniors.

Let’s face it though, no one wants to talk about care needs or cognitive declinelet alone plan for it! I’ve realized over the years that people go to their financial advisor to get the number they need for retirement, then to the funeral home to write down their wishes. And that’s it. Seems like there is a significant gap in their planning. Like riding the NYC subway it could never be more important than to ‘mind the gap.’

Here are a couple of tidbits that may help you navigate your next trip to the city... or perhaps some difficult care decisions.

Know where you are, right now.

Like any other kind of plan, it’s important to know where you are starting from. There are specifically two characteristics to consider - medical needs and financial position. Given the various options out there in our aging health services industry, it's important to understand your loved ones medical care needs, diagnosis, medications and other treatments so that the correct services are considered. Understanding your loved ones income, assets, insurance and benefits will help get things started.

Find your pathway.

Not only do you need to know where to start, but it's good to have some idea of the steps needed to get there. Everyone is different, but goals, plans and objectives are always better when written down. As your family begins to discuss the needs of an elder member, document your options, the cost of care services and even the approach to starting the conversation with your loved one. Educate yourself every step of the way.

Form your team.

John Donne said it best, “No man is an island,” meaning that we can’t do it all on our own. It takes the love, support and guidance of others to ensure the smoothest transition through these challenging decisions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, professionals or other support organizations to call on for help.

You know the next time I went to NYC...I knew a little more than the first time, but I still needed someone to help guide me through. I fully believe there is a better way to prepare for this gap, it’s through communication, clear understanding and a comprehensive plan.

Brett Billings, CMC Advisor

FORESIGHT

www.planwithforesight.com

Choosing the right health care plan can be daunting for many, but especially for senior citizens. For over 20 years, Misty Bolt and her team have been educating seniors about their personalized options for Medicare. Let MedicareMisty help you understand your insurance options! Simply call today! 423-240-0794 or medicaremisty.com