50 Plus News Magazine

travel H Summer

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Travel Tips

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COMPLIMENTARY

is new Golden

POMMER:

All About Vouchers page 3A

ELLENBECKER: Urban Real Estate STATE CAPITOL page 7A COMMENT

By Matt Pommer

Investing Your Money page 8A MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz

page 3B

page 14A

Sprewer

July 2013 Vol 26 No. 7

Nemovitz:

Section b H Condo Life

Sports H Senior Softball

The Golden Idol winners: The winning 2013 Golden Idol contestant is Sharon Sprewer, second from right.

Luis Velez, right, finished as first runner-up. Oscar Wheeler was second and Carole Jackson, at left, was third runner-up.

Idol

EDITORIALS

STATE CAPITOL COMMENT TRAVEL

By Matt Pommer

SENSE SharonMONEY Sprewer was overwhelmingly named this year’s Milwaukee County Department on Aging

By Karen Ellenbecker Golden Idol& Julie among the 10 entertaining finalists from throughout the county in the sixth annual compeEllenbecker -Lipsky tition. The annual event was again held at Serb Hall on June 11. Sprewer, a golden voiced singer who moved about the stage, was sponsored by Washington Park Senior Center.

All of the top entertainers gained entry via audition to the Golden Idol finale before an audience of about 200 people. The runner-up trophy winners were first place winner Luis-Enrique Velez; second

Emma

APRON STRINGS

SENIOR

Golden idol continued on page 17A

Answer Man While you were sleeping. ...

By Aunt Emma

AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier

Every two years Wisconsin adopts a biennial budget, and every time it starts out with a rational, transparent process and ends up with a late night irrational, secretive process. The 2013-2015 process is

no exception. For example, for years legislators have talked about reducing or eliminating non-budget policy items from the budget, but in the 2013-2015 budget there are 94 such policy items, more this time than

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in the last four biennial budgets.

Governor Walker included 60 items which the Joint Committee on Finance reduced by 23, but then added 59 new ones, many in the last day of

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Frazier continued on page 3A MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

2A • 50plus • July 2013

A visit to an eye care specialist may save more than your sight:

MDs’ detective skills can uncover hidden health problems

By Cheryl L. Dejewski "I consider myself an ophthalmic ‘detective,'" says Dr. Mark Freedman of Eye Care Specialists, one of Wisconsin’s leading ophthalmology practices. He explains, "The eye is like a looking glass into the vascular, neural and connective tissues of the body. The eye is the only part of the body that gives us the unique opportunity to look in and actually see certain diseases and conditions, rather than to infer their presence from signs and symptoms. As a result, a visit to an eye MD can not only lead to the detection of ocular diseases, it may also turn up clues of serious non-eye-related conditions affecting the rest of your body which present clues of their existence through minor changes in the appearance of the inside of the eye."

For example, a visit to an eye care specialist may uncover carotid artery blockage. How? Artery blockage in the neck can break into small pieces that travel through the bloodstream and appear as yellow fatty deposits in the arteries in the back of the eye.

These are a warning sign to the eye examiner that the patient may need a carotid artery and heart evaluation.

Although such findings are not the best news, it often gives patients the opportunity to start medical treatment before they would have even noticed anything was wrong. Brett Rhode, MD, Head of Ophthalmology at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, explains, “If a tumor, clogged arteries or diabetes are caught early enough, less invasive and less costly procedures may be able to be used to not only prevent the spread of the problem, but to even save a person's life."

Eye Care Specialists’ team presents continuing education lectures on eye exam disease detection to physicians and nursing staffs. "It’s important for all health care professionals to know the signs of eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma, as well as non-eye-related conditions, such as blocked arteries or tumors, that may appear in the eyes," says eye surgeon Daniel Ferguson, MD.

An area of special interest to Eye Care Specialists’ team is detection and treatment of a condition that can affect both the body and the eyes— diabetes. Ferguson explains, “As the life span of diabetics has increased, so has the incidence of related circulatory problems which can develop over time. The most common eyerelated complication is ‘diabetic retinopathy’ —a deterioration of the small blood vessels that nourish the retina in the back of the eye.

Sometimes an eye exam reveals telltale signs of weakened vessels leaking blood or fluid before a patient is even aware that they have diabetes.

Fortunately, if the diabetes is caught early enough, we can treat it to stop or slow vision loss, and the patient can be put on an appropriate diet and/or medication to control or prevent other diabetes-related problems."

Although discovering underlying diseases is fascinating work, most of an eye specialist’s day is filled with performing eye exams and surgery.

"As with any detective, you begin by interviewing the people involved.

You have to listen to patients and pick up on clues when they explain their health and vision history.

What’s the real cause behind a person no longer driving, having difficulty ‘hearing’ the TV, suffering frequent falls, or not doing well in school?

Are these clues pointing to the need to test for cataracts, macular degeneration, dyslexia or other conditions?” asks Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD, an ophthalmologist with credentials from both Harvard and Johns Hopkins.

A thorough exam of the parts and workings of the eye includes evaluating: the external surface (for infections and inflammations); the internal pressure, lens, optic nerve and retina (for diseases like cataracts, diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.); accommodation capability (ability to switch focus between near and far); pupil reflexes (ability to adjust from light to dark); muscle motility (ability to look to the sides and keep the eyes in alignment); visual acuity (ability to see objects clearly near and far); and

visual field (ability to see objects off to the side).

One specialized tool in Eye Care Specialists’ detective arsenal is an Optical Coherence Tomographer (OCT machine). "This fast, accurate, non-invasive and painless device uses laser scanning technology to create a CT-like image that enables us to detect microscopic signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, and other sight-threatening conditions before they could be noticed through visual inspection, retinal photography or visual field tests. Armed with this insight, we can prevent future loss of vision by promptly starting or adjusting medications or performing laser, medication injection, or surgical treatment," explains Dr. Michael Raciti, an ophthalmologist who has extensively researched debilitating eye diseases, such as macular degeneration.

How do the "detectives" feel about their role? Rhode comments, "Patients come with questions, and we like to have them leave with answers. We strive to provide the most thorough examination possible to detect and treat eye conditions.” Ferguson adds, “To achieve that goal, however, patients must remember that it’s their responsibility to provide information, ask questions, and follow treatment suggestions. That way, we can work as partners mapping out the best possible vision for your future.”

FREE Booklets Call 414-321-7035 for free booklets on AMD, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes or dry eyes. Or call one of the offices below to schedule a comprehensive evaluation, which is typically covered by Medicare and most insurances.

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July 2013 • 50plus

Will vouchers adversely affect public schools?

Vouchers to help pay for private, often parochial, education - financed by state tax dollars - seem headed toward being the top political issue next year in Wisconsin.

Gov. Scott Walker champions the idea, contending it is aimed at helping families obtain a better education. Vouchers are now available in Milwaukee and Racine schools, and Walker proposed allowing another 1,000 students to participate in nine more school districts.

Proponents have suggested opening the door to participation for students in all 424 public school districts. Jim Bender, president of School Choice in Wisconsin, said vouchers would encourage private schools and provide a better supply of potential students.

Critics say the vouchers would drain government money from public education, sending it to private schools. They also note a family of four would be eligible if its annual income was less than $76,800.

Enrollment in private schools has plunged from 145,000 to 99,705

Frazier continued from page 1 consideration by the Committee.

One such amendment to the budget on the last day of Joint Finance Committee consideration included 12 pages of 37 different items, and passed on a party line vote (12 Republicans in favor, 4 Democrats opposed) at around 6:00 a.m. the next morning. Most of that time they are not actually in session, but are meeting behind closed doors to come up with the political tradeoffs necessary to get the 12 votes for the “Omnibus” 37 item motion. Rational and transparent are no longer operative words.

Some of the 37 items include: 1). Kicking the Center for Investigative Journalism out of office space on the UW-Madison campus, and prohibiting UW employees from working with the Center.

2). Throwing out lead paint law suits.

3). Loosening restrictions on payday- loan transactions.

STATE CAPITOL COMMENT

By Matt Pommer

in a 20-year period, according to State Sen. Glen Grothman, R-West Bend. Ten additional schools closed this year.

“The Legislature cannot allow another school year to go by with such an anti-independent school MOVING IN THE bias,” said Grothman.

RIGHT DIRECTION State Supt. ofBy Bruce Public InstrucNemovitz tion Tony Evers suggests the limits on the number of participants proposed by Walker wouldn’t last long.

Eau Claire School Board member Wendy Sue Johnson says there is no evidence that voucher schools have been successful in Milwaukee and AGING Racine.

ISSUESmoney “So this is just taking

By Tom Frazier from public schools,” she said.

4). Permitting bail bond agents and bail recovery agents in Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, and Waukesha Counties. PLANTING TOMORROW’S 5). Cutting grants to TODAY FederalDREAMS ly-Recognized Veterans Service

By Brad Olson Organizations.

6). Defining the boundary of the Lake Michigan shoreline in the City of Milwaukee, and specifying that the Department of Natural Resources is not required to prepare an analysis of the legislation.

7). Providing an individual SPORTS inBy Jack come tax deduction forPearson private school tuition of $4,000 a year for kindergarten through grade eight, and $10,000 a year for kids in grades nine through twelve.

(Incidentally, this reduces income tax collections by $30,000,000 in 2014-15). Cutting Mass Transit Operating Assistance by $4.2 million by delaying a 4% increase in calendar year 2014 to 2015 is questionable.

Chris Ahmuty, executive director of the Wisconsin Civil Liberties Union, questions whether “we can afford a second flawed and unaccountable system,” alluding to the present state of public education. He predicts the voucher school proponents will be back for more money with the state budget in 2015 and in following years. No one disputes that statement.

Some of the sharpest criticism MONEY SENSE comes from former State Polly

By KarenRep. Ellenbecker & Julie Democrat, Ellenbecker Williams, a Milwaukee -Lipsky who pushed the original voucher programs for poor families in the 1990s. Republicans in 2011 increased the family-income eligibility limits, she notes. APRON Emmahave high-jacked the pro“They gram,” Williams toldSTRINGS the Milwaukee

By Aunt Emma Journal-Sentinel. “The upper income people will push the low incomes out.”

Families at higher income levels can afford to pay private school tuition without taxpayer help, she said.

Or they can move to another elementary school district if they dis-

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like their current school, she added.

Proponents of taxpayer help for private schools are unphased by the worry of two school systems. “Parents of parochial school kids have been paying for two school systems for years,” says State Sen. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon.

Petrowski, Grothman, and State Sen. Joe Leibham, R-Sheboygan, are the authors of an even more ambitious idea to help parochial school education. They suggest that all Wisconsin families be eligible for a credit that would reduce their state income tax. But the emphasis in the State Capitol this spring is on the voucher program.

Proponents like to promote the concept, contending it would help children and their families to get the best education. But some may see it as a bail out for private schools.

The concept seems to clash with Walker’s speech making that citizens must stop being dependent on government aid.

EDITORIALS

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Yet another Omnibus motion that passed on the last day, although not as late as the one above, included “only” 17 items related to Medical Assistance (a.k.a. Medicaid), and, again, passed on a 12 to 4 vote.

Some items in this motion added $52.1 million in state funds to implement the Governor’s plan to reduce Medicaid eligibility; a further reduction in Seniorcare funding of $20 million to reflect a re-estimate in the cost of the program; and a $73 million increase in funding to hospitals to offset additional costs associated with projected increases in uncompensated care.

This motion also calls for a study of expanding Family Care to

By Enis Wright seven additional counties in Northeast Wisconsin. This is particularly ironic given that there have been two major independent studies of Family Care, a recent Legislative Audit Bureau study, and a Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis that indicated that expanding Family Care

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the WRIGHT SIDE of

into the seven counties would save the state $3,974,800 in the 201415 budget. In my humble opinion, this is just a delaying tactic because there are several powerful people who do not want to expand Family Care, at least not now. An Omnibus motion by Democrats on the Committee related to Medicaid included 12 items, including expanding Family Care, and accepting federal money to include more people under the Medicaid program. Needless to say, this motion failed on a 4 to12 vote.

But before you get too cynical, you also should know that the powerful Joint Finance Committee did approve a motion, on a bipartisan vote, to make the Racine kringle the state pastry. “How sweet it is!”

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Emma Emma

By Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky

EDITORIALS

By Aunt Emma

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz

EDITORIALS Charitable giving

Emma

SENIOR SENIOR Man

COMMENT APRON TRAVEL APRON By Matt Pommer STRINGS BySTRINGS Aunt Emma Answer

Answer Man

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speed; perhaps 55 mph as opposed IT MAKES ME to 65 or 70. I also can suggest that SENIOR MONEY SENS IT MAKES ME you drive smoothly, use the least exAnswer Man

APRON AGING ISSUES AGING STRINGS

By Tom Frazier ISSUES

By Aunt Emma

By Karen Ellenbec

By Tom Frazier

pensive fuel suggested for your& car, The persons who regularly sup- serving the poor and the needy, we Julie Ellenbeck -Lipsky Dear SAM: let the engine warm up before you port charities monetarily are to be know you only have to look in your PITOL NT I cannot afford to purchase a zoom off, keep your tires properly admired as well as profusely thanked. community for such as The Salvation mmer AGING automobile. inflated (See the book in your glove Army and Milwaukee Rescue Mis- new and fuel saving Certainly, theses folks do enjoy a ISSUES MOVING IN THE Frazier can help from compartment for this) and avoid sitsion, among others locally, to helpPLANTING out Please tell me how IRIGHT certain percentage of their charitable By Tom DIRECTION going to the poorhouse after INemovitz leave ting with your motor idling if your TOMORROW’S NEY SENSEgifts as tax write-offs. But any ridicu- financially. Of course, there are other PLANTING By Bruce DREAMS TODAY TOMORROW’S en Ellenbecker MONEY SENSE the gasoline station down the street. wait is over 30 seconds. When and if We don’t mean to belitlous notion to do away with the tax in- organizations.

ByDREAMS Brad Olson TODAY ie Ellenbecker TRAVEL

By Karen Ellenbecker Bybe Brad Olson Thanks. I’ll watch for your an& Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky you need new Emma tires, ask your dealer centive is just that.

How many people tle their work, but your dollars will -Lipsky swer, for tires with less rolling resistance. might be forced to go begging on the put to work among the poorest of poor Sally Simperesco He will know what you mean. By I am Aunt Emma THE streets or children going unclothed or PLANTING in your own community by donating ION TOMORROW’S told this could save a driver one to to either of the above. barely so if it was not for the generosovitz DREAMS TODAY Sally: Dear two miles per gallon.

Give generously. As we have too few? APRON

By Brad Olson Emma PRON ity ofWhile I can read between the lines. You Good luck and try to avoid that the we STRINGS know there are hun- been told, “Who knows except forSPORTS

By Aunt Emma RINGSdreds of worthwhile Answer Man SPORTS are concerned about the high prices quick braking and fast acceleration

By Jack Pearson organizations grace of God, there you could be.” unt Emma

By Jack Pearson of gasoline. am I. theSoWRIGHT AGING if possible.

As forthe fuelWRIGHT saving tips, I can Your friend, ISSUES SIDE of tell you to drive at a more moderate Senior Answer Man G SIDE ofTom

By Enis Wright By Frazier

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APRON ARTS WHITE WRITESENTERTAINMENTSTRINGS

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G W’S ODAY son

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How about giving a good doseBy Jack erPearson their own nests? Talk can be very resultsWRIGHT can be quite exof reality to our politicians. There cheap, but thethe are more than a few serving in our pensive.

SIDEsuch of Churches, schools and communities who should realize that

By Enis Wrightas sehonesty is the best policy. Half-truths nior centers should be the focal points are as bad, at least very misleading, as for progress.

When you see something that isn’t non-truths. I become crabby, well, at least somewhat disturbed when I hear working properly, find out why? Do people saying this, that and the next your part as a resident of your street, thing because it makes them import- your neighborhood and your city. Not only know that 140,000 people have ant, at least in their own minds.

I suggest that you pay particular fled Milwaukee for the suburbs in the attention to your leaders, the ones you last 50 years, but find out why.

Where there is a will, there’s a either vote into or out of office. Watch what they do. Listen to what they say. way. Let’s join the mayor and counthetheyWRIGHT Are really serving your best in- ty executive in putting Milwaukee on SIDE ofin office to feath- the map to recovery. terests or are they

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******** Flea markets, Farmers’ Markets, While just menfireworks, family and church festivals plus street dances are in vogue tioning an eagle in July.

We McLoone would find as highlights above, we heard about a neighbor, with Jim for the month the activities at the Jay Mays, who shot an eagle in City PLANTING Waukesha County Fair,TOMORROW’S which has of Delafield recently and was apDREAMS TODAYplauded instead of arrested. Jay’s records of beginning 170 years ago.

By Brad Olson Some of the old-timers serving the eagle, of course, was really a two fair crowds don’t go back quite that under par for a particular hole on a far. However, some of them have golf course. been around so long they can recall H H H H Songs of the birds: Wouldn’t the days of hand milking. it be nice if we could put words to H H H H Actually, if you are looking for them? a place of historical interest, visit H H H H “The World of Little House,” which It isn’t often that you find a fat spotlights the time and trials of Lau- fish. The reason for this is easy.

SPORTS ra Ingalls Wilder at Old Wis- They eat fish.

ByWorld Jack Pearson H H H H consin, south of I-94 along Hwy 67 in the Town of Eagle. killing time continued on page 11A

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July 2013 • 50plus

Shame on everyone when it comes to lack of progress on Social Security reform

By Tom Margenau Many people have asked me if I have written a book about Social Security. The answer is yes and no. The “yes” part of that answer alludes to the fact that I’ve had a Social Security book ready to go for many years now.

The “no” part of the answer is that it hasn’t been published yet. And therein lies a story.

About ten years ago, I had signed on with a literary agent who was peddling my Social Security advice book to a variety of publishers. She finally found one that was interested in the book. The manuscript was approved by a series of editors, all of whom thought the book was marketable and had good potential. We just needed the approval of the head of the publishing house, and I would have been on my way to the best-seller lists!

But that publisher turned the book deal down. She said it was an excellent guidebook and great source of information about Social Security for peo-

ple of all ages. “But,” she explained, “we all know that the Social Security program will soon be reformed, and those changes will instantly put your book out of date.”

Well, that was almost a decade ago. Social Security still hasn’t been reformed, and my manuscript is just gathering dust on my bookshelf.

I like to tell that story when people ask me about any imminent changes to Social Security. The message is: “Don’t hold your breath.” Everyone knows (well almost everyone knows) that Social Security needs to be reformed due to the financial burdens placed on the system by baby boomers that are turning into senior boomers in record numbers. Something like 10,000 boomers file for Social Security every day!

Policy planners and politicians have known about this for decades.

And for years, people have been talking about Social Security reform.

But no one does anything about it.

There is plenty of blame to go

around. Liberals and Democrats deserve their share of the blame because they usually tend to put their heads in the sand and say: “What Social Security problem?”

Conservatives and Republicans deserve praise for being willing to discuss Social Security reform. But then they also deserve their share of the blame because they frequently propose outlandish and totally unworkable solutions to the problem (such as “privatizing” the program).

And the public at large deserves their share of the blame because they say they want reform, but they tend to vote otherwise. As I’ve pointed out many times in this column, if I ran for Congress on a platform of increasing the Social Security retirement age to 68, reducing future cost-of-living increases and raising the amount of income subject to Social Security tax (three viable solutions to Social Security’s long range fiscal problems); my opponent would run attack ads claiming that “a vote for Tom Margenau is a

vote against seniors and working people”), and I would lose the election in a landslide.

And a recent episode illustrates the games politicians (on both sides of the aisle) play when it comes to Social Security.

As I alluded to earlier, Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for frequently refusing to put Social Security on the table. And Republicans should be praised for being willing to discuss “entitlement reform.”

As part of the ongoing budget negotiations between President Obama and the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives, the president bucked the pressure he felt from some members of his own party and proposed a reduction in future costof-living increases for Social Security recipients.

So you’d think that Republicans would have greeted that proposal with open arms. But what happened? Many of them immediately took to the airreform continued on page 10A

The Truth About Reverse Mortgages...

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How Much Equity is Used and How Does a Borrower Take Their Reverse Mortgage Funds?

HUD provides authorized lenders with a Reverse Mortgage Calculator that determines the amount of equity available to a homeowner. The determining factors are the borrower’s age, the home’s value and the current interest rate. From this calcu-

lation, fees are deducted and any existing mortgage balances are paid in full. The amount that remains is available to the homeowner to draw as a lump sum, treat as a line of credit, receive as lifetime monthly tax-free income, or any combination of these three options. Regardless of how the borrower chooses to draw their funds, they will make no monthly payment. Interest accrues only against the funds they draw, and all remaining equity belongs to the borrower or their heirs.

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my day-to-day needs are met. But at 82 years old I would go to bed every night worrying that if my family or I had any urgent needs, I would not have the money I would need. Well, I have only used $3,000 of the $133,000 in my Reverse Mortgage line of credit and I have never slept so well in my life.”

Patricia S. Brookfield, WI

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• 5A

6A • 50plus • July 2013

Congress needs to remember how to make policy

By Lee H. Hamilton I’ve noticed a recurring question as I talk to people about Congress.

What can be done, they wonder, to get Congress back on track? Is our national legislature capable of serious policy making? At a time when polls say that jobs and the economy are Americans’ chief concern, Congress has not passed a single piece of economic legislation. Instead, it’s focused on investigations. It’s an institution with very little to show for its efforts.

There’s a reason for this. Few legislators know how to make it work anymore — respect the legislative process and know it intimately, have mastered the substantive and procedural details and have the political savvy and skill to move a bill to enactment.

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How can Congress improve? A few procedural fixes might help, but the real answer is actually pretty simple: change the way members of Congress work.

First, they need to put in more time legislating on the major challenges facing the country. Only twice this year has Congress been in session for four weeks straight. Its members spend too much of each week at home campaigning and meeting with constituents, and don’t use their limited time in Washington well. Much of it goes to meeting lobbyists, legislating on minor if not trivial matters, making the rounds of receptions and raising funds.

Members have few occasions to get to know one another except in the confrontational settings of committee rooms and the floor of their chamber, and as a result they don’t know how to work together. Just as dispiriting, they know even less about what we sent them there to do: crafting and enacting legislation. It takes skill and perseverance to create meaningful policies that forge common ground among competing interests and ideologies. The time-consuming, difficult work of legislating on complex issues is becoming a lost art.

To begin restoring it, members have to remember that they are a separate, co-equal branch of government.

They’ve allowed Congress to become a reactive body. It takes its cues from the president — either in deference to him or in opposition to him, but always with reference to him. Capitol Hill should be an engine of creative policy-making and inquiry, not the place that dynamic lawmaking withers.

However, if members of Congress continue putting politics ahead of policymaking, many of the bills passed today in one chamber or the other are not even taken up by the other body.

They are posturing, not legislating.

I’m not naive. Politics is always going to be important, but it ought not dominate lawmakers’ actions. They can be politicians at election time, but once they reach Capitol Hill our Constitution expects them to be policy makers and legislators. So do ordinary Americans. The partisan maneuver-

ing, the compulsion to send a message rather than legislate, and the lack of solid accomplishment have driven Americans’ disdain for Congress to record highs.

If lawmakers want to reverse this, they need to re-order their priorities. They’ll rein in their partisan instincts. They’ll spend less time asking for money — often from the people affected by the bills they’re voting on — and more on building friendships and relationships among colleagues, especially of the opposite party, who can help them enact legislation. They’ll ignore trivial bills that give the appearance of action but accomplish little and learn how to do rigorous oversight, with truth-seeking hearings that are fair and balanced.

They’ll master the legislative process, rather than delegating bill-writing and even strategy to staff. They’ll send their polite regrets to the invitations that pour in for receptions, dinners, media appearances and all the other distractions that keep a member of Congress busy, and bear down on the work their constituents sent them to pursue: crafting legislation, debating bills, deliberating with their colleagues and reaching consensus on the serious problems confronting the country.

Here’s the most important part: they don’t need legislation or constitutional amendments or procedural fixes or even years of seniority to start. They just need to go to work and make the Congress and our representative democracy effective at serving the best interests of the country.

Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

At

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Women should navigate the investment path STATE CAPITOL

We are often asked, “What does COMMENT your typical female client like?”

By Mattlook Pommer That is a complicated question, especially since everyone’s situation is unique. However, most of our female clients are savvy women who have recently become responsible for independently managing their family’s finances. They are responsible and astute, but realize they do not have IN THE enough experienceMOVING and confidence RIGHT DIRECTION to make sound financial decisions.

By Bruce Nemovitz Typical financial discussions focused on PE ratios, graphs and investment performance are important, however they are rarely a priority for these investors; rather, they want information that outlines how they will reach their goals and plan for their future.

Interestingly, it really doesn’t AGING matter why they are in charge ISSUESof their

By Tom finances; their concerns are Frazier generally the same: Will I have to change my lifestyle? Will I outlive my money?

Will there be money left for the things that matter to me? Will I need to rely on my family to take care of me?

FinancialPlanning.com states that more than 70 percent ofPLANTING married womTOMORROW’S DREAMS TODAY

By Brad Olson

MONEY SENSE

By Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky

en terminate their financial advisor relationship within one year of their husband’s death. Why would anyone do that? I believe it is because they do not APRON know who Emmato trust or what questions STRINGS to ask. They are looking for an advisor Aunt Emma who listens and focusesByon what is important to them.

Most families have one person leading the financial decisions. However, they have worked hard raising their family, owning a home and building a life together through life’s joys and challenges. Securing a financial future is a partnership, too.

Ninety-five percent of women will be their family’s primary financial decision maker at some point in their lives.

Talking about money can be difficult because men and women approach

designed to engage and build confidence. We are committed to education for families and for women who find themselves in a financial decision making role to gain confidence and feel empowered to make important financial decisions that will affect their future.

Ellenbecker Investment Group, located in Pewaukee, provides comprehensive financial planning services.

EIG has an A+ rating with the BBB and has twice been awarded the Wisconsin BBB Torch Award for Business Ethics and Integrity. Learn more at ellenbecker.com or call 262.691.3200 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Securities and advisory services offered through SII Investments, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC & Registered Investment Advisor. Ellenbecker Investment Group, Inc. & SII Investments are separate companies. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee positive results; loss of principal may still occur.

TRAVEL

SENIOR Answer Man

IT MAKES ME

CRABBY

HERMAN WHITE WRITES

we listen

when your intuition speaks,

money very differently. Our women clients tend to be purpose-driven rather than analytical. Women have sharp intuition when it comes to money; and by 2020, are expected to control $22 trillion in assets.

When it comes to investing, we encourage couples to get involved in the money conversation before a life-changing event occurs. Many of our clients seek our firm to assist in working together to alleviate the fear that one of them will be left unprepared or vulnerable during a difficult transition.

We all know that life is full of expected and unexpected events that create stress and uncertainty. When this happens…we want to be there for you and your family.

Navigating a path to financial security is easier and more rewarding when it’s mapped out. Being prepared is the easy answer, whether you are married or single. We encourage you to assert your vision and values about money and investing, and help you create a safe money strategy. EIG has an ongoing educational series that is

• 7A

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

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SPORTS By Jack Pearson call for a complimentary consultation!

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ellenbecker.com N35 W23877 Highfield Court, Suite 200 | Pewaukee WI 53072 | 262.691.3200 | MoneySenseRadio.com Securities and advisory services offered through SII Investments, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC & Registered Investment Advisor.

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STATE CAPITOL COMMENT

8A • 50plus • July 2013

By Matt Pommer

Urban real estate myths are just that Spanning the years of my experiences with buyers and sellers, I have heard some common misconceptions repeated in every sector of the country. While these statements of “fact� do not hold true, I do understand why they are continually said and the reasons they last the test of time. In most cases, the person saying them would benefit by either taking the easier path or the fear of spending money that cannot be guaranteed to enhance the sale. Here is a list of the most often spoken misconceptions: 1. “That horizontal crack on my basement wall is not a problem! It has been there for years and my basement does not leak.�

That statement is probably the most common to home sellers when getting ready to put their home on the market. Basement issues are the number one problem that will stop a real estate transaction in its tracks!

Basement issues can cost $1,500$30,000 on average to repair if a problem exists so you can see why would - be sellers would rather not deal with this issue. There are two major com-

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz

ponents to the soundness of a basement. One is structural and the other is the drainage system, which is drain tile related. And while these may be two separate issues, both contribute to the proper functioning basement walls and drainage; therefore, AGING it is always ISSUES best to do any repairs necessary relatBy Tom Frazier ing to basement problems before putting your home on the market.

2. “Why should I replace the carpeting? The new buyer will not like the color I choose.�

Yes, it is true that your buyer may not like the color you choose, but a worn unappealing carpetPLANTING will lead to TOMORROW’S a very low offer if any, and will turn DREAMS TODAY off would-be buyers. By For Bradexample, Olson you’ve admired a shiny car every day as you drive by after work. One day

you decide to take action and purchase MONEY SENSE that car once you examine the interior.

By Karen Ellenbecker When the door is opened, you notice & Julie Ellenbecker -LipskyWhat the carpet is old, worn and torn. do you think you would do in that case?

Most would leave as fast as possible.

Although the carpet can be replaced at a relatively low cost, the feeling is that APRON the car, or home, has been neglected.

Emma Another sale is lost. The lesson here is STRINGS Aunt Emma to replace old and worn By carpet, which will give you a great return on your investment as well as an accepted offer.

3. “We can always come down.�

Yes, you can always come down‌ way down! However, while pricing a home too high for the market to “testâ€? the market sounds like a good idea, today’s buyers are smarter and better educated as to values than ever before.

The Internet provides all of the information a new buyer needs to know to tell if your home is over-priced. When a home is priced too high to compete with other similar homes in a similar area, the result is few showings and longer market time. And the longer a home sits on the market, the lower the offers will be (if there are any offers).

A well priced home will sell quicker and closer to the asking price as buyers will not want to wait knowing it is a good value. Don’t over-price your home and listen to the professionals who will research the market for you.

4. “My neighbor said that we are pricing our home too low.�

Think about it. Who has the biggest stake in you getting the highest price other than you, the homeowner?

Your neighbor is concerned about the value of their home. The more you get from a purchaser, the more their home may be worth. Therefore, your neighbors would have an emotional investment also. Once again, listen to the professionals who will establish price based on fact. Location and condition are the leading factors in setting a price for your home in the market place.

5. “I heard properties are way up.�

Yes, that is true‌in Arizona, Florida and other Sunbelt areas. Our area has been much more stable. Wisconsin did not experience the 40-50 percent reductions during the recession.

We are therefore not seeing 20 per-

TRAVEL

SENIOR Answer Man

IT MAKES ME

CRABBY

HERMAN WHITE WRITES ARTS

ENTERTAINMEN Nemovitz continued on page 17A

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July 2013 • 50plus

What is age-related macular degeneration?

What is AMD? Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is an eye disease that affects the macula, a part of the retina. The retina sends light from the eye to the brain, and the macula allows you to see fine detail.

AMD Blurs Central Vision AMD blurs the sharp central vision you need for straight-ahead activities such as reading, sewing, and driving. AMD causes no pain.

How AMD Progresses In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a common eye condition among people age 50 and older. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

There are two forms of age-related macular degeneration -- dry and wet.

If You Have Advanced AMD Once dry AMD reaches the advanced stage, no form of treatment can prevent vision loss. However, treatment can delay and possibly prevent intermediate AMD from progressing to the advanced stage.

The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study found that taking certain vitamins and minerals may reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD. Wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and injections into the eye. None of these treatments is a cure for wet AMD. The disease and loss of vision may progress despite treatment.

Laser Surgery Laser surgery uses a laser to destroy the fragile, leaky blood vessels.

Only a small percentage of people

with wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery. Laser surgery is performed in a doctor’s office or eye clinic.

The risk of new blood vessels developing after laser treatment is high.

Repeated treatments may be necessary. In some cases, vision loss may progress despite repeated treatments.

Photodynamic Therapy With photodynamic therapy, a drug called verteporfin is injected into your arm. It travels throughout the body, including the new blood vessels in your eye. The drug tends to stick to the surface of new blood vessels.

Next, the doctor shines a light into your eye for about 90 seconds. The light activates the drug. The activated drug destroys the new blood vessels and leads to a slower rate of vision decline.

Unlike laser surgery, verteporfin does not destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Because the drug is activated by light, you must avoid exposing your skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for five days after treatment. Photodynamic therapy is relatively painless. It takes about 20 minutes and can be performed in a doctor’s office.

Photodynamic therapy slows the rate of vision loss. It does not stop vision loss or restore vision in eyes already damaged by advanced AMD. Treatment results often are temporary.

You may need to be treated again.

Drug Treatment for Wet AMD Wet AMD can now be treated with new drugs that are injected into the eye (anti-VEGF therapy). Abnormally high levels of a specific growth factor occur in eyes with wet AMD and promote the growth of abnormal new

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blood vessels. This drug treatment blocks the effects of the growth factor.

You will need multiple injections that may be given as often as monthly.

The eye is numbed before each injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor’s office for a while and your eye will be monitored. This drug treatment can help slow down vi-

• 9A

sion loss from AMD and in some cases improve sight.

If You Have Low Vision If you have lost some sight from AMD, don’t be afraid to use your eyes for reading, watching TV, and other routine activities. Normal use of your eyes will not damage your vision further.

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10A • 50plus • July 2013

Macular degeneration questions and answers

This month we asked local eye specialists to answer questions related to macular degeneration.

Q

: I am in my late 50s and my doctor says I have pre-macular degeneration. How often should I have this checked and at what age should I think about being proactive with treatment?

A

: You should be checked annually, and immediately start on a multiple vitamin with Lutein and Zinc. Question answered

by R. R. Flickinger, Jr., M.D. of Medical Eye Associates.

Q

: What is the best new treatment for both wet and dry AMD, and is it true that stem cells are being used?” : At present, there is no cure for dry AMD. Fortunately, this form usually does not cause rapid vision loss, and many patients retain good sight throughout life. Others may need to use low vision aids (handheld and closed circuit TV magnifiers, telescopic devices, talking books, etc.). “If dry AMD is diagnosed, we often recommend vitamin supplements, healthy omega fatty acid

A

reform continued on page 5A waves and their Twitter accounts to blast the President for “trying to balance the budget on the backs of our poor deserving senior citizens.” And that was the same thing many liberal Democrats had said when the president proposed COLA reforms in the first place.

Do you see why Social Security reform can be so maddening and frustrating? Do you see why there is plenty of blame to go around for the

intake, sun protection, and avoidance of smoking, as measures to prevent or slow progression,” notes ophthalmologist Dr. Mark Freedman, a partner at Eye Care Specialists.

Wet AMD tends to cause a rapid and profound loss of sharp central vision, which may result in legal (less than 20/200 vision), but not total, blindness (because some side vision remains). Without treatment, about 70% of wet AMD patients become legally blind within two years.

“If wet AMD is diagnosed, we review the risks, benefits and candidacy for injections of special medications (Avastin, Eyelea or Lucentis). These revolutionary drugs inhibit growth of the abnormal blood vessels that cause wet AMD,” states eye surgeon Dr. Brett Rhode. “Although there are NO guarantees, we have seen remarkable results with injection treatment. In the past, there wasn’t much we could do.

But, with regular injections (about every 4-8 weeks), we are able to stop the progression of wet AMD in 90% of our patients and even have up to 30% gain improvement in vision,” reports eye care specialist Dr. Daniel Ferguson.

As for the use of stem cells to treat AMD, Freedman explains, “The hope is that stem cells can be used to regenerate and restore the layer of cells at the back of the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which provides support, protection and nutrition to the light-sensitive cells of the retina. These transplanted RPE cells would help repair AMD-related damage. We have been excited to watch the encouraging developments that lack of any meaningful changes? Do you see why Democrats should be ashamed of themselves? Do you see why Republicans should be ashamed of themselves? Do you see why the people/voters should be ashamed of themselves?

I guess everyone wants reform, but they want reforms that impact the other guy. They don’t want their Social Security checks reduced or their grandma’s benefits cut, but they wouldn’t mind if that other, less-de-

have occurred in U.S. and European clinical trials, but at this point, stem cell treatment for AMD is still in the research phase. Questions answered

by Dr. Mark Freedman, M.D. and Dr. Daniel Ferguson, M.D. of Eye Care Specialists. : With the new injection treatments for macular degeneration what percentage of vision is it possible to regain? : The injections have the potential to provide often dramatic and rapid improvement in vision loss due to wet macular degeneration, particularly when the changes are caught early on. That’s why it is so important to see your eye doctor right away if you notice your vision has changed. Question Answered by Dr. Hart Moss, M.D. of Ophthalmology Associates, S.C. : My mom has macular degeneration and I am in my 50’s now, what are some of the things we can do to prevent me from getting macular degeneration? : Generally speaking, a person can’t prevent macular degeneration in that it is an aging process which begins with the loss of pigment behind the transparent retina of the eye.

The one risk factor we can control is smoking, which does increase the chances of developing macular degeneration.

The Age Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) demonstrated that high doses of zinc and several vitamins (available over-the-counter as Preservision, I-CAPS, etc.) could reduce

the chances of moderate to severe dry macular degeneration advancing to the more serious wet macular degeneration (new blood vessel growth behind the retina).

A recent study also suggested that dietary Omega-3 fatty acids, the most common nutritional source being fish such as salmon, fresh tuna, and halibut or fish oil capsules, may reduce the chances of dry macular degeneration progressing to the more severe type of dry macular degeneration (geographic atrophy).

Even if a person does develop wet macular degeneration (the type most associated with rapid vision loss), the good news is that we now have an excellent means of treatment which involves eye injections of medications (there are several different medication options available) and active research is underway to improve treatment capabilities.

If you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration, realize that the vast majority of eyes do not progress to the more serious forms. It is very important to follow what we call the Amsler grid which is basically graph paper with a dot in the middle to allow a person to identify changes, namely distortion or waviness of the grid. Any changes on the grid, needs a follow up examination with an eye care specialist. It is also important to have regular dilated eye exams to monitor the progression of macular degeneration.

Question answered by Dr. Frederick H. Reeser, MD., of Retina and Vitreous Consultants of Wisconsin LTD.

serving guy’s benefits are reduced.

And they don’t want their Social Security taxes raised or their children’s taxes raised, but they wouldn’t mind if that other guy’s payroll taxes are raised.

I have written a fact sheet that offers weighted solutions to Social Security’s long-range financial problems. It not only lists proposed reforms, but it tells you how effective those reforms would be. In other words, it spells out how much of

Social Security’s long-range deficit would be wiped out by each reform.

I will email you an electronic copy of this free fact sheet if you send a request to thomas.margenau@comcast. net. (This is the same fact sheet I’ve offered in past columns, so people who have requested it before won’t need to get another one.)

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast.net.

Q

A

Q

A

July 2013 • 50plus

Vets’ assistance The Wisconsin Department of Veterans affairs can assist Wisconsin veterans and/or families obtain federal benefits and services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The local WDVA Claims Office is located at 540 W. National Ave., Room 157, Milwaukee.

For additional information, persons eligible should contact their Vet-

erans’ Service Officer or the WDVA directly. The phone number is (414) 902-5757.

Some areas that veterans may get assistance for include disability compensation, benefits, pension, health care, vocational rehabilitation, education and burial.

killing time continued from page 4A Why is it as we look at the past our happiest times are displayed in our minds as though they are on billboards placed along the road of life?

As for the things we’d like to forget, they often seem sealed away. Thank goodness.

H H H H I heard at a recent funeral that just before so-and-so died, he was the picture of good health. That picture certainly was out of focus.

H H H H Computer users seem to be much better at spotting viruses than medical doctors.

H H H H There is too much use of cell phones by drivers when they are behind the wheel and have a foot on the gas pedal. This practice continues despite the fact that in a recent survey, a majority of people said that use of cell phones while driving was dangerous. Ninety-one percent admitted texting is very dangerous while driving. Why don’t you try to lead by good example?

H H H H Watch for the sales! Do you know anyone who in recent weeks has bought anything at a big department store at the regular price? It almost seems that 15, 20 or even 30 percent off is normal pricing.

H H H H Never argue with an idiot. He/ she may bring you down to their level and defeat your reasoning with their previous experience.

H H H H Eighty-nine senior citizens have been honored as Milwaukee County Hall of Fame members since the program was inaugurated in 1997.

Each of these wonderful persons somehow or other has been distinguished as a volunteer. Helping others is a criterion. When was the last time you went out of your way to help someone else?

H H H H As I close up the computer for another month of rest, may I say that I hope the saddest day of your life in the future will be no less than the happiest one in your past.

H H H H No, I am not pulling the wool over your eyes. There really is a Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival Sept. 5-8 in Jefferson.

H H H H While we lunched recently in Oconomowoc, we watched a man baiting about 30 hooks and showing children how to fish. He must be proof that it is better to teach a person how to fish than to just give one to him.

H H H H A friend, Jerry Nelson, advancing in his 70’s, sky dives to raise funds for the Kidney Society. Tandem or solo, that’s one adrenaline rush most of us could do without. A hot air balloon ride might be more than most of us wish.

REad All The news in

50Plus or Check us out online at mymilwaukeelife.com

• 11A

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Cholesterol figures as key to choice of treatment

BY DR DAVID LIPSCHITZ Lowering cholesterol is highly effective in lowering heart disease and stroke risk. Elevated cholesterol is an important risk factor in the development of heart disease. When measuring cholesterol in the blood, we not only assess total levels of this waxy, fat-like substance but also the low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol and triglycerides.

The most important risk factor for heart disease is having high LDL and low HDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol of greater than 200 and an LDL greater than 130 are the upper limits of “normal.” The best measure of heart disease risk is the ratio of the LDL divided by the HDL. A value greater than 5 is cause for great concern.

In assessing the need for treatment, these measurements are more important than your total cholesterol.

For example, someone with a total cholesterol reading of 240 (that would be considered quite high) but who has an HDL of 100 and an LDL of 110 is considered to be at low risk, and treatment is not warranted.

The first approach to lowering cholesterol is diet and exercise. A diet high in fiber and rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the monounsaturated fats found in olive and canola oil, fish, nuts and certain vegetables can significantly reduce cholesterol levels. Add to this appropriate weight loss and exercise, and risk of vascular disease can be reduced dramatically.

For most people with abnormal cholesterol, diet and exercise alone are inadequate to reach target levels.

For those who have no vascular disease, the target LDL should be less than 100 and the LDL-to-HDL ratio less than 3. For those who have a history of heart disease or stroke, a target LDL should be less than 70, and the ratio should be as low as possible. Unless there is a major contraindication, their initial treatment should include a generic statin (such as pravastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), most of which cost less than $12 for a three-month supply. And recently Lipitor (atorvas-

tatin), the most popular statin, has become available as a generic drug.

Most patients tolerate statins, which means they can take these drugs without damaging side effects, and with dose adjustment, most people are able to achieve their target levels for cholesterol. A survey of 27 studies published in the journal Lancet showed that statin treatment in normal individuals with moderately elevated cholesterol significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The results were so compelling that experts have suggested that everyone over 50 should be treated with the drug. Today in Britain and most of Europe, statins are available over the counter.

In the past few years, much attention has focused on the development of medications to raise the good HDL cholesterol (its levels are not affected by statin treatment). The most promising approach is the use of large doses of Vitamin B-1 or niacin; this raises the HDL cholesterol while simultaneously lowering elevated triglycerides, which also can increase the risk of heart disease. Many people cannot tolerate niacin because it causes intense flushing and burning of the skin. To overcome this, niacin has been combined with laropiprant, an anti-flushing agent.

This “drug” is marketed as Niaspan.

Recently, the results of a large clinical trial that studied the combined effects of Lipitor and Niaspan on reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes was presented at the 2013 meeting of the American College of Cardiology. There was great hope that the combination would be a highly effective strategy at eradicating heart disease as the major cause of death in America. The study examined 25,673 patients, and, sadly, the addition of Niaspan to Lipitor did not reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

And the unacceptably high level of side effects, which included a 25 percent increased risk of diabetes, infections and bleeding, raised grave concern. This study has seriously questioned whether niacin should ever be used.

July 2013 • 50plus

• 13A

The pros know! Training for golf makes a ‘hole’ lot of sense

BY MARILYNN PRESTON Once upon a time, I trained to be a golf injury prevention specialist. It did not make me a better person, but I learned a lot, and it stuck with me.

So on this perfect July day, I want to shout out to all my Dear Readers who golf: It’s not the club. It’s not the ball.

It’s not even the course. It’s you.

If you train for your sport -- even golf! -- you’ll play better. And have more fun. Your drives will go further because you’ve connected to the concept of strength through relaxation.

Your short game will improve as you gain core strength, executing your shots with more muscle control and better balance. You’ll take fewer putts because the ones you do take will be more accurate, coming from a place of greater confidence and deeper focus.

And the smartest reason of all to train for golf is that you won’t hurt as much. You shouldn’t have to swig down two painkillers, and whatever else you’re swigging, to play a round of golf. Targeted training -- done properly, with enthusiasm -- can open your shoulders, strengthen and stabilize your trunk muscles and bring your entire body into the kind of relaxed alignment we see on display whenever we watch the PGA tour players on TV. What you don’t see on TV, sadly, is how much time the pros spend in the mobile gym and rehab truck that follows them around, wherever they play. The days of Fat Jack, Lumpy and

the Walrus are wobbling to an end, reports Jere Longman in The New York Times. The Tiger Woods mentality has taken over: Get and stay in shape.

He was ferocious about his fitness training, and so are most of the pro golfers today. Many are doing 60- to 90-minute workouts, lifting weights, doing cardio on treadmills and ellipticals, consulting with trainers, body workers and -- write this down! -- nutritionists.

Pro, duffer or somewhere in between, there is plenty you can do, way shy of 90 minutes a day, to improve your game, both physical and mental.

Consider the following: REPETITIVE STRESS. Compared to running, soccer and certainly beach volleyball, golf is not an action sport. A collision with another player is also highly unlikely, unless you’re texting and stray off the cart path.

Mostly, it’s a repetitive action sport.

In a typical round, you’ll bend over to pick up balls over 36 times, putt at least 40 times, and swing the club 60 times or more -- much more if you keep an honest count.

Repetitive motions can create muscular strains and pains, and joint problems, too, if your legs, back and shoulders aren’t strong or flexible enough to take the stresses. Alignment and posture are a huge part of it. Study yoga for golfers, or search for a golf-conditioning specialist.

Many golfers think nothing of spending $500 to $1,000 for a new driver.

If you spent that same money on a coach, learning a proper warm-up and other exercises, you’d end up with a much bigger bang for your buck.

PLAY THE MENTAL GAME. If you’re not into the Strength Through Relaxation theory of golf, you’re missing the mind-body boat that sailed in decades ago and helps account for drives that are flying 400 feet and beyond. Mental focus -- staying in the moment, not letting your mind drift to past mistakes or project to the future -- improves your golf swing because it reduces tension. And tension is the enemy of the repeatable swing.

There are mental training techniques you can learn -- including visualization, mindfulness, relaxation and breathing exercises -- if you are

willing. If you’re not willing, then it’s unlikely your game will improve much. That’s OK, too. It all depends on your personal goals.

STAY POSITIVE. Don’t beat yourself up during your round of golf.

The Inner Game is played best when you’re saying positive things to yourself. Examples do not include, “You idiot,” “You fool,” and, “What am I doing here?” Just keep coming back to your no-fault center. Self-deprecation creates tension; humor and gratitude release it.

Time to go. Summer hours have kicked in. The sun is shining, the grass is singing, and I’m dreaming about taking my 7-iron for a very long walk.

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14A • 50plus • July 2013

Senior softball tourney is largest in Wisconsin

By Jack Pearson Forget about baseball. It’s probably better to do so the way the Brewers have been performing. Think softball instead; senior softball, that is.

The Milwaukee Classic Salute to the Troops, now the major senior softball tournament in the entire state, was recently concluded. Again conducted at Wirth Park in Brookfield, the threeday event (May 7 – 10) attracted 29 top quality teams from Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa involving more than 430 players.

Teams competed in five age group divisions, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 and older. Wisconsin teams won three of those five classifications,

Wisconsin offers some of the top senior softball action in America. For example, players from this area often enter national tournaments in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Florida, and these teams win many of them. Also, there are more senior softball teams and players per capita in Wisconsin than in any state in the U.S. This particular tournament started 11 years ago, the event was called simply “The Milwaukee Classic” for most of that time. But then four years ago it became involved with the Wounded Warriors Project, and as a result the tournament was renamed as “The Milwaukee Classic Salute to

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Members of the Milwaukee Seniors softball team who originated the Milwaukee Classic tournament 11 years ago and who continue to put it on every summer. they were: Milwaukee Merchants in the 55-59 group; Handel and Flooring in the 60-64 competition; and Michael’s Restaurant (65) in the 65-69 class. Managers for those three champions were Mark Hurst, Tim Whiting and Gary Blaschke. Other Wisconsin teams in the tourney were the Playmakers, Milwaukee Magic, Mitchells/ Studz, Michael’s Restaurant (70) Milwaukee Seniors and Pro Health Care.

As pointed out in 50 Plus before,

the Troops.” Every year, each team in the tournament donates $100 to the Wounded Warriors organization. Most of the time this money is provided by the team’s sponsors. But some teams do not have sponsors, and, in that case, the donations come directly from the players. In connection with that effort, and as a way of saying thanks, the Wisconsin War Hawks conduct a special “Fly Over” with vintage military planes. This, of course, is always

50 Plus July 2013 4.75 x 7.3 Run Date: July 2013 Deadline: 6-15-13

July 2013 • 50plus

• 15A

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Rose and Thom Mikich at the entrance to Wirth Park in Brookfield where the tournament was held. a highlight of the tournament.

As it is with just about any successful tournament or sporting event, it was originated by the effort of just a few individuals. In 2002, this tournament was started by a local team, The Milwaukee Seniors, and especially

by Thom Mikich and Al DeVillers of the team and Jack Simons and Gary Baehler from other teams. Each year since, those four, aided by members of the Milwaukee Seniors team and many of their wives, put on the tournament. There is really not enough space here to describe all of the work involved in arranging and putting on a major tournament like this, but it is considerable. Immense would be a better word.

In addition to the four named above, the other members of the Milwaukee Seniors involved include: Gil Alaimo, Bob Christensen, Jim Cleary, Jerry Felician, Ed Hurley, Dennis Johnson, Jeff Killian, Fred Kopp, Bob Leskovar, Gerhard Maier, Rolly Nellis, Hal Panetti, Jim Rondorff and Jack Sequin.

“And the wives,” Mikich said.

“Don’t forget the ladies; every year several of them come in, and they are a big help.”

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16A • 50plus • July 2013

Proper eating to the rescue

BY CHARLYN FARGO One of the movements picking up steam is termed “clean eating.” Born out of the ‘60s, it advocates consuming healthful, natural food. Some 50 years later, it’s becoming popular again. The idea is to focus less on processed foods and more on whole foods such as fruits and vegetables. It’s a healthful, sustainable way of eating that doesn’t eliminate food groups and takes us back to the basics.

I find that the concepts within the clean-eating movement overlap USDA dietary recommendations of eating whole, unprocessed foods, eating a varied diet, eating locally grown and seasonal varieties and enjoying food at mealtimes.

Clean eating encourages the consumption of more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats with fewer sugar, high-calorie beverages and saturated fats.

Here are some strategies from Michelle Dudash, registered dietitian and author of “Clean Eating for Busy Families:” 1. Choose foods in their most whole, least-processed state, such as whole chicken breast pieces instead of commercially made chicken nuggets and sprouted 100 percent whole grain bread instead of white bread.

2. Enjoy seasonal produce and seafood whenever possible. Shop the local farmers’ markets.

3. Purchase products made with real ingredients that you can pronounce that aren’t loaded with artificial preservatives.

4. Think ahead to have food you’ve prepared stocked in your refrigerator to avoid buying fast food and vending machine fare -- clean the celery and carrots for easy snacking; grill chicken breasts to have ready for a salad.

5. Enjoy every bite and eat mindfully at the dinner table.

Q and A

Q

: It seems to be so much harder to avoid weight gain as I’ve gotten older. Is it true that metabolism slows down as we age? Is there anything to do about it?

A

: You’re right -- if you eat the same as you did as a young adult, and remain just as active, barring some unusual illness, you will gain weight partly due to slowing metabolism. Research shows we burn fewer calories as we age because of a combination of decreased physical activity, loss of lean muscle tissue and slower metabolic rate.

On average, compared to total calorie needs at age 20, at age 50 you need about 200 fewer calories per day, and at age 65 or 70, about 400 to 500 fewer calories per day. One way to avoid or reduce age-related weight gain is to reduce calorie consumption -- make eating treats a less common event, reduce portion sizes and don’t go back for seconds on anything but vegetables, for example. However, you can get to a point where it’s hard to meet nutrient needs if you aim for a calorie intake that’s too low. The good news is that the reduced amount of calories burned with age can be offset by increasing physical activity. Doing 30 to 60 minutes daily of moderate physical activity -- like brisk walking -- generally burns calories similar to the drop in metabolic rate that occurs. This activity doesn’t need to occur all at once, but it needs to be virtually every day and needs to take you beyond an easy stroll where you could easily sing as you walk. The really terrific news is that even as this activity is helping avoid weight gain, it exerts powerful metabolic effects independent of weight that help to reduce diabetes and cancer risk with each and every walk.

Information courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research.

July 2013 • 50plus

• 17A

Nemovitz continued from page 8A

have sold with a similar assessment in a similar area. Once again, your professional Senior Real Estate Agent can offer an accurate assessment of value based on today’s comparables and factoring in the condition of your home when ready to sell. After all, condition can factor up to 50 percent from a low to high depending on how a property is presented.

7. “I need to get $$$$ because I am moving to Seattle. Have you seen those prices?”

I have nothing more to say about that comment. You already know the answer.

8. “I heard there is no money for buyers. Is that true” No. There is more mortgage money available now than ever before.

Yes, a buyer has to be employed as opposed to pre-recession practices; however, credit is available to buyers with little down (FHA…3.5 percent down)

or conventional buyers with five – 10 percent or 20 percent down. A buyer’s credit score can determine the type of mortgage and the rate, but funding is available to any buyer with acceptable credit, job stability and sufficient income.

9. “I’m selling my home ‘as is.’”

You may want a buyer to accept your home in its current condition, but that doesn’t mean a buyer will accept your home without a home inspection and a right to negotiate or withdraw their offer if the inspection reveals defects. “As is” condition typically means the buyer understands that once the closing has taken place and title changes hands, a buyer cannot come back to the seller and complain about structural or mechanical problems. He or she is accepting the home with the knowledge gained from the home inspection (if they chose to have one). A seller in this case may be an estate or

someone who has not recently lived in the home and cannot make any statements regarding condition. Consult an attorney when selling the home in “as is” condition so that you are protected and understand all ramifications of this type of sale.

There is no substitute for accurate information from professionals who have dedicated their business to informing the consumer and offering the best advice in every real estate situation. Knowing the facts is the way to go when making such an important decision as selling or purchasing a home. Now you know the real story.

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor, who has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for 37 years. Please feel free to call Bruce or Jeanne with any real estate questions you may have at 262-242-6177.

Golden idol continued from page 1A

Meylor, Priscilla Muhammad, Wilson Park Tappers, Marc Powers and the Gospel Golden Girls.

The musical Golden Idol finals were emceed by Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge Valerie A. Hill.

Final competition judges were Vi Hawkins, Sharon Jordan, Julie Leveritt, Maureen A. Slattery and Stephanie Sue Stein.

Audition judges were Robin Adkins, Casper Green, Linda Jackson

Crocoft, Paul Goleuke, Lynn Harvancol and Vida Matthews.

The 2012 winners were The Polkateers, who also performed at this free event.

cent increases this year. In fact, each area of the Greater-Milwaukee area is unique. Some areas are increasing by five percent and some are stagnant.

Other areas are still experiencing high inventory and slightly falling prices.

So the increase or lack thereof in your neighborhood depends on location.

Don’t listen to generic and national reports that do not reflect local market conditions.

6. “My tax bill states that I am paying my taxes based on a value of my home and I expect a buyer to pay the assessed amount on my tax bill.”

Your tax bill establishes value every so many years, depending on the community you live in. Therefore, it is not fluid. Also remember that your assessor does not take condition into account. The most important factor for establishing your home’s value is to compare it to other homes that place winner Oscar Wheeler and third place winner Carole Jackson.

Others area winners who reached this year’s finals via auditions and judging were Annie Carter, Patrick

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18A • 50plus • July 2013

PLANTING TOMORROW’S DREAMS TODAY

By Brad Olson

HERMAN WHITE WRITES

Little dolls equal big bucks for major league baseball teams

By Jack Pearson Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd, Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks…

And don’t forget the Bobbleheads.

It’s simple economics. The primary way that Major League Baseball organizations always filled their stadiums with people was by having exciting, winning teams. Fans back a winner.

That concept still applies, of course, but other ingredients have been added in recent years to entice fans into the ballpark. After all, only half of all the teams can have winning records in any one season, and they have to remain solvent, too. So clubs began to present more things to enjoy than the game alone, such as giant flashing scoreboards, cannons going off with a roar, mascots sliding down chutes, arcade games for the kids, multitudinous varieties of food and drink offerings, great giveaways and prizes, racing sausages, fans in the stands pictured up on the scoreboard screen and more. Tailgating, too, but that was fan initiated. And the most effective of these innovations, and the one that has brought in the most immediate income to the clubs, is the bobblehead doll. In Milwaukee, whenever the Brewers have a Bobblehead Day, it invariably assures a sellout or close to it.

Last season, for example, the Brewers averaged 41,627 for six bobblehead dates. On all of the other 74 games excluding opening day, which is always a full house, the average was only 34,263. That’s a tremendous difference and one that was and is vital to the club’s profit and loss statement, to be sure.

You can’t really put an exact dollar figure on it, as financial figures are not revealed by sports franchises.

But we can make a fair estimate here, which should be close. Figure that the average a fan spends coming out to a game at Miller Park is about $70.

That may seem a bit high for people who don’t go to ball games, but consider that parking is $10 to $15; tickets run from $11 on up to $195; and a couple of beers and two brats

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will run you more than $25. Anyhow, multiply that $70 times the added difference a Bobblehead Day makes, 7,364 more in attendance, and you get $515,488. As far as costs, since the team was ordering them in huge lots of more than 40,000 each time, and they were made quite inexpensively, it was probably less than $3 a bobblehead. But then a large portion or maybe all of those costs were born by the sponsor advertiser of the dolls (the name printed on the bobblehead box). So the costs might have been very small, keeping that overall profit still near five hundred thousand for a single Bobblehead Day. So a half million times six, and that gives a total season income of three million dollars last year, thanks to those little ceramic dolls. That’s a pretty good deal, and was in all likelihood the reason why the Brewers increased the number of Bobblehead Days to 10 for the current season. If the Brewers made around three million for six dates, it stands to reason that this year they should bring in about five million dollars in additional revenue.

Not too many people seem to realize it, but those cute dolls have become a major economic force.

There are other financial elements involving the bobbleheads. In addition to the free ones the Brewers give out to fans on those 10 special days, other models are sold in the Brewers’ Miller Park store and at various stands throughout the stadium during all games. Prices vary, usually from $15 to more than $30. The dolls are also sold on the Internet, and at sporting goods stores all over the area.

The Brewers usually feature ballplayers, current and past, as their bobbleheads, but have also depicted executives, managers, broadcasters and even the Racing Sausages. Last year players featured were Jonathan Lucroy, Yovani Gallardo, Nyjer Morgan

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KILLING TIME with Jim McLoone Sports memorabilia authority Mike Rodell with a portion of his extensive bobblehead collection.

and Aramis Ramirez.

This year, over the first few homestands, the Brewers had two Bobblehead Days, which averaged 37,449.

For all of the other home games, excluding opening day, the average was 29,270. Thus the difference was, 8,178, even more than last year. Overall, the Brewers’ attendance has been lower this year than last. The weather had been cold and wet, which put a damper on tailgating, and the Brewers lost eight of their first ten games, which were two of the main reasons for the decline. This overall drop, however, even more emphasizes the value of the bobblehead program in keeping that dollar average up.

As this issue appears, in early July, six bobblehead dates have already taken place: Norichicka Aoki on April 7; George Scott on April 21; Corey Hart on May 5; Ryan Braun on May 26; Carlos Gomez on June 9 and the Polish Sausage on June 23.

The July 7 doll will be of the famous Hank Aaron; August 4 will be Harvey Kuenn; Sept. 1 will be Gorman Thomas and the Sept. 15 Bobblehead will be Ben Oglivie. If you’re a collector, or if you’re getting them for your children, don’t wait around too long to buy your tickets. Each of those upcoming dates should be a sellout.

All of what has been written here may imply that bobbleheads are a new creation, originated by some bright soul specifically to increase attendance at sporting events. Actually,

The first Milwaukee Brewers’ Bobblehead used for promotional purposes, Geoff Jenkins.

their origin predates the game of baseball.

It was in 1842, six years before Wisconsin became a state, that the first reference was made of such a toy. It was in a short story, “The Overcoat,” by Nikolai Gogol, which de-

July 2013 • 50plus

scribed a bobblehead-like toy that had a head that wagged at the neck. Not long after that, ceramic figures of animals were produced in Germany that had spring-connected heads and were called “nodders,” based on the way the heads nodded and bobbed on their bodies.

In the United States during the 1920s, the New York Knicks basketball team produced a bobblehead doll, but the idea never really caught on at that time. But then in 1960, three of the little guys were made, depicting Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris of the Yankees and Willie Mays of the Giants. These models were made of paper mache, and they all had the same faces but the uniforms were different. They fell apart easily, and few survived. However, the ones that did survive all those years command thousands of dollars today.

Then in 1975, a California company began making plastic bobbleheads. They made one for each major league team, which then used them in many different ways. The one for the Brewers was a Hank Aaron doll.

Although few have survived, for some reason their value to collectors has not risen anywhere near the 1960 dolls. According to local memorabilia authority Mike Rodell, models of the ’75 Aaron bobblehead can be purchased for as little as $50. It’s also somewhat incongruous that the very first Milwaukee Brewers’ bobblehead ever made did not depict stars such as Robin Yount, Paul Molitor or Gorman Thomas, who were with the teams for many season, but of Hank Aaron, who was with them for only two. He was with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves for a total of 21 seasons.

But the California company gave up on the idea, and the whole concept died out again. More than two decades later, on May 9, 1999, San Francisco presented another Willie Mays bobblehead. This one was also made out of ceramic materials and didn’t disintegrate, as did the paper mache models.

In any case, the success of the Willie Mays promotion out in San Francisco ushered in a whole new era of bobblehead madness. Baseball teams throughout the United States began to offer the bobblehead doll as a promotional item for their fans.

Some bobbleheads depict as many as three figures, such as this one called “The Slide” from the 1992 National League championship series.

Bobbleheads such as these mean millions of dollars to Major League franchises.

Bobbleheads soon became the most popular and eagerly sold items in the early days of eBay. In Milwaukee, the Brewers began their bobblehead promotions in 2001. The first of the dolls made were given away to fans attending the Brewers-Kansas City Royals game on Sunday, June 17, and depicted Geoff Jenkins.

It was a lovely season; do you remember it? You should, as it was the first year for the Brewers in their brand new, one of a kind in the whole country Miller Park Stadium. You might still recall at the time the team’s president and CEO was Wendy Selig-Prieb, the manager was Davey Lopes, and one of the coaches was Hall of Fame second baseman Rod Carew. Its’ only been a dozen years, but how many of the players can you name? The top pitchers were rookie

Ben Sheets, Jamey Wright and Jimmie Haynes; the catcher was Henry Blanco; infielders were Richie Sexson, Mark Loretta, José Hernandez and Ron Belliard; and the outfielders were Geoff Jenkins, Marquis Grissom and Jeromy Burnitz.

There are fans who saved that first Jenkins doll, and the 60 or so different ones given away since. One gentleman who has just about all of them all lined up behind glass in a cabinet in his rec room is the aforementioned Mike Rodell, who provided the dolls pictured with this column. Some of the early dolls have gone up slightly in value, to the $30-$50 range, Rodell said, but not to the ridiculous figures you see on some of those television antique shows. “Value is based largely on the quantity of an item that is still in existence,” he said. “And since the Brewers distributed thirty to forty thousand of each of those bobble-

• 19A

heads, and many if not most are still around, you can still buy one online or in some memorabilia stores or at our shows for very reasonable prices.”

The shows Rodell speaks of are his sports collectible fairs held in Gonzaga Hall behind St. Aloysius Church on 92nd and Greenfield in West Allis every month. Upcoming shows are July 14 and August 11, both Sundays, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Even if you’re not in market to buy anything, they’re fun and interesting.

Incidentally, there are “mini” bobblehead dolls, too, and even “nesting” bobbleheads. You can probably find some of each at Rodell’s shows.

Rodell also suggested that if you are planning to someday sell whatever bobbleheads you have, do not take them out of their boxes. Dolls within their original boxes command much more than those taken out and which have gathered dust.

Many fans not familiar with bobbleheads assume all of the dolls are somewhat similar; a stocky little player standing there with that big, bobbling head, and the only differences being the team number on the body and the player’s name on the base. In reality, they are all different to some degree. For example, one of the Rick Weeks dolls has him sliding into a base, one arm and one leg raised high. Another doll is actually of three players, a base runner sliding into a base, a fielder about to put a tag on him and an umpire behind them ready to call the play. Some also have specific characteristics, such as the Derrick Turnbow doll, that has actual hair flowing out from under the hat. In any case, they make for an interesting and colorful display in any rec room and also in many business offices.

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20A • 50plus • July 2013

EDITORIALS Summer travel tips: How to save STATE CAPITOL your skin while catching rays COMMENT

I’m 55+. What do I do now?

By Matt Pommer

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Attend a First Impressions information session in Milwaukee or Waukesha.

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PLANTING TOMORROW’S DREAMS TODAY

By Brad Olson

HERITAGE LAKE

One of the most enjoyable things about a summer vacation is being able to spend time outdoors, reading by the lake, boating, water skiing or walking MONEY SENSE along the beach. However, all that sun

By Karen Ellenbecker Ellenbecker can be damaging to& Julie your skin, and -Lipsky those of us over 50 are especially vulnerable. Do you have to forgo all those outdoor activities? Not if you follow a few simple steps: APRON Avoid Emmapeak sun hours. The STRINGS sun’s rays are the most intense beBy Aunt Emma Answer Man tween the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Avoiding being outside during those hours will help protect your skin from the strongest sun rays. Besides, the beach is less crowded in the early morning and late afternoon.

Bring the right gear. For maximum protection from UV rays, make sure that you wear a widebrimmed hat and sun glasses that are designed to filter UV rays. (Not all sunglasses, especially the less expensive ones, will do this.)

Lather up. Choosing the proper suntan lotion is also critical. Look for Make sure to read your prescription lasun skin protections with SPF ratings bels before you venture out in the sun. of at least 15. This number means that Keeping your skin healthy on vayou can stay in the sun 15 times longer cation isn’t impossible. It just takes a without burning than if you wore no little care. So, enjoy your time away sunscreen. from home and all of the outdoor acWatch your medications. tivities that go along with it. Just be Some medicines make your skin in- careful. creasingly sensitive to the sun’s rays.

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• 21A

Volcano vacations: The best volcanoes to visit in Hawaii

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a visit to at least one of this island chain’s volcanoes. These belching summits are represented repeatedly in Hawaiian culture and life.

There are black sand beaches, lava rock crafts and, of course, Pele the capricious god of the volcanoes. Below are just a few of Hawaii’s most accessible volcanoes.

Kilauea. Kilauea is one of five volcanoes that make up the island of Hawaii and is the centerpiece of Hawaii’s Volcanoes National Park. One of the most active volcanoes on the planet, Kilauea has erupted 35 times since 1952. The park offers several (safe) viewing areas as well as the Kilauea Visitors Center, which features changing exhibits about the volcano and the animals and plants of the area. Intrepid visitors can hike near the lava flows in the park.

Mauna Loa. Located on the south-central portion of the island of Hawaii, Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on earth. Though still active, this volcano hasn’t erupted since 1984 and its activity is much less dramatic and

toxic than that of Kilauea. Mauna Loa provides a dramatic backdrop to most of the southern landscape on the island of Hawaii. Enthusiasts can schedule a tour at the Mauna Loa Observatory, which sits near the summit of the volcano.

Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea, located on the north side of the island of Hawaii, is the highest point in the Hawaiian Islands, with an elevation of 33,500 feet. Still considered active, Mauna Kea hasn’t erupted for more than 4,600 years. Visitors can enjoy the uncrowded beaches at the foot of the mountain, along the Hamakua coast, as well as hike the Mauna Kea Trail, which begins at the Ellison Onizuka Visitor Center and travels six miles on a gently sloping dirt road to the summit.

Mount Haleakala. One of the most popular activities on the island of Maui is to view the sunrise from atop the 10,230-foot Mount Haleakala.

You can also rent a bicycle and glide down the slope, almost to the sea, a breathtakingly beautiful ride. There is a visitors’ center and trails of varying

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difficulty within the 33,265-acre Haleakala National Park.

Everyone who visits Hawaii should visit at least one volcano during their stay. Make sure you include one

or more of these imposing beauties on your itinerary.

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22A • 50plus • July 2013

We Saw You At . . . The 25th Annual Mai Fest Celebration

By Margaret Pearson The 25th Annual Mai Fest Celebration in Germantown celebrated the music, the dancing and the costumes of Germany, but the happy and entertained audience was made up of various international cultures.

Providing the music was the popular Die Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band and the Kenny Brandt Band; dancing was by the SVEV D’Oberlander Dancers, the Pommersche Tanzdell Freistadt Dancers and the Danube Cultural Society Children’s’ Dance Group. Other entertainment was by The Toys, Johnny Hoffman and Carol & the Keynotes. During the three-day (May 17-19) event, activities included a sheepshead tournament. Some of the attendees are pictured herewith.

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The Danube Cultural Society Children’s Dance Group.

Opening ceremonies and the Legion Post I Color Guard.

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Wade Whitman of Germantown, with Phyllis and Gerald Sutton of Milwaukee.

July 2013 • 50plus

• 23A

We saw you at ... Seniorfest 2013

By Margaret Pearson Again conducted in the spacious halls of the American Serb Hall in Milwaukee, Seniorfest was, as it has always been, one of the best-attended and enjoyed events for seniors in the entire area. It was its 30th annual production, and was again put on by the Milwaukee Recreation Division of the Milwaukee Public Schools System. Major sponsors included: 50 Plus News Magazine, Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino, Humana and Golden Idol.

There were more than 75 exhibitors. A few of the faces seen there were: Anthony Johnson of Milwaukee stopped at the Senior Olympics display, where Mary Blandino was in charge.

Linda Garner (right) of Milwaukee was one of the many who stopped at the AARP booth. Those were Pat Miller and Susan Funck with the red AARP T-shirts.

Steven Peckham of Greenfield with Randy King and Dave Spooner of the Cherry Creek Mortgage Company.

Just about everyone enjoyed the free popcorn at the Humana booth, including these two, Barbara Rutkowski of Greenfield and Patrick Purdy of Greendale.

At the St. Ann’s booth, Sister Simon Grosicka with visitor Janice Turay of Greenfield.

Dorothy Jamezak and Lyn Harvancik of the Milwaukee Polka Boosters Club, with the Milwaukee Recreation Department Band in the background.

SECTION B • July 2013

Golf’s Frank Tenfel

A truly amazing man with a life to match

STATE CAPITOL COMMENT

By Matt Pommer

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz

Emma

AGING ISSUES

IT MA

By Tom Frazier

PLANTING TOMORROW’S DREAMS TODAY

By Brad Olson

By Jack Pearson Frank Tenfel of West Bend is an amazing fellow in a number of ways. As a golfer, the 87-year-old Tenfel has won more tournaments in Wisconsin (amateur, he was never a pro) than anyone other than Archie Dadian and Mark Bemowski, yet he has never been elected to the Wisconsin State Golf Hall of Fame.

He was a Marine during World War II, a veteran of numerous battles including the invasion of Iwo Jima, yet he was only 16 years old when he went into the service. When he enlisted he somehow convinced the recruiters that he was 18. And then, most incredible of all, in that Iwo Jima fight, during a Japanese counterattack, he was dug into a foxhole with a couple of his fellow Marines when a Japanese hand grenade flew into their dugout. Another grenade had just demolished a foxhole near them. “I watched it hit the ground and roll to within a couple of feet of me,” Frank recalled. “I didn’t even try to move; I knew it was too late. I thought I’d be dead in the next second or two.” If that had happened, all those tournaments he was destined to win years later would have been won by someone else. But the grenade didn’t explode; it was miraculously a dud. Frank still has the

grenade, defused of course. It sits in a cabinet surrounded by the six Wisconsin Senior Golf Championship trophies he later won.

As he and I were talking recently, he opened the cabinet and handed the grenade to me. I actually flinched. Seventy years later, even old and rusty, it’s still a frightening, wicked looking explosive device. How Frank must have felt, as it rolled towards him, is impossible to imagine.

As he continued about his time in the Marines, he said, “Actually I enlisted in the Navy, but in WWII the Marines were a part of the Navy, and that’s where they stuck me.”

As noted, despite all of his truly tremendous golfing achievements, Frank has never been named to the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame. The reasons seem hard to understand.

Supposedly, during his playing days, Frank was known to be argumentative and contentious on occasion, and rubbed many people in the wrong way. And many of them haven’t forgotten. If the same sort of petty logic had existed years ago with the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, immortals such as Ty Cob and Ted Williams would never have been elected either, and wouldn’t that be ridiculous?

HERM

ARTS

Gene Haas, ExSPORTS ecutive Director of the WRIG the Wisconsin State SIDE Golf Association and a longtime booster KILLING T of Frank’s induction into the Hall, said that during his career, especially in his senior days, Frank’s record This is Frank Tenfel during his playing days about 40 years ago. Would you say there’s a resemblance to was as good or better than many who are Arnold Palmer? now in the Hall. He went against all of them, and nevwoods, and began whacking old er considered himself an underdog balls I’d also found. I never had any with anyone. For example, Haas lessons, so it’s surprising I amountsaid, in three match play events ed to anything.” He also began putwhen he was up against former U.S. ting cross-handed, which, of course, Open Champion Andy North, Frank was unconventional. No matter: he won two of them. was a natural. Within two years, at Frank lived in Waterford as a age 14, he won his first tournament. child. He was born in nearby BurHe then joined the club and became lington, as that’s where the nearest a member, and was on his way. Over hospital was, and where nearly eva 14-year period, he amazingly won eryone from Waterford was born.

12 Rivermoor Club Championships, He was very active as a young eight in a row. lad, and was only 10 when he got After meeting his wife to be, a job caddying at nearby Waterford Pat, they married and lived in MilHills Golf Course. The place latwaukee for several years before er changed its name to Rivermoor, moving to West Bend and joining which it still is today. the West Bend Country Club. The A couple of years later, at age competition there was greater but 12, he began playing golf. “Well, Frank still managed to get into the not really,” he said. “I had an old club championship finals four times, wooden shaft club I found in the Tenfel continued on page 2B

By Jack Pearson

By Eni

2B • 50plus • July 2013

Tenfel continued from page 1B

finishing second each time. (The man who beat him each time was Randy Warobick, one of Wisconsin’s top golfers.)

Frank has won the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Tournament eight straight times. He was the USGA low qualifier for the United States Golf Association Senior Amateur Championship in Houston, Texas in 1989, the only time a Wisconsin golfer has ever done that well.

This is most impressive; he was a six-time champion of the Wisconsin Senior Amateur Tournament and runner-up twice. He won four of the first five events, from ’82 through ’85, then again in ’87 and ’90. Keep in mind that there were some great golfers playing in the tournaments then, including some of the best golfers ever to compete in Wisconsin, names such as Archie Dadian, Gary Menzel, Dick Sucher and Herb Ruehl. Winning just once against

A caricature of Frank Tenfel by former WSGA Executive Director and artist supreme Gene Haas. competition of that quality would have been considered great; Frank did it six times and nearly twice more.

He was named Wisconsin Senior Player of the Year four times, an unprecedented feat. He won the senior championship of the renowned Milwaukee Country Club Invitational three times. He was the low amateur and runner-up in the State Open in 1976. He was a champion of the Governor’s Cup in 1975 and was runner-up four times. He also won the prestigious Ray Fischer 72-hole medal play Tournament in Madison in 1969.

The list goes on and on. There’s just not enough room here to record everything. Only a portion of all those championships and achievements should have been enough to qualify him for a golfing hall of fame

anywhere, but not in Wisconsin.

Frank and his lovely wife, Pat, took me on a tour of their West Bend home. As you might imagine, there are golfing trophies and medals Frank won over the years everywhere. I remarked about that to Pat. “Oh, you’re only seeing part of them,” she said. “We have boxes full of them in closets and all over the place.”

We walked into the garage, where there was a huge seven-foot photo blowup of Frank in his younger years, blasting out of a sand trap (I know, they call them bunkers today, but I’m of the old school, too). In the photo, Frank looks almost like a young Arnold Palmer with the same beautiful swing, even the same facial expression. It’s reproduced here so you can see what I mean.

One final note about Frank’s golf game, despite that beautiful swing and all the many championships he’s won, almost from the beginning, he’s putted cross-handed.

Not only cross-handed, but with his left hand far down on the club, and his right hand a full foot above it.

“It’s truly amazing,” Haas said.

“I don’t recall ever seeing a top quality golfer with a putting grip like that. It seems awkward, but Frank made it work. He really did. Some-

Frank and Pat Tenfel in their West Bend home. Now 87, Frank has given up the game, but at one time he was one of the best golfers in Wisconsin.

thing else, I think it sort of psyched his opponents, too. They’d watch the way he putted and think, ‘this guy is putting like a rube, and he’s beating the crap out of me. What’s going on?’”

Nearing 90, Frank says his golfing days are over. Last summer he managed nine holes a few times, but this year he hasn’t played at all, and doesn’t plan to again.

“I’ve got a bad back,” he said.

“And a bad neck.” Then he gave me a look. “And bad legs. It’s hell getting old,” and he chuckled. “But you know the saying, “It sure beats the alternative.”

A few other items: Frank and Pat have a daughter, Kelly, and three grandchildren, boys Kyle and Carson, and a girl, Kenlyn. Several years ago, Frank and Pat moved to Florida, but after a few seasons returned here. Apparently they missed our beautiful winters. After returning, Frank left West Bend CC and joined the Bog CC, and has been a member for eight years. Although he doesn’t plan to play anymore, he is often out on the course, enjoying the view. “I can’t think of a better place to be,” he said.

• 3B

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6B • 50plus • July 2013

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Judge Valarie A. Hill, Master of Ceremonies.

Priscilla Muhammad from Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center.

Patrick Meylor, from the Hart Park Senior Center

July 2013 • 50plus

• 7B

Oscar Wheeler has a talent to go with his size, big!

2012 winners: The Polkateers

Annie Carter from Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center.

Peggy Romo West, from the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors 12th District, 1st Vice Chair.

Seniorfest 2013

Gospel Golden Girls from Project Focal Point.

8B •

PLANTING TOMORROW’S TODAY 50plus •DREAMS July 2013

By Brad Olson

Looking for a good read?

HERMAN WHITE WRITES ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

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By Jack Pearson

Title 19 & Pre-Arrangements

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July 3 Badgerland Water Ski Show Frame Park, Waukesha Weekly event starting at 7 p.m. through Labor Day. Bring a lawn

By Enis Wright chair or blanket and enjoy this family fun.

July 4 Civic Band Concert Cutler Park, Historic Downtown Waukesha Weekly music series with each concert featuring selections from famous Broadway musicals, a guestMcLoone soloist, marches and conwith Jim temporary band arrangements July 3 Waterfront Wednesday Concert and a stirring closing composition.

Series Visit ci.waukesha.wi.us or call Lakefront Park, Pewaukee 262-524-3737 for more informaWeekly event, free music series tion. held (weather permitting) July 4 Have a safe and fun 4th of July celebration!

the WRIGHT SIDE of

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July 9 PBS documentary Age of Champions Telling the story of five competitors up to 100 years old who sprint, leap, and swim for gold at the National Senior Olympics.

Check your local listing for this event.

July 11 – 14 Bastille Days Cathedral Square Park

Enjoy this French-themed celebration, with food, entertainment and much more!

July 12 – 13 Delafield Block Party Downtown Delafield Sponsored by the Delafield Area Chamber of Commerce, the party begins at 5 p.m. through midnight on both days with a showcase of area restaurants, beverage tents and entertainment. For details, visit www.visitdelafield.org or call 262-646-8100.

July 13 Annual Lake Country Art Festival Naga-waukee Park, 651 State Road 83, Hartland The festival features 150 juried exhibitors offering paintings, jewelry, entertainment, food and much more. From 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., parking $5/car.

July 14 Cedarburg Maxwell Street Days Firemen’s Park, W65 N796 Washington Ave., Cedarburg Event is open to the public from 6 a.m. – 3 p.m., free, parking north of the grounds $4.

HERMAN WHITE WRITES July 2013 • 50plus

Y

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

calendar

the WRIGHT SIDE of

REad All The news in

Pick Up an issue today!

KILLING TIME

July 20 2nd Annual Delafield Pink Heals Tour Downtown Delafield Pink fire trucks, activities and much more from noon through 10 p.m.

July 20 - 21 Maxwell Street Days Field Park, Mukwonago Annual flea market with hundreds of vendors selling antiques, furniture, collectibles, fresh produce, clothing, accessories and so much more; food and refreshments available. Visit the website at maxwellstreetdays.net or call 262-3631501 for more information.

July 26 – 27 Taste of Lake Country & Fine Arts Festival Lakefront Park, Pewaukee Celebrating the food, music and art in Lake Country; sample the best of the area in one place with local restaurants selling signature food items, local musicians rocking out and local artists displaying their work. Visit positivelypewaukee.com or call 262695-9735.

July 27 Brady St. Festival Brady Street will be rockin’ the night and day away with 3 stages packed with live entertainment, vendors, food, crafters and much more, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

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Ongoing events July 5, 12, 19 and 26 Starry Nights Gerlach Outdoor Theater, Mitchell Park, 19805 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield Free outdoor concerts at 6:30 p.m., pack your blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy! For details, call 262-781-9470.

Four of Milwaukee’s most popular cultural destinations offer free admission on specific days throughout the year.Visit the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (i.e. the Domes), the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Milwaukee County Zoo for free! Tip: remember to bring valid identification noting Milwaukee County residency when you visit the Domes and the Milwaukee Public Museum, and also the Zoo on holidays, as county residency is a requirement of free admission.

Future Events August 1 – 11 Wisconsin State Fair Save 50% now through June 30 on State Fair deals, visit wistatefair. com. Buy $5 State Fair admission at all Wisconsin Bank Mutual Bank Offices, participating Wisconsin Sentry Food (vouchers right at check out), WIStateFair. com (service fee applies) or at Fair Ticket Office, 7722 W. Greenfield Ave.

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• 9B

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10B • 50plus • July 2013

By Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky

‘Fore!’ comes easily after five beers MOVING IN THE

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Just yesterday, hubby Henry RIGHT DIRECTION walked (practicallyBy Bruce sailed) through Nemovitz the doorway and yelled “Fore!” I answered, “Five!” He asked what I meant and I told him seeing him come through that doorway and hearing him beller “Fore” told me that he may not have enjoyed all of the 18 holes on the golf course at the annual Machinists’ AGINGhim at Golf Tourney, but I was taking his word. “Fore” is meantISSUES in golf as a

By Tom Frazier warning word for those ahead of you or in an adjoining fairway to head for cover because here comes an errant shot.

I didn’t really intend to take the wind out of his high flying five iron or whatever. In fact, I had to giggle as he sat down to tell PLANTING me about the TOMORROW’S way he sunk three different putts on DREAMS TODAY Brad Olsonone his fourth try and howByhe called of the fellows in his foursome for cheating and an argument ensued (that golfing brings out the worst in some people) as he noticed him using a “foot wedge” to get his ball back on the fairway from some high grass.

Another time, Henry said, the same SPORTS guy hit a Nike golf ball into the woods Jack itPearson and, after claiming toByfind in a hittable position, was seen on that next shot blasting away at a Titleist.

Well, I guess that’s enough about Henry and his golfing outing. I’m sure glad that he’d rather play pool at the club than golf regularly. I still don’t know why it was so funny to Henry that the guy leading the scoring hit a ball into the sand trap and then blasted it, as Henry says, from there into the water to end up finishing third.

Henry had to admit to me that he finished 17th among the 36 men playing. But this is enough about this, probably too much!

Now we will get to the really July stuff. Where’s that apron?

At coffee this morning at Gertie’s, we talked about types of things. And believe me, we as a group are certainly not of one opinion. I may have mentioned that we call Gizelle way left of center politically. She is simply a bit different politically. This does not mean that we can’t be friends. We have freedom to think as we want and as we age, sometimes these freedoms we enjoy get quite deeply entrenched

Emma

SEN

APRON STRINGS

Answ

By Aunt Emma

in our minds. I, for one, like to have friends. I believe good friends are like old quilts; they never lose their warmth.

Henry, philosophizing, says that you should never forget what you deem as important. He also says that some things, hopefully never too important, are best if they are forgotten.

He also told me recently that he has earned over all his years of being right that he can be wrong occasionally.

How about that?

The homemade doughnuts that Gertie served this morning with the coffee were really to shout about, not quite to die for. Anyway, Gertie drizzled them with chocolate and after it set, she placed a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the doughnut holes. Yummy!

But each of us only got one. The ice cream kind of ran out of the middle, as the doughnuts still were a bit warm.

Henry will be home soon. I’m certain he won’t be short on words.

He told me this morning that when I

By Enis Wright go to these coffee parties that I should say what I mean and mean what I say.

He says by doing this, my conscience won’t nag at me. He knows that every once in a while, I have to soft pedal my thoughts when I place them into words.

What Henry and I both believe is that we must live charitably. By doing this, we know that the blessings we receive from our giving have come back to us in many different ways. Many that we don’t even really realize.

With a few more years of education, I do believe my Henry could have been a real genius, or is that an inherent characteristic? More than once, he’s told me that I should do as he does, think with my mind and let my hands do the work.

I do believe I have rambled on enough today and have touched more bases than Rickie Weeks does in a week of play.

Emma continued on page 11B

IT MAKES ME

HERMAN WH ARTS

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July 2013 • 50plus

• 11B

George Liberatore named the 2013 Sterling Awards Platinum Award recipient, event slated August 27th The 2013 Sterling Awards Committee of Interfaith Older Adult Programs, Inc., is honored to announce George Liberatore as this year’s Platinum Award recipient. Liberatore and other older adult workers over 60 will be honored at the Sterling Awards annual recognition luncheon in August.

After more than a decade as a television producer and manager with three Milwaukee TV stations (WITI-TV6, WVTV-TV18, WMVS-TV10/36), Liberatore founded Midland Video Productions (MVP) in 1980 with colleague Neil Jaehnert.

Liberatore has written, produced, and directed hundreds of programs from live broadcasts and documentaries, to business and corporate presentations for MVP’s clients.

In addition to being president and co-founder of MVP, Liberatore is a committed volunteer and active in numerous community organizations.

He serves on several boards of directors including: the Arthritis Foundation; Chairman, Regional board of directors; board member - National Board of Directors; Rotary Club of Milwaukee board member; Village Adult Services past board member; and Germantown Youth Futures Past Board Member.

Liberatore has received many community service awards throughout the years. He is the recipient of the MACC Fund’s 2003 Joseph Sileno Sr. Commitment Award, The Vince Lombardi Charitable Fund’s 2009 Green Bay Packers Community Quarterback Award, the Arthritis Foundation of Wisconsin’s 2010 Outstanding Leadership and Commitment Award.

Emma continued from page 10B I know the Fourth of July with activities all the previous weekend is coming up. We always try to go out to Stone Bank in Waukesha County if Henry isn’t asked to carry the flag or a gun in the local parade.

Check this one out by calling Kuhtz’ Tap out there in Stone Bank for details. The local Lions kind of compete with Kuhtz over the week-

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Church and Chapel The Sterling Awards honor workers 60 and older who make outstanding contributions in the workplace and community, in addition to recognizing employers who provide a friendly and welcoming environment to older workers.

“Older workers bring wisdom and are vital to today’s workforce and community,” said Lynn Friedman, chair of the Sterling Awards Committee. “We are honored to be able to recognize their accomplishments.”

Nominations for this year’s awards are currently underway. The deadline to nominate an older worker or employer is August 9, 2013. The process is easy and quick. Visit Interfaithmilw.org and click on the Sterling Awards nomination button.

The categories are: award continued on page 12B end with a beer tent to help pay the expenses of the big parade. If you go, stop by Butch’s parking lot right in the heart of the community of 50 to 70 people. I suspect they will have a bratwurst stand. I guess it is a “stand” as there’s no place to sit unless you bring your own chair or go inside.

Anyway, have a happy Fourth!

Bye now!

FUNERAL SERVICE

Non-Sectarian Ritter, Larsen Bros., Skubal-Slattery, Koelsch, Ryczek, Rudolph, Bistricky-Irsch-Grosse-Abe, Leszczynski

414-476-0052

262-827-0659

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • Church and Chapel Funeral Services provides dignified funeral services in your church, cemetery chapel, our funeral home chapels, or the chapel of your choosing with savings of more than $2,000 are common.

• For example, we provide the service in your church, or beautiful cemetery chapels are available when final disposition is made there.

• We make personal service arrangements in the comfort and privacy of your home, church, our arrangement office, or any of our funeral home locations.

FUNERAL HOME LOCATIONS Brookfield

Ritter-Larsen Chapel 1875 N. Calhoun Rd.

Waukesha/Pewaukee

Rudolph, Larsen Bros. Chapel Bluemound Rd. at Hwy. J 4 Blocks South of I-94

• We display monuments, caskets, vaults, and urns making Church and Chapel your one stop planning center.

• Pre-planning Centers are open Monday through Saturday or by appointment. Stop by and browse at your leisure and receive free no-obligation information. Should you wish, we can meet in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

• Dignified Services with less expensive fees compared to other fine funeral homes.

• All cremation service options are available utilizing on-site crematory.

PRE-PLANNING CENTERS • 92nd & Bluemound • Bluemound Rd @ Hwy J With Church and Chapel Funeral Service...

Savings of $2,000 are common

South

Ryczek Chapel 1910 W. Becher St.

New Berlin

Ritter, Larsen Bros. Chapel 15250 W. National Ave.

Northwest

Bistricky-Irsch-Grosse Chapel 6709 W. Capitol Dr.

Cudahy

Ryczek , Larsen Bros. Chapel 3774 E. Underwood Ave.

West Allis

Skubal-Slattery-Koelsch, Larsen Bros. Chapel 7626 W. Greenfield Ave.

-Gordon Hinkley

www.churchandchapel.com Gordon Hinkley is the spokesperson for Church & Chapel and is not a funeral director.

12B • 50plus • July 2013 award continued from page 11B Ben Beck Oldest Worker Award: Recognizes the oldest worker in an organization.

Loyalty Award: Recognizes a part-time or full-time worker who has a long tenure in their organization and is a role model to others. This employee’s loyalty and dedication are an inspiration for employees throughout the organization.

Myth Buster Award: Recognizes a part-time or full-time worker who embraces new skills, takes on new challenges, and breaks older worker stereotypes in the workplace.

Personal Reinvention: Recognizes a part-time or full-time worker who has come back to the workforce after retirement and has re-invented himself or herself in a different capacity or position.

Spirit of Work Award: Recognizes a part-time or full-time worker who embraces and engages peers and staff in the course of their work. This person gives without being asked, has passion for all they do and strives to create a work environment that is enjoyable, stimulating and productive.

Full Plate Award: Recognizes a full-time worker who embraces ex-

cellence in all parts of his or her life and brings a passion for community service to the organization that is evidenced by their tireless volunteer efforts.

Employer Awards: Recognizes employers who value the contributions made by older workers. These employers fully utilize the knowledge and wisdom that older workers bring to their position and the organization and value the mentoring of younger workers by older workers. These employers also empower older workers by offering benefits such as flexible scheduling and work alternatives.

Large Employer Award: (250 and more employees) Medium Employer Award: (100249 employees) Small Employer Award: (99 or fewer employees) The recognition luncheon event will be held August 27 at 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Clarion Hotel & Conference, 5311 S. Howell Avenue.

For more information visit www. interfaithmilw.org or email sterlingawards@interfaithmilw.org or call (414) 291-7500 and ask for Lynn Friedman.

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