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VOL. 31 NO. 3

Phase Two of Your Life

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

Another Season for the Boys of

N

BY JACK PEARSON

ot too long ago, the noted sports writer Roger Kahn wrote a book called “The Boys of Summer.” It was about the game of baseball and the joys of playing the game and the thrills of competition, but also about what its players do with their lives as they age. It was a great book and became a nationwide bestseller.

Well, we have our own Boys of Summer right here, primarily in senior softball leagues, but also in senior baseball.

Our players are not former Major League superstars, as were Kahn’s. Some of them, however, were pretty good high school and college players, but many of them didn’t even play either game until they had reached retirement age, or at least close to it. They don’t play now before huge crowds in vast stadiums either, although sometimes their wives or children or even grandchildren or their dogs come out to cheer for them. They don’t play for fame or money either, but rather simply for the love of the game. Pardon the pun,

Summer

BOYS OF SUMMER continued on page 30

March 2017

INSIDE....

A Diverse Experience Found St. Rose School See Page 33

The Best for Rehab and Memory Care See Pages 17-20

ART BY GENE HAAS

Your Never to Old to Play Softball

See Page 28

TRUMPCARE: Will it be an affordable act?

AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier

If you and I had to design a new health care system for the U.S. while being told that it was politically impossible to propose a single-payer plan (like Medicare), you might do something like this: First, we already have Medicare for older people so we don’t need to change that. Second, we already have Medicaid for poor people so maybe we should increase the eligi-

bility to include more people and expand it in every state. Third, we could then have private insurance companies (also, our existing system) cover everyone else with government subsidies to help those still unable to afford private insurance. Fourth, we can add a few government mandates like prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-exist-

ing conditions, allowing younger people to stay on their parents insurance plans to age 26, and eliminate yearly and lifetime caps on insurance policies. Finally, we need to require people to purchase a plan or pay a penalty because you can’t require all the other stuff if only sick people purchase a plan. I suggest that we call this the Affordable Care Act. FRAZIER continued on page 3

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MARCH 2017

New device stops a cold Vets Job Fair March 9 USA — New research shows you can stop a cold in its tracks if you take one simple step with a new device when you first feel a cold coming on.

Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, they spread in your airways and New research: Copper stops colds if used early. cause misery.

But scientists have found a quick ter the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if way to kill a virus – touch it with they still get the cold it is milder than copper. Researchers at labs and uni- usual and they feel better.

Users wrote things like, “It versities worldwide all agree – copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills mi- stopped my cold right away,” and “Is crobes, such as viruses and bacteria, it supposed to work that fast?”

“What a wonderful thing,” wrote just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Physician’s Assistant Julie. “Now I Egyptians used copper to purify wa- have this little magic wand, no more ter and heal wounds. They didn’t colds for me!”

Pat McAllister, age 70, was given know about viruses and bacteria, but a CopperZap. “One of the best gifts now we do.

Researchers say microbe cells ever. This little jewel really works.”

People often use CopperZap for have a tiny electric charge which is short-circuited by the high conduc- prevention, before cold signs appear. tance of copper, destroying the cell Karen Gauci, who flies often for her job, used to get colds after crowded in seconds.

Tests by the Environmental Pro- flights. Though skeptical, she tried it tection Agency (EPA) show germs several times a day on travel days for die fast on copper. So some hospitals 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a switched to copper touch surfaces, sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Business owner Rosaleen says like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other ill- when people are sick around her she nesses by over half, and saved lives. uses CopperZap morning and night.

The strong scientific evidence “It saved me last holidays,” she said. gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. “The kids had colds going round and round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache when she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops nighttime stuffiness if they use it just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”

Scientists: Copper kills viruses The handle is sculpted to fit the When he felt a cold coming on he hand and improve copper contact. fashioned a smooth copper probe Tests show it kills germs on fingers and rubbed it gently in his nose for to help you stay well and not spread illness to your family.

60 seconds.

Copper may even help stop a flu “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold went away completely.” It if used early and for several days. worked again every time he felt a Scientists placed 25 million live flu cold coming on. He reports he has viruses on a CopperZap. No viruses were found still alive soon after. never had a cold since.

The EPA says the natural color He asked relatives and friends to try it. They said it worked for them, change of copper does not reduce its too, every time. So he patented Cop- ability to kill germs.

CopperZap is made in the U.S. of perZap™ and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had pure American copper. It carries a 90tried it and given feedback. Nearly day full money back guarantee and is 100 percent said the copper stops available for $47 at CopperZap.com their colds if used within 3 hours af- or toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

(Paid Advertisement)

A Milwaukee County Job Fair will be held Thursday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. Over 80 employers - federal, state, county, private and schools-will be in attendance.

Free parking will be in the surface lot north of the center.

Pre-registration is recommended to jamesduff@milwaujkeeciuntywi.gov or by phoning 414-266-1235.

The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight organization is preparing for April and May flights to view the monuments in Washington, D.C. This is a call for any World War II, Korean Veterans or others terminally ill to make free flight arrangements.

Persons interested in being on a flight or wishing further information can contact Laura Rinaldi, a member of the board of directors, at 414-4606554.

Bring Service and Resource Knowledge to Your Peers Older adults in Milwaukee County are often unaware of the many life-changing services and resources available to them. Not having this information can cause someone to choose a service that may not be the best fit, resulting in higher costs or compromised independence for the older adult.

In partnership with the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, the Senior Ambassador Program is designed to reach out to these older adults to educate them on available services and resources. Senior Ambassadors are community members trained in the services and resources older adults can access in our area.

These special 55+ volunteers travel throughout the community to places where older adults gather, such as

community centers, congregations, libraries, restaurants, shops and housing facilities. Senior Ambassadors meet one-on-one with older adults and/or their caregivers to discuss potential resource options and provide contact information for each, but do not recommend or advocate for a particular resource or service.

Become a Senior Ambassador!

If you’re interested in helping older adults learn about the many services and resources they can take advantage of, get started by filling out a volunteer application. Once you successfully finish the training curriculum and are approved by program staff, you’ll be ready to begin your journey as a Senior Ambassador. For more information, call 414-220-8655 or email sa@interfaithmilw.org.

Several of the Milwaukee senior centers will be offering FREE Tax Assistance running through April.

Please contact each center directly to learn whether an appointment is necessary at that site, and specific information about what is needed in order to have your taxes completed. Participating centers are: Washington Park Senior Center 4420 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee Phone 414-933-2332

McGovern Park Senior Center 4500 W. Custer Ave., Milwaukee Phone 414527-0990

Stars and Stripes Honor Flights

Senior Ambassador

AARP tax preparation

Clinton & Bernice Rose Senior Center 3045 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee Phone 414-263-2255

MARCH 2017

There are threats to our representative democracy Public confidence in government can be regained only through exemplary performance With so much turmoil in Washington and around the country these days, it’s easy to get caught up in the crisis of the moment. These are, indeed, worth our attention — but so are longer-running developments that threaten the health of our representative democracy. I want to lay them out in one place, so that the most serious problems confronting our system don’t slip from our attention.

First, it has become very hard to make our system work. Our country is so large, so complex — and, at the moment, so polarized and divided — that it’s tough to make progress on the challenges that beset us.

In more ways than not, Congress reflects the country that elected its members; all the contrary sentiments and manifold cross-currents that characterize our communities come to rest on Capitol Hill. Ideally, that is where they should be reconciled — where discerning key facts, negotiating, and consensus-building lead to a common way forward. Congress has failed us repeatedly in this regard, but we need at least to recognize the magnitude of its challenge.

Still, this does not excuse what I consider to be Congress chief failing: in the face of difficult problems, it has FRAZIER continued from page 1

And, it might have worked except for two things: First, the U.S. Supreme Court said that states couldn’t be required to implement Medicaid expansion; it had to be voluntary. Second, Republicans in Congress decided that they hated this plan and spent the next seven years telling the country that it was the worst thing since the plague.

Now, Republicans are in the majority party in both houses of Congress and President Trump says he is a Republican, so it appears that they can make good on their promise to repeal the ACA (a.k.a. Obamacare). Again, only two problems: Members of Congress said to the American people that they would “repeal and replace” it, and the President went even further saying that his plan would cover everyone, provide better health care, and be less expensive. But, as Hamlet said, “there-

become timid. Its members don’t like to make hard choices. So they don’t come close to living up to their responsibility to be a co-equal branch with the presidency.

They may criticize the President, but they also defer to him to set the agenda and to make policy. From national security and foreign affairs to the nation’s mounting debt to entitlement reform to the long-term economic dislocation that has led so many Americans to feel forgotten, Congress has had little impact.

Which is why it’s not surprising that we face a third long-term crisis: people have lost confidence in the institutions of government. This has been building for at least two generations, from the war in Vietnam and the turmoil it engendered back home, through Watergate, Iran-Contra, the war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, and the inability of Congress and presidents of both parties to enact comprehensive budgets and significant

domestic reforms.

Yet no matter how understandable this lack of trust might be, it is a serious problem for our government and for the democratic system it embodies. Restoring public confidence will take hard, sustained work, starting with high standards of conduct at all levels. Once public confidence is lost, it can’t be regained through rhetoric, only through exemplary performance.

But this won’t happen unless we address the fourth challenge: our elections system needs thoroughgoing reform. At pretty much every level, it’s throwing democracy off-kilter. House districts have been gerrymandered to create so many safe seats that many members need only be responsive to their base. Our voting system is fragile and in disrepair, with its patchwork of procedures, obsolete machinery, and legislative attempts to limit access to the franchise in the name of “ballot security.”

We need to ensure the fairness, integrity and efficiency of our voting infrastructure and procedures — or risk undermining one of the cornerstones of our democracy.

This is also threatened by our fifth challenge: the powerful and pervasive influence of money on the political process. Our system is awash in money, which is spent to influence elections and gain favorable results. Many

in lies the rub” because they do not have a replacement, let alone one that is better and cheaper.

In addition, it is hard to ignore that there are 20 million people enrolled in the ACA, and a majority of them like the mandates, such as the ban on pre-existing conditions. But, the majority party is committed to repealing Obamacare so they have two choices: come up with a replacement that is actually better, or try to do it with smoke and mirrors. My idea for those who believe that the ACA could be improved is to stop defending it and attempting to correct the statements from the opposition that are untrue. They either believe what they are saying or they don’t care. Instead, I think we should call the replacement “Trumpcare” and keep asking to see the better Trumpcare plan.

When the repealers and replacers say “Obamacare is a disaster” (or worse), we say that is not a plan, we want to see Trumpcare. When they say Medicaid is “inferior health care,” we say show us Trumpcare. When they say “the election was a mandate to repeal Obamacare,” we say that is not a plan, where is Trumpcare? You get the idea.

If elected officials can hide behind the complexities of our healthcare system, then smoke and mirrors might work. But, if the American people let them know that we demand a replacement that is at least as good or better, and that they will be held accountable for whatever becomes Trumpcare.

Finally, we should say we believe the best way to cover everyone with better health care is by expanding Medicare for all, but if they have a better idea, let’s see it.

ON

CONGRESS

By Lee Hamilton

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Americans feel money is what really runs Washington — as opposed to the ideas and principles we were taught in civics class.

Despite efforts at reform, the money problem is worse than ever — too many Americans feel they’ve become an afterthought in the political process.

Yet if they have, it’s not just money that’s to blame. My final concern is that too many of us have become disengaged from and indifferent to the political process. That may be changing at this particular moment, but as a historical trend, it’s unarguable. As citizens, we have to learn how to solve problems in a representative democracy. We have to learn to work with people who hold different views, forge common ground with them, and hold our representatives to account — not alone for their political views, but for their ability to get things done.

To make representative democracy work, we, as citizens, have to up our game, too.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

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MARCH 2017

EDITORIALS

St Patrick’s Day is just ahead The Irish claim that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Just exactly what this means is as much of a mystery to me as to you. To be certain, the Irish people have had a great impact on the development of friendliness, culture, talents and spirituality in these United States.

While many of the Irish are Catholics by faith, they follow the words of God as taught to them by their predecessors. It was a man now known as St. Patrick, who went to Ireland and challenged the paganistic beliefs of the Celtic people. By the time of his death, St. Patrick had converted almost all people in Ireland to the Christian faith. He did so, but often with much difficulty.

When the Irish came to America, many of them settled in the larger cities along the upper East coast. They met with difficulties in gaining employment and in neighborliness. Signs often were placed in store windows needing new employees that the Irish need not apply. But the spirit of St. Patrick endowed the Irish with a certain gift of gab, a spirit of friendliness and

a devout loyalty that could not, in the long run, be ignored.

This writer’s grandfather was an Irish immigrant. He arrived in New York City. He first got work driving a horse-drawn cab. His four brothers and a sister later joined him. Recognizing their difficulties at getting ahead in life, the former farmers in Ireland, who actually came to the United States due to the potato famine in their home country, headed westward for a new beginning. They did so not by just following the railroads, but by working on the rail laying crews. They worked their way to Minnesota where enough money was saved to buy a farm.

So St. Patrick’s Day holds inspiration for the Irish, their faithful friends and all those who like a good story and who do believe they’re Heaven-bent.

As the Irish tell their friends, May the sunshine be on your path, the rain behind you and may we all love one another, as is God’s plan. However, if some of those we have dealings with do not love us as we love them, may the good Lord twist their ankles so we can tell them by their limping.

Talking to Fido You can now play with or at least communicate with your pet while you are at work or out for the day and the pet is safely at home. There are Furbo and Petcube WI-FI connected cameras with audio to do the trick. The cam-

It Makes Me

Would you believe that I was a weekend guest at a friend’s place in upstate New York? While I enjoy him, I certainly can tell you that I didn’t always understand what my hosts were talking about. For instance, my friend asked if I liked his new sneakers. Even if he hadn’t pointed at his shoes, I never would have imagined he meant his tennis shoes. While there was a bit of snow on the ground, he wanted to go

eras have two-way audio so you can listen to and talk to the pet, presumably a dog.

Just be certain when you buy, that you don’t go barking up the wrong tree.

CRABBY

to a yard sale. When we got there, I realized it was a garage sale. Going a bit further, I can’t understand how scallions are the same as our green onions. But they tasted the same. The skillet also is used as we would a frying pan. There are other differences, but let us leave it at this. Thank God that we speak plain English. Are we the people who call lightning bugs fireflies and little critters squirrels?

SENIOR ANSWER MAN

DEAR SENIOR ANSWER MAN,

I served in the military service, but not in what was wartime. I am told I don’t qualify for some benefits because of this. Will you please tell me the periods of time that are considered as being wartime in the United States.

Thanks and I do await your reply, ABNER JOENVER

DEAR ABNER:

You could have done this with a call to your veterans’ service officer. Every county has one.

DEFINED PERIODS OF WAR ARE:

World War II, 12-071941 thru 12-31-1946 Korea, 06-25-1950 thru 01-31-1955 Vietnam, 08-05-1964 thru 05-07-75 Persian Gulf, 08-02-1990 thru 02-28-1991 Thanks for your service.

SAM

Killing TIME WITH JIM MCLOONE Did the man who wrote a book about living longer without running out of money do so by having a younger wife doing factory work? l l l l l While we all need sunbeams to warm us, it seems that moonbeams have a certain charm about them. l l l l l Obviously, one of the secrets of longevity is as Betty White says at age 95, keeping your mind engaged. Betty recommends crossword puzzle solving. l l l l l Don’t just count your blessings.

Give thanks for them. l l l l l We recently read that each of us needs at least six and one-half hours of sleep. Does afternoon snooze time count into that number? l l l l l We’re told we need at least 32 oz. of water intake daily. Be certain most of it is drunk early in the day. l l l l l Can you see yourself eating a big glob of steamed broccoli as the main ingredient of your main daily meal?

No, I can’t either. How about polishing it off with a cauliflower sundae? Vegetables are said to help longevity. l l l l l Yes, it is true. Over 12 million adult coloring books were sold in 2015.

I have yet to get one

l l l l l The old grey mare, she ain’t what she used to but neither are we. Over three million seniors in the U.S. are age 89 or older. Who does not know why we are referred to as the Greatest Generation?

KILLING TIME continued on page 34

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What’s New for Phase Two of Your Life

OWNERS

TOM & MAUREEN SLATTERY

PUBLISHER

MAUREEN SLATTERY

EDITOR

JIM McLOONE

WRITER/PROOFREADER JILL GILBERT

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR SARAN PIEHL ART DIRECTOR/ PRODUCTION MANAGER NICOLE HESSE

OFFICE OPERATIONS MANAGER PEGGY DUFFY

Plus Publications P.O. Box 230 Hartland, WI 53029

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MARCH 2017

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Putting the pieces together before the move

Next on the confusion list is the set of choices out there as to housing.

Senior communities offer a different set of amenities and programs. Some senior communities require a security deposit and others offer life care requiring a larger endowment fee. Some condominiums are maintenance free and others make you responsible for exterior repairs. Next is the question of what location. Do you want to be near your children and grandchildren or stay within close proximity to your current home? Sound familiar?

Taking small steps can lead to a successful move. Breaking down your moving plans into understandable segments can give you a sort of momentum. You gain knowledge about one part of your move and then curiosity moves you to the next step. Where to go for that information and who can help guide you is the critical component needed in a successful move!

First, I would suggest starting with your current residence. If you own your home or condominium, call an agent today to find out the true value in today’s rapidly changing real estate

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz market. An agent will let you know if any inspections are needed and what the value is based on the way it will be shown to prospective buyers. Some homeowners choose to sell as is, with no work done even though it may need work. Others make repairs and do minimal painting and cleaning. Yet some sellers decide to stage the home and make it shine. You can sell a home in any condition; it is just a matter of the final selling price based on how you decided to offer it to the public.

Now is a good time to get your home ready!

Now that you know approximately what funds will be available, talk to your accountant or financial advisor to see what payment you can afford for

your new home. You may be surprised to find out you can afford more than you thought. So many of my clients have told me they live in their home for free. “Free” is a relative term. After home maintenance, taxes, insurance, utilities, and other costs to maintain your current home you may find that your monthly outlay is not much less than your new apartment or condominium. Seeing this on paper will change the way you think and mitigate some of the fears you may have about running out of money.

Now that you know what you can afford, the choices become more focused. The next step is to decide where you want to live. Location, location, location. You’ve heard that phrase which is the most important factor in value, but in this case, it has a bit of a different meaning. Location in this case is deciding where you want to live. Talk with your trusted advisors and family.

Spend some time writing down what the positives and negatives are for each set of choices. For instance, moving to Florida near your grandchildren may be one of your choices. Is that what

SPRING IS HERE AND SO ARE BUYERS! The busy spring market is upon us. If you are planning to sell now is the best time to prepare your home for the 2017 rush of buyers.

This year we are seeing a record low inventory which means higher selling prices and rates rising. Eventually the market will slow down when rates hit a certain point…Don’t wait until inventory rises!

INTEGRIT Y CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION: (262)

242-6177

www.BrucesTeam.com | Bruce@BrucesTeam.com | Jeanne@BrucesTeam.com

you truly want or do you want to be near your friends and current neighborhood. Take time to really search your innermost feelings and the right answer will appear.

Once you know for sure where you want to live, begin to research your options. Gather all of the information you can about housing options available. There are magazines that list all senior communities within a certain area. A Realtor can provide the many choices in your price range if a condominium or smaller home is your choice. Gather all the information you can so you know what is available when you make your choice.

Next, if moving to a senior community, make a decision. Many or most senior complexes require a small fee to be on their waiting list if the unit type you desire is not currently available. If the apartment is available, commit by signing a lease or paying the endowment fee. It will set you free from that feeling of limbo! The worst place you can be at is one foot here and one there. Once a decision is made the NEMOVITZ continued on page 14

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MARCH 2017

Introduction to wills What Happens if You Die Without A Will?

If you die intestate (without a will), your state’s laws of descent and distribution will determine who receives your property by default. These laws vary from state to state, but typically the distribution would be to your spouse and children, or if none, to other family members. A state’s plan often reflects the legislature’s guess as to how most people would dispose of their estates and builds in protections for certain beneficiaries, particularly minor children. That plan may or may not reflect your actual wishes, and some of the built-in protections may not be necessary in a harmonious family setting. A will allows you to alter the state’s default plan to suit your personal preferences. It also permits you to exercise control over a myriad of personal decisions that broad and general state default provisions cannot address.

What Does a Will Do? A will provides for the distribution of certain property owned by you at the time of your death, and generally you may dispose of such property in any manner you choose. Your right

to dispose of property as you choose, however, may be subject to forced heirship laws of most states that prevent you from disinheriting a spouse and, in some cases, children. For example, many states have spousal rights of election laws that permit a spouse to claim a certain interest in your estate regardless of what your will (or other documents addressing the disposition of your property) provides. Your will does not govern the disposition of your property that is controlled by beneficiary designations or by titling and so passes outside your probate estate. Such assets include property titled in joint names with rights of survivorship, payable on death accounts, life insurance, retirement plans and accounts, and employee death benefits. These assets pass automatically at death to another person, and your will is not applicable to them unless they are payable to your estate by the terms of the beneficiary designations for them. Your probate estate consists only of the assets subject to your will, or to a state’s intestacy laws if you have no will, and over which the probate court (in some jurisdictions referred to as surrogate’s or orphan’s court) may have authority. This is why re-

4 locations to serve you: Brookfield Hales Corners Menomonee Falls Thiensville

viewing beneficiary designations, in addition to preparing a will, is a critical part of the estate planning process.

It is important to note that whether property is part of your probate estate has nothing to do with whether property is part of your taxable estate for estate tax purposes.

Wills can be of various degrees of complexity and can be utilized to achieve a wide range of family and tax objectives. If a will provides for the outright distribution of assets, it is sometimes characterized as a simple will. If the will creates one or more trusts upon your death, the will is often called a testamentary trust will.

Alternatively, the will may leave probate assets to a preexisting inter vivos trust (created during your lifetime), in which case the will is called a pour over will. Such preexisting inter vivos trusts are often referred to as revocable living trusts. The use of such trusts or those created by a will generally is to ensure continued property management, divorce and creditor protection for the surviving family members, protection of an heir from his or her own irresponsibility, provisions for charities, or minimization of taxes.

Aside from providing for the intended disposition of your property upon your death, a number of other important objectives may be accomplished in your will.

• You may designate a guardian for your minor child or children if you are the surviving parent and thereby minimize court involvement in the care of your child. Also, by the judicious use of a trust and the appointment of a trustee to manage property funding that trust for the support of your children, you may eliminate the need for bonds (money posted to secure a trustee’s properly carrying out the trustee’s responsibilities) as well as avoid supervision by the court of the minor children’s inherited assets.

• You may designate an executor (personal representative) of your estate in your will, and eliminate their need for a bond. In some states, the designation of an independent executor, or the waiver of otherwise applicable state statutes, will eliminate the need for court supervision of the settlement of your estate.

• You may choose to provide for persons whom the state’s intestacy laws would not otherwise benefit, such as stepchildren, godchildren,

MARCH 2017

friends or charities.

• If you are acting as the custodian of assets of a child or grandchild under the Uniform Gift (or Transfers) to Minors Act (often referred to by their acronyms, UGMA or UTMA), you may designate your successor custodian and avoid the expense of a court appointment.

What Does a Will Not Do? A will does not govern the transfer of certain types of assets, called non-probate property, which by operation of law (title) or contract (such as a beneficiary designation) pass to someone other than your estate on your death. For example, real estate and other assets owned with rights of survivorship pass automatically to the

surviving owner. Likewise, an IRA or insurance policy payable to a named beneficiary passes to that named beneficiary regardless of your will.

How Do I Execute (sign) a Will?

Wills must be signed in the presence of witnesses and certain formalities must be followed or the will may be invalid. In many states, a will that is formally executed in front of witnesses with all signatures notarized is deemed to be “self-proving” and may be admitted to probate without the testimony of witnesses or other additional proof. Even if a will is ultimately held to be valid in spite of errors in execution, addressing such a challenge may be costly and difficult.

A potential challenge is best addressed

5 things you may not know about probate or trust administration: • A deceased person’s will needs to be filed (with the Register in Probate in the County where the decedent resided) within thirty (30) days of death even if the will is not being used to pass assets. If the will is being used, this process is called probate and is done through the Probate Court.

• While it is unusual for a probate process to be needed at the death of the first spouse, there are still things that should be done and/or reviewed such as property and account ownership, estate plan review and beneficiary designation review.

• Estates with a gross value of less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) may be able to use a simplified procedure called a Transfer by Affidavit.

• The Personal Representative (or Executor) named in the will needs to be appointed by the Probate Court and a court appearance may or may not be required depending on various circumstances. A Trustee is able to act immediately, but needs to have or obtain an EIN (employee identification number) for the Trust and should have a Certificate of Trust prepared.

• In either process, an inventory, final account and tax returns need to be prepared. There are also many rules to follow as well as the Wisconsin Statutes and laws governing Probate and Trust Administration.

While it is not mandatory for a Personal Representative or Trustee to have an attorney represent them throughout the process, it makes the process easier and smoother. The fees for the Attorney are paid as an administrative expense from the gross estate.

Attorney Jane L. Walker has an understanding of all aspects of the Probate process. She has over twenty five (25) years of experience in determining whether a probate is necessary and assisting and advising Personal Representatives and Trustees. Attorney Walker also has extensive experience in Estate Planning using wills, trusts and other tools to transfer assets. To schedule an appointment with Attorney Walker, please call 262542-4420.

Disclaimer: This advertorial is designed for general informational purposes only.

The information should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney/client relationship.

by executing the will properly in the first instance. A later amendment to a will is called a codicil and must be signed with the same formalities. Be cautious in using a codicil because, if there are ambiguities between its provisions and the prior will it amends,

• 50PLUS • 7

problems can ensue. In some states, the will may refer to a memorandum that distributes certain items of tangible personal property, such as furniture, jewelry, and automobiles, which may be changed from time to time WILLS continued on page 8

PROTECT YOURSELF

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY

PROTECT YOUR FUTURE! Did you recently lose a loved one or a friend?

Have you been thinking about your own incapacity or death?

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MARCH 2017

without the formalities of a will. Even if such a memorandum is permitted in your state, proceed with caution. This type of separate document can create potential confusion or challenges if it is inconsistent with the terms of the will or prepared in a haphazard manner.

Jointly Owned Property If you own property with another person as joint tenants with right

Se n i o r s

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of survivorship, that is, not as tenants in common, the property will pass directly to the remaining joint tenant upon your death and will not be a part of your probate estate governed by your will (or the state’s laws of intestacy if you have no will). It is important to note that whether property is part of your probate estate has nothing to do with whether property is part of your taxable estate for estate tax purposes.

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Frequently, people (particularly in older age) will title bank accounts or securities in the names of themselves and one or more children or trusted friends as joint tenants with right of survivorship. This is sometimes done as a matter of convenience to give the joint tenant access to accounts to pay bills. It is important to realize that the ownership of property in this fashion often leads to unexpected or unwanted results. Disputes, including litigation, are common between the estate of the original owner and the surviving joint tenant as to whether the survivor’s name was added as a matter of convenience or management or whether a gift was intended. The planning built into a well-drawn will may be partially or completely thwarted by an inadvertently created joint tenancy that passes property to a beneficiary by operation of law, rather than under the terms of the will. In some instances, a power of attorney document giving the trusted person the power to act on your behalf as your agent with regard to the account in order to pay bills will achieve your intended goal without disrupting your intended plans regarding to whom the account will ultimately pass.

Many of these problems also are applicable to institutional revocable trusts and “pay on death” forms of ownership of bank, broker, and mutual fund accounts and savings bonds.

Effective planning requires knowledge of the consequences of each property interest and technique.

In many instances, consumers prepare wills believing that the will governs who will inherit their assets when in fact, the title (ownership) of various accounts or real property, for example, as joint tenants, or beneficiary designations for IRAs, life insurance and certain other assets control the distribution of most or even all assets. This is why merely addressing your will is rarely sufficient to accomplish your goals.

Trusts Trusts are legal arrangements that can provide incredible flexibility for the ownership of certain assets, thereby enabling you and your heirs to achieve a number of significant personal goals that cannot be achieved otherwise. The term trust describes the holding of property by a trustee, who may be one or more persons or a corporate trust company or bank, in accordance with the provisions of a

ROZGA FUNERAL HOMES For 119 years, Rozga Family Funeral Homes have been serving families with exceptional care and affordable prices. We are proud to continue to be a full-service funeral home providing compassionate assistance beginning at the time of death and continuing long after the funeral.

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Planning a Funeral Is Probably the Last Thing on Your Mind. But, It Should Be the First.

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It is well known and understood that families whose loved ones preplanned their funeral move more successfully down the recovery path.

Death places a very difficult burden, both physically and emotionally, on your loved ones. The time of loss is always difficult for those you leave behind, but adding the burden of guessing what you would have chosen to do or have at your funeral can be most difficult. This guessing often leaves them with additional feelings of guilt and regret down the road as they question whether they did the right thing.

Placing these additional burdens on the already heavy shoulders of your loved ones is something that each of us can alleviate by preplanning our own final wishes.

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MARCH 2017

contract, the written trust instrument, for the benefit of one or more persons called beneficiaries. The trustee is the legal owner of the trust property, and the beneficiaries are the equitable owners of the trust property. A person may be both a trustee and a beneficiary of the same trust.

If you create a trust, you are described as the trust’s grantor or settlor.

A trust created by a will is called a testamentary trust, and the trust provisions for such a trust are contained in your will. A trust created during your lifetime is called a living trust or an inter vivos trust, and the trust provisions are contained in the trust agreement or declaration. The provisions of a living trust or inter vivos trust (rather than your will or state law default rules) usually will determine what happens to the property in the trust upon your death.

A trust created during lifetime may be revocable, which means it may be revoked or changed by the settlor, or irrevocable, which means it cannot be revoked or changed by the settlor. Either type of trust may be designed to accomplish the purposes of property management, assistance to

the settlor in the event of physical or mental incapacity, and disposition of property after the death of the settlor of the trust with the least involvement possible by the probate (surrogate or orphan’s) court.

Trusts are not only for the wealthy.

Many young parents with limited assets choose to create trusts either during life or in their wills for the benefit of their children in case both parents die before all their children have reached an age deemed by the parents to indicate sufficient maturity to handle property (which often is older than the age of majority under state law). Trusts permit the trust assets to be held as a single undivided fund to be used for the support and education of minor children according to their respective needs, with eventual division of the trust among the children when the youngest has reached a specified age. This type of arrangement has an obvious advantage over an inflexible division of property among children of different ages without regard to their level of maturity or individual needs at the time of such distribution.

Annuities and Retirement Benefits You may be entitled to receive some type of retirement benefit under an employee benefit plan offered by your employer or have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or a Roth-IRA. Typically, a deferred compensation or retirement benefit plan provides for the payment of certain

• 50PLUS • 9

benefits to beneficiaries designated by the employee in the event of the employee’s death before retirement age.

After retirement, the employee may elect a benefit option that will continue payments after his or her death to one or more of the designated beneficiaries. It is sometimes advantageous to have these plan assets paid to trusts, WILLS continued on page 10

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Why everyone should pre-arrange their own funeral

By Joanne Abbs Being in the funeral business for many years has certainly helped me to have the ability to discuss the topic of funeral planning. This is a subject that most families/individuals want to avoid and yet we all know that death and our own mortality is something that we cannot escape. Please allow me to shed some light on this topic from my perspective as the Pre-Need Specialist at Cesarz Charapata and Zinnecker Funeral Home. There are only two times that discussions regarding a funeral can be addressed, pre-need or at the time of need. In my personal opinion, it is important to make major decisions with a clear mind without emotional stress and grief. One of the most significant changes in the funeral industry is how prevalent it has become to pre-arrange your own funeral. Perhaps you might be saying to yourself that your loved ones can handle that task when the need arises.

A little advance planning will reduce the emotional stress placed upon your surviving family members gives both you and your family some peace of mind that comes with having your affairs in order. This allows you to save money with a cost guarantee of today’s funeral costs.

One of the nicest gifts of love you can give is personalizing and selecting the funeral of your choice and your budget. Create a plan, be an informed consumer, understand your options and ask questions! It is my honor, as well as the rest of the Cesarz Charapata and Zinnecker family, to help educate and serve the community. To discuss your pre-planning options please contact Joanne Abbs at 262-542-6609 or email, jabbs@cczfh. com.

Waukesha’s Community Funeral Home

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Joanne Abbs, Pre-Planning Specialists, Ryan Nowatka, Owner and Mary Lou Charapata, Managing Funeral Director

FREE ADVANCE PLANNING SEMINAR

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THURSDAY, MARCH 30TH AT 10AM OR 6PM We Feature Local Experts on:

• Legal Tools that can help protect your family. Powers of attorney, wills, trusts, health care directives and lifetime/estate planning. . .which are right for you? • Identity Theft, an officer with the Waukesha Police Department will explain how we can protect ourselves against the rising threat of identity theft. You will leave with specific things you can do to stay safe! • Advance Funeral Planning will explore the questions of how advance funeral planning can help protect your loved ones. Learn how to give your loved ones peace of mind during a hard time.

Refreshments, information and answers to some questions are all included in this FREE workshop. RSVP to 262-542-6609

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MARCH 2017

WILLS continued from page 9

but naming a trust as the beneficiary of such plan assets raises a number of complex income tax, estate planning and other issues. Naming the surviving spouse as the beneficiary of certain retirement plans and spousal annuities is mandated by law and may be waived only with his or her properly signed consent. Competent estate

planning counsel is crucial.

If you are entitled to start receiving retirement benefits during your lifetime, the various payment options will be treated differently for income tax purposes. You should seek competent advice as to the payment options available under your retirement plan and the tax consequences of each.

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If you own life insurance on your own life, you may either (a) designate one or more beneficiaries to receive the insurance proceeds upon your death, or (b) make the proceeds payable to your probate estate or to a trust created by you during your lifetime or by your will.

If insurance proceeds are payable to your estate, they will be distributed as part of your general estate in accordance with the terms of your will or, if you die without a will, according to the applicable state laws of intestate succession. If the proceeds are payable to a trust, they will be held and distributed in the same manner as the other trust assets and may be protected from creditors’ claims. Insurance proceeds that are payable directly to a minor child generally will necessitate the court appointment of a legal guardian or conservator. This can be avoided by naming a trust or custodial account under the state transfers-to-minors law as the beneficiary. Trusts often

are used for insurance proceeds, even if the trust beneficiary is not a minor, to protect the assets from a creditors, divorce, to provide income tax planning and distribution flexibility, and to provide centralized or professional management of the proceeds.

Insurance plays an important role in financial, retirement and estate planning and should be coordinated with all other aspects of your estate plan. The laws pertaining to the taxability of insurance proceeds are complex, so it is important that all matters pertaining to life insurance be carefully reviewed with your attorney and insurance advisor. For example, your insurance coverage should be reviewed at least every two or three years to assure that the policy is performing as intended, the insurance company remains in solid financial position, and that the ownership of the policy and its beneficiary designations still comport with your wishes.

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Having the talk of lifetime is easier than you think

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Meaningful memorialization starts when loved ones talk about what matters most. And Have the Talk of a Lifetime® is here to help.

We offer a free interactive workbook that leads families to share the stories of their lives. Together, you’ll discover what truly made a difference, from memories made to lessons learned. When the time comes to commemorate and honor your life, the workbook provides a valuable keepsake providing a guide for reflection, comfort and healing.

Download your FREE workbook today at:

talkofalifetime.org/have-the-talk

There’s one very important question to ask when preparing for estate planning that often gets overlook: How do you want to be remembered?

We’ve all seen what can happen if you don’t have the answer to that question. Eulogies are crafted without people knowing the real you. Clergy often don’t know what to say at a funeral beyond the expected. Family members find themselves at a loss for words when it’s time to recall what mattered most to their loved ones.

That’s what inspired the Funeral and Memorialization Information Council (FAMIC) to step in and create a program called Have the Talk of a Lifetime®. It’s a national effort to get friends and family to talk more about what matters most in life, so people can learn how to effectively honor and commemorate the lives of our loved ones when the time comes.

It may be difficult for some to talk about death and dying, but FAMIC provides free interactive tools that can help get those conversations started. The result is more meaningful memorialization, which, in turn, often leads to healing and comfort for the living.

The centerpiece of Have the Talk of a Lifetime is a free workbook available online. It prompts users to ask questions and to write down life events shared, memories made and lessons learned. Once people get started, they find that the conversations get progressively easier and can even improve relationships.

Have the Talk of a Lifetime offers other materials online such as conversation cards, games and activities to keep the talk going. People are also encouraged to submit their stories on the site and read blogs for more insight.

Learn more by visiting the website at talkofalifetime.org.

MARCH 2017

What is a revocable living trust?

Much has been written regarding the use of “living trusts” (also known as a “revocable trust,” “inter vivos trust,” or “loving trust”) as a solution for a wide variety of problems associated with estate planning that wills cannot address. Some attorneys regularly recommend the use of such trusts, while others believe that their value has been somewhat overstated.

The choice of a living trust should be made after consideration of a number of factors.

The term “living trust” is generally used to describe a trust that you create during your lifetime. A living trust can help you manage your assets or protect you should you become ill, disabled or simply challenged by the symptoms of aging. Most living trusts are written to permit you to revoke or amend them whenever you wish to do so. These trusts do not help you avoid estate tax because your power to revoke or amend them causes them to continue to be includable in your estate. These trusts do help you avoid probate, which may not always be

necessary depending on the cost and complexity of probate in your estate.

You also can create an “irrevocable” living trust, but this type of trust may not be revoked or changed, and such a trust is almost exclusively done to produce certain tax or asset protection results, which are beyond the scope of this summary.

A “living trust” is legally in existence during your lifetime and has a trustee who currently serves, and owns property which (generally) you have transferred to it during your lifetime. While you are living, the trustee (who may be you, although a co-trustee might also be named along with you) is generally responsible for managing the property as you direct for your benefit. Upon your death, the trustee is generally directed to either distribute the trust property to your beneficiaries, or to continue to hold it and manage it for the benefit of your beneficiaries. Like a will, a living trust can provide for the distribution of property upon your death. Unlike a will, it can also (a) provide you with

What is probate?

Probate is the formal legal process that gives recognition to a will and appoints the executor or personal representative who will administer the estate and distribute assets to the intended beneficiaries. The laws of each state vary, so it is a good idea to consult an attorney to determine whether a probate proceeding is necessary, whether the fiduciary must be bonded (a requirement that is often waived in the will) and what reports must be prepared. Most probate proceedings are neither expensive nor prolonged, which is contrary to the claims of many vendors selling living trust and other products.

The basic job of administration and accounting for assets must be done whether the estate is handled by an executor in probate or whether probate is avoided because all assets were transferred to a living trust during lifetime or jointly owned. Many states have simplified or streamlined their probate processes over the years. In such states, there is now less reason to use probate avoidance techniques unless there are other valid reasons to continue to minimize probate. In planning your estate, more important than minimizing probate is minimizing the real issues that can make pro-

bate difficult, such as lawsuits by heirs Should You Avoid Probate?

The living trust is often marketed as a vehicle that allows you to “avoid probate” upon your death. Probate is the court-supervised process of administering your estate and transferring your property at death pursuant to the terms of your will. Probate is rarely the calamity naysayers claim. In addition, many types of property routinely pass outside of the probate process, even without the cost of establishing a living trust. Such property includes life insurance or retirement plan proceeds, which pass to a named beneficiary by designation rather than pursuant to your will, and real estate or bank or brokerage accounts held in joint names with right of survivorship.

While it is true that the property passing under the terms of a living trust upon your death will “avoid probate,” it should be noted that there may or may not be actual value in that result. Probate laws are different in every state. In some states there are statutorily mandated court or attorney fees while in others those fees may be minimal. Many states have expedited or simplified court proceedings that are efficient and inexpensive for small or simple estates. A properly draft-

a vehicle for managing your property during your lifetime, and (b) authorize the trustee to manage the property and use it for your benefit (and your

• 50PLUS • 11

family) if you should become incapacitated, thereby avoiding the appointment of a guardian for that purpose.

12 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2017

Medical scam artists are looking for you Thanks to a grant from the Wisconsin Consumer Anti-fraud Fund at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Interfaith Senior Programs of Waukesha County has researched senior frauds and scams and developed educational tools to share with the community. This month’s focus: Medical Scams.

If you have new medical insurance or first-time Medicare coverage – which can sometimes be confusing.

Scam artists may act on this opportunity to take advantage of you through medical frauds and scams. Educating yourself, understanding the warning signs, and knowing prevention resources can help you stay protected against medical scams.

Types of medical scams are: Medicare or insurance fraud, anti-aging scams and counterfeit medicine scams. According to Senior Medicare Patrol (www.smpresource.org) approximately 250,000 Medicare beneficiaries are listed as having had their medical identity compromised due to misused or stolen Medicare numbers.

Unfortunately, Medicare numbers

INTERFAITH SENIOR FRAUDS AND SCAMS

By Kathy Gale cannot be changed, so once someone’s number is stolen, their future health care and benefits may permanently be at risk.

Scam artists may use stolen Medicare numbers to fraudulently obtain medical treatment, bill Medicare for fake charges or sell phony medical devices or products. To avoid this, be sure to always keep your Medicare and other insurance cards safe. Also review your statements each month and be on the lookout for suspicious charges listed.

Another common medical scam is the anti-aging scam. Sure, many of us would love to reverse the hands of

time and look a little younger – and scam artists know this. While there are many legitimate companies selling products to help reduce the signs of aging, there are other companies that are promising a product that is too good to be true. Look out for warning signs like: offering a quick and painless cure, “special” or “ancient” formula, cures a wide range of ailments, or cures an incurable disease. Remember, if you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a company, do some research before you make a purchase. Call the US Food and Drug Administration at 1-888-463-6332.

Lastly, another common medical scam to be aware of is counterfeit medicine. Counterfeit medicine is fake medicine which may be contaminated or contain the wrong ingredients or no active ingredient. While the price may seem like a great deal, you may be putting your health at risk. To avoid being a victim of a counterfeit medicine scam, be sure to only purchase your medications from state-licensed pharmacies that are located in

the United States. This ensures that the US Food and Drug Administration can assure the quality of the manufacturing, packing, distribution and labeling of your medication.

If you feel you have been a victim of a medical scam, contact your local police department by calling their non-emergency number or call 1-800-Medicare. If you would like to schedule a STOP Senior Frauds and Scams presentation for your senior group or organization, call Interfaith Senior Programs at (262) 549-3348.

Kathy Gale is Executive Director, Interfaith Senior Programs, Inc. STOP Senior Frauds and Scams is brought to you by Interfaith through a grant from the Wisconsin Consumer Antifraud Fund at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County.

More information about Interfaith Senior Programs can be found at www.

InterfaithWaukesha.org.

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MARCH 2017

Stay or go? Stay at home or go to kid’s home

Q

BY DOUG MAYBERRY

: My dear 63-year-old husband died of a heart attack two years ago. I still live in the same town where we lived for our entire married life. We raised our kids here. But now I have three different families living in different states.

As I am not in good health myself, my children want me to move to one of their homes so they can take care of me.

Over the years here, I have made wonderful friends and had great neighbors, and I am hesitant to move where I would not know anyone. I feel I am too old to make new friends.

What are my options? : Your dilemma is not uncommon. The great news is your family loves you and wants to participate in your caretaking. If you choose to move, there are a few questions you should consider: • Which family has the better housing setup for privacy, which we all often need?

A

• Of your three families, which appears to be the best for you?

• Could you rotate locations comfortably?

• Who will take care of selling your existing home?

Only you can answer these questions, and rarely is there a perfect answer. There will be trade-offs, regardless of whether you move now or later.

It is easier to make plans and move forward while you are in reasonably good health. Moving forward and establishing a new lifestyle may be your best option. -- Doug

Q

BEHAVIOR CHANGE

: I have been happily married for 40 years to a wonderful woman. However, she hasn’t been acting like herself for the past several months or so, and I’m concerned.

She’s been very melancholy and not so outgoing as usual. I’ve been struggling to stay positive when she’s around.

The

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How can I get things back to normal? : As I’m sure you’re aware, relationships go through cycles. Although sometimes you may fall out of sync with your partner, you will most likely find an equilibrium again.

Additionally, marriages can become more complicated when you both reach retirement age. Because you probably spend more time together, you can be more attuned to fluctuations in your partner’s mood. Practice patience and understanding.

When someone is feeling melancholy, avoid aggressive confrontation.

As she seems to be withdrawing into herself, don’t spur her into going on the

A

• 50PLUS • 13

defensive.

Instead, come from a place of support. Try to understand where she’s coming from, and provide her with resources to improve her outlook. Think about what is prompting the changes in her attitude. Is she reacting to a recent event? Is something bothering her?

Try to break up your routine and try something new -- perhaps an adventure, a class or a game of some sort.

Try looking for the positives in your own life. You want to avoid the pitfall of falling into a negative emotional feedback loop. Focus on improving your own mood and you won’t feel so affected by hers. -- Emma

14 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2017

Shaddup, please stop talking!

BY ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: My wife and I just visited good friends we’ve known for over 40 years.

The hostess talked from “good morning” to “good night.” What a performance!

At dinner, I was able to get a word in and remark that we had seen a moose on the road to their house. As was typical for the hostess, she butted in before I was done talking, and in a minute or so, she was talking about what her aunt Sally Smith’s neighbor, Joan Nobody, had for dinner at her daughter’s birthday party. Why would any intelligent person have any interest in this? These are people we don’t know, and there was nothing special about the dinner. I would rather have

kept talking about the moose.

I now never want to visit them again. My wife tells me I am a social misfit and am being unreasonable. I feel our hostess is out of touch with polite behavior. Your thoughts? Please sign me -- Tired of Boring, Never-Ending Chatter

Dear Tired: The hostess is the real social misfit here, but everyone is too polite to let her know it. Do visit them again. But when this woman interrupts you, you must gently snag the conversational reins again. Let her speak for a minute before reminding her that you were in the middle of speaking. Say something like, “You stopped the moose dead in his tracks.”

A little humor will keep the tone

friendly and spare the hostess some embarrassment.

Dear Annie: I’d like to add something to your response to “Tears and Fears for the Victims All Over,” who wondered how to help when witnessing violent or unpleasant situations. I have been in such situations, too, and in a couple of instances, I have gone over and asked whether there was anything I could do to help. Obviously, one does not want to put oneself in harm’s way, but for events such as the ones “Tears and Fears” described, what I might suggest also, seeing as there were automobiles included in the scenarios, is for the people who see what is happening to take the license plate down or take a brief video of the incident using a cellphone. Getting the license plate would enable them to contact the police after the fact and possibly get some action taken in that way. I was once being chased by someone on the freeway in the Los Angeles area. I took the license plate down and called the police when I got home.

They told me that they would go out and talk to the person.

NEMOVITZ continued from page 5

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rest of the process will go into motion.

If buying a condominium or smaller home is your wish, then make sure your agent is on top of the newest listings when they hit the market.

Properties are moving fast, especially in certain subdivisions or developments. Go out to see what is available.

By knowing what you don’t want, you will be ready when the home you do want hits the market. Have your finances in order so you know how you will pay for your new home.

Take some time to understand what you truly want and where you want to live. Moving is one of the toughest actions you’ll take in your life. Change is tough but living in a situation that does not match who you are today is even more difficult. Invest in your life by assessing what will truly make you most happy. There is an old saying, “Know thyself.” Take some time to meet that one person who can truly guide you to a happy, more care-

Sometimes there is more we can do than we realize in situations such as this. I once saw what appeared to be an assault going on in a car in the parking lot of a hospital, and I went over to try to intervene. It turned out that a young woman was having a grand mal seizure in the back seat, and her father was trying to restrain her so she would not hurt herself.

I quickly ran to the hospital and got somebody to bring a gurney out so that the young woman could be taken immediately. Apparently, the mother had gone into the hospital earlier but was not forceful enough at the intake desk to tell the people that her daughter needed immediate help. I said that someone was having a really bad seizure in the parking lot, and they acted immediately.

Thank you, concerned citizens, for the good work that you do to make the world a better place. -- Good Samaritan Dear Good: Your story of the family in the hospital parking lot underscores how the kindness of strangers can make all the difference. Thank you.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. free life…that person is you!

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor.

Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for 35 years. He has published a book called “Moving in the Right Direction”, A Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. Bruce has just written his second book for the children of seniors, “Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction”, Practical Advice about Seniors Moving from the Home They Love.

This book is now available at www.GuidingOurParents.com. Past articles about moving and downsizing and other important information can be found at www.BrucesTeam.com. Bruce received the 2010 “Realtor of the Year” from the 3,800 membership of the GMAR (Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors). Bruce is a featured speaker at several senior communities in the Milwaukee-Metro area. His discussions center on the challenge of moving from a long time home into a senior apartment or community. He has been listed in Milwaukee Magazine’s 5-Star Agents list for the last three years in a row. As such, he’s one of only a handful of Realtors who are continually included in the top 7% in client satisfaction in the Milwaukee Metro area. He’s rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, and was a finalist for Concordia College’s Ethical Business Leadership Award. He works with his wife Jeanne at Realty Executives Integrity.

MARCH 2017

• 50PLUS • 15

How to help older drivers give up the car keys Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend that can help me deal with my mom’s bad driving? At age 83, her driving abilities have declined, but I know she’s bound and determined to keep driving as long as she’s alive.

Nervous Nelly Dear Nelly, There’s no doubt that giving up driving can be a tough step for many elderly seniors, as well as a difficult conversation for concerned family members. While there’s no one way to handle this sometimes touchy topic, there are a number of tips and resources that can help you evaluate and adjust your mom’s driving, and ease her out from behind the wheel when she can no longer drive safely.

Assess Her Driving To get a clear picture of your mom’s driving abilities, your first step – if you haven’t already done so – is to take a ride with her and watch for problem areas. For example: Does she drive at inappropriate speeds, tailgate or drift between lanes? Does she have difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Does she react slowly, get confused easily or make poor driving decisions? Also, has your mom had any fender benders or tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on her vehicle? These, too, are red flags. For more assessment tips see SeniorDriverChecklist.info.

If you need help with this, consider hiring a driver rehabilitation specialist who’s trained to evaluate older drivers. This typically runs between $100 and $200. Visit AOTA.org/older-driver or ADED.net to locate a specialist in your area.

SAVVY SENIOR

By Jill Miller Transitioning and Talking After your assessment, if you think it’s still safe for your mom to drive, see if she would be willing to take an older driver refresher course.

These courses will show her how aging affects driving skills, and offers tips and adjustments to help ensure her safety. Taking a class may also earn your mom a discount on her auto insurance. To locate a class, contact your local AAA (aaa.com) or AARP (aarp.org/drive, 888-227-7669). Most courses cost around $20 to $30 and can be taken online or in a classroom.

If, however, your assessment shows that your mom really does need to stop driving, you need to have a talk with her, but don’t overdo it. If you begin with a dramatic outburst like “mom, you’re going to kill someone!” you’re likely to trigger resistance. Start by simply expressing your concern for her safety.

For more tips on how to talk to your mom about this, the Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offers a variety of resources at TheHartford.com/lifetime – click on “Publications” on the menu bar, then on the “We Need To Talk” guidebook.

solution is to suggest a visit to her doctor who can give her a medical evaluation, and if warranted, “prescribe” that she stops driving. Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.

If she still refuses, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they can help. Or, call in an attorney to discuss with your mom the potential financial and legal consequences of a crash or injury. If all else fails, you may just have to take away her keys.

Alternative Transportation Once your mom stops driving she’s going to need other ways to get around, so help her create a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that she can call on.

To find out what transportation services are available in her area, contact the Rides in Sight (ridesinsight. org, 855-607-4337) and the Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116), which will direct you to her area agency on aging for assistance.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Jim Miller is the creator of Savvy Senior, a syndicated information column for older Americans and their families that is published in more than 400 newspapers and magazines nationwide. Jim is also a contributor on NBC’s “Today” show and KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, and is the author of The Savvy Senior, The Ultimate Guide to Health, Family and Finances for Senior Citizens, (Hyperion).

Jim is frequently quoted in articles about issues affecting senior citizens and has been featured in numerous high profile publications, including Time magazine, USA Today and The New York Times. In addition, he has made multiple appearances on CNBC, CNN, Retirement Living Television and national public television.

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Last week I touched on the power of the mind in healing and the science behind unlocking the mechanism of the mind-body connection. A good example of this is the lack of scientific acknowledgement and research of the central role the bond of friendship can play in saving lives and promoting health. There is a net health benefit to these relationships as well.

According to Census Bureau reports, nearly one fourth of all men and nearly 46 percent of women ages 75 or over live alone. Those who shut themselves off from the world are greatly susceptible to higher mortality rates, increased risk of depression, cognitive decline and illnesses. Multiple studies show a clear association with loneliness, higher blood pressure and dementia, as well as with risky health behaviors such as a sedentary lifestyle and smoking.

Exactly why friendship has such a significant effect remains unclear to researchers. Still, you have to wonder why something shown to be a powerful weapon in fighting illness, depression, speeding recovery, slowing the aging process and prolonging life is not made more of a wellness priority. An old adage once put it this way: one person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.

So it stands to reason that investing time in making friends and strengthening friendships can pay off in better health and a brighter outlook.

But here’s the rub. As we all know, true friendships are not easy to build or maintain. It takes effort. Life moves

quickly, priorities and interests can change. Friends can grow apart. As we age, companions and confidants retire or move away or grow ill. The circle shrinks. Finding that bond with another -- those shared values, interests, understanding and trust from former strangers -- is rarely easy.

For older adults, making friends should be easier in some respects, given they have had a longer life for developing relational skills. I think of my mother as a prime example of someone who has a remarkable skill of making friends wherever she goes.

For those who may struggle with connecting with others, experts also point out that quality counts more than quantity when it comes to friendships.

This seems to be especially true of seniors. As people sense their remaining time growing brief, researchers have noted a tendency to shed superficial relationships in order to concentrate on those they find most meaningful.

Some experts believe that part of the problem of why the subject of friendship has been so overlooked in the field of social science is due to an overwhelming focus on romantic relationships. Just do a quick scan; you’ll finds reams of material on families and marriage but very little on the clinical importance of friendship.

This focus on the romantic aspect is also true when it comes to the healing power of human touch. A gentle touch may well have to do with love, but not necessarily romantic love. An example would be the loving touch a parent can give to a child. We tend to FRIENDSHIP continued on page 26

MARCH 2017

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Ass is t e d Li vi n Reh g abi lit a t Me ion mo ry C Unit a Ski lled re L Spe icens ed ech Nu The rsin Occ rap g upa y tion Res pira al The rap t y Phy ory Th era sica py l Th Lon era py g-Te rm Car Tem e por ary Rec Car rea e tion al A c tivi Priv ties / En ate tert Roo ain me Op m nt s Av en Fam aila ble ily V Pet isit Vis atio itat ion n Hos A pic llow eC ed are Me dic are Me dic aid Res pite Car e

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CEDAR COMMUNITY 5595 County Road Z West Bend 262-306-2100 cedarcommunity.org

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MARCH 2017

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JACKSON CROSSINGS N168 W22022 Main St. Jackson 262-993-2838 www.jacksoncrossings.com

ST. ANNE’S SALVATORIAN CAMPUS 3800 N. 92nd St. Milwaukee 414-463-7570 www.stannessc.org

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Wellspring of Milwaukee specializes in:      

Short-Term Rehabilitation Respiratory Care Skilled Nursing Care Memory Care Wound Care Management Respite Care Wellspring of Milwaukee has opened a new post-acute brain injury unit named DaySpring.

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MARCH 2017

• 50PLUS • 19

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THE VIEW AT PINE RIDGE

1010 Pine Ridge Court P Oconomowoc 262-468-7711 info@theviewatpineridge.com

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TUDOR OAKS SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY S77 W12929 McShane Dr. Muskego 414-529-0100 www.TudorOaks.net

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CALL 414.351.0453 TO SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR OF OUR RECENTLY RENOVATED POST HOSPITAL REHABILITATION UNIT! 6263 N Green Bay Avenue, Glendale | symphonyofglendale.com | 414.351.0453

20 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2017

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SYMPHONY OF GLENDALE

6263 N. Green Bay Ave. Glendale 414-351-0543

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VMP HEALTHCARE & COMMUNITY LIVING 3023 S. 84th Street Milwaukee 414-607-4100 www.vmpcares.com

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Also enjoy our other campus amenities: Pool, Fitness Center, Theater, Bistro and much more!

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414-529-0100 www.TudorOaks.net Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior housing and healthcare since 1930.

MARCH 2017

• 50PLUS • 21

A design like no other!  160 beautiful acres  Cottage residences arranged in intimate neighborhoods  Charming “front porch” designs  Private European-style bathrooms/showers  Bright, open concept  Dedicated activities coordinators and specially trained staff  Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Excellence in Care® Dementia Program of Distinction

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There she is.

The woman who taught me to read, to cook, to look both ways before crossing the street. My mom. These days, I read her mail to her because she finds the words a meaningless jumble. I cook her meals, because she might leave the stove unattended again. The last time she left the house alone, she became confused and lost. Some days, she doesn’t even know who I am.

Where Hope Becomes Reality 1010 Pine Ridge Ct, Oconomowoc 262.468.7711 | www.theviewatpineridge.com

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MARCH 2017

Do you need to file a tax return in 2017?

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My income dropped way down when I retired last year in 2016, so I’m wondering if I need to even file a tax return this year.

New Retiree

Dear New, There are several factors that affect whether or not you need to file a federal income tax return this year including how much you earned last year (in 2016), and the source of that income, as well as your age and filing status.

Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s (2016) IRS tax filing requirement thresholds. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2016 gross income – which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately – was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you probably won’t have to file. But if it’s over, you will.

• Single: $10,350 ($11,900 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2017).

• Married filing jointly: $20,700 ($21,950 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $23,200 if you’re both over 65).

• Married filing separately: $4,050 at any age.

• Head of household: $13,350 ($14,900 if age 65 or older).

• Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $16,650 ($17,900 if age 65 or older).

To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “Tax Guide for Seniors” (publication 554), or see IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p554.pdf.

Other Circumstances There are, however, some other financial situations that will require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing require-

ment. For example, if you had earnings from self-employment in 2016 of $400 or more, or if you’re receiving Social Security benefits and half your benefits plus all other income, including tax-exempt interest, exceeds $25,000 or $32,000 if you are married filing jointly, you’ll need to file.

To figure this out, the IRS offers an interactive tax assistance tool on their website that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file, or if you should file because you’re due a refund. It takes about 15 minutes to complete.

You can access this tool at IRS.gov/ filing – click on “Do you need to file a return?” under the Get Ready tab. Or, you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-8291040. You can also get face-to-face help at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. See IRS.gov/localcontacts or call 800-8291040 to locate a center near you.

Check Your State Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different.

Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/state-tax-agencies.

Tax Preparation Help If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can get help through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TEC provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate a service near you.

Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE program that provides free tax preparation at more than 5,000 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp. You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Free Tax Assistance AARP offers Tax Assistance by appointment only at the following locations: (Provided by trained AARP volunteers)

Brookfield Library Tuesdays 9:00 am-3:15 pm, call 262-7824140 (when prompted press option #1) Menomonee Falls Library Fridays 9:30 am-3:30 pm, call 262-255-8460 Mukwonago Library Mondays 9:00 am-1:00 pm, call 262-363-6411 Muskego Library Tuesdays 9:00 am-2:00 pm, call 262-9712100 New Berlin Library Wednesdays 9:15 am-2:00 pm, call 262-785-4981 Oconomowoc Area Senior Center Tuesdays 9:00 am-4:30 pm, call 262-567-3360 Sussex Civic Center Mondays 9:30 am-3:00 pm, call 262-246-5181

Waukesha Landmark Credit Union Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am-2:00 pm, call 262-796-4500 Be sure to bring with you: • Your Photo I.D. • Social Security Card • Last Year’s Taxes • All 1099 Forms • W-2 Forms From Any Employers • Social Security End-Of-Year Statement • Original Rent Certificate • Copy of Property Tax Bill

If you have health insurance on the Marketplace, bring along you ACA (Affordable Care Act) 1095A form. The ACA form can be obtained from the Marketplace and shows how much you paid in 2016 and your 2016 tax credit.

If you would like direct deposit, bring a check with your account number and routing number. Tax forms can be obtained at the library or your local post office.

MARCH 2017

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Mark Your Calendars!

Wisconsin Senior Olympics are set for

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Lawn Bowling Pickleball Powerlifting Racewalk Racquetball 5K Road Race Run/ Walk Shuffleboard

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24 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2017

Santa Fe, New Mexico vacation and relocate As the temperatures plummet and the snow flies, do you think about relocating or traveling? I do, I have for years. I have been immediately drawn to the hot and humid beach communities. However, my husband suggested Santa Fe, New Mexico, with its mild yet still existing change of seasons.

Santa Fe, New Mexico’s capital, sits in the Sangre de Cristo foothills. Today you will find a co-existence of cultures from Navajo, Pueblo, and Apache Indians, to the Spanish, Hispanic. French and Anglo “cowboy” American.

I associate this vibrant city, rich in culture, with its iconic Pueblo-style architecture. However, after winding through the charming crooked streets of the historic plaza streets my senses will forever be imprinted with the sounds of diverse music from talented street musicians, the pungent smell of lavender, sage and cinnamon, and the bright sun shining in the brilliant turquoise colored sky.

The Santa Fe Plaza has been the center of social, government and economic life since the traders arrived in the city as early as 1610. Local artists

TRAVEL

By Lisamarie Arnold and Native Americans share spaces along the perimeter of the Plaza selling art and jewelry. In the Plaza, you will experience the blending of local culture with cutting edge style. The charming streets are lined with restaurants, bars, cafés, upscale shops, local merchants, historic Church sites and an abundance of art galleries. You’ll walk for miles and not notice how far you have trekked since there is so much to see and eat along the way. Three must stops in the Plaza are: (1) The La Fonda Hotel, have drink at the outdoor-cocktail bar or breakfast on the patio. Or indulge and unwind with a restorative massage at the LaFonda Spa, (2) go early and visit the Loretto Chapel and view the miraculous staircase, and (3) shop along the Governor’s Walk, and purchase treasures the from locals.

Additionally, the vibrant Santa Fe

Hotel Santa Fe Railyard District boasts many local If you stay in the Hacienda you are restaurants, shops and art boutiques. treated to an amazing and truly healthy On the weekend, we were treated with continental breakfast with breathtakan expansive farmers market, full of ing views on a roof top patio and wine fresh fruits, veggies, music, local ar- and cheese in the afternoon. However, tisans and a delicious variety of local the hotel offers family-friendly suites ethnic foods. The market went on for and on each floor a buffet table is set in blocks and blocks. the morning stocked with juice, tea and We chose the Hotel Sante Fe/ Ha- fresh brewed coffee. It’s a win either cienda & Spa (1501 Paseo de Peralta), way. In the evening the lobby is filled which immediately met all my expec- with music from local musicians. Once tations and more. Santa Fe’s only Na- you have arrived and parked your car tive American owned hotel employed you are treated like royalty by the hoincrebiliy helpful and friendly staff. Ev- tel’s (free shuttle) driver. However, you eryone from the hotel manager to the truly can walk to the plaza and the Raikind person offering me a fresh cup for lyard District has many local eateries. my morning coffee was welcoming and Our favorite restaurant, Cowgirl, was a pleasant. Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda 2-minute walk from our hotel. and Spa offers a unique choice of sleepThe experience at the Cowgirl ing options from luxurious rooms in (BBQ) pretty much set the tone for the the Hacienda to native decorated suites entire trip. Here we were greeted by in the hotel. Each option has its pros. the owners and felt like long-lost fam-

MARCH 2017

ily. The atmosphere was both trendy and urban with a warm local-neighborhood feel. But more importantly, the food was a culinary explosion of taste. All table-conversation stopped as beautiful dishes rich in local flavors were put in front of us. But the two real show stoppers were the Mother Burger and the Ice Cream potato. The supremely tasty Mother Burger stopped a 20-year-old starving college boy in his tracks. The Mother Burger defeated him flat. I however, am grateful that I saved room for the Ice Cream potato.

Yep, that’s right, I said “potato”. It’s a true artistic masterpiece. Its looks exactly like a baked potato but is sweet creamy ice cream. We also devoured the pulled-port BBQ, local brews, and salads. Since, owners first open in 1993 in a 100-year-old historic building, the Cowgirl (319 S. Guadalupe St) has become a local institution with live music, a children’s area, a Billiard Parlor

and beautiful outdoor patio.

The friendly people, the beautiful landscape, the cadre of activities and events, the vibrant culture all enticed us to evaluate Santa Fe as a spot to relocate in our retirement (or semi-retirement) years. At the very least it’s an amazing place to visit and re-visit. In five days we barely scratched the surface. Check it out!!!

The median home cost in Santa Fe is $304,800. Home appreciation the last year has been -5.73 percent.

The best time to visit Santa Fe is between September and November.

During this time, temperatures range from the high 20s to high 70s. Summer temps are between the 50s and 80s.

Winter can be chilly with highs reaching the upper 40s during the daytime and lows in the teens come nighttime.

The sun is constantly intense, even during the winter.

• 50PLUS • 25

Santa Fe Market.

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MARCH 2017

Simpler way to beat retailers at their own games Retailers work hard to get our money. They offer special promotions and put other tactics into play, even hiring human behavioral specialists to figure out our shopping habits and how to get us to spend more. By having a few tricks of your own, you can

be a smart consumer who foils those plans and saves big.

FRIENDSHIP continued from page 16

Hopkins University School of Medicine and author of “Touch -- The Science of Hand, Heart and Mind.”

“Doctors who touch their patients are rated as more caring,” he adds.

“And their patients have reduced stress-hormone levels and better medical outcomes. Even people with clip1:15 PM at the mall are more likely to boards

GRAB THE LOSS LEADERS, AND THEN LEAVE. A loss leader is something retailers sell so cheaply that they’re willing to lose money just to

overlook the central role that the human touch plays in our lives, or how it shapes both our lives and our social interactions.

“People who are gently touched by a server in a restaurant tend to leave larger tips,” writes Dr. David Linden, a 1/5/17 professorCW-Mukwanago-4.75x7.3.pdf in Neuroscience at the1Johns

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Know this going in. Concentrate on getting only the loss leaders and grocery-list items you need, and then make a beeline for the checkout so you can get out of there as quickly as possible.

get you to sign their petitions or take their surveys if they touch your arm lightly.”

Social touch builds trust, Linden writes. He points out a 2010 study on interpersonal touch conducted with players in the National Basketball Association. Research found that teams that celebrated successful plays with hugs, high-fives, fist bumps and other kinds of touch early in the season subsequently displayed more cooperative, selfless behavior on the court and were more successful as the season progressed.

Like the science of touch, the science of friendship is considered relatively new, but it is an area (like friendship itself) that we need to cultivate

and grow. So ask yourself, do you have someone you can turn to when you need them? A true friend can serve to build your confidence and self-esteem when you need it the most.

Good friends are worth fighting for. And they’re good for your health.

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MARCH 2017

March Poem

This month we have plenty of leisurely time.

Perhaps there is time to make a good rhyme.

March as a month is quite often somewhat iffy.

It may snow and later there’s sunshine in a jiffy.

There remains some ice here and there in lakes.

But don’t try skating on it for Heaven’s sakes.

Farmer Bill has a winter’s hill of manure to dispose.

Spreading it here and there on some it may impose Maximize comfort as you can and minimize stress.

Don’t go out or about without that pretty new dress.

• 50PLUS • 27

St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th is time for a party.

Everyone enjoys the fun as the Irish party hearty!

Guinness, they say, was a man rather stout.

Yes, they named the beer for him, no doubt.

March needs some mighty laughter to cheer.

But only for adults can it come from a beer.

This month often is a time for distant travel.

Vacation guides we may search and unravel.

It finally is time to be enjoying a bit of Spring.

Freshness in the air brings with it a certain zing.

As time marches on, March faces its final days.

But who cares? April’s sun casts warming rays.

The groundhog missed its chance this year for fame.

Still, it refuses for this weather to accept the blame.

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MARCH 2017

These fellows prove that it’s never too old to play the Thursday Morning 65 and over group, which is a story in itself.

Last year, for example, there were 28 players in the league who were 80 years of age and older, a most remarkable accomplishment. I like to use

BY JACK PEARSON

The Sports Plus column in this issue is about the upcoming season of the senior softball and baseball leagues in the Milwaukee area. This article is about one of those leagues,

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Taken last fall, a photo of six of the oldest players in Milwaukee senior softball, all over 80.

Front row, Ken Hauser, who died in December, Fritz Suderland and Otto Suderland, who is now retired, back row, Erv Kay, league president Cy Swiecichowski and Dick Beck. analogies on occasion in my commentary, so here’s another one. If you added up the ages of all those 28 players, you’d get a total of 2,321 years. Thus if you projected back in time that many years, you’d be far before when Christ was born.

For years it was the only 65 and older league in the state, and one of the only ones in the entire country. It was started by a most convivial gentleman who lives up in Jackson, Cy Swiecichowski. Cy, now 83, has competed in and run the league ever since.

This past year another 65 and over league was started in Madison, and he helped start it. (Don’t let the pronunciation of his last name get to you. Just say “switch a house key.”)

Cy and his assistants are now signing players and making arrangements for this summer’s competition. Thus far, he is close to his total of about 180 for the whole league, but tells me he has only 20 players over the age of 80, down some from last year. But keep in mind that my talks with him and this column were written in late January, so by the opening of play in late April that figure may have increased.

One of the 80-plus players from last year’s league, Ken Hauser, died on December 30 at the age of 85. Another name missing this summer from the

listing is Otto Suderland, who has decided to retire. Otto is 88 and lives in Milwaukee.

“There’s a time for everything and everyone,” Otto said to me when I asked him about his retirement. “I still feel fine, that’s not the issue. But you know I’ve been competing in softball and baseball leagues and other sports around here ever since I was 13 years old. So I figured that 75 years was a good round number and a good one to call it quits.” It’s difficult to imagine softball in this area without Otto.

Not only has he been one of the best players in the game for decades, he has also been one of the best liked. He doesn’t look his age. He still appears as big and strong as a defensive lineman on a pro football team. But, as he pointed out, there’s a time for everyone. It’s a maxim that most of us have a hard time accepting.

If there was anyone from the league who seemed to have discovered the Fountain of Youth it has to be Erv Kay. The man is now in his 92nd year, lives in Greenfield and is the oldest player in any of the leagues. “I don’t really consider myself as a successful athlete,” he said, “but I try to keep in shape and do enjoy playing.”

As a youth, Kay’s sport was tennis. “I was the only freshman at Pulaski High

MARCH 2017

School to make the varsity,” he recalled.

“You had to be at least a sophomore, but for some reason they let me play. I wasn’t too bad.” He worked for most of his adult life as a truck driver for Dolly Madison foods. “I really didn’t get into more competitive sports until I was a lot older. He has competed in more than 20 Wisconsin Senior Olympics in both tennis and volleyball, and has also been in 10 National Senior Olympic games. He stays in condition today by working out at the Wilson Park Senior Center. “My goal is to become the only 100 year old softball player in Wisconsin,” he said with a chuckle. The way he’s going, he has a good chance of doing just that.

Incidentally, Cy noted that the players are not just from the Milwaukee area, but come to play from many outlying areas. “As far north as the Fond du Lac area, as far west as Lake Mills, and as far south as the Racine-Kenosha area. There is no distance limit; everyone is welcome,” he said.

The others over 80 in age who have signed up to play ball this coming summer, in addition to Kaye, are

Dick Beck of Menomonee Falls, 87; Fritz Suderland, who is Otto’s brother and who lives in Milwaukee, 86; Joe Albert of Waukesha, Al Behling of Greendale, Bill Crowley of Milwaukee and Bob Luebben of Franklin, all 85; Andy Anderson of Oconomowoc, 84; Lloyd Barnes of Milwaukee, Chuck Johnson of New Berlin, Larry Rodabaugh of Greenfield, Cy Swiecichowski of Jackson and Bernie Zandi of Brookfield, all 83; Bob Ammerman of Germantown, 82; Pete Montez of Milwaukee, 81; and Jim Cleary of Brookfield, Bruce Kucaj of Milwaukee, Dave Mielke of New Berlin, Jerry Peters of Milwaukee and Tony Scozzafave of Mequon, all 80.

“All these players in their late 70s, 80s and into the 90s aren’t along just for the ride,” Cy added. “Everyone plays. This isn’t like high school or college or the pros where winning is all-important and only the best players get out there on the field. With us, winning is important, sure, but having a good time and simply playing the game are more important.”

• 50PLUS • 29

The Clean Hands Effect Knowing that we’re in the cold and flu season, I picked up a recent issue of the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter to get up to speed on how we can prevent illness in our homes and offices this winter.

In that issue, a reader asked, “What’s the single most important way to prevent illness?” The answer: Wash your hands often, before eating; before and after handling food, particularly raw

meat or fish; after having sex; before putting in contact lenses or treating a wound; after using the toilet; after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose, particularly when you have a cold; after changing a diaper; after playing with a pet or cleaning a litter box; and after gardening or any other task that leaves the hands grimy. That just about covers it all.

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30 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2017

BOYS OF SUMMER continued from page 1

but they have a ball, playing ball.

As noted in previous columns about senior softball play in this area, the amount of and quality of the senior players here are as numerous and as good as there are anywhere in the country, and that includes the sun belt states, where weather allows play all year long. Most of the leagues in softball are for 55 and older players, and one is for 65 and older. In baseball, the age levels are younger. Players can compete in league which are of their own age or older, but not ones that are for younger ages. This allows an individual to play for more than one team, and many of them do.

Some of the players’ ages in that 65 and older league defy credibility.

One of the sprightly fellows in the league is all of 92, and 20 of them are 80 and older (see sidebar story). All of the leagues are open to players of the proper age; what county one lives in doesn’t make a difference. Some of the leagues are open to women, and a few of them are on mixed teams.

The above information, in addition to general interest, is offered here as an inducement for new players.

Because of attrition from season to season, there are nearly always openings. If you are interested, leagues and league presidents are listed below.

Playing senior softball is not only enjoyable, but it is amazingly reasonable.

Your outlay for the entire season is less than you’d pay for playing a round of golf. For softball, all you need is a good glove, a pair of proper shoes and your own bat. For baseball you’ll need a little more, usually a team shirt and hat. The league provides balls.

SPORTS PLUS

By Jack Pearson Here’s the rundown for senior softball: Opening day for the VMP 55 and Older League is scheduled for Monday, May 1. There are 12 teams, and games begin at 9, 10, 11 a.m., and at noon. All games are at McCarty Park in West Allis. For more information call league President Jim Cleary at 262-938-6721. Jim is taking over as head of the league after service for many years as its vice president. He succeeded Pancho Palesse in that position, who had served as the league’s president for an unprecedented 21 years. The Village at Manor Park sponsors the league.

Three leagues, all for 55 and older, also begin play in early May and are sponsored by the West Allis-West Milwaukee Athletic Department. All games are played at the West Allis Athletic Complex at S. 117th St. and W. Cleveland Ave., and the days played are on Monday, Tuesday and Friday in the mornings. The Monday league starts on May 1; the Tuesday league on May 2; and the Friday league on May 5. All games will start at 9:30 a.m., and all are sponsored by the West Allis-West Milwaukee Athletic Department. For more information, call Dustin Smith at 414-604-4938.

The Milwaukee 55 Plus Softball League, which is sponsored by the Milwaukee Department of Recreation, has 10 teams that include women as well as men. They play on Tuesday mornings starting at 9:30 and 10:45 at Burnham Park in Milwaukee, and begin their season on Tuesday, April 25. For further information, call Lithia McDaniel at 414-647-6065.

Twelve teams in the Southeastern Wisconsin Senior Softball League will start the season on Wednesday, April 26. They will again play all their games at McCarty Park on that day of the week, starting at 9:30 and 10:45. For more information, call Gary Kohls at 414-427-0403.

Jim Cleary (right), the new president of the VMP 55 and over Monday morning softball league, with league secretary treasurer Bill Hammerle.

The only softball league in Wisconsin for 65 and older players, The Greater Milwaukee 65 and Older Softball League, will begin play on Thursday, April 27, and beginning this year will play all their games in McCarty Park. The Village at Manor Park sponsors the league. For more information, call Cy Swiecichowski, the league president, at 262-677-3752.

One final note: Re-contouring and repair work on the three softball diamonds in McCarty Park have been completed. Over the past few seasons, lack of adequate drainage after heavy rains had caused the cancellation of several games. Hopefully, that problem has been eliminated. Volunteers from the leagues that play there, who also paid for all the necessary soil and materials needed, did the work on the diamonds. (On a financial basis, it seems to me, this was a terrific deal for the Milwaukee County Parks system.)

Here’s the rundown on senior baseball: There are a number of different age classifications for the Milwaukee Men’s Senior Baseball League: 18 and older, 28 and older, 35 and above, 45 and above, 55 and above and this year for the first time, 62 and older. All age groups are for men only. Play begins on Saturday, April 8, weather permitting. All games are conducted in the Rock Sports Complex at 76th and

Loomis in Franklin. For more information, call the Rock office at 414529-7676.

Gene Haas, the retired executive director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association, drew specifically for this column and for me the caricature of a senior softball player at the head of this article. Gene is still a fine golfer and continually beats his own age on the golf course. He’s even better as an artist. His work reminds me a little of that of Al Capp, the man who originated and drew the comic strip L’ll Abner. By the way, note the small sign in his drawing with the words, “You’re Never Too Old To Play.” That refers to the athletic motto of the Village at Manor Park, the senior retirement home community that sponsors both the Monday 55 plus and the Thursday 65 plus softball leagues.

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• 50PLUS • 33

All about St. Rose and its founders

BY LISAMARIE ARNOLD

“It was an enclave, insular, and in a city known for beer and bratwurst, predominantly Irish, a company town in some respects, working-class, but by no means poor. The Catholic parish and school, Saint Rose of Lima, included the Millers of brewing fame and other prominent Milwaukee families.

Along Clybourn Avenue were dentists, a cobbler, a druggist, barbers, four grocery stores, a plumber, and a hardware store. The names on the businesses spoke for themselves: Corrigan, O’Leary, and Curley, and the pastor of Saint Rose – Fr. Patrick Durnin.”

-- Excerpted from the biography of Spencer Tracy Merrill Park was not always identified with the Irish. The neighborhood that today we know to be bounded by 27th and 35th streets on the east and west, and St. Paul and Wisconsin Avenues on the south and north, began when Sherburn Merrill, the general manager of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, built his home on 33rd and Grand Avenue (now Wisconsin Avenue). Having purchased the land adjacent to his property, he eventually built single family homes and duplexes which eventually became home for the many blacksmiths, woodworkers, machinists and painters who worked on the railroad just down below in the Menomonee Valley.

Most of the people who worked in those jobs were first and second generation Americans – usually people of German and Polish decent – who brought their skills here from Europe.

In 1892, after a disastrous Third Ward fire left them homeless, significant numbers of Irish relocated to Merrill Park. The Irish men were the ones working on the trains – the engineers, the firemen, the switchmen, and the brakemen. Soon after, the Irish began to dominate the Merrill Park neighborhood and its identity in the larger community.

In September 1893, St. Rose Catholic Parish, under the leadership of Fr. Durnin, ‘threw open its doors to some 150 children’ and Saint Rose School was born. Fr. Durnin realized the

need for a high quality education and he quickly recruited the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters to be the teachers and administrators in the school. The Sisters were present at St. Rose until the 1980’s.

Among those who moved to the neighborhood to be closer to work was John Tracy, father of renowned actor Spencer Tracy. The Tracy family lived in the neighborhood on West St. Paul Avenue and sent their children to Saint Rose School.

A century would pass and the neighborhood and the school would both undergo significant transformations. In the late 1990’s, due to enrollment declines in both schools, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee would merge Saint Leo School (24th and Locust) with Saint Rose School. The site of the new school, which for a time was referred to as Catholic Urban Academies, was in the Saint Rose School building.

In 2007, after years working within this model, then-Archbishop Timothy Dolan invited Messmer High School (which had been running its own elementary school on the east side of Milwaukee since 1999) to assume responsibility for the ownership of the Saint Rose property for the staffing and management of Saint Rose and Saint Leo Catholic School.

An agreement was reached and what we today know as Messmer Catholic Schools was born. A financial commitment of $5 million from the Archdiocese was to accompany the agreement – an amount that Messmer and Saint Rose would never fully realize.

The Archdiocesan bankruptcy resulted in the school’s loss of $3.4 million.

Today, Messmer Saint Rose Elementary School serves nearly 500 students in grades K4-8 every day. The school building is in the midst of a significant $6.5 million renovation and $4.7 million has already been raised from alumni, friends, foundations, and other organizations such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Most importantly, today the school is home to a diverse group of students. In the same way that Saint Rose was the school for the Polish,

The late Spencer Tracy.

German and Irish immigrant children of the early 1900’s, today Messmer Saint Rose Elementary is home for Latino, African-American, Hmong, and Burmese students and their families. The school is a source of safety and stability for families looking to

1 Month

give their children opportunities to learn, grow, and be successful.

Quotes: “Saint Rose School was the most diverse experience I have ever had.”

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34 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2017

Continued Disabled Vets call to action EDITORIALS

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The Disabled Veterans National Foundation, in its call to action, believes every hero coming home from military service should be welcomed and honored. The foundation asks that you use your time and talents to support the care of America’s veterans by

volunteering your service at the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Hospitals, Nursing Homes or Clinics.

The Foundation also asks that interested persons talk to their legislators to actively pursue legislation favoring the veterans.

What about those sticky buns How healthy are you? What about your eating habits? Eating such as sticky buns, or similar sweet foods, could make your buns bigger as well as

affecting your sugar control. You may have to put sticky buns on your no-no list. Please don’t choose in its place a double chocolate chunk muffin.

Suicide is preventable Where there is a will there should be a way. The WDVA encourages people to work together to end veterans’ suicides. The WDVA now is combatting mental health issues for veterans due to the disturbing upward trends of suicides by former military personnel.

Confidential aid for veterans and their families is available. Call the Wis-

Climate change What have you heard or read recently about climate change? What’s happening and how will or does it affect us?

While most of us are concerned to some degree, where we really could be

consin Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-947-8387.

Veterans’ suicides keep increasing.

Sixty-nine percent of all veterans’ suicides are among those persons age 50 and older.

In Wisconsin, from 2007-2011, 680 veterans died by suicide.

concerned is with the motor vehicles we drive daily that spew out atmospheric pollution. Let your voices be heard and especially make your interest known via your checkbook. We need more champions for the environment.

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A look at exports and imports Many of the farm state rural voters who helped Pres. Trump achieve the White House might soon be wondering why they voted as they did. Exported agricultural products amount to about 20 percent of all yearly farm income. The main exported products are tree nuts, soybeans, rice, wheat, fresh fruits, cotton and processed vegetables. Of course, the number one state for exporting farm-grown crops is California, where, obviously, Trump did not do too well at the polls. In others

like Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska and Texas, he starred.

Products by export percentage of total harvested crop include as follows: Cotton, 77.3 %; tree nuts, 71.9%; rice, 52.4%; wheat, 50.6%; soybeans, 45.8%; fresh fruits, 27 %; processed vegetables, 25 %. What about corn? Harvested corn, not consumed by humans or animals in the U.S., goes mainly into blended motor fuels.

Countries to which most of the products listed above are sold in terms

of billions of dollars are led by our neighboring Canada at $20.8 billion.

Others, recognizing that the term billion is implied after each country, include China, 20.2%; Mexico, 17.7%; Western European, 12.l; Japan, 11.2%; South Korea, 6% and at least five other friendly trading partners.

What it appears may occur is that farm income will drop via import-export tax rulings. What the president has proposed, but we are yet to see, will be new markets to make up for the per-

• 50PLUS • 35

centages being sold abroad under our current trading agreements.

Where’s the beef? Where are the dairy products? Where’s the pork and chicken?

Are growth and new opportunities in the marketplace to elude the farmers, who already faced about a 15 percent slide in net income in 2016? Ouch!

Should the farmers ask how good it will become or how bad it will get?

North American free trade agreement The North American Free Trade Agreement has been in effect for over 25 years. Will the tough talking Trump White House dump it?

Looking backward - much easier than trying to view the future with this presidency - we can see some beauty spots in the buying and selling among the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Vehicles and mechanical parts amount to the largest U.S. import at $123 billion. Fuels and oils come in second in imports at over $40 billion. Electrical machinery comes in third as an import at $39.4 billion.

U.S. exports to NAFTA partners don’t equal the imports in dollar amounts. Top exports are vehicles and

parts totaling $64.6 billion. Second in exports are nuclear reactors and/or parts totaling $57.9 billion. Third in exports are oil and other fuels at $39 billion. Comparing the IM and EX, the U.S. is on the short end for about $50 billion in trade.

The two top states in trading with Mexico are Texas and California. As

KILLING TIME continued from page 4

appointments. When a person arrives on time, he or she may be clapping themselves on the back for such punctuality. But such is a matter of business that a lot of people might ignore today.

Obviously, the on-time people appreciate such courtesy among others. They perhaps are the get up-and-at-em morning people, who, in a manner of speaking, catch the largest worms.

I guess this is something like not just talking a good game, but in pursuing it to successful completion. l l l l l There is no better time than right now to begin doing what you know has to be done. l l l l l How many of us too often start projects, but never quite finish them? Join our organization of half-finishers. l l l l l Would you classify a person who does not read labels on medicine containers as stupid? We suspect the number of stupid people is greatly under magnified.

l l l l l A friend says that he is not going to the gym today. By his appearance and my guess, that’s about 1,000 days in succession. l l l l l Old age has its duties; like we must wake up and get dressed before being served breakfast. Who says that life isn’t tough? l l l l l As people age, they need more light so it is important that you don’t sit in the dark, even with the television on.

l l l l l Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, still are inspiring at ages 93 and 92. l l l l l How’d you like to start your day as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg does with 20 push-ups? Of course, she’s only age 82. l l l l l Diet is said to be important to longevity. I extend mine by not eating coconut cream or key lime pies. l l l l l I believe there are no magic pills unless you are selling them. l l l l l Dreamers are said to have hope for the future. When is a nightmare not a dream? l l l l l People have robotic devices in their households now. They perhaps do everything, but the dishes and clean the toilets. l l l l l Time waits for no one. This obviously is why so many people are late for

for Canada, the top trading state is Michigan followed by Illinois and closely thereafter, California, Texas, and Ohio.

As for Wisconsin, our greatest trading partner is Canada. Only 12 states indicate Mexico or other foreign countries as their manufacturers and their greatest trading partners.

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36 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2017

EVENTS Calendar

MESSMER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

ontinuing CTHE STORY OF

March 1, 7 pm Vagabond Ski & Social Club Knights of Columbus Hall, 1800 S. 92nd Street, West Allis This is an active social club for both singles and married couples. There will be a meeting and dance with great music by Freddie Marquez & The All-Stars. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm with dancing to follow at 8:00 pm. There is a $5 admission fee. For additional information about Vagabond Ski & Social Club, go to www.vagabondskiclub.com.

Saint Rose

A Storytelling Event

Sunday, April 30

9:30 a.m.

Mass and program at St. Rose Catholic Church 528 N. 31st St., Milwaukee

11:00 a.m.

Brunch at the Valley Inn

4000 W. Clybourn St., Milwaukee

Are you a graduate of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School?

JOIN US! Call 414.755.8190 to RSVP by April 10, 2017.

Space is limited and available on a first come basis.

Sat, April 1

Sat, March 18

It’s going to be a FUN SPRING at the Schauer!

Yesterday & Today

Next Generation Leahy

Come together and see the nations’ most innovative Beatles show where YOU pick the playlist! With laughter, tears, and personal stories, this show connects the audience, band, and performers in a way no other show can.

High-energy, infectious, Celtic-based music paying tribute to the Leahy family heritage.

Fiddle, cello French accordian, singing, piano, and stepdancing come together in this night of non-stop entertainment for the whole family!

Sat, April 22

High-Energy Celtic Song & Dance

April 8 & 9

The Interactive Beatles Experience

Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets

Beginnings

Along with their dynamic live band, this sharp-suited foursome revive musical memories of the doo-wop and rock ‘n’ roll eras. This high-octane romp through favorite historic tunes is delivered with fun, energectic harmony, and style.

See the ultimate Chicago tribute band! This NYC-based group is made up of musicians who have toured with artists like Peter Frampton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more.

A fun show for rock ‘n’ roll fans of all ages!

Everything Old is New Again

The Chicago Experience

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

262-670-0560 x3 | SchauerCenter.org 147 N. Rural Street, Downtown Hartford

March 4, 9 to 11:30 am (six weeks) Healthy Living With Diabetes Aurora Medical Center Summit, 36500 Aurora Drive, Summit One of every 12 Americans is affected by diabetes. In this free workshop, participants will learn steps towards better health, health behavior and a sense of confidence in managing their diabetes, how to measure blood sugar levels and achieve better glycemic control which will all result in fewer doctor and emergency room visits. A workbook and light breakfast are included. To register for this event, call Trish at 262-434-1248.

March 4, 6 – 10 pm SummerStage Masquerade Ball The Golden Mast, W349 N5293 Lacy’s Lane, Okauchee This is the spring fundraiser for the SummerStage at Lapham Peak and is not to be missed. The evening includes: cash bar, full sit-down dinner, raffle, silent auction, and music & dancing. The “Lakeside String Quartet” will provide the entertainment. They will be playing waltzes, tangos, romantic 40’s music as well as some more modern sounds. For more information

on tickets for this wonderful event, please call 262-337-1560.

March 7, 1 – 3 pm or 6 – 8 pm Grieving the Death of a Partner Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee Grieving the Death of a Partner is a support group for both men and women. This group provides a safe environment, in which men and women can share their experiences following the death of a spouse or partner. This grief group is an 8-week session coordinated

by Chaplain David Jerger. Please call David in the Spiritual Care Department at (414) 649-7937 to register.

March 8, 5 to 6 pm Remote Monitoring Technology For Heart Failure Patients ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital, 725 American Ave., Waukesha The program is for anyone who has been diagnosed with heart failure and has trouble managing it. Family members also are welcome to attend. Participants will learn about the CardioMEMS Heart Failure System. The system relies on an implantable device that allows ProHealth Care’s heart care team to remotely monitor heart failure patients. With daily monitoring, doctors can easily adjust a patient’s medications and help them avoid hospitalizations. Those interested in attending may register by phone at 262-928-2745 or online at ProHealthCare.org/Classes.

MARCH 2017

March 5, 10:30-noon New Horizons Band of Southeast Wisconsin White House of Music, 2101 North Springdale Road, Waukesha The NHB is an international organization of over 150 bands focusing on players over 55 years of age. NHB reaches musicians of all skill levels who either want to keep on playing or who have never played an instrument before joining. For many, music was set aside for work and family demands until retirement. Stop in and observe or join in the fun. To join the band, contact David Lang at the White House of Music (262) 798 - 9700.

March 8, 10 am or 1 pm Care Wisconsin Medicare Dual Advantage Informational Session Mukwonago Library, 511 Division St., Mukwonago These in-person events are a chance to ask your questions and talk to us in a group setting. A sales person will be present with information and applications.

March 9, 7 – 8:30 pm How Native Landscaping is Better for You and the Earth: An Evening with Nature Program Kettle Moraine State Forest, Ice Age Visitor Center (off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee).

Landscaping with native plants can improve your health, enhance your quality of life, heal the earth, and sustain our native birds, butterflies, and all wild things. Mariette Nowak, naturalist and author, will share the research that shows how to accomplish all the above through native landscaping. For questions, email jackie.scharfenberg@wisconsin.gov.

March 11&12, 11 am 25th Annual Winter Pow Wow Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S 84th St, West Allis The traditional pow wow brings together people of all ages and from

many nations to dance, sing, and enjoy each other’s company, eat and shop. The pow wow features an extensive marketplace where vendors offer arts and crafts, traditional foods and herbs, jewelry, books, and other items for purchase. Food vendors will offer fry bread, Indian tacos, corn soup and wild rice along with family friendly fare such as hot dogs and soft drinks. For ticket prices and additional information visit www.indiansummer.org.

March 13, 2 – 3 pm Sham “Rock” II - Evan and Tom Leahy Concert Schuetze Recreation Center, Riverview Room, 1120 Baxter St., Waukesha You asked for it, we’re going to bring it! The Evan and Tom Leahy Band is back for their second annual Sham “Rock” St. Patrick’s Day Concert. The Leahys have been performing lively Irish Pub music for over 20 years. This father and son duo, also founding members of the Irish Folk group Leahys Luck, will get you in the spirit of the St. Paddy’s season! Be sure to be wearin’ the green! Refreshments will be served. The event is free, but registration is required. Please call 262-524-3714.

March 14, 12:15 pm Are You Smarter Than A Smartphone?

Clinton & Bernice Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Dr., Milwaukee Do you own a smartphone? Do you know how to operate it? Learn how to use your smartphone. It is more than just a communication device. Lois Redic will answer your questions and teach you how to use it to the fullest. Call Sheila at 414263-2255 to register.

March 15, Noon – 1 pm Brown Bag Conversations Waukesha, Frame Park Rotary Building, 1150 Baxter St.,

• 50PLUS • 37

Waukesha deners for a discussion on startAnyone who is interested in learn- ing a garden and nurturing your Oconomowoc Area Senior Center’s ing more about the many aspects of plants. Bring your lunch (coffee horticulture, join us in welcoming will be provided), your thoughts, Waukesha County’s Master Gar- questions and ideas.

Senior Services Fair

SeniorSaturday, April 29

9 am to 2 pm 210 S. Main Street, Oconomowoc Berkshire Clubhouse SATURDAY, APRIL 29 • 9AM-2PM

Services Fair

210 S. Main Street, Oconomowoc • Berkshire Clubhouse Get information and gain knowledge about

Get information and gain knowledge about Health and Wellness •Transitional Housing • Health and Wellness  FinancialRewarding Opportunities • Planning Retirement • Financial Opportunities Legal Documents •Travel Opportunities • Home Care and Helpers  Home Care and Helpers • Activities to Join .. .Activities and several “Informative Seminars” to Join • County Senior Services and refreshments, too!  Transitional Housing  Home Maintenance Sources FREE ADMISSION  Planning Rewarding Retirement

For more details, call 262.567.4288 or visit www.OconomowocSeniors.org . . . and several “Informative Seminars”and refreshments, too!

FREE ADMISSION For more details, call 262.567.4288 or visit www.OconomowocSeniors.org

GLASS SLIPPERS ARE SO BACK.

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38 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2017

Emma wonders about being age 33 again Dear Folks: Good morning!

I am looking at a 2016 calendar and wondering how I can still put it to good use, as I do love the picture at the top of it. I guess one thing better than tossing the entire calendar into the wastebasket would be to pull the picture off and file it away. Will I even recall why that picture on a piece of paper was so important to me when I come across it in a drawer six months or so from now? The picture is one of a soaring eagle, a bird of great wonder. It is said that when we die that God will raise us up on eagle’s wings and let us bask in the sunshine.

Henry and I went to a funeral service the other night that a retired Catholic priest did for friends at a funeral home. Normally, I would not even write of such an occasion. But what the priest said was so different that I want to share it with you.

Goodbye Dear Linda; You’re With God Now

APRON STRINGS

By Aunt Emma The priest, who obviously did not even know the deceased, told us not so much about the deceased person’s life, but what each of us may expect in Heaven. He said that some of the ancient scriptural writers tell us that we will not meet and greet the souls of people of all ages there. He said, as the story goes, that everyone in Heaven looks like and feels like (if souls have any feelings) they are age 33. Why? Henry says that is the age at which Jesus Christ died after hanging on the cross. It is difficult for me to believe in that age 33 bit. I have more

than a few vain friends who would love to appear as though they are 33 again.

But do they want to have to die first and get to Heaven? I have to tell you that I never have read those stories.

Henry always tells me that I should look at the big picture. I guess what he means is that as I am so often concerned with little details and/ or what I believe to be problems. I should overlook such. Too often, I suspect, Henry’s “big picture” becomes a bit bigger and a bit cloudier when he spends an evening with the boys at the club shooting pool. Now, there is nothing wrong with trying to avoid putting that eight ball into the side pocket when about half of the 15 balls still remain on the slate. Accidentally hitting that eight ball ends the game in the other guy’s favor. Such provides instant gratification regardless of how long it took, so Henry says.

I do believe in pursuing things until I get the accomplishment that I am

striving for. If a certain recipe does not taste right to my taste buds, I continue adding this or that until I am happy with it. On occasion, this creates almost double what I had first intended.

But do believe me, I am not like Noah Webster. This man spent 36 years in compiling all the words and phrases for his dictionary. I don’t really know if Webster did any sweating as he worked on the words for his dictionary. Recalling my daddy, he told me more than once that accomplishment of anything worthwhile was generally 90 percent by sweat and 10 percent by talent. I never figured out if he really was that short on talent.

Well, I guess I will close for now. I must go to an ailing friend’s home and help her out. There’s never a wrong time to be a good neighbor.

Goodbye until next month.

Emma

OBITUARY

Our beloved daughter Linda, an absolutely beautiful human being, tragically lost her life in a fire on February 7.

I realize that just about everyone has lost a loved one at some time or another, and had all the heartache and grief I, my wife Margaret, and other daughter Jennifer are now enduring. But heartache and grief are intensely personal matters. Thus I feel it’s sort of presumptuous for me to bother anyone else with ours. But Maureen Slattery, the publisher of this publication, has known Margaret and myself and our daughters for many years, and asked me to put together a few words.

Linda had so many wonderful traits; yet one specifically was so very praiseworthy. It was also, sadly the one which in all likelihood was cause of her death. She had an almost unbelievable empathy for animals and all of God’s furry and feathered creatures. Once she saw a tiny baby mouse in our back yard, struggling to move. She picked it up and placed it on a pillow in her room, and even found an eyedropper to feed it a little milk. After a few weeks it had grown stronger and bigger and she took it out into the woods and released it. She was that way with all injured or needy animals. During her lifetime we had five collie dogs; each of them loved her and fussed over her far more than they did with me. Animals have an inner sense, of whom to trust, which is why so many of them came to her, even animals from the wild.

But despite all this, Linda also had a difficult life. From teenage on she was afflicted with alcoholism. That was the reason she still lived at home with us. She was also a member of AA, the Waukesha Alano Club and the Smart Recovery Group. All her friends in those organizations will remember her warm smile, her kindness and the gifts she bestowed on them. And also her words and belief in the Lord and Everlasting Life.

When the police came to our home after the fire to inform us of what happened, they told us that she had been visiting at a friend’s home, that at the time he had been away at his night job, and that she and the friend’s adult son and the family dog were all in the house when the fire broke out. They said that Linda and the dog had been killed, and that the son was badly burned but alive.

They said the son told them that he and Linda had managed to get out of the burning house, but that for some reason she had dashed back in, and of course she never got out again. It was first assumed that she had gone back in to retrieve something, such as her purse or a jacket. I just could not agree with that assumption; that she would have re-entered a burning blaze for such things. Then, in my troubled sleep that night, it came to me. After she was safely outside, she undoubtedly heard the wails and screams of the small dog, trapped inside. Which is why she ran back into that terrible inferno, to save the dog. And lost her own life. There’s no actual proof of that, of course. But for those who knew Linda well, they would agree that was what she would have done.

And now, our darling Linda is gone. She was not a child; she was past 50 in age. But our children are always our children. We will always love and cherish her memory, and miss her more than words can ever say.

Linda is in heaven now, and if there are animals there, she’s probably helping to care for them. God willing, we’ll see her there some day, and be together again.

From Her Dad Jack Pearson

MARCH 2017

• 50PLUS • 39

We Saw You At. . . . . The Annual Chili Fest

BY MARGARET PEARSON

It was the eighth annual Chili Fest in Oconomowoc, a happy event that included the popular ice sculpture competition, family skating on the

lake, a fishing clinic, a hockey tournament and chili tasting. There was also a beer tent and warming house, and both were well used. The cold didn’t bother anyone, as these photos prove.

Bob Lechtenberg of Hartland, the winner of the ice sculpting contest, with Rose Hoisington and Diana McMullen, both of Oconomowoc.

Pat Zabik from South Bend, Indiana; Karen Straka of Oconomowoc; and Terri Van Overbergh of South Bend.

Mitch Werth and Alice Kaminski, both of Oconomowoc.

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