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March Edition Sponsored by NO DENTAL COVERAGE? GET IMMEDIATE COVERAGE WITH EDP DENTAL PLAN TODAY! CALL 800-929-7881 NOT INSURANCE • BETTER THAN INSURANCE ● More Dentists To Choose From (Your Current Dentist May Already Participate) ● More Procedures with Greater Savings Included ● Unlimited Yearly Visits, Everyone Is Accepted

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COMPARE FOR YOURSELF General Dentist Procedure 6 Month Check-Up Routine Cleaning Filling (1 Surface) Amalgam *Crown (Porcelain) *Root Canal (Anterior) *Complete Upper Denture X-Ray (Full Mouth)

Without EDP $60 $90 $110 $995 $600 $1,495 $120

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Baby Boomers & Seniors

TAX REFORM 2018

The Devil is in the Details

By Michael Hartzman

Since 1975 50plusny.com

March 2018 Long Island Edition • Vol. 43 #4

A

s 2017 drew to a close President Trump and the GOP were able to pass a sweeping tax law just before the Christmas break. Most of the business media focused on the corporate tax rate being lowered from a high of 39 percent all the way down to 21 percent. Prior to the cut the US had the fourth highest tax rate in the world. And now we are more in line with the worldwide average of 22.96 percent according to the independent tax policy research organization, The Tax Foundation.

The motivation behind the cuts was to give corporations incentive to raise wages, hire more people and build more factories. While hopes are high and the early indications show that US companies are giving back to the work force and have announced plans for expansion, the true effect of the tax reform will not be known for several years.

Along with the massive tax cuts for corporate America there were also changes to the individual tax code that will have some effect on most Americans.

In the attached charts you will notice that all of the tax brackets were modified slightly and depending on where you fall your taxes will change slightly.

Most Americans who claim the standard deduction will almost certainly see a slight decrease in their taxes owed. However, for those of us that live in high property tax states like New York and New Jersey, a (Continued on page 9)

Age of Elegance: In Memoriam: Ethel Bennett ...page 26 Time to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids?.........page 6 Spanish-Language Grandparenting... page 10 Vacation Home Rentals..................page 14 Hempstead offers seminars on how to Lower Property Taxes ............................. page 16 Celebrate Passover ............................. page 18 Prediction: Estate Litigation to Rise in 2018..........page 21 Facts About Glaucoma ............................. page 23 St. Patrick’s Day Parades.................page 25

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Suffolk Transportation Service Encourages Retired Civil Servants To Join Their Standout Team!

Suffolk Transportation Service is very proud of their many employees who are former civil servants. (Left to right): Frank Nolan, Retired SCPD; Mirta Maldonado, Retied NYPD; Joseph Payton, Retired NYSP; Al Morgan, Retired, DoC; Eric Reed, Retired NYPD; Thomas Crawford, Retired NYPD; Allan Flaxman, Retired NYPD.

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eading transportation provider Suffolk Transportation Service is proud to offer retired police officers, firefighters, corrections officers and other civil servants the opportunity to become school bus drivers at this professional, family-run company, well-known for its groundbreaking safety initiatives, innovative employee training programs, cutting-edge technology, and community involvement. Recently named by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management as one of the best companies to work for in the state, Suffolk Trans-

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

portation Service provides a rewarding second career for retirees with outstanding pay, excellent benefits and first-class training. Many of the company’s current school bus drivers are retired civil servants, including former New York City Police Officer Allan Flaxman. Allan began his employment with Suffolk Transportation Service as a school bus driver and has recently been promoted to a management position as Transportation Supervisor for the Longwood Central School District.

“Suffolk Transportation Service is a great

company to work for — very professional. I’m not just the bus driver, I’m a role model for these children and that’s something I’m very proud of,” said Mr. Flaxman.

Suffolk Transportation Service also provides training for the commercial driver’s license (CDL). The Suffolk County Police Department depends on the company’s expertise to train police officers who need this license. P.O. John Capasso of the 5th Precinct and P.O. Steven Resnick of the 6th Precinct were recently trained by Suffolk Transportation Service for their licenses. 50+

3 March 4 Inter-generational Concert. Huntington High School strings and the Long Island Pops. At Huntington High School, 188 Oakwood Rd., Huntington; 2 p.m. Suggested donation $10 ($5 seniors, kids free). Info: www.symphonicpopsli.org. or 516-414-1831.

March 8 Senior Group Meeting SAGE. Allan Sperber and Noam play Purim Klezmer music; 10:30 a.m. to noon. At the Woodbury Jewish Center, 200 South Woods Rd. Woodbury. Fee: $5. Includes light refreshments. Info: 516-496-9100 x352; www.thewjc.org.

March 21 Let’s make Sure Your Assets Are Safe. Free Breakfast Seminar, 9:30am at the Candlelight Diner, Commack. Reservations: 631-427-4600.

April 14 Long Island’s premier choral group, 8pm at Huntington HS. “Professional amateurs” who take pride in and have fun creating glorious music for the community. Presenting two masterpiece choral masses: Haydn's Paukenmesse (Mass in Time of War)and Mozart's Requiem featuring full orchestra and guest soloists. For more info go to www.huntingtonchoralsociety.org.

March 18. St. Patrick’s Day Social Dance

March 10 Open House: Graduate and Adult Professional Studies. Advance your education. Advance your career. At this Open House you will learn more about our adult professional studies programs; 10 a.m. St. Joseph’s College, McGann Conference Center, O’Connor Hall, Sunrise Hwy. Patchogue. Info or to RSVP, call 631-687-4500 or visit sjcny.edu/visitsjcli.

March 11 Purim Gala Cocktail Party. At Temple Avodah, 3050 Oceanside Road, Oceanside. Jjoin us for cocktails, dinner, silent and live auction and raffles honoring Lori and Ronald Baumann, Michelle Butler, Sherry Radowitz and Angela Zimmerman and Donna Sherwood. Cocktail Attire; 4 p.m. Cost: $118 per adult. Info: 516-6344164; email: sabrams@friedbergjcc.org; or visit them on the web. www.friedbergjcc.org.

March 12 Loving Hands Knit and Crochet for Travity. At the Merrick Golf Clubhouse, 2550 Clubhousen Rd., Merrick. Speaker Dana Lopez. RSVP required to 516-246-9552.

March 18 St. Patrick’s Day Social Dance. At the Marconi Lodge, 333 Moffitt Blvd., 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Cost per person 20. Corned beef buffet, wine, beer, and soda, coffee and refreshments served, music by DJ Rick. For reservations call Joe at 631669-7275.

On the Water: A Folk-Art Lecture/Workshop Series. The first program “At Work & Play” will feature hands-on activities that reflect our recreational boating and fishing traditions, with five traditional artists and recreational fishermen; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Program designed for families with lots of hands-on activities for children and teenagers. The Whaling Musuem, 301 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. Info 631-3673418.

(Send event info to Frank@50plusny.com. Deadline 15th of the month)

Learn about becoming an A ARP volunteer. Join us at one of our A ARP volunteer presentations and fraud prevention seminars near you.

Tuesday, April 10th. 1pm to 3pm.

Rockville Centre Library 221 N. Village Avenue, Rockville Centre Hosted by: Hempstead Volunteer Team Thursday, April 19th. 10am to 12pm.

South Huntington Library 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station Hosted by: Huntington Volunteer Team Thursday, April 19th. 1pm to 3pm.

First Presbyterian Church 175 E Main Street, Smithtown Hosted by: Smithtown Volunteer Team Wednesday, April 25th. 2pm to 4pm.

Long Beach Library 111 W Park Avenue, Long Beach Hosted By: Long Beach Volunteer Team Tuesday, May 1st. 1pm to 3pm.

Copiague Library 50 Deauville Blvd. Copiague Hosted By: Babylon Volunteer Team

Thursday, May 17th. 12pm to 2pm.

Hillside Library 155 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park Hosted by: North Hempstead Volunteer Team

Breakfast with April 3, 2018 - 9 a.m.

SPRING CLEANING A review of what records and documents you need to keep, what you can throw away, and how safe online access is with Sam Ruggieri April 3, 2018 - 9 a.m.

SUMMER FINANCIAL FITNESS CHECK-UP Let’s make sure all your insurance coverage is up-to-date and your portfolio is on track with michael Hartzman and Ralph Galdorisi Space is limited. Please call the office at 516-349-5555 if you would like to attend.

500 N. Jericho Broadway, Suite 238 Jericho, NY 11753 www.bristol-financial. com

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

Find Hidin’ Harry! www.50plusNY.com

Harry is hiding somewhere in this issue. Find him and tell us where he is and you can win a pair of theater tickets.

We’ll pick two winners out of every issue. Find Hidin’ Harry and send your answer to: Hidin’ Harry, 146 So. Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 or e-mail Editor@50plusny.com.

EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION Email us your Name, City, Zip Code and Email address and we will sign you up for a free monthly email subscription to

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Frank C. Trotta ext. 100 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tim Edwards ext. 111 VICE PRESIDENT SALES & PRODUCTION Marie S. Trotta ext. 113 EDITOR Gary P. Joyce ext. 250 DIRECTOR OF SALES Bruce Safran ext. 108 ART DIRECTOR Gregory A Jones ext. 232

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Congratulations to our Hidin’ Harry Winners!

Congratulations to our Hidin’ Harry winners from the January issue. This month’s winners are Susan Pollock of East Islip and Tom J. Hadley of Valley Stream. Both will be receiving a pair of Theatre Three tickets in the mail. So … Find Hidin’ Harry somewhere in the pages of 50+ LifeStyles and send us your answer — including your name and address — by post to Hidin’ Harry, 146 So. Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 … or by e-mail to: editor@50plusny.com.

EDITORIAL OFFICE: 146 South Country Road, Suite 4 Bellport, NY 11713 Tel (631) 286-0058 · Fax (631) 286-6866 Advertising Rate Card By Request COPY DEADLINE 15th of previous month ©50+ Lifestyles™

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Winner of 10 National Awards

LifeStyles Sudoku Solution from page 27

MARKET DIRECTLY TO LONG ISLAND & NEW YORK’S 5 BOROUGH’S BABY BOOMERS AND OLDER ADULTS AND WATCH YOUR BUSINESS GROW!

ALL MEDIA PACKAGES INCLUDE: • 100% Color • Larger Ad Sizes • Free Advertorials • eFlip Book Inclusion • Social Media Exposure Packages Starting at $50.00/ MONTH!

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

Outstanding L.I. & NY Metro Area 5 Borough Coverage 100,000+ Readership Available At: Stop & Shop • King Kullen • Best Market • Hospitals • Restaurants Health Facilities • Libraries • 55+ Complexes • Senior Centers • High Traffic Locations

For Advertising Information contact Bruce Safran 516-356-7159 • Bruce@50plusny.com

LifeStyles Puzzle Solution from page 27

6

Time to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids? World Hearing Week March 3 - 10, 2018

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f you've had your hearing aids for several years, you may be due for an update. Older technology or changes in your hearing may result in a hearing experience that’s more frustrating than it has to be. If you experience any of the following, it may be time to consider an upgrade: • Your hearing aids buzz, whistle or give feedback; • You have trouble hearing speech in noisy situations; • You have trouble hearing on the phone; • Your hearing aids are not working as well as they used to; • Using your hearing aids are more tiring than they used to be.

New digital technology has eliminated many common frustrations and made it less tiring to hear. Hearing aid technology has made major strides in the last few years, most notably through the development of digital hearing aids.

These new hearing aid models incorporate tiny computer chips designed to customize sounds for the wearer — making speech louder and background noise softer, so it’s easier to hear.

Digital hearing aids also solve many of the

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

problems analog hearing aids could not, such as suppression of background noise and automatic cancellation of the annoying (and embarrassing) whistling sound that characterized analog hearing aids.

If you are currently wearing digital hearing aids, you should have your hearing tested annually to ensure that your hearing aids are properly adjusted to your hearing loss. Digital hearing aids are updated frequently by manufacturers, so there are always new features that may benefit your lifestyle and hearing needs.

Today’s hearing aids, like mini-computers, offer the latest advancements including wireless connectivity with your phone or sound from your computer or TV. Sound is streamed right to your earpiece Hearing aid technology has not only become more advanced, it has resulted in smaller and more discreet units. Today's hearing aids are much less obvious, designed with colors that better match your hair or skin tone. And some are designed to be completely invisible in your ear canal.

With all of the recent advancements in hearing aid technology, it may make sense to upgrade your old hearing aids soon. We recommend you support one of the trusted hearing professionals in the 50 Plus Lifestyles. They have the experience and knowledge you can trust: Many offer financing and accept insurance and offer free Screening, free Consultations and free demonstrations of the latest technology. 50+

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VeteransNews

Irish Veterans Medal of Honor Museum Needs Your Help On March 10, 2018, a small museum will open in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. It will be the first Medal of Honor Museum outside the United States.

The display will be centred around the Medal of Honor (MoH) received

by Michael Gibbons, born and raised in County Mayo. He emigrated, joined the US Navy and was decorated for heroism under fire off the coast of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Amazingly, a fellow Mayo-man, a US Marine named Philip Gaughan, was in the same small boat during the action, and he also received the Medal of Honor.

It is unprecedented that a genuine MoH will be displayed outside the US, and it is highly appropriate that this will be in Ireland. Internationallyrenowned historian and author Damian Shiels will be the Museum Manager/Curator.

Irish Veterans are seeking help and support to get the Museum up and running, and have a LOT of work to do, including painting, lighting, flooring, creating display cases and boards, security measures, advertising, etc.

We are asking you to consider if your company, yourself, or any colleagues or friends can help us with getting the Museum doors opened on March 10.

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

The group of donors will be known as “The Protectors,” in honor of SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy (MoH), for whom our first Chapter is named, and whose family roots are in County Cork. He was nicknamed ”The Protector” for fighting off bullies who picked on smaller kids during his school days, and that mindset never left him.

Murphy gave his life for his men in 2005, during a savage firefight in the mountains of Afghanistan (documented in the film Lone Survivor).

We hope you will consider joining us in this endeavour – and please do spread the word. We need all the help we can get to give these men and their stories the recognition they so richly deserve, having been forgotten

by Ireland for so long.

To become a Protector, please e-mail admin@irishveterans.org; declan@irishveterans.org; or call +353 86 4066 448. Memberships are available at www.irishveterans.org. 50+

Cover Story - Tax Reform 2018 deeper dive is needed to determine if your taxes will go up or down.

According to Jonathan A. Grutman, a partner at the accounting firm Davis & Grutman, LLP under the old tax law a single person had a $6,350 standard deduction and a $4,050 exemption which equals $10,400. The married filing joint standard deduction was $12,700 and the two exemptions in the amount of $8100 equals $20,800 Under the new code the standard deduction will increase to $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a married couple. The $4,050 exemption is eliminated.

The state and local income tax and real estate tax deductions commonly referred to as SALT are now capped at a combined amount of $10,000, whereas under the old law there was no cap on either. The mortgage interest deduction is now limited to the interest on the first $750,000 of principal on new mortgages. The new law also eliminated deductibility for home equity lines of credit.

TAX BRACKETS FOR SINGLE FILERS 10% 15% 25% 28% 33% 35% 39.6%

2017 $0-$9,325 $9,326-$37,950 $37,951-$91,900 $91,901-$191,650 $191,651-$416,700 $416,701-$418,400 $418,401 or more

Standard Deduction: $6,350 Personal Exemption:$4,040

10% 12% 22% 24% 32% 35% 37%

2018 $0-$9,525 $9,526-$38,700 $38,701-$82,500 $82,501-$157,500 $157,501-$200,000 $200,001-$500,000 $500,001 or more

Standard Deduction: $12,000 Personal Exemption: Eliminated

From an estate planning perspective the Federal Estate Tax exemption has been doubled to $11.2 million per person. The amount will be indexed for inflation and will remain in effect until 2025. After 2025 it will revert back to the 2017 level of $5.6 million if the law is not made

TAX BRACKETS FOR MARRIED FILING JOINTLY 2018 $0-$19,050 $19,051-$77,400 $77,401-$165,000 $165,001-$315,000 $315,501-$400,000 $400,001-$600,000 $600,000 or more

2017 10% $0-$18,650 15% $18,651-$75,900 25% $75.901-$153,100 28% $153,101-$233,350 33% $233,351-$416,700 35% $416,701-$470,700 39.6% $470,701 OR MORE

10% 12% 22% 24% 32% 35% 37%

Standard Deduction: $12,700 Personal Exemption: $8,100

Standard Deduction: $24,000 Personal Exemption: Eliminated

permanent. For all intents and purposes this new threshold will eliminate a large percentage of the population in the US from ever paying a Federal estate tax upon death. The individual states’ estate tax rules are still in place.

When President Trump first started on his quest to implement federal tax reform he said one of his goals was to simplify the tax code.

While the tax code was changed it was not simplified. If you prepare your own taxes this might be a year to seek professional advice or make certain you are using the most current software available. 50+ Michael Hartzman is a principal in Bristol Financial Services at 500 North Broadway, Suite 238, Jericho, NY 11753. Tel: 516-349-5555; General Questions: info@bristol-financial.com.

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Spanish-Language Grandparenting Program Set to Begin in Huntington Station

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uffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Huntington Station) is pleased to inform residents that Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County will be presenting Parenting the Second Time Around (PASTA) in Spanish at the South Huntington Public Library as part of its Family Health and Wellness Program.

The free eight-week program will begin on Thursday, March 1 and run each Thursday thereafter through April 19 from 6 to 8:30 pm. It is designed for grandparents and relative caregivers who are raising their grandchildren or other relatives. Each session covers a different topic that will help to guide grandparents or caregivers raising a new generation and experiencing challenges unforeseen 20 to 30 years ago. Child care and refreshments for the participants and their children will be provided.

The program commencing on March 1 will be taught exclusively in Spanish. The South Huntington Public Library is located at 145 Pidgeon Hill Road in Huntington Station. For more information or to register, call Dinah Torres Castro 631-727-7850, ext. 351 or contact her via e-mail at: dc258@cornell.edu. An English-language eight-week PASTA program with the same time and location is scheduled to begin May 10. Registration for that program will open in April.

“This wonderful program will provide valuable information, tools and support for grandparents and all other non-parent relatives and guardians serving as primary caregivers,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I encourage all Spanish-speaking residents who are serving this critical role in children’s

lives to register and attend these invaluable sessions.”

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly represents the 17th Legislative District, which includes parts of Huntington, Huntington Station, South Huntington, Melville, West Hills, Cold Spring Hills, Dix Hills, Deer Park, North Babylon and West Babylon. He is chairman of the Education & Human Services committee and a member of the Public Safety; Public Works, Transportation & Energy; Public Safety; Seniors & Consumer Protection; and Veterans committees of the Suffolk County Legislature. 50+

Call Now 516-246-2804

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

11

Around The Towns...

Send your news items to Frank@50plusny.com

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1. Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,C,Ref-Glen Head) and the Assembly Minority Conference held a press conference on Preventing Domestic Violence.

2. Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) surprised local patrons of Sunny's Riverhead Diner and Grill as part of “Undercover Congressman”, during which Rep. Zeldin works local jobs to highlight the diverse occupations throughout the NY-1 community.

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4

3. Suffolk County Community College’s James Banks, college wide coordinator of multicultural affairs, has been reappointed as chair of the Suffolk County African American Advisory Board. Banks also serves as the chair of the Southampton Town Anti-bias Task Force.

4. Oyster Bay Town Councilman Anthony Macagnone has been selected to serve as a board member of the United States Green Building CouncilLong Island Chapter (USGBC-LI) where he will work to promote and create solutions that strengthen the balance between environmental, social, and economic prosperity here in the Long Island area. 50+

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

12

Shred It!Long Island T

he A ARP will sponsor free paper shredding events beginning in April at a location near you! Shred and recycle old medical records, legal papers, canceled checks and financial statements, credit card statements and offers and documents with Social Security numSunday, April 22; 10 a.m. to Noon Deer Park Library, 44 Lake Avenue, Deer Park Sunday, April 22; 2 to 4 p.m.

Garden City Library, 60 7th Street, Garden City Tuesday, April 24;10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Freeport Recreation Center, 130 East Merrick Road, Freeport

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

bers. A ARP Members and Guests are invited to bring up to three (3) bags or boxes of personal papers and may witness the On-Site Mobile shredding process provided by Quality Shredding Corp. All shredded papers are recycled. Dates, times and locale are as follows: 50+

Sunday, April 29; 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Avenue, Brentwood

Sunday, June 3; 1 to 3 p.m.

Oyster Bay - East Norwich Public Library, 89 E Main St, Oyster Bay

Sunday May 6; 2 to 4 p.m.

South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station

Saturday, June 9; 10 a.m. to noon TFCU Bank, 127 12 Smithtown Blvd.; Nesconset

14

acation Home Rentals: Tips For First-Timers

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ccording to a survey by HomeAway, the world leader in vacation rentals, more than 90 percent of people say that vacation is very important to them. Yet half of leisure travelers who wanted to take a trip in 2017 did not, primarily because they didn’t think they could afford it.

Costs can add up quickly, especially for big families and other large groups that book multiple hotel rooms. Savvy travelers are finding other ways to stay: Vacation homes, which offer the gamut of options that won’t break the bank, while providing

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

amenities that hotels and other types of lodging often can’t, from private pools to bikes in the garage.

Melanie Fish, a travel expert for HomeAway, offers these tips for first-timers: • From beach houses to cabins to condos, there are millions of homes to choose from—start with a trusted site like VRBO.com and take full advantage of the search filters to narrow results to custom-tailor your experience.

• Each vacation home is unique, so find one that fits the needs of your family. Fancy kitchen or BBQ grill? Big-screen TV or a pool? Bunk beds

or a crib? There’s something for everyone.

• Get the best booking experience—look for listings with the Premier Partner badge to ensure a quick response, competitive rates, great photos of the listing and more.

• Know what you’re getting into—read the vacation rental contract before submitting payment to understand cancellation policies, occupancy limits, pet restrictions, etc.

• Protect yourself—book with sites that offer protections and guarantees to guard against something unexpected happening before or during your vacation. - NAPS 50+

15

5 Things You’re Doing That Are Compromising Your Online Safety

By Dr. Eric Cole t’s vitally important to improve our cyber health and keep ourselves safe from online danger. Here are five easy fixes to keep yourself cyber safe this year:

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ATM – you have far less fraud and theft protection from your bank than you do from the credit card companies. Finally, enable real time text message alerts on your cards.

private tunnel to the Internet that your device can use without being seen. Every time you want to connect to the Internet in public, you fire up your VPN and you become invisible.

1. What You’re Doing: Clicking in E-mails What You Should Be Doing Instead: Never click on a link or e-mail attachment, ever! Think of e-mail as a text-only method of communication because nothing else about it is safe. Unless you absolutely know that the e-mail comes from someone you trust, don’t click! And even if it does come from someone you trust, be cautious if the link appears out of character for them.

3. What You’re Doing: Using One Computer For All Your Cyber Activity What You Should Be Doing Instead: With the price of computers dropping rapidly, you can’t afford NOT to have a separate “high risk” computer for your online activities such as e-mail, web browsing, and shopping. On your “low risk” computer you can minimize online activity to encrypted transactions such as with your bank or credit card company. -

5. What You’re Doing: Using Weak Passwords What You Should Be Doing Instead: Create a strong password from a phrase that you’ll remember but that no one can guess. This is great if you only have a few passwords. But some people have hundreds of passwords, making it impossible to create unique phrases for each one and remember which is which. In these cases, consider using a password vault that will generate strong passwords for each site you use. You only need to remember the master password or pass phrase to unlock the vault. Lock your vault after each session, or have it time out after a couple of minutes. 50+

2. What You’re Doing: Using Only One Credit Card What You Should Be Doing Instead: There are many credit cards without annual fees that will be more than happy to extend you credit. I recommend having at least three or four different cards that you use for different purposes. Ask for a low credit line on each. Having a separate card for different types of transactions reduces your risk and the effort needed if one card gets compromised. Never use a debit card except at the

4. What You’re Doing: Using Pubic WiFi Without a VPN What You Should Be Doing Instead: Every time you log on to an unprotected public network, everyone else on that network can see your computer or device. It’s like running naked through the mall shouting “Look at me!” — you will most certainly get noticed. Cover up! There is a simple type of application called a VPN, which stands for virtual private network. It sounds fancy, but what it really does is create a

Dr. Eric Cole is CEO of Secure Anchor and author of a new book, Online Danger: How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones From the Evil Side of the Internet. For more information, please visit, www.onlinedanger.com.

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

16

Hempstead offers seminars on how to Lower Property Taxes

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empstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin is kicking off a series of 15 “how-to” property tax relief seminars focused on helping golden-aged homeowners reduce their property tax burden. The informative sessions will cover tax-reducing measures that are uniquely germane to the town’s mature homeowners.

The seminars will detail issues such as applying for senior citizen, disability and veterans tax exemptions. Further, Clavin will share information on how to challenge your home’s property tax assessment. The Receiver will also detail other non-property tax savings programs for seniors, such as the town’s Senior Citizen Home Improvement Loan program. The loan program is an interest-free initiative, and loans do not need to be repaid until the senior citizen decides to sell the home. Finally, Clavin will share details regarding Hempstead’s free senior citizen income tax return preparation service.

Recently, Clavin proposed making permanent a veterans property tax exemption that affects many senior citizens. The Cold War Veterans ex-

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

emption currently “sunsets” after 10 years; however, the Receiver’s proposal would make the exemption permanent. The local law is being sponsored by Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney and Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. The following is a list of the seminar series for March, which are open to all senior citizens: Elmont Senior Center March 1 – 12:15 p.m., 138 Elmont Road, Elmont Franklin Square Senior Center March 2 – 12:15 p.m.

1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square Baldwin Senior Center March 6 – 12:15 p.m.

1810 Grand Avenue, Baldwin Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center March 8 – 12:15 p.m.

750 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale Wantagh Senior Center March 12 – 12:15 p.m.

1150 Seamans Neck Road, Wantagh

Bellmore Senior Center March 13 – 12:15 p.m.

2000 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore Garden City S.A.I.L. Senior Group March 16 – 1:30 p.m.

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 420 Stewart Avenue, Garden City Cedarhurst Senior Center March 19 – 12:30 p.m.

Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst Levittown Senior Center March 20 – 12:15 p.m.

555 North Newbridge Road, Levittown Salisbury Senior Center March 27 – 12:15 p.m.

460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury Green Acres Senior Center March 29 – 12:15 p.m.

400 Flower Road, Valley Stream

50+

17

Too Young to Fall? Don’t Fall For That...

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ne in four seniors falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older Americans. Most of us feel too young to be a fall risk and for many, the very first indication that they are at risk of falling is actually falling.

Don’t wait until an injury occurs.

Here are five simple ways to reduce the risk of a fall and to be safer if fall occurs.

1. Put a chair in your shower and install a handheld showerhead. Showering while seated can minimize one of the highest fall risks of all: slipping on a wet surface. Think about it. When you shower you do things like raise your arms above your head while turning around. There’s no better way to lose your balance.

2. Make sure your stair handrails are sturdy and functional. If your handrail seems rickety, you’re not likely to use it for support. Nobody wants to take a fall, much less down a flight of stairs.

3. Clear the clutter. Do you have a laundry basket, loose cords or a fan on the floor by your bedside? Many people do, but getting out of bed–especially at night in the dark when you’re sleepy–is risky enough as it is.

4. Get a good step ladder for those high shelves and cabinets. Make sure it’s sturdy, it’s the right height, and it has non-slip feet and steps. While you’re at it, move your frequently used items to lower, easy-to-reach cabinets and shelves.

5. Be proactive. Invest in a fall detection and exercise wearable technology.

People of all ages use wearables every day to monitor footsteps and sleep. MyNotifi is a colorful wristworn device which notifies designated family and friends if a fall occurs. It can also guide you through strength and mobility exercises, reducing the chance for a potential fall. MyNotifi is there for you.

But only if you need it. No outside call center, no monthly fees, no landline required.

Get your exclusive and limited time $25 Off Discount today using code: 50+LIFESTYLES www.mynotifi.com info@mynotifi.com or call 817-233-5271. *Wearer must have a SmartPhone

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

18

Celebrate Passover With Fresh and Healthy Contemporary Recipe

By Paula Shoyer, the Kosher Food Expert. Recipe reprinted from The Healthy Jewish Kitchen by Paula Shoyer; Sterling Epicure/November 2017.

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his Passover (March 30 to April 7, 2018), Paula Shoyer, best-selling author and frequent TV guest, is sharing delicious recipes that allow you to celebrate Passover without all the fat, salt, sugar and processed heavy foods usually associated with this holiday. Paula, an expert on Passover food, has published over 100 Passover dessert recipes and devoted her third book, The New Passover Menu, to this subject.

Her fourth and latest cookbook: The Healthy Jewish Kitchen: Fresh Contemporary Recipes for Every Occasion takes Jewish everyday and holiday cooking to a whole new level. Paula’s recipes put a contemporary spin on old favorites without the usual unhealthy cast of characters. Her recipes utilize fresh, natural and seasonal ingredients, with many that are glutenfree and vegan. Two of her favorites are coleslaw made with mango purée rather than mayonnaise and chicken schnitzel that is baked rather than fried, with a nut-crust.

Chocolate Quinoa Cake Parve, Gluten-free, Passover Serves 12 Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 15 minutes to cook quinoa, 50 minutes to bake cake Advance Prep Time: May be made 3 days in advance or frozen Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, small saucepan with lid, 12-cup (2.8L) Bundt pan, food processor, medium microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, silicone spatula, wooden kebab skewer, wire cooling rack, large microwave-safe bowl, whisk

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

Cake 3/4 cup (130g) quinoa 1-1/2 cup (360ml) water Cooking spray 2 tablespoons potato starch 1/8 cup (80ml) orange juice (from 1 orange) 4 large eggs 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (or other vanilla if for Passover) 3/4 cup (180ml) coconut oil 1-1/2 cups (300g) sugar 1 cup (80g) dark unsweetened cocoa 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 ounces (55g) bittersweet chocolate Fresh raspberries, for garnish (optional) Glaze (Optional) 5 ounces (140g) bittersweet chocolate 1 tablespoon sunflower or safflower oil 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or other vanilla if for Passover) Place the quinoa and water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook the quinoa for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Set the pan aside. The quinoa may be made 1 day in advance.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Use cooking spray to grease a 12cup (2.8L) Bundt pan. Sprinkle the potato starch over the greased pan and then shake the pan to remove any excess starch.

Place the quinoa in the bowl of a food processor. Add the orange juice, eggs, vanilla, oil, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt and process until the mixture is very smooth.

Melt the chocolate over a double boiler, or place in a medium microwave-safe bowl, and put in a microwave for 45 seconds, stirring and then heating the chocolate for another 30 seconds, until it is melted. Add the chocolate to the quinoa batter and process until well mixed. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake it for 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.Let the cake cool for 10 minutes and then remove it gently from the pan. Cool on a wire cooling rack.

To make the glaze, melt the chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl in the microwave (see above) or over a double boiler. Add the oil and vanilla and whisk well. Let the glaze sit for 5 minutes and then whisk it again. Use a silicone spatula to spread the glaze all over the cake. 50+

19

The Biggest Myths About Reverse Mortgages

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he reverse mortgage was created in 1961, and has been through many changes, but today is one of the safest financial tools available for seniors. Its purpose was to make life easier for those age 62 and older to stay in their home without the burden of a mortgage and to have the necessary money in the form of a line of credit or lump sum to use for an emergency, or other purposes. There are number of misconceptions that have sprung about Reverse Mortgages that give rise to many seniors not taking the time to evaluate a program that might be an important resource to supplement limited Social Security and dwindling investments.

Myth #1 – The bank becomes the owner of the property. False! Lenders are not in the business of owning home. The homeowner keeps title to the home in their name. The lender is merely added to the title as a lien, just like a mortgage, so that should title ever be transferred they will eventually get paid back. The difference between a Reverse Mortgage and a conventional mortgage is that with a reverse mortgage you are not required to make a payment. You can’t go into foreclosure. You continue to maintain your home so long as you pay taxes and insurance. If you were pass away with a balance, title

would pass just the same way as any other mortgage product on the home.

In fact the FHA will allow the estate anywhere from six months to one year for heirs to refinance, repay the balance, or sell the home.

Myth #2 – Reverse Mortgages are expensive and have no additional benefits.

False! Many seniors cannot qualif y for many types of conventional mortgages and are either forced because of rising cost of living, medicine, taxes, etc., to supplement social security or pension just to get by. The choice is to downsize or figure out how to supplement their income. The government’s answer was the reverse mortgage and interest rates have been set low so they can be paid off by a senior or loved one who inherits the property without undue hardship. One of the principle benefits of a reverse mortgage is that a senior on a fixed income, even with poor credit, can obtain financing so long as the own their home with sufficient equity. Best of all, the process is less involved and can be completed in as little as three to four weeks.

Every case can be slightly different. For personal consultation call Perri Funding Corp (MLO#59513) at 516-661-9300; www.perrifunding. They are located at 300 Bedford Ave., Suite 201, Bellmore, NY 11710.

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

20

4 Reasons It’s Urgent to Understand the Cost of Growing Old

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any young, healthy Americans may not realize that they share something troubling in common with each other. There’s a good chance they could spend the later years of their lives in longterm care, a situation that might drain their finances and leave them dependent on the government to survive.

“Families go broke quickly trying to provide long-term care for a loved one,” says Chris Orestis, Executive Vice President of GWG Life (www.gwglife.com) and author of the books Help on the Way and A Survival Guide to Aging.

The average monthly nursing-home cost is $7,148 for a semi-private room and $8,121 for a private room, according to the Genworth 2017 Cost of Care Survey. The average monthly cost for an assisted-living facility is $3,750.

But don’t despair just yet, Orestis says. Like so many things in life, tackling the problem of paying for long-term care begins with educating yourself. A few factors related to the cost of growing old that are important to know include: • Medicare and Medicaid aren’t the same. These two similarly named programs confuse lots of people, Orestis says. Medicare is a federal program that provides health care for people 65 and older. It does not cover long-term care. Medicaid provides health care for people with very low income. It does cover long-term care, but with caveats. “The person must qualify financially and also meet the definition of medical necessity,” Orestis says. “Older people who need to go into a nursing home sometimes deplete their savings so they can qualify for Medicaid.”

• The cost of some care is all on you. Most forms of home care and assisted living are private pay, which means you need resources other than Medicaid to cover the monthly out-of-pocket expenses, Orestis says.

• Long-term care insurance can help. Many people buy long-term care insurance, which can pay for nursing home, assisted living and at-home care. “A big concern here is that someone might fail to make their premium payments and let the policy lapse before they can use it,” Orestis says.

• Life insurance can be a lifeline. One untapped resource for many seniors is the life insurance policy that they thought wouldn’t pay anything until they died. “The owner of a life policy can exchange it for long-term care benefits to cover any form of care they choose,” Orestis says.

“Many people don’t really grasp how much it can cost to grow old, partly because it’s hard for them to think of themselves in a nursing home someday,” Orestis says. “But if you take the time to understand what it all means – and the options you have for paying for long-term care – then you can avoid putting your older self in a precarious financial position.” 50+

A Crisis Is Brewing for Family Caregivers Caused by the Shortage Of Certified Geriatric Doctors!

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geriatric physician, is a medical doctor that is board certified, usually in either family medicine or internal medicine, and have received additional training and certification in the treatment of older adult: such as pain, falls, memory loss, incontinence (involuntary loss of urine), and medication side effects.

Another important aspect of geriatric medicine is evaluating an elderly patient's ability to care for him- or herself (e.g., prepare and eat meals, bathe, dress etc) Primary care physicians may provide medical care for elderly patients who do not have serious health concerns. However, when an older adult experiences physical, mental, or emotional illnesses or disabilities that lead to a dependence on assistance from others, or when his or her condition causes stress on caregivers a geriatric physician should be consulted.

Unfortunately there is just not enough certified geriatricians for New York family caregivers to consult easily with to receive information 50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

based on an accurate 360 view of their senior loved ones medical records! The situation results from the fact that Americans are living longer and accumulating more diseases and disabilities, coupled with scarcity of certified and experienced geriatricians available and the inability of the medical community to attract anywhere near the number of certified physicians the patient population requires. Simply put few medical students are choosing geriatrics as a specialty. A career focused on caring for older adults is unattractive to physicians carrying large medical school debts and where financial reimbursements are mainly through Medicare and Medicaid. Currently there are about 7,500 certified geriatric physicians in the U.S. 17,000 are need to care for some 12 million older Americans today alone! By 2030 approximately 30,000 geriatricians will be needed.

Thanks to the experience and the innovative talent of one of New York’s leading and most experienced geriatric physician, Dr. Nathanael De-

sire DO, CMD founder and director of Geriatric Physician Consultants through the use of a state of the art combination of a virtual platform and telemedicine families can now receive the compassionate and knowledgeable support that they and their senor loved one requires quickly, conveniently, and best of all at a low cost affordable for any family budget. Families who have questions about the loved one medical treatment can call (800) 285 – 2133 and schedule a FREE 20 minute – No obligation consult to discuss the program and the medical questions concerning their senior love one(s).

21

Attorney Predicts Estate Litigation to Rise in 2018

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s baby boomers continue to age, the pace of estate litigation is accelerating, according to Will Sleeth, a partner in national law firm LeClairRyan's Williamsburg office and leader of the firm's Estate and Trust Litigation team.

“Changes in the federal estate tax have grabbed many of the headlines, but I expect four other estate litigation trends will move to the forefront in 2018,” says Sleeth, who highlights some likely developments in a blog, 4 Estate Litigation Predictions For 2018.

Estate Litigation Volume: “We are very likely to see an increase in the volume of estate litigation in 2018,” writes Sleeth in the post that appears in the firm's Estate Conflicts blog, which focuses on disputes involving wills, trusts, guardianships, and celebrity estates. One reason is with more money being passed down, “there's much more to fight over than at any time in the past.”

Binding Arbitration Clause Litigation: Sleeth foresees an increase in litigation of certain wills and trusts, particularly ones that try to resolve disputes by shackling beneficiaries with mandatory binding arbitration clauses. “I gener-

ally think those provisions are counterproductive, as they can minimize the potential consequences of fiduciary misconduct and can increase the financial and legal burdens on disadvantaged beneficiaries.”

No Contest Clauses: The scope and breadth of ‘no-contest clauses’ will continue to expand, Sleeth says. More estate planning attorneys are drafting broad clauses that aim to control challenges to beneficiary designations or joint-account designations, and other activity like claims for breach of fiduciary duty against a trustee or executor. “As more trusts and wills are

litigated with increasingly broad (and novel) nocontest clause provisions, we can expect states to make an array of new case law regarding the extent to which broad no contest clauses will be enforced.”

Default and Mandatory Rules: “Estate planning attorneys occasionally seek to limit a trustee's duties or liability in a manner that could arguably conflict with one or more of the default duties under the Uniform Trust Code,” he writes. “Given that many states have adopted the Uniform Trust Code—or a modified version— within the past decade or so, there is not much case law that governs when and to what degree the default rules will prevail over certain terms of a trust that seek to limit a trustee's duties or liability in various scenarios. We can expect to see a sizeable amount of litigation on this subject in both 2018 and the years to follow.”

For now, he says, anyone with a sizable estate may wish to periodically review their will and/or trust with legal counsel to ensure it’s compliant with current laws. “Taking this action now may offer peace of mind, knowing that your estate is more likely to be administered in accordance with your wishes.” 50+

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

22

Gray Divorce: It Gets Complicated

By Jeffrey N. Greenblatt

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ivorce in couples over the age of 50 has skyrocketed. In fact, it has increased at such a significant rate, they’ve given it a name: “Gray Divorce.” With Gray Divorce, come many unique issues that must be carefully considered.

For economically secure adults who are also healthy, a divorce may have minimal negative consequences and actually can be empowering, at least for the initiator. But for many older adults, divorce brings the realization that their carefully nurtured nest egg will be cracked and broken. Moreover, when couples divorce later in life, they have fewer years left and fewer opportunities to make up for the financial losses often associated with divorce. This can be a difficult situation to face. Some may opt to stay in the workforce longer. Many will be forced to re-enter the job market late in life.

So, where to start? Start with a list of necessary versus discretionary living expenses and financial considerations. Estimate how much

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

income is needed — and consider some of these factors that could save additional heartbreak: Who wants the House? Both spouses often stress about giving up their marital residence. It can be emotional especially if the family grew up there. Unfortunately, it’s one of the areas where emotion trumps logic and reason. If one spouse wants the house, that spouse will have to find enough money to buy-out the other spouse’s one-half interest. Each partner must carefully evaluate the standard of living he or she can realistically afford.

Spousal Support/Alimony: Where the parties have had a long marriage while occupying traditional roles, alimony is a part of the picture. While temporary alimony is favored when couples in a Gray Divorce may see a greater and/or lengthier award of alimony. However, alimony is neither guaranteed nor automatic. A spouse may offer more of some other asset to avoid making alimony payments, though, it may not be an advantage to trade tax-deferred investments for potentially current taxable income.

Retirement Savings: Spouses in a Gray Divorce have less working years left to contribute to retirement accounts post-divorce. Even in an “at-fault” divorce, where the Court will consider the circumstances that contributed to the estrangement of the parties as a factor when determining how to equitably distribute the

parties’ property, the marital portion of retirement funds and other assets are likely to be split evenly. Remember, a survivor benefit annuity is not automatically awarded by the Court.

Social Security: If a marriage lasted 10 years or more, individuals may be eligible to receive social security benefits based on their ex-spouse’s earning history.

Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage is one of the biggest concerns and biggest budget items for those 50-plus years of age.

COBRA insurance is usually available through an ex-spouse’s employer for a specified amount of time after a divorce, but the premiums are usually fairly expensive.

Estate Planning: During a lengthy marriage, life insurance policies are typically acquired and a will or powers of attorney are sometimes drafted that benefit the other spouse, or that have named the other spouse as a personal representative. Before filing for divorce, these issues should be examined to determine if changes should be made sooner rather than later.

Divorce at any age is difficult, but divorce over 50 comes with many more issues that must be considered. 50+ Jeffrey N. Greenblatt is a principal at Joseph, Greenwald & Laake and a renowned family law attorney with more than 40 years of experience.

23

Facts About Glaucoma By the National Eye Institute

March 11 to March 18, 2018 is World Glaucoma Week. This information was developed by the National Eye Institute (nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts) to help patients and their families search for general information about glaucoma. An eye care professional who has examined the patient's eyes and is familiar with his or her medical history is the best person to answer specific questions.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.

The optic nerve is a bundle of more than onemillion nerve fibers. It connects the retina to the brain. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy optic nerve is necessary for good vision.

Several large studies have shown that eye pressure is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage.

In the front of the eye is a space called the anterior chamber. A clear fluid flows continuously in and out of the chamber and nourishes nearby tissues. The fluid leaves the chamber at the open angle where the cornea and iris meet. When the fluid reaches the angle, it flows through a spongy meshwork, like a drain, and leaves the eye.

In open-angle glaucoma, even though the drainage angle is “open.” the fluid passes too slowly through the meshwork drain. Since the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises to a level that may damage the optic nerve.

When the optic nerve is damaged from increased pressure, open-angle glaucoma-and vision loss may result. That’s why controlling pressure inside the eye is important.

Another risk factor for optic nerve damage relates to blood pressure. Thus, it is important to also make sure that your blood pressure is at a proper level for your body by working with your medical doctor.

Whether you develop glaucoma depends on the level of pressure your optic nerve can tolerate without being damaged. This level is different for each person. That’s why a comprehensive dilated eye exam is very important. IAnyone can develop glaucoma. Some people, listed below, are at higher risk than others: African Americans

over age 40; Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans; People with a family history of glaucoma.

Glaucoma Symptoms At first, open-angle glaucoma has no symptoms. It causes no pain. Vision stays normal.

Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes.

Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision. As glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss objects to the side and out of the corner of their eye. They seem to be looking through a tunnel.

Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains.

Additional infor can be found on our website: nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.50+

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Celebrates 50 Years

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ontinuing through April 17, the A ARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. A ARP Foundation Tax-Aide, celebrating its 50th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Since its inception, the program has served more than 50 million taxpayers.

A ARP Foundation Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers working at one site. Today, nearly 35,000 volunteers serve low- to moderate-income taxpayers at 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. There’s no fee, and A ARP membership is not required.

Last year, nearly 2,000 A ARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 122,000 New Yorkers file their federal and state tax returns.

The program is offered at approximately 300 sites across New York State, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

To find an A ARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-A ARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). A ARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS. 50+

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

SOCIAL SECURITY COLUMN

When Is a Good Time to Start Receiving Social Security Benefits?

By John Biundo; Social Security Assistant District Manager in Patchogue

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fter a lifetime of working, you deserve a comfortable retirement.

For over 80 years, Social Security has been helping people shape their future, assisting them with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you can start retirement benefits. You could start them a little earlier or wait until your “full retirement age,” or delay retirement to get extra money each month. There are benefits to either decision.

Full retirement age refers to the age when a person can receive their Social Security benefits without any reduction, even if they are still working part or full time.

For people who reach age 62 in 2018 (i.e., those born between January 2, 1956 and January 1, 1957), full retirement age is 66 and four months. Full retirement age was age 65 for many years. However, due to a law passed by

Congress in 1983, it has been gradually increasing, beginning with people born in 1938 or later, until it reaches 67 for everybody born after 1959.

You can learn more about the full retirement age and find out how to look up your own at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/retirechart.html. You can start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62 or any time after that. The longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit will be, although it stops increasing at age 70. Your monthly benefits will be reduced permanently if you start them any time before your full retirement age.

On the other hand, if you wait to start receiving your benefits until after your full retirement age, then your monthly benefit will be higher.

The amount of this increase is two-thirds of one percent for each month –– or eight percent for each year –– that you delay receiving them until you reach age 70. Read the publication When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf.

When to start receiving retirement benefits is a personal decision based on your own situation. Check out our Retirement Checklist at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10377.pdf to learn about additional factors to consider as you think about when yoy should start receiving your retirement benefits.

If you decide to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, you should also understand how continuing to work can affect your benefits. Social Security may withhold or reduce your benefits if your annual earnings exceed a certain amount. However, for every month benefits are withheld, it may increase your future benefits. That’s because at your full retirement age Social Security will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months in which benefits were reduced or withheld due to your excess earnings. You can learn more at www.socialsecurity. gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html.

You can learn more by visiting our Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire. 50+

CLASSIFIED ADS PERSONALS SWM Handsome, seeking female 5062. Fun, outgoing, friendship/serious relationship. Dining, movies, outdoor events, walks, etc. Call or text Richard. 516-507-8317 ____________________________ ATTENTION LADIES. DWM 63, Good Personality, Funny, Big Heart, Affectionate. Likes concerts (Rock), Family, Companionship. Call 516390-5530. Will answer all! ____________________________ SINGLE WHITE MALE 82 Years.

Looking for a female 70-85 years for friendship & more. Call Joe at 516458-7333. ____________________________ WIDOWED ITALIAN/AMERICAN WOMAN seeks male widowed 65-72 with Pisces or Cancer sign for loving relationship. Call 631-698-1988 or 631-538-6923. ____________________________ SWF. 65, pretty, seeks male 60-75 years for fun and companionship. Call 516-507-4891. ____________________________ SWF Seeking a male or female (5570) for friendship, dining out, movies.

NO Smokers. Please call 516-6581918.

CLASSIFIED FORM

PERSONALS BAYPORT, Pretty, trim, easy-going, lover of beauty, nature, 5'3", 65+, seeks trim, creative, environmentalist, adventurer, no vices. Possibly swimmer, younger, romantic, handy.

631-379-9477. ____________________________ WIDOW seeks refined, honest, intelligent, outgoing gentleman, 6575. Enjoys tennis, concerts and much more. 516-398-9515.

ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES $60 Businesses • $35 Individuals (Non-business related) 15 words - $1 each additional word

All ads must be pre-paid. Rates are per month.

For more information call (631) 286-0058 Ext. 220.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER

PROF. SERVICES CLEAN HOMES BY STACEY Weekly, bi-weekly-monthly, one time only, Reasonable rates. E. Moriches, C. Moriches, Yaphank and Bellport.

631-902-3787.

Name: Address: City: State:

FOR RENT ROOM RENTAL/HOUSE Share laundry. Organic garden.

No overnight guests. 50+ female only. 516-306-6248, Goldie.

Classifieds must be submitted by the 15th.

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

Section: ❑ Real Estate ❑ For Rent ❑ Wanted

Zip:

Phone:

❑ For Sale ❑ Prof. Serv ❑ Other

Word Count:

Number of Months you Wish to Run Ad

Payment: $ ❑ Check ❑ Visa

❑ MasterCard

❑ American Express

Account #:

Exp. Date:

Name on Credit Card:

VCode:

Mail with check or money order to:

50+ LifeStyles Attn: Classified Department, Barbara Connolly 146 South Country Road • Bellport, NY 11713 Or, fax with charge card # to (631) 286-6866 Or, E-Mail with charge card # to Barbara@50plusny.com -NO PHONE ORDERS TAKEN-

25

Recycling Letter Scammers Complete Plea Deal

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ouncilman Dan Panico has announced that two individuals who were responsible for a recycling scam in Brookhaven Town have completed a plea in the Eastern District of the United States Attorney’s Office. The successful outcome of the case was a result of a cooperative effort by the United States Federal Postal Inspector, Brookhaven Town officials and Town Law Investigators.

In May 2017, a Brookhaven Town resident reported to Councilman Panico that they received a letter from a company called Real Community Matters, claiming they were in violation of recycling codes and demanded payment of a fine ranging from $50 to $1000. The Councilman advised the resident that the letter was fraudulent and that they should not respond. The Town warned residents about the scam through the press, Town website, Facebook, Twitter, Cablevision Channel 18 and by Constant Contact e-mail. Brookhaven Town Law

and

investigators quickly traced the fake letters to a postal box at a UPS Store on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook. They turned the information over to United States Postal Inspectors, who traced the owners of the box to a Coram couple. Under questioning, the man and woman admitted their role in sending the letter, and Postal Inspectors brought the case to the United States Attorney.

The man and woman have signed a Voluntary Discontinuance with the U.S. Attorney, and must report to a federal probation officer for the next six months.

If they commit another crime or otherwise violate the conditions of their release, the charges of Federal Mail Fraud will be reinstated. While some victims did send money in response to the letter, the quick action of Councilman Panico and Town investigators in notifying the public about the scam allowed many to cancel the checks they had sent before they were cashed. 50+

50plusNY

St. Patrick’s Day Parades

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he granddaddy of them all, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade, March 17, 2018. Begins on 5th Avenue at 44th Street, ending on 5th Avenue at 79th Street.

Starts exactly at 11 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.

March 03 Kings Park; Noon. Starts at the corner of Lou Avenue and Pulaski Road and ends at the William T. Rogers Middle School.

Cutchogue; 2 p.m. Cox Lane, down Main Road to Cutchogue Village.

March 11 Miller Place-Rocky Point; 1 p.m. Starts at Rt. 25A and Harrison Avenue, goes east to Broadway and Prince Road.

Huntington; 2 p.m. Starts at New York Avenue LIRR station, ends at St. Patrick’s Church.

Rockaway Beach; 1 p.m. from 130th St. and Newport Avenue.

Bayport-Blue Point; 11 a.m. Starts at 27A between Snedecor and Blue Point Avenues.

March 04 Mineola; Noon. Starts behind old courthouse south of Old Country Road. Mass starts 10 a.m.

Center Moriches; 2 p.m. Main Street from Lake Avenue east to South Avenue.

East Islip; 2 p.m. West along Main Street to Irish Lane. Grandstand at St. Mary’s Church.

March 10 Westhampton Beach; Noon. Starts at Mill Road and Oneck Lane .

Bay Shore-Brightwaters; 2 p.m. Starts at Saxon Avenue and Main Street. Noon mass at St. Patrick’s Church.

Ronkonkoma; 2 p.m. The corner of Patchogue Holbrook and Portion Roads. Stops just past St. Joseph’s Church.

March 17 St. James; 1 p.m. Lake Avenue from Woodlawn to Railroad Avenue.

March 18 Patchogue; 11:55 a.m. Starts on Route 112 and E. Main Street, west to the corner of West Avenue and West Main.

Glen Cove; 1 p.m. Starts at Finley Middle School to Forest Avenue. Finishes at St. Patrick’s Church.

March 24 Brentwood; 1 p.m. Starts at Washington Avenue and Clarke Street and ends at Ross Park.

Hampton Bays; 11 a.m. Starts at Hampton Bays Elementary School to 27A and west to reviewing stand.

Rockville Centre; Noon. Starts at Long Beach Road and Maple Avenue, ends at North Village and Quealy Place.

Jamesport; 1 p.m. North Railroad Avenue and Washington, then east on Main Road.

Montauk; Noon. Starts at Edgemere Road and finishes at the end of the road by IGA. 50+ 50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

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Age of Elegance

By Joan Allen

In Memoriam:

Ethel Bennett (1923-2018)

T

o our dear Ethel with love … this is for you!

It is with a heavy heart I have to tell you that our Age of Elegance mentor and friend, Ethel Bennett, passed away on January 24, 2018. She leaves us with an awesome legacy of accomplishments. For 20 years Ethel wrote this column with unbridled enthusiasm, insight and compassion and motivated both seniors and younger folks with her energy and encouragement.

There is only one way to describe Ethel, always new, fresh and inventive, not a copy. She was a bona fide one-of-a-kind and will always be the heart of New York Senior America.

From the time she came upon the scene in 1985, winning the New York crown and placing first runner-up in the national competition, her energy, talents and charm took over and never stopped. She was a brilliant entertainer, author, producer, director, dancer and even had comedic skills. Her true claim to fame was her positive effect on hundreds of people (no exaggeration!).

Her encouragement and motivation convinced the most reticent of seniors to participate in life and all that it has to offer. She always helped others to reach beyond their comfort zone, marveling at the results. She knew the secret and importance of social connections. Ethel took us along and brought fun, energy and enthusiasm wherever she went.

Ethel, you will always remain New York Senior America’s precious treasure. You are the heart of the Age of Elegance and now you are the soul.

We will miss you, dear friend. When those we love leave us, I picture them on a beautiful ship heading for the horizon. As the ship sails out of sight, we cry, ‘there they go.’ At the same moment, on another shore there is a joyous chorus of loved ones calling out, ‘here they come.’

Ethel ’s already spreading her enthusiasm, wisdom and sense of humor to countless others.

50+ LifeStyles March 2018 • www.50PlusNY.com

Our Dreams Go On …

This year we are celebrating our 33rd New York State Pageant. It will be held at Molloy College in Rockville Centre on Sunday, July 29, 2018.

If you are a woman, 60plus, with a talent, elegance, and a flair for life this is the time to get on board and compete for the crown and title of Ms. New York Senior America.

Does this sound like something in which you, or someone you know, might be interested? You can become a part of this energetic, friendly group. Don’t let the parade pass you by!

Fill out the coupon below and mail to: Marleen schuss, 318 East Shore Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758 Auditions will be held on: Sunday, March 18; Saturday, April 7; and Saturday, May 19, 2018.

For additional information call or e-mail: Marleen Schuss, 516-678-3242 or 516-761-7503; marleenschuss@icloud.com 50+

Until next time … our words of wisdom: Love has no shelf life, Love is forever, We love you, Ethel!

Joan and Marleen

Joan Allen

Marleen Schuss

COUPON

Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2018 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant.

Name Address Telephone E-mail Address

Return to: Marleen Schuss, State Director 318 East Shore Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758 More info, Phone: 516-678-3242 • 516-761-7503

27

CROSSWORDS

(Solution on page 5)

(Solution on page 5)

ACROSS 1. Belonging to the Barefoot Contessa host 5. A star 8. They’ll do taxes 12. First name of a Catskills resort 13. Do something with 14. Top Greek goddess 15. A naïve person 16. They live in island kingdom 18. Fruits may comprise one 20. Goes forth from 21. Reformer Jacob 23. This doles dollars 24. Walks 28. You’ll lay this online 31. Norweigian gypsy group

32. A kiosk 34. They provide 24 down 35. Male swans 37. Cheapest way to float 39. Mountain states Amerindian 41. You may imbibe this in Japan 42. Nice 45. Yelled at to a laggard 49. Pacino film 51. This may cost 52. Is everyone out for me?

53. Mangy dog 54. Tiger’s ex 55. You can fly this 56. Males 57. Sent back (abbr)

DOWN 1. Bond creator namesakes 2. College sports authority 3. Seed covering 4. A browser 5. Gets by 6. Part of the Americas 7. Radar’s favorite soda 8. Snow white, figuratively?

9. Portion of eclipse showing light 10. Dutch 2x Indy 500 winner familiarly 11. Lip 17. Whence the Rand (abbr) 19. Uses snuff 22. Places to plop down 24. Special care in the ER

25. Aussie critter for short 26. An Italian outpatient 27. Athletic wear 29. We fought them once (abbr.)

30. Mao’s middle name 33. Slayton or a move on ice 36. Cause trouble 38. Old name for marijuana 40. A security that tracks assets (init.)

42. Astronomical measurement (abbr) 43. Eight prefix 44. A pop 46. A load of something 47. A single piece 48. Hang 50. “You’re on!”