March 2019 Long Island Edition • Vol. 44 #3
50plusNY.com
D.J. Brown Story
The By Mary Malloy
LI Woman Leads Retired Nuns, Residents in Rousing Exercise Program
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very Monday morning, Dolores (DJ) Brown wakes up dozens of retired nuns and other Suffolk and Nassau County seniors with her hip-hop, energetic and sassy moves -— and they love her for it! When Brown walks into the convent’s cafeteria at the sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville, all eyes are upon her: “Your body is alive!” She tells the group passionately. “You’ve got to use it, move it, keep it going! Do whatever you can do!” And they do: sitting or standing, they stretch, clap, laugh, and dance for an energetic and fun hour. “She’s got a lot of energy and gumption!” said retired Dominican nun, Sr. Peggy Byrne, who had her hands waving in the air for most of Brown’s performance. “We enjoy her so much. We do some of the moves, whatever we can do. She’s just so much fun!”Sr. Ann O’Hara agreed. “She’s very motivating, very enthusiastic. I love to participate, she encourages us, and I look forward to this all week long!” Brown, a resident of Wyandanch, is not your typical senior-on-the-go. She will only admit to being “over 50,” and is a petite ball of energy. She moves, a la Tina Turner, with the energy and rhythm of someone less than half her age, the sparkle in her eyes competing with the sequins on her dress.
(Continued on page 23)
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March 2019 Long Island Edition • Vol. 44 #3
50plusNY.com
D.J. Brown Story
The By Mary Malloy
LI Woman Leads Retired Nuns, Residents in Rousing Exercise Program
E
very Monday morning, Dolores (DJ) Brown wakes up dozens of retired nuns and other Suffolk and Nassau County seniors with her hip-hop, energetic and sassy moves -— and they love her for it! When Brown walks into the convent’s cafeteria at the sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville, all eyes are upon her: “Your body is alive!” She tells the group passionately. “You’ve got to use it, move it, keep it going! Do whatever you can do!” And they do: sitting or standing, they stretch, clap, laugh, and dance for an energetic and fun hour. “She’s got a lot of energy and gumption!” said retired Dominican nun, Sr. Peggy Byrne, who had her hands waving in the air for most of Brown’s performance. “We enjoy her so much. We do some of the moves, whatever we can do. She’s just so much fun!”Sr. Ann O’Hara agreed. “She’s very motivating, very enthusiastic. I love to participate, she encourages us, and I look forward to this all week long!” Brown, a resident of Wyandanch, is not your typical senior-on-the-go. She will only admit to being “over 50,” and is a petite ball of energy. She moves, a la Tina Turner, with the energy and rhythm of someone less than half her age, the sparkle in her eyes competing with the sequins on her dress.
(Continued on page 23)
Entertainment Old Fashioned With A Twist Bucket List Travel Emergency Alert PAGE 12
PAGE 16
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
Specializing in Services For the Elderly & Disabled ♥ Fast, Knowledgeable, 24/7 Customer Service! ♥ Long Term Insurance Accepted! ♥ Hourly, Daily, Live-In
Servicing From “Manhattan to Montauk”
“Everyone Needs a Little TLC”
(516) 719-0909
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
www.tlccompanions.com
Facility Care ● Short term Relief for Vacation & Functions ● Medication Reminders • Post Surgery / Rehab Care● Light Housekeeping / Laundry ● Meal Preparation
••• Special Health Message On Curing Cardiovascular Disease ••• Weight Loss Surgery Lengthens Life, Even for Older Patients By Long Island Laparoscopic Doctorssm
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ecently important bariatric surgery studies have shown that weight loss does more than just help obese people shed pounds. According to a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it also helps them live longer, too. Researchers compared 2,500 obese patients who had weight loss surgery to about 7,500 obese patients who did not. Compared to those who did not have the procedure, obese patients who had weight loss surgery had a 53 percent lower risk of dying from any cause 5 to 14 years after their weight loss surgery. The surgeries covered included gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, adjustable gastric banding, and other bariatric procedures. According to an analysis of data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and based on data that was collected in 2015 and submitted to MBSAQIP, “bariatric surgery is safe in the elderly, even in those 70 years old and older,” reported Tallal Zeni, MD, director of the Michigan Bariatric Institute in Livonia. With the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), reporting that over a third of older adults in the United States are significantly obese it’s not surprising that with increasing numbers “Baby Boomers” and older adults have been turning to bariatric surgery for improved weight loss. In one major study average surgical weight loss patients achieved 57 pounds more weight loss after two years than these those who used non-surgical treatments! Long Island Baby Boomers and seniors are encouraged to con-
2 50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com
Carmine L. Lost 136 lbs.
The best decision I could have made. My hypertension is gone and I feel like a brand new man. tact Long Island Laparoscopic Doctorssm, Dr. Hesham Atwa, founder and Clinical Director of Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors who, together with his associates, Dr. Charles Thompson and Dr. Jon Leung, have established one of the safest and most comprehensive bariatric programs in New York. Older patient are treated with respect and compassion and the emphasis has been on offering treatments that are safe, virtually pain–free and scarless. Patients experience a fast recovery and many are back to work in days. Please call us to schedule a consultation or register for one of our in person seminars or online webinars by calling 631-228-8277 or you can visit Journeytothenewyou.com/Long Island Laparoscopic Doctorssm East Setauket, NY 11727.
Calendar March 2 Kings Park; Noon. Lou Avenue and Pulaski Road Rockaway Beach; 1 p.m. 130th St. and Newport Avenue
March 3 Mineola; Noon. Old courthouse south of Old Country Road. East Islip; 2 p.m. East Islip Library.
March 9 Westhampton Beach; Noon. Mill Road and Oneck Lane. Bay Shore-Brightwaters; 2 p.m. Saxon Avenue and Main Street. Cutchogue; 2 p.m. Cox Lane, down Main Road to Cutchogue Village.
March 10 Huntington; 2 p.m. New York Avenue LIRR station. Bayport-Blue Point; 11 a.m. 27A between Snedecor and Blue Point Avenues. Center Moriches; 2 p.m. Main Street. Farmingdale; 1 p.m. Northside School.
March 16 Manhattan. The granddaddy of them all! 11 a.m. 5th Avenue at 44th Street, ending on 5th Avenue at 79th Street. St. James; 1 p.m.; Along Lake Avenue from Woodlawn to Railroad Avenues.
March 17
March 16 Irish Pirates. St Patrick’s Day 2019 Workshop. Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor; 12 Noon. Info: www.longislandbrowser.com March 5 Southold Winter Lecture Series. The Story of Long Beach Bar Lighthouse. Peconic Landing Auditorium, Greenport; 4 p.m. Free. RSVP is recommended by calling 631-765-5500. March 7 GI Jews. Movie screening with Bernie Rader, WW II veteran. The story of the 550,000 Jewish men and women who served in WW II; 7 p.m. Temple Israel of Lawrence, 516-239-1140; www.tilny.org.
MarEvents (Send event info to Frank@50plusny.com. Deadline 15th of the month)
March 10 International Women’s Day with Isle of Klezbos. All-women's klezmer quartet performs Yiddish swing, retro tango, and late Soviet-era Jewish music; 2 p.m. Sachem Public Library, Holbrook. Free. For info: 631-588-5024.
Miller Place-Rocky Point; 1 p.m. Rt. 25A and Harrison Avenue. Glen Cove; 1 p.m. Finley Middle School to Forest Avenue Patchogue; 11:55 a.m. Route 112 and E. Main Street.
March 10 St. Patrick’s Day Fundraising Dinner. The St Thomas Episcopal Churchwomen, Farmingdale; 5 p.m. $15 Adults. $5 Children. Reservations: call the church 516-752-9254.
March 23
March 12 Bereavement Support Group. St. Mary’s Parish, East Islip. Free support group for adults. Registration required. Refreshments. Call 631-581-4266, x-100.
Brentwood; 1 p.m. Washington Avenue and Clarke Street. Hampton Bays; 11 a.m. Hampton Bays Elementary School. Rockville Centre; Noon. Long Beach Road and Maple Avenue.
March 24 Jamesport; 1 p.m. North Railroad Avenue and Washington. Ronkonkoma; 2 p.m. The corner of Patchogue-Holbrook and Portion Roads, Church. Montauk; Noon. Edgemere Road and finishes at the end of the road by IGA. (NY’s second largest parade!)
March 10 St. Patrick’s Day Fundraising Dinner.
RETIRED WITH A PURPOSE?
Are you retired and doing great things for your community? Are you volunteering and making a difference? We’d like to hear from you so please drop us an email of 100 words or less to: Frank@50plusNY.com
Legal Breakfast Seminars Fri. March 15th & Mon. March 18 9:30am FREE BREAKFAST SEMINARS with David R. Okrent, Esq., CPA See ad on page 10 for more information.
March 17 Irish Celebration with The Great River Trio. Modern and traditional selections of all your Irish favorites; 2 p.m. Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Rd., Holbrook. Free For info: 631-588-5024. 50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com 3
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YOU! Contibute your experiences to future stories we will be writing for publication! • Are you living with your kids? • Are you caring for a grandchild? • Are you planning a vacation? • Are you in a family business? • Are you playing any sports? If you feel you have something to contribute to any of these topics please send your experiences, in 100 words or less, to the Publisher, Frank Trotta @ Frank@50plusNY.com
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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 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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ongratulations to our Hidin’ Harry winners from the November issue. The winners are Bill Kuhle of Montauk and Felicia Tigh of Wantagh. 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 you can reply by e-mail to: editor@50plusny.com.
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Aging Design Expert Shares 10 Safety Tips for Living Independently
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early 90 percent of seniors 65-plus prefer to live at home before considering a retirement or assisted living community for reasons including economics, the stress of moving, the fear of losing independence, emotional ties to the family home, and fear of the unknown. Expert on aging Lisa Cini, provides tips to live not only independently, but energetically with increased safety, including aids to mobility, lighting effectiveness, cooking safety, bathroom safety and more. Independent living updates include: 1. Adjust the heights of sinks, stoves, washers and dryers, showers, shelving, and cabinets. 2. Declutter and organize trailing electrical wires to avoid slips and trips. 3. Add banisters and check for looseness on stairs, railings and decks. 4. Light up dark hallways and closets with motion-sensor lights to prevent falls. 5. Install handrails/grab bars by the toilet and in the shower to stay steady. 6. Get tech: There’s a bevy of wearable technology for improved mobility, heart monitoring
with the touch of a finger, memory assistance, companionship, fitness and mobility; and new, unobtrusive vision and hearing aids. Home security systems can protect against theft and property damage, provide motion sensing lights, and provide welcome hallway lighting. 7. Install an automatic stove shutoff device to provide peace of mind and protection when cooking is forgotten or left unattended. It’s an easy way to prevent a possible fire. 8. Make flooring safe. Make sure there are rugs on polished floors. Invest in anti-slip tiles for bathrooms and kitchens. Rugs should have anti-slip fixtures underneath. Consider a contrasting color for steps and rails to make them easier to see. And, since your feet spend so much time on the floor, wear well-fitting shoes and slippers. Avoid flip-flops! 9. Keep things within reach. Stretching and balancing on step ladders to get things leads to falls. Keep things you use frequently at an easyto-reach height. Place a phone within easy reach for an emergency, and set up speed-dial for favorite contacts. 10. Make the garden safe. Clear moss and old
6 50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com
leaves from the paths. When it is icy, make sure you have some grit and someone to clear your paths. Avoid too many pots and ornaments, as they are easy to trip over. Install lighting so you can see your way along paths in the dark. If a retirement or assisted living community is the best choice, new facilities are cropping up to provide independence for residents. “The first step to making the right choices is knowing that for most of us there are choices,” says Cini. 50+ Lisa Cini is an award-winning senior living architect, author, speaker, and President and CEO of Mosaic Design Studio, which applies the latest thinking and technology to the design of senior living communities, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities throughout the country.
50plus Publisher Frank Trotta Joins Brookhaven IDA Board
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rederick C. Braun III, chairman of the Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency (IDA), announced that Frank C. Trotta, a successful publisher, entrepreneur and lifelong resident of Bellport has been appointed to the IDA’s board of directors. Trotta is the owner of two niche publications, 50 Plus LifeStyles and Fire News. He also is a principal in a family-owned local real estate management company and is vice chairman of Suffolk Federal Credit Union. “We welcome Frank Trotta to our board and look forward to his business insights and contributions to the IDA as we move forward,” Braun said. Trotta has had a long career in public service. He served as MAyor of the Village of Bellport for 28 years and was its longest serving mayor. He has been chairman of the Brookhaven Town Board of Zoning Appeals, director of the Suffolk County Office of the Aging, trustee of Suffolk County Community College and served on the Stony Brook University Council. He also serves as chaplain of the Bellport Fire Department. Trotta has been involved with local organizations including the Long Island chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Foster Grandparents of Suffolk County and the American Red Cross. A graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Long Island University as well as a master’s degree in public administration. 50+
50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com 7
VeteransNews
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Suffolk’s Only CMH Winner Honored On Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, January 21, 2019, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) was joined by the United States Postal Service, PFC Langhorn Memorial Committee, local elected officials, local veterans and veterans’ organizations, and the family and friends of PFC Garfield Langhorn of Riverhead at the Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office in Riverhead, New York, to honor his bravery, sacrifice, and service to his country following the 50th anniversary of his death. In honor of the 50th anniversary of his sacrifice, Congressman Zeldin announced the introduction of the PFC Garfield M. Langhorn Memorial Semipostal Stamp to Benefit our Veterans Act of 2019 to create a semipostal stamp in his honor. A semipostal stamp is a stamp sold at a premium price, which covers the cost of postage and donates the excess money to a nationally recognized cause. The excess money from the PFC Langhorn stamp would go to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families, a Department of Defense program, which offers assistance to very low-income veteran families who are in the process of transitioning to permanent housing. This program provides grants to private nonprofits
8 50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com
that provide services to promote housing stability for veteran families. On January 15, 1969, PFC Langhorn’s unit was returning from the attempted rescue of a downed American helicopter when North Vietnamese forces surrounded them. Under the cover of darkness, the North Vietnamese began to advance throwing a hand grenade in front of 20-year-old PFC Langhorn who was just a few feet from his injured comrades. PFC Langhorn unhesitatingly threw himself on the grenade, scooped it beneath his body and absorbed the blast, saving his fellow platoon mates (the full citation can be found at valor.militarytimes.com/hero/997. — Ed.). PFC Langhorn is the only Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient from Suffolk County. Most recently, in 2010, the Riverhead Post Office was named in his honor.
At Long Last – A Big Win for Vietnam Blue Water Veterans The 1991 Agent Orange Act, created a presumption that certain diseases afflicting veterans who “served in the Republic of Vietnam” between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, were service connected. The act established that if a Vietnam veteran developed one of these specified diseases at any time during their lifetime, that disease is presumptively related to Agent Orange exposure, and thus found to be service-connected without need for further evidence. There are an estimated 50,000 such claims pending. In a persuasive 92 decision, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled that Congress has always intended for Blue Water veterans to be covered by the Agent Orange Act, and that these veterans are entitled to the same presumptions and benefits of the Act. Both the U.S. House and Senate have, in the past, discussed enacting legislation to resolve this inequality. Unless appealed to, and reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court, this recent holding should result in thousands of additional Vietnam War veterans becoming eligible to receive the compensation and healthcare to which they have long argued they should be entitled. 50+
TECH TALK What are my options for backing up my computer?
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hen it comes to computers, it’s not a matter of if it’s going to fail, but when. With hard drives slowly being replaced by solid state drives (SSDs), the chances of losing your data is slowly diminishing — but it’s not completely gone. SSDs today have about a tenth of a percent failure rate, versus its cousin the hard drive, which has a four-to-six percent failure rate. It’s pretty slim, but still possible. Backups are a very important tool used to guard your data. As malicious activity escalates, so are the tactics used to deploy them and their level of sophistication. Ransomeware will encrypt all of your data and programs and leave your machine in an unusable state. The ransomeware then instructs you where to make payment if you want your data decrypted. A good backup may be the quickest way to free yourself of ransomeware. There are many online services available to consumers that allow you to backup your computer to the cloud. When you hear the word “cloud,” it’s safe to assume that you can replace it with the word “server.” When you back up to the cloud, your data is usually being compressed, encrypted, and uploaded to a server on the In-
Data Backup Considerations ternet where it is stored for retrieval. Online backups are your go-to disaster backup tool. This protects your data from theft, fire or acts of Mother Nature. For non-disaster recovery, I recommend restoring from an onsite backup. This usually entails an external hard drive connected to your computer. I always recommend having a local backup in the event you need to recover from a computer failure and you don’t want to wait eight hours to download all your data from the Internet. Backing up your files is a good first step for protecting yourself, but if you really want protection then you will want to make sure you have a bare metal backup. This backup provides a way for you to restore your operating system, programs and files back to a specific point in time. This is the backup you want if your computer loses a hard drive or you’re infected with ransomware. You can simply restore your machine from a bare metal recovery and you’re back up and running without having to reinstall the Operating System and programs one
at a time, or reconfiguring everything. It’s all there ready to be restored. Backups are definitely something any computer user needs to have in their line of defense. It will save you the loss of data and the anguish of lost time. 50+
Mark Rinaudo has worked in IT in Shreveport for more than 20 years. He is the owner and operator of Preferred Data Solutions. Email mark@preferreddatasolutions.com to submit a question for this column.
50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com 9
County Exec Curran Performs Marriage Vow Renewal for Hundreds Event Honored Several Local Couples Married More than 60 Years
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arking St. Valentine’s Day, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran officiated at the renewal of marriage vows for 130 local couples—some with significant anniversaries — on February 13, 2019, at the Coral House in Baldwin. “Valentine’s Day is a perfect occasion for couples to reaffirm and proclaim their love for each other,” said Curran. “This is a really special community celebration and a wonderful tradition that I was delighted to be a part of. I met so many fantastic, insightful couples who shared the secrets of their successful, decades-long partnerships.” The event honored several special couples who have reached milestone anniversaries including: • Lucille and Thomas Oates of Seaford – married 64 years; • Raymond and Janet Schnars of Bellmore – married 64 years; • Michele and Joseph Gyimoty of Bellmore – married 65 years; • Vincent and Essie Corazon of Bellmore – married 65 years; • Sal and Loretta Citrano of Farmingdale – married 69 years.
10 50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com
A complimentary luncheon was provided by the Coral House. All couples were invited to stay for musical entertainment, lunch and wedding cake. Couples were provided the opportunity to take a professional photograph with their loved one in celebration of their vow renewal. 50+
Facing New Retirement Realities Here’s How You Can Plan By Mark J. Snyder ChFC, CLU, CFS, RFC, CMFC, CFP, CRC, RMA, RF
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any are finding that the socalled “Rules of Retirement” have changed. Life expectancy for the U.S. population is 78.6 years according to the Center for Disease Control (wwwcdc.gov). Women generally live longer. In 1930 the average life expectancy for a woman was 61. Today it’s close to 81 -- a 31% increase. The planning challenge is to utilize one’s assets for maximum retirement benefit. The ‘Suddenly Wealthy’ Retiree Appreciating real estate values, insurance and divorce settlements, stock options and inheritances can create sudden wealth. Someone inheriting property bought soon after the Second World War or the 20-year manager who has regularly bought company stock and made automatic 401(k) contributions can very suddenly find themselves with a stratospheric bank account. After building wealth, individuals often shift from “accumulation” to “preservation.” Diversified portfolios with an eye on long-term performance, professional guidance and reasonable real estate exposure have typically helped the affluent preserve what they have earned and pass it on to the next generation. Whether you are interested in capital preservation, tax minimization, upgrading insurance or creating an estate and charitablegiving plan, it is critical to understand your risk tolerance and long-term goals which can change as one ages and accumulates wealth.
While money from a settlement or inheritance may seem like overnight success, chances are it took the dedication of at least one generation to build. It may take a similar mindset to make it last. The ‘Suddenly Single’ Retiree Similarly, becoming “suddenly single,” as a result of widowhood or divorce opens a wide range of financial concerns. It is very important for a single person to have a grasp of basic finance issues, such as how to meet current income needs. Be sure to update information on bank, mutual fund and brokerage accounts. Also check real estate and vehicle-ownership information. If a spouse was collecting Social Security benefits, contact the Social Security Administration (www.socialsecurity.gov) to report the death and update the status. Notify former and current employers. There may be a pension or annuity. You may also owe capital gains taxes by selling property received in a settlement but investing part of the settlement may be needed to achieve long-term financial goals, such as planning for a child’s education or your retirement. Mark Snyder is an independent financial advisor in Medford, NY. To help plan your retirement or to get a free copy of his personal finance newsletter, The Snyder Report, please contact: 631-289-4224. mailbox@markjsnyder.com. Securities offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory services offered through Mark J. Snyder Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment advisor, not affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Mark J. Snyder Financial Services, Inc., 1733 B, North Ocean Ave., Medford, NY 11763, Mark J. Snyder Manager: 631-2894224 / www.markjsnyder.com.
50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com 11
The Cat with 10 Million Lives
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rite me a story that first-graders can’t put down.” This was the challenge that William Spaulding, a director at Houghton Mifflin Publishers, offered to Theordor Geisel one day in 1955 as he handed Geisel a list of vocabulary words for six- and seven-year-olds. At the time, Geisel was a little-known children’s author who wrote under the name Dr. Seuss. (Seuss was his mother’s maiden name.) Geisel scanned the list and decided that creating and illustrating such a book should be easy. “I figured I could knock it off in a week or so,” he admitted later. “It took a year-and-a-half.” Determined to outdo the ubiquitous — and boring — Dick and Jane books found throughout American elementary schools, Geisel decided to write a fun-to-read story predicated on the first two rhyming words that appeared on his list. They happened to be cat and hat. The cheerful cat sets about performing a bizarre trick that involved balancing plates, books, a cake, toys, a milk bottle and even the family goldfish, all the while balancing himself precariously upon a huge ball. To nobody’s surprise, the cat and all his accoutrements crash to
12 50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com
the floor in a heap. When the children realize that Mother will be coming home soon, panic sets in. That’s when the irrepressible invader removes both Things, then zips about the house in an ingenuous machine that quickly tidies up everything. By the time Mother returns, the cat has slipped out, the house is back in order, and Mother is none the wiser. Published in March 1957 and composed mostly of one-syllable words, The Cat in the Hat sold 1 million copies by the decade’s end and, in the process, made Dr. Seuss a household name. Geisel later proclaimed, “I have great pride in taking Dick and Jane out of most school libraries. That is my greatest satisfaction.” His delightful classic has now sold over 10 million books, and The Cat in the Hat has lived on through a 1971 animated TV special and a live-action 2003 film. But when the movie was panned for its adult humor and innuendo, Geisel’s widow, Audrey, disallowed any future films based on her husband’s works. Theodor Geisel was childless by choice, but he always enjoyed telling others, “You have ‘em, I’ll entertain ‘em.” 50+
...Writers Corner... By Linda Maria Frank
Fact into Historical Fiction … with Jack
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istory has been my main area of interest, since, in essence, history is a great story. The ancient Romans believed, “A world without literature is a dead world.” As an old college professor of mine stated, “If you want to learn the history of any period, read the literature.” Coupled with the connection between history and literature, when I became a young senior (how’s that for an oxymoron!), I embarked on an adventure in writing historical fiction and other genres. Leonard Cohen was once asked where he got his ideas. He replied that if he knew where they originated, he’d visit that place more often. Fortunately, my years of experience as an educatory was a catalyst in spurring my creative impulse. My background in the study of World War II led me on a remarkable journey. I became friendly with a survivor of the destruction of a WWII cruiser, USS Juneau, sunk during the naval battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942. Of 700 sailors on her, only 10 survived. Wyatt Butterfield, my friend, was one of those 10. His story was extraordinary, and when Wyatt died, I was determined to tell his story. Thus, was born my first novel, Bonds of War, a work of historical fiction. After countless rejections, my novel was published. This led to the publication of three more novels in subsequent years, each a different genre. American Patrol tells the story of the US Coast Guard and the interdiction of Columbian cocaine. I Still Love Joni James is a coming of age novel centered in the bountiful borough of Brooklyn in the 1950s. Heart of a Lion tells the story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a modest, humble school teacher transformed into a great warrior during the American Civil War, receiving the Medal of Honor for heroic action at Gettysburg in July 1863. The publication of these four novels has led, in my middle senior years, to a post-retirement career: public speaking. Using my novels as a springboard, I have lectured at schools, libraries, colleges, men’s clubs, women’s clubs and a host of other venues. Jack Bilello, a resident of Massapequa Park, can be reached at jiljess@aol.com. 50+ 50+ LifeStyles March 2019 • www.50PlusNY.com 13
CROSSWORDS
(Solution on page 4)
(Solution on page 4)
ACROSS 1. Beliefs 5. Morose 8. Incapacitate with electricity 12. Record of sum owed 13. Dutch/Scot saint 14. Boat backs 15. It holds a coffin 16. Delaware has one 18. Tomorrow (Sp.) 20. Old age or high speed 21. NY transport agency (init.) 23. Baltic or Aral 24. Contemplate 28. Fastener 31. Simile words
32. A plus 34. Imperfect clothes mark 35. A short message 37. Surreptitiously 39. A summer concern 41. River-named state 42. Second largest continent 45. Substitute with 49. NYC district 51. Somali-American model 52. Mouse-like rodent 53. Squirrel food growth 54. Helper (abbr.) 55. A loch or a Fed 56. ER staffers 57. Disagree (with “say”)
DOWN
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1. Missiles 2. Branch of Islam 3. A person’s manner 4. Tie-downs 5. A not very nice farmer? 6. Tooth fairy org.? 7. Go out 8. A verb or store name 9. Pashtun are some 10. Medical-ese for now. 11. Spot 17. It’ll keep your Jagermeister cold 19. Name of an old Mexican skeleton 22. Opposing answers 24. Fire (sl.) 25. Bear (Sp.)
26. Rolls of 7 or 11 27. Mulls over again 29. An address 30. Attempt 33. Wafery 36. Formal requests of presence by computer 38. Shaped by the wind 40. NY State Police div. (init.) 42. Good Morning, Vietnam station 43. Arctic sight 44. Ex-Yankee nickname 46. Pointer Sisters song with “excited” 47. Direction 48. Part of the Golden Rule 50. A seat in a shell
Protect Your Eyesight During “Save Your Vision Month”
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s a member of the American Optometric Association, Dr. Steven Schoenbart, Founder and Clinical Director of Schoenbart Vision and Low Vision of NY, celebrates “Save Your Vision Month.” AOA members like Dr. Schoenbart want to remind seniors during March to learn about steps they can take to preserve their eye health, as well as the importance of having comprehensive eye examinations performed by a doctor of optometry. Vision changes are often unavoidable as you get older. A person should understand how heredity, lifestyle choices and modern living can each affect ones eye sight. For example did you know that stress, prolonged exposure to UV light, high blood pressure, smoking, and a family history of AMD (Age-related macular degeneration) can lead to eye disease? Here are some tips to help keep your eyes happy and healthy: Receive regular eye exams: Certain eye diseases can strike with little to no symptoms, especially in seniors over the age of 60. You might not even notice changes in
your vision until a condition is well on its way to creating damage. Some eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma can be easy to identif y with a short exam. These are all age-related eye issues that basically make it harder for you to see. These conditions are treatable - usually with medicine or surgery, however they can be crippling if left untreated. Take a break from the computer: Eye strain from electronics is a growing issue for people of all ages. Many jobs require most people to sit in front of a computer screen, and with smart phone usage taking up more and more of our time eye strain problems are compounded. Improve your diet: Turns out; carrots really are good for your eyes. You can reduce the risk of various eye diseases by getting a healthy dose of vitamins C and E as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Here is a list of some super foods that will help you maintain healthy vision: Spinach, Eggs, Berries, Salmon, Soy and Avocados.
Wear proper eye protection indoors and outdoors: And last but not least, never forget proper eyewear when working with tools or even home activities that create dust and debris. Before heading outdoors, always wear sunglasses - if you can get a stronger prescription that fights against UV rays, this is ideal. Regular eye exams can identify and correct many visual problems early on and improve the quality of senior life. Dr. Schoenbart and the Low Vision of New York medical team has helped many patients improve their ability to read, watch TV and in some cases continue to drive by prescribing special prescription optics. If you are over the age of 50 and have not had a recent comprehensive eye examination, call for an appointment at 516 -219-8690 today.
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Around The Towns... Send your news items to Frank@50plusny.com 1
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1. Ed Wehrheim (third from left), Supervisor, Town of Smithtown, was the guest speaker at the LIMBA (Long Island Metro Business Action) meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott in Ronkonkoma. He is joined by (left to right) X. Cristofer Damianos, Principal, Damianos Realty Group; John Tsunis, Chief Executive Officer, Gold Coast Bank; Bill Miller, Treasurer, LIMBA; Ken Nevor, Member, LIMBA; and Ernie Fazio, Chairman, LIMBA. Gold Coast Bank was the event’s sponsor.
cil of Negro Women’s Annual Black History Luncheon, where Sheriff Fludd was officially honored by the organization. Sheriff Fludd is the first woman and first AfricanAmerican to be Nassau County Sheriff. Curran also recognized two other honorees: Carl DeHaney, Jr., a Coordinator of Behavioral Health at the Nassau County Department of Health and Human Services, and Yolanda Garner-Hutcherson, a Case Worker at the Nassau County Department of Social Services.
2. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined Nassau County Sheriff Vera Fludd this weekend at the Long Island Cross County Section of the National Coun-
3. Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk recently welcomed new board member John Hogan. Hogan is a Territory Sales Manager at Boston Cedar/US Lumber and has
worked for more than 30 years in the building industry. He has served as the past president and board chairman of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry NYC/Long Island NY Chapter and is a committee chair for NARI Cares Community Service. Hogan lives with his wife Jayne in Kings Park and has a daughter Kelly and son in-law Adam. 4. Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker attended the 100th birthday celebration of Mount Sinai’s Marie Mack, held at the Sonoma Grill in Holtsville. In attendance were 75 guests, including four of Mrs. Mack’s children and their spouses, as well as her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. 50+
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Age of Elegance St. Patrick's Day... A Sure Sign Of Marleen Schuss
Joan Allen
Spring!
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ew York Senior America is hard at work producing the July 14, 2019, Pageant. It will be held at the Madison Theater, Molloy College in Rockville Centre. Some of you may remember or have seen the famous poster of Uncle Sam looking straight out at you, with the caption...”Uncle Sam Wants You!” Well, NY Senior America wants you!
Women who have already participated in the NY Pageant are welcome to re-enter and try for that crown again. It can be a life-changing experience! Auditions will take place in March, April and June. Call Marleen Schuss at the number above to arrange for your audition. Becoming part of New York Senior America starts with appearing in the pageant. As a pageant participant you now can enjoy continuing perks. Once you are in the pageant membership you may join our famous Cameo Club. There are monthly birthday luncheons to celebrate, performing your talent in fabulous showcases year-round and one of our very favorite perks is trying out for the Seasoned Steppers Dance troupe. Here's to new and happy beginnings! 50+ Remember..."May the wind be always at your back." An Irish Blessing. Until next time, Joan and Marleen COUPON
Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2019 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
CLASSIFIED ADS We are seeking possible participants to represent the State of New York. If you are a woman 60-plus-years old and possess a stage talent, charm and a positive attitude, fill out the coupon below or call Marleen Schuss, State Administrator at 516-761-7503 for all Pageant information. This year Senior America is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. We are a nation-wide, coast-to-coast organization which sponsors a state-to-state search for Ms Senior America. The unique structure of the Senior America Pageant won us a spot in the Guinness Book of Records saluting and honoring senior women! Our purpose is giving women over 60 an opportunity to display their inner beauty, talents and elegance. The pageant motivates and encourages women to utilize their full potential and share a positive outlook on life in the community, state and nation. The Ms. Senior America Pageant is a national, notfor-profit organization that depends on Sponsors to continue to present the positive aspects of aging and to act as an educator. Sponsors include individuals, government agencies, private business, social and service organizations. We devote our time, passion and positivity to seniors and their needs. The women in the Pageant are judged on: Personal Interview; Philosophy of Life and Gown Presentation; and Talent.
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PERSONALS SWM, 73, Looking for a nice lady for friendship. (631) 231-9432. Foodie Seeks same. Lovely, trim, Patchogue F, 67, seeks platonic friend, well dressed M or F, any age, mainly to experience 4-5 star restaurants. Will “go Dutch” for them and for country B&B’s. Call, preferably text, (361) 379-9477. FOR SALE WELCOME HOME Gated 55+ community. PETS ALLOWED. Detached homes beautifully renovated starting @75k. 631-680-0547. This is the good life, at a GREAT price.
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$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
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Bucket List Travel Destinations for 2019
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aking time to go on vacation or to just unplug from everyday life can be beneficial. The options for experiencing an amazing vacation are so plentiful you may find yourself struggling to narrow down the choices. By focusing first on what type of vacation experience you would enjoy most, the details may more easily fall into place. “Often, would-be vacationers get so hung up on figuring out where they want to go, they forget to consider what they’ll do when they get there,” said Matthew Phillips, director of travel for A ARP Services, Inc. “It makes sense to keep location in mind but knowing what types of activities, entertainment and sights you hope to experience can help ensure you plan the travel experience of a lifetime.” Determine how to spend your time and explore some hot travel destinations, such as these: California: Rent a car and take a road trip down the California coast and experience sunshine, culture and more. California is filled with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and tourist attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood sign. Caribbean: There are few better ways to escape the cold weather than with a Caribbean cruise. There are dozens of cruise options available, so it’s a good idea to do plenty of research.
Florida Gulf Coast: The warmer seasons are perfect for unplugging and relaxing by the sand and water. Head to the beaches and get a room with a view. For example, Sarasota offers miles of beaches, including Siesta Key, known for its majestic waters and luxurious amenities.
Southwest France: Explore the beautiful wine-growing region of Southwest France through a fascinatingly historical and invigorating river cruise. For example, the Uniworld Bordeaux river cruise allows guests to sail three rivers: the Garonne, the Dordogne and the Gironde. The experience blends land and water with archaeological and historical tours, artisanal wine tastings, sprawling gardens and charming villages to explore. Take your experience a step further and see the sights while feeling like a local by going on a spotlight tour, an intimate way to uncover hidden gems. Singapore: If you want to immerse yourself into a completely new and unique culture, hop on a flight and explore Singapore, commonly referred to as a “shopper’s paradise” for its emerging brands and bargains stores. Enjoy both the urban and natural attractions while indulging in the eclectic dining scene. Singaporean cuisine is full of diverse plates, such as bak kut teh, laksa and friend carrot cake, derived from several ethnic groups. If you’re ready to start planning a getaway, a resource like A ARP Member Benefits can assist with planning and saving money along the way. Learn more at A ARPBenefits.com/travel. 50+
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Dropping Temperatures Don’t Have to Get you Down PSA from Emergency Alert + Fall Detection: MyNotifi
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inter is here. As tempting as it may be to stay inside, curled up by a warm fire, there are places you need to go. But with the cold, snow, wind, and ice, the chances of slipping or falling increase. One in three seniors will fall every year. Some of these falls will require hospitalization. So, should stay inside until the Spring? Absolutely not. There are steps you can take to stay safer, and not feel like a prisoner inside your own home. And, since half of all falls require a trip to the hospital or ER, everything you can do to reduce these risks is good. Here are some simple ideas for minimizing falls and accidents this winter: • Wear flat, non-skid shoes when venturing outdoors. • Place an all-weather rug on your porch or deck to make it less slippery. • Carry a small bag of kitty litter to spread in front of you when you walk.
• If you use a wheelchair, winterize your tires to make them snow-ready. • Keep your walks cleared of snow and ice.
Accidents do happen, even if you’ve taken every precaution. It takes just a second to slip on a patch of ice and end up on the pavement. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself
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in other ways, too. The MyNotifi emergency alert and fall detection wearable can automatically tell when you’ve fallen. It alerts a list of family and friends that you choose, and provides your precise GPS location. Plus, there’s a button you can press to let your loved ones know you need help for any reason. It’s important to get immediate support after a fall, but the risk increases if you’re stuck for any length of time on the cold ground. As winter continues, be prepared. MyNotifi can help. This message was brought to you by MyNotifi, a leader in emergency alert, fall detection and prevention through exercises.
Understanding Certain Insurance Benefits
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o matter where you are in life, whether you’re just starting your career or nearing retirement, it’s important to understand the voluntary benefits available to you that can complement traditional health insurance. While health insurance can help cover medical costs in the event of injury or illness, sometimes there are additional expenses your health care plan doesn’t cover. “Even if an employee has to pay a nominal sum for a voluntary benefit like disability insurance or dental coverage, it can be well worth it,” said Sharlyn Lauby, president of ITM Group Inc., creator of the HR Bartender blog and contributor to Colonial Life’s WorkLife blog. “Think of voluntary benefits as those specialized, personalized extras that make your overall benefits package exactly what you’d like it to be.” Benefits can be complex, but with the right information about the options available you can make choices that best fit your lifestyle and budget. Consider these common voluntary options: Dental Insurance Daily brushing and flossing can help keep your mouth healthy, but that’s not always enough as dental problems can lead to other health problems if left unattended. When you see a dentist for routine appointments and necessary procedures, dental insurance can help reduce the out-ofpocket expense. In fact, among insurance benefits typically provided to employees, 61 percent of workers view dental benefits as important, ranking second after medical insurance, according to LIMRA. Dental insurance provides coverage for regular cleanings and more extensive procedures like fillings, crowns, dentures and tooth removal. Some plans even offer allowances for orthodontic work like braces and retainers.
Accident Insurance When an accident happens, one of the last things many people want to think about is how they’re going to pay the bills. You can prepare for the unexpected with accident insurance, which provides a lump-sum benefit – based on the injury suffered and treatment received – that can be used to help pay for expenses following an accidental injury, such as doctor bills, co-pays, emergency room fees, transportation, and lodging. 50+
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9/11 Walls of Honor Applications Wanted New Memorial to Honor Victims of 9/11 Illness
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ver the next year, the Town of Oyster Bay will construct 9/11 Walls of Honor to the east of the current 9/11 monument, honoring those who continue to give their lives to the toxic legacy left behind by the September 11, 2001, attacks on America. Each year, the town will inscribe into the new Walls of Honor the names of family members, friends and neighbors lost to this toxic legacy. Supervisor Saladino stated, “The events of 9/11 continue to take our heroes and survivors – and members of our community will continue to face darker days ahead. We watch each week as more of these heroes pass, in an ever-increasing and unending number. Just as many of these rescue and recovery heroes raced to the Towers the first minute the planes hit, and stayed until the last brick was turned, their memorial will stand with and lead us to those we lost that tragic Tuesday morning.” Recent reports from the World Trade Center Health program indicate
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that we are approaching a milestone, in which approximately 43,000 people are being treated for medical problems and nearly 10,000 people have suffered cancers linked to the toxic exposure at Ground Zero. More than 2,500 responders and others affected have succumbed to their illness. Earlier this year, Supervisor Saladino formed a committee to develop plans to honor the lives of those who lost their battle to the toxic legacy of 9/11. Those serving on the committee included retired FDNY EMS Lieutenant Bill Gleason, Retired NYPD Detective Tom Luberto, Deacon Dave White, Jericho Fire Commissioner Frank Sammartano, North Massapequa Fire Commissioner Ralph Raymond, Massapequa Fire Commissioner Justin McCaffrey and Rescue & Recovery Worker Joseph Pinto. Applications may be downloaded at www.oysterbaytown.com/wallsofhonor. 50+
Cover Story - D.J. Brown Even when she’s not dancing, she’s moving. She’s all glitter and style, and she lights up every room that she walks into. “How are you today?” How are you? Ready to move? Are you feeling it?” She greets everyone – the staff, the office workers, the cooks, the seniors.
Brown has led this energetic aerobics exercise class set to the music of Michael Jackson, The Temptations and hip-hop for the retired nuns and other seniors through the CenterLight Teamcare program at one of their 12 satellite locations. “They like the lively music,” she said. “They don’t like the boring stuff, just something with a great rhythm.”
lores and asked if she would come here as a volunteer to do an exercise program for our seniors. Since then, she’s come every Monday faithfully, even when the weather is bad. They love it, they love her, and they love her music. Some are in wheelchairs, or can’t stand up, but Dolores includes everyone in her routine! She is one of the nicest and compassionate people that I have ever met, and she never ask for anything in return but a smile.” What is CenterLight Teamcare? Founded in 1985 to provide home and satellite services to the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill in the New York metropolitan and surrounding areas, CenterLight Teamcare, a member of CenterLight Health System, is a not-for-profit New York State Managed Long Term Care organization. They offer allinclusive care at 12 PACE (Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly) locations, serving participants in more than 75 languages. They offer complete care for those 55 and over, bringing them critical resources to live healthier and happier lives. At home, they help with health care, cooking, housekeeping and other assistance. On site, they provide rehabilitation services, on-site medical and personal care, breakfast and lunch, trips and fun activities. At the site, such as the one in Amityville, participants can also get their blood pressure taken, use the gym, consult with a nutritionist, and get assistance getting to doctors’ appointments. For more information, visit www.CenterLightTeamcare.org, or call 1877-212-8877.
whose mission is to honor and recognize women age 60-and-over who have much to offer society. The organization hosts an annual pageant every year to select the woman who best exemplifies their organization. The state queen then goes on to compete on the national level in Atlantic City. In 2010, Brown placed second in the New York State pageant. And yes, she danced for the talent portion. Brown was born in Harlem, raised in Jamaica, Queens, and for 50 years was a retail specialist at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Lord & Taylor. She spent 12 years in Great Britain and Germany, working in the fashion industry, directing fashion shows. She raised her four children Delinda, Eddie III, Janeen and Arthur by herself. All are, understandably very proud of her. She has been with her husband, Danny Brown, for the last 25 years.
“When she’s there, or with us, she makes everyone come alive,” said Schuss. “She makes everyone feel worthy. In the morning, when she gets there, they’re a little sleepy, but by the time she leaves, they’re all awake, alive and ready to face the day.” Teamcare, a Medicare and Medicaid program and part of the CenterLight Health System, is a not-for-profit New York State Managed Long Term Care organization that offers all-inclusive care for men and women 55 and older. (See box for more information). CenterLight Regional DHC manager Carol Hartmann has known Brown for the eight years she’s been coming to the Amityville location, and was, in fact, instrumental in getting her the “gig.” “I met her when members of Ms. New York Senior America came here to entertain us, and I talked to the organization’s State Administrator Marleen Schuss after I saw Dolores entertain,” said Hartmann. “What a powerhouse! The crowd loved her. With Marleen’s blessing, I called Do-
Ms. New York Senior America is part of the nationwide organization, Ms. Senior America,
“These are men and women, some in their 80s and 90s, who have some issues, medical or otherwise, but they still want to enjoy life,” Brown said about her participants. “I love to bring them joy, and make them feel good about themselves, and to celebrate life. Your body is alive, you’ve got to move it, you’ve got to use it!” 50+
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