Southside Boomers Fall 2015

SOUTHSIDE

BOOMERS

A DAILY JOURNAL PUBLICATION

FALL 2015

Still Rockin’ Musicians pour passion into their art at 50-plus

INSIDE

Free movie series for seniors in Franklin

Prep your marriage for retirement

Travel: Lots to see, besides the obvious, in D.C.

SOUTHSIDE

BOOMERS

FALL 2015

on the cover SOUTHSIDE

BOOMERS

FALL 2015

A DAILY JOURNAL PUBLICATION

Still Rockin’ Musicians pour passion into their art at 50-plus

INSIDE

Free movie series for seniors in Franklin

Prep your marriage for retirement

Travel: Lots to see, besides the obvious, in D.C.

Rockers Still Rolling Local musicians keep the dance floor hopping.

8

3

Free Movies

Franklin theater starts series for seniors.

See more of D.C.

Prepare Yourself

Nation’s capital more than just monuments, museums.

Advice on how to get your marriage ready for retirement.

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ALSO INSIDE Sharon Randall column 7 Inexpensive exotic destinations 13 Estate planning 14 Books 15 Southside Boomers is published by the DAILY JOURNAL

c/o Daily Journal 30 S. Water St. Second Floor, Suite A Franklin, IN 46131

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● For

What to do with all those tomatoes Health benefits of vinegar Do it yourself: wrist bracelet Retirement Q&A

editorial content, contact Paul Hoffman in the Daily Journal special publications department at 317-736-2721 or by email at phoffman@dailyjournal.net

● For

18 20 21 22

advertising content, contact the Daily Journal advertising department at (317) 736-2730

southside boomers I fall 2015

COVER STORY carl LoSASSO

GARY WOODWORTH

FRANK DEAN

’ n i k c Ro r e t f a 0 5

STORY By Cheryl Fiscus Jenkins

C

arl LoSasso plays the same rock hits today he played in his first high school garage band.

He is decades older than when he was making music with his teenage buddies and needs more time to recover after a late-night gig these days.

Yet, tunes of the 1960s and ’70s struck a chord with his band, Heavy, then and are what his current band, Seldom Surreal, brings to weekend audiences at local venues now.

LoSasso began playing guitar at age 5, but when his teacher moved away, he tried the snare drum in the sixth-grade band. From there, visions of musical success formed, and he continues rocking on the drums after all these years.

“I had decided after seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan that I wanted to be Ringo (Starr),” he said. “You always have that dream to make it big. But it really wasn’t about that. It’s about playing with a group of people and enjoying the music.”

A set with Seldom Surreal may include “Love Her Madly”

by The Doors, “Heart Full of Soul” by The Yardbirds and Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” Carl’s favorite is George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

The band plays at a host of central Indiana establishments and is LoSasso’s latest music venture in a life filled with starstudded moments.

The 60-year-old has played in 10 to 15 bands, featuring rock, blues and soul. His greatest success came with the group, Sindacato, which opened for music giants George Jones, Emmylou Harris and Dwight Yoakam, and also for contributors from the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack in the Down From the Mountain tour.

The band broke up, as they sometimes do, because of varying musical interests.

“It’s like a marriage,” he said. “But instead of being married to a woman, you’re married to five guys.”

“You always have that dream to make it big. But it really wasn’t about that. It’s about playing with a group of people and enjoying the music.”

Carl LoSasso From left: Carl LoSasso, Greenwood, sets up his drums for a recent gig with Seldom Surreal.

Gary Woodworth, Trafalgar, plays saxophone for Cadillac Scott and the Snakehandlers.

Franklin’s Frank Dean, who plays with the Snakehandlers and other bands, will celebrate 40 years in the music business with a show this fall.

LoSASSO PHOTO BY MARK FREELAND; OTHERS SUBMITTED

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southside boomers I fall 2015

COVER STORY

From left: Frank Dean and Gary Woodworth play with Cadillac Scott and the Snakehandlers. Dean with country music superstar Loretta Lynn. Carl LoSasso and Dean were both members of Sindacato. Clockwise from left: Dean, Gary Wasson, LoSasso and John Martin./SUBMITTED PHOTOS

LoSasso’s love for music started early as he listened to James Brown while riding in the car with his dad and heard his grandfather play hymns on the piano. He continues that gospel tradition by playing some Sunday mornings in Mount Olive Lutheran Church’s praise band.

The Greenwood resident incorporates original work into his playlist, including a song he helped write for his wife, Kay. He credits her for leading him back into the music scene after taking a break to be with family.

“He loves it,” Kay said. “Absolutely loves it. I think everybody in life deserves to do something they love.”

She likes the music, too, although not enough to stay up late and watch the band perform.

“I’m a morning person,” she said. “When they start at 9 p.m., I’m thinking it’s time for bed.”

A busy schedule For Frank Dean, guitarist for local band Cadillac Scott and The Snakehandlers, playing late night is

common as he makes music with four different ensembles. Those include two acoustic groups featuring country, rock, folk and blues, and Frank Dean and Friends, featuring original songs. The Snakehandlers play rhythm and soul hits from the 1960s and ’70s.

song he had written to honor work of country legend Johnny Cash called “You Walked Tall” made it big, providing him enough royalties to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

“This has never been a hobby for me,” he said. “I’ve done nothing else. It’s been a full life. No complaints.

“This has never been a hobby for me. I’ve done nothing else.

It’s been a full life. No complaints.”

Frank Dean Dean, who lives in Franklin and owns a guitar shop there, plays roughly 120 dates a year in surrounding areas of Zionsville, Carmel, Indianapolis, Franklin and Columbus. He has played music in 46 states, recorded a dozen or so records, pitched songs in Nashville, Tennessee, and also enjoyed success as part of Sindacato with LoSasso.

A shining moment in his career came when a tribute

“I look back at my scrapbook, and I’ve gotten to share a stage with everyone I’ve ever wanted to.”

That includes opening for music celebrities Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Patty Loveless, and a night at the Slippery Noodle Inn when Dan Aykroyd jumped on stage, lending his harmonica and humor to The Snakehandlers, which also featured LoSasso and current fellow band member, Gary Woodworth of Trafalgar.

At left: Carl LoSasso’s first band, Heavy. LoSasso is at the far right.

Above: His current band, Seldom Surreal. From left: Tony Spurlin, LoSasso, Bob Schneider and John Nugent.

ABOVE PHOTO BY MARK FREELAND; PHOTO AT LEFT SUBMITTED

southside boomers I fall 2015

COVER STORY Dean enjoys performing original work and plans to host a night this fall playing 40 years of his homegrown tunes. In a music world where he feels good lyrics are hard to come by and stars are made famous on looks and technology, he appreciates the poetry of a well-written song.

“It’s the ultimate test,” he said, of introducing original music. “It’s easy to play a popular song from the radio and get applause. I’ve had a good response from the audience.”

Dean, 61, learned guitar at age 8 and formed his first rock band, Dux, four years later. He has played in hillbilly bars and upscale venues.

Whether he’s entertaining for a dancing crowd with The Snakehandlers or an intimate group at The Jazz Kitchen in Indy, he recognizes he only needs a three-foot space to do the job well.

The Franklin resident opened Frank’s Guitars 10 years ago, specializing in string instruments and music lessons.

Several years ago, he helped create a local strings program by donating instruments to area kids. It is important to him to keep music playing in the hearts of young folks.

“I always thought it was a shame that you get in a town the size of Franklin, and the only thing they care about is sports,” he said.

Saxophone player Woodworth credits Dean for bring-

BIOS

Carl LoSasso Age: 60 Residence: Greenwood Instruments: Drums, vocals Current band: Seldom Surreal First band: Heavy Occupation: Design administrator for KYB Americas Corp.

Hobbies: Swimming and being with family Frank Dean Age: 61 Residence: Franklin Instruments: Guitar, vocals Current bands: Cadillac Scott and The Snakehandlers, an acoustic trio and acoustic folk duo, and Frank Dean and Friends, featuring original works First band: Dux Occupation: Musician, owner Frank’s Guitars, Franklin Hobbies: Motorcycles Gary Woodworth Age: 54 Residence: Trafalgar Instruments: Saxophone, clarinet Current band: Cadillac Scott and The Snakehandlers First Band: Paid in Full Christian band Occupation: Director of Capital Funds for United Way of Central Indiana Hobbies: Riding horses

ing him back into the music business later in life. The two found each other on social media site Bandmix and played Motown together a few times, he said, then settled

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into blues with The Snakehandlers.

Woodworth, 54, grew up in a musical family. He played in symphonic, marching and jazz bands in school, and when he tired of the clarinet, a mentor introduced him to the saxophone.

He took several years off to raise two sons with wife, Lynn, then played in a local Christian blues band called Paid in Full. His idol is Grover Washington Jr., and he loves all kinds of music from big band to Dixieland to bluegrass, even appreciating some of the newer styles.

“I try to keep an open mind,” he said.

In his genes Woodworth’s passion for music developed early as he would listen to two friends of his grandparents entertain and play instruments, which was his introduction to the clarinet.

“Here he was playing the clarinet, probably in his 80s, and he had a beautiful sound coming out of it,” Woodworth said. “Music is something you can do your entire life.”

Dean believes some of the greatest musicians are older folks who love the music. He cites the success of legend B.B. King, who played into his 80s, as an example.

“We’ve been doing it longer,” he said. “As long as you

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southside boomers I fall 2015

COVER STORY

“Music is something you can do your entire life.”

Gary Woodworth don’t have anything debilitating you, you become better and better all of the time.”

The three local musicians agree band performances running into early morning hours take a greater toll on the mind and body than in their younger days. So they each have remedies to pull through a late night.

Dean takes an Aleve for aches and pains before a show and realizes he can’t survive on cheeseburgers and Pepsi.

Woodworth takes a Saturday afternoon nap.

LoSasso drinks more water throughout the evening and less alcohol.

None of them plan on retiring the music anytime soon, and they still practice and learn new techniques. They pay little mind to the number of years they have been entertaining audiences.

“I’ll be the old blues drummer playing until I’m 85 or 86,” LoSasso said. “As long as I can Patrons dance during a recent Seldom Surreal show./PHOTO BY MARK FREELAND still hold the sticks, I will play.” B

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southside boomers I fall 2015

COMMENTARY

7

SHARON RANDALL Farewell, faithful Nissan (overheating forgiven)

I

t was the only car I ever picked out and paid for on my own. I bought it not long after losing my first husband to cancer. There was nothing wrong with our old car. It just hauled too many memories.

So I bought a brand new 1999 Nissan Pathfinder.

I wish you could’ve seen it.

I mean, when it was new, before all the nicks, dings, dents and scratches it collected over the years.

I’ve collected my share of those, too.

I loved that car. For 16 years, it did everything I wanted, asking little in return. Gas and oil, yes.

Tires, sure. Brake pads once. Nothing major. It never broke down or left me stranded. Rare is the relationship any of us can say that much about.

If cars could talk, this one would tell you some

stories. All the places we went, things we saw, bumpy roads we traveled.

Once, we spent three weeks driving across country, just the two of us. My grown children made me promise not to drive after dark. But the Nissan let me do as I pleased.

Some people thought I was crazy to drive across country alone. But that car was a great companion.

It went to sleep when I shut off its headlights, and it was ready every morning to get back on the road like a horse bucking to leave the barn.

When I remarried 10 years ago, the Nissan was just 6 years old. Imagine my recent surprise when my husband said, “We need to replace that car.”

“Why?” I said. “Because it’s 16 years old and has 130,000 miles? Just because it has a few years and

miles on it doesn’t mean you need to get rid of it.”

He smiled and gave me a look that said, “Not you. Your car.”

So we bought a new Volvo and passed the Nissan, like a family heirloom, to my youngest child.

The boy was delighted. He offered to fly to Las Vegas and drive it home to California.

“No,” I said, “we’ll bring it to you.” A week later we left Vegas in a little caravan. The Nissan and I took the lead. My husband followed in the new Volvo.

All went well the first 100 miles. I had just explained to the Nissan that, as much as I loved it, I was going to give it to a boy who vowed to take good care of it, even though he used to smash toy cars

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with a hammer.

Suddenly, for the first time ever, the Nissan began to overheat. We were climbing a 4,000-foot elevation. And it was, after all, 115 degrees. But still.

I turned the air-conditioner off, cranked up the heater to pull heat off the engine, rolled down the windows and prayed.

Have you ever driven across a desert with the heater blasting and the windows down when it was just slightly hotter than the hinges on the gates of hell?

I don’t recommend it.

The good news is it worked. The engine temperature gauge stopped climbing — as long as I kept the air off and the heat on.

SEE RANDALL, PAGE 23

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southside boomers I fall 2015

RETIREMENT

Preparing your marriage for retirement

By JENN WILLHITE Correspondent

W

hen Phyllis Doane and her husband, Terry, retired two years ago, they anticipated that not much would change in their marriage.

And they were right.

The Indianapolis couple recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary and say they attribute part of the longevity of their relationship to valuable advice they received as newlyweds.

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southside boomers I fall 2015

RETIREMENT “When we got married, we got a big basket full of advice from really old people,” Terry said. “And the one thing we both remember that was said was, ‘Don’t go to bed mad.’ I wish I could say we have always done that, but we have done it basically most of our lives.”

Since Phyllis retired from her career as a preschool teacher in 2010, and Terry from 38 years in the ministry in 2013, they have realized that even now, making a relationship work is a learning process. And it takes 100 percent effort on both sides.

“The hardest thing to get used to, for me, is we don’t have to hurry through a meal,” said Terry, 70. “In America, we tend to sit down, after spending hours preparing our meals, and in 10 minutes it’s gone. Now, we just sit down and enjoy a meal and maybe talk a little bit.”

Rick Ruegg, licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist with Greenwood Counseling Association, said what the Doanes have discovered is a pivotal part of making any marriage thrive.

“I always tell my couples the happiest, most fulfilling relationships in any stages of life are the ones where there are two people who invest in what they love to do, what makes each of them happy, and they encourage their partner to do the same thing,” he said.

Over the past three years, Ruegg says about 20 percent of the couples he works with are either nearing retirement or are retired.

Retirement is a time when individuals have more time on their hands, and with that comes a lot of reflection on accomplishments

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who have been together for many years have never created what

been the “his and hers” but no “we,” and that can create issues in later years.

It is important for couples to commit to making the marriage work together and have a passion for the relationship together, he said.

“I think one of the things they can do is make a commitment together that they’re going to make the relationship stronger in their retirement years,” Ruegg said. “And that may mean getting outside of their comfort zones and being able to invest the time and energy necessary to actually communicate with each other and invest more time together because they haven’t done that before.”

One way to accomplish this is to have fun together, Ruegg said.

Find new experiences to share and think outside the box.

Oftentimes, people are so busy with life and careers, they’ve forgotten to have fun, he said.

“When you met as a couple years before, typically what happened was you met doing something fun together,” he said. “There was something that attracted you about each other and you did it in the context of having fun.”

Keeping the spark alive also requires having some time to one’s self to pursue separate interests, he said.

Phyllis said that although she enjoys spending time with her husband, she still looks forward to her day out “with the girls.”

According to Ruegg, having individual time makes for a healthy

Ruegg refers to as the “we” of the relationship. For years, there’s

SEE MARRIAGE, PAGE 23

and plans for the future. All that time to think can also magnify how quickly life passes by, he said.

“They’ve been so busy with their careers, busy with children and many times their life, and without realizing it, they neglected their relationship,” he said. “In the past, they’ve been more separate, and now they have all this time together and don’t know exactly what to do with it.”

One key to making any marriage thrive, and especially during retirement, is to have a true partnership, Ruegg said. Some couples

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TRAVEL

HAVE A CAPITAL TIME There’s more to D.C. than monuments, museums

’t n s e o D e r a C l a n io Except e r o M t s o C o t e v a H

By NANCY BENAC Associated Press

Y

ou could easily spend a whole visit to Washington exploring the museums, galleries and monuments along the National Mall. But that would be

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See the must-sees like the White House and the Smithsonian. But carve out some time for the things locals love, too.

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Be forewarned: Washington is under construction. A large swath of the grassy National Mall is torn up between Seventh and 12th Streets for a turf restoration project that won’t end until January 2017. The Capitol dome is encased in scaffolding, and there are renovations underway inside the Capitol, too. The Rotunda will be closed through Sept. 7. And there’s more construction near the Washington Monument, where

the National Museum of African American History and Culture is rising on the last available spot on the mall. It’s scheduled to open in 2016.

Updates from the White House: Tourists finally can take photos on the public tour, and the newly redecorated Old Family Dining Room has been added to the tour route. Outside, you can gawk at the extra spikes that have been added to ward off White House fence jumpers.

Born to shop? Check out the high-end retailers in the new CityCenterDC neighborhood.

A convenient new way to get around: Hop on the $1 “Circulator” bus that makes a loop between Union Station and 15 stops around the Mall.

Classic attractions You can’t beat the free and plentiful historic sites and museums at the heart of the city. But do some homework to zero in on what most interests you. Or, surrender to happenstance and be surprised.

Important Lesson One: The Smithsonian is not one building. It’s 19 museums, 12 public gardens,

Above: After launching from the Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove, Matthew Grant of Washington, D.C., paddles along the C & O Canal in Washington. The Boathouse at Fletcher’s Cove has rowboats, kayaks, canoes and bicycles for rent. Inset: Canoeists paddle into the C & O Canal./AP PHOTOS

southside boomers I fall 2015

TRAVEL

Left: Antoine Saint-eyr covers jumbo crab legs with ice at Captain White’s fresh seafood market at The Wharf along the Washington Cannel. Right: A little boy looks into a case of

nine research centers and the National Zoo. You

Important Lesson Two: You probably won’t get

can’t cover it all. Would you rather see the giant

inside the White House if you don’t plan months

pandas (National Zoo) or the Hope Diamond

in advance and line up tickets through a congres-

(Natural History Museum) or the Star-Spangled

sional office — www.whitehouse.gov/about/

Banner (American History Museum) or Charles

tours-and-events/. You’re also better off booking

Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis (Air and Space

advance tickets for the Washington Monument

Museum)?

and to tour the Capitol.

11

sweets at the Fine Sweet Shoppe Bakery and Deli at the Eastern Market, Washington’s oldest and continually operated fresh food public market.

Tips Avoid getting glares from locals when using Metro escalators: Stand on the right side, walk ahead on the left side. Clogging the escalators is the biggest peeve locals have with out-of-towners.

Pick up the Smithsonian’s 35-page Visitor Survival Guide for a $1 donation; it distills the

essentials into one pamphlet.

Park your car and use other ways to get around.

Ride the Metro: It’s cleaner than New York’s subway system though less extensive. Rent one of the thousands of bikes stationed around town by Capital Bikeshare. Take the red Circulator buses that loop through different sections of the city.

12

southside boomers I fall 2015

TRAVEL

Take a guided Segway tour, a fun way to see classic sites while trying out a new mode of transportation. Check out monuments from a new vantage point by kayaking the Potomac. Try the hop on, hop off tour options, including Old Town Trolley Tours, D.C. Ducks (land and water) and Big Bus. Visit the monuments at night or book an evening tour. It will be cooler and less crowded than during the day. Fall is a nice time to visit: the summer heat and humidity ease, and you miss the hordes of school kids who come in the spring.

Washington.org, the go-to site for tourists, has a long freebies list: http://washington.org/ 100-free-and-almost-free-things-do-dc . It also offers sample itineraries focused on various interests.

Search under “DC Itinerary.”

Hanging out When you max out on history and patriotism, ditch the Mall and explore some neighborhoods.

Have weekend brunch on Capitol Hill at Eastern Market, the city’s oldest continually operated fresh food public market, or in the restaurant mecca along Barracks Row on Eighth Street SE. Spend Sunday afternoon at the Dacha Beer Garden in the newly cool Shaw neighborhood. Grab dinner along Maine Avenue at the fish market on the Southwest waterfront. (Think crabs steamed 30 seconds ago on a floating dock on the Potomac.) Also popular on the waterfront: Cantina Marina for cheap-ish eats and drink.

Check out special events at the National Building Museum.

Rent a kayak from Fletcher’s Cove boathouse and paddle the C&O Canal; pick pawpaw if the pulp fruit’s in season. Enjoy a free Friday night concert or other activities at Yards Park in the emerging Navy Yard area. Play bocce on the outdoor plaza at Vinoteca in the U Street corridor. Have some serious barbecue from the pitmaster at DCity Smokehouse.

Morning preparations include washing down the fresh seafood markets at The Wharf along the Washington Channel. You could easily spend a whole visit to Washington exploring the museums, galleries and monuments along the National Mall. But you’d miss out on all the energy, nightlife, parks, culture, sports and interesting food and drink in D.C.’s thriving neighborhoods.

southside boomers I fall 2015

TRAVEL

13

Five exotic places you can visit for $10 a day or less

By PAUL SISOLAK Gobankingrates.com

LAOS

W

hen you combine all of the expenses that go into travel, like airfare, hotels, food, sightseeing and more, the idea of picking up and exploring different corners of the world can seem too expensive for the budgetconscious adventurer. The good news is that some of the most exotic and unique international locations can sometimes be the most affordable.

Off the beaten tourist path, visitors can immerse themselves in new destinations without spending a fortune. Before planning your next global trek, read on to find out how these travelers saved money while vacationing around the world on mere dollars per day.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s top tourist attraction is a temple complex, the largest religious monument in the world.

admission to Angkor Wat, you’d be hard-pressed

ing great food cheap was the easiest part,” he

to spend more than $20 a day here, according to

said.

“I concluded it was cheaper to eat out in Asia

the travel site.

Cambodia

When traveler Wes Rogers took a tour of

Visiting this Southeast Asian gem is so costeffective that it must be experienced to be believed. “Cambodia is the land of $2 dorm beds, 50-cent beers and cheap food,” according to HostelBookers. Even after factoring in costs like

than to cook at home — by far,” said Rogers. “For

Cambodia, a $5-per-night rate afforded him

simplicity’s sake, I’d say I’d spend $1 per meal,

guesthouse accommodations with amenities

sometimes $2 for dinner. At the end of the day,

comparable to a high-end hotel. But it was din-

you’d have a couple bucks left for a few beers,” he

ing where he saved the most money. “With food

said. “Not a bad life for $10 a day in some fantas-

carts and noodle/curry houses abounding, eat-

tic, exotic locations.”

Laos is another Southeast Asian locale where lodging can be found for under $10 and food and drink for only a dollar or two, according to HostelBookers.

“Laos is where you get the most bang for your buck,” said Alex Gordon, a real estate agent from Oregon who traveled to Laos. “When you get to a new town, find out where other backpackers may stay — or where a local would recommend to a backpacker — and hoof it around the area,” he said. “You’re going to find some awesome guesthouses for dirt cheap and likely more friendly (than hotels).”

For food and beverage, eat and drink as the locals do, Gordon suggested. “Eat where you see the locals eating,” Gordon said. “These are poor countries, so you won’t find some Thai scarfing down pizza. Rice and chicken can be found cheap if you find the right spot.”

SEE EXOTIC, PAGE 22

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southside boomers I fall 2015

MONEY

The three keys to estate planning: Organize, discuss, act

By TOM BENTLEY AND COURTNEY WEBER AdviceIQ

E

state planning is one of those things you know you need to do but keep putting off. You’ll find this task easier by breaking it down into three essentials: organizing your financial information, communicating your plans and, of course, taking action.

Simple mention of the words estate planning conjures a variety of emotions: worry, fear and sadness, to name a few. These negative emotions, combined with the ever-increasing demands on our time, make estate planning an easy topic to defer. We tell ourselves we can get organized later, when things finally calm down.

But sometimes later can be too late. Most people believe they will live a long and healthy life, but one never knows. A major illness or death may occur before plans are in order, leaving loved ones scrambling to make sense of incomplete information and financial unknowns during a very stressful time.

Through years of helping our clients and their families through these transitions, we identify several best practices for being prepared:

Organize your information Searching for assets and missing information is exhausting,

and hiring a professional to do so can prove costly. Create an organized record that details your accounts and legal documents, so your family can easily locate them.

The list could include: ● Professional and family contacts ● Location of estate documents ● Disability and life insurance ● Home and auto insurance ● List of financial institutions, accounts and account numbers ● Credit cards ● Beneficiaries of retirement accounts ● User names and passwords (including those to social media websites or online photo storage)

and explain your intentions.

Discussing these matters with children can be sensitive. Here are tips on how to make the conversations age-appropriate: —For children in high school and college, let them know that you have plans in place. Tell them who you name to important roles (grandparents, aunts and uncles) and why.

—For young adult children, you may choose to name them to primary roles in your documents. Let them know if you plan to do so, and show openness to engaging them in this discussion in the years to come.

As children reach middle age, giving them full knowledge of your financial situation is important. Mature adult children can help parents navigate the challenges that come with aging.

Take action

Discuss your plan with family Too often, loved ones are left feeling overwhelmed and confused because an individual did not tell them his or her estate plan beforehand.

Any time you update your estate documents, communication is key. When you name your friends or family members to any role in your plan, you should notify them right away. Confirm that they are willing to take on the responsibilities of the roles,

Proactive planning requires careful consideration of possible future scenarios and a good understanding of yourself and your family. It also involves communicating your wishes to those close to you. While your advisors can encourage these conversations, ultimately you must take action.

Finding the time to discuss death and finances in your busy life is difficult and unpleasant. But since one never knows what the future holds, it is best to be prepared. B

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southside boomers I fall 2015

books

15

Don’t want to read Harper Lee? Try these books instead

By CONNIE OGLE Miami Herald

R

eviews may have been mixed, but the verdict is in: Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman” is a hit. Since its release on July 14, the novel — either a sequel to or rough draft for “To Kill a Mockingbird,” depending on whom you ask — sold 1.1 million copies in its first week alone, according to Publisher’s Weekly. Publisher HarperCollins reports the book has gone back to press for 1.3 million additional copies, with Barnes & Noble and Books-AMillion reporting that it was recently the fastest-selling adult fiction title in the history of both retailers.

But “Go Set a Watchman” is not without its critics, due to its questionable publishing history, its author’s health problems and its portrayal of a beloved fictional character, Atticus Finch, as a racist. So maybe you don’t want to read it. No worries. We’re happy to suggest something else. Southern fiction is a rich treasure trove with a wide range of stories, from the hilarity of Eudora Welty’s “Why I Live at The P.O.” to the dark matter of Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” Read Southern fiction and you can laugh, cry, gasp or brood — or all of the above.

Here, we offer a few suggestions that may be less familiar. Happy reading.

“Salvage the Bones,” Jesmyn Ward. A killer hurricane is bearing down on the Gulf Coast, and a motherless family in Mississippi — including a drunken father and pregnant teenage daughter — are ill prepared to face it. Ward’s National Book Awardwinning novel (she’s also author of the memoir “Men We Reaped”) is an unsparing look at the brutal effects of poverty.

“Burning Bright,” Ron Rash. In these grim stories of life in Appalachia, modern times (methamphetamine, recession, Lynyrd Skynyrd cover bands) collide with the remnants of the old South. Rash has written other fine story collections (“Nothing Gold Can Stay,” for instance), but “Burning Bright” is his best.

“The Known World,” Edward P. Jones. Set in Virginia, Jones’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about black slave owners in the years before the Civil War is complex but deeply rewarding, the sort of book that stays with you long after you’ve savored the final pages.

“The Anna Papers,” Ellen Gilchrist. Another master of the Southern short story — oh, how wonderful

her collections “Victory Over Japan” and “In the Land of Dreamy Dreams” are! — Gilchrist connects her work through the web of combative but loving families. Still, her best work is this unsentimental novel about a dying writer who commits suicide but leaves a powerful legacy behind.

“Crazy in Alabama,” Mark Childress. Two stories emerge in Childress’ entertaining novel: In one, a youngster named Peejoe Bullis and his brother are shipped off to live with an uncle as the Civil Rights movement begins; in the other, Peejoe’s wild Aunt Lucille poisons her husband and heads to Hollywood looking for a part on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Crazy indeed.

“Ellen Foster,” Kaye Gibbons. Young Ellen has no family and no safe haven, but don’t feel sorry for her.

In Gibbons’ slim but powerful novel she finds a space to call her own. Read all about it in the sequel “The Life All Around Me By Ellen Foster.”

“A Feast of Snakes,” Harry Crews. Things always get out of hand during the Rattlesnake Roundup in the hard-drinking, hard-luck rural town of Mystic, Ga. But this time the crazy really lets loose, thanks to Crews’ wild, profane imagination. Want a change of

pace? Read his elegiac memoir “A Childhood: The Biography of a Place.”

“Standing in the Rainbow,” Fannie Flagg. This delightful novel that centers on “Neighbor Dorothy,” a local radio personality who doles out “news” in a quirky small town, takes place in Missouri, and that may not count as Southern. We’re giving Flagg the benefit of the doubt since was born in Birmingham, Ala., wrote Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe and because this book’s folksy rhythms wash over you with a definite Southern feel.

“Going Away Shoes,” Jill McCorkle. She’s best known for such novels as “The Cheer Leader” and “Ferris Beach,” but McCorkle truly shines in her short stories, if you ask me. I once listened to her read the story Me and Big Foot at Miami Book Fair International, and I’m still chuckling.

“Natchez Burning” and “The Bone Tree,” Greg Iles. Thriller writer Iles is two-thirds of the way through his trilogy about justice and corruption. In Natchez Burning and The Bone Tree, a former prosecutor struggles to clear his father, a popular doctor, from a murder charge. There’s plenty of time to catch up before book three is published.

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southside boomers I fall 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

FREE FILMS FOR SENIORS Franklin theater starts series for folks 55 and over

T

STORY BY AMY MAY

Murder” on Feb. 25; and “The Wizard of Oz” on May 12. he Historic Artcraft Theatre’s Senior Movie Series Senior citizens or groups, such as senior centers, assisted living allows senior citizens to again enjoy an old-fashioned communities or church groups, can pick up tickets at Swartz afternoon matinee ... free.

Family Community Mortuary and Up until the 1960s or so, a night at the movies was good, clean fun.

“No explosions, nudity, language. Memorial Center, which sponsors the series. People younger than 55 can go, The films entertained without excessive They can relax and not worry too, but must purchase a ticket at the box violence, gore, profanity or nudity. that that will be in there. We office.

Standards may have changed, but the conRob Shilts, director of Franklin tent of movies nowadays keeps some older made a conscious decision to do classic movies, so they already Heritage Inc., which owns the Artcraft, people out of the theater. said the movies chosen for the series were The 2 p.m. movies at the 93-year-old know the content.” picked with senior citizens in mind. renovated theater in downtown Franklin “No explosions, nudity, language. They are among the Artcraft’s regular rotation Rob Shilts can relax and not worry that that will be of movies, but they are being shown at a Franklin Heritage Inc. director in there,” he said. “We made a conscious special time and are free for people age 55 decision to do classic movies, so they and older. “Ma and Pa Kettle on already know the content. We took a look at what we have on our Vacation,” the first in the series, was shown July 9. Remaining schedule, of what would have been shown in the ’50s.” films this season are “White Christmas” on Dec. 10; “Dial M for Upcoming movies in The Historic Artcraft Theatre’s Senior Movie Series are, from left: “Dial M for Murder,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “White Christmas.”

southside boomers I fall 2015

ENTERTAINMENT Shilts and Dave Windisch, of Franklin Heritage Inc., organized the event and are banking on the Artcraft’s nostalgia to attract seniors, too.

The Artcraft was built in 1922 as a silent movie theater and vaudeville house, complete with an orchestra pit and full stage with dressing rooms below. It was renovated in 1936 and again in 1948 when the classic Art Deco streamlining and neon were added. Over time, the building fell into disrepair and closed in 2000. Franklin Heritage bought the theater, renovated and reopened in 2005. Seating capacity is 625.

Community partner It is operated as a nonprofit and focuses on classic movies. It often pairs movies with local events, such showing “A Christmas Story” during the Franklin Holiday Lighting. It has also teamed up with other nonprofits for its Dinner and a Movie event.

“Gone with the Wind” raised money and awareness for Tara Treatment Center, whose building resembles the famous mansion in the movie. “The Princess Bride” was tied in with the mission at Girls Inc. Cartoons for Cans, where food donations get patrons in to see classic cartoons, benefits area food pantries.

The theater has experimented with other film series, such as a B movie festival or a weekend of films done by local teens. The theater also provides its stage for other events, including music

If You Go

What: Historic Artcraft Theatre’s Senior Movie Series When: Thursdays, 2 p.m.

“White Christmas,” Dec. 10 “Dial M for Murder,” Feb. 25 “Wizard of Oz,” May 12 Tickets: Ages 55 and older can pick up tickets at Swartz Family Mortuary, 300 U.S. 31, Franklin, or call the Greenwood or Trafalgar branches. Under 55 can attend with seniors for regular Artcraft admission price.

Info: Swartz, 317-738-0202, 317-881-0202 or 317-878-4480, or Artcraft, 317-736-6823

groups, magic shows, a Taste of Home live cooking show and a children’s theater camp and performance.

With its wide variety of events, it seemed important to offer something for the area’s seniors, too, Shilts said.

“We have a great range of aging population here. We thought it made sense to do classic movies in a theater they would’ve grown up in or one close to it,” he said.

The first movie, “Ma and Pa Kettle on Vacation,” was a huge success and the audience seemed to enjoy it, roaring with laughter throughout, he said.

“One person was almost 100 years old. They were enjoying it like they were kids,” he said. “I think just being in the theater struck up some memories. Even if this was not their hometown

theater, they saw movies in something similar. For these folks, it was like hearing an old, favorite song. It rekindled those great memories.”

Many guests told Shilts they remembered going to the Artcraft as kids, recalling the popcorn lady and the Looney Tunes cartoons shown before movies.

For the senior series opener, the Artcraft showed a 1940s-era cartoon. At the theater, guests always stand to sing the National Anthem before the movie. Shilts told the crowd of seniors they were honoring the veterans among them with the song.

“There wasn’t a better crowd for that. These people get it.

They’re the greatest generation,” he said.

He said they were not sure how popular the series would be.

This is the first time the Artcraft has done a long-term event specifically for senior citizens, although they have been considering it for a couple of years.

But as 2 p.m. approached on the first day of the series, Shilts said, “all of a sudden, these buses starting rolling in. I thought, ‘We’re going to need a bigger parking lot.’ I remember thinking, ‘If we get 42 (guests), we’ll be happy.’ Um … there’s 42 on this bus alone.

“For our first time out, I am absolutely thrilled. To be able to make that many people happy is an awesome feeling. I think this will be even bigger next time.” B

When you’re part of our family, you’ll always come first.

What does it mean to have a family-first philosophy? It means being committed to delivering what’s most important to seniors and their loved ones.

Listening, understanding, anticipating needs and being there when you need us.

We’re the CarDon family of care, with senior living communities throughout South Central Indiana. We’ve been family owned and operated since 1977, and we take as much pride in caring for your family as we do our own.

Learn how putting family first bridges the gap between home and high-quality care.

For information on your local CarDon community, go to www.cardon.us.

17

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southside boomers I fall 2015

SUMMER’S BOUNTY

How to do right by all those luscious tomatoes

By SARA MOULTON Associated Press

I

f you’re like me, you believe that a fresh, ripe tomato is one of the best things about summer. And this tart is an ode to the tomato in season — and a lesson about how to make the most of it.

Let’s start with how to choose the best tomatoes.

First, pick up your candidate, smell the stem and confirm that it smells strongly like a tomato. Next, figure out if it is juicy by hefting it. You want a heavy tomato; if it’s heavy, it’s juicy.

On the chance that you buy more tomatoes than you plan to eat right away, store the extras on a counter away from the sunlight. Do not put them on a sunny windowsill, which can make them rot. Likewise, don’t put them in the refrigerator, which can kill their flavor if they’re not already ripe and make them mealy after a few days.

If you bought a few tomatoes that weren’t quite ripe and you want to speed up the process, put them in a brown paper bag with a banana. The ethylene gas given off by both the tomatoes and the banana will do the trick.

Do not seed the tomatoes. Once upon a time we routinely seeded them, a nod to the French ideal of finesse, which decreed that seeds were crude.

Years later, I read a story in Cook’s Illustrated magazine that persuaded me that discarding the seeds is a mistake. Apparently, the seeds and the jelly surrounding them are the most flavorful parts of the tomato. And — bonus! — you save a bunch of prep time when you don’t bother to remove the seeds.

One of the main reasons we love tomatoes in season is because they’re so juicy. That’s great when we eat them raw, not so great when we’re making a tomato pie. How to keep juicy tomatoes from turning that pie into a watery mess? By slicing and salting them ahead of time. The salt delivers a one-two punch, draining the tomato of its excess liquid and concentrating its natural flavors.

Though tomatoes are terrific all by themselves,

COOKING

southside boomers I fall 2015

COOKING they also get along famously with a cornucopia of other ingredients, starting with virtually every herb under the sun and moving on to just about any cheese you care to name. This recipe calls for Gruyere, but you’re welcome to swap in sharp cheddar, mozzarella or even feta. Point is, feel free to experiment with different herbs and cheeses that melt. Make this recipe your own.

Tomatoes are so meaty and satisfying that I’m sure everyone — even die-hard carnivores — will be happy to see a slice or two of this pie set down for lunch, maybe with a simple green salad on the side. And picnickers take note: This tart happens to be as scrumptious served at room temperature as it is hot right out of the oven.

SUMMER’S END TOMATO TART Start to finish: 2 hours 55 minutes (30 minutes active) Servings: 8 All-purpose flour, for rolling out the dough 1 pie dough (recipe below) or 12 ounces store-bought pie dough 1 1/2 pounds large tomatoes Kosher salt 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 1/2 cups coarsely grated Gruyere cheese 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, finely minced

19

PIE DOUGH the dough all over with a fork, then chill it for 1 hour.

Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes (15 minHeat the oven to 375 F. utes active) Line the pie shell with foil and fill it with pie Make 1 batch pie dough weights, dried beans or rice. Bake in the low1 1/2 cups (6.4 ounces) all-purpose flour er third of the oven until it is opaque through1/4 teaspoon table salt out, about 25 minutes. Carefully remove the 10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut weights and foil. Return the shell to the oven into 1/2-inch cubes and bake until light golden, about another 8 2 to 4 tablespoons ice water minutes. Transfer the tart shell to a rack and In a large bowl, stir together the flour and let it cool 15 minutes. the salt. Add the butter and, working quickly, While the tart shell is baking, slice the touse your fingertips or a pastry blender to mix matoes 1/3 inch thick, sprinkle them liberally L I F E G E T T I N G C O M P L I C Athe T Edough D ? until most of mixture resembles with salt, then arrange them on a wire rack to coarse meal, with the rest in small (roughly drain over the sink or a rimmed baking sheet. pea-size) lumps. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of ice Increase the oven temperature to 400 F. water evenly over the mixture and use a fork Spread the mustard evenly over the bottom to gently stir until incorporated. of the tart shell, then sprinkle the cheese over Gently squeeze a small handful of the it. Pat the tomatoes dry and arrange them dough. It should hold together without over the cheese in one overlapping layer. crumbling apart. If it doesn’t, add more ice Bake on the oven’s middle shelf until the pastry is golden brown and the tomatoes are water, 1/2 tablespoon at a time, stirring 2 or 3 times after each addition until it comes very soft, 35 to 40 minutes. together. Be careful: If you overwork the In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, mixture or add too much water the pastry garlic and herbs. Sprinkle the pie with this will be tough. mixture while it is still hot, spreading the mixTurn the dough out onto a work surface. ture gently with the back of a spoon. Serve With the heel of your hand, smear in a the pie hot or at room temperature. forward motion on the work surface to help Nutrition information per serving: 370 calodistribute the fat. Gather the smeared dough ries; 230 calories from fat (62 percent of total together and form it, rotating it on the work calories); 26 g fat (14 g saturated; 0.5 g trans surface, into a disk. Wrap the disk in plastic, fats); 60 mg cholesterol; 570 mg sodium; 24 g then chill until firm, at least 1 hour. B carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 9 g protein.

Experience the Freedom

EXPERIENCE FOREST CREEK EXPERIENCE FOREST CREEK COMMONS 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as mint, basil, thyme, chives, tarragon or a mix On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie dough until 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, easing the dough into the pan and pressing it into the corners. Trim off any excess dough hanging over the edge. Prick

Forest Creek Commons is an authentic community focused on Forest respect independence, while living Creekand Commons is an authentic community focusedwith the freedom, comfort and security of knowing someone is always on respect and independence, while living with thethat freedom, EXPERIENCE FOREST CREEK COMM MO ON NS S there when you need them. comfort and security of knowing that someone is always LIFE GETTING C CO OM M P L II C CA AT TE ED D ??

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20

southside boomers I fall 2015

The

value of vinegar

By BARBARA QUINN The Monterey County Herald

I

was doing my usual stop-fooling-around-andwrite-your column dance with myself this week when I happened across an article in a recent issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Is vinegar an effective treatment for blood sugar control or weight loss?” the article began. I stopped fooling around to find out.

Vinegar is a fermented product made from the action of acetic acid bacteria on liquids such as wine, beer or apple cider. Acetic acid is a “weak acid” compared to say, the strong hydrochloric acid produced by our stomachs to digest food.

According to the Vinegar Institute ( www.versatilevinegar.org) a product sold as “vinegar” in the United States must contain at least 4 percent acetic acid.

Balsamic vinegar, “aceto balsamico,” originated in the Modena and Reggio Emilia areas of northern Italy and is a dark condensed reduction of white Trebbiano grape juice. Traditional Balsamic vinegars from these areas are aged for 12 or more years and retain the coveted title of “Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale.”

There is no balsam (the resin in the sap of trees) in balsamic vinegar. Rather, this type of vinegar probably was named after the Latin word “balsamic” that describes restorative or curative properties.

Vinegar is a fermented product that in itself might be beneficial, say some experts. According to Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter, the friendly acetic acid bacteria used to make vinegar infiltrates our guts with favorable “probiotics” that assist with digestion and the absorption of nutrients.

According to the review in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, some preliminary studies have shown that vinegar can help control blood sugars in people at risk for diabetes. Effects varied however, depending on the amount and type of carbohydrate eaten at a meal. Adding vinegar to healthier carbs such as whole grains, vegetables and fruit was more favorable than dousing a sugarladen beverage with vinegar.

Can vinegar help us lose weight? Maybe and maybe not. Some studies indicate that vinegar helps to suppress appetite, perhaps by slowing the transition of food through the digestive tract.

Other studies found that high intakes of vinegar increased nausea in some people, however.

Most vinegars are surprisingly low in sodium while packing a huge flavor punch. Always check the label on “seasoned” vinegars, however; these might contain added sodium.

“Vinegars are part of a wholesome life,” said Dr. Stephen Brabeck, board certified cardiologist and owner of Quail and Olive — a boutique of specialty oils and vinegars in Carmel Valley, Calif.

They can be used on salads, as a marinade or in reduction sauces.

Nutritionally, a tablespoon of vinegar contains a measly 14 calories compared to 120 calories in one tablespoon of olive oil. Stop fooling around, and mix the two together.

Delicioso! B Barbara Quinn is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. She is the author of QuinnEssential Nutrition,” Westbow Press 2015. Email her at bquinn@chomp.org .

HEALTH

southside boomers I fall 2015

DO IT YOURSELF

21

How to make a wrap bracelet

By TRACI ARBIOS The Fresno Bee

E

very once in a while, it’s nice to give yourself a little something. Today’s craft is elegant yet simple, and like most of the crafts I throw together, takes about an afternoon’s work for a lifetime of delight. (And that’s not overstating the amount of delight in any way, whatsoever.)

Based on designer Chan Luu’s artistic pieces (which sell at Saks Fifth Avenue for upwards of $200), this boho-style leather wrap bracelet comes together in a little over an hour at a mere fraction of the price. In fact, depending on the beads used and length of your design, you could easily make a wrap bracelet for less than $10. Extrapolating, you could then use the other $190 to take yourself out for a pretty nice date — and look swanky doing it.

What you’ll need: l Beads l Leather cord (double the intended length of the bracelet) l Shank button l Beading thread l Needle

Super glue Scissors l Clipboard or cutting board l Two binder clips Measure your bracelet length: Before you begin, it’s important to figure out whether you want a single, double or longer l l

wrap bracelet. This will determine how much leather cord you’ll need.

To measure the length of the bracelet, wrap the leather cord around your wrist to the desired length. Once established, fold the cord back over itself to double its length.

Ready your surface: Turn your work board so that it is running left to right. Using the binder clips, attach the folded point of the cord to the left end of your board, and the loose ends of the cord to the right end. Doing so will create two taught, parallel lines of cord running left to right, one about 1/4 inch above the other.

Attach your beads: Double thread your needle. Attach the end of the thread via double knot to the bottom cord, about 1 1/2 inches down from the attached folded end on the left.

Super glue the knot and trim the excess thread.

Thread one bead and place it between the two cords. Loop the thread over the top cord, and sew back down through the bead. Coming though the bottom of the bead, loop the thread under the bottom cord, then back over and thread the next bead. Continue adding the beads in this manner (placed between the cords and attached in a through/over/back SEE BRACELET, PAGE 22

22

southside boomers I fall 2015

Avoid retirement lines by filing online The Tribune News Service

Q: Local fruits and vegetables in season are inexpensive in Jamaica.

Exotic FROM PAGE 13

Jamaica “Buying locally can stretch your budget,” said Keisha Blair, who traveled cheaply in premium-priced, tropical Jamaica during a sabbatical. “I found that when I purchased imported foods, my food bill was astronomical. Five dollars to $10 per day is doable.”

Blair recommended travelers cook their own food. The easiest way is to simply lodge where the food is. “Choose to stay in a location where you can shop at the local market for fresh fruits and vegetables to prepare at home,” she said. “Local fruits and vegetables that are in season are extremely cheap.” Blair also noted that selecting affordable transportation and rooming with family or friends are key to living the island life on a tight budget.

China The Chinese countryside is a beautiful destination with many opportunities for savings, according to Thrillist, such as rooms for less than $20 a day, food for $2 to $5 per meal and local city transportation for less than a dollar.

Brett War managed to rent an apartment in

Shenzhen for less than $5 per day and recommended staying away from developing cities like Shanghai or Hong Kong if your budget is limited.

Instead, opt for places like Lijiang, Dali, Kunming, Guilin and Sichuan. Maximize your savings by rooming in hostels, not hotels, by booking cheaper flight plans through Chinese, not American, travel sites, and by avoiding vacations during Chinese holidays.

Unlike in the West, everything is negotiable in China, according to War. “When buying souvenirs, barter down to half the price,” he said. “In China, no price is fixed, and if they don’t accept your recommended price, walk away. They will usually stop you and accept your proposal.”

Is it true 10,000 people a day are retiring? What’s the easiest way to avoid the crowds?

A: Yes. As the baby boomers reach their retirement years, Social Security is handling about 10,000 claims each day. You can avoid the crowds by filing online. You can complete your retirement application in as little as 15 minutes. It’s safe, convenient and secure. You can apply from the comfort of your home at a time that is most convenient for you. There’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov.

Q: What types of retirement planning tools does Social Security offer?

A: Social Security’s Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law. It also points out things you may want to consider as you prepare for the future. At www.socialsecurity. gov/retire2 you can: l Find your retirement age; l Estimate your life expectancy; l Estimate your retirement benefits; l Use our other Benefit calculators to test different retirement ages or future earnings amounts; l Learn how certain types of earnings and pensions can affect your benefits.

Learn more by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/ retire2 . B This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Fiji Fiji is a South Pacific country of more than 300 islands with a reputation for seeming expensive, according to Thrillist. The site recommends skipping the $1,000-a-night resorts for dorm rooms, hostels or allinclusive guesthouses that go for $25 a night instead.

Beaches are free, traveling the island is cheap and you can find beautiful, low-cost sites to enjoy, such as the Taveuni waterfalls or the Nadi open-air souvenir market. B

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Bracelet FROM PAGE 21 through/under manner) until all beads are attached, or you have reached your desired length.

Tie off the thread via double knot and super glue the knot. Trim the excess threads.

Finish your piece: Remove the bracelet from the board. Tie a slip knot on the leather cord near the folded end of the bracelet; this accen-

tuates the fold, which now looks like a loop.

Tie another knot at the other end of the leather cord. Slide the shank button onto the cord, and tie a knot on the other side of the button.

Running left to right, the finished bracelet has a loop, a decorative knot, the beaded part of the bracelet, another decorative knot, the shank button and a final decorative knot.

Wrap the bracelet around your wrist, and use the loop and button as an enclosure. B

southside boomers I fall 2015

Marriage FROM PAGE 9 relationship and marriage. It shouldn’t feel like a sacrifice if your spouse is going to do something on his or her own, he said.

“To me, the positive energy one has toward himself influences the energy of having that with another, and that really builds a positive relationship,” he said. “It has great rewards.”

The Doanes say there are times when they may sit around twiddling their thumbs wondering what to do with their time. But those instances are few and far between. The couple keeps a pretty full schedule by regularly going to their local senior center, shopping and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

The one thing they value most since retiring is their freedom. After being in the ministry, where you’re essentially on call 24/7, it’s nice to have time to just be, they said.

“There were times we had to put our family to the side because we had to take care of needs in the church,” said Phyllis, 69. “Now we can go and

see our children, kick back and not be under pressure to be somewhere at a certain time.”

Ruegg said the most common thing that brings couples to his office is inadequate or the absence of communication. However, he said an inability to communicate is generally just the tip of the iceberg of issues that have accumulated over their lifetime of being together.

Communication is essential, the Doanes say, but you have to remember that disagreements are going to happen.

“You wouldn’t be a couple or two people if you didn’t disagree on things sometimes,” Phyllis said.

“When you’re in close quarters, there are a few times where you may have gone the other way before, whereas now you just face it.”

After nearly 50 years of marriage, the couple looks forward to many more years together. And they offer simple threefold advice to other couples preparing for or in retirement.

“Plan ahead,” Phyllis said. “Don’t go to bed before saying you’re sorry if you’ve done something wrong. And always be kind to one another even if you disagree.” B

What Matters Most to You is What Matters Most to Us.

Randall FROM PAGE 7 The bad news is there were bug splats on the inside of the windshield. And I looked like the Feral Kid in “Mad Max 2.” If you missed the movie, let me just say it is not a good look.

At a gas stop, my husband’s jaw dropped when he saw me. When I explained why I looked as I did, he insisted on switching cars. I argued a little. Not a lot.

Then I drove the Volvo 100 miles in air-conditioned bliss feeling almost guilty.

At the next stop, he looked even worse than I did.

So I offered to switch again. He didn’t argue. We kept trading shifts every 100 miles. Finally, when we drove into the fog on the coast, cars and drivers alike breathed a blessed sigh of relief.

The next day, I signed over the pink slip and we left the Nissan with the boy and his family. We were walking up the street to the new Volvo when I heard an old familiar honk. I looked back.

The boy stood grinning, tapping the Nissan’s horn.

“It’s saying goodbye!” he said.

I hope they’re happy together. Maybe his 5-yearold will take me on a road trip in it someday. B Sharon Randall can be reached at P.O. Box 777394, Henderson NV 89077, or on her website: www.sharonrandall.com.

Brett Richey

Helping you and the loved ones you care for since 1969.

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Peace of mind is important. Families like knowing their loved one is treated with dignity and respect which is why we own and operate our own crematory. They want to remember their loved one, which is why we offer memorial tribute jewelry and other forms of tribute.

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www.wilsonstpierre.com Greenwood Chapel 481 W. Main St. Greenwood, IN 46142 (317) 881-2514

Chapel of the Chimes 1234 Prospect Street Indianapolis, IN 46203 (317) 632-9431

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