Prime Time August 2012 by AIM Media Indiana

August 2012

active adult living

2 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

Prime Time On the cover

Villas of Stonecrest Sherry Stark and her dog, Gracie. Photo by Sevil Mahfoozi. Story on page 4

Collector Jim Loesch page 16

Artist Ron Arnold page 10

Nonprofit work page 28

Also inside Helping older drivers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Retirement money myths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Caring for the elderly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Peace Corps volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Mill Race Center travel schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Jeanette Menter column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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www.villasofstonecrest.com PRIME TIME • AUGUST 2012 • 3

servant

leader Sherry Stark willingly donned mantle passed to her by community supporters By Barney Quick n photos by Sevil Mahfoozi

hen Sherry Stark found a community in which to put down roots, she went about it with single-minded focus. Since arriving in Columbus four decades ago, she has pursued civic involvement with the passion of a native-born citizen. Most developments in the city over that span bear the mark of her contribution. A partial list of her activities includes 12 years as CEO of the Heritage Fund, leadership of the Columbus Area Arts Council, a stint as deputy mayor and over 30 years on the board of the Visitors Center. Currently, she is helping to create the Centra Foundation — among other endeavors. She considers her parents role models for the type of life she has fashioned. When she was growing up in Lafayette, they thrust themselves into cultural and economic-development activities there with the zeal she would later exhibit. The 10 years prior to her 1972 arrival in Columbus were somewhat nomadic in nature. Her then-husband was a pilot, and the family moved 13 times in 10 years. Her involvement here began with tour-guide training at the Visitors Center. “Bob Marshall of The Republic came to talk to us about how some of the old dynasties that had done so much for the city were fading, and how it was now up to all interested people to step forward and keep Columbus vital and unique,” she recalls.

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Stark holds fans announcing her wedding. She and her new husband, David Tiede, surprised guests at a patio party with news of their marriage. 6 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

Photo by Daryl Hemmings

She went on to be a trainer herself. “I was called when VIP groups would come to town,” she says. Soon she was a Visitors Center board member and even president at one point. During her time as CEO of the Heritage Fund, the organization’s assets grew from $17 million to more than $70 million. It was during her tenure that the Heritage Fund partnered with the Community Education Coalition to launch EcO15, a strategic effort to address the needs of southeastern Indiana’s students, employers and communities. Community Education Coalition CEO John Burnett describes Stark as “a true community servant” and a “consummate writer and thinker.” He says, “I’ve had the good fortune to work with her on many projects, particularly in the area of education.” They met during her days with the arts council, but began collaborating during her tenure with the Heritage Fund. “She was key to obtaining a $5 million grant for the CEC from the Lilly Endowment,” Burnett says. Later, the Heritage Fund partnered with Columbus Young Professionals, Leadership Bartholomew County and the Columbus Area Multi-Ethnic Organization to act on the results of

Sherry Stark and David Tiede on their wedding day. two Cummins Inc. Six Sigma projects aimed at nurturing new leadership for a number of local institutions.

Still helping The term “retirement” may not be an accurate way to describe her life since stepping down as the Heritage Fund CEO. She is now creating yet another organization that will enhance the quality of life in Columbus and other communities. “Loretta Burd, CEO of Centra Credit Union, said, ‘I know you’re retired, but would you consider something on a part-time basis?’” says Stark. The credit union had steadily grown to become the third largest in the state, with branches in Whittaker, S.C., and Jamestown, N.Y., as well as throughout Indiana. Its board felt it was time to create its own foundation. “We’re refining our mission and goals now,” Stark says. “We know our purposes are promoting financial literacy and helping any communities where Centra is located if they experience financial disasters or have other pressing needs.” She is also currently president of The Commons board, president of the First Presbyterian Foundation, chairwoman of the church’s personnel committee and an elder there.

She’s also on the board of the Columbus Area Economic Growth Council, a consortium of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce; the Economic Development Board; the Community Education Coalition; and the Visitors Center. She was recently appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels to the Indiana Arts Commission, which advocates for arts funding. Travel is one of her favorite leisure activities. Last February she went on a safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Upon returning, she gave a presentation on her experience at Yes Cinema. She also recently went to China, when one of her sons, a Butler music professor, took a group of singers there.

Family time Stark appreciates the time that the current phase of her life permits for being with her three sons, Eric, Chris and Brian. While they all live elsewhere, she visits them frequently and vice versa. The big change to her family life is her early July marriage to David Tiede, a retired Cummins physicist. “David asked my sons’ blessing,” she says. “We’d known each other six years. The ceremony itself was at the church with just families present. Afterward, we had a patio party at home with friends. The purpose of it was a surprise to them. None of them knew we were married until they walked up the driveway and received their hot-

weather fans with the announcement printed on them.” She reflects that “I started as a volunteer here, and I’ve kind of come full circle back to that.” She has some specific advice for those considering civic involvement. “Read the paper every day,” she says. “Find a passion, something going on here that you care deeply about. Learn people’s names. Arrive early at meetings and stay late; that’s when the real networking occurs. And find mentors.” She has seen several periods in the last 40 years in which it looked like Columbus risked a leadership vacuum but avoided it by virtue of the vision that has been cultivated throughout the city’s existence. “We’ve had seismic changes, and it takes a little time to get your sea legs after that,” she says. She cites the late industrialist and philanthropist J. Irwin Miller’s speech at the 1964 dedication of Otter Creek Golf Course as a key moment in solidifying the community’s dedication to its special identity. Regarding Stark’s legacy, Burnett says, “The work she’s done not only has a current impact but will benefit the community for generations to come.” PT

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Stark admires the “Grammie” bracelet made for her as a wedding present by granddaughter Maia Stark, 7.

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Adaptive technology helps seniors drive longer

By Karen E. Farley

or many in their prime years, driving can present a challenge. Modern technology and rehabilitation programs are helping older drivers feel more confident behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, new and existing adaptive technologies continue to broaden opportunities for older drivers to drive comfortably and safely, and enjoy the freedom of driving as long as possible. Aging drivers are faced with some of the same issues as younger drivers — chronic illness, physical strength and mobility problems. With older adults, this can mean isolation from family and friends. Bob Pitman, executive director of Mill Race Center, is aware of the age-related driving challenge with seniors. “There are situations as people age where their driving abilities decline,” he says. “With the growing older population, the need can only increase for this new technology.”

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He also feels that physical capabilities are important when it comes to extending the driving years. As people age, the need for strength training and fitness play a part in the ability to operate a motor vehicle. “Many seniors use our fitness equipment in the center,” Pitman says. “The equipment here is also adaptable to make it easier for older adults.” With the need to address the challenges faced by elderly drivers, many companies have developed specialized products for vehicles.

Adaptive devices Some of the adaptive technologies for cars and trucks include a minimal investment, such as a special seat-back cushion for better views of the road. If the driver can stand, with or without assistance, and turn and walk a few steps, items like grab bars and running boards can transform their car or van into a comfortable and accessible vehicle,

according to the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Mobility equipment dealers specialize in some of the adaptive devices used in many vehicles today. “We design, manufacture and install a lot of different types of devices for seniors,” says Bruce Ahnafield, general manager for Mobility Solutions in Indianapolis. “Primary controls such as steering, braking and accelerator can range from a simple mechanical device that controls the brake and accelerator to an electronic joy stick. All primary controls require an evaluation by a certified driver rehabilitation specialist.” Another adaptive device is a swivel seat. The seat gives the driver more convenient access to the vehicle. Seats swivel out and then swivel back into the vehicle. Adults in wheelchairs can easily transfer seats to the driver position. The use of seat belt extenders makes it easier to buckle up, and special steering wheel covers improve the grip for the driver. Seat and back support cushions can be adapted to the vehicle to relieve back pain. “There are lots of other devices that can assist seniors in loading their wheelchairs and helping them entering and exiting a vehicle. For example, wheelchair lifts, hoist and transfer seats,” Ahnafield says. Marvette Brantley, 66, suffers from back pain and is unable to walk for long periods of time. She uses an electric power chair to get around. A couple of years ago, she had a ramp adapted to her vehicle, which allows her to transport the chair everywhere she goes. “Some stores don’t have mobility equipment,” Brantley says. “With the ramp, I can now bring my chair and be more independent. Before, I would just ride around the neighborhood in my chair. Now, I can get in my car and go anywhere I want.” The cost for adapting a vehicle may vary greatly. Basic support or equipment is inexpensive. Purchasing a new vehicle with adaptive equipment can run $20,000 to $80,000. Whether the vehicle is a current one or the driver is purchasing a new one, there may be financial assistance available.

Services for older drivers Some occupational therapists and driver rehabili-

tation specialists conduct behind-the-wheel evaluations and training with the use of adaptive devices. After an evaluation of the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, they recommend and prescribe adaptive devices that are sometimes covered by insurance. To locate a specialist in your area, visit the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists at www.driver-ed.org, or the American Occupational Therapy Association Inc. at www.aota.org. Another resource for older drivers is AARP’s Driver Safety Program. It helps motorists continue to drive safely as they age. It offers both fourand eight-hour courses on safe driving and also teaches about the effects of medication on driving. According to AARP’s website, the program has helped millions of drivers over 50 protect their safety on the road. Course information is available by calling 888-227-7669 or online at www.aarp.org/ drive. Mobility and independence are vital to aging adults. When the time comes to reduce driving or give up the keys, seniors need to make responsible decisions. But with the use of adaptive technology and safe driving courses, older drivers can drive longer, enjoy their freedom and feel safe while on the road. For qualified dealers and installers of adaptive equipment, call the NMEDA at 866-948-8341, or visit its website at www.nmeda.com. PT

This hand driving control system uses mechanical linkage so the driver can apply the brakes and the accelerator by moving the lever in different directions. PRIME TIME • AUGUST 2012 • 9

if it’s not

one thing, it’s another Ron Arnold believes in diversity in artistic pursuits By Jennifer Willhite n photos by Sevil Mahfoozi For local photographer Ron Arnold inspiration is everywhere. The New Castle native has, as he says, “dabbled” in many creative ventures. From photography and writing to woodworking, he has done a little bit of everything. And he’s only getting started. “My problem is I’ve found something else to do,” says Arnold. “I started out just cartooning and went from that to writing.” Arnold and his wife, Karen, moved to Columbus in 1977 to manage the Walnut Room restaurant, which was located at the Eagles downtown. Not too many years later, he went to work as a manufacturer’s representative for local business Vernco, a division of Emerson Electric Co. Ron Arnold shows his computer-enhanced photograph of Mount Rainier.

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During business trips, the father of three spent much of his free time cartooning. He says he always wanted to draw and saw it as the perfect time to teach himself. His cartoons led to a contract with Abbey Press, a southern Indiana publishing company owned by St. Meinrad Archabbey. His first book was a cartoon story about hugs, published in the 1980s. The book’s publication led to a line of greeting cards and mugs. “They bought the hugs logo for three years,” Arnold says. “And finally at the end, they gave it back to me. And so I was in royalties for about three years after that.” He then set out to write his first children’s book. “The Outcast Star,” published in 2003, chronicles the birth and life of the Little Star of Bethlehem. Proceeds from the book’s sales were donated through the Arnolds’ church to help rebuild a hospital in Uganda, a country ravaged by civil war. In the late 1990s, Arnold took a writing class that would serve as the catalyst for his next career. He credits his children with being the reason he set out to put his story on the printed page.

Arnold displays two photos of local landmarks.

photo by Joe Harpring

Arnold provided a photo mural for the entrance of Tobar Inc., owned by Barbara and Tom Schoellkopf. 12 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

“I’m adopted, and I was talking to my youngest son, and he made a comment, ‘What is your real name?’” Arnold says. “I said, ‘Well, he needs to know my history.’ So it was for the kids.” In 2002 “The Girl on the Front Porch” was the first of three novels. Two years later, he published “There’ll Be Hell to Pay.” Then, in 2006, he published a historical novel titled “The Gold Coin.” Based on the story of the Reno Brothers, train robbers from the Seymour area, Arnold admits he went a bit far with the story. After conducting extensive research, he found there are people still searching for the money taken during the brothers’ last heist. Fascinated, he set out to write a story about what might happen if three teenagers found a gold coin from the last heist in a cemetery, the last resting place of the Reno Brothers.

Park show revival Around the same time Arnold began writing, he played a pivotal role in the revival of the Donner Park variety shows.

In the late 1990s, he was president of the Evening Kiwanis. At the time, the organization was looking for a community project. Inspired by perusing a book about the history of Columbus, Arnold suggested a variety show. He approached the Kiwanis board and talked to representatives at Donner Center and later contacted Tom Pickett, owner of Tom Pickett’s Music Center. After a few meetings over coffee at the Olympia Dairy, Arnold and Pickett brought local talent back to the Donner Park stage. Shows are still held monthly from June to September. In his spare time, Arnold has also made what he calls Hoosier Horseshoes or corn-hole games. Since 2010, he has designed and sold several Hoosier Horseshoe games, most sporting college logos, at the Columbus Farmer’s Market. About three years ago, Arnold started photographing Columbus. Focusing on architecture, he found real gems in local buildings and scenery. The view through the lens of his Kodak digital camera fueled his desire to create something different. “I don’t think this would have ever happened if I

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had lived in any city other than Columbus,” Arnold says. “You just don’t see the architectural importance in any other city. I’ve never seen a town this size be this architecturally oriented as Columbus.” Using his camera and Kodak Easyshare software, Arnold creates unique snapshots of area buildings, sculptures and historic sites. He says his greatest compliment is when others ask if he’s drawn the pictures.

Arnold shot a photo of the Second Street Bridge through the curve of a sculpture.

At top: In addition to his artwork, he also has written three books, including “The Girl on the Front Porch.” Above: He flips through a calendar featuring his photos.

Arnold adjusts an original photograph on his computer. 14 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

“I just like to be creative,” he says. “It’s an outlet for me. And, so far, I’ve done OK.” Although, he readily admits he is his own worst critic, he says Karen has a “pretty good eye” and helps him make artistic decisions.

Big-time opportunity While at Papa’s Deli on Washington Street one day, Arnold approached the owners about displaying some of his photographs. They enthusiastically agreed, and some of his best work went on public display for the first time. Then, he says, he hit the big time. Tom Schoellkopf, president of Tobar Inc., says he was introduced to Arnold’s work at the downtown deli. He picked up one of Arnold’s business cards and called him to discuss a possible mural to be displayed in his company’s new wing. After some discussion, Arnold created the mural displayed on Tobar’s wall today. Spotlighting the unique architecture of Columbus, including shots of Eos, First Christian Church and the courthouse, the mural speaks vol-

umes to visitors, customers and employees alike, Schoellkopf says. “When we have visitors, either customers, suppliers or partners, from Taiwan, China, etc. … it sets the tone as to what a vibrant and special community Columbus is,” says Schoellkopf. “We feel blessed to live and work in this great community, and Ron’s mural is one way we can demonstrate it on a daily basis.” Arnold says he never saw himself pursuing artistic interests. Having studied journalism and broadcasting in college, he says he wanted to stay in television. After spending several years in school and working for various television stations, things didn’t work out. But, he says, he wouldn’t change anything. With each venture, Arnold says it seems as if he reaches a plateau and must move on to do something else. The enjoyment comes from what is created along the way. “Find something you like to do and enjoy it,” Arnold says. “I just happen to spread myself pretty thin. What’s next? I have no idea.” PT

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Jim Loesch always has room for one more thing By Barney Quick n photos by Sevil Mahfoozi

hen someone is characterized as a collector, the implication is usually that he or she collects one particular type of item. In Jim Loesch’s case, it means collections of license plates, oil cans, yardsticks, seals, toys, transmissions and miscellaneous objects. At least that gets one started in the attempt to describe what he collects. The CEO of Loesch Heating and Air Conditioning, who spends most of his working hours as a service technician, has such extensive collections that he stores them at three places. Shelves, walls and countertops in the shop area, and even the foyer of the office area, at his business brim with artifacts, and the Breeding Farm and the Bartholomew County History Center also hold much of what he’s amassed. He’s been at it since age 7. “There was a Gulf station right down the street from where I lived,” he recalls. “A car backed into a pump there. I asked the owner, ‘What will you do with the Gulf emblem on it?’ He let me have it.” The complete collection of Indiana license plates, dating back to 1913, the first year the state issued them, was something he started when he was a member of the local Model A club. He continued it afterward through an arrangement with his friend Betty Brand, who would pass her plates along to him. “The fact that her name started with a B was how I got the low numbers,” he explains. It’s prominently displayed on the wall of the front office area at the business. Items with an automotive connection figure prominently into Loesch’s storehouse of artifacts. He has road maps from various gasoline distributors, cans bearing the logos of various brands of oil, and toy trucks. It’s a unique mind that would seek to document

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the business history of his hometown with yardsticks, and that is what Loesch has done. His array includes names current and past such as Taylor Brothers Lumber and Supply, Mudd’s Furniture and Mahan Ford. His collection of seals likewise tells the story of the city’s commercial life. He has over 50, from such firms as Orinoco Furniture, Amalgamated Leather Works and Lincoln Chair Co.

Collective effort Jim Loesch holds a can of Maytag grease. He says his mother had this can for as long as he can remember. Loesch’s accumulation of machinery occupies several areas of the shop at his company. Reeves, an industrial name with long Columbus roots, is represented by several wooden pulleys and a 1925 variable-speed transmission. A radiator from a 1937 Cummins engine and some Caterpillar power plants from the 1930s and ’50s are included in the assemblage. The Reeves transmission had served faithfully

at a milling shop on Fifth Street. Loesch found it in a shed in Clifford. “The owner said, ‘You can have it if you can load it.’ That’s all I needed to hear. I backed up my truck and took it.” Miscellaneous items to be found in the recesses of the shop include an 1882 ironing board, a hog oiler (“to keep bugs off livestock”), a Georgia buggy (the device used to spread concrete in the days before pumps), a 1910 rock crusher, a bone crusher for PRIME TIME • AUGUST 2012 • 17

making fertilizer, an 1880s-vintage bicycle, an old Crump Theatre sign, collections of Bartholomew County court records and editions of The Evening Republican from 1878 to 1955. “I used to be on the board of the Bartholomew County Historical Society. The society got the back editions of the newspaper when the library went to microfilm,” he says. One drawer in a filing cabinet holds bottles from bygone Columbus-based brands of soft drinks, such as Butler, Schumaker and Kimsey. Another drawer brims with the products of the Whitmer company, which was located at Fifth and Sycamore streets. These include hand lotion, cough syrup, liniment, fly spray, shampoo and flavor extracts. Loesch obtains many of his items from sales and shows. He has traveled as widely as Nebraska and Minnesota to peruse the wares at shows. They are also a good place to network with people from the Historical Construction Equipment Association and the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club. He also uses SmokStak, a website for old-engine enthusiasts.

Loesch recalls a 1949 circus that was held a few blocks from where his business is today. He’s noticed that people are more inclined to view old knickknacks as heirlooms than they were in the past. “It used to be that when I was on a service call for the business, I’d see something, and the homeowner would let me have it,” he observes. “Now, they say, ‘No, the kids want it.’” Loesch’s wife, Gayle, shares his enthusiasm for collecting in a couple of areas. “She likes 10-gallon crocks. She must have 75 of them,” he notes. The

Loesch has been collecting since he was a little boy. His collection includes toy cars that date back to the early 1920s. 18 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

Loesch holds an oil bottle from 1943. He says glass containers were common in the 1940s because of a shortage of plastic. fact that their home is a converted apple barn has also inspired her to collect “anything to do with apples.” Son Tim, who works with Loesch at the heating and air conditioning business, says he is “involved a little bit, but not like this,” gesturing to the bounty on the upper story of the shop. Julie Hughes, executive director of the Bartholomew County History Center, considers

Loesch an invaluable asset. “Small organizations are lucky to get someone like him,” she says. “He’s quiet and unassuming, but if we say we need ‘x,’ it shows up at our museum.” She cites the example of an exhibit on military veterans. “He quietly brought us some great postcards from World War I and even some Civil War items.” Loesch has been involved for several years with a Bartholomew County Historical Society program called Spring on the Farm. Hughes describes it as “sort of a mini-apprenticeship.“ Adults mentor eighth-graders from Central Middle School in crafts and practices from a bygone era for several months. Over a two-day period in May, those students then show younger children how to perform those tasks. Loesch has been a mentor for rope-making and weaving. Does Loesch ever part with any of his collection? “That’s my problem: I never get rid of anything,” he says, although he does admit to holding three sales over the years. “We can always find another shelf or two.” PT

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PRIME TIME • AUGUST 2012 • 19

Puncturing myths about money in retirement

Retirees need energy and money to enjoy travel in their golden years.

By Dave Carpenter n AP Personal Finance Writer

retting is the new normal for retirement. We haven’t saved enough, too many of us retire without financial security, and we may need to work longer to achieve it — assuming we can hang onto our jobs or find new ones. No wonder that workers and retirees are more pessimistic about their future prospects than they’ve been in years. The outlook shouldn’t remain that glum if the economy keeps improving. But it’s critical to understand how retirement has changed. The old rules continue to be rewritten; only 15

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percent of private sector workers still have traditional pensions, for example. And it’s increasingly left up to individuals to ferret out the long-standing financial guidelines that no longer make sense. “Things are changing so rapidly these days, primarily because people are forced to be more in the driver’s seat for their retirement,” says Jean Setzfand, director of financial security for AARP. “That’s why it’s important to dispel these myths.” Here’s a look at some retiree money myths and the facts behind them:

covers all 1Medicare important health care costs.

Big changes are coming to coverage by 2014, when the new health care law takes full effect. They probably won’t eliminate one of the most persistent misconceptions about retirement, however: that your costs are largely taken care of by Medicare. Medicare covers a portion of your medical expenses once you turn 65, but far from all of them. It was designed to pay for major health care needs, not routine dental or eye care, many prescription drugs and home-health or nursing home care. The average person 65 or older spent $4,846 on health care in 2009, including health insurance, drugs and medical services, according to a survey by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the cost increases have been far outpacing inflation for years. Health care costs rose 48 percent from 2000 to 2010, nearly double the 26 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index. Retirees should consider purchasing a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy for roughly $200 a month to fill in the gaps. And pre-retirees should consider buying long-term care insurance in their 50s or early 60s.

spend 2Retirees much less.

The face of retirement has changed. The old stereotype of seniors spending quiet time on the back deck has been replaced by a far more active lifestyle.

are the best place 3Bonds for your money in retirement.

Sure, bonds are generally reliable and less volatile than stocks. Although retirees need to protect their savings, there is such a thing as playing it too safe. Bonds aren’t a great place to stash cash for the long haul. And their outlook has soured lately. The weak forecast is linked to the near-certainty that short-term interest rates, which are currently near historical lows, and inflation both will increase. When the Federal Reserve inevitably raises rates, prices for bonds with locked-in rates will drop. That’s because investors will be able to buy newly issued bonds paying higher interest. And inflation will erode the value of the bond income that retirees may be counting on. Many investment advisers recommend seeking more income by investing instead in companies with a history of increasing their dividends, such as Pitney Bowes or Clorox. A list of the 42 large-cap companies that have increased dividend payments for at least 25 years — the so-called Dividend Aristocrats within the Standard & Poor’s 500 — can be found at www.standardandpoors.com. If inflation returns to its historical average of 3 percent or more, prices will double during the course of a 25-year retirement.

Security 4Social is going away.

The fear that Social Security will disappear is see retire on page 23

That means the amount you spend in retirement can rise due to travel, hobbies and other leisure activities in the initial years of retirement. Because retirement spending habits vary so widely, many financial advisers frown on the traditional rule of thumb that you need 70 to 80 percent of your pre-retirement income to maintain your lifestyle. To be safe, they say, you should plan on needing 100 percent. Analyze what you expect to spend in retirement in order to lessen any anxiety. Will your mortgage and any loans for the kids’ college tuition be paid off? You still might spend heavily on travel and the grandkids. And don’t forget to consider taxes — income, sales and property — wherever you’ll be living in retirement.

Associated press photos

With proper financial planning, couples can indulge their passions in retirement. PRIME TIME • AUGUST 2012 • 21

can turn them into victims.

Some basics on caring for the elderly By Jane Glenn Haas n The Orange County Register

Caregiving for parents is becoming the critical issue for baby boomers. A survey by the MetLife Mature Market Institute shows that more than 10 million adults over 50 are already caring for aging parents. It’s a new dimension, says Mary Speed, a New Orleans-based counselor and therapist. “People didn’t live as long,” she says. “And people had more children to help. There was a larger support system. “Perhaps even more important, people lived in the same community. Nowadays, that’s not always true.” Her own experiences taking care of her mother caused Speed to set down some basics toward good caregiving. Her book is called “Mixed Nuts,” because she grew up in an area with many varieties of nut trees. “I learned there’s nothing good unless you open it up — get at the meat,” Speed said.

What was your primary goal with this book?

It’s a reminder to people who are not familiar with the

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nuances of caregiving to be sure to catch the cues, to be sure the person you are dealing with gets everything you are saying. There are basics:  When you’re communicating with an aging parent, turn off background distractions such as the TV.  Schedule medical appointments for the mornings. Before you go, write down questions to ask the doctor.  Plan an extra 30 minutes to your arrival and departure times.  Try to connect new information and concepts to something your older parent will be familiar with.

You cared for your Q: mother. You say she was scammed?

She was 87. I want to stress the elderly do not want to be a burden. For that reason, they make an effort to “lighten your load” that

After she died, we went through her belongings and found four insurance policies. She was scammed by companies who played off her fears of leaning too hard on our finances. It’s easy to understand her fears. Just read today’s papers. Social Security is at risk. Medicare is at risk. It’s almost as though society is looking at the elderly and telling them to “get out of here.” There is a lot of talk about the elderly suffering from depression, but not as much as there should be about them suffering from anxiety.

You talk about what Q: you learned from Hurricane Katrina.

Yes. Because moving causes anxiety — 1 million were moved as a result of Katrina — I realized that by quickly adapting people to a routine they felt more secure. The elderly are often moved from home to home among their children. It’s important to maintain their routine.

the way you relate Q:Ithelikeelderly to teenagers.

Well, when you’re 90 and you don’t want to eat, the conclusion is you have dementia. At 18, you’re in love. We have to stop our judgments of people. The elderly listen to the news, are politically astute, vote and pay attention to what’s going on. Talk to them about how they got through tough times. Tell them you are glad they are here. Have conversation. There’s more to caregiving than just clean underwear and meals. PT

retire continued from page 21 overblown. Although some fixes need to be made, you shouldn’t worry about losing this key linchpin to retirement security. The Social Security program is projected to run out of money by 2037 unless changes are made. But the payroll taxes that fund the program will still be enough to pay 75 to 80 percent of benefits. That means the worst-case scenario probably is a reduction in benefits starting a quarter-century or so from now. And it can be avoided if Congress raises the retirement age or taxes on high-income earners, which are among the measures currently under consideration. Social Security was never intended to fund a comfortable retirement by itself, as evidenced by today’s average check of just $1,072 a month. You need to factor in savings, 401(k) accounts and any pension income. But the program can be counted on as a supplement to other income for at least a few more decades. Those really concerned about the prospect of reduced benefits down the road can still take steps

now to address it. Besides saving more, they can consider what cutbacks would be necessary to live on less and how they might replace the lost income, advises John Diehl, senior vice president at The Hartford Financial Services Group.

be in a lower tax bracket 5You’ll when you retire.

This isn’t the automatic scenario it might seem to be. Federal income tax rates, now low by historical standards, are likely to increase as the government addresses its nearly $14 trillion debt. And states are suffering similarly. Many are expected to follow the lead of Illinois, which raised its income tax rate this year from 3 percent to 5 percent. Another factor that’s often overlooked is the impact of paying off your mortgage. If you pay off the debt you lose the tax deduction for your interest payments, which will in turn increase your taxable income. Thus the combination of income from Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs and taxable investments may leave you in the same bracket or a higher one. PT

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PRIME TIME • AUGUST 2012 • 23

Associated press

Tamara England-Zelenski, center, with some of her fourth-year English students at Yerevan State University in Armenia.

Not your grandma’s Peace Corps?

Well, it can be By Melissa Kossler Dutton n The Associated Press

hen Tamara England-Zelenski applied to the Peace Corps two years ago, at age 57, she saw the assignment as a way to give back, travel and experience a different way of life. She thought her experiences in life and as a book editor might be an asset to the organization, which sends volunteers around the globe to promote world peace and friendship. “I had considered Peace Corps when I was in my early 20s, but I felt that I had no specific skills to offer, other than speaking French. I figured they

24 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

wanted specialists and I was a generalist, so I never applied,” said England-Zelenski, of Madison, Wis. “And I am still a generalist, but one with a lifetime of experience in different areas and businesses.” As it turns out, England-Zelenski was just what the Peace Corps was looking for. The organization has begun recruiting older volunteers, recognizing their experience, maturity and commitment to volunteering. Also their sheer numbers: Baby boomers make up about 25 percent of the U.S. population and volunteer more than any other age group.

In November, the Peace Corps announced a partnership with AARP, the advocacy group for people 50 and older. It’s “a natural fit,” said Kristina Edmunson, deputy communications director for the Peace Corps. “Older Americans who serve with Peace Corps come with a wealth of life experiences, creativity and professional development that can help make an instant impact in a community overseas.” The average age of Peace Corps volunteers is still much younger: 28. Seven percent are older than 50. Older Americans can serve a traditional two-year period or take part in the Peace Corps Response program, which offers shorter assignments. The Peace Corps expanded the Response program in January to include volunteers with at least 10 years of work experience and certain language skills. Older volunteers work on the same projects as younger volunteers — including HIV/AIDS education, teaching English as a second language, agriculture, environmental awareness and more, Edmunson said.

“All Peace Corps volunteers, regardless of age, go through the same health, screening and suitability process,” she said. Beth Dailey, a senior adviser for AARP, said 60 percent of the organization’s 37 million members engage in volunteer activities. Like the Peace Corps, Dailey said, “Volunteering is at the core of what we do.” Over the years, members have told AARP that they like donating time to worthy causes because it lets them contribute to their communities and stay busy. “They don’t want to work full time, but they still want to stay active in that community and give back,” Dailey said. Baby boomers are the best-educated generation to retire from the nation’s workforce, so they have a lot to offer in terms of talent and knowledge, said Dr. Erwin Tan, a gerontologist and the director of the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Senior Corps program, a federal agency that engages seniors and others in service opportunities. see peace on page 29

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All departures will be from the parking lot of the westside Walmart. Information: 376-9241 or email travel@millracecenter.org.

Sept. 13

Hollywood Casino. $37 members, $47 nonmembers. Includes buffet in Lawrenceburg. Can’t you just hear those slots? Feeling lucky? Join us now before all the seats are taken. Depart 8:30 a.m.; return 5 p.m.

Sept. 20-28

Discover Cuba. Limited spots; call for availability.

Oct. 20

Blue Man Group. Aronoff Center for Arts, Cincinnati. $127 members; $137 nonmembers, with lunch box. Blue Man Group is best known for its popular theatrical shows and concerts, which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. Depart 11:30 a.m.; return 6 p.m.

Nov. 29

Downtown Chicago Christmas Shopping. $59 members; $69 nonmembers. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season in downtown Chicago. Depart 7 a.m.; return 11:30 p.m.

Holiday season

Yuletide Celebration. Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis. Indiana’s greatest holiday tradition with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Information to come.

Feb. 6-27

Australia, with optional two-night Fiji post-tour extension. Email travel@ millracecenter.org for your free pamphlet. $500 discount till Sept. 1. Highlights include Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, dine with a New Zealand family, Franz Josef Glacier Region, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mount Cook National Park.

April 6

“War Horse.” Aronoff Center for Arts, Cincinnati. $127 members; $137 nonmembers. The 2011 Tony Award-winner for Best Play. Depart 11:30 a.m.; return 8 p.m. 26 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

peace continued from page 27 England-Zelenski has a bachelor’s degree in French and worked for nearly 20 years as a children’s book editor. She decided to pursue the Peace Corps after her husband died of cancer in 2009. A year ago, the Peace Corps sent her to Armenia to teach English at a branch of Yerevan State University. Her professional career has been both a help and a hindrance in a developing country, she said. “When one has had a successful professional life, accustomed to getting things done in a relatively efficient way, trying to do that in a developing country and in another language can be very frustrating,” she said. “Moderating expectations is pretty important.” Still, the rewards outweigh the frustrations, she said. She has enjoyed sharing a home with an Armenian family, conversing with young Armenian students and learning the country’s culture. “There is a real gift in being able to step into another culture in a way that I would otherwise probably not be able to do,” she said. “Gratitude is a word

that has driven much of this journey. Gratitude for what I have been given made me want to be of service. And being here, hoping that I am serving these students as they seek to improve their English, I am ever more grateful for this experience.” Bonnie Lee Black, who was 51 when she joined the Peace Corps in 1996, still savors the memory of her time in Gabon, Africa. “I never put it far out of my mind,” said Black, of Taos, N.M. “It’s still very much alive.” The former caterer loved teaching nutrition classes to young mothers and hosting cooking lessons in her home. She also enjoyed the camaraderie of the Peace Corps. “I didn’t feel old and they didn’t make me feel old,” she said. “We were all in this together.” Black, who wrote a book about her experiences, tries to encourage others to serve. “I hope and pray other people don’t let themselves be sidelined,” she said. “Don’t think it’s over at 50-something or 60-something. The older we are, the more we have to give back.” PT

900 Lindsey Street • Columbus, IN • 812-372-6415 PRIME TIME • AUGUST 2012 • 27

Associated press

Nonprofit world: rewarding work, but little pay

By Jim Fitzgerald n Associated Press

As she got older, Gail McDaniel felt she should be doing more to make the world better. She’d been laid off after a long career in retail, her career-coaching sideline was tapering off and she wanted to keep working — but only at something that would contribute to society. “I wanted to do some good,” McDaniel said. “It is not uncommon for people who are older to want to give back and do something that feels good.” Now McDaniel, who’s in her 60s, is the assistant to the executive director at My Sister’s Place, a women’s shelter in the New York suburbs. The connection was made by a company called ReServe, which pairs professionals 55 and older, most of them 28 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

retired or semiretired, with nonprofit groups or public agencies that can use their skills — at a discount. McDaniel is making just $10 an hour, and working just 20 hours a week, but said she’s “never been happier.” “I wanted something that felt worthwhile, and the mission here is very powerful,” she said. Nearly 1,500 “ReServists” have put in time over the past seven years,

and more than 500 are working now at a broad variety of positions. There are college mentors, bookkeepers, writers, teachers, paralegals, administrative assistants, doctors, nurses and even greeters at the wedding chapel in New York’s City Hall. “We could never afford these social workers, these retired accountants,” said Janice Chu, who coordinates the ReServe program for 17 New York City agencies, including the departments of health, corrections and the aging. “They’re such an asset with their years of experience.” New York City’s is the original and largest ReServe operation, but the company has branches in Westchester County, N.Y.; Newark, N.J.; Baltimore; Miami; and southeast Wisconsin. ReServists work an average of 15 hours a week at that $10 wage — no health benefits — and the agencies get professional expertise without paying anything close to going rates. Officials say that because nonprofits, never flush, are battling the slow economy, some of the talents most in demand are fundraising and grant writing. Experience in personnel and accounting is also highly valued, as is the ability to speak a language besides English. “Nonprofits can’t afford to purchase those skills at market prices,” said Linda Breton, ReServe’s director of affiliate relations. The nonprofits pay $15 an hour, of which $2.60 goes to ReServe and $2.40 to the company that manages payroll and taxes. About 50 percent of ReServe’s funding comes from private foundations and public grants, said spokesman Jesse Dean. Breton said there’s been no trouble attracting qualified applicants.

“We have more people than we can place,” she said. “Recruiting retired professionals has proven to be very easy. They’re passionate about something, and they want to give back.” Getting the nonprofits to post positions is more difficult. “Lots of them can’t afford people even at $10 an hour,” Breton said. Nevertheless, ReServe feels the wage is important to a professional arrangement. “The stipend means everybody has skin in the game,” Breton said. “A volunteer can say, ‘It’s a crummy day, I don’t think I’ll go in.’ A professional doesn’t do that.” Karen Cheeks-Lomax, the executive director at My Sister’s Place, said the $10 “helps formalize the relationship, but in an informal way. It allows

the ReServist to create a life in the nonprofit but also continue her other life, or his other life, which may be golfing on Tuesday, book club, whatever.” McDaniel said the $10 helps her save for trips abroad, but she gets more from the feeling that she’s valued by her boss. “I am told on a regular basis how valuable I am,” she said. “That’s sexy stuff. It beats the 10 bucks.” ReServe was founded in 2005 by three men involved with nonprofits who “knew retirees who wanted to do something with their careers’ worth of skills,” Dean said. The only basic requirement for applicants, besides being at least 55 years old, is computer literacy, Breton said, and “every day that’s less of a problem” as fewer older people resist computers.

At a recent gathering in Manhattan of people interested in signing up, staffer Suzanne O’Keefe mentioned a sampling of available positions — helping with an audit, getting elderly people to take their medications, working as a classroom aide for young children at a school near the Bronx Zoo. The session attracted 19 people. Most had retired, some had been forced out and some were just looking for something different to do. O’Keefe asked each to say what they would most like to do for 20 hours a week — a “dream job.” “Ballerina,” said Marie Sevy of Englewood, N.J., to laughter. Then she said she had put off plans to teach while she raised her children, and “I want to go back to working with kids again now that I’m a grandma and my grandkids are far away.” PT

PRIME TIME • AUGUST 2012 • 29

Jeanette Menter

I want to dance How the subject of dancing came up in a recent visit with my mother at the nursing home is gone from me now. But it made her otherwise dark eyes light up. She began recounting how she and my father had spent many nights dancing in the old days. Dementia has stolen her ability to recall what I just said, but on occasion she can still remember events from the distant past. Dancing with that handsome American soldier in Munich after years of just surviving through World War II was one of them. After struggling to find the words to tell her story, she tried to stand up. “Do you want to walk?” I asked, knowing that’s her way of relieving anxiety. Without missing a beat, she replied, “I want to dance.” What could I do but take hold of her hands and rock her arms side to side as I hummed the only German-like tune that came to mind. You might recognize it from a birthday party, an Oktoberfest or a wedding reception that had spiraled into silliness as the chicken dance. It didn’t matter. For a few moments I saw a faint grin and could almost hear her laughter even though my “dee-dee-dees” were the only sounds in the little room. Then she whispered, “I want to go to the window.” So I led her to it, and she stood peacefully, the afternoon breeze gently lifting her silver hair. Her fingers touched the screen ever so lightly as if reaching out for something else. Even though her eyes were open, she wasn’t looking through that window. She was watching something from many years and miles away. There was such calm on her face and she was so still, I felt a tiny pinch of

30 • AUGUST 2012 • PRIME TIME

panic, as if she might be leaving this world right before my eyes. But instead, she eventually reached out for my hand and left wherever she had just been. “Do you want to dance more?” I asked. In a small voice she answered, “Yes.” But after just a couple of “dee-daas,” she wanted to go back to the window. Again, her eyes were unfocused as she slipped into her own world. She took in a deep breath of the sweet evening air and smiled. I was reminded of Gloria Stuart as the elderly Rose in “Titanic,” when she stood at the bow of the boat. The evening winds ruffled her silky white hair as she dropped the necklace into the ocean. Both women had the same contented smile and faraway, calm look in their eyes. When it was time for dinner, Mom wouldn’t let go of my hand for a few moments. But then she sat up, looked straight ahead and said, “It’s OK.” I could see tears in her eyes as I kissed her cheek, but my mother has always been strong. Today, her big challenge is dining with people she doesn’t know or understand — the same people who were there for lunch and breakfast. That tender experience will stay with me forever. It’s a reminder that deep inside all of us, no matter how old or incapacitated we become, lives a young soul who every once in a while just wants to dance. Jeanette Menter is a freelance writer and author of “You’re Not Crazy — You’re Codependent.” She can be reached at jeanettementer@gmail.com.

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