Prime Time May 2014

PRIME TIME May 2014

Barbara and Max McGuire:

A musical career for the long run

Planned giving | Grandparents at a distance | Line dancing

WE’LL GET YOU BACK TO THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE

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4Do you have joint pain? Watch our online education seminar to learn how we can help at crh.org/joint 4 For more information about our Joint & Spine Center call 812-376-5806

Editor’s note It’s no fun to think about death, especially your own. But so far all the evidence indicates that you likely won’t be the first human to avoid it. Once you accept the ultimate outcome, it only makes sense to start planning for the end, whenever that might come.

Estate planning should be a requirement for everyone, especially for those of us older than 50. If you don’t have a will, get one. If your will is out-of-date, get a new one. It’s the most important thing you can do to make sure your wishes are followed.

The most important factor in our estate planning usually is ensuring that our spouse and children are taken care of. For those of us of modest means, planning often doesn’t go much beyond that.

But maybe it should. Perhaps you have no spouse. Or maybe your adult children have done quite well for themselves and really don’t need your money. Have you considered leaving a portion of your estate to charity?

If there is an organization or agency that is near and dear to your heart, why not show your appreciation with a bequest? Budgets are always tight for those who do good in our community, and they certainly would appreciate the gift.

And you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. While a $1 million gift to the Heritage Fund is wonderful, a $1,000 donation to the Humane Society will buy a lot of dog and cat food.

But how do you go about including a charitable organization in your estate planning? In this issue of Prime Time, we take a look at the process, show you how to get started and give you some do’s and don’ts.

Also in this issue, we meet some folks who are giving back while they are still among the living. Armed with guitars and their voices, Max and Barbara McGuire bring joy to audiences throughout the area. In the evenings they can be found at various restaurants, bars and other venues. On most weekdays, they can be found playing at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

We’ll also meet several area grandparents working hard to stay close to their grandchildren who live far away. As a long-distance grandparent myself, I know how difficult this can be. I also know that it is definitely worth the effort as the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Prime Time, and I hope you all have a wonderful summer. We certainly deserve one!

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 1

contents 4 10 15 16 18 22 26 30 34 40 45 48

This & That Planned giving Talking about your will Gifts to charity

10

Community foundations The musical McGuires Line dancing Internet crime

22

Long-distance grandparenting Visiting Louisville Calendar of events Sharon Mangas column

2 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

30

New Long Term Care Option Coming to Seymour!

34

Lutheran Community Home is currently building a new home for residents with the diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

The home will provide a more residential setting where residents will live together as a family and be able to participate in household activities with encouragement and supervision.

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40 Comments should be sent to Doug Showalter, The Republic, 333 Second St., Columbus, IN 47201 or call 812-379-5625 or dshowalter@therepublic.com. Advertising information: Call 812-379-5652. ©2014 by Home News Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction of stories, photographs and advertisements without permission is prohibited. Stock images provided by © Thinkstock.

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LUTHERAN COMMUNITY HOME - FOREST PATH PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 3

This & That Should this be on your bucket list?

First Christian Church will present a free Finishing Strong Conference May 16 and 17 at the church’s fellowship hall, 531 Fifth St., Columbus. Plan for yourself, plan for your parents, be prepared and have this planned so your children will not have to.

The conference will be coordinated by Gary Miller and Mark Farney with guest speakers Jim Holland, Bob Parker and Trent Morgan.

Topics to be covered include: n Why plan for death? n Long-term care – facilities, insurance, hospice. n End of life folder for your family, location of important papers, farewell letters. n End of life documents; will, trust; leaving a legacy; distribute your stuff; preparing your funeral; cremation vs. burial.

Family travel five: Get a sense of history at a historic hotel If walls could talk: Learn about times gone by when you check into a historic hotel. Here are five to consider: 1. Capital Hotel, Little Rock, Ark. The kids will find it nearly impossible to believe that this hotel gained early fame for having electricity.

Today, the 94-room inn is known for its Southern hospitality and gracious ambience. The hotel has been open since 1870 and is considered the “front porch of Little Rock.” It’s an ideal base from which to explore the city’s charms. Take notice of the hotel’s extra-spacious elevator. Word is, it was created to hoist President Ulysses S. Grant and his horse to his sleeping quarters.

Contact: 877-637-0037; capitalhotel.com 2. Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg, Ariz. This family-owned ranch has welcomed guests eager for a glimpse of the Old West since the early 1940s. The area’s colorful history has been painted by the Yavapai Indians, trappers who encountered a bounty of beavers, and pioneers eager to strike it rich after gold was discovered in the area. Today, visitors enjoy horseback riding, hiking, biking and hot-air ballooning over the high Sonoran Desert, mentored by members of the Gant family who still honor the style of the Spanish caballeros.

Contact: 928-684-5484; ranchodeloscaballeros.com 3. Willard InterContinental, Washington, D.C. Add to your own family history with a stay at this landmark 335-room hotel that has hosted nearly every U.S. president, a long list of dignitaries and several peace talks since it opened in see travel on page 6

n Now that we are prepared, let’s look at our new home; what will heaven be like?

Hours are 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday (doors open at 6) and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday (doors open at 8:30).

Register online at www.fccoc.org or at the welcome desk at the church.

Information: dwallace@fccoc.org or 379-4491, ext. 239.

Capital Hotel 4 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

Gary Myers’ band plays gigs all across Indiana.

But when he needed both of his hips replaced, he opted for nationally ranked care right down the road in Seymour. He went to Schneck, one of only seven Indiana hospitals to receive The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval for hip and knee replacements. After his Anterior Approach Hip Replacement surgery, Gary was back behind the drums in two short weeks.

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PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 5

[this & that] travel continued from page 4 1850. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital on Pennsylvania Avenue, the legendary establishment has been the scene of other notable moments, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s completion of his “I Have a Dream” speech, Julia Ward Howe’s penning of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the founding of the National Press Club.

Contact: 202-628-9100; washington.intercontinental.com 4. Loews Don CeSar Hotel, St. Petersburg, Fla. Open since 1928, this cotton-candy-colored castle has served as a reference point on maritime charts, thanks to its distinct color and architecture. The historic 10-story hotel has endured rough times during its history. In 1931, the New York Yankees eased the pain of the Depression by signing a three-year spring-training contract.

Later, the structure served as a series of military hospitals and as an office for the Veterans Administration. Today, the seaside gem is shining once again thanks to multimillion-dollar restorations and additions. Families will enjoy easy access to the beach, golf, tennis, water sports and children’s programs.

Contact: 800-235-6397; loewshotels.com 5. The Gettysburg Hotel, Gettysburg, Pa. Today’s visitors enjoy flat-screen TVs, a rooftop pool and high-speed Internet and can relax in one of 119 modern guest rooms. Learn about the pivotal three-day battle that took place just steps from the front door. You’ll hear how Abraham Lincoln completed his Gettysburg Address across the street and about presidents who stayed at the hotel.

The recently restored hotel, which was established in 1797, provides a comfortable setting from which to explore a significant era in American history.

Contact: 800-678-8946; hotelgettysburg.com Note: Book these and other storied hotels through historichotels.org and get a free oneyear family membership to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and more.

6 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

Rancho de los Caballeros

Willard InterContinental

Loews Don CeSar Hotel

The Gettysburg Hotel

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[this & that] The reading room “Legendary Locals of Columbus,”

by Tamara Stone Iorio, Arcadia Publishing Since its founding in 1821, Columbus transformed from a mostly agricultural town into a center of manufacturing and commerce, unusual for a town its size. Along the way, many colorful individuals played significant roles in the city’s history. Names of early settlers — including Irwin, Perry, Marr, Glick and Crump — formed the backbone of a growing community. As industry expanded throughout the county in the 19th century, names of enterprising individuals included Mooney, Lincoln, Brown and Reeves. After the turn of the 20th century, some businesses faded away as new ones appeared, and new names such as Cummins, Noblitt and Hamilton emerged. Over the years, the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family played a large role in Columbus’ development as a livable city. Local pediatrician and author Tamara Stone Iorio presents the stories of many of Columbus’ interesting local citizens through photographs from private collections and historical archives.

“The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared” by Jonas Jonasson A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka) decides it’s not too late to start over. On the eve of his 100th birthday, Allan Karlsson climbs out the window of his nursing home in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey, involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot dog stand operator and an elephant (not to mention a death by elephant).

It would be the adventure of a lifetime for anyone else, but Karlsson has a larger-than-life backstory: Not only has he witnessed some of the most important events of the 20th century, but he has actually played a key role in them. Starting out in munitions as a boy, he somehow finds himself involved in many of the key explosions of the century and travels the world, sharing meals and more with everyone from Stalin, Churchill and Truman to Mao, Franco and de Gaulle. Quirky and utterly unique.

8 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

Accident rates improving for older drivers WASHINGTON — Safety researchers expressed concern a decade ago that traffic accidents would increase as the nation’s aging population swelled the number of older drivers on the road. Now, they say they’ve been proved wrong.

Today’s drivers age 70 and older are less likely to be involved in crashes than previous generations and are less likely to be killed or seriously injured if they do crash, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That’s because vehicles are getting safer and seniors are generally getting healthier, the institute said.

The marked shift began taking hold in the mid-1990s and indicates that growing ranks of aging drivers as baby boomers head into their retirement years aren’t making U.S. roads deadlier.

Traffic fatalities overall in the U.S. have declined to levels not seen since the late 1940s, and accident rates have come down for other drivers as well. But since 1997, older drivers have enjoyed bigger declines as measured by both fatal crash rates per driver and per vehicle miles driven than middle-age drivers, defined in the study as ages 35 to 54.

— Staff and Wire Reports

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 9

MONEY

When you no longer have a say Planned charitable giving ensures your money will go where you intended

By Amy May

P

eople who have spent their lives supporting a charity or cause may want to continue this generosity after death by leaving something to an organization in their wills. But they need to go about it the right way to ensure that their wishes are carried out. They should: • Document a specific charity.

• Decide how to divide an estate if they also want to leave something to an heir.

• Have contingency plans in case the charity can’t accept the gift.

• Decide whether to have a conversation with their children or next of kin about their plans.

Attorney James K. Voelz, with the Columbus firm Voelz Law, specializes in elder law, which includes writing wills and setting up trusts. He said clients who include charities in their estate plans tend to fall into three categories: • Clients who have no children or who do not want to leave anything to their family members, so they choose to leave their property to a charity or several charities.

• Clients who have strong convictions about the mission of a particular charity and who want to financially support that charity.

estate planning l charity 10 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

Options for giving The simplest method to leave some or all of an estate to charity is to write the organization into a will. You can designate a specific amount, with the remainder to be split between your heirs, or you can instruct your executor to divide the estate, whatever it is worth at the time of your death, between your nonprofit organizations and heirs.

Just be sure you have your facts straight.

“We always make sure that when our clients want to include a charity in their estate plan that we get

the republic file photo

• Very wealthy clients who are facing potential federal estate taxation and who want to reduce these taxes by giving to charity.

The final group, Voelz said, is a very small part of the population due to recent changes in the tax laws.

The inheritance tax in Indiana has been eliminated, and the federal estate law exempts $5.25 million from taxation. Consequently, few people have an estate large enough to be concerned about death tax planning, he added.

“We have seen some folks who do not have a surviving spouse leave 100 percent to charity, and we also have seen some folks leave all or a portion of their estate to a number of charities,” Voelz said.

“Generally, clients who have children and who want to make a bequest to a charity tend to leave smaller amounts to charity so that they can leave most of their assets to their children.”

Financial planners also extol the benefits of giving away some of an estate before death.

“Some people want to give money when they are alive. They like to see the charity benefit.

Also, they get a tax credit for it. And it feels good to give the money before they die,” said Martin J. Armbruster, founding partner of Treybourne Wealth Planners in Greenwood.

Most people who bequeath to a charity also supported it during their lifetime, Voelz said.

“Clients who make provisions in their estate plans are highly motivated to help others through a particular charity,” he said. “Many want to leave money to a church or to a religious organization. We also have many clients who leave money to their college or university.”

The gift to the charity can include financial assets, such as a savings account, stocks or bonds, as well as real property, which can include a house, business, land, vehicles, artwork, etc.

United Way’s Doug Otto Center the correct legal name of the charity and verify that this charity has a charitable exemption for income tax purposes approved by the IRS,” Voelz said.

Craig Kessler, president/CEO of Kessler Investment Group in Columbus, said the first piece of advice he passes on to his clients is to get a lawyer.

“You should have an attorney involved, especially if you are passing on real property,” he said. “There can be some complicating factors.”

For example, is the real property something the charity can easily sell? What is the charity likely to do with the asset?

Voelz agreed: “A person can leave land to charities, such as the Nature Conservancy or the Sycamore Land Trust, or can leave a building to a charity, such as a humane society. However, this should never be done unless the charity is consulted during the person’s lifetime and agrees to accept this gift after the person dies.”

People can also use a variety of trusts to ensure their assets go where they want them to go.

“There are many tools that estate attorneys have at their disposal to help their clients,” Kessler said.

“With a trust, for example, the lawyer and financial adviser work in concert to make sure the trust is properly funded.”

But you also must consider, he said, who should be the trustee. It doesn’t have to be a family member. You can use a bank or an institution. If you do use a family member, it’s wise to have a secondary trustee, in case family members can’t or won’t perform the duties.

You can also leave the charity an investment instrument.

estate planning l charity PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 11

the republic file photo

[MONEY]

Sandy Carmichael speaks at an October 2013 reception marking her retirement as president of Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

“We advise our clients who want to provide for a charity to leave a percentage of an IRA account or an entire IRA account by naming the charity as a beneficiary of the IRA account,” Voelz said. “If the client names a person or persons as a beneficiary of an IRA account, then that person must pay income tax on all amounts that are withdrawn from the IRA that is inherited.

“The IRA distribution will not be taxed with income taxes. Leaving IRA money to a charity by way of beneficiary designation also means that the provisions in the will or trust do not need to include the charity.”

Another source of information for charity giving is Leave A Legacy, a public awareness campaign designed to inspire people to make a charitable bequest.

All types of nonprofit groups participate in Leave A Legacy and promote the message that people from all

walks of life can “make a difference in the lives that follow” through a charitable bequest.

Go to www.leavealegacy.org for more information on making bequests.

Accountability matters Some people may be reluctant to leave large sums of money to a charity because of concerns about how the charity will use it. Organizations may merge with others, change missions or dissolve. Once your estate gives the charity the check, it can handle it as it pleases unless you are able to add some strings or accountability measures to your gift.

Giving to a community foundation is a good way to do this, Armbruster said.

“The whole purpose of the foundation is to be a community resource so money can stay in the community as a perpetual gift if there are many missions

estate planning l charity 12 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

people want to fund,” he said. “For example, if you have $100,000 and want to give it to a children’s charity, but don’t think the charity has the ability to manage that kind of money, the foundation will manage it for them.”

The money is used to establish an endowment, which stays invested. The earnings are distributed to the specific charities or causes of the donor’s choosing.

“A community foundation is a good way to ensure that your money will keep helping the charity for years to come,” said Gail Richards, president/CEO of the Johnson County Community Foundation. “We have donors who passed away 20 years ago, and we still distribute checks to their various charities. We provide the money every year at whatever return we can give them.”

It’s a solution if you want the organization to have a yearly allowance but don’t want them to have it all at once. It helps the agencies have an amount they can count on, she added. The foundations’

beneficiaries are all nonprofits. It cannot be involved in funding political lobbying or candidates, but can support governmental units, such as buying training equipment for police or firefighters or equipment for a city park.

Last year, the foundation received three estate gifts worth more than $1 million each.

“We have a lot of quiet wealth here in Johnson County. They are not celebrities or generally wellknown. But when they pass away, they leave their legacy with us,” Richards said.

Another advantage of using a foundation is your money will still be managed if something goes wrong with the charity. For example, if you leave your money to an organization that helps low-income children, but the charity goes out of business, the foundation is legally allowed to find another similar charity to fund. Some donors designate their second choice in the event that the first charity can no longer use the money or isn’t spending it in the way the donor intended.

estate planning l charity

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PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 13

[MONEY] “The board of directors will look at the original intent of the donor and find a similar organization that closely reflects what the donor wanted,” Richards said.

Even if you don’t have an estate to leave, you can designate smaller amounts to the foundation’s general funds, which fund scholarships and area nonprofit organizations.

Johnson County Community Foundation manages approximately 240 funds. Donors can also specify a broad purpose or geographic area for which the funds are to be spent and allow the foundation to make grants to the most appropriate programs or organizations. Many donors also choose to create funds to provide scholarship endowments. Donors can specify eligibility criteria, specific schools and/or areas of study if they wish.

Richards said to get started, talk to your attorney or financial adviser, which is advisable no matter what you plan to do with your assets. You do not have to tell the foundation of your plans. About 70 percent of the bequests the foundation receives are surprises to the foundation as well as the charity. Richards said she enjoys being able to call the charities and inform them that they will be receiving money.

Donors can also leave gifts of land, stock, life insurance, etc., through a will. The foundation once received a house, Richards said. The donor’s intent was for the foundation to liquidate her estate and use the money.

Getting started Advice from most financial professionals is that it’s never too early to start thinking about your final arrangements.

“Tackling these things early is the best advice I can give folks. There have been unfortunate situations for people who have waited too late to make these decisions,” Kessler said.

He remembered a client who waited too long to set up the trust he wanted to use to transfer several million dollars in assets, so a large chunk of his money went to taxes and it took 10 years to settle the estate.

“If they had started early, they could have used a charitable remainder trust, which would have let them donate while they were still alive for the benefit of the charity and provided them income to live on.

Instead, the entire estate was subject to estate taxes and federal income tax.”

This is an extreme example, Kessler said, but in everyday life, it’s still good advice.

“We all want to make sure what we leave behind doesn’t go to the government, but to those we want to protect and help,” he said.

The very rich have multiple financial advisers and attorneys, but even middle class people with pretty straightforward assets should consult an attorney instead of using an Internet will, he said.

“For (middle class people), a will is probably all that’s necessary, but it’s more than going online and printing it out. Meet with an estate attorney and say, ‘Here are my wishes. Can you craft a will that fulfills my wishes?’”

An Internet will with a mistake won’t necessarily be voided, but Kessler said one issue is that such simple wills don’t cover all the situations that might be required. For example, you decide to leave half your assets to your adult child and half to a nonprofit organization. You and your child die together in an accident, so how are the assets to be distributed now? Should everything go to the charity or do your child’s heirs get his portion? A lawyer will make sure that your will contains clauses for a variety of “what if” scenarios.

A lawyer is also a must if you are leaving your estate to a nontraditional beneficiary, which could include a charity, instead of your children. The early relationship with these professionals will be beneficial if the will is contested. Kessler said he has been asked to testify in court as to what a client’s stated wishes were and if those wishes were consistent with previous behavior.

“That’s why it is important to have that relationship. They can vouch for what your wishes were,” Kessler said. “You leave less to doubt, less to sort out, when documents are done early in life and with the help of skilled professionals. What seems benign when you are alive can get complicated after your death.”

Armbruster agreed. “Talk with your wealth manager or financial adviser about your plans if you do want to bequeath some of your money to a charity. The adviser does not draft your will, but he can help you have everything in order and a complete inventory of your assets for your appointment with your attorney.” PT

estate planning l charity 14 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

One of those difficult discussions

By Amy May

F

inancial experts have various opinions about whether you should talk to your kids if you plan to leave some or all of your estate to charity. It will prevent surprises after your death, but it’s not absolutely necessary that you disclose the contents of your will, they say.

“Talking to your kids can be touchy,” said Martin J. Armbruster, founding partner, Treybourne Wealth Planners in Greenwood.

Among his clients, he has found that adult children just want their parents to be happy.

“Most people aren’t expecting money. They want their parents to enjoy what they’ve earned. I don’t see much of that where the kids are trying to grab things from their parents,” he said.

Most of the people who donate an entire estate do not have any family, said Gail Richards, Johnson County Community Foundation president/CEO. But she advises people to talk to their families about their plans and/or for adult children to approach the subject with their parents.

“It’s a hard conversation: ‘What do you want to do with your estate?’ I think the key is just open communication. You’re broaching a difficult subject. Don’t wait until the last minute,” she said.

“There’s nothing worse than to pass away and leave things in shambles.”

There are cases where adult children do not agree with the provisions of the will and may try to contest it in probate court. They may allege the parent did not have the mental capacity to sign a contract or was being unfairly influenced by someone.

“Wills, trusts and even beneficiary designations can be contested. However, if the person had sufficient mental capacity to sign the document, was not under undue influence or duress and complied with the legal requirements, then a contest should not be success-

ful,” said attorney James K. Voelz, with the Columbus firm Voelz Law. “A person should always get advice from an attorney who is well-versed in estate planning and have the attorney prepare all legal documents, including the will or trust, and supervise the signing and necessary witnessing of the documents to make sure they are legally enforceable,” he added.

Voelz said contests sometimes arise after a person prepares his or her legal documents or buys form documents on the Internet and never consults with an attorney. He has also seen issues with people trying to change their wills or amend their trusts on their own.

So if you want to make a change, have your lawyer do it, he said. These changes are also the reason Voelz advises keeping your estate plans to yourself.

“We don’t normally advise our clients to share their estate plans with their family members because they may change their mind later and have a different estate plan when they die,” he said.

However, if the client does not have a living spouse, then the person who would be in charge of settling the estate or trust should be advised about the estate plan and should know where to get the original will or trust agreement after the person dies. PT

estate planning l charity PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 15

[MONEY]

Never too late to do good

Planned giving allows donors to decide where their money goes after they die

By Jenni L. Muncie-Sujan

“I

“I think it is important to know that you don’t have to have a lot of money,” says Ellsbury. “I was a schoolteacher, and I taught for 37 years. I’m certainly not wealthy, but I will have some money before I die.”

Frequently in estate planning, a person’s remaining resources are allocated to family, but Ellsbury believes people are moving toward a new normal: leaving their money where they see a need.

the republic file photo

f I die, when I die, who is going to benefit from my resources?” Cheryl ZuckschwerdtEllsbury poses this question to people who need a starting point for planned giving.

As a member of the Bartholomew County Humane Society Board of Directors since 1971, she understands the difference posthumous financial gifts have made in local organizations.

Pups at the Bartholomew County Humane Society.

estate planning l charity 16 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

the republic file photo

Participants in Future Boomers Basketball Camp do one last cheer at Foundation For Youth.

In her case, as a volunteer for the humane society, she saw a need to help animals. Growing up around animals on her grandfather’s farm created significant memories that influenced her decision to donate to the Bartholomew County Humane Society.

“It’s all part of people’s psychology,” Ellsbury says, “how they see themselves and how they see themselves benefiting the world.”

And donors are not a stereotypical set of people.

Tracy Souza, president and CEO of the Heritage Fund – the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County, helps donors carry out their philanthropic interests.

“It’s hard to say what a donor looks like,” Souza says. “I’ve learned they are all different.”

She says some people come in with a very clear idea of what they want to do. During their estate planning, they realize they want to give back, and they start looking into ways to do that. “It could be because they have been a member of a board of directors for a long time or they have done volunteer work

in a field or organization like hospice,” says Souza.

“They want to recognize those groups.”

Other people have more general ideas. They may be passionate about animals or want to create a scholarship fund for a specific field of study.

Traditionally, people have initiated contact with an agency or foundation because they wanted to make a difference, do something good or show appreciation.

Sherry Stark was president and CEO of the Heritage Fund for 12 years. More recently, she helped start the Centra Foundation. Now retired, she serves as the president of her church’s foundation, the Presbyterian Foundation of Columbus Indiana.

Stark’s experience has shown that within the last 10 to 15 years, donor attitudes have been shifting.

Where they formerly were inclined to hand over a monetary gift to an organization or foundation and trust that entity with the direction the funds took, she says that now donors want to have more of a voice in the process. see Planned giving on page 20

estate planning l charity PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 17

the republic file photo

[MONEY]

The Happy Helping Hands group works on Pal Dolls at Mill Race Center.

Community foundations protect donors’ wishes

By Jenni L. Muncie-Sujan

D

uring the estate planning process, when a person is meeting with an attorney, financial adviser or family members, the focus gravitates toward a fundamental question: What is going to happen to my financial and real estate assets when I am gone?

Gail Richards, CEO of Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF), has been with the organization for 23 years. She says that approximately 70 percent of charitable agencies who are named in a will are not aware that they have been indicated as recipients until they receive the funds.

“Sometimes if [a donation] comes to us in a will, it is a little vague, so we have to backtrack and find out what they were interested in.”

Ideally for the donor, specific wishes are recorded before a person dies, to eliminate the guesswork and be as specific as possible with the donor’s money.

Richards helps people make these plans, so their posthumous donations will fulfill their wishes.

“I try to find out what their passions and interests are. Where would you want your money to go forever?” We kind of map out what they would like to leave their money for. ... If they have six different organiza-

estate planning l charity 18 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

the republic file photo

tions where they want their money to go to, we send an allocation every year to those.”

By investing donors’ money in bonds, CDs and stocks, JCCF gives regular payouts to the named charities from the earned interest. Richards recommends a gift of at least $10,000, but she adds that any amount can help an organization.

“The longer money stays in a fund, the more it will build. Our goal is to be the savings account for the community,” Richards says, “so our goal is to raise money for the endowments, so those distributions go on forever.”

The donor can be as specific or as general as he wants with donations through a community fund.

The money can go in multiple directions, from government units, to nonprofit organizations, to schools, to churches.

Tracy Souza, president and CEO of the Heritage Fund – the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County, says all community foundations are not identical. In general, they hold funds that are intended to be permanent. These funds, called endowments, are invested, and regular distributions are paid from them to the indicated recipients. Endowments at Heritage Fund require a minimum $15,000 donation.

Another way to give, Souza says, is to make grants on a “pass-through” basis. This money is given to an organization or agency through the hands of the community foundation. At Heritage Fund, the minimum for this type of donation is $5,000. Funds that are designated as “unrestricted” can be used at the foundation’s discretion, including being used for grant requests from community organizations.

“We work with what we would call gatekeepers – attorneys and financial planners – because we are not technically financial planners,” Souza says. “We make sure they understand what Heritage Fund is, so if they have a client who comes in and is interested in doing something philanthropic with their funds, the financial planner can make them aware of it.”

Quite simply, the reason people want to plan their giving is to establish a legacy, says Sherry Stark. She helped start the Centra Foundation and before that was the president of the Heritage Fund for 12 years.

She makes a clarifying distinction between two types of giving: Charitable gifts come from a donor’s checkbook, and planned giving normally comes out of savings accounts, stock and more permanent assets.

According to Stark, confidence in donating stems from a donor’s belief that the organization receiving

Dictionaries are given to third-graders across the county every year as part of The Dictionary Project, which is paid for by Heritage Fund: the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. the funds is structurally and financially stable, planning to continue to exist.

This is a benefit of donating the funds through a community foundation. If the organization of choice, for whatever reason, ceases to exist, a foundation can reallocate the funds to another organization that closely matches the original intent of the donor.

An added level of accountability is required from the organizations that receive money through foundation. They report annually to the foundations to ensure that the funds were used in accordance with the donor’s wishes.

Stark points out that various entities in a given area (such as community, hospital and banking foundations) are created to serve different, non-competing purposes, such as education, wellness, scholarships, community needs, disaster relief, arts and culture, and agriculture.

In addition, she says there are church foundations, but they typically focus on their denomination or their individual church. see Community foundations on page 20

estate planning l charity PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 19

[MONEY]

Planned giving continued from page 17 “They are much more likely to want to be involved in decision making and helping to design an effort – in many ways, be more entrepreneurial.”

She has seen many people, approaching the later years of their lives, begin to reflect on the gifts that have come to them, the blessings they have had.

“If they are fortunate enough to be in a position that they have some money that is available for purposes other than sustaining their loved ones, they begin to say, ‘How can I make a difference? How can I give back? How can I share my good fortune?’ That’s where planned giving comes in.”

This process may start slowly and take some time.

Some potential donors begin by visiting their attorney. Some talk to family members or close friends.

Others talk to their financial advisers or go directly to the community’s foundation.

The reason they would meet with a community foundation, Stark says, is because they could get a thorough overview of the different kinds of needs and services offered in the county.

“It can be a good referral service to help a potential donor think about needs, agencies, services, projects, and help the donor think through how to proceed with planned giving.”

Personally, Stark’s planned giving has included keeping her immediate family informed. Her attorney suggested that she write a general letter to her children, to let them know her thoughts.

“I would encourage people to be fairly open about their philosophy about their resources,” Stark says. “I’ve made it clear to my family that I want some of my assets to be used for charitable purposes after I am gone.”

People who are considering leaving a gift can start by taking small steps – giving some thought to what kind of difference they want to make in their community, house of faith or important causes. “Be informed,” Stark says. “It’s a good feeling to know that when you’re gone, your presence will still be there doing good through the gifts that you leave.”

Planning itself is not difficult, but Stark admits that one hindrance in planned giving is facing the reality of death. She urges people to move forward, despite any awkwardness or discomfort, to avoid having an estate controlled by the state after death.

Ellsbury agrees, warning that unless people set up a trust or set it aside or designate that property in some way, there will be people who will try to “come in on it” and interrupt that donation. Some charities are stripped of their gift because the money was not properly protected from other family members who do not acknowledge the intentions.

“I didn’t have any anxiety about it. It’s a fact,” Ellsbury says about planned giving beyond the grave.

“I don’t think I’m squeamish about talking about death, in general, or about my own death. ... In my case, I thought, ‘Here’s a chance for me to help in an important way, a serious way.’” PT

Community foundations continued from page 19 “There is no one way. There is no one front door,” Stark says of the options for planned giving.

Foremost in this process is preparation – for donors to think ahead and make their plans clear. While an anonymous gift is appreciated by any organization, Stark notes that planned giving can have additional benefits because the organization is prepared to receive it. Knowing more specifically what the inten-

tions of the gift are helps an organization be best prepared to use it appropriately.

“I think everybody needs a financial planner or an attorney,” Stark says. “Sometimes it’s challenging for their family once they are gone. Nobody wants to think about it, but it’s inevitable. It’s hard enough to lose someone you love, but to have to unravel the estate after they are gone, it is very challenging.” PT

estate planning l charity 20 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

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Cover Story

A partnership

set to music Versatile duo develops following in Indiana

T

By Barney Quick n photos by Chet Strange he McGuires are a testament to the ability of people committed to careers in music to keep level heads and their integrity, to stay married – to each other – and to retain the joy they derive from their work after decades in the industry.

Columbus native Max and Southern California native Barbara met in 1981 and have been partners in love, music and business ever since.

They play as a duo. They specialize in covers of rock, pop and country material from the period of time that they have been working musicians. It spans tunes associated with artists ranging from Emmylou Harris to Kansas to Norah Jones to Lynyrd Skynyrd. To be sure, they’ve crafted a distinctly McGuires approach to this material that packs venues throughout southern and central Indiana.

Max’s first instrument was a clarinet. “[Former music store owner] Gary Davis would

22 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

go into schools and demonstrate instruments.

I went to St. Peter’s Lutheran School, and he brought in a clarinet. I said, ‘That’s for me.’”

Max honed his chops and occupied the clarinet section’s second chair in the school band.

As is usually the case with boomer-age musicians, seeing The Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan was a game-changer. His parents enrolled him in guitar lessons with longtime teacher and music store owner Tom Pickett. “Then it was garage band time,” he says.

His first professional gig was at the Walton Hotel in Seymour. “The band consisted of older guys,” he recalls. “I told them I could play lead guitar, and then I realized I’d have to deliver.”

After high school, he toured the motel circuit with a lounge band, and then spent some time in an Edinburgh-based Southern rock unit called

Max and Barbara McGuire perform at Parkside Court.

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 23

[Cover Story]

The McGuires perform regularly at Max & Erma’s.

The Justin Slager Band. “I met them by loaning them an amp.”

That band went to Jacksonville, Fla., for a while. Max remained when the other members returned to Indiana. From there, he made his way to Southern California.

That’s when he answered an ad for a guitarist for Barbara’s group, The Sierra Band. “We auditioned one more guy after Max, but we already knew he was the one,” she says.

The Sierra Band got serious and enjoyed 13 years of steadily growing popularity. “We had a fan club of almost 300 people who turned out whenever we played,” says Barbara. “We got a booking agent who got us into the better clubs, as well as festivals. We met a guy with connections to Nashville 24 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

publishers. He brought us songs to include in our repertoire.”

Newly stricter drinking laws in California brought about the McGuires’ decision to move to Nashville. “There were dwindling opportunities to work,” explains Barbara.

Their daughter Kelly, now 35, was in her last year of high school, and not too enthused about the move. Barbara’s parents even offered to let her stay behind with them, but Kelly told Barbara, “Mom, I’ve watched you do this all my life. I can’t imagine you doing it without me.”

There were challenges in Nashville as well. Max and Barbara realized they couldn’t market themselves as a husband-wife duo, as Highway 101 had secured that niche.

So Max immersed himself in session work, as well as journeyman live work. Barbara worked as a solo act.

“Nashville had one of the early talent-show-type TV programs called ‘You Can Be a Star.’ I performed on that. Stella Parton was one of the judges.

She told me, ‘I can tell you’ve done this before.’”

Toward the end of their 17 years in Nashville, Barbara went to work for Nashville Songwriters Association International. “I worked my way up from the front desk to being a songwriter’s counselor. My function was critiquing aspiring writers’ efforts. I’d tell clients to go to the Eighth Avenue bus station and count the guitar cases coming off the buses, so they’d know what they were up against.”

She was also involved in organizing and co-producing Tin Pan South, an annual NSAI songwriters’ showcase. “I also produced a legislative fundraiser for NSAI in Gary Chapman’s backyard,” she notes.

The couple was visiting Columbus more frequently as Max’s mother got older. They finally moved here in March 2012.

“We weren’t an acoustic duo until we moved to Columbus,” says Barbara. “We were doing completely different kinds of music, but I’d always liked classic rock, so we combined elements of what we’d each been focusing on. Doing covers was a commercial decision. Unless you’re well known in these types of music, you can’t draw crowds with original material.”

They’ve developed an impressive following in Brown County, where they regularly play venues such as the 19th Hole, Big Woods Brewery and Muddy Boots Cafe. In Columbus, they perform frequently at the Garage Pub and Max & Erma’s.

Recently, they made a foray into Aurora, playing the Dearborn Country Club’s BG’s Grill. In early May, they’ll be on the marathon route at the 500 Festival in Indianapolis.

Barbara also performs during the day in nursing homes. Max joins in when his guitar-teaching schedule permits. “Someone doing that told me that they had budgets for that type of thing,” she says. “When we play memory-care units, it’s so wonderful to see someone’s light come on. We sing songs from their era, and they join in.”

They say their career has had a spiritual basis.

“All this is God-driven,” says Barbara. “He gets all the glory for any success we’ve had. The disappointments didn’t hurt as badly after I relied on him, because there’s a lesson in each one. And I know that giving back has to be part of the achieving.” PT

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lifestyle

In line for fun Dancers at Mill Race Center find reasons to step lively

By Paige Langenderfer photos by andrew laker Rovene Quigley says the secrets to a long, healthy life are unsweetened tea and dancing. Quigley, 86, said she tries to find a place to dance every day.

“I’ve got the reputation that I’m supposed to start the dancing everywhere I go,” she said. “I have no talent, but I’ve got guts.”

She takes line dancing lessons weekly at Mill Race Center.

“I learned to jitterbug when I was 6 from my older sisters, and I’ve been at it ever since,” she said. “It’s good exercise – good for our brains and our bodies.”

Line dancing, Quigley said, is the perfect exercise for everyone. “You don’t have to have a partner to line dance, which is good because at our age we don’t always have a partner,” she said. “Learning the steps is like doing a crossword puzzle. It really taxes your brain and keeps you young and active.”

“Kick behind, cross, rock, shuffle quarter, triple step, coaster step, pivot.”

26 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

Paulette Shaw leads a line dance class at Mill Race Center.

To most, the words seem like a foreign language, but the dancers at Mill Race Center delight in those words. Mill Race offers numerous activities for all ages, but line dancing is the most popular, according to Executive Director Bob Pitman.

“Line dancing is a wonderful activity for older adults,” he said. “Research shows that when people stay active and involved, they experience better health and well-being.”

Pitman said the goal of all activities at the center is to accommodate the six dimensions of wellness: emotional, occupational, physical, spiritual, intellectual and social.

“Line dancing is great exercise for the body and brain,” he said. “And the participants really enjoy each other’s company.”

In a recent line dancing class, Paulette Shaw demonstrated the scissor step to a newer member of the class.

“Once you get the basic steps down, it’s easier,” she said. “The most important thing for a beginner is to stand in the middle of the room so they can watch everyone else’s feet. That will help them learn the steps faster.”

Shaw began dancing 10 years ago with her husband, Gene, and has been teaching line dancing classes at Mill Race Center for eight years.

“Our path to line dancing was actually kind of a fluke,” Gene said. “We went to a studio to take ballroom lessons, and they taught us line dancing instead. We liked it right away and have been doing it ever since.”

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 27

[lifestyle]

The variety of music and dance steps motivates Paulette.

“I think a lot of people think line dancing is just country music, but you can line dance to anything,” Paulette said. “In fact, we rarely dance to country music in my class.”

Instead of country line dancing, Paulette teaches her class steps from popular dance styles, including cha cha, tango, fox trot, swing, waltz and polka.

Participants in Shaw’s class range in age from 67 to 80.

Libby Neal, 76, has been line dancing at Mill Race for 10 years.

“It’s a fun way to exercise,” she said. “It’s a lot more fun than the treadmill.”

Pat Hoard, 78, mouthed the words of the song as the class danced to “Up to You,” by Barbra Streisand.

Hoard teaches the beginning line dancing class at Mill Race. She has danced all of her life but began “seriously” dancing the day she retired.

28 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

“I love the movement and harmonizing with other people and the music,” she said. “It just thrills me.”

Donna Cardwell, who has been dancing for 15 months, said she has always loved watching people dance, but only recently gained the confidence to try it herself.

“I was always amazed that they could remember all of those steps,” she said. “Once I tried it, I fell in love with it.”

Cardwell, who has lost 15 pounds since she started dancing, now searches for additional dance venues to display her dancing skills. She said numerous locations throughout the state offer line dancing events.

“It’s fun to go to the other locations and see what kind of steps they do,” she said. “I just like to continually learn new steps.”

Shirley Hilycord began taking lessons 16 years ago.

“I like that you don’t have to be an expert to come here,” she said. “I come for the exercise and the friendships.” PT

“It’s a fun way to exercise.

It’s a lot more fun than the treadmill.”

— Libby Neal

at Mill Race Center

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guard o n l i n e

Internet dangers require knowledge and vigilance from all users

By Paige Langenderfer

T

he Internet offers many benefits, including the ability to stay connected to family and friends, convenient online shopping and bill paying, and easily accessible information about current events. Sadly, the Internet also can create dangers.

According to the FBI’s Internet Fraud website, Internet crime resulted in a loss of more than $525 million in 2012. This loss represents numerous online crimes, including identity theft, scams, cyber bullying and investment fraud.

Detective Lt. Mike Ward of the Columbus Police Department said he has seen countless online crimes in his 28 years as an officer.

“Digital technology changes daily, and your social media habits can have

30 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

profound consequences,” he said.

“Online predators are combing the Internet every day looking for information that makes you vulnerable.”

Ward said online users should never open emails from unknown senders and should never create online user names that contain information about gender, location or identity.

“Online strangers are every bit as dangerous as strangers on the street,” Ward said. “Online users need to be aware of ways to protect themselves from being victimized.”

While Internet crimes are an everpresent danger, Bob Pitman, Mill Race Center executive director, said many Mill Race members find that the positives outweigh the negatives.

“One of the biggest motivators for our members to get online is to stay in

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 31

[MONEY]

touch with family,” he said. “It’s a great way to stay connected.”

Steve Hood, Mill Race facilities manager, said the center offers numerous computer classes for older adults.

The facility also has a computer lab that can be used by members.

“We often have students from the local high schools and colleges come in and volunteer to lead a class on the various technologies,” he said. “We do our best to start with the basics and help them learn how to navigate the online world.”

Hood said one of the biggest complaints he receives is about pop-up advertisements.

“Many people don’t know if they should click on them or not,” Hood said. “And even if they don’t click on them, many people don’t know how to get rid of them.”

Another common problem involves personal information.

“We do our best to teach people about scams and how to avoid online

criminals,” he said. “But people often don’t know how to keep their personal information safe. You have to be so careful with your personal information.

I tell people that they need to have online security software no matter what.”

Patsy Harris, 73, has been actively participating in online communications since 2000, the year she retired from Hope Elementary School as the school’s librarian.

2012 Internet Crime Statistics n Total complaints received: 289,874 n Complaints reporting loss: 114,908 n Total Loss: $525,441,110 n Median dollar loss for those reporting a loss: $600 n Average dollar loss overall: $1,813 n Average dollar loss for those reporting loss: $4,573 Source: Internet Crime Complaint Center

32 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

“The library was computerized, so I had some training and experience with computers before I retired,” she said.

“I bought a computer and got online as soon as I retired, and I continue to learn. I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t learn something new.”

Harris said she uses the Internet to stay connected with family and friends through email and Facebook.

“I love emailing because with a single click you can communicate with people thousands of miles away,” she said. “I have family all over the country, and we don’t see each other very often. But I feel like we stay close because of the Internet.”

Facebook provides another way to stay connected.

You have to be so careful with your personal information.

I tell people that they need to have online security software no matter what.

— Steve Hood

“I enjoy seeing what is going on in the lives of my family and friends,” Harris said. “And I’ve learned a lot by reading various posts about better ways to do things. I even learned how to make a homemade ice pack for my shoulder on Facebook.”

Harris’ advice for new online users is to find a relative or friend who can help with computer and Internet questions. She also said it is important to have good antivirus protection software.

If you suspect an online crime, you can report it to the FBI, the Internet Crime Complaint Center or your local law enforcement. For more information, visit www.fbi.gov/scamssafety/fraud/internet_fraud or www.ic3. gov/default.aspx. PT

Online Safety Tips The following is a list of online safety tips provided by the Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov/preventiontips.aspx: n Ensure a site is secure and reputable before providing your credit card number online. n Do your research to ensure legitimacy of the individual or company. n Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited emails. n Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine the legitimacy of the company. n Ensure you understand all terms and conditions of any agreement. n Be wary of businesses that operate from post office boxes or mail drops. n Ask for names of other customers of the individual or company and contact them. n If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. n Monitor your credit statements monthly for any fraudulent activity. n Review a copy of your credit report at least once a year. n Be suspicious of any unsolicited email requesting personal information. n Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal information. n Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the email to verify if the email is genuine. n Don’t open spam. Delete it unread. n Never respond to spam as this will confirm to the sender that it is a live email address. n Have a primary and secondary email address, one for people you know and one for all other purposes. n Avoid giving out your email address unless you know how it will be used. n Never purchase anything advertised through an unsolicited email.

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 33

lifestyle

Divided by distance Grandparents creatively face times when family is too far away

By Sharon Mangas

B

ack in the 1970s, baby boomers waxed sentimental over songwriter Carole King’s “So Far Away,” her ode to long-distance relationships.

Fast-forward to 2014, and that wistful song still speaks to those of a certain age … albeit in a new way.

Baby boomers are grandparents now and often find themselves “so far away” from their grandchildren. Generations of families rarely live in the same town anymore.

Career opportunities take many young people far from their families of origin and places they grew up.

So how do you create close bonds with your grandchildren when they live far away?

Inspirational author Janet Teitsort, a retired elementary teacher from Westport, literally wrote the book on it. Her how-to book, “Long Distance Grandma” (Simon and Schuster/Howard Publishing; 2005), is a fun

collection of projects and activities, written to help grandparents forge relationships with grandchildren, especially when distance separates them.

“I wrote the book based on personal experience,” says Teitsort. “Years ago, my daughter Debbie and husband Gary — who have seven children — moved to Louisiana, and my son Dan and wife Karen, who have two children, settled in Fishers. I was devastated at first.

I’ve lived in the Westport area all my life, with extended family close by. My grandma only lived a mile away when I was growing up. I was afraid my grandchildren wouldn’t know me. I was determined to find a way for my husband, John, and myself to build close connections with our grandkids.

“Physical distance may separate you, but with a little ingenuity, the extended family can be revitalized and strengthened. Love will find a way.”

Grandmother Ann Taylor with Jamin, Emet and Saige Magnuson.

34 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 35

[lifestyle]

Eliot Bradshaw is the 4-year-old grandson of Terry and Susan Whittaker.

“Long Distance Grandma” is organized by chapters related to the months of the year and is full of craft ideas, children’s book suggestions, photo/video ideas, recipes to make and other fun activities. One idea from the May chapter is sending a Springtime Care Package to your grandchild (include items such as Band-Aids, sun visors, seed packets, etc.).

Teitsort’s most successful endeavor has been “Camp G&G,” a week-long “cousins camp” she and John host at their Westport home each summer. She organized the first Camp G&G over 20 years ago. Their five youngest grandchildren attend now.

Structured activities are planned for each day.

36 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

“The last few years, we’ve made it a drama camp, creating plays and movies. The kids practice all week, and we even videotape it.

I let the children create all the commercials.

At the end of the week, we put on a live performance for parents, family and friends.

The kids have a ball. My granddaughter Sarah, now 14, told me a couple of years ago, ‘Grandma, I hope you do Camp G&G until I’m 40!’”

Recent advances in communications technology and access to social media sites make it easier today for families separated by long distances to keep in touch. When Kathy and Stephen Charlton moved to Columbus from England 21 years ago, son Ainsley chose to stay behind. Kathy recalls her concern.

Janet and John Teitsort, sitting far right, gather with their family.

“I knew it would be difficult if we ever had grandchildren in England. After Ainsley and Clare had our first grandchild, Ethan, 13 years ago, I wasn’t sure how I’d maintain a relationship. But we’ve stayed connected with Ethan and his sister, Freya, by telephoning, sending pictures and personal visits.

“Communicating has improved now that we can make FaceTime calls. It’s always a joy to see them and talk via FaceTime. They’re in a lot of activities, so it’s becoming a challenge to find times to call that fit with their schedules. One of the best times to call is close to their bed times. They’re always willing to delay going to bed.”

Jesse and Amber Magnuson of Columbus, both 32, have four children, ranging in age

from 2 to 6, and have lived far away from their parents since college days.

“It’s become normal for us not to have family nearby,” says Amber. “But we talk with grandparents frequently by Skype. Once we had a surprise birthday party for Jesse’s mom via Skype. My oldest two — sons Emet and Jamin — decorated, and we had cake and sang to her over Skype. The boys loved it, and it was the easiest surprise party ever.

“I also maintain a blog, and we post videos of the children on Facebook. When I was growing up in Colorado, my grandparents lived in Indiana. Through that distance, I learned not to take my grandparents for granted and to make the most of every visit with them.”

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 37

[lifestyle]

Kate Elliott Messum with Angus, 4; Owen, 3; and Digby, 6 months.

When Kate Elliott Messum, 36, moved to England 13 years ago, she thought she would be there for 10 weeks of student teaching. But she fell in love a few weeks into her placement, ended up getting married, and three children later (three boys, ages 4 and younger), she’s still there.

“We try to visit family in Columbus once a year, and we use Skype and FaceTime a lot.

I’ve found when I make FaceTime calls to my mom, Sally Elliott, it works best to let the kids keep on doing what they’re doing, such as eating dinner, having their baths or playing in their rooms. Little ones are not great at just talking on the phone.”

Messum teaches at an International School, which her oldest, Gus, attends.

38 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

“The school’s accustomed to students who are far away from loved ones,” she says.

“They even stream school programs and performances live on the school’s website to facilitate grandparents and others who live far away. My mom was able to watch Gus’ holiday program this year right as it was happening, from 4,000 miles away.”

But Messum voices a common lament.

“Whatever we do will never feel like it’s enough. Unless we move to the States, my boys won’t know my mom the way I knew my grandmother. And that makes me sad.

But I’ll talk to the boys about my family and background often, share pictures with them and give them every opportunity to know that side of their family. They’re still young,

Kathy and Steve Charlton with grandkids Ethan and Freya.

but I think technology will help them keep in touch when they’re older.”

Long-distance grandparenting is easily done on a budget. Terry Whittaker of Columbus writes short stories for his 4-yearold grandson Eliot, who lives in St. Louis.

The stories feature “Golazeem,” Eliot’s imaginary friend.

Nancy Hayes of Columbus sends gift boxes to her grandkids in Tennessee, filled with inexpensive and fun things she finds at yard sales. Messum often tucks her boys’ artwork into envelopes to send to family in Columbus, while Teitsort bakes cookies to send to her oldest grandson, currently stationed with the Army in Afghanistan.

Websites are a valuable asset, too.

One good online resource is www. grandparents.com.

Keeping in touch with grandchildren — whether across the ocean or across the state — is easier now than ever. And when the grandchildren don’t live close by, don’t forget opportunities to act as surrogate grandparents. Amber and Jesse Magnuson have found many loving surrogate grandparents in their local church family.

“We have numerous Columbus ‘grandparents’ we can call to baby-sit, ask questions about parenting, etc.,” says Amber. “Our relationships with our ‘stand-in grandparents’ are as essential to our family as the bonds we have with our children’s actual grandparents.” PT PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 39

travel

Louisville: free things for visitors to do

5

By BRUCE SCHREINER n Associated Press

W

hen it’s Kentucky Derby season in Louisville, money seems to flow faster than the Ohio River. Hotels and restaurants fill up; bars serve mint juleps and fine Kentucky bourbon. Shopping includes a hunt for the colorful hats worn as a Derby tradition. Parties are thrown, and wagers are plunked down on can’tmiss colts and long shots alike as fans guess which horse will win the famous race at Churchill Downs. Yet there are other sure bets for relaxation and entertainment that don’t cost a thing as folks head to Kentucky’s largest city for a mix of contemporary and historic places.

Baseball

Known as a basketball hotbed, the city’s name is also synonymous with baseball.

Visitors can trace that baseball heritage along the Louisville Slugger Walk of Fame, stretching about a mile from the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to the city’s minor-league ballpark. Many of the game’s greatest players — from Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to George Brett and Ken Griffey Jr. — are enshrined with bronze casts of the Louisville Slugger model bats they used, along with bronze home plates that highlight their careers.

At the downtown Slugger Museum, visitors can stroll through the main lobby for free. The lobby’s features include the Signature Wall — emblazoned with the signatures of more than 8,000 players who signed contracts to use Louisville Slugger bats. Visitors can grip replica bats used by some of the game’s greatest sluggers.

Youngsters can climb on a ball and glove sculpture made of Kentucky limestone.

Hovering outside is one of the city’s most popular landmarks — a 120-foot-tall bat made of steel and hand-painted to resemble wood.

40 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 41

[travel]

Cave Hill Cemetery

The final resting place for many of Louisville’s most prominent citizens of the 19th and 20th centuries, the nearly 300-acre cemetery opened in 1848. It features ornate marble and granite monuments, shaded by trees seemingly as distinctive as the headstones dotting the landscape. Trees of many varieties loom over the rolling grounds situated east of downtown. Each spring and fall, the cemetery is ablaze in colors. It draws tours from groups of garden, Civil War and history buffs. About 5,500 soldiers are buried here, mostly from the Civil War. Luminaries buried in the cemetery include politicians, business leaders and bourbon barons. Two of the most notable are George Rogers Clark — an early frontiersman and soldier and the brother of William Clark, who co-led the Lewis and Clark expedition — and Col. Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Sanders’ granite memorial features a bust of the goateed entrepreneur, whose likeness is still synonymous with the chicken chain he started. Visitors sometimes place a bucket of chicken at his grave.

42 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

Old Louisville

The stately Old Louisville neighborhood stands out in a city filled with distinctive neighborhoods. Old Louisville features rows of Victorian homes, some etched with stained-glass windows, along tree-lined streets. The neighborhood was home to some of the city’s wealthiest residents in the late 19th century. The area went into decline in the early to mid-20th century but has since undergone revitalization. The neighborhood stretches from just north of the University of Louisville’s main campus to just south of downtown Louisville. Each fall the neighborhood hosts the renowned St. James Court Art Show.

Contemporary art

Contemporary art is a mainstay at the acclaimed 21c Museum Hotel, and the exhibitions are free to the public. Artwork is on display in 9,000 square feet of exhibition space in the award-winning boutique hotel in downtown Louisville. The artwork ranges from quirky and whimsical to daring, dark and thought-provoking. It was a goal of the hotel’s owners to introduce contemporary art to a wider audience.

The exhibitions feature internationally acclaimed artists as well as emerging artists, some from the area. The hotel offers free cultural programming for the public that includes artist lectures and film screenings. There are free, twice-a-week tours of the exhibitions. The hotel’s most recognizable artwork is outside looming over Main Street — a 37-foot-tall replica of Michelangelo’s David. The replica created by a Turkish artist is made of steel and fiberglass and was painted gold.

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 43

[travel]

Waterfront Park

In a town blessed with an abundance of parks known for foliage, nature centers and scenic vistas, the 85-acre Waterfront Park serves as Louisville’s northern doorstep. Visitors can walk, jog and bike along paths that offer scenic views of the Ohio River and downtown Louisville. Linger long enough, and the chances are good that you’ll see a massive barge floating along the Ohio, a busy waterway for commerce.

The park’s Great Lawn stretches out as a giant front yard for downtown. There are playgrounds and an amphitheater. A popular attraction is the Big Four Bridge, an old railroad span that’s been turned into a pedestrian and cycling path spanning the Ohio River between Louisville and Jeffersonville, Ind.

44 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

calendar of events

Salute

May may

Quidditch and over 50 literacy activities. Information: 812-376-4392 or jordang@bcsc.k12.in.us.

3

17

3

23

-Sept. 27 — Columbus City Farmer’s Market.

9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Fair Oaks Mall parking lot, 25th Street. Local growers, producers and artists.

Information: 812-378-0539.

-31 — Columbus Spring Farmer’s Market.

9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Saturday, Fourth Street, between Jackson and Washington streets, downtown Columbus. Purchase fresh produce and plants grown by local farmers and gardeners.

17

— Literacy Festival. Noon to 3 p.m., Central Middle School, 725 Seventh St., Columbus.

Free. Enjoy an afternoon of free family fun. There will be a book character costume contest, free gently used books, door prizes, food, music, silly photo ops,

— Ninth annual Tour de Trails Bicycle Challenge. Mill Race Park. Rolling start from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. More information and register online at www.columbusparkfoundation.org/events/ tourdetrails.

— Salute 2014. 6 p.m., Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans, 234 Washington St., Columbus. Columbus Indiana Philharmonic presents its free hometown concert in honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Information: 812-376-2638, ext.110 or email tickets@thecip.org.

24

— Saturday Sampler: Honk! Honk! Cars in Columbus. May is the month of speed in Indiana, and Columbus has an exciting legacy PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 45

[calendar] of racing. We also have a great history of all types of cars and even manufactured an eight-wheeled automobile. Learn all about Bartholomew County’s love affair with autos and even try your hand at a car craft. Our free Saturday Samplers are monthly, familyfriendly workshops catered toward small children. 11 a.m. to noon, Bartholomew County History Center, 524 Third St., Columbus. Information: 812-372-3541 or email arediker@bartholomewhistory.org.

June june

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— JCB Neighborfest with Tad Robinson. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 300 block of Washington Street, downtown Columbus. Free.

7

– Sept. 27 — Downtown Columbus Farmer’s Market. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Saturday, Cummins parking lot between Brown and Lindsey streets. Purchase fresh produce grown by local farmers/gardeners, flowers, herbs, home-baked goods, local art and jewelry, while enjoying music by local and regional musicians. Information: 812-3713780.

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— The American Sound, Columbus Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m., Mill Race Park.

Adults $10, senior citizens and students 12 to 18 $5.

Children under 12 with adult free.

13

— Friday Night Live: Magical Mysteries with Mike Walls and Sons. Dinner and dancing, Mill Race Center. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30. Reservations required. Tickets $12 members and $18 non-members; must be 21 or older to attend.

14

— Girlfriend Ride. Registration 7:30 a.m., ride begins at 9 at the Columbus Learning Center. This is a bicycle ride for girls and women only. You can go 10K, 25K or 50K. Ride for a good cause, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in Columbus.

14

— Saturday Sampler: Natural Dyes. 11 a.m. to noon, Bartholomew County History Center, 524 Third St., Columbus. Free. Have you ever wondered how the pioneers’ clothes got their colors? Now is your chance to find out. We’ll be using things found in nature to make fabric dyes. Everyone gets to try their hand and dye something special to take home. Information: 812-372-3541 or arediker@ bartholomewhistory.org.

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— Second annual Kindred Healthcare Car Show. 2 to 5 p.m. (registration through 4 p.m.), Kindred Healthcare, 2100 Midway St., Columbus. Admission: registration $15; early registration (through June 12) $10. Rain date June 22. Information: 812-372-8447 or jessica.ketcham@ kindred.com.

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— A Country Gathering. Free, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nichols & Dimes Antiques, 101 Pennsylvania, Elizabethtown (6 miles southeast of Columbus). Featuring over 35 dealers of antiques for the hearth and home. Information: 812-579-5267 or nichols-judy@att.net.

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— Saturday Sampler: Natural Dyes.

11 a.m. to noon, Yellow Trail Museum, 644 Main St., Hope. Free. We’ll be using things found in nature to make fabric dyes. Everyone gets to try their hand and dye something special to take home. Information: 812-372-3541 or arediker@ bartholomewhistory.org.

Downtown Columbus Farmer’s Market 46 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

27

— Live on the Plaza Featuring Black Violin. 7 p.m., Bartholomew County Public

Library plaza, 536 Fifth St., Columbus. Free. Youths from the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic strings camp will perform with the duo.

July july

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-12 — Bartholomew County 4-H Fair.

Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, State Road 11.

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— JCB Neighborfest with Barometer Soup. Free, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 300 block of Washington Street, downtown Columbus.

11

-Aug. 1 — Dan Kiley Nationwide Traveling Exhibit. Free, IU Center for Art+Design, 310 Jackson St. Information: www. indiana.edu/~iucad or 812-375-7550.

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— Saturday Sampler: Full Steam Ahead.

Free, 11 a.m. to noon, Yellow Trail Museum, 644 Main St., Hope. Steam has helped move this nation forward and has played a major role in Bartholomew County’s history. Join us as we look at everything steam can do. We will even get to see steam in action. Information: 812-372-3541 or arediker@bartholomewhistory.org.

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— Saturday Sampler: Full Steam Ahead.

Free, 11 a.m. to noon, Bartholomew County History Center, 524 Third St., Columbus. Information: 812-372-3541 or arediker@bartholomewhistory.org.

26

— Sixth annual Reeves Festival. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Historic Breeding Farm, 13730 N. Road 100W, Edinburgh. All-you-can-eat breakfast on the farm and musical entertainment. Tickets go on sale in June. Information: info@bartholomewhistory.org.

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— Biggest Block Party Ever. 5:30 p.m. to midnight, Fourth and Washington streets.

Admission: $8 (12 and younger free). The JohnsonWitkemper Insurance Biggest Block Party Ever features bands playing on three stages, including headliner Dane Clark Band. There will be special food from downtown restaurants, beer/wine and a kids’ fun zone. All proceeds benefit the Columbus Area Arts Council. Information: 812-376-2534.

August august

2

— British In-Fusion 2014 starring The Late Show. Mill Race Center. Celebrate the music of the British Invasion of the ’60s while raising funds for

Bartholomew County 4-H Fair Mill Race Center and Just Friends Adult Day Services.

Information: millracecenter.org.

7

— JCB Neighborfest with My Yellow Rickshaw. Free, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 300 block of Washington Street, downtown Columbus.

15

— Friday Night Live: MRC Margaritaville with the Dave Miller Band. Dinner and dancing, Mill Race Center. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30. Reservations required. Tickets $12 members and $18 non-members; must be 21 or older to attend.

22

-23 — Meltdown. Washington Street between Third and Fourth streets, downtown Columbus. Participate in glass-forming workshops/ demonstrations and an iron pour. Scratch blocks and time slots for the workshops will go on sale in July via http://www.artsINcolumbus.org. Sponsored by the Columbus Area Arts Council.

23

-24 — Columbus Artfest. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Washington Street, downtown Columbus. Free.

Enjoy this juried art show featuring dozens of local, regional and national artists: mixed media, ceramics, fiber, leather, furniture, glass, jewelry, printmaking, sculpture, woodwork.

30

— Our Hospice Concert. Mill Race Park.

Free, proceeds benefit Hospice of South Central Indiana.

PRIME TIME • MAY 2014 • 47

M y Back Pages Sharon Mangas

Young mothers can do it all The pansies are planted. The last of the strawberry shortcake is gone. Mother’s Day is over for another year, but sweet memories linger.

My mother, Ruth Drach, has been gone for nine years, but I think of her often. Her birthday, May 7, fell close to Mother’s Day, so she rarely got the luxury of two celebrations. She didn’t complain.

After all, her generation didn’t know the meaning of that word. Mom and her peers were born during the Great Depression, grew up poor and made countless sacrifices during World War II. There’s a reason they are called The Greatest Generation.

I’m afraid I didn’t appreciate the hardships my mother went through until I became a mother myself, 35 years ago. Then it became crystal clear. “How did she do it?” rang through my thoughts frequently.

Mother was widowed in 1955 when my two sisters and I were very young. Mom, like most women of her day, had given up career aspirations when she married. At 35, she was plunged into a new reality she was totally unprepared for.

Her skill set back then, like most women of the 1950s, was cooking, cleaning and tending babies.

She didn’t know how to pay bills, write checks or troubleshoot car problems. Through the years, she faced many challenges, but she kept our little family of women together as best she could.

I’ve had life easy in comparison. I shouldn’t complain about a thing, but of course I do. My husband has warned me he’ll not tolerate any complaints from me if — I mean when — it gets hot and muggy this summer. He reminds me that I used up my entire quota of 2014 complaints during the endless snowstorms and subzero temperatures last winter.

But enough about me. I really want to shine a spotlight on the new generation of mothers coming up. I don’t have a daughter of my own, but I’m

blessed to have an amazing daughter-in-law, Megan, who knows a thing or two about challenges and hardships. The young moms of today just might be another Greatest Generation in the making.

Megan doesn’t complain. Whatever challenges loom in her life, she faces head on. “Git ’r done” could be her motto. When an undergrad degree in anthropology didn’t lead to a career path for her, she changed course and went into nursing. She got her R.N. degree while she was knee-deep in planning her wedding.

Did I mention she paid for all her college education herself and worked full time when she took classes? For career security, she decided to go for a master’s in nursing. In the fall of 2011 — pregnant with her first child — she graduated as a nurseanesthetist. After passing her boards, she was back to work at University of Chicago Hospital, working right up until the day before Lillian, now 2, was born.

They say it’s impossible for women to do it all, but young mothers today don’t know any differently.

They just do it. Few young moms in 2014 have the luxury of staying home with their children, as their mothers and grandmothers did. It takes both parents working to make it today. So these young moms keep forging ahead. Megan works 12-hour shifts in a demanding profession. She gave birth to daughter No. 2, Catherine, last November, after working half the day.

Megan cooks healthy, delicious meals, is a confident, patient mother to my adorable granddaughters, and is a loving wife to my son Russ … who thanks his lucky stars for her every day. And I’m grateful to have such a stellar young woman for a daughter-in-law.

So here’s to Megan and all the young moms out there. Ladies, you rock!

Sharon Mangas can be reached at sharon.d.mangas@gmail.com.

48 • MAY 2014 • PRIME TIME

Sandwich generation?

Mom. She’s always been there for you. She’s your heart and soul. Yet you’re feeling the squeeze as she needs you more. At the same time, your family needs you.

Mom lives alone, and you run errands for her. You bring her meals when you can and talk to her twice a day. You’re feeling the pressure of having to meet her needs and those of your family.

Let us help. Bring her to Keepsake Village at Columbus. Stay for lunch and taste our chef-inspired entrees. Hear from our residents how they’ve enriched their lives here.

Call now 812-372-0950.

KEEPSAKE VILLAGE AT COLUMBUS A Memory Care Community

2564 Foxpointe Drive Columbus, IN 47203

tel 812-372-0950 | fax 812-372-8688 FAC#10680 KVADSandwichgeneration 7.33" wide x 9.6" tall FC20140219-mm.indd 1

keepsakeofcolumbus.com

2/26/14 11:36 AM