Boomers & Beyond February 2015

Sassy • Spirited • Successful

MARCH 2015

Jacquie Olender, owner of Heaven’s Gate Soy Candles

• Heart Healthy Tips • Rum! Rum! Rum! • Soup’s On! • Cozy Up Your Home

Sassy • Spirited • Successful Welcome to Boomers & Beyond, a publication celebrating the unique challenges and joys of being 50 plus. We will connect you to the sassy, spirited and successful in Northwest Ohio.

The vulnerability of life hit the Toledo area with the passing of Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins.

How quickly life can change, but as the singer Sting once said, “The acceptance of death gives you more of a stake in life, in living happily, as it should be lived.” sas•sy very stylish; confident and energetic

spir•it•ed full of courage or energy; very lively or determined

suc•cess•ful accomplishing an aim or purpose.

BOOMERS & Beyond Bodacious Boomers Mary Helen Darah Nancy Jomantas Connie Torrey

Beyond Boomer Consultant Sharon Lange

Boomer’s Digital Media Specialist Layne Torrey

Boomer Wanna-Be-Layout and Design Elissa Cary Boom Your Business with Advertising adsinboomersandbeyond@gmail.com 419/824-0100

Contributing Photographer Daniel Miller, Senior University Photographer, The University of Toledo Bond with the Boomers infoboomersandbeyond@gmail.com

On The Web sylvaniaadvantage.com/boomers-beyond

Enjoy this issue!

• Nifty After Fifty

3

• Boomers Mean Business

4

• Dental Health for Boomers 6 • Legally Speaking

7

• Soup’s On

8

• Keeping it Cozy!

10

• Books for Boomers

11

• Keep Pumping

12

• Love the Skin You’re In

13

• Rum! Rum! Rum!

14

• Boomers on the Go

15

• Going Beyond

16

Boomers Hangout 5693 North Main Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

Nifty After Fifty

By Kelsey Sobol, Personal Trainer, Wildwood Athletic Club

Movement is Medicine for the Heart In February, ProMedica Wildwood Athletic Club celebrates Heart Health Month, a time for us to focus on the prevention and treatment of major diseases affecting cardiovascular health and your overall well being.

Blood pressure is a facet of heart health and one of the principal vital signs. It is the pressure of the circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most common conditions seen by primary care physicians.

Millions of Americans struggle to keep their blood pressure in a satisfactory range. Many people are forced to take daily blood pressure medications, and carry a burden of being labeled “hypertensive.� The best news is that hypertension is reversible with regular physical exercise.

Movement is medicine and can return your blood pressure to a normal range. It may eventually be the only “medicine� a person may need.

This leaves most hypertensive adults with two questions as to how to reverse their high blood pressure.

Where do I start? It’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous to get moving again but this should never stop you from making the first leap. You should, however, proceed with caution and start by meeting with your What is “normal� blood pressure?

Less than 120 over 80 Prehypertension: 120-139 over 80-89

What causes high blood pressure?

The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including smoking, being overweight, lack of physical activity, too much salt in diet, stress, genetics, and older age.

Source www.webmd.com

MARCH 2015

Lovely ladies celebrating heart month by wearing red to show support for heart disease prevention. physician and gaining his or her full approval.

Seeking the professional help of a certified personal trainer to help guide the way is always recommended as well.

What’s exercise is appropriate for me?

A little bit goes a long way when it comes to exercising with hypertension. In our culture exercise has to be a choice, it doesn’t just happen. Our sedentary jobs and lifestyles are something we have to actively combat. If the idea of an exercise routine is daunting, start by walking around the block or parking a little further from the grocery store entrance. Start small and think big!

If you’re ready to get started on a path toward better heart and overall health, there are many options for fun and fitness. Put the “medicine� of movement in your life and celebrate a happy heart!

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3

Igniting a New Passion

Boomers Mean Business People continually ask Jacquie Olender, little Shirley thought if she could get her owner of Heaven’s Gate Soy Candles, parents back to this special place, they how she got into the candle business. would find their way back to each other. I Olender usually answers with a “Divine told my grandmother that one day I would intervention.” How does a 54-year-old have my own ‘Heaven’s Gate.’” woman, who never made a candle in her Olender grew up without a mother. She life, take the plunge into small business? was raised by her grandmother who was “It came about after talking with my son as she describes, “a big woman for when I told him it was difficult being so tiny.” Olender for me to give him career desired to be like her 4’7” advice when I still Irish “spitfire” and to didn’t know what I be as good a mother wanted to be when as she was to her.

I grew up,” states “My kids have Olender.”The always been conversation number one,” stuck with me. says Olender. “I Our family lives worked home by the mantra, party plans ‘Team work through Home makes the dream Interiors for 15 work’ so here I years so I could be am.” home with them. I The name of the learned to depend on business, “Heaven’s Gate” myself. Midlife, after does not derive from a religious talking with my son, I decided to Jacquie Olender reference. “My parents were make a job for myself and start divorced when I was little,” she says. “I the candle business. I had never made a loved Shirley Temple and watched a 1939 candle. I’m glad I never listened to other movie of hers called ‘Our Little Girl.’ In people or I wouldn’t have taken the risk. I the movie, Shirley and her parents would guess I was too stupid to know better. spend their September Saturdays Thank God for instructional videos. I picnicking at ‘Heaven’s Gate.’ Her went to Michael’s and bought a candle parents were headed for a divorce and making kit, and thought ‘I can do this.’ Of course there is much more to the process but that moment gave me the confidence to get going.”

Olender began pouring candles in her kitchen the first year of her new endeavor

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By Mary Helen Darah

BOOMERS

& Beyond

before making a studio downstairs. “I would get up in the middle of the night and pour,� recalls Olender. She started selling her product in the Toledo Farmer’s Market system. “I was told that it was a farmer’s market and that people come for produce not for candles. I am happy to say I have proved them wrong,� she states.

Olender shares some wisdom for Boomers who desire to start a business of their own. •Don’t be afraid. Why are you letting fear put up road blocks that inhibit your dreams? Boomers, especially women, are afraid of what they’re going to do next. I started this business midlife. If you have a dream, go for it! •Do not borrow any money. I started out with $100 and promised Tom [husband] that I would not use any of our money for the business. Everything inside of this store I own. •Make a good product. We have very loyal clients who know and expect a quality product. I don’t aspire to be the biggest but the best.

Olender continues to provide her clients with hand-poured soy candles and she is often amused when people ask, “How’s your little business doing?� She states, “I

Jacquie and Tom Olender firmly believe in their family mantra “team work makes the dream work� as evident in Heaven’s Gate Soy Candles.

personally pour 10,000 candles annually.

I’ve always done it myself. You just have to set your mind to it. If I had to close my doors tomorrow, I would be proud of myself and proud of my product.�

Heaven’s Gate Soy Candles is located at 5758 Main Street, #4 in Sylvania. Visit www.heavensgatesoy.com for more information.

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Dental Health for Boomers

Open Wide

By Jon Frankel, D.D.S

Dr. Jon Frankel advocates a healthy mouth and a healthy body no matter what your age.

Boomers need to keep their oral health on the front burner. A healthy mouth not only keeps your smile inviting but is also an indicator of overall health.

Dry Mouth Have you noticed that you seem to wear your lunch on your teeth? As we age we

produce less saliva. This can contribute to decay. Saliva protects your teeth from bacteria and food. Brush and floss after you eat or minimally swish with water.

Missing Teeth A lost tooth can cause several issues.

Adjacent teeth shift and are hard to clean.

Opposing teeth can drop into the space left by the missing teeth. The supporting bone melts away. Replacement is important.

Dental implants, bridges or a partial are keys to staying healthy.

Sleep Apnea If you snore or your partner notices you stop breathing at night you may have sleep apnea. Often clenching and grinding is a symptom of sleep apnea. Check out the complimentary oxygen saturation screening at Frankel Dentistry. If at risk, you will be referred to a sleep study center.

Home Care Take advantage of technology. Electric toothbrushes, floss holders and other devices can be terrific dental home care aids. Your dentist and dental hygienist can guide you.

Healthy Mouth - Healthy Body A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.

Heart attack, stroke and diabetes have been correlated to dental health. Recent studies indicate a link between dental health and Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Regularly scheduled preventative dental visits are important at any age but Boomers may find a dental visit especially beneficial.

Jon Frankel D.D.S., has locations in Toledo and Maumee.

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

Legally Speaking Work Your Plan

I am always amazed at the amount of planning that goes on in my household.

From day-to-day sporting events to doctors’ appointments, weekend getaways to longer vacations, it seems we are always coordinating something. There is, however, one thing we rarely think about. That something is succession planning. The arduous job of assessing what we own and deciding how we can pass it to our next of kin.

We work our entire lives to amass our wealth, yet we somehow we are not so good at taking the time to consider how we pass on that wealth. Whether it's to loved ones, our church or favorite charity, proper planning is essential if we want to guarantee a smooth transfer. Planning for the transfer of what we own is an ongoing process and, if properly done, can be maximally effective.

The ways to properly transfer the things we have accumulated are diverse. Proper planning involves tools and strategies.

These tools and strategies take time to create. It is important to remember that wealth transfer is an ongoing process.

Like investing, different stages of our

lives call for different planning strategies. As we age, we need to revisit our plan to ensure that the tools Ty S. Mahaffey and strategies we are using are the most effective. Our lifestyle, possessions and types of beneficiaries all play into how we plan.

Over the next few issues, we will explore some of the planning tools and strategies available to us. Together we can learn some of the fundamental ways to plan.

The rules and laws associated with wealth transfer can work for us to accomplish our goals in the most efficient, economical fashion. Suffice it to say the time has come to be more proactive in preparing ourselves for the future. By taking the time to plan early, we will get the most benefit and the peace of mind of knowing we are doing the right thing.

By Ty S. Mahaffey

Ty S. Mahaffey of Mahaffey & Associates, LLC is an Elder law attorney focusing his practice on asset protection planning. He is a member of ElderCounsel, a national group of Elder Law.

WE NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS!

Winter is a good time to...

Buy more flowers!

6625 Maplewood Ave. Downtown Sylvania 419/824-0777 www.kabloomflowersandgifts.com • Find us on Facebook!

MARCH 2015

Whatever you’re saying, it’s better said with chocolate.

5665 Main St. • 419.517.4455 Downtown Sylvania www.mychoconotes.com

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Food...Glorious Food

Soup’s On!

By Mary Helen Darah

As Seen on Rebecca Regnier’s Full (roughly ½ inch thick) Plate, 13abc • 2 celery ribs, cut diagonally (roughly ½ Mid-winter is the perfect time to simmer inch thick) up some soup. Make a stock or simply buy • Fresh herbs of your choice. I love Italian a quality stock and get started. As “hostess flat leaf parsley, roughly a handful (sorry with the mostess,” Rebecca Regnier of Full Rebecca), a tablespoon of fresh basil, Plate seen locally on 13abc, will point out, and/or a bay leaf this cook is notorious for adding a “pinch” • 2 quarts chicken stock (homemade or of this and a “handful” of that. I have done bought) my darndest to come up with some • A package of pasta (8-10 oz.) of your measurable proportions. This soup never choice. I tend to cook seems to turn out the my pasta separately same as the contents of and add it into the my fridge are always in soup as the kids arrive perpetual motion. So from their diverse dive in and get creative. schedules and Grab a bowl, stay warm activities to keep it al and enjoy! dente.

Here is one soup base • 1 1/2 cups cooked made two ways. One and shredded chicken version is a • Kosher salt and black Mediterranean soup pepper (Sorry Rebecca and the other is an but it is a hearty Asian inspired soup I “pinch and grind”) created to please the Here’s the fun part! palate of our Mary Helen Darah and Rebecca Regnier You can add a can of watched over their pots of soup. international student drained northern beans from China. if you like a more broth-like soup or keep Mediterranean Soup: them in their juice for a thicker • 2 tablespoons olive oil consistency. Try adding a can of chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped tomatoes or the leftover veggies hanging • 3 cloves of minced garlic around in your fridge. Cauliflower adds a • 2 medium carrots, cut diagonally unique taste. Be bold! Be brave!

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

The Know How Put olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and herbs. Sauté for about five to six minutes until the vegetables are soft. Pour in stock and bring the liquid to a boil. At this point, you can add your pasta and simmer for about five minutes or make pasta separately to add later. Add chicken, salt, pepper and any other ingredients, such as northern beans, and simmer for a few minutes.

Asian Soup Add fresh ginger to the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.

Replace the Italian herbs with a cup of shredded cabbage and cubed, firm tofu. I like to add a SMALL drop or two of sesame oil for flavor. I also add thinly sliced mushrooms. Top off with chopped, green peppers for taste and to add visual flair.

Chicken Stock 101 I know you are supposed to use a WHOLE uncooked chicken but who are we kidding? In my house, I never knew what to do with a partially devoured chicken carcass. Now I throw it in a pot with veggies and make something wonderful.

• 2 carrots sliced in large pieces • 3 chopped celery stalks • 2 large quartered onions (I use white or sweet) • 2-3 cloves of diced garlic MARCH 2015

• fresh thyme (about ¼ of a bunch) • 1 to 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Place all of the above in a large pot and pour enough cold water to cover contents.

Place over medium heat until it comes to a slow boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2030 minutes. ***If you use a whole uncooked chicken you will need to simmer for an hour to an hour-and-ahalf partially covered.

Remove the skin and other “nasty stuff” as the daughters tend to say, that rise during the cooking process. You may need to add a little water to keep your chicken covered while it is simmering. Discard the bones and skin when it is cool enough to handle and remove the meat off the bones. Strain the broth to remove the veggies and you are good to go.

Enjoy the warmth of homemade soup that will satisfy many and make your kitchen smell delectable! So open your fridge and see what is available and get cooking!

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Adorn Your Abode

Keeping It Cozy Today’s forecast… frigid! And, spring seems a million years from now. But don’t lose heart. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your home has to be on the inside. Here are some tricks to cozy up your abode and bridge that gap between holiday and spring decorating.

Add some green. A few new houseplants, moss-covered wreaths, and boxwood topiaries - preserved or faux - will fill the void left after the Christmas tree and garlands have been packed away.

Light some candles. The soft glow of candlelight warms up any room. If you’re leery about using real candles, the flameless, battery-operated versions work wonderfully.

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They’re widely available, and many even come with timers and remotes.

Change your accent pillows, or just buy covers to freshen up your current pillows.

Try a vibrant new color or pattern.

Fill a large basket with throw blankets, and keep it near your couch. They’ll be handy for movie nights or just relaxing by the fire.

Treat yourself and your home - to fresh flowers.

Fill a vase (or two) and watch your rooms bloom.

Clean up the clutter.

Recycle magazines and junk mail. Donate any clothes you haven’t worn in a while. Tidy up junk drawers, and pitch any expired foods.

It may still be frozen out there, but a few simple tweaks in your home will lift your spirits and send old man winter packing.

By Jennifer Ruple

Jennifer Ruple is the author of the blog somedaycowgirl.blogspot.com.

WE NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS!

info@alliedmotorworks.com www.alliedmotorworks.com

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

Books for Boomers

Do you find yourself fighting the winter blahs?

Here are some great suspense and mystery novels that will help your cabin fever while you wait for spring!

Mr. Mercedes, by Stephen King

By Sue Schafer

Manager, Sylvania Branch, Toledo Lucas County Public Library

In a mega-stakes, high-suspense race against time, three of the most unlikely and winning heroes Stephen King has ever created try to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands.

The Silkworm, by Robert Galbraith

Cormoran Strike investigates the disappearance of a novelist who, in his most recent book, unflatteringly portrayed people from his life. Series: Cormoran Strike novels, 2

The Son, by Jo Nesbo

Serving time for crimes he did not commit in exchange for heroin payouts, Sonny Lofthus uses his spiritual charisma to navigate corrupt and violent elements in his life before learning disturbing truths about his police officer father's suicide.

The Good Girl, by Mary Kubiva

Central city art teacher Mia Dennett is taken hostage by her one-night stand, Colin Thatcher, who, instead of delivering her to his employers, hides her in a cabin in rural Minnesota to keep her safe from harm.

The Weight of Blood, by Laura McHugh

The Dane family has been keeping secrets in the Ozark town of Henbane for years. An outsider steals the heart of one of the Dane brothers, and the secrets threaten to unravel.

When 16-year-old Lucy’s friend is found murdered after being missing for a year, Lucy begins to ask questions–the answers to which may destroy her family.

I am Pilgrim, by Terry Hayes

Despite wanting to retire to a “normal” life, an American Intelligence operative stumbles upon the biggest case of his career. His story starts with an unrelated murder in a seedy New York hotel room and quickly escalates to a matter of national security.

MARCH 2015

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Tips for a Healthy Heart

Keep Pumping

As people have finalized their new year’s resolutions and headed into heart disease awareness month, it’s time to take a quick look at what resolutions will make the biggest difference in 2015.

As a cardiologist, the question I’m asked the most this time of year is, “What do you think I should focus on this year to make the biggest impact on my health?”

My first response is always to quit smoking.

When I give talks around the country on heart disease prevention, I always say that the top 10 things you can do for your heart is to stop smoking. All 10 of them are to stop smoking.

Smoking, more than anything else, is the single worst thing you can do for your heart.

No other change you make will have as positive an impact as to quit smoking. Even if you gain 20 pounds, quitting smoking is still the most important thing you can do. Don’t ever underestimate the impact of smoking cessation on your health. It’s nearly impossible to have a heart attack or stroke if you don’t smoke or have never been exposed to smoke.

After quitting smoking, the second risk factor that incurs the most risk is being overweight.

These two together increase inflammation and cause all the damage to your arteries that gives you everything from heart attacks and strokes, to erectile dysfunction and kidney damage. It’s very important to try to stay as close to your ideal body weight as possible. The only way to lose weight is eat less. Studies have shown that almost all diet plans work, just make sure

12

By Mohammed Alo, M.D. you select one and stick to it. Diets should not be temporary. They should be a permanent lifestyle change.

Get active. Exercise has a tremendous impact on health. In 2014, a study on running showed that running on a treadmill at a very slow pace (two to four m.p.h.) for five to 10 minutes every day reduces your cardiovascular mortality by 50 percent. And if you ran for five to 10 minutes just once or twice a week, you have reduced your mortality by 45 percent. So it’s important to get active.

Exercise improves the function of your arteries (which prevents heart attacks and strokes), lowers your blood pressure, lowers your blood sugar, and increases your good cholesterol.

However, you can never outrun a bad diet. You can’t eat poorly and think that you can run it off. Studies have shown that exercise is good at keeping lost weight off, but not usually enough to cause sufficient weight loss. The only type of exercise that has been shown to cause sufficient weight loss is resistance training with weights.

Eat right. Everyone knows what this means.

Eat more unprocessed foods that don’t contain refined sugars. The Mediterranean diet is the most proven and time tested. Multiple studies have shown that eating a Mediterranean-style diet reduces mortality. It’s a diet rich in green vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, and lean meats and no simple carbohydrates or refined sugars.

Hopefully, you will incorporate these resolutions into your 2015 and live a healthier and longer life. Follow up with your physician for more information and more personalized recommendations.

Dr. Mohammed Alo grew up in Sylvania, attended St. John’s Jesuit High School, University of Toledo, and has completed his medical training in Chicago. He practices cardiology in Sylvania with Toledo Cardiology.

BOOMERS

& Beyond

Love the Skin Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re In Know the Buzz?

By Jody Light

As we age and look in the mirror, our face radical damage. One of the newest antiaging ingredients in skincare, plant stem and our skin start to show the lines of love, laughing, sorrow and time. A good skincare cells, are immortal. And who wouldn't want some of that? While they never undergo the regimen becomes an even higher priority. aging process, they are continually creating Choosing skincare products may feel overwhelming especially understanding the new cells. Smoothing wrinkle formation, providing nutrition and tightening of ingredients. Here are a few important the skin are all benefits of this terms and ingredients to look for ingredient. when choosing the perfect product.

Retinol Medical or A derivative of Vitamin pharmaceutical grade A, incorporating retinol products into your skincare regimen may benefit These products contain the highest amounts of your skin. Retinol active ingredients. increases cell turnover, Unlike over the which slows down as counter products, a we age. It can even medical-grade skincare skin tone and texture line will penetrate into along with reducing the the cellular level of the visibility of fine lines and skin, which is needed to wrinkles. repair sun-damaged, dry, Hyaluronic Acid dehydrated or aging/mature skin.

Used in dermal fillers, hyaluronic Jody Light Peptides acid is a water binder that can hold Peptides are proteins, which function as its own weight in water up to 1000 times. moisture binding agents, helping to repair This must-have product will feed your skin the skin. When applying peptides topically moisture while reducing the appearance of through the skin, the skin will be tricked fine lines and wrinkles. into thinking it has lost collage recently and When choosing products for your skincare will produce more. Reduction of regimen, it is important to have the key inflammation and slowing down the signs of ingredients to repair and prevent skin aging in the skin are also benefits of damage. Consulting with a licensed products containing peptides. esthetician and getting a skin analysis is the Stem cells first step in achieving skincare goals.

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13

Rum! Rum! Rum! The Language of Rum

By Tammy Coxen

When people say to me â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like rum!â&#x20AC;? I best ways to have to wonder, â&#x20AC;&#x153;which one donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you like?â&#x20AC;? categorize the There are literally hundreds of rums on the complex world of market, and I firmly believe thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one for rum is by the everyone. White rums are light and clean, language spoken in almost like vodka, and great in a Mojito. Aged the place itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made. rums can be full of complex, spicy, molasses Spanish-style rums, flavors, and are lovely in a Mai Tai or perfect including those for sipping on their own. made in Puerto All rum comes from sugar cane. Sugar cane is Rico, Cuba, washed, crushed, and pressed to produce juice. Nicaragua, Panama, For some rums, fermentation takes place using Colombia and A winter getaway-in-a-glass!

Venezuela, are the fresh juice, or the juice after itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been typically lighter and smoother in style. Bacardi boiled into a stable syrup, which allows is the quintessential Spanish-language style producers to distill it year round. In other rum. Rums from the English speaking parts of cases the juice is used to make sugar, the Caribbean -- Barbados, Trinidad and then the rum is made using the Tobago, Belize and Jamaica -- are molasses which is a typically heavier, with lots of byproduct of sugar refining. estery-fruity notes, spicy flavors, Each base product makes and a strong base of molasses a different style of rum. flavor. I like those from Today rum is made Appleton in Jamaica. Rums that throughout the world, come from the French-speaking but the historical and islands of Martinique, Haiti, and practical center of rum Guadeloupe are made directly production is the from cane juice, and tend to have a Caribbean, and it dates back caramel flavor. Rhum Clement is the to the 1700s. From 1655 all popular rum there. the way up until 1970, sailors in Tammy Coxen Sipped on its own, mixed with Coke, or the British Navy were allowed a daily ration of rum. However, rumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity shaken into a fruity tropical punch, rum is the perfect winter getaway-in-a-glass! in America took a turn for the worst in the Tammy Coxen is the proprietor of Tammyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 19th century, with the increased availability Tastings. She teaches cocktail classes in Ann and appreciation of American whiskeys.

Arbor, Toledo and Tecumseh. Learn more at Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to take rum back! Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an easy tammystastings.com. way to find a rum that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll like. One of the 1HLJKERUKRRG $FH +DUGZDUH 1 0DLQ 6W 6\OYDQLD 2KLR

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BOOMERS

& Beyond

BOOMERS ON THE GO

UT Golden Alumni Society

L-R: Boomers Patsy Camp, Kent Hagemeyer and Mary Bell attended the Golden Alumni Society luncheon before the University of Toledo Lady Rockets took to the court in Savage Hall on Feb. 7.

The Society members are comprised of UT graduates who have been alumni for 50 years or more.

Boomers Networking

L-R: Kathy Schwartz, Phil Amadio and Michelle Keeling attended a meeting of the Boomers Resource Network, LLC Lake Erie Region. The group’s mission is to help Boomers successfully navigate life’s transitions. To get involved, contact Loren Frendt at 419-865-8503 or email lfrendt@aol.com.

You Need to Know VA Benefits Being Cut

The V.A. is proposing to slash eligibility for the “V.A. Pension,” or “A&A,” a monthly benefit that reimburses wartime vets or their surviving spouses for expenses in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and for in-home care. The public has until March 24 to comment. Your voice needs to be heard! The V.A. has to address all comments in the Federal Register. The full regulation can be viewed at https://federalregister.gov/a/2015-00297.

Please consider commenting on the lack of a grandfather clause for current recipients and for those who file before the effective date; the lack of advance warning of an effective date; the two acre limit on house lots; the restrictions against

MARCH 2015

By Debbie J. Papay, Attorney

eligibility in independent living facilities; and the formula penalizing widows for asset transfers at almost double the rate for veterans. Other provisions include a three year lookback for asset transfers, with up to a ten year ineligibility penalty.

Comment through http://www.regulations.gov (the VA’s preferred method), or by fax to 202/273-9026.

Comments must include that they are “in response to RIN 2900-AO73, Net Worth, Asset Transfers, and Income Exclusions.” Give reasons and examples in order for your comments to be given weight. “It’s not fair” or “I disagree” will not influence the V.A. on revising the proposal. Express your views to Congress, too! Just type your zip code into the directory on www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/ to obtain names and email addresses for your Senators and Representatives.

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GOINGBEYOND

attendEVENTS

HBA House & Home Show Thursday – Sunday, February 19-22 Seagate Convention Center, Toledo Exhibitors to change your home www.toledohba.com Perrysburg Winterfest Friday - Sunday, February 20-22, 4-10 pm National Ice Carving Association event with ice carvings, winter & children’s activities Ticketed beer tasting on Friday, Ticketed wine tasting on Saturday www.perrysburgwinterfest.org Jurassic Park at the Valentine Theatre Tuesday, February 24, 7 pm movie Dinosaur-related family friendly activities at 6 pm before the movie, Jurassic Park Call 419-242-2787 to reserve your ticket

getMOVING

Shamrockin’ Blarney Shuffle—21 and over only Saturday, March 14, 4 pm Blarney Irish Pub, Downtown Toledo 3 mile run/walk; be festive wear green, party tent www.runtoledo.com

Great Black Swamp Festival of Races Saturday, March 21, 8:30 - 10:30 am Fallen Timbers Middle School, 6119 Finzel Rd, Whitehouse, 25K, 15K, 5 K and 1K—Kid’s Race Proceeds benefit Bittersweet Farms & Toledo Roadrunners Scholarship www.greatblackswampruns.org

helpCHARITIES

Blue Grass & Green Acres Presented by Black Swamp Conservancy Friday, March 13, 6:30 pm, Carranor Hunt & Polo Club Music, Food, Live Auction, Tickets on sale now www.blackswamp.org Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Support the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary.

Save animals & receive membership benefits www.bestfriendsgive.org/njomantas2

searchWEBSITES

snapfish.com use personal photos to create digital prints & gifts nextag.com best prices on millions of products beyond.com recruiting & career site whysearch.com watch the most viral videos from around the web wag.com buy pet food, treats and accessories eatwith.com community of food lovers & world travelers that invite people into their homes for meals.

buyLOCAL

Restaurant Week Toledo Monday-Sunday, March 2-8, locally owned restaurants will feature a unique menu priced at $10, $20 or $30 per person excluding tax and tip.

Supports Youth Leadership Toledo

Business Trade Shows Visit local business vendors at these free community trade shows, information & give aways Friday, Feb. 27, 4:30-7 pm Anthony Wayne H.S. Anthony Wayne

Saturday & Sunday, March 7 & 8, 10 am-4 pm Lighthouse Landing Hall, 4441 N. Summit Point Place

Bedford Saturday March 14 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, March 15, 12-5 pm, Bedford High School, 8485 Jackman, Temperance, Mich.

Sylvania Saturday, March 21, 9 am-3 pm Tam-O-Shanter, 7060 Sylvania Ave. Rossford Saturday, March 28, 9 am-2 pm Owens Community College Student Health & Activity Center

serveVOLUNTEER United Way Toledo Tax Preparation Assist others with tax preparation, various hours www.uwtoledo.force.com