DECEMB BER 2017
Sassy • Spirited • Successful
Co-editors Jennifer Ruple and Mary Helen Darah
It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful. This month we have much to celebrate. We are grateful for the many places to shop in the 419. Check out some of our favorite spots for wine and gourmet food, art and music, clothing and accessories (pg. 3). If you plan on traveling this season, Theresa Russell offers tips to make your get-away less stressful (pg. 6). Local Boomers share the meaning and special traditions of their Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas celebrations (pg. 7). Robert Alexander shares his favorite music of the holidays—with a twist (pg. 10). Executive Chef Joe Felix offers a savory dish to keep you warm this winter (pg. 11). Saint Francis of Assisi is known for saying, “For it is in giving that we receive.” We offer options on gifts that will continue to give (pg. 12). We wish you the happiest of holidays and hope that the season finds you in good health, happiness and surrounded by those you love. As always, thank you for reading.
sas•sy
spir•it•ed
suc•cess•ful
adjective very stylish; confident and energetic
adjective full of courage or energy; very lively or determined
adjective having the correct or desired result; ending in success having achieved wealth, respect, or fame
Editors Mary Helen Darah Jennifer Ruple Boomer Consultant Sharon Lange Contributing Writers Robert Alexander, Jeff Bucher, Mary Helen Darah, Jennifer Ruple, Theresa Russell and Sue Schafer Distribution Veronica Fischer, Donald Frazier, Nancy Jomantas and Paul Jomantas Layout and Design Elissa Cary, P. Collins Boom Your Business with Advertising boomersandbeyond2014@gmail.com 419-824-0100 On The Web boomersbeyond.wordpress.com facebook.com/BoomersandBeyondSylvania Boomers Hangout 5657 N. Main St. #1, Sylvania, Ohio 43560
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Inside
• Shop the 419
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• No Stress Holiday Travel
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• How We Celebrate
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• Rock Matters
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• Let’s Dish with TMA Chef
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• Holiday Giving
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• Caring for Aging Parents
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• Books for Boomers
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• It’s a Date
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ON THE COVER L-R: Ryan Perry and Kathy and Rick Bohn celebrate the season with gratitude. BOOMERS
& Beyond
Plates and Places
Buy Local - Shop the 419 By Jennifer Ruple
Jennifer Ruple
This holiday season, do something good for your family and friends that also benefits our community. Shop locally! Our community is rich with artists and small business owners who put color, culture and creativity in our region. So, hit the pavement and enjoy holiday shopping the good, oldfashioned way. Here are some great area shops and boutiques to help send you on your very merry way.
Cream Velveteen
Home Décor
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Cream Velveteen 119 N. Ontario St., Toledo
wner Sharon Perry has brought shabby and very chic style to downtown Toledo. Celebrating its oneyear anniversary, Cream Velveteen is housed inside Rustbelt Coffee and carries refreshed furniture, decorative items, candles, chalk paint, gifts and more. While shopping, sip on a delicious chi latte or holiday wassail.
Cottage on the River 24202 Front St., Grand Rapids, Ohio Christmas décor, home accessories and custom painted furniture.
Lily’s at Levis 2110 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg For over 16 years, Judy Church has offered unique gift items and home accents at her shops. lilysatlevishome.com
DECEMBER 2017
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Art and Music
The Museum Store Toledo Museum of Art 2445 Monroe St., Toledo
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he premier place to shop for collectors of all ages, the Museum Store features a fabulous selection of glass, jewelry, books, stationery and items for children. Also available for gift giving are the 2017 Limited Edition Goblet and Ninth Edition Ophelia Ornament. toledomuseum.org
River Centre Gallery 5679 Main St., Sylvania An extraordinary selection of gifts showcasing regional and local artists. rivercentregallery.com
Museum Store
Culture Clash Records 4020 Secor Rd., Toledo Flip through the record bins and peruse the area’s largest selection of vinyl. cultureclashrecords.com
Wine and Gourmet Foods
Bottle Shop at Mancy’s Italian 5453 Monroe St., Toledo
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Bottle Shop
Sofo’s Italian Market 5400 Monroe St., Toledo Create a one-of-a-kind gourmet gift basket from Sofo’s selection of wine, cheese and Italian specialty foods. sofofoods.com
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et in the spirit of the season at the newly opened Bottle Shop, located inside one of the area’s favorite Italian restaurants. Shop for that fabulous hostess or the wine lover in your life from a large selection of wine and craft beer, priced to fit all budgets. mancys.com Paula Brown Shop 912 Monroe St., Toledo Shop an eclectic mix of home accessories, stationery, jewelry, wine and gourmet food products. paulabrownshop.com BOOMERS
& Beyond
Clothing and Accessories
V Collection and Barber Lounge 5630 Main St., Sylvania
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hop for the well-dressed man at V Collection men’s clothing store. Include a gift certificate to the Barber Lounge for an Executive Shave with a hot towel and neck massage or one of the many hair, shave and skin care treatments offered. vcollectiononline.com TK Layne’s Boutique Swamp Shop 5675 N. Main St., 500 Jefferson Ave., Sylvania Toledo A delightful gift shop For the local sports fan, visit featuring jewelry, the official store of the fashion accessories Mud Hens and Walleye. and home accents. swampshop.milbstore.com FiddleStix
V Collection
FiddleStix Boutique & Gallery 4165 Chappel Dr., Perrysburg 5693 Main St., Sylvania
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ith two locations to find one-of-a-kind items, FiddleStix offers the largest selection of Vera Bradley, S’well Bottles, Yeti coolers, Alex and Ani and Lokai in northwest Ohio. The boutique also specializes in personalized gifts and invitations for all occasions. fiddlestixboutique.com
DECEMBER 2017
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Holiday Travel
Plan ahead and ease the stress
By Theresa Russell
reboarding and rushing between gates. On the other hand, some kids might do better with a break in flights. Connecting flights add the possibility of delays and other interruptions and stress! Leave yourself plenty of extra time to reach the station or airport. Driving delays, long check-in and security lines at airports can be both frustrating and stressful. You don’t want to arrive at the grandchildren’s house all stressed out and exhausted. Online check-in may reduce time and curbside checkin is usually a real time-saver and convenience. Don’t forget to tip the agents there. Have everything organized for easy passage through the TSA line. Know what is allowed and isn’t and what you need to send separately through the conveyor belt. Wear shoes that are easy to remove. If you are bringing gifts for the family, consider shipping them ahead of time. Extra baggage fees add up quickly. Finding space on the plane can be difficult and who wants to be burdened with all of those packages? For both departures and arrivals, consider using a car-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to save the hassle and expense of leaving a car at the airport. It’s also more convenient at your destination and saves your children from packing all the grandchildren to retrieve you from the airport. And if you are visiting a houseful of kids with limited space, consider an Airbnb or hotel for your stay. With all the holiday activities, everybody might enjoy a bit of down time. Consider a food delivery service or prepared meal packages from the grocery for any meals during your stay. SUE HALL’S HOMEBOUND Realize that holiday travel is always hectic and don’t MOBILE SALON SERVICE expect things to go smoothly. Expect crowds, traffic Serving the elderly/homebound with extra care and concern jams, delays, challenging weather and other in the privacy of their home. annoyances. If you assume they will happen, you Special equipment allows may not be as stressed when they do happen. hair care to be comfortable The slight aggravations that holiday travel can present & less stressful! is worth it for the joy you will experience at your CALL FOR APPOINTMEN T family gathering. If you truly want to avoid holiday 419-472-2444 • 419-509-8595 travel, make sure that you host the holidays next time. HAIRCUTS • PERMS • WASH • STYLE • COLOR • NAIL CARE
The holidays are a time for family get-togethers with members often coming from distant locations. Holiday travel may be hectic, but there are ways to decrease the stress levels. When traveling by car, it’s easy to have your route planned for you with the help of apps and GPS; adjustments can be made depending on traffic. Moreover, if you belong to an auto club, it is worth having the routing done through them. Be aware of toll roads and bridges. Some areas, like the NYC area, have high tolls for bridge crossings. Be sure to budget for these roads and bridges. An E-ZPass is a handy way to move more quickly through the lines and not have to worry about having correct change. Make a list of what you have to pack. If traveling long distances with kids, be sure to pack plenty of entertaining items to keep them occupied during the drive. Be sure to plan ahead if you are taking a plane or train. Flexibility can be a money saver. Many airline booking sites have price calendars showing the least expensive days to travel. (And remember to book your flights directly with an airline rather than a third-party provider so that if there are any problems, you take priority over those who booked with a third party.) Be aware that the lower priced fares might require more connections or longer layovers. It’s up to you to judge whether or not a longer travel time is worth the savings. Often traveling on the day of the holiday nets cost savings. When traveling with young children, decide if a nonstop makes sense. It saves time with boarding and
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BOOMERS
& Beyond
The happiest of holidays By Mary Helen Darah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that remembers and celebrates a miracle. Two thousand years ago, the Jews were ruled by Antiochus IV, a cruel king. He drove the Jews out of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. They regained the Temple after its desecration by the Syrians. According to the Talmud, a Jewish text, the Temple was purified and rededicated. Part of this process included the burning of Joy Hyman-Goldberg, husband Richard and their grandchildren Max and Reed
lanterns. They had oil for one night, but miraculously the wicks burned for eight days. This year Hanukkah will be celebrated from sunset Dec. 12 to nightfall Dec. 20. Joy Hyman-Goldberg will be celebrating what she calls the happiest of holidays. Many families will celebrate by lighting the eight-branched candlestick called a menorah. Presents of Hanukkah gelt (coins) are also given. “We give chocolate coins,” stated Hyman. Children use the coins to play a game with a spinning top called a dreidel. Hanukkah also includes gift giving and food… lots of food. “Every family has their own food traditions, many that have been passed down for generations,” she s t a t e d . “Briskets, potato latkes, kugel and an array of desserts are part of the celebration. The most important aspect for me is the celebraMax and Reed Levin tion of our celebrate the happiest freedom and of holidays the underlying DECEMBER 2017
theme that it is far more important to give than it is to receive.” Hanukkah is often referred to as a “lesser holiday” by many of the Jewish faithful. Hyman-Goldberg feels differently. “I love celebrating Hanukkah. It’s the happiest of holidays,” she stated. “Children love the eight day celebration. The most meaningful part of the holiday is being together in a loving atmosphere, listening to the beautiful sound of laughter and seeing my grandchildren’s smiling faces. The first night for me is the most special. As we light the candles,we thank God for giving us life, for sustaining us and for enabling us to reach another season.”
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Kathy Bohn and her family celebrate the season… and the precious gift of life Christmas is Kathy Bohn’s favorite time of year. “It’s full of fun, family traditions and crazy decorating…including all of us on Christmas morning,” she stated. This is evident in their tradition of donning matching PJs for their holiday celebration. “It’s no small feat considering we are a very tall family— 6’8” on down!” As the children have grown, their cherished celebrations and traditions have taken on an even greater
4 metastatic cancer in 2016,” she stated. “My children all moved home to be with me through my treatments and to help me battle the fight for my life. Christmas that year was even more precious. My battle with the ‘beast’ was unwavering, and I responded well to treatments. Once again, by the grace of God, prayers, my husband, children, family and the support of our wonderful friends, I am currently in a ‘non-active’ status. I plan to keep it that way for a
The Bohn/Perry family, including Kathy, Rick, Steven, Ryan, Makenzie and Rachel, count their blessings.
importance. “It’s a time of reflection and true thanksgiving for our family,” said Bohn. “With work schedules and busy life commitments, it is a day when we rally and come together. It is truly a magical time of faith and family.” The family has faced many obstacles which have only strengthened their bond. “By the grace of God, my middle son Ryan survived what seemed a nonsurvivable car accident in November of 2013,” she recalled. “It put him in the hospital for a month fighting for his life. Recovery was long and involved lots of therapy.” Three years later, the family would face another tremendous hurdle. “I was given a diagnosis of stage
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long time!” It may appear to be a silly tradition to wear matching loungewear, but it has a far deeper meaning. “We have a tremendous bond,” reflected Bohn. “Nothing says, ‘We are in this together’ more than matching Christmas attire,” she jested. “Life is all about the people you have in it. God has richly blessed my family. I have the most wonderful family and am abundantly blessed with the most caring friends. Christmas will always be an enchanting time of year for us. Each year our love, faith and traditions continue to grow. Continued prayers for many more magical holidays together—of course in matching sleepwear—are always welcomed and appreciated.” BOOMERS
& Beyond
The principles to strengthen self and community
L-R: Rodney Gordon, Frank Wright, Yvonne Robinson, Diane Gordon and Iman Allizar are committee members for the upcoming Kwanzaa celebration.
Dr. Karenga Maulana created the celebration of Kwanzaa to reflect the best qualities of the harvest, or “first fruit” festivals, celebrated throughout Africa. He established the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles of Kwanzaa based on these ideals and characteristics. These principles include Unity (Umoja), Self Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba) and Faith (Imani). Each of the seven days of the holiday emphasize a different principle. This year Diane Gordon, Chairman of the Kwanzaa Group, will be celebrating Kwanzaa with her family as she has done since 1969 as well as with the community through the Frederick Douglass Center, located at 1001 Indiana Ave. A celebration is planned at the Center Dec. 26-29, beginning at 5 p.m. She has passed the traditions on to the younger generations in her life, including 24-year-old grandson Rodney Gordon. “The holiday takes place the day after Christmas. I have been celebrating Kwanzaa since I was born. It is a holiday that encourages and reminds you to not only improve yourself but your community as well,” stated Gordon. “It is a time to sit, gather, and talk about incorporating the principles of Kwanzaa throughout your life.” One of Gordon’s favorite nights of the celebration occurs on the second night which focuses on Kujichagulia, or Self Determination. “It is personally my favorite,” he stated. “Things aren’t always going to go your way. The principle reminds me that no situation is ever permanent. I try to hang on to and appreciate the good moments. The night reminds us individually, and as a community, to keep working toward our goals, move forward and strive to be better. Gordon DECEMBER 2017
also enjoys the sixth night, Kuumba, or Creativity. “The principle celebrates the importance of the arts and their role in bringing joy into the world.” Gordon plans on continuing the rich traditions that his grandmother has passed down to the young members of his family. “Everyone celebrates in their own way,” he stated. “The food, the songs, and the stories may vary but celebrants all strive to live by the principles of Kwanzaa in our daily lives.”
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Rock Matters
Broken hearted but counting my blessings By Robert Alexander Soon it will be Christmas. What a great time to count your blessings. I was intending to salute great Christmas rock music, but the only two Christmas albums Robert Alexander I like are Phil Spector’s “A Christmas Gift For You” and Bob Dylan’s “Christmas In The Heart.” Only the most ardent fan will listen to Dylan sing “Here comes Santa Claus,” and for obvious reasons, I no longer want Spector, a convicted murderer, on my turntable. So, let’s talk about recent rock matters. I am broken hearted because Tom Petty has passed on. I was late to jump onto Petty’s bandwagon, believing he was just another Bob Dylan impersonator, but as the years rolled by, I began to appreciate his range and understanding of rock ‘n’ roll. Tom and his band, the Heartbreakers, could do it all, everything from rockabilly to hard rock to plaintive ballads. My favorite Tom Petty song is “Echo,” so beautiful, cryptic yet revealing and now with his death so haunting... “It’s the same, as the same sad echo around here.” Glenn Frey also won’t be around this Christmas, so we headed to Motown to see the Eagles for what may be their final tour. It was pouring in downtown Detroit. After dinner and a couple of martinis at Small Plates, we Ubered it over to Little Caesars Arena. We squeezed through the metal detector and stepped onto the mother of all escalators. Up and around and up again we went until we entered through Portal 61. I turned to look over my shoulder as we climbed the additional 20 steps to our seats.
Holiday Playlist
“Do They Know It’s Christmas,” Band Aid “Blue Christmas,” Elvis Presley “Please Come Home for Christmas,” Eagles “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” Darlene Love
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Oh, good Lord! Did I mention I have acrophobia, a debilitating anxiety disorder that affects about one in every 20 adults? We passed the nose bleed section and finally sat down in our cerebral hemorrhage seats. Before you think I’m a “big baby,” a derogatory remark made by Stephanie to our friends just because I was gripping the railing with two hands and gasping for breath, consider this: We were 140 feet above the stage! Yes, we were soaring above the Eagles. It reminded me of Tom Petty’s song, “I got a room at the top of the world tonight and I ain’t coming down.” From the opening number, “Seven Bridges Road,” to Henley’s closing “Desperado,” they never disappointed the 19,000-capacity crowd. And with Vince Gill and Deacon Frey (Glenn’s son) sharing lead vocals on co-founder, Glenn Frey’s solos, they were fresh and new. Yet this was still the Eagles at their very best with Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmidt and Joe Walsh in perfect harmony. Yes, life’s been good to them so far. What a brilliant idea to have Gill join his favorite band and he took it to the limit all night long. The precision of the Eagles’ voices and instruments was uncanny making this an unforgettable evening. Whether you listen to “The Little Drummer Boy,” Handel’s “Messiah,” or “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” enjoy your Christmas and holiday season. I’ll be listening to the Eagles and Tom Petty. “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Maria Carey “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” Bruce Springsteen “Last Christmas,” Wham! “Little St. Nick,” Beach Boys “Run Run Rudolph,” Chuck Berry “Merry Xmas (War Is Over),” John Lennon
BOOMERS
& Beyond
Joe Felix
Savory and Satisfying Braised Chicken By Jennifer Ruple Joe Felix, executive chef at the Toledo Museum of Art Café, shares his hearty and full-of-flavor braised chicken recipe that is elegant enough to serve during a holiday meal or anytime just to take off winter’s chill.
Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs with Fried Parsnips Serves 4 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 1 carrot, chopped 1 onion, chopped 3 ribs celery, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups chicken stock 2 cups apple cider 2 star anise, whole 6 cloves, whole 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons oil Salt and pepper 1 large parsnip 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups vegetable oil
DECEMBER 2017
Pat dry chicken thighs and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large cast iron skillet and pour 2 tablespoons oil into skillet. Place chicken thighs skin down and sear for 3-4 minutes or until brown. Turn chicken and add chopped onion, carrot and celery. Sauté vegetables for 2 minutes and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, and then add cider and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to med-low. Cook for 30 minutes. While the chicken cooks, prepare the parsnip by peeling the outer layer and discarding. Continue to use the peeler to make long strips. Dust parsnip with flour and fry in 2 cups hot vegetable oil. Fry until parsnip turns light brown, season with salt. After the 30 minutes, remove cover from chicken, and finish cooking until liquid has reduced by half. Remove chicken from skillet and strain the pan gravy. Season gravy with a pinch of salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Place chicken and gravy on a plate and top with parsnip.
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Gifts from the heart that keep giving By Mary Helen Darah
This holiday you have the opportunity to not only make a donation but a DIFFERENCE. There are so many ways to prove that it is better to give than to receive. Here are just a few. Ability Center of Greater Toledo Frederick Douglass Community Mobile Meals of Toledo 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania, Ohio Association 2200 Jefferson Ave. Toledo, Ohio 419-885-5733 1001 Indiana Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 419-255-7806 abilitycenter.org 419-244-6722 mobilemeals.org A nonprofit that provides services to Various social services are offered The nonprofit agency assists the people with disabilities in NWO and including public assistance for food elderly, ill, disabled or home-bound Southeast Michigan. stamps, free food, and baby formula. with diet and meal preparation to remain in their own homes and retain The Arms Forces Heifer International their dignity and independence. PO Box 981 800-422-0474 Pamela E Hays, Maumee, Ohio 1 World Ave. Little Rock, Arkansas thearmsforces.org heifer.org A 501c3 nonprofit organization that Heifer helps people feed embraces the men and women of themselves. Heifer links communities Nightingales Harvest the military as well as veterans and helps bring sustainable 2820 W. Alexis Rd. with traumatic brain injury or post agriculture and commerce to areas 419-725-1190 traumatic stress disorder. with a long history of poverty. nightingales-harvest.org Nightingales Harvest is the first and Cherry Street Mission Ministries only food and toiletry pantry in NWO 105 17th St. Toledo, Ohio and Southeast Michigan that serves 419-242-5141 those in need with all cancers of all cherrystreetmission.org ages. The organization provides The nonprofit provides emergency hygiene and cleaning products as shelter that is open 24 hours a day, 365 nutritious food for cancer patients days a year. They also provide free food and their families. and clothing for those in need.
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BOOMERS
& Beyond
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,”
Planned Pethood 419-826-3499 plannedpethood.org pets@plannedpethood.org An organization that strives to reduce overpopulation of dogs and cats through education, low-cost spay/neuter and to rescue, provide veterinary needs, and place adoptable dogs and cats into homes.
Read for Literacy 325 N. Michigan St., Toledo, Ohio 419-242-7323 readforliteracy.org The organization provides a range of literacy services that enable children, adults and families the opportunity for success. They strive to inspire lifelong readers through exposure to a variety of literacy.
DECEMBER 2017
Salvation Army NWO Location is 620 N Erie Street, Toledo, Ohio 419-241-3549 The organization is a charity in Lucas County that offers referrals, help in applying for government aid, LIHEAP, food and clothing closet, and holiday assistance.
The Victory Center 5532 W. Central Ave. Ste. B, Toledo, Ohio 419-531-7600 thevictorycenter.org The Victory Center offers cancer patients and their family members therapies, support and hope. They also assist in medical management. Services include oncology massage, facials, counseling, support groups, gentle exercise meditation, art therapy and more.
— Winston Churchill.
Toledo Area Ministries Location is 3043 Monroe St., Toledo, Ohio 419-242-7401 The faith based charity helps the less fortunate. Emergency boxes of food, clothing, school items, and more may be on site.
Toledo Loves Gloves Helping Hands Stay Warm 1209 Adams St., Toledo, Ohio A temporary community effort to warm hands in need by donating new or slightly used gloves. A donation box is located on Adams Street across from ‘The Love Wall’. Items collected will be donated to various outreach programs.
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Shifting Roles Advice on caring for aging parents By Jeff Bucher Thanks to healthier lifestyles and advances in modern medicine, there are more Americans over the age of 65 than there have ever been. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2050, more than 20 Jeff Bucher percent of U.S. residents will be aged 65 and over, compared with 15 percent today. As our nation ages, many Americans are turning their attention to caring for aging parents. For many people, one of the most difficult conversations to have involves talking with an aging parent about extended medical care. The shifting of roles can be challenging, and emotions often prevent important information from being exchanged and critical decisions from being made. When talking to a parent about future care, it may be best to have a strategy for structuring the conversation. Here are some key concepts to consider. Cover the Basics Knowing ahead of time what information you need to find out may help keep the conversation on track. Here is a checklist that can be a good starting point: •Primary physician •Specialists •Medications and supplements •Allergies to medication It is also important to know the location of medical and estate management paperwork, including: •Medicare card •Insurance information •Durable power of attorney for healthcare •Will, living will, trusts and other documents Be Thorough Remember that if you can collect all the critical Jeff is giving away copies of “Beyond the Summit: The Hard-Working American’s Retirement Guide” to readers of Boomers & Beyond. If you would like a complimentary copy of the book, give the Citizen Advisory Group office a call at 419-872-0204.
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information, you may be able to save your family time and avoid future emotional discussions. While checklists and scripts may help prepare you, remember that this conversation could signal a major change in your parent’s life. The transition from provider to dependent can be difficult for any parent and has the potential to unearth old issues. Be prepared for emotions and the unexpected. Be kind, but do your best to get all the information you need. Keep the Lines of Communication Open This conversation is probably not the only one you will have with your parent about their future healthcare needs. It may be the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. Consider involving other siblings in the discussions. Often one sibling takes a lead role when caring for parents, but all family members should be honest about their feelings, situations, and needs. Don’t Procrastinate The earlier you can begin to communicate about important issues, the more likely you will be to have all the information you need when a crisis arises. How will you know when a parent needs your help? Look for indicators like fluctuations in weight, failure to take medication, new health concerns, and diminished social interaction. These can all be warning signs that additional care may soon become necessary. Don’t avoid the topic of care just because you are uncomfortable. Chances are that waiting will only make you more so. Remember, whatever your relationship with your parent has been, this new phase of life could present challenges for both parties. By treating your parent with love and respect—and taking the necessary steps toward open communication—you may be able to provide the help needed during this new phase of life. Jeff Bucher is the President and co- founder of Citizen Advisory Group, a comprehensive financial planning company in Perrysburg. You can contact him at 419-8720204; email at jeff@citizenadvisory.com; visit at 770 Commerce Dr., Perrysburg; or visit the website at www.citizenadvisory.com. Investment Advisory services are offered through Alphastar Capital Management. Alphastar Capital Management, LLC and Citizen Advisory Group are independent entities.
BOOMERS
& Beyond
Books for Boomers
Do you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season? Why not escape with an engrossing fantasy series? Here are some great suggestions to get you started.
A Song of Fire and Ice By George R.R. Martin, Bantam Books First Book in the Series: A Game of Thrones (1996) In the shadow of an oncoming winter likely to last longer than a decade, families ruthlessly vie for power in the Seven Kingdoms. As war threatens to erupt, the last heirs to a fallen dynasty wander the continent, and dragons make their return to the world.
Manager, Sylvania Branch, Toledo Lucas County Public Library
By Sue Schafer
Dark Tower By Stephen King First Book in the Series: The Gunslinger (1982) Gunslinger Roland Deschain fights otherworldly forces on his quest across a bleak and frightening landscape to find the Dark Tower, a legendary building fabled to be the nexus of all universes.
Dark Elf Trilogy By R.A. Salvatore First book in the Series: Homeland (1990) Drizzt the Dark Elf finds adventure, peril, and awesome magical power as he confronts the underground civilization of the evil race of Drow elves.
Wheel of Time By Robert Jordan First book in the Series: The Edge of the World (1990) Relates a tale of the bestial Trollocs, the witch Moiraine, and three boys, one of whom is fated to become the Dragon--the World’s only hope and the sure means of its destruction. The Sword of Truth By Terry Goodkind First book in Series: Wizard’s First Rule (1994) An unearthly adversary descends on an idyllic fantasy world, corrupting magic against good and slaughtering innocents, and only a single man can stop him.
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DECEMBER 2017
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gifts
It’s a Date
festivities
Toledo Bar Association Auxiliary Holiday Trunk Show and Raffle The Inverness Club, 4601 Dorr St. Friday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Twenty-nine local artists will offer glass items, jewelry, knitted pieces, paintings, accessories, hostess gifts and more. Raffle of items from each artist. Tickets for raffle are $5 for one (cash or checks only). Free admission.
Holidays in the Manor House Wildwood Preserve 5100 W. Central Ave. Dec. 2 – 17, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Ring in the holidays at the stately Manor House. Over 30 areas of the home will be transformed into a holiday wonderland. Free admission. metroparkstoledo.com
Christmas at The Butter Barn 5541 Consear Rd., Ottawa Lake, Mich. December 1-3 and 8-10 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. The Butter Barn offers a unique holiday shopping experience. The monthly sale showcases antique, repurposed and restored treasures in a beautiful barn setting. butterbeansantiques.com
Lights Before Christmas The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium Nov. 17-Dec. 31 A tradition since 1986. Experience the excitement created by 70 miles of lights and 10 miles of extension cords. Hours: Sun. – Thurs. 3 – 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 3 – 9 p.m. For tickets, visit toledozoo.com.
arts
Glorious Splendor: Treasures of Early Christian Art Toledo Museum of Art Through Feb. 18, 2018 A rare exhibition of Late Roman artwork from the second century B.C. to the seventh century. Approximately 30 masterpieces – glittering gold and silver, spectacular oversize carved garnets and rubies and dazzling rings and necklaces – have never been displayed in a museum. Free admission.
January 2018 Issue: Dec. 28 DEADLINE: Dec. 6
topics
Boomers Resource Network Uncle John’s Restaurant 3131 Secor Rd., Toledo Thursdays Boomers Resource Network, Lake Erie Region welcomes those born from 1946 to 1964 for its weekly event, 11:30 a.m. networking and lunch, 12 p.m. featured speaker, 1 p.m. networking. For speaker information, visit boomersrn.com.
vines
Wine and Food Tasting Sofo’s Italian Market 5400 Monroe St. Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. Sample wines and Chef Frankie’s amazing dishes and appetizers while shopping at the area’s premier Italian foods specialty store. Prices vary depending on wines offered. shopsofos.com
Got upcoming events? Email us at boomersandbeyond2014@gmail.com