The Best of Times November 2010 by Gary Calligas

November 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Celebrating Age and Maturityâ&#x20AC;?

INSIDE:

The Personal Touch:

Home Health and Hospice Care

D G I E R B over

Competitive Waters

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November 2010

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November 2010 • Vol. 19, No. 11 Founded in 1993 as Senior Scene News ISSN Library of Congress #1551-4366 A monthly publication from TBT Multimedia, LLC P.O. Box 19510 Shreveport, LA 71149 (318) 636-5510 TheBestOfTimesNews.com

Publisher Gary L. Calligas Gary.Calligas@gmail.com Editor Tina Miaoulis Calligas Editor.Calligas@gmail.com Account Executives William B. Combs Philip Maxfield Stephanie Poole Design & Layout Jessica Rinaudo Katherine M. Branch Webmaster Jason P. Calligas Writers Mary Flanders Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Jason Alderman, Lee Aronson, Katherine M. Branch, Suzy Cohen, Judge Jeff Cox, Randall Franks, Andrea Gross, Ted Kooser, Linda Mullican, Terry Schlichenmeyer, Dr. Marion Somers Council of Advisors Terri Brock, Senator Sherry Smith-Cheek, Clara Farley, Dora Miller, Raymon Owens, Mary Anne Rankin, and Mary Alice Rountree THE FINE PRINT: All original content published in THE BEST OF TIMES copyright © 2010 by TBT Multimedia, LLC, all rights reserved. Replication, in whole or in part by any means is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed are the sole responsibility of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of the publication, TBT Mulitmedia, its publishers or staff. Always consult properly degreed and licensed professionals when dealing with all matters financial, medical, legal or emotional. We cannot accept liability for omissions or errors and cannot be responsible for the claims of advertisers.

INA’s URN

oyal readers of this magazine know that I am a tennis junkie. I love the physical exercise, the fellowship of playing with old friends or against new opponents, the strategy, and of course, the thrill of winning a tough match. I never dreamed that I could get the same excitement from a card game. I love all sorts of games so my dear friend and tennis partner, Debbie Grand, offered to teach a few of us how to play Bridge. I thought - It's just a card game. I'll learn how to play in an afternoon or two, and enjoy getting together with friends from time-to-time to chat and play. It's been three years now. I'm still learning...and loving every minute of it. My occasional afternoon has turned into two (and on a good week, three) times a week. I enjoy the mental exercise, the fellowship of competing with old friends and new opponents (ranging from novices like myself to World Champions Betty Ann Kennedy and Nell Cahn), the strategy, and yes, the thrill of winning (and acquiring master points!). This month Mary Flanders introduces us to this fascinating card game and to some of the delightful new friends that I have made who love all aspects of the game as much as I do. Also in this issue we salute the hard-working, caring professionals and volunteers who provide home health care and hospice care. And you'll want to try our great Fall recipes, meet community volunteers Libby Gleason and Eddie Mae Cook, travel to Telluride, and learn a health tip or two. Until next month have a Happy Thanksgiving!! I'll be celebrating with my family in Alabama. My prayer is that you enjoy the blessing of God's many gifts and may today and every day be the best of times!

The Best Of Times

Tina

The Best of Times

Radio Hour

Hosted by Gary Calligas Broadcasting every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on AM 1130 KWKH, A Townsquare Media Radio Station in Shreveport, LA. November 6 “Volunteer Opportunities in Northwest Louisiana” Teresa Micheels, Director of RSVP(Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and Neva Jones, Director of Foster Grandparents Program www.caddocoa.org November 13 “2010 Les Boutiques de Noel” Libby Gleason, Chair www.lesboutiquesdenoel.com November 20 “Home Health Care Services” Panel of area professionals www.hclanet.org November 27 “Hospice Care Services” Panel of area professionals www.lmhpco.org December 4 “Medicare Health Plans” Billy Justice and Leslie Jones with Vantage Health Plan, Inc www.vhpla.com Streaming live at KWKHonline.com

Previously aired programs are available at www.TheBestOfTimesNews.com Do you have a question for one of our guests? Call 320-1130 during the broadcast or email Gary.Calligas@gmail.com prior to the show. November 2010

November 2010

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ovember contents

Briefly 8 In the News 10 STAT! Medical News

Special Report 12 Here Come the Boomers by Bob Moos

Advice 14 From the Bench by Judge Jeff Cox Grief Strikes Us All

Vy Ammons The Best Of Times

16 18 32 35

Laws of the Land by Lee Aronson My Three Sons Money Matters by Jason Alderman Slash Your Phone Bills Dear Pharmacist by Suzy Cohen Be a Mad Scientist – Make Healing Teas Ask Dr. Marion by Dr. Marion Somers Helping A Parent Handle Their Finances

Features 21 27

40 42

Traveltizers by Andrea Gross The Twin Towns of Telluride Restaurant Review by Jessica Rinaudo Agave in DiamondJacks

The Personal Touch: Home Health Care & 45 The Bookworm Hospice Care by Terri Schlichenmeyer by Katherine M. Branch "Home Team: Coaching Bridge Over Competitive The Saints and New Waters Orleans Back to Life" by Mary Flanders 54 American Life in Poetry by Ted Kooser Columns "In November" 33 Volunteer Salute by Linda Mullican In Every Issue Honoring Eddie Mae 46 What’s Cooking? Cook The Fabulous Flavors 36 Southern Style of Fall by Randall Franks 48 Get Up & Go! Colorful Roots November's calendar 38 Profile in Pizzazz 50 Our Famous Puzzle Pages by Mary Flanders 52 Gold Pages Libby Gleason Keeps Giving and Giving…. November 2010

in the NEWS

Medicare Covers the Cost of Some Immunizations Now is the time to get immunized. Medicare covers flu, pneumococcal and Hepatitis B shots. Beneficiaries pay nothing for the flu or pneumococcal shots. People at risk for Hepatitis B pay 20 percent, after the deductible, for those immunizations.

Men Dying of Prostate Cancer Referred Too Late to Hospice Care More than half of men dying of prostate cancer use hospice care – a significant increase over the last two decades – but most wait too long to enroll so they can’t take full advantage of the palliative care that could make their deaths easier, a study by researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found. For hospice care to be most effective, patients should be enrolled for several weeks prior to their deaths.

VA Improving Veterans’ Access to Health and Benefits Information The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a multi-year initiative called Veterans Relationship Management (VRM) that will greatly improve Veterans’ access to health care and benefits information. Veterans will have a better experience when they contact VA for assistance, and employees will be able to quickly convey accurate, up-to-date information through call centers and the Internet. An important component of VRM is the Internet site, which puts the Veteran in the driver’s seat for information. VA will provide a single sign-on capability for both Servicemembers and Veterans. Self-service access through the Internet site (www.ebenefits.va.gov) is already available in some benefit areas, including military personnel records, VA home loan eligibility certificates, and status information on compensation and pension claims.

November 2010

No Social Security COLA for 2011 Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 58 million Americans will not automatically increase in 2011, the Social Security Administration recently announced. The Social Security Act provides for an automatic increase in Social Security and SSI benefits if there is an increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the last year a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was determined to the third quarter of the current year. As determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is no increase in the CPI-W from the third quarter of 2008, the last year a COLA was determined, to the third quarter of 2010, therefore, under existing law, there can be no COLA in 2011. Other changes that would normally take effect based on changes in the national average wage index also will not take effect in January 2011. Since there is no COLA, the statute also prohibits a change in the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax as well as the retirement earnings test exempt amounts. These amounts will remain unchanged in 2011. Information about Medicare changes for 2011, when available, will be found at www.Medicare.gov. The Department of Health and Human Services has not yet announced if there will be any Medicare premium changes for 2011. Should there be an increase in the Medicare Part B premium, the law contains a “hold harmless” provision that protects more than 70 percent of Social Security beneficiaries from paying a higher Part B premium, in order to avoid reducing their net Social Security benefit. Those not protected include higher income beneficiaries subject to an income-adjusted Part B premium and beneficiaries newly entitled to Part B in 2011. In addition, almost 20 percent of beneficiaries have their Medicare Part B premiums paid by state medical assistance programs and thus will see no change in their Social Security benefit. The state will be required to pay any Medicare Part B premium increase. For additional information about the 2011 COLA, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ cola. For additional information about changes in the national average wage index, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/COLA/AWI.html.

LA Healthcare Provider Organizations Unite to Protect Patients and Services The LA Ambulance Alliance, LA Hospital Association, LA State Medical Society, MedicineLouisiana and the Metropolitan Hospital Council of New Orleans recently announced the formation of the Coalition to Protect Louisiana’s Healthcare to protect healthcare services for the state’s most vulnerable patients. The Coalition is committed to working with Gov. Jindal’s administration, the LA Legislature and the Department of Health and Hospitals on improving healthcare for Louisiana. Coalition members support strategies to expand healthcare coverage, access and coordination; to provide adequate and sustainable funding for providers; to improve quality and outcomes; and to protect and enhance graduate medical education. TheBestOfTimesNews.com

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November 2010

STAT!

Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Metabolic Syndrome in the Elderly A new study conducted at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam adds to the mounting evidence that older adults commonly have low vitamin D levels and that vitamin D inadequacy may be a risk factor for the metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects one in four adults. Because the metabolic syndrome increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, an adequate vitamin D level in the body might be important in the prevention of these diseases. The researchers found a 48% prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly and that nearly 37% of the total sample had the metabolic syndrome, a clustering of high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, abnormal cholesterol profile and high blood sugar.

Cut Back on Salt to Stop Strokes

Chest CompressionOnly CPR Improves Survival in Cardiac Arrest Patients Heart attack patients whose hearts have stopped beating and who receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from bystanders fare better if their resuscitators skip the rescue breaths and do only chest compression, according to a study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The study determined that the chest compression-only method of CPR improved survival rates by 22% over standard CPR which involves alternating chest compressions with rescue breaths. Researchers noted that when a person goes into cardiac arrest because of a heart problem, that individual normally has plenty of oxygen in the body so rescue breaths aren’t as vital to survival as trying to keep blood flowing as regularly as possible. However, if cardiac arrest is secondary to trauma, drowning or a problem not directly related to heart function, then it is advisable to do standard CPR that includes rescue breaths. It was stressed that the findings do not apply to children with cardiac arrest. Whether a bystander had previous training in CPR had no effect on patient survival in this study. The new study also found that the benefit occurred only when 911 dispatchers coached bystanders to use chest compression-only CPR. The findings suggest that if someone nearby has a heart attack, it’s important to first call 911, and then begin chest compressions.

November 2010

In a dramatic new study, researchers estimate that cutting out just 3 grams a day (about half a teaspoon of salt) could prevent up to 99,000 heart attacks and 66,000 strokes a year. (RealAge.com)

Study Finds Watermelon Lowers Blood Pressure No matter how you slice it, watermelon has a lot going for it - sweet, low calorie, high fiber, nutrient rich - and now, there’s more. Evidence from a pilot study led by scientists at Florida State University suggests that watermelon can be an effective natural weapon against prehypertension, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. Approximately 60 percent of U.S. adults are prehypertensive or hypertensive. Prehypertension is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 120-139 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) over diastolic pressure of 80-89 mm Hg. “Systolic” refers to the blood pressure when the heart is contracting. “Diastolic” reflects the blood pressure when the heart is in a period of relaxation and expansion.

Healthy Diet Rocks Kidney Stones According to a recent study in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, a diet aimed at lowering high blood pressure can also prevent kidney stones. The study looked at the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) model and its affect on kidney stones. A DASH diet is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, dairy products and whole grains. It’s low in red meat, processed meat and sugary drinks. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people who are prone to kidney stones should try and produce at least 2 quarts of urine every 24 hours to prevent future stones. Despite drinking the same amount of fluid, people on the DASH-style diet urinated more than the other group. This finding suggests that the DASH-style diet might limit the occurrence of kidney stones. People on the DASH diet also had higher levels of citrate, a compound that helps prevent calcium kidney stones. The results suggest that low-fat dairy products and/or plants may have potent kidney stone–fighting properties. TheBestOfTimesNews.com

The Best Of Times

November 2010

special REPORT

Here Come the Boomers by Bob Moos The first wave of Baby Boomers will turn 65 next year and become eligible for Medicare. Beginning Jan. 1, about 8,000 Boomers a day will join the ranks of the 47 million Americans already benefitting from the nation’s largest health insurance program. True to form, the generation that has gone through life believing it’s invincible hasn’t given much thought to Medicare. Indeed, research from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners says many Boomers are confused about the basics. About two-thirds of those surveyed admitted they aren’t

familiar with the insurance program’s options. That’s cause for concern. Boomers who don’t understand the fundamentals of Medicare won’t be able to make informed decisions about their health care. So here’s the short course – Medicare 101, if you will – for the 76 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964. Medicare comes in four parts. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled-nursing care, home health services and hospice care. You won’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes during your working years. Part B covers doctor visits, preventive services, outpatient hospital care and medical equipment. You’ll pay a monthly premium for Part B -- $110.50 for new enrollees this year. If your income is higher than $85,000 as an individual or $170,000 as a

couple, you’ll pay a higher premium. You’ll probably also buy a Part D drug plan from one of the private insurance companies in the business. The monthly premium, annual deductible and other out-of-pocket costs will vary according to the particular plan you choose for your individual prescription needs. Because Original Medicare usually pays for most, but not

all, of a patient’s health care costs, you may consider shopping for additional coverage or for help with the out-ofpocket expenses that Medicare doesn’t pay for. Under Part C, you can join a Medicare Advantage health plan sold by private insurers. In addition to the services that Original Medicare covers, Medicare Advantage plans usually offer extra benefits, like dental, hearing and vision

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care. Most include drug coverage. The plans may also charge a separate monthly premium on top of the Part B premium. As an alternative to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can supplement your Medicare coverage by buying “Medigap” insurance. In return for a monthly or quarterly premium, the private policies fill many of the “gaps” for deductibles, copayments, co-insurance and other charges not picked up by Medicare. Besides mastering the ABC’s and D’s of Medicare, you’ll need to know what to do to get your benefits. That’ll depend on whether you’re already collecting Social Security. If you’re on Social Security, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare’s Part A and Part B. About three months before your 65th birthday, you’ll get a Medicare card and letter in the mail explaining that your monthly Part B premium will be deducted from your Social Security check. You’ll have the option of declining Part B coverage. But unless you have health care coverage through your or your spouse’s current employer, delaying enrollment in Part B could result in a penalty – in the form of a higher monthly

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premium -- when you do sign up later. There’s also a penalty for joining a Part D drug plan later. If you’re not on Social Security when you turn 65, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare yourself. The Social Security Administration, which is responsible for enrolling most people in the health insurance program, says you can start the process about three months before your 65th birthday. Don’t fret. It’s not hard. There’s a new online application that takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov and click on “Retirement/ Medicare.” Or, if you don’t want to apply online, you can make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213. As I said, this was the short course. For more detailed information about Medicare, get a free copy of the “Medicare & You” handbook. You can download it at www.medicare.gov or request a copy by calling Medicare’s toll-free help line at 1-800-633-4227. And, by the way, happy 65th! Bob Moos is the Southwest public affairs officer for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

November 2010

daily basis. We see physical death where we lose a loved one and cannot talk to them again. We also see the living death, such as in divorce or losing a close friend. Sometimes the living death is hardest because the This year has been person is alive, but an especially hard for some reason the year for me. My bond of friendship brother and several is broken and that close friends have person does not want died this year and I to communicate with just learned another or talk to the other friend does not have Judge person. I see this in too long to live. I Jeff Cox divorce court on a thought that I had daily basis. There is dealt with the issues and una grieving process which takes derstood the grieving process place in both instances. This due to my family being in the grieving process can be very funeral home business. But after visiting the farm where my brother used to hunt, I was overwhelmed by the emotion of not seeing him there to give me a hard time. I then thought difficult to handle, but we all that grief touches us all. usually come out on the other We all see death on a side stronger.

from the BENCH

Grief Strikes Us All

Most professional counselors describe grief as a several step process. First, the grieving person may be depressed and withdraw from society. The person may be moody and emotional. Second, the person may feel lost and feel their whole world has collapsed around them. Third, the person may become angry and ask why this had to happen. Fourth, the person starts to

Your presence means more than any words you can say.

November 2010

accept the loss. And finally, the person begins to move on with life. This process can take

several months to go through depending on the person and the circumstances. It is not an overnight process and it does take time to get over the grief. Many people do not know what to do when a person loses a loved one. Many people go to the funeral home and do not know what to say. Sometimes there is nothing that you can say depending on the circumstances. Sometimes nothing is better than saying something wrong. Your presence means more than any

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words you can say. The grieving family members need your company and will need someone to talk to after everyone has left and the funeral is completed. Grieving persons need a shoulder to lean on and a heart to comfort them. If the grieving process starts because of a divorce, that person also needs friends. Typically where a divorce is involved, friends usually stay away due to the fact that they don’t want to get involved, don’t know what to say, or don’t want to be in the middle of the legal process. The people involved in the divorce feel all alone and feel like they have lost their best friend. Grief can sometimes be even harder in this situation as the other person is still alive and could be contacted. Regardless of the reason for loss, grief is a process. Each person grieves in their own way. If you know someone going through the grieving process, be a friend. Listen and be there for them as it might be your turn next. If you are grieving, know the time will come when the sun will shine bright again and life will make sense. Judge Jeff Cox is the 26th Judicial Court Judge for Bossier/Webster Parishes, Division C.

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November 2010

the house with Mike and there would be nothing Mike could do to stop them. And here is something else that any of the brothers could do. If they can’t come to an agreement, then any one of the brothers, acting alone, could go to court and demand that the Steve, a widower who lost house be sold. The home would his wife at a young age, had 3 then go up for sale at a sheriff’s sons: Mike, Robbie and Chip auction and whoever made the (not their real names.) When highest bid would win. Mike Steve died, he left his house to could go to the auction and bid. his sons. Mike moved into the So could Robbie. And so could home. But he didn’t pay any Chip. But so could anyone else, rent to Robbie or Chip. Nor Lee including you and me. Once the did he pay any of the property taxes on the home. He left that Aronson highest bidder paid his money, the sheriff and the court would up to Robbie and Chip. Could take their fees off the top and the remainRobbie or Chip demand that Mike pay rent? Could they evict Mike if he refused? der would be split 3 ways between the brothers. No. Such an action is called a Because Steve left the home to his partition lawsuit and I really three sons, they are each co-owners of think such suits ought to the home. Mike owns a third. Robbie be an action of last owns a third. And Chip owns a third. As resort because the co-owners, each of them has the right to fees charged by the live in the home rent free. So Robbie or court and the sheriff Chip can’t demand rent and they can’t are very high. Much evict Mike. But they could move on into

LAWS of the land

My Three Sons

November 2010

higher than the fee a real estate agent would charge to sell the house. And to make matters worse, there is no requirement that the Sheriff start the auction off with a minimum bid. In one Louisiana case, the home that the co-owners could not come to an agreement on was appraised for $400,000. A partition lawsuit was filed and the Sheriff decided to start the bidding at $270,000. One of the co-owners thought that a starting bid of $270,000 was way to low and tried to get a Judge to stop the sale. The court refused, stating, “There is

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no requirement that there be a minimum bid at all.” Here’s another situation that I’m hearing more and more often (probably because of Haynesville Shale): Great Grand Father owned 100 acres of land. Now, several generations later, about 40 or 50 different heirs have inherited and co-own the land. An investor comes along and buys out some of the heirs, thereby becoming a co-owner. But not all of the heirs are willing to sell. They want to keep the family land. Because the investor is now a co-owner, he can go to court and demand the 100 acres be sold at sheriff’s sale. And if the investor or someone else is the highest bidder, then all of the heirs who refused to sell will lose their family land. Getting back to Mike, Robbie and Chip: after Dad died, Mike moved into the home but Robbie and Chip paid the property taxes. According to Louisiana law, ultimately each co-owner will share the payment of the taxes equally. So if a partition suit is filed, after the sale, because Mike hasn’t paid his share of the property taxes, that amount will be deducted from Mike’s share of the proceeds of the Sheriff’s sale and given to Robbie and Chip. But when it comes to reimbursement of rent, Robbie and Chip are out of luck. Even though only Mike lived in the home, Louisiana law does not say that Mike’s share of the proceeds from the Sheriff’s sale is to be reduced by the fair rental value of the property. Lee Aronson is an attorney with Legal Services of North Louisiana. His practice areas include consumer protection law, housing law and health care law.

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Here are a few cost-saving tips that might help: Examine your home phone bill for services you may have signed up for but aren't using, such as call waiting, call forwarding or caller ID. Dropping them could save $100 a year or Sometimes I miss more, depending on the days before cell your plan. phones, email and If you have good voicemail. Sure, cell phone reception they've simplified at home, try using our lives in many your cell for longways – remember distance calls. But be how frustrating it sure to stay within was trying to reach Jason your monthly minpeople before anute allowance or your Alderman swering machines? bill will skyrocket. On the downside, though, not When in doubt, check your only do we often feel compelled remaining minutes at your to be accessible 24-7, but it's carrier's website or by calling expensive. After factoring in or texting their "remaining balInternet service and cable or ance" code. satellite TV, you might be payMore and more folks are ing thousands of dollars a year dropping their land lines alto keep your family wired and together, relying solely on cell wireless. phones. Just be sure it's always

Money MATTERS

Slash Your Phone Bills

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November 2010

fully charged – beware of extended power failures. And note that in an emergency, 911 operators may not be able to track your location if you're unable to speak, as they can with a land line. Another possible route is using a service that let you make free or low-cost calls (often, including international calls) using your Internet broadband connection. Some popular versions include Skype, Vonage and Google Voice. You'll need to buy certain equipment upfront to enable the connection and monthly and/or per-minute charges may apply. In addition, many cable TV carriers offer competitively priced digital phone service via their broadband connection. Be aware that with either of these types of broadband phone service you risk losing coverage during power failures, so it's wise to have a cell phone as backup. You may be able to lower your overall communications bill by bundling home phone, cell phone, TV and Internet services together through one carrier. Plus, it's convenient to pay only one monthly bill. Just make sure you're not being restricted on services you want or overpaying for those you don't; and do the math on

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rates after the introductory period, if one applies. A few more tips: • Watch for offers made to new customers and ask to be given the same deal – or threaten to take your business elsewhere. • Using a prepaid phone card for longdistance calls from home may be cheaper per minute than coverage through your phone company. • Ask if your employer has a cell phone plan discount for employees. • Explore family calling/texting plans in which you can share minutes among family members. • Add up your family's monthly calling and texting charges and see if the carrier's unlimited minutes plan is more affordable. Comparing all these options may seem like a lot of work, but you could save hundreds of dollars a year by choosing the right plans. Plus, you may just realize that you're wasting too much valuable time on the phone, watching television and surfing the Internet. Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney

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November 2010

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ovember is National Home Care and National Hospice Month. Both services can benefit those who directly need them and their families. As the trend of helping people age in place continues in this country, both home health care and hospice care will play a key role in making that possible. HOME HEALTH CARE Home health care involves a wide range of health and social services which are administered in a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home to recovering, disabled or chronically ill persons. It includes medical, nursing, social, and therapeutic treatment and assistance with the activities of daily life. They make it possible for the care recipient to remain in the home and provide respite for family caregivers. Everyone who is homebound and certified as such by their doctor is eligible for home health care. Their doctor will determine the specific services they need. Homebound does not necessarily mean bedridden or bed bound, but that leaving the house requires major effort. When leaving the house, it must be infrequent or to get medical care. Home health care is provided by skilled nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, medical

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social workers and certified nursing assistants. Skilled nurses provide assessment and manage the disease processes and medication regimens. They can also provide and teach infusion therapy, wound/wound vac therapy, ostomy care, catheter care, and pain management. Rehabilitation services provided as home health care include home exercise programs, gait training, activities of daily living and instruction about home safety. Nursing assistants provide assistance with personal care needs. Medical social workers assess for psychological-social needs, assist with long-range planning, community resources, and medication assistance. Although home health care can be paid for by a patient or a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family members, there are a number of public and private sources available to cover the costs. Some private insurance includes provisions for home health care. Public third-party payers include Medicare, Medicaid, the Older Americans Act, the Veterans Administration, and Social Services block grant programs. Community organizations, such as local chapters of the American Cancer Society and Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association, may provide some funding for home health care. A Medicare-certified home health agency has to meet federal November 2010

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minimum requirements for patient care and management. These government requirements ensure the care these agencies provide is supervised and controlled. Home health care agencies recruit and supervise their personnel, and therefore assume liability for all care. HOSPICE Hospice care is often called “end of life care” because the focus changes from cure and healing to making the patient as comfortable and as pain free as possible when an individual is deemed to be in the last phases of an incurable disease. Additionally, the staff helps care for the patient’s emotional and spiritual state and offer a strong support system and grief counseling to family members. Hospice care affirms life and neither prolongs life nor hastens death. The goal is to improve the quality of a patient's last days be offering comfort, dignity and support. Hospice care involves an interdisciplinary team of skilled professionals and volunteers who provide medical, psychological and spiritual care for the terminally ill. Doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists, and trained volunteers care for the patient based on their special areas of expertise. Hospice care is often administered in the home and enables the patient to stay in their home and be with their family. However, it can also be administered in nursing homes and some hospices have their own facilities for on-site hospice patient care. Hospice professionals are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. They work to assist the family in caring for the patient,

November 2010

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while honoring the patients’ wishes and keeping them free from pain. Anyone who has a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of six months or less to live is eligible for hospice care. Medicare, Medicaid, the Department of Veterans Affairs, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations pay for hospice care. Along with this, community contributions and foundation gifts allow many hospices to give free services to patients who can't afford payment. Hospice is about far more than pain management and in fact, certain treatments can still be administered to a person under hospice care. If the treatment is for comfort or symptom control, and not for a cure or to prolong life, then it is considered part of the comfort measures offered. Obviously, when a person begins hospice care, it is a very emotional time for them and their families. However, it is not a time filled only by sadness and fear. Hospice professionals stress that hospice care gives the patient and family more quality time, and removes a lot of the burden that the family members have been bearing as they care for their loved ones. This frees them up to really focus on just being with the patient. When a caregiver doesn’t have to worry about the details associated with care, and does not have to worry about their loved one being uncomfortable or in pain, they gain precious time to spend with their loved one. A hospice patient isn’t necessarily homebound, either. If they are able, they can leave the home, and are actually encouraged to do so if it is what they want. Following the death of a hospice patient, the hospice provider will continue to assist the family through bereavement services. These services vary slightly from provider to provider, but generally include regular calls or visits to the family following the patient’s death. Additionally, many hospice providers have regular support group meetings for the families of those who have lost loved ones. Home health care and hospice care can greatly improve the quality of life for those in need, and can be an essential resource for their families. These valuable organizations help individuals take control of the manner in which they and their loved ones live and die.

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November 2010

North Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oldest Hospice

318-212-2170 24

November 2010

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RESOURCES Home Health Care Services (Medicare Certified) Ark-La-Tex Home Health, Inc. 2090 Stockwell Road Bossier City, LA 71111 (318) 747-6180 arklatexhomehealth.com Skilled nursing care with 24 hour on call RN. Home health aides assist patients in their personal care needs. Therapy services available include: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. For more information, please call (318) 747-6180. MediStar Home Health 2103 Old Minden Rd, Suite A Bossier City, LA 71112 (318) 742-4026 medistarhomehealth.com One of the largest home health agencies in Louisiana, providing nurses, therapists, aides, and social workers, including wound care specialists and IV therapy. Recognized as HomeCare Elite Top 500 (nationwide). For more information, please call (318) 742-4026 United Home Health Care of Shreveport 9400 Village Green Drive Shreveport, LA 71115 (318) 798-7777 unitedhomehealthcare.com United Home Health Care of Shreveport is a family owned and operated Medicare home health agency which has been caring for friends and neighbors since 1984. Services provided include: skilled nursing care, therapies, home health aide services, and medical social worker services.

pain relief and management of physical symptoms, as well as emotional and spiritual support. Patients are referred to our program by his/her attending physician, family, or friends. For more information, please call (318) 222-5711. St. Joseph Hospice 668 Jordan Street Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 222-8723 stjosephhospice.com St. Joseph Hospice embraces the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both the patient and the family facing a terminal illness. The goal is to make every day a good day by providing comfort, peace, support, and dignity to hospice patients through aggressive management of pain and symptom control. A JCAHO accredited hospice. For additional information,

please call (318) 222-8723 Willis Knighton Hospice of Louisiana 616 East Flournoy Lucas Road Shreveport, LA 71115 (318) 212-2170 wkhs.com Hospice of LA-WKHS provides skilled services and compassionate support from a team of professionals that includes the attending physician, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, and volunteers. This team works with the patient and the family to provide the best care possible and focus on the quality of life rather than the quantity of life by letting the patient live at home surrounded by loved ones and familiar possessions and letting the patient live life his or her own way. For more information, contact us at (318) 212-2170.

Hospice Services LifePath Hospice 8720 Quimper Place, Ste. 100 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 222-5711 lifepathhospicecare.com LifePath Hospice provides care for patients who need The Best Of Times

November 2010

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D G I R B over E

Competitive Waters by Mary Flanders

ridge is a card game played by 4 people with a deck of 52 cards. Sounds so simple, right? How easy can it be? In every hand one of the 4 players is the dummy and doesn’t even play, but sits quietly as the hand is played out. Sounds simpler than “Go Fish,” right? Oh, NO! Not by any means. It’s a game of complicated strategy, of bids and conventions, of correct tempo and proper etiquette, governed by exact rules and requiring an excellent memory, played by fierce competitors who happen to be the nicest people you’ve ever met. People like Vy Ammons, who’s been honored by the ACBL as a goodwill ambassador for the game of Bridge. Talk to her for five minutes and you’ll know she loves the game. She’s been playing Duplicate Bridge since the early sixties and has been a director for thirty five years. The director runs the entire bridge gathering, the person who tells everyone what to do and how to do it. Part choreographer and part referee, the director is the go-to person with any question during play. As she says, “being the director is somewhere between being a lawyer and a psychologist.” You have to know how to handle people diplomatically. It’s obvious Vy does it very well. She and Cliff Miller direct the Novice Game on every Tuesday afternoon at the Bridge Association where there’s always 13 to 16 tables filled with “Rookies and Aces.” Not too long ago Vy suffered heart breaking tragedy with the death of her husband followed closely by the death of her oldest daughter.

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November 2010

Bridge originated in England in the 16th centur y as a card game called whist.

In 1903 the British in India began calling the trump suit thus introducing auction bridge.

In the 1920s Contact Bridge developed from auction bridge.

Charles Goren wrote Contract Bridge Complete and popularized the poin t system used today.

Either would be a great burden for anyone to carry, together, alwrote Contract Bridge Complete and popularized the point count most impossible to deal with. But as Vy puts it, “Bridge saved my system for bidding used today. He won the first Bermuda Bowl life. If it hadn’t been for my bridge game, I wouldn’t have been World Championship in 1950. In 1955 he was named “the King able to get out of bed. It kept me going.” And her friends are still of Aces” and appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, which looking after her with TLC and home cooked meals. “Bridge named bridge “the United States #1 Card Game.” people are so sweet and kind,” she says, and that is the truth. Many famous people play bridge including the late President First a little history - Bridge originated in England in the 16th Dwight Eisenhower, actor Omar Sharif, cartoonist Charles Shultz century as a card game played by the nobility and upper classes, and everyone’s favorite cartoon beagle, Snoopy. Billionaire and called whist. Speculation is that it was philanthropist Warren Buffet is an called whist, a term similar to “shh” avid player. He has been quoted because the game is played in silence saying, “Bridge is such a sensational “Bridge is such a except for bidding. The first book game that I wouldn’t mind being in on whist was Edmond Hoyle’s Short jail if I had three cellmates who were sensational game that I Treatise, written in 1742. In 1857 decent players.” You will even find a wouldn’t mind being in jail if I the first game of duplicate whist was daily bridge column written by Frank played in London. Like many other Stewart in the many newspapers had three cellmates who were classic games, it has evolved over the across the country. decent players.” years with the most dramatic changes How is it played? It depends on coming in the early to mid 20th which format you are playing but - Warren Buffet Century. some procedures stay the same. The One of the important changes as cards are dealt clockwise starting it evolved from whist to bridge is with the dealers left. Each hand has the exposure of the dealers’ partner’s hand, or the dummy as it’s 13 cards. For scoring and reference, the players are points of the called. compass - north, south, east and west. Each player makes a call In 1903 a major development in bridge as we know it today to determine which partnership will contract to take the most took place when the British in India began calling the trump suit tricks give a particular trump suit or no trump. The partnership thus introducing auction bridge. that makes the highest bid is the “declaring” bid. The players on In the 1920’s Contract Bridge developed from auction bridge. the declaring side who first stated the strain (trump suit or no Rubber Bridge, played by 4 people is the best of 3 games and trump) is the “Declarer.” The declarer’s partner’s becomes the is the basic form of contract bridge. It is played socially and in dummy. That means their hand is displayed face up on the table clubs. Duplicate bridge is normally played in clubs, tournaments after the opening lead is made by the member of the defending and matches. The game element is basically the same, but the partnership to the left of the declarer. The displayed, or ‘dummy” element of luck is minimized by having the same deal replayed hand is then played by the declarer. After all thirteen tricks have by different sets of players. Duplicate bridge requires at least 8 been played; the hand’s score is determined by comparing actual players and there are significant differences in scoring. number of tricks taken by the declaring partnership with that Charles Goren, a renowned bridge player, teacher and writer, proposed in the contract, and awarding points accordingly. Indi-

November 2010

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vidual scores of hands are accumulated to determine overall game score. That is the basics. Now it gets really interesting. This is where memory and tactics come in to play. Players must keep track of the cards played by their opponents and by their partners. Partners must determine in advance how to communicate the strengths and weaknesses of their hands, and this must be done in as few words as possible. Often partners agree on the convention they will follow. A Convention is an understanding between partners that would not ordinarily be understood by opponents in the absence of an explanation. A convention is a bid that gives or generates information unrelated to the denomination named, that is, a call or play with a defined meaning. And there are lots and lots of them. For example: The Blackwood convention which was developed early in the history of duplicate bridge. Simply put, the basic idea of the Blackwood convention is to determine how many aces a partner holds. Filling out a convention card gives your opponent an idea of what strategy you and your partner are using. As each card is played and tricks are taken, the focus of each player is completely on the game at hand. No wonder it is so quiet during a game, Bridge requires a great deal of concentration. Not everyone plays so seriously. Party bridge is just as much fun. For Debbie Grand, Bridge is a family affair. Her grandparents and parents and her husband Robert, are all bridge players as well. Debbie played socially in college and has recently become a competitive player. “It’s the most complicated game there is and is time consuming to learn.” But she adds, she’s met a lot of friends thru bridge and formed many lasting friendships. Two to three times a week she plays in different locations including the Women’s Department club. It’s not like golf, she says, that takes a great deal of time to complete a round. With bridge, she can play competitively in 3 to three and a half hours. She’s even played bridge on a cruise to Alaska. You don’t have to take a cruise. You can find a bridge game somewhere in town every day. The Women’s Department Club on Margaret Place is home to one of the oldest clubs in Louisiana. On any day of the week except Wednesday you’ll find a game at the Bridge Association on East Kings Highway. On a recent sunny afternoon bridge aficionados gathered to play an afternoon of duplicate bridge, but first sat down to a fabulous pot luck lunch. It seems bridge players love to cook, and eat too. Every room was filled with tables and nearly every table was filled The Best Of Times

with players. Conversation bubbled around the rooms until time to get down to the game. Suddenly the entire room was quiet, but it wasn’t still as the cards were played. In between rubbers, players talked about what they got out of playing bridge. Peggy Garland who is 94 and Harriet Smith, her partner since 1970, are the perfect example of life-long friendships formed at the bridge table. Peggy says of playing bridge, “It’s been good to me.” And it shows. World Champion Nell Cahn started playing when she was 12 years old. It must have been destiny– after all; her middle name is “Bridge.” Really it is! She says she was too good to play with the bad players and too bad to play with the good players. Born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, she married and moved to Shreveport. Nell took a break from bridge to raise her children and then stepped back in to the competitive world. She’s played all over the world. When describing what it felt like to win the World championship in 1991, she explained, “Omar Sharif narrated the last game and he was in the audience applauding. It was an out of body experience!” She loves to teach, and asks only that each one of her pupils pass their knowledge on to one more person to keep the game alive. As she puts it, “Bridge is my insurance against old age.” Nell also says, “Bridge was once played in the Grand Salons of Kings and Queens, now it is played in the Grand Salon of Cyberspace.” That’s exactly what Sherry Hennigan, a novice bridge player, does. Sherry has embraced the electronic age by playing

November 2010

bridge online as well as with friends. She likes the flexibility of the computer game as she can play just a few hands or as many as she cares to play. It’s simple, Sherry says, “You just go on line, find a room and ask to join the game. Then you can play a little or as much as you like. A student of Debbie Grand, she has played long enough to move from the kitchen table to the main group. Sherry says, “Debbie is a wonderful teacher.” Jerry Thomas has been playing since college days. He began playing just for fun but in Baltimore Maryland, he met a partner who took bridge very, very seriously and he began to play competitively. Now he is a Silver Life Master. Wife Pat plays bridge as well, but they don’t play as partners – as Jerry laughs, “we need to stay married!” Because, he says, “Bridge Players are the most competitive people in the world.” His advice to those wanting to enter the bridge world? “Take lessons, learn the basics, learn the structure from the beginning. It will be much easier as you play with different partners.” Jerry also teaches the basics to beginners and has a wonderful way of explaining thing so that anyone can understand. At a recent class one of the students asked if the

November 2010

game was through and Jerry replied with a smile, “Bridge is never through.” Looking to the future, the Shreveport-Mobile Split Regional tournament, “Bridge on the Bayou” will be held next April 25 – May 11 here in Shreveport at the Hilton Garden Inn. This is your chance to see what it’s all about. Take some lessons, get involved at the Bridge Association and get in the game. Once you learn, you have skills for life. Bridge is a very complicated game, but the results are quite simple – life-long friendships, active lives and exercise for the brain. Whether a beginner at party bridge or a high level Grand Master, whether a social game or an intense competition, the one common denominator of this fascinating game is friendship. Bridge is much more than cards or bids or points, it’s about making new friends, it’s about keeping old ones. Bridge is about being involved and active; Bridge is about sharing with others and enjoying your life.  (Pictured lower right on page 29: Ruth Isler, Debbie Grand, Vy Ammons, and Mina Chestnut play duplicate Bridge at the Women's Department Club.)

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Betty Ann Kennedy ave you ever had something dreadful occur in your life and then later, maybe years later, realize it was the best thing that ever happened to you? World renowned Bridge champion Betty Ann Kennedy can speak from experience about that. In her early twenties, she was struck down by encephalitis, an inflammation of the covering of the brain. The illness left her with no ability to concentrate. She could read but could not retain the meanings of the words. She became very depressed. At one visit her doctor asked if she played Bridge. She says, “I was insulted. I was very much an outdoors person. I couldn’t imagine coming indoors and having fun.” But she took her doctor’s advice and began taking lessons. She read bridge books, but her powers of concentration were not there. Betty Ann started out at the Bridge House kibitzing – not playing, just watching and studying, trying to concentrate. “I didn’t have any idea what was going on. People didn’t want to play with me.” Imagine, not wanting to play with this Bridge Super Star! One day a kind lady took pity on her and asked her to play. During that game, the light bulb turned on. Or as the Australians say, “the penny dropped.” In that moment, a lady appropriately named Mary Christmas gave Betty Ann Kennedy and the Bridge world a tremendous gift. Since the day the penny dropped, she’s won five world championships and three second place championships. She withdrew to raise her family and then returned to Bridge and went on to win 13 NABC titles and four world championships. Betty Ann attempted a retirement from top-level competition in 1995, but she came back in 1999 winning four additional NABC titles and the 2003 Venice Cup. She is the second woman to be chosen as a recipient of the Louisiana Hall of Fame Award in 1993. Her late husband, Jack, was a world class player. They are both members of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Hall of Fame. One of Betty Ann’s greatest pleasures is the traveling she gets to do. She’s traveled all over the world, criss-crossing the globe to play in tournaments. English is the official language of Bridge, so most of the time there isn’t a communication problem. However, in the first of her eleven visits to China, she said there was a bit of a language barrier then. One thing she pointed out is that in other countries young people are introduced to Bridge where as here in the US, especially the South, they receive very little exposure to the game. Her son, David, is following in her footsteps, as a formidable player in his own right. As a teacher particularly interested in those new to the game, she encourages young players to find a good teacher, and practice by playing as much as they can. Betty Ann Kennedy is as charming and gracious as she is competitive. She truly deserves to be called, "The First Lady of Bridge." The Best Of Times

Have you made prearrangements for your family, or do you still have that to do? Leaving these decisions to your children on the worst day of their lives is a terrible emotional burden.

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ing tea is very easy because you can buy commercially prepared teas at any health food store or online. Be careful though, some are just black tea flavored with herbs. You want the real deal, pure 100 percent herbal tea. Instead of buying ready made tea, why not make your own? I actually feel like a mad scientist when I create my tea treats! I study the herbs that I like, and then go to the health food store Dear Pharmacist, to buy them in bulk. I choose What can do to protect herbs based on symptoms or myself from catching a cold health benefits. So for example, this year? I have a job that if you want vitamin C for it’s requires me to work seven amazing antioxidant power, buy days a week. I can’t miss a some rose hips. If you want to day so I don’t want to get Suzy strengthen your immune system, get elderberry and astragalus and sick. Last year, I got the flu Cohen, RPh combine those together. Just shot and will probably do boil some water and steep about 1 or so again, however, is there anything teaspoon each per cup. It’s okay to add a more that I can do right now to pro- little bit of raw honey, or unrefined agave tect myself? --N.W. Decatur, Illinois nectar. If you get a bad cough, why not use marshmallow extract? MarshmalJob one is to strengthen your immune system which protects you from pathogens which, by the way, are everywhere! There are ‘bugs’ on your skin and all over your body but they don’t infect you unless your immune system runs down. The better you take low -as in the herb- not the ooey gooey care of yourself before flu season hits, the confection! Marshmallow soothes mucous less likely you’ll need antibiotics, cold membranes and can put a stop to a dry, medications or steroid injections. Best of hacking cough. For sore throats, choose all, the less likely you are to miss work! slippery elm. You should combine herbs Keep a light, healthy diet that is tilted in intelligent ways to customize your tea in the direction of healthy foods, and free and relieve the misery quicker. Herbal teas of refined sugar. Drink herbal tea. Drinknourish your body and warm your soul.

dear PHARMACIST

Be a Mad Scientist- Make Healing Teas

November 2010

Now, as much as I believe in your own ability to take care of yourself when you get a cold, I also think there comes a time when you need to see your doctor. See your doctor if you experience: • Sharp pains in your chest • Shortness of breath • Coughing up blood or yellow/brown mucus • Persistent chills or night sweats • Persistent cough along with a fever Use common sense and see your physician because you may need an antibiotic or a breathing inhaler. I’m a big advocate for self treatment, but sometimes, enough is enough! This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition. For more information visit www.DearPharmacist.com. ©2010 Suzy Cohen, R.Ph. Distributed by Dear Pharmacist, Inc.

Did You Know? The FDA just approved Krystexxa, a prescription drug to treat gout. It’s given by injection every two weeks.

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RSVP Volunteer of the Month By Linda Mullican Eddie Mae Cook is what you would call a fixture at Caddo Council on Aging, Inc., who is not only Caddo/Bossier RSVP’s sponsor, but has been Eddie Mae’s employer for over 30 years. Eddie Mae has been a Caddo/Bossier RSVP volunteer since April, 2004 and has earned the Lifetime Award for over 4,000 volunteer hours with the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards in 2007 and is currently working on receiving the Lifetime award once again. Eddie Mae is the site manager at the Cooper Road Nutrition site on MLK Drive where everyone knows her as Ms. Eddie Mae. She does so much outside of her four hours a day she gets paid for by CCOA for her clients at the nutrition site. She is a member of the Martin Luther King Intergenerational Quilters that meet almost daily to sew on quilts and teach others the art of quilting. Eddie Mae is also known as “Miss Caddo Council on Aging” for past 4-5 years. She was the first person the Council thought of when they wanted to have a Miss CCOA, and it was going to be changed yearly, but Eddie Mae has done such a great job and loves being the representative for Caddo Council on Aging so much, that CCOA decided to let her keep serving. She rides in parades and works health fairs as “Miss CCOA.” Eddie Mae also has been a calendar girl “Miss February” on Humana Healthcare’s calendar for 2008 and as she says “was treated like royalty when the company had each person they had chosen come to their headquarters and pose for their picture that would appear on the calendar. According to Millie Tastet, Nutrition Director at CCOA, “Eddie Mae is one of her most dependable site managers and has a great rapport with her clients and is loved by all who come in contact with her.” If you are interested in volunteering for the Caddo/Bossier RSVP please call Linda Mullican at 676-5187 or e-mail her at lmulliccoa@ yahoo.com. The Best Of Times

If you are age 65 or older… and experiencing symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB), you may be interested in a research study that is evaluating an approved medication for OAB. For a phone screening, call toll-free:

1.800.817.4009

To refer a family member or friend to the study, call 1.800.817.4009 for more information

In order to qualify you must: • be 65 or older • have experienced overactive bladder symptoms for at least 3 months • have strong, sudden urges to urinate • have frequent urination • experience frequent wetting episodes • have health problems related to aging Qualified participants: • receive study-related care at no cost • receive study medication or placebo (inactive substance) at no cost • may be compensated for time and travel for the required 5 doctor visits over 14 weeks

November 2010

SHREVEPORT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MICHAEL BUTTERMAN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

OPENING NIGHT: THE POWER OF MUSIC Sat., Nov. 13, 2010—7:30 PM Riverview Theater Michael Butterman, conductor Mary Wilson, soprano BARBER - Adagio for Strings BARBER - Knoxville: Summer 1915 MAHLER - Symphony No. 1,“Titan” Join SSO cellist Paul Christopher for a free pre-concert talk in the hall at 6:30 PM.

Come Hear the Music Play TICKETS & DETAILS:

www.shreveportsymphony.com 318.227.8863

November 2010

ANSWERS FROM THE EXPERTS Ophthalmology

Nursing Home Care

When should I have cataracts taken out? Cataracts are a normal part of aging. Not everyone who has cataracts will need to have them removed. As cataracts progress, they cause decreased vision, glare problems, trouble reading, and loss of contrast sensitivity. We suggest having cataracts removed when your best corrected visual acuity drops to 20/50. They should also be removed if other symptoms are causing problems with daily activities of life such as driving, reading, or seeing fine details. Call us at 212-3937 for an evaluation TODAY. For more info log on to www.ShelbyEye.com

Will Medicare cover my mother’s care in a nursing home? While Medicare does not pay room & board fees for one actually “living” in a nursing home, there are portions of nursing home care that are covered. Medicare covers 100 days of skilled nursing care when the doctor feels that either nursing or rehabilitation services for Medicare Part A insured persons are needed following a recent hospitalization of 3 or more days. Additionally, Medicare Parts B & D may pay for your mother’s medications and physical, speech or occupational therapies ordered by a physician while she is in a nursing home. Depending upon the financial situation, nursing home room & board is generally paid by the individual, Medicaid, or Long Term Care Insurance.

Chris Shelby, MD

Pierremont Eye Institute 7607 Youree Dr. Shreveport, LA 71105 318-212-3937; www.ShelbyEye.com See our ad on page 12.

Vicki Ott

NurseCare Nursing and Rehab Center 1736 Irving Place Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 221-1983 See our ad on page 9.

Orthopaedics

hospice

I have a rotator cuff tear. Do I need surgery? It depends. Rotator cuff tears are a common source of shoulder pain, which increases in incidence with advancing age. A person can have a rotator cuff tear without experiencing pain. (The incidence varies from a reported 5% to 40%.) 40% of tears will enlarge, and of these, 80% will be symptomatic. 20% of patients remain symptom free for a 5 year period. There is no evidence that delaying surgery to attempt a non-operative treatment protocol adversely affects results. If you have significant weakness and/or a large tear, surgery may be advisable sooner. MRI’s are valuable tests to determine tear anatomy and degree.

Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first? The most frequent comment hospice agencies hear from their patient’s and families is “I wish I would have known about ‘it’ sooner.” In 2008, 35.4% of those served by hospice died or were discharged in seven days or less - a timeframe way too short to realize the full benefits of hospice care. Ideally, discussions about adding the benefits of hospice services to an individual’s care regimen should begin when it appears that a cure may not be possible for a life-limiting illness and within the context an individual’s goals for treatment. It would not only be appropriate, but also prudent to initiate the conversation with your physician about hospice services.

John J. Ferrell, M.D. Mid South Orthopaedics 7925 Youree Drive; Suite 210 Shreveport, LA 71105 (318) 424-3400

Rick Bauer

LifePath Hospice Care Service 8720 Quimper Place, Ste 100 Shreveport, LA 71105 318-222-5711; 1-866-257-5711 www.lifepathhospicecare.com See our ad on page 20. TheBestOfTimesNews.com

ask DR. MARION

Helping a Parent Handle Their Finances

My father has always handled his own financial situation, but now that he’s losing some of his mental acuity, I need to get involved. However, I’ve never been privy to his finances, so I’m finding it difficult to broach the subject. What should I do? Joan in Hawaii, 51

Your father’s financial situation can be a difficult issue to address. The very nature of the discussion calls his independence into question. But you have to address this as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that problems will arise. This can be an especially daunting task, so I have found that a straight forward approach works well. You must: • Figure out your father’s assets • Determine monthly income • Add up all monthly expenses You should then know if he has enough money to live comfortably for the rest of his life. But let me emphasize that due to the complexity of some financial issues, I highly recommend you rely on the advice and expertise of a skilled professional to guide you. If possible, hire an accountant, an elder care lawyer, a financial advisor, and/or a tax expert. How do you find these professionals? You may locate them via the Better Business Bureau, word of mouth, or better yet, someone who is connected to your family.

Tackling this step alone could lead to legal snarls and become a drain on your energy and your checkbook. Professional expertise will save you many headaches and could ultimately lead to significant savings of your father’s finances. Read more: http://www.retirementhomes.com/ forum/Knowledgebase_C5/Doctor_Marion_F21/ Address_Financial_Concerns_P645/#ixzz0xWvmI7MO Over the last 40 years, Dr. Marion (Marion Somers, Ph.D.) has Dr. Marion worked with thousands of seniors and their caregivers as a geriatric Somers care manager and elder care expert. It is now her goal to help caregivers everywhere through her book (“Elder Care Made Easier"), iPhone apps (www.elder911. net) web site, columns, public service announcements, and more. For more information, visit www.DrMarion.com

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD

beignet powder on

your pants?

When you’re a tourist in your own state, the whole state beneﬁts. In fact, tourism generates more than $850 million in state taxes annually. And when you invite your friends and family to visit you in Louisiana, the impact is even greater. For ideas on what to do this weekend, visit our website.

LouisianaTravel.com

The Best Of Times

November 2010

soldiers, cowboys, farmers, businessmen, lawyers, educators, preachers, moonshiners, outlaws and even royalty who left their titles behind to become part of the American experience. With each turn of the page through another generation, I recently attended my my search became more family reunion and I am still fascinating. full as can be. One think I have A distant cousin enlightened learned our folks know how to me to an aspect of our family cook. This was our 23rd since I never knew about how some the passing of my father Floyd of our ancestors from Portugal Franks. He loved to spend came to the Americas even time with his family. That joy he passed to me as a child in a Randall before the Pilgrims settled in eastern North Carolina in the desire to know more about our Franks late 1500s. Their settlements history. As I began my search were destroyed at some point, and survifor ancestors, I never knew what wonders vors intermarried with Native American the stories would open to me. Seeing history come to life through people to which tribes and eventually migrated to the mountainous areas in western North I am related helped to make historical Carolina and Southern Virginia, remainevents more than just words upon a page. ing together as a tribe. These folks became I am sure that some of the tales have grown with time and the accuracy of some known as the Melungeons. would not hold up in a court of law, but for a 10-year-old and avid history buff, reading about an uncle who traveled with the Lewis and Clarke expedition or discovering a long lost branch of the family that no one knew existed gave me such a thrill. My search carried me to homes where members of my family have lived since the country was founded. I have stood with a musket in hand on the battlements where my ancestors staved off the Cherokees when the United States was still British colonies. I have touched the soil that once ran red with their blood as they fell fighting the red coats and indians. Among the lineage I have come to know presidential candidates, congressmen, governors, state legislators, sheriffs,

southern STYLE

Colorful Roots

November 2010

What young boy does the tales of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett not fascinate? To find a link to one of these larger than life frontier men was a delight to me. One of my ancestors apparently was the mortal enemy of Daniel Boone. While that may seem a weak link, it only says to me that at some point in their lives these men were on opposite sides of a fight. Two other ancestors served Boone as scouts on the frontier of Kentucky and Tennessee. I am told one of my Confederate ancestors, Robert Shields, came to the fight when he was already in his 50s. He left behind a wife and 13 children, some of who were already grown and had families of their own. Shields was captured and sent to prison in Rock Island, Ill. Upon returning, he discovered that his death had been reported to his family earlier in the war. His wife had re-married and re-settled in Alabama with a new husband. He then went in search of his wife. Only the wind now knows what transpired when he found her, but following the meeting, Robert returned to Georgia and started over. He married again. His second wife also gave him 13 children. He became a minister and started a church where he and his wives now rest. Yes, both wives. After the death of his first wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second husband, he brought her home and built a place for her. He looked after her until his death. I stood at the foot of their graves only wishing I could hear the real story told. Once our loved ones are gone, however, we are left with only the paper trail and some remnants of memories in the wind. One of my quests of finding the graves

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of my great, great grandparents William and Sarah Bandy may never be realized, because too many years have passed for anyone to recall their unmarked graves in the cemetery. While history is a wonderful place to spend time seeing the colors that make up your family tree, if you would like to know the story of your family, start with those around you. Don’t forget that those stories that are right at your fingertips will one day be history, too. You might just wish you had written them down. Relish the people in your family. Thousands of stories and lives have been lived, so you have your chance at serving your generation. Honor them… Randall Franks is an award-winning musician, singer and actor. He is best known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” on TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” now on WGN America. His latest CD release, “An Appalachian Musical Revival,” is by www.shareamericafoundation.org. He is a member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. He is a syndicated columnist for http://randallfranks.com/ and can be reached at rfrankscatoosa@gmail.com.

The Best Of Times

November 2010

PROFILE

Libby Gleason Keeps Giving and Giving and Giving…. by Mary Flanders

Duchess of Fantasy… Lady of Truth… titles that sound like they should belong to a lady of leisure. Not so! This Duchess Lady has been serving our community tirelessly for over 50 years.

November 2010

ibby Gleason was born and raised in New Orleans. The youngest of 5, she moved with her widowed mother to Shreveport to be near family here when she was a junior in high school. It was quite a culture shock, she said, to move from the dynamic city of New Orleans to “the country” as her Grandmother put it. Libby graduated from Byrd High School and attended Centenary College where she was a proud member of the famous Centenary Choir. Beginning as a secondary and upper elementary language arts teacher, Libby learned early in her career the gift of giving to improve young lives. She taught at Queensborough, North Highlands, Southfield, Linnear and St. Pius and finished her teaching career as a Reading Specialist at Alexander School. After 20 years, she retired from teaching, but she never stopped giving of her time and talents. As her children grew up and began their own lives, Libby found she still had much to give and time to work for a cause very dear to her, making Shreveport a better place to be by encouraging the arts. She has always loved music. Even as a little girl in New Orleans, she had her own ticket to the symphony. Being a teacher, she learned to plan what you do and manage time efficiently. And that, Libby Gleason is an expert at doing. Always preferring to work behind the scenes, Libby has served as president of many organizations including the Shreveport Symphony Guild, Altrusa International, Shreveport Little Theater Guild, the Women's Republican Club and is the currently president of the Shreveport Bossier Opera Guild. Libby is a member of many boards and organizations such as the North Shreveport Lions club and the Women's Department Club. She stays physically fit by playing tennis several times each week, when she has the time for it, and belongs to Central Christian Church. Libby and her understanding husband Hubert have been married 56 years. And, she says, “He has supported me all the time.” This year, to add to Libby's achievements she has been crowned "Lady of Truth" in the krewe of "De Les Femmes

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Mystique" 2011 royalty. She has been a member of the krewe of Centaur since 1997. To top all of these achievements - this year in addition to being president of the Shreveport Opera Guild she has agreed to chair Les Boutique de Noel, the annual Christmas fund raiser that supports The Shreveport Bossier Opera. Their goal this year is to raise $100,000. And she has a business selling jewelry. Just so she can stay busy, she says. You’ll find her at her booth at Les Boutique De Noel, where’s she’s been almost every year since Les Boutique began. Libby says her biggest challenge ever is the one she faces now as chairman of Les Boutique de Noel 2010. She thought about it a long time before she took the position. “Being a vendor is one thing, but to organize the event is a big job.” At the Bossier Civic Center, November 18, 19, 20, this year’s Les Boutique De Noel, she promises, will be bigger and better than ever with a hunting and fishing section for the men. Space is completely sold out with over 150 booths featuring vendors from all over the country. When asked what one thing she’d like to communicate thru her work, Libby instantly replied, “we really need support for the arts.” How does she manage to cram all of this into her days? “I’m a type A personality and I like to be organized and never put anything off until the last minute.” She wants to continue to work to improve the quality of life in Shreveport, but Libby says, “After this year I’m going to cut back.” At 78 years of age she is the perfect example of a life of giving to others. Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild presents the 36th annual Les Boutiques de Noel

A Jingle Bell Christmas Your One-Stop Holiday Shopping Extravaganza!

November 18 - 20 Thursday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Bossier Civic Center Tickets – $7 per person Valet parking – $5 Lunch by David Alvis Preview Party Thursday, Nov. 17 6:30 – 11:00 p.m. $100 per person For further information contact Chair Libby Gleason 869-3809 or

www.lesboutiquesdenoel.com The Best Of Times

November 2010

the

Tofwin Towns Telluride

Clockwise from bottom left: Telluride Village sparkles in the winter. (Photo courtesy of Telluride Ski Resort); Mountain Village is a planned community of Alpine-style lodgings; A free gondola transports folks between the two towns of Telluride (Telluride Village and Mountain Village).

Story by Andrea Gross • Photos by Irv Green

’ve been warned that the landing at Telluride Regional Airport will be heart-stopping. At 9,070 feet above sea level, Telluride is not only the highest commercial runway in the United States, but it’s also surrounded by mountains, some of which rise almost another mile into the air. Landing, I’ve been told, is like dropping into the bottom of a deep bowl. But as we begin the descent, the view is so magnificent that I forget to be frightened. Even by Colorado standards, Telluride is stunning. Located in the southwestern corner of the state, near the point where Colorado meets Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, it’s girdled by the largest concentration of “fourteeners” [mountain-talk for peaks that are more than 14,000 feet above sea level] in North America. Three hundred days a year the slopes —forest green in summer, aspen gold in fall and snow white in winter — are backed by lapis-colored sky. I soon learn that the word “Telluride” actually refers to an area that contains two very different towns: Telluride Village, which dates back to the mining days of the nineteenth century, and Mountain Village, which was established in 1987. The two are connected by a free gondola that takes folks back-and-forth from 7 a.m. until midnight. Our first stop is Telluride Village, located at the bottom of a box canyon. We saunter down Colorado Avenue, the town’s main drag, and gaze rapturously at Bridal Veil Falls, which tumbles 365 feet down the mountain in front of us, the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state. On either side of us are old buildings,

November 2010

mostly brick or clapboard, that have been turned into small locally-owned restaurants or shops that carry out the twin themes of mountains and the Southwest. There’s a wide selection of turquoise jewelry, leather belts, warm sweaters and paintings featuring mountains and aspens. As we wander up the side streets, we pass small Victorian homes painted rainbow colors and note that there isn’t a chain store or mall in sight. In fact, we soon realize that there isn’t even a gas station or stoplight. In the 1980s, as many of Colorado’s ski towns morphed from outposts for ski bums into enclaves for the wealthy, Telluride Village took steps to retain its oldtime character. It has a strict set of building codes, and the core area has been designated a National Historic Landmark. As a result, while the town certainly has its share of wealthy folks, the ambiance in decidedly Bohemian and unpretentious. Even at Allreds, one of the town’s top restaurants, the dress is casual, the feeling relaxed. Since we haven’t bothered to rent a car — a non-necessity in Telluride — we pile our suitcases into the gondola. In

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13 minutes we’ve traveled 1,000 feet higher and disembark in Mountain Village. Here the atmosphere is more rarefied, both in altitude and atmosphere. Mountain Village is a planned community of European-styled hotels, condos and private homes. As the center of the area’s ski operations, many of the lodgings have ski-in/ski-out operations, and most offer multibedroom accommodations complete with kitchen. The small plaza is filled with restaurants and shops featuring outdoor clothing and sports equipment. Snow can come to Telluride as early as midOctober, but the ski season officially gets underway this year on November 24, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and lasts until early April. Until recently, snow sports were Telluride’s main claim to fame, but the two towns are becoming equally well known as a summer destination. During the summer, activities range from hiking and biking to fishing and golfing. In addition, the area has a full program of warm-weather weekend specials, from world-renowned music and film festivals to small but classy craft and culinary shows. For some folks Telluride is all about doing, but for me it’s also about simply being. I’m convinced there’s no place more beautiful, and my husband agrees. As we climb into the little 19-passenger plane to be lifted out of the canyon, he sums up our trip by saying, “I feel as if I’ve been living inside a National

Geographic photograph.” Reminder: Guzzle water and for the first few days go light on caffeine and alcohol to prevent altitude sickness. For more info: www.VisitTelluride.com or www. TellurideSkiResort.com

Senior Care at Brentwood Hospital Levels of Care • Inpatient • Partial Hospitalization (Day Treatment) • Outpatient

Call us, we can help!

Brentwood Senior Care Unit (318) 678-7500

The Best Of Times

Warning Signs That May Indicate the Need for Treatment

• • • • • • • •

Depression, extreme sadness Confused thinking, difficulty concentrating Hallucinations; hearing voices Misuse of alcohol or medications Disorientation Numerous unexplained physical ailments Difficulties coping with daily living Excessive fears, anxieties or suspiciousness November 2010

Restaurant Review

Agave

Inside DiamondJacks Casino & Resort

gave Restaurant is located just inside the main entrance of DiamondJacks Casino and Resort in Bossier City. Agave is an “open” restaurant, with low walls enclosing it from the rest of the casino entrance. It is situated between a bar and, often, live music. When dining at Agave, be prepared for the casino atmosphere and the increased noise level that comes with it. Additionally, Agave has televisions on the walls enclosing the eating space. At the time, each was showing a different college football game, allowing us to keep tabs on the LSU game while we dined. While Agave is touted as a Mexican restaurant, they also offer a dinner menu with several steak and rib options. Dinner began with a round of $3 Frozen Blue Agave Margaritas and chips and salsa, both of which were delicious and satisfying and delivered by a very helpful and courteous waiter. This was followed by the Shrimp Mexicali appetizer, which was a combination of battered and fried shrimp, onions and jalapenos served with chipotle dip. ($8.95). The peppers and shrimp complimented each other well, especially when accompanied by the spicy chipotle dip. Watch out though, some of the jalapenos were very hot! With four of us in attendance, we were able to sample items off both the Mexican and the dinner menus. All of the items on the dinner menu are served with hearty salads, which everyone enjoyed. Upon recommendation from our waiter, I ordered the Combination Fajitas, which were served with rice and beans ($15.95). The fajita serving was very big and could have

November 2010

easily served two people. I was happy to see the beef and chicken were served with onions and both red and yellow bell peppers. Unfortunately, the fajitas had been allowed to cool too long before they were served, resulting in a “cold on top, warm on bottom” meal. The beans and rice too were cool and dry. With a little hot sauce and sour cream, I was able to liven them up a bit, but they would have been much better hot. Tina had much better success with the Baby Back Ribs from the dinner menu, also ordered on recommendation (Half Rack $15.95, Full Rack $23.95). She said she could taste a dry rub under the wet barbeque sauce, which really added to their flavor. The ribs were served with a well-cooked baked potato and bread stick. Gary ordered the Filet Mignon (8 oz. $23.95). At first he thought it wasn’t a filet because it was larger than anticipated! But he said the steak was good. Cooked as ordered and tender. He liked it. Mark ordered the New York Strip (12 oz. $23.95). Like Gary, he was impressed with its size and was happy with both how it was cooked and the flavor. The best part of the meal was last. We ordered two desserts. The Cake Pastel de Chocolate ($6.95), was a warm, soft chocolate cake filled with gooey chocolate filling, served next to ice cream and drizzled with chocolate and caramel. Not only was the combination of ice cream and chocolate delicious, but the plating was absolutely beautiful. The second dessert we ordered was the Nieve Frita ($6.95). Don’t let the name fool you, this delicious dessert is a large scoop of vanilla ice cream rolled in cinnamon and coconut, fried and served. Not only was the outer coating crunchy and delicious, it complimented the ice cream very well. While the prices were a little on the high side and the fajitas served cold, the rest of the food was good and the atmosphere was great for socializing, eating and watching the game. 3 forks out of 5. by Jessica Rinaudo

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The Best Of Times

November 2010

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East Texas Eye Doctor Helps Legally Blind to See Again Diplomate in Low Vision Care trains Dr. Larry Chism to help those with macular degeneration to keep reading and driving. By Elena Lombardi Freelance Writer

Donald Paquette, 72, a former assessor from Anaheim, California thought that his driving days were over. “I could not read the street signs soon enough and I couldn’t pass the vision test at the DMV office.” Gonzalo Garcia, 74, Albuquerque, New Mexico, wanted to be able to read and write more easily. He wanted to see the nails and screws when he tried to use them in home repairs. He wanted see his grandchildren singing in the church choir. But he thought those days were over when he was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. California Optometrist, Dr. Richard J. Shuldiner and East Texas optometrist, Dr. Larry Chism, are using miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration or other eye conditions. “Some of my patients consider us the last stop for people who have vision loss,” said Dr. Chism, a low vision optometrist who has just completed training with Dr. Shuldiner in California. “Amazing!” says Donald. “I can read the street signs twice as far as I did before and even see the television better!” Dr. Shuldiner also provided special prismatic reading glasses to make the newspaper a little easier to read. Macular Degeneration is the most common eye disease amongst the senior population. As many as 25% of those over 65 have some degree 44

November 2010

Carole Buckels wearing bioptic telescope driving glasses. of degeneration. The macula is one small part of the entire retina, but it is the most sensitive and gives us sharp images. When it degenerates, Macular Degeneration leaves a blind spot right in the center of vision making it impossible to recognize faces, read a book, or pass the drivers vision test. The experts do not know what causes macular degeneration. But major factors include UV light from the sun, smoking, aging, and improper nutrition. Vitamins can help. The results of two studies, AREDS and LAST demonstrated a lowered risk of progression by about 25% when treated with a high-dose combination of vitamins. A new, proprietary supplement based on the scientific studies is available from these doctors. Nine out of ten people who have macular degeneration have the dry type. There is no medical treatment except for vitamins. The wet type involves leaky blood vessels that can sometimes be sealed with hot or cold laser. Unfortunately it’s a temporary fix. Newer treatments, such as Macugen injections try to prevent leakage. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning,” says Dr. Chism. “Whether it’s driving, reading, watching television, seeing faces,

playing bridge…we work with whatever is on the persons “wish list”. Even if it’s driving. Louisiana and Texas allow the use of telescopic glasses for safer driving. Carole Buckles, 71 of Arcadia, California came on the advise of a friend. “I wanted to be able to keep driving and do the fun things in life.” One of those fun things is baseball. “I love going to baseball games and now I can see those close plays again,” she says. Bioptic Telescopic glasses were prescribed to read signs and see traffic lights farther away. As Carole puts it, “These telescope glasses not only allows me to read signs from a farther distance, but makes driving much easier. I’ve also used them to watch television so I don’t have to sit so close. Definitely worth the $1975 cost. I don’t know why I waited two years to do this; I should have come sooner.” “Telescopic glasses usually cost over $2000”, says Dr. Shuldiner, “especially if we build them with an automatic sunglass”. Not all low vision devices are that expensive. Reading glasses start at $500 and hand magnifiers under $100. Every case is different because people have different levels of vision and different desires. Dr. Chism also provides special prismatic reading glasses to make the newspaper a little easier to read. Dr. Larry Chism speaks to every patient on the telephone before scheduling the one hour low vision evaluation appointment.

Call Dr. Chism, toll free, at 1-888-243-2020 for a FREE telephone interview. TheBestOfTimesNews.com

Home Team: Coaching The Saints and New Orleans Back to Life by Sean Payton with Ellis Henican ©2010 New American Library l $24.95 l 295 pages You love a good challenge. A major, multi-part project? Bring it on. A 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle? More is better. A brain-buster that’s unsolvable? The “U” word is not in your vocabulary. Sunday crosswords? Pfffffffft, please. Woe to the person who tells you something can’t be done. If you love a good challenge, then you’ll empathize with author Sean Payton. In his new book “Home Team: Coaching The Saints and New Orleans Back to Life” (with Ellis Henican), Payton writes about four seasons with a football team that blew the critics away. Though Sean Payton claims Naperville, Illinois, as his home town, his childhood was actually spent in several towns, in several states. That wanderlust served him well when, post-college and after a one-day stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, he decided that he wanted to be a coach. Payton’s first interview was with UNLV, but he was turned down for the job. Word got back to the offensive line coach at San Diego State that Payton was looking for a position and “just like that, my football coaching career had begun.” Coaches, it seems, belong to a “small fraternity” where referral is everything, and cultivating a relationship with a moving crew is mandatory. Two years after San Diego, Payton and his wife went to Ohio. Then to Illinois, Maryland, Philadelphia, New York, and to Texas to work with Bill Parcells, coach of the Cowboys and Payton’s future mentor. Payton almost landed in Oakland, but better things were to come: the Saints came marching into his life. The Best Of Times

Terri Schlichenmeyer

the BOOKWORM

Payton’s first impression of New Orleans was of blue tarps: four months after Katrina, he was astounded at the devastation and had no intention of taking the job for which he was about to interview. But during a tour of the city and a blunttalk meeting in which unpleasant aspects were presented along with the benefits of taking the position, the slow dawning came: becoming head coach for the Saints was a challenge Payton couldn’t pass up. And so, embracing the job, Payton began building a team – coaches, players, and staff - from the soggy ground, up. Who doesn’t relish a story with a good happily-ever-after? If you do – and you don’t mind a little righteous (yet hard-earned) bragging – then you’ll want this book. Mostly (but not only) for fans of the New Orleans Saints, “Home Team” tells two stories: the birth and rise of a career of a man who has the guts to hone in on his dream, and the rise of a team that almost wasn’t. Authors Sean Payton and Ellis Henican give football watchers a behind-the-scenes peek at what goes into becoming a coach. Then they move to the heart of this book and a wonderful underdog tale that will make you cheer like you did last January. No matter what colors you wear on Sunday afternoon, it’s hard not to delight in a book like this one. For the Who Dat Nation or any football fan, loving “Home Team” will be no challenge at all. The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books.

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Family Features

all brings a whole new set of flavors to the table, and that’s reason enough to celebrate with friends. Awardwinning celebrity chef and cookbook author Michael Chiarello has created some delicious seasonal dishes that make the most of autumn’s bounty and make it easy to entertain. Find more seasonal recipes at www.progressofoods.com and www.cavitcollection.com.

Turkey Scallopini and Squash Ravioli with Cranberry Brown Butter Makes 8 servings 8 portions boneless turkey breast (4 oz each) 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 eggs, beaten 2 cups plain panko crispy bread crumbs 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter 1 package (18 ounces) frozen squash ravioli 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh sage or 2 teaspoons dried sage 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 3 tablespoons dark molasses 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup chicken broth Salt and pepper Bring 4 quarts lightly salted water to a boil in a large pot. Between two sheets of plastic wrap, pound turkey breast pieces to an even ¼-inch thickness with a meat mallet. If you don’t have a meat mallet, the back of a frying pan will work fine. You can do this a day ahead and leave them stored in the plastic wrap, folded over on each other. You can also ask a good butcher to cut and pound the turkey for you. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over mediumhigh heat. Lightly coat turkey pieces with flour, and pat off excess; dip in beaten eggs and then dredge in bread crumbs. When oil is hot and bubbling, add turkey pieces. Do not crowd the pan. Let brown about 1 minute, then turn to cook the second side, another 30 seconds. The turkey will cook very quickly and will dry out if overcooked. When done, remove to a baking sheet or platter and keep warm. Do not wash sauté pan! To make the sauce, add butter to sauté pan and place over medium-high heat. At the same time, drop ravioli into the boiling water. When butter begins to turn light brown, add fresh sage. Stir for a few seconds; then add cranberries, and sauté until skins begin to burst. Add molasses, balsamic vinegar and broth, scraping bottom of the pan to pick up all the flavor of the turkey. Simmer until cranberries are soft and the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Be sure to taste sauce for seasoning before you pour it over the turkey. Test ravioli for doneness in about 3 minutes pinch edges of dough; it should be tender. Drain. Divide ravioli among hot plates and layer a piece of turkey over the ravioli. Spoon sauce over them. Tip: The sauce must be put together very quickly, so have all the ingredients premeasured and ready at the side of the stove.

November 2010

Chef Michael Chiarello

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Makes 4 servings Roasted Winter Squash 2 tablespoons butter 2 cups diced (3/4-inch) raw winter squash (butternut, hubbard, acorn) Salt and pepper Soup 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil ½ cup diced onion ¼ cup diced celery ¼ cup diced carrot 1 cinnamon stick Sea salt and freshly ground pepper 1 carton (32 ounces) chicken broth (4 cups) ½ teaspoon ground toasted coriander, if desired 1½ cups Roasted Winter Squash (above) ½ cup half-and-half, if desired 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds ½ cup plain panko crispy bread crumbs, toasted light brown in sauté pan over medium heat To make roasted winter squash: Heat oven to 375°F. Heat butter over medium-high heat in an ovenproof sauté pan; add diced squash, salt and pepper. When squash begins to brown, place pan in oven. Roast for 15 minutes or until mediumbrown on all sides. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Pureé in food processor, or mash with potato masher. Measure 1½ cups squash; reserve. To make soup: Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add onion, celery, carrot and cinnamon stick; sauté until soft but not brown, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add broth and coriander; bring to a boil. Simmer for several minutes. Stir in reserved squash until smooth; simmer gently to let flavors meld, about 10 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick. Pureé soup using an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth. (The soup can be made ahead to this point, cooled, covered, and refrigerated for several days or frozen for about 1 month. It will thicken as it cools and may need thinning with broth or water when reheating.) Return soup to pan and reheat gently. Add half-and-half. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Top each serving with pumpkin seeds and toasted bread crumbs.

Mama Chiarello’s Stuffed Eggplant Makes 4 servings 1 large eggplant 3 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp. grey sea salt ¼ tsp. black pepper ½ pound ground beef 1 onion, diced small (about 1 cup) 1 red bell pepper, diced small (about 1 cup) 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped ½ cup chopped fresh parsley ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves 1¼ cups grated pecorino Romano cheese ½ cup plain panko crispy bread crumbs 1 whole egg 2 chopped tomatoes Heat oven to 350°F. Cut eggplant in half and scoop out center, leaving enough meat inside the skin so that it holds its shape when baked. Chop eggplant that has been scooped out of the inside; place in saucepan, cover with water and boil until very soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Meanwhile, in medium sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Salt and pepper the beef. Add seasoned ground beef to pan, and sauté until all of its liquid is evaporated and beef begins to brown slightly. Let cool briefly, and chop cooked beef so that there are no large chunks of meat. In another medium sauté pan over medium heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and sauté the onion, pepper and garlic together in oil. In bowl, mix together cooked eggplant, vegetables, beef, herbs, 1 cup cheese, 1/4 cup bread crumbs and egg. Fill scooped-out eggplant halves with this mixture, dividing it evenly between the two halves. Top with chopped tomatoes, remaining 1/4 cup cheese, remaining 1/4 cup bread crumbs, and season with salt and pepper. Place on an oiled oven tray or baking dish, and bake for 50 minutes. Let cool briefly; slice widthwise and serve. TheBestOfTimesNews.com

Bossier Council on Aging Bearkat Site (741-8302), 706 Bearkat Dr., Bossier City. 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Plain Dealing Site (326-5722), 101 E. Oak St., Plain Dealing, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Info & referrals - 741-8302 Transportation - Vans available to seniors 60+ who have no means of transportation for medical appointments, grocery store, drug store and other necessary stops. Wheelchair accessible. One week notice required. $3 round trip suggested. Also through referrals from Medicaid.

Outreach - Home visits are made to help qualify seniors for services. Homemaker - Trained employees provide light housekeeping for seniors having difficulty maintaining their homes. $3/visit suggested. Caregiver - Support services are provided for family caregivers including in-home respite care for the caregiver, education for the family, and material aid and sitter services for the patient. Legal Services - Education on elder legal issues. Counseling for individuals is accessible monthly with a local lawyer or by referrals.

Congregate (Site) Meals - Hot, nutritious meals served at 11:30 AM at the sites, Monday - Friday. $1.50 per meal is suggested. Home Delivered Meals - Meals provided 5 days per week for elderly homebound in Bossier Parish, $1.50/meal suggested. Personal Medical Response System - With a referral from BCOA, an auto dial unit is available for installation on your phone. Necklace, wristband, or pocket clip styles provided. Press the button for immediate help. $20 fee per month. Senior Centers - Recreation,

crafts, educational seminars, and health information. Also: day trips, extended trips, exercise/dance classes, bingo, cards, dominoes, health screenings, exercise equipment room, Senior Games and Thursday night dances with a live band. Medication Management - Seminars, brown bag services provided by pharmacists and programs provided by health care providers. Drug plan assistance available. Medicaid Applications - Application center and assistance filling out the forms. By appointment only.

Caddo Council on Aging Info & Referral - (318) 676 -7900; 1-800-256-3003. 1700 Buckner Square, Ste. 240, Shreveport 71101. Email: ccoa@caddocoa.org www.caddocouncilonaging.org Outreach/Individual Needs Assessment- Explanation of services and to enroll the elderly in service programs Home Delivered Meals - 5 meals/ wk delivered to homebound seniors. Suggested donation $1.25/day. Homemaker Services - Personal care and household tasks provided for homebound persons unable to perform tasks without assistance. $5/ month donation requested. Personal Care - Personal care provided to homebound person. $5/ month donation requested. Family Caregiver - Sitter and respite provided for full time caregiver of a senior. Donation requested. Telephone Reassurance - Volunteers make phone calls to seniors to offer comfort and support. Medical Alert - Emergency response system that protects seniors in

case of accident or falls in the home. $22/month fee SenioRX Program - (318) 6767900 or 1-800-793-1198 - Assists seniors applying for pharmaceutical aid. Nursing Home Ombudsman Professional visits to nursing home to investigate and resolve issues made by the elderly resident or the resident’s family. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) 318-676-5186 - Provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years of age or older. Foster Grandparents (FGP) - 318676-7913 - Seniors serve as mentor, tutor and caregivers to youth with social needs. FGPs that meet special requirements may serve. 20hrs/wk and receive a stipend. Legal Services - Referrals for individual counseling. Emergency Blinking Light Flashing light installed in your porch light by the Caddo Sheriff Dept. to help guide emergency medical personnel. No charge.

SOS Program - Sheriff’s Operational Safeguard. Helps identify and reunite lost, memory-impaired persons with families. Participants are given a bracelet engraved with the name and phone number of the Sheriff’s Office and an ID number. Confidential Call 681.0875 to register. No charge. Senior Centers and Meal Sites - Area sites offer fun activities, recreation, wellness, exercise, safety programs, crafts, bingo, and fun. Lunch served at all sites for a $1.25 donation. Transportation is provided to sites. • AB Palmer Park - 547 E. 79th Street, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 9 am – 1 pm • Airport Park SPAR - 6500 Kennedy Dr., Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 9 am – 1 pm • Broadmoor Neighborhood Center - Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr., Shreveport. Friday Only. 9:30 am – 12:30pm. • Canaan Tower Apartments - 400 North Dale, Shreveport.

Monday – Friday. 8 am – 12:00 pm. • Cockrell SPAR - 4109 Pines Road, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 10 am – 12:00 noon. • Cooper Road Community Cneter- 1422 Martin Luther King Blvd., Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. • Lakeside SPAR - 2200 Milam Street, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 10 am – 12 noon. • Morningstar Baptist Church - 5340 Jewella Ave., Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 9 am – 12 noon. • Mooringsport Community Center - 603 Latimer Street, Mooringsport. Tuesday - Thursday. 9 am – 12:30 pm • New Hill CME Church - 8725 Springridge Texas Rd, Keithville. Tuesday and Thursday. 9:00 am 12:00 pm • Oil City Community Center 310 Savage Street, Oil City. Monday and Friday. 9 am – 12:30 pm. • Southern Hills SPAR - 1002 Bert Kouns, Shreveport. Monday – Friday. 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.

Minden Senior Center (3713056 or 1-800-256-2853), 316 McIntyre St., Minden, LA 71055; 8 am to 4 pm Cotton Valley Senior Center (832-4225), Railroad Ave., Cotton Valley; 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Springhill Senior Center (539-2510), 301 West Church St., Springhill; 8 am to 4 pm Transportation – transporting older persons to and from community facilities and resources. Assisted transportation also provided and must be scheduled weekly in advance.

Congregate Meals – nutritionally balanced meals for persons 60+ and spouses provided at senior centers, served 5 days a week. Home-Delivered Meals – Noon meal delivered to eligible homebound elderly (illness, disability or while caring for spouse who is), 5 days a week. Homemaker services – Provided to those clients meeting specific requirements. Recreation – Art, crafts, hobbies, games, and trips. Wellness – designed to support/

improve the senior’s mental/physical well-being through exercise, physical fitness, and health screening. Family Care-Giver Support – support services that provide a temporary break in the tasks of caregiving. For family caregivers who are providing care for an older individual who is determined to be functionally impaired because of inability to perform instrumental functions of daily living without substantial supervision and assistance. This service is provided to persons caring for a homebound relative 60+, for a

relative 60+ caring for a homebound child or grandchild. Information and Assistance – Provides the individual with current information on opportunities and services within the community. Legal Assistance – providing legal advice, counseling, and representation by an attorney. Lectures are scheduled on a quarterly basis. Medicaid enrollment center – take initial Medicaid applications Medical Alert – linking clients with in-home emergency response system.

The Best Of Times

Webster Council on Aging

November 2010

Ge t Up & Go ! Exhibit

Louisiana Artist Annual Exhibition - Through Saturday, November 20. Barnwell Garden & Art Center, 601 Clyde Fant Parkway, Shreveport. The exhibition includes juried works in several different mediums by members of the Louisiana Artists Group. Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday, 1pm to 5 pm. FREE. (318) 673-7703.

Film

Silver Screenings Matinee and Luncheon for Seniors - "To Kill a Mockingbird" starring Gregory Peck. Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas in downtown Shreveport. Tuesday, November 16 at 10:30 a.m. $5.75 for the film only; $14 for film and lunch. Call (318) 459-4122 to RSVP.

Shreveport Jewish Film Festival November 14 -18 at the Robinson Film Center in downtown Shreveport. Among the films to be screened are Killing Kasztner (2009) on Monday, November 15, 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, November 17, 5 p.m.; Keeping Up With the Steins (2006) on Sunday, November 14, 5 p.m. and Tuesday, November 16, 7:30 p.m.; A Matter of Size (2009) on Sunday, November 14, 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, November 18, 5 p.m.; Jaffa (2009) on Tuesday, November 16, 5 p.m. and Wednesday, November 17, 7:30 p.m. Shorts Showcase, including: I Saw A Mountain (2009), Toyland (2007) and Ingelore (2009) on Monday, November 15, 5 p.m. and Thursday, November 18, 7:30 p.m. Additionally, the director of Killing Kasztner, Gaylen Ross, will be on hand to answer questions after the screening of her film on Monday, November 15. The opening reception will take place on Sunday, November 14, at 6 p.m. at the Robinson Film Center. Traditional Jewish delicacies will be served. Cost is $10 per person at the door. Festival passes are also available for $36; these entitle the purchaser to admittance to the opening reception and each of the five film screenings. The ticket price for individual films ranges from $6.75 to $8.75. For more information, please call 868-1200.

Les Boutiques de Noel

Make plans to attend the 36th annual Les Boutiques de Noel hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild on November 18 - 20 at the Bossier

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Civic Center, 820 Benton Road. Thursday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. One of the best holiday shopping events in the South. Theme: A Jingle Bell Christmas. $7 per person. Valet Parking $5. Lunch by David Alvis. Preview Gala on Thursday November 17 from 6:30 - 11 p.m. $100 per person. For more info, call (318) 869-3809 or visit www.lesboutiquesdenoel.com.

Meeting

The Ark-La-Tex Genealogical Association - 1 PM, Saturday, November 1. Randle T. Moore Center, 2101 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport. Featuring Certified Genealogist Phil Adderley. Topic: Forensic Handwriting for Genealogists and Historians. Admission is Free. For additional information: call 318-746-1851. Rivercities Garden Club - Sunday, November 7. 2 PM. Barnwell Art Center in downtown Shreveport. The program is on hyper tufa, which is the of making garden containers and planters from a mixture of cement, sphagnum moss and pearlite. The resulting container is light and porous. Admission is FREE. For additional information call 797-6807.

Music

Shreveport Symphony Orchestra - Saturday, November 13. 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Theatre on Clyde Fant Parkway in downtown Shreveport. The Power of Music. Single Ticket Prices: $42, $37, $27 - Adults; $17- Students Call 318-227-8863 for tickets. www.shreveportsymphony.com

Speaker

Saturday Speaker Series: Barksdale in the Beginning - Saturday November 13 at 2:00 p.m. R.W. Norton Art Gallery, 4747 Creswell, Shreveport. William Lane Callaway, historian for the Eighth Air Force, reveal sthe story, lineage, and honor of Barksdale Air Force Base. FREE. For more info call (318) 865-4201

theatre

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change - Presented by the Shreveport Little Theatre. Nov. 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 at 8 p.m., Nov. 7, 14 at 2 p.m. at the Women's Department Club, 802 Margaret Place . This hilarious musical revue pays tribute TheBestOfTimesNews.com

to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face attempting romance, to those who have dared to ask, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Say, what are you doing Saturday night?â&#x20AC;? For tickets call (318) 424-4440. Box office hours are 12 - 4 p.m. Mon. - Fri. Tickets are $22.

tour

Beginner Bird Walk - Saturday, November 6, November 20, and December 4@ 8:00 am. Interested in bird watching but don't know where to begin? Get started by joining the Wild Bird Center and Shreveport Bird Study Group for a beginner bird walk! Meet at the store in the University Place Shopping Center (also known as the Target Shopping Center) at the corner of Youree Drive and East 70th Street. Destinations vary according to local sightings and may include local parks, country roads, or a great backyard. Loaner binoculars are available. TNT Express: A Trolley Tour that Explores Art & Culture -Thursday, November 18. Leaving every 25 minutes from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. from artspace at 710 Texas Street in downtown Shreveport. Presented by Shreveport Regional Arts Council. The trolley will transport people throughout downtown Shreveport to and from various art and cultural venues to discover downtown through art, history, culture and science. FREE. For more info call (318) 673-6535.

Trade Days

Main to Main Trade Days - Webster Parish. November 5 & 6. You will travel from the Springhill, Louisiana's Main Street down to Cullen Main Street, then cross over to Highway 371 traveling South to Sarepta, then to Cotton Valley, and at Dixie Inn turning East on Highway 80 traveling downtown Minden then out Highway 371 to Sibley and to the parish line. You will find antiques, "junktiques", clothes, furniture, toys, bake sales, retail sales, anything you can name. For information call Pattie Odom in Minden at 318-371-4258 or Jan Corrales in Springhill at 318-539-5699. The Best Of Times

November 2010

Across

1 They're in Vogue 6 Figs. disclosed before closings 10 Alley-oop setups, in hoops 14 Work on, as pipe bowl ash 18 Sex appeal 19 Fifth-century pope known as "the Great" 20 "There's no step 3!" product 21 Chick on ivories 22 Audible sleep aid 24 Stadium ticket datum 26 Wing 27 Trifle 28 Kept sacred 30 Where __ at 31 Singer Corinne Bailey et al. 33 Whole that's greater than the sum of its parts 35 Be in a bee 36 Monthly exp. 37 Fill with joy 39 Admonishing king? 40 Aide: Abbr. 42 "Me, Myself & __": 2000 film 43 Hiker's snack 46 It's transferred from iron to pants during pressing 49 "Wait __!" 50 All-inclusive 52 An atheist can't be one 53 Strikebreakers 56 Emmy-winning legal drama 58 Kid who moves a lot 63 One bit 64 Gets twisted 65 Cries of disgust 66 Miscellany 67 Barely sufficient 69 You, to you, at times? 71 With the bow, in music 72 Approximately 73 __-ling 74 Nods, often

November 2010

75 Dec. purchase 77 "The vine that ate the South" 78 Brusque 79 It may need a boost 80 Bindle carrier 81 Meteor tail? 83 Warning sign 88 On and on 94 In reserve 95 Sharpen 97 Ed.'s request 98 "A __ this gout!": "Henry IV, Part 2" 99 Spinoff group 100 Two-piece piece 102 Northern lights 105 Paper towel brand 106 Consumed 107 1960 chart topper with the line "Are you somewhere up above" 109 Add (up) 111 Small songbird 112 Agreed to a proposal 114 Library reminder 117 Wading bird 118 __ insurance 119 Road for Tiberius 120 Code carriers 121 Versatile beans 122 Union mem. since 2/14/1912 123 Disney no longer used them after "The Little Mermaid" 124 It can make your heart pound

Down

1 Turned on, with "up" 2 "TrĂ¨s chic!" 3 Graciously greet 4 Able, facetiously 5 Ladies 6 Song pour les enfants 7 Architect I.M. 8 Stone home 9 College near

Perfection

By Don Gagliardo Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

(Solution on page 53)

Albany 10 Laser entertainment 11 Actor Epps 12 Leader overthrown by Castro 13 Part of an act 14 Kite on the links 15 Dispute settler 16 Dispute settler, perhaps 17 Decorative herb 21 Cow's second helping? 23 Yuletide quaff 25 Improved partner? 29 '70s extremist gp. 32 Mont-__-Anne: Quebec resort 34 Contract segment 36 Rapt ending 38 Make possible 41 "__ me!"

42 Black 44 __ Enterprise 45 Role for Jackie 47 Brewer of song 48 Horror film locale: Abbr. 51 Brits' thankyous 53 __ und Drang 54 Ides assassin 55 Some choirboys 57 Ship that survived the Clashing Rocks 58 Instrument that's not seen and not heard 59 Blunder 60 Like "park the car," to a New Englander? 61 Songstress Mann 62 Fisher Price products 63 Achilles' cousin 64 Passed tediously

65 Cool sitcom guy 68 Krone-issuing land, to natives 69 Black __ spider 70 Ocular washing aid 73 Do a film editing job 76 Tours head? 77 155-mi. Asian strip that intersects the 38th parallel 78 Sonora uncle 80 [I'm so clever] 82 Broadway array 83 Prescribed amounts 84 Takeout order 85 "You gave it a shot!" 86 MLB postseason mo. 87 Banjoist, e.g. 89 Set apart from the rest 90 "Mazel __!"

91 On the way out 92 They're new at it 93 "CSI" procedure 96 Act of war? 100 More than ask 101 Rodeo rope 103 Valued old item 104 Small business successor, maybe 107 Boom letters? 108 Atmosphere: Pref. 110 Loose garment 113 Some Caltech grads 115 Business card abbr. 116 Theme answer count, amount of letters in each, word hidden in each, and, when repeated twice, today's date TheBestOfTimesNews.com

SUDOKU - Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column, and 3 x 3 box includes all digits 1 through 9.

(Solution on page 53)

Blessing Carve Celebrate Colonist Cornucopia Cranberry Family The Best Of Times

Feast Freedom Gather Harvest Indians Pilgrims Platter

Pumpkin Stuffing Thanksgiving Tradition Turkey Worship Yams November 2010

old

Ambulance Services

Balentine Ambulance Service (318) 222-5358 balentineambulance.com

Artificial Limbs and Braces Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics (318) 424-4167 snellsoandp.com

Associations and Organizations

Pages

Acadian OnCall (800) 259-1234 acadianmedicalalertsystems.com

Family Care Services (318) 671-1799 familycareservices.net

Financial & Estate Planning/ Legal Services

Interim HealthCare (318) 741-3776 interimhealthcare.com/ shreveport Louisiana CareTenders, LLC (318) 868-3983 louisianacaretenders.com

Cemeteries/Funeral Homes

Bossier Council on Aging (318) 741-8302 bossiercoa.org

Centuries Memorial (318) 686-4334 centuriesmemorialfh.com

Caddo Council on Aging (318) 676-7900 caddocoa.org

Hill Crest Memorial (318) 949-9415 hillcrestmemorialfh.com

Sci-Port Louisiana’s Science Center (318) 424-3466 sciport.org

Clinical Research Studies

The Robinson Film Center (318) 424-9090 robinsonfilmcenter.org The Best of Times (318) 636-5510 thebestoftimesnews.com Webster Council on Aging (318) 371-3056 webstercoa.org

Care Providers Comfort Keepers (318) 934-0090 comfortkeepers.com Elder Kare (318) 469-1711

Emergency Response Systems

Elite Health Solutions (318) 213-5483 elitehealthsolution.com

BluePrint Louisiana (866) 483-3920 blueprintlouisiana.org

Shreveport Little Theatre (318) 424-4439 shreveportlittletheatre.org

LearningRX/Bossier City (318) 742-8004 learningrx.com/bossier-city

Clinical Site Services (800) 817-4009 clinicalsiteservices.com Dr. Gary Booker (318) 227-9600 jgarybookermd.com

Counseling Services HealthGuide (318) 780-4307 healthguidenurse.com

Home Infusion Services IV Plus (318) 683-5139

Hospitals

Serio Investments Phillip Serio (318) 221-0889

Brentwood Hospital (318) 678-7500 psychiatricsolutionsbrentwood. com

The Law Practice of Joseph Gilsoul (318) 222-2100 www.weems-law.com

Willis Knighton Medical Center – North Shreveport (318) 212-4000 wkhs.com

Cemetery Upkeep and Flowers

Willis Knighton Medical Center – Bossier (318) 212-7000 wkhs.com

Flowers Forever, LLC (318) 925-2323

Entertainment Singing with Larry Lafitte (318)393-8287

Hearing Care Services Shreve Hearing Aid Service (318) 797-7733

Home Health Care (Medicare Certified) Ark-La-Tex Home Health, Inc (318) 747-6180 www.arklatexhomehealth.com Medistar Home Health (318)742-4026 www.medistarhomehealth.com

The Center for Families (318) 222-0759 thecenterforfamilies.com

United Home Health Care of Shreveport (318) 798-7777 www.unitedhomehealthcare.com

Educational Courses

Hospice Care Providers

Bible Correspondence Course (318) 797-6333

LifePath Hospice (318) 222-5711 www.lifepathhospicecare.com

LearningRX/Shreveport (318)671-0310 learningrx.com/shreveport

Willis Knighton Hospice of Louisiana (318) 212-4697 www.wkhs.com

St. Joseph Hospice (318) 222-8723 www.stjosephhospice.com

Willis Knighton Medical Center – South Shreveport (318) 212-5000 wkhs.com Wilis Knighton Medical Center – Pierremont (318) 212-3000 wkhs.com

Insurance Arcadian Community Care (888)261-1061 arcadiancommunitycare.com Cornerstone Financial Services (318) 861-8607 Humana (800) 833-0632 humana.com Red River Insurance Group (318) 213-6432 redriverinsurancegroup.com Vantage Health Plans (888) 823-1910 vhpla.com

Physician Services Dr. Gary Booker (318) 227-9600 jgarybookermd.com

Please remember to thank our business partners, for without their support, this priceless magazine would not be possible. 52

November 2010

TheBestOfTimesNews.com

Mid South Orthopaedics (318) 424-3400 Pierremont Eye Institute Dr. Chris Shelby (318) 212-3937 shelbyeye.com Vision – Source Dr. Larry Chism (888) 243-2020 visionsource-longview.com

Radio Stations AM 1130 KWKH Townsquare Media Radio Station (318) 688-1130 www.kwkhonline.com

Restaurants and Catering Cupcake Gallery and Coffee Shop (318) 752-2253

Senior Living Options Azalea Estates Assisted Living (318) 797-2408 azaleaestates.com Horizon Bay Assisted Living (318) 747-2114 horizonbay.com

The Best Of Times

Kingsley Place of Shreveport (318) 524-2100 emeritus.com NurseCare of Shreveport (318) 221-1983 nursecareofshreveport.com Southwood Gardens Apartments (318) 682-4022 Southwood Square Apartments (318) 671-1888 Summerfield Estates (318) 688-9525 holidaytouch.com

Skin Care/Hair Care Jeany Mitchell’s Skin Technology (318) 347-3567 Sam Stroope, Hairstylist (318) 868-8708

Telephone Book User-Friendly Phone Book (318) 865-1280 shreveport247.com

November 2010

American Life in Poetry By Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate (2004 - 2006)

The Illinois poet, Lisel Mueller, is one of our country’s finest writers, and the following lines, with their grace and humility, are representative of her poems of quiet celebration.

Singing Praises

At Snell’s Orthotics and Prosthetics, we often hear praises from patients and members of the medical community alike. But rarely are those praises sung so beautifully as when Eddie Mae Montgomery bestows accolades upon us. You see, music is an important part of Eddie Mae’s life, and for more than forty years she has ministered to others through her music at St. Mary Baptist Church in Shreveport. Together she and her husband direct the church’s choirs. “I wouldn’t want to go to anybody else,” says Montgomery. “They take the time necessary to understand their patients’ needs, and work hard to exceed expectations. I always recommend Snell’s to anyone who has needs similar to mine.” When you have a special orthotic or prosthetic need, it pays to work with a team that has the experience and long-term commitment that we do. We believe that while biomechanics, technology, and mathematical precision play a large part in the services we provide, the true heart of our work is based on humanity rather than science. Which is precisely why compliments from those we serve are always music to our ears.

Returning independence to our patients since 1911

ORTHOTICS • PROSTHETICS

1833 Line Avenue • Shreveport • (318) 424-4167 • Toll-Free 1-800-219-5273 8730 Youree Drive, Building A • Shreveport • (318) 795-0953 211 Hall Street • Monroe • (318) 388-3126 • Toll-Free 1-800-685-2268 1404 Jackson Street • Alexandria • (318) 443-6391 • Toll-Free 1-800-289-3260

www.SnellsOandP.com Serving Shreveport (2 locations), Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Ruston, Minden, Natchitoches, Coushatta, and Mansfield.

November 2010

In November Outside the house the wind is howling and the trees are creaking horribly. This is an old story with its old beginning, as I lay me down to sleep. But when I wake up, sunlight has taken over the room. You have already made the coffee and the radio brings us music from a confident age. In the paper bad news is set in distant places. Whatever was bound to happen in my story did not happen. But I know there are rules that cannot be broken. Perhaps a name was changed. A small mistake. Perhaps a woman I do not know is facing the day with the heavy heart that, by all rights, should have been mine. American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (www. poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Reprinted from Alive Together: New and Selected Poems, Louisiana State University Press, 1996, by permission of the author. Poem copyright © 1996 by Lisel Mueller. Introduction copyright © 2009 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. TheBestOfTimesNews.com

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