LLAF-Phoenix-Dec 2013

December 2013 • Phoenix Metro

Real Estate 2013

Reversing the Bad Rap on Reverse Mortgages With tighter regulations—and a big thumbs up from the Fonz—reverse mortgage lenders are striving to regain our trust. But can they really promise happy days ahead? : : by Jimmy Magahern

Finish Line Newsletter starts on page 49

The staff at Lovin’ Life After 50 would like to wish you and yours a safe and Happy Holiday season.

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Sound Off The Curmudgeon The Up Side The Widow’s Corner Ask the Old Bag Bear Market Report

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credits

publishers Steve T. Strickbine Steve Fish executive editor Shanna Hogan managing community editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski features editor Christina Caldwell art director Erica Odello advertising sales director Zac Reynolds advertising sales manager Mike Jiggs senior account executive Lou Lagrave sales administrator Shannon Fish contributors Jimmy Magahern, Drew Alexander, Jan D’Atri, Michael Grady, Terry Ratner, Gayle Lagman-CreswickTracy House, Nick Thomas, Andrea Gross, Irv Green, Matilda Charles

© 2013 by EOS Publishing, LLC. Lovin’ Life After 50 is a monthly publication dedicated to informing, serving and entertaining the active adults of Arizona. It is published by EOS Publishing, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year or $40 for two years. Send check or money order to Lovin’ Life After 50.

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December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 5

opinion Sound Off

Seniors, beware, please, please, please. I was desperate after my husband passed away in the early part of this year. I needed money and I had some foreign coins.

This collection of coins was personally gathered in trips to Europe. I had a list of value dated years ago beginning at $59 for just a couple or them. I called a number of a group that was presenting how they would help people give them money for the gold, for their silver at a local community. They said they didn’t have any schedule appearances, but they would be happy to come to my house. They came to the house and gave me $29 and took all of my silver. I was so stupid. I accepted it. Be careful.

Be careful.

I really love it how I buy three certificates for the “supreme” car wash at a local car wash chain, which has a value of $25 each, thinking that would pretty much include everything because I hate going to car wash places and being pressured into buying “extras.” Of course it

couldn’t be that easy! Once again I go in there with my $25 certificate for the “supreme” and the guy is once again trying to upsell me on more crap! You would think $25 would get you a decent car wash! I’m just going to start doing it at home or just take my chance at the ones where you just drive through because honestly there’s not much difference. I took one car to the auto $3 wash and the other one for the “supreme” wash and, besides a few small water spots and having to vacuum the interior myself, on the $3 wash there’s not much difference!

To Drew Alexander: Another breathless doomsday scenario that amounts to nothing more than your usual clichéd jab at Democrats and the president. Drew, when you make statements based on notes cribbed from Fox Network (Official Propaganda Arm of the Republi-Tea Party), you look foolish.

Better to put down the notebook and keep your eyes glued to Megyn Kelly’s bare knees. For a real analysis of the debt from a true expert with an uncanny track record of economic prescience, Google Paul Krugman, the Princeton University economics professor and columnist for the New York Times. His

The Curmudgeon Obamastein’s Monster

T

: : by Drew Alexander

he pitch black sky above the majestic white castle was shattered by wild streaks of lightning and earsplitting thundercrclaps.

Inside, mad scientist Baron Barry von Obamastein stared anxiously down at the carcass of a dead tree; he had taken those parts processed into paper and stitched them together into sections that were now lying inertly before him in a completed massive body of work.

His daring experiment was called Barry’s Invention for a Long and Lasting Life or “Bill” for short.

Attaching 20,000 pieces of the operating rules manual to the main corpus, Bill would stand 7 feet tall when activated.

“We will help you bring it to life, master,” said Obamastein’s assistants,

Harry and Nanny. “With a big dose of Demovote, your creation will become a living, breathing thing throughout the land.”

“This will be my signature achievement,” grinned Obamastein, rubbing his hands together.

“Generations will praise my name for giving them the secret to a longlasting, perfectly healthy life.”

“Yes, master,” said Harry, bowing.

“Your legacy will be the greatest of any mad scientist the world has ever known.”

“Do it now, Harry and Nanny, give it the Demovote,” ordered Obamastein.

Hunched over Bill, the threesome watched as the powerful injection of Demovote took effect. Bill twitched, then moved on the table, straightening out its spine and standing up.

page 6 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

analyses are educational, provocative, and a fitting elixir to the bobbleheads on network and cable television.—Jim Wilson, Tucson Your children and grandchildren suffer from federal government deficit spending? Their standard of living will be $200,000 less than you have enjoyed. Demand that the government quits borrowing money from the youth. The government has borrowed $100,000 for every taxpayer. Your children and grandchildren will have

to repay the $100,000 and will not be able to continue to borrow another $100,000, thus the $200,000 reduction in standard of living.—Garry Trachsel, Peoria Obama lied. His credibility died.

Dear Sound Off, I enjoy reading your opinion section.

I thank you for allowing all to share. Recently, my local House LD2 representative Andrea Dalessandro (D) ...continues on page 8

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“It’s alive! It’s alive!” shouted Obamastein. He was so proud of his creation that he took pen and ink and affixed his signature to a part of its body.

When the townspeople heard of the conception of Bill, some cheered it as a supreme triumph. Others, however, were skeptical that Bill would perform as promised.

“Bill will revolutionize the way life extension is delivered and will cost you less than previous entities,” said Obamastein in the town square. “But if you like the entity you have, you can keep it, period. If you like your mad scientist, you can keep your mad scientist, period.”

For a time, much of the populace embraced Obamastein’s seemingly perfect innovation. But they soon became disenchanted, fearful and angry when Bill began bullying the townspeople with heavy-handed rules and forcing them to pay huge amounts to sustain it.

Bill was rejected by many of the town’s merchants who lowered the work hours of their employees in

Write us: Lovin’ Life After 50 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

order to avoid the stifling costs of supporting Bill’s existence. Moreover, the promised option that folks could keep their former entity and their mad scientist proved to be false.

Out in public, Bill faltered badly, its various ill-fitting parts making it nearly impossible for anyone to have access to the monstrous Barry’s Invention for a Long and Lasting Life.

Entrenched in his castle, Obamastein saw torch-bearing townspeople storming the gates, shouting and demanding that Bill be eradicated.

“The fools, they just can’t accept that I know what’s best for them,” Obamastein said to his assistants.

But Harry and Nanny were not there. They had run out the back door of the castle and disappeared into the night.

Drew Alexander, also known as “The Curmudgeon,” is a monthly columnist writing about political issues. Send comments to drewalexander@cox.net or to Drew Alexander, in care of Lovin’ Life After 50, 3200 N. Hayden Road, Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.

www.lovinlifeafter50.com

The Up Side

Wishing You a Headcount Holiday : : by Michael Grady

I

’ll never forget my Mother’s screams that Christmas Eve. We’d all adjourned—as good children do—to our beds after “The Andy Williams Christmas Special.”

But like most little boys, I was less interested in visions of sugarplums and more interested in catching Santa in the act. On previous Christmas Eves my parents, upon finding my bed empty, would search the house and fish their sleeping child out of whatever nook, high shelf or litter box I’d chosen for a stakeout. So this year, I had stuffed my blankets with enough clothes to resemble a silhouette of my seven-year old self. I topped it with a football, under a knit cap, to resemble my head. Then I turned out the light, and hid in a hall closet with a view of our Christmas tree.

That’s where I was when my mother cried bloody murder.

What we learned was that Mom had seen my adorable sleeping form and entered the dark room to kiss me goodnight. But when my head slid clean off my body and bounced around the room like a well-placed punt, she took it rather hard. Her favorite gift was Pina Coladas that year—a gift she unwrapped frequently, until school was back in session. But she refused to punish me or even be angry.

“Everyone has a head this year,” she said. “It’s a good holiday.”

This column appears in early December, so by now you’ve seen the whole Thanksgiving-Black-Friday look-at-those-weirdoes-camping-allnight news cycle that is the first strike of the Holiday Season. If you’re Jewish, you’ve doubled-down on Thanksgivukkah, and you’re still looking at a five-week forecast of: mostly commercial with a chance of ulcers.

You’re already watching pretentious cologne commercials, thinking, “What does that mean?” and wondering, for the umpteenth time, why the movie “White Christmas” features a minstrel show number. And even though local stations have been playing carols since Labor Day, you feel like the holidays have snuck up on you.

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Every year, I find myself facing Christmas the way the Arizona Cardinals face third-and-long: I understand what it is, but I’m not equipped to deal with it, and I just can’t see it coming off well.

But time has taught me to adopt my mother’s approach from way-backwhen: cherish the fact that no one got beheaded—and treat anything else as a bonus.

A few finer points: • Lower Your Expectations: Like limbo dancing: How Low Can You Go? If this seems defeatist or negative, it’s a heck of a lot healthier than expecting a dramatic bonding moment (only happens on the Hallmark Channel) or a gift-wrapped Lexus (only on Lexus commercials).

Remember, if you’ve outgrown footie pajamas, Christmas is not about you.

And if you read this and think, “I just need to connect with my inner child again,” let me clarify: • Don’t Try to Be a Child Again: “I want to enjoy the season like a did when I was a child,” a friend used to say, “when the holidays held a sense of mystery and wonder.” Important caveat to remember: you were a child, then. Cardboard boxes held a sense of mystery and wonder. If you want that feeling back, contact your local Toys for Tots Program (www. toysfortots-maricopa.com), or work through your church or office to find an actual child, stoke their sense of wonder and bask in the reflected glow. It’s the closest you’ll ever come to crawling back into those short pants.

• Don’t Force Joy: Everybody has moments where they just don’t feel festive. For some reason, this becomes a crime around the holidays. We’re supposed to be joyous—or at least look like it. There’s nothing wrong with feeling blue, as long as you’re not an aggressive buzzkill about it.

But there’s a clinical term for forced joy. It’s called “resentment.”

• Prepare for a Little Stress: It always amuses me when family and

friends get hip-deep in the season and are SHOCKED to discover the holidays are stressful! Let’s look at Christmas’ own playbook, shall we?

Charlie Brown’s Christmas pageant failed and his tree died; George Bailey attempted and dodged an embezzlement charge; Ebenezer Scrooge was abducted and tortured by ghosts, and the Who’s of Whoville were all robbed blind. See a pattern?

All of these folks came to love the holidays—but none of them had an easy time getting there.

• Don’t Compare This Holiday to Previous Holidays: This is like crawling out of bed, getting on Facebook, seeing a friend’s vacation photos and saying: “They have a better life.” It’s not a fair fight. People guild, edit, and airbrush the hell out of their memories. It gives them a fond recollection or two, but the present always suffers in comparison.

With that in mind: • Try to Remember Your Terrible Holidays, Too: Here’s a fun exercise to do with the family: every time someone recalls an idyllic moment from holidays past, try to recall a horrific moment from that same year. (The tainted yams, the fight at the nativity scene, the time we lost grandpa at the grocery store, etc.)

These stories are not only funnier and more interesting, they make your current holiday better just by contrast.

• Let It Be: Is not a holiday song, but

it should be. All of the gift buying, present wrapping and table setting gives you the illusion that the holidays are yours to control. They aren’t. You can’t govern how someone else will react to your present, or appreciate your green bean casserole. So why try? Do your due diligence, then show up with an open mind. The rest is a reality show.

• Use Your Peripheral Vision: Here’s the marvelous thing about the holidays as we age: if you dial back your expectations, the holidays still deliver in unexpected ways: the longforgotten ornament you haven’t seen in years; the familiar arguments that you have every year; the corny movie you watch because everyone’s here to watch it with you. These understated blessings don’t jump out and shout at you. But they twinkle on the periphery—yours to quietly observe.

And finally: • Take a Headcount: Back to my Mom’s criteria. Look around when your holiday chaos is at its height: is everybody here? Is everybody healthy? Are their heads securely attached? If the answer to all of these is “yes,” then everything else is gravy.

For my part, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Lovely Solstice, Awesome Kwanzaa. Whatever you celebrate, I hope yours rocks.

Michael Grady is a Valley-based freelance writer, reporter and playwright.

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December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 7

Sound Off

... from page 6 posted on her public Facebook page oppose various political topics. These a political post clearly Democratic in elected officials have never blocked nature. As a constituent, I responded me and often times have responded to the post. My post was short; did not with their reasons for their stance contain foul language, and was not of further explained. The Constituents a personal nature toward Dalessandro. of LD2 need to be aware that Andrea But it was my opinion, and not in favor Dalessandro will not be receptive to of her political opinion posted. Without hearing their point of view unless it is discussion as to the disagreement in the in agreement with her. I have since met posting, my representative blocked me and will be voting for Chris Ackerley from her page—essentially snuffing in 2014.—Lisa Andrews, Green Valley my First Amendment rights. When contacted by email, Dalessandro failed On commercial television, to acknowledge her wrongdoing but have you noticed sometimes instead said I had posted a political the commercials are better statement to her “legislative page.” It entertainment than the show’s appears she has since removed the so- juvenile-minded production writers, called legislative page thus eliminating who apparently just discovered their the possibility of her constituents to bodies and that magic thing called see her true political views. She does “difference” that must be shown openly continue to have her personal page and often to the equally ignorant which you can ask to be her friend. I viewers where modesty is forbidden? pointed out to Dalessandro that as a That’s interesting. vocal person I have commented via Facebook or Twitter or email to Gov. Mark Oct. 24, 2013, as another Brewer, John McCain, Jeff Flake, Ron day in infamy. The ignorant Barber and Ray Carroll sometimes in have spoken their racial hatred approval of their votes or comments but openly in Congress. As if we didn’t more often than not with opinions that already know. Poor, poor America.

page 8 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

The latest news is Chase Bank will pay $5 billion to someone in a fine for poor business practices. Oh, but who will be receiving all that bonus income? Maybe it’s just another mystery in Washington.

Somebody’s benefiting. Does anybody know?

I’m tired of you publishing only pro-Democrat views. Wake up, Democrats. You voted for him!

You probably won’t print this.

Oh looky, looky all the little kettles are calling the big pot black. Well, if they didn’t spy on each other, no one would know anything except for al-Qaidas. Wise up for pity’s sake, you nit-pickers.

Can we still say good morning?

Just who are these so-called politically correct complainers and their friends, the destroyers of early American children’s celebration of Christmas and Santa, Halloween ghosts and pumpkins patches, Easter bunnies and Thanksgiving, graduation and proms. All stolen for greedy adults by for business, for business, buy and

sell. Bah humbug on them. Run them out of town.

At last, all the dirty little secrets are coming out in Washington.

It was no secret there were people who just wanted the president to fail. They’ve been fighting for that victor ever since day one—the election.

Shame on you, you lousy Americans.

Shame on you, you lousy traitors. Give the man the information he needs to succeed and stop undercutting the people that know what they’re trying to be doing correctly. You’re all traitors.

Well years ago, many Arizonans mocked former Sen. Sam Steiger’s predictions about the oil problems in the Near East and the electorate Rick Renzi.

Well, finally Rick goes to jail, thanks to Sam long, long ago. But Arizona still needs more new bad, old Sam-style predictors.

Oh yeah you’ll want to live in America and just work and have a normal life. Well guess what? Learn to speak the English ...continues on page 42

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The Widow’s Corner Oblivious

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: : by Terry Ratner, RN, MFA have a lump on my right breast.

It might be benign or it may be cancerous. I had to type the word “benign” before the “C” word, as if to convince myself that it was second in line, inconsequential, a low probability, a word in the distance.

I discovered the nodule on May 16 while taking a bath. As I washed my chest area, I felt a marble-sized hardness on the lateral left side. I had never felt a breast lump on myself or anyone else. It’s not at all good when your nodule is “palpable” from the outside. Cancer, if that is what it is, works cunningly from the inside out.

Detection and treatment often work more slowly and gropingly from the outside in. As a nurse, I’ve always been aware of the possibility, but it was something that happened to someone else—a lover, a patient, a friend or a person of high profile.

There is an automatic course of events which follow after one finds a lump. The cycle begins with panic and shock. A call to the internist is next even though you know how they will respond. I hoped to hear, “that doesn’t feel like a lump we need to be concerned about” or “it’s probably a cyst.” But instead my doctor took his hand and felt around the area in question and said, “You need to follow up with a mammogram and ultrasound early next week.”

The radiologist at the breast center came into the exam room after viewing my results and told me, “It’s definitely a nodule, not a cyst, but it looks benign. I’d advise you to wait six months and repeat the ultrasound.”

That is the type of response I needed to hear, the kind of wishful diagnostic statement that makes you clap your hands, stump your feet and say, “Hallelujah, thank you God.” But at the same time I wondered if it was prudent to wait six months.

“Why do you think it’s benign?” I asked him. I needed to know what he based his assumption on.

“We have certain criteria we go by and your nodule doesn’t appear to be cancer,” he said as he handed

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me his written report which reflected those exact words. Probably benign.

Advised patient to wait six months and repeat ultrasound. I wanted to know more about the word “criteria” but it seemed to be either a secret he couldn’t or preferred not to divulge.

It was the beginning of summer and I wanted to believe what he said. I wasn’t going to dispute or examine the criteria with him, as if I was his colleague looking at a case study. I’d been living with my boyfriend for the past six months and I didn’t want anything to interfere with the relationship, no problems to complicate things. I felt as if I deserved to enjoy my new life to the fullest: sexy seaside vacations, fancy dinners out with friends, trips to Napa and New York, and building merging family relationships. There was no place for surgical procedures, incisions, scars, a possible mastectomy, radiation, catheters, chemo were all to be avoided—the regimen that follows with most breast cancer diagnosis. I’m a nurse. I know too much.

I keep the newly discovered lump from my boyfriend, family and friends.

I don’t want to think about it and besides, I knew exactly how they would react. They would tell me to have it biopsied, no matter what anyone said.

Then they would listen to my lame excuses and beg me to be sensible.

They would ask me what I would tell them to do under the circumstances.

So I avoid that conversation.

It’s been three years since my husband died from cancer. I’m just beginning to live again and I’m not going to let a tiny lump spoil things.

Not now. Not ever. So I’ll continue living as if nothing has changed. But every time I undress or shower, I’m aware of this tiny foreign object inside of me—hoping it might disappear as suddenly as it appeared.

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page 10 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

: : by Gayle M. Lagman-Creswick

ear Old Bag: On March 7, 2008, my husband died at age 83.

We were married 61 years. We were alone at his death. We have one loving daughter in Alaska with three grown children and grandchildren. We have one deceased daughter and son-in-law with grown sons and grandchildren in Idaho and South Dakota. It’s now been five years since my husband’s death. Our daughter has been to see me for two days. My grandsons never came. I feel it is because I live with my sister and brother-in-law. The daughter does call six nights a week. I feel I have been shunned. It hurts. Please give me your advice. Sincerely, CMF Grand Junction, Colo.

D

ear CMF: Forgive me for shortening your letter, but hope I got the gist! I feel for you and understand how you feel, having been through some of it myself. I think what you describe is very common. I hear from those who complain about not seeing their children and grandchildren who live in the same city! One thing I know for sure is that families are busy nowadays. Remember when people had time to sit in the porch swing and drink lemonade? Young families today can’t do that. Busy is part of it.

The other part of it is that they have no idea how important their visits and messages are to us, and they will not understand it until it happens to them! I am sure it is a factor that you are living with your sister. Visiting there is not the same as visiting you at your home. I believe we have to be happy with what we get. We can either make ourselves unhappy over it, or say, “My daughter calls me six days a week. Isn’t that wonderful?” If you are able, you should visit them. Don’t wait until they invite you. Call them and say, I would like to visit you. What date would work for you?” Signed, O.B. Dear Old Bag: ‘Tis the season, and what do I buy for my well-to-do married children and grandchildren?

They have everything! I am ready to say “no more gifts.” Signed, Help!

D

ear Help: My son put me on to this: He said, “Mom we do not want you to buy any more traditional gifts for us or our kids. We would like you to write something for each. It could be a story of when you were a kid, or an anecdote, or an event, but it would be something from your heart.” One year I wrote them about what their dad was like as a little boy.

This is another idea that I like and have mentioned before: Give them something of yours to treasure. Start giving away those things that your kids will have to figure out what to do with after you are gone. They may not treasure it now, but when you are gone, they will be happy to have something you gave them, and they can pass it on to their children. Signed, O.B.

D

ear Old Bag: Since the giftgiving season is upon us, I would like your help in gift-giving for our grandparents, who I am sure have everything they need. Suggestions, please. Signed, Out of Ideas Dear Out of Ideas: This may seem utilitarian, but I am in favor of talking to them and say, “Gramma, we are going to buy you a gift, but we would feel better if we bought something you wanted. So what would you like?” I personally love gift cards to my favorite book store, restaurant or clothing store.

I do not want “things” such as knick knacks that my kids will have to get rid of when I die. When my dad died we found one drawer full of unopened pajamas and another full of unopened shirts. Good luck. Signed, O.B. Dear Readers: This month’s assignment for those who want to show the younger generation how to get along and respect each other: Make one friend who is different from yourself.

If you have a question for The Old Bag, please send it to: Ask the Old Bag c/o Lovin’ Life After 50, 3200 N. Hayden Road, Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 or lagmancreswick@cox. net.

www.lovinlifeafter50.com

Bear Market Report Making a List—of Nice Things for Your Finances

I

: : by Teresa Bear

n this busy time of year, it’s tough to focus on money issues. However, some things just can’t wait until January. Here are five things to do in December to take advantage of tax and financial rules to make next year a more prosperous year.

Take tax losses As I write this article at the beginning of November, the stock market reached another all-time high last week. It is likely that if you’ve invested in stocks, you have made money this year. However, you may also have some losers in your portfolio. If this is the case, you may want to investigate selling them to offset gains that you have elsewhere in your portfolio. If you like the company and believe that the long-term prospects are good, you can always buy the stock back in January. Just make sure that you wait at least 31 days to avoid the “wash sale” rules.

Be True to Your School The Arizona state school tax credits are some of the best deals around.

When my son graduated from the New School of Arts and Academics in Tempe (Yes, this is a shameless plug for the school), he asked me to continue to make donations to the school that he attended and loved. For those of you who have grandchildren or want to support a neighborhood school, this is a great way to provide additional funds to a school that you care about.

You receive a federal tax deduction (if you itemize) and a direct dollar-fordollar credit on your Arizona state taxes. There are credits for public as well as private schools.

Say goodbye to estimated taxes with form W-4V One of the ironies of retired life is that paying your taxes may be more complicated than when you were working. When you were working, you likely had most of your tax liability withheld from your wages and reported on form W-2. When your employer is no longer paying taxes on your behalf, it’s up to you to find

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another way to pay your federal taxes.

Many CPAs use form 1040-ES, which requires taxpayers to send a quarterly payment to the IRS. This can be time consuming and cumbersome.

To avoid this headache, I use the IRS Form W-4V to withhold the annual tax liability from my client’s Social Security payments. To find out if this will work to simplify your life, check with your local Social Security office, your tax preparer, or visit www.irs.gov/ w4v. It doesn’t work for everybody, but many retirees can utilize this method of paying their taxes instead of having to worry about making those pesky estimated tax payments.

Make sure that Uncle Sam doesn’t put coal in your stocking next April If you were born before July 1, 1943, and have a 401(k) or IRA account, you are subject to the rules regarding required minimum distributions.

The penalties if you don’t take your distribution out are high—50 percent of the distribution that you should have taken. So be sure to get the money out before the end of the year. Keep in mind that some administrators have a Dec. 15 cutoff date for processing payments. Don’t wait till New Year’s Eve to get this done. Also, you may want to investigate setting up automatic required distributions from your account while you’re setting up your required distribution this year.

Some providers will automatically calculate and send you your RMD each year.

Help Those Less Fortunate This time of year is often the time when people focus on the needs of those less fortunate then themselves.

Food banks and shelters are often overwhelmed with merchandise gifts this time of year, but green cash is always welcome. The state of Arizona assists in your philanthropy by allowing you to take a credit for charities that help the working poor.

There are many charities that qualify.

The complete 13-page list is found at www.azdor.gov/TaxCredits/

QualifyingCharitableOrganizations. aspx Like the school credits, you will receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against your taxes. The state of Arizona is allowing you to be generous on its behalf. It’s a win-win situation for you and the charity of your choice.

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and have a prosperous New Year!

Teresa Bear, CFP, CPA (www.TeresaBear. com), specializes in retirement planning and asset preservation for retirees and those about to retire. Bear is the author of the new book “She Retired Happily Ever After.” Send questions to TBear@JCGrason.com.

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Dec. 4 Wednesday

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, $30.05 to $56.05, (800) 745-3000, www.ticketmaster. com. The renowned musicians offer the encore and final performance of “The Lost Christmas Eve.”

Fibromyalgia Treatment Discussion, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wednesdays in December, except Christmas, Helen Foundation, 105 S. Delaware Dr., Suite 8, Apache Junction, free and reservations required, (480) 389-5431, ernestogallegos01@gmail.com.

Dec. 2 Monday

Dec. 5 Thursday

National Watercolor Society 2013 Traveling Exhibit and Dick Termes Exhibit, thru Dec. 5, Peoria City Hall Art Gallery, 8401 W. Monroe St., Peoria, free, (623) 972-0635, www.wvam.org.

Grandparents’ Play Day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Doll House and Toy Store, 16447 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite D115, Scottsdale, free admission, (480) 948-4630, www. azdollhouse.com. Grandparents are invited to come in with their grandchildren and have a wonderful time playing and coloring together in the toy store. Free coffee will be served all day. All grandparents will also receive a special 10 percent discount.

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Discussion, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Mondays in December, Helen Foundation, 105 S. Delaware Dr., Suite 8, Apache Junction, free and reservations required, (480) 389-5431, ernestogallegos01@gmail.com.

“A Diamond Evening,” 7 p.m., Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Ave., Mesa, $10, (480) 8329003. “A Diamond Evening” is a tribute to Neil Diamond performed by award-winning entertainer, Stan Foster.

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Dec. 3 Tuesday

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“Depression: When It’s More Than the Blues,” 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., SCAN Health Education Center, 1400 E. Southern Ave., Suite 735, Tempe, free but registration required, (855) 901-7226, ext. 3420.

Wisconsin Club Holiday Dinner, 5 p.m., Briarwood Country Club, 20800 N. 135th Ave., Sun City West, call for admission fee, (623) 399-8237.

Country Store, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Greenfield Village RV Resort, 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, free admission, (480) 832-3844. Held a new day and time, the store features many new vendors.

MS Disease Treatment Discussion, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Tuesdays in December, Helen Foundation, 105 S. Delaware Dr., Suite 8, Apache Junction, free and reservations required, (480) 389-5431, ernestogallegos01@gmail.com.

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“The Emotional Impact of Heart Disease,” 12:30 p.m., Belmont Village Scottsdale, 13850 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, free but reservations required, (480) 945-3600. Carol Klein discusses heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, congestive heart failure, stroke, heart attack and other heart-breaking issues. Learn about the emotional impact of diagnosis and how individuals and family members can learn to live successfully with the disease.

Mainstream and Plus Square Dance, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Greenfield Village RV Resort, 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, $5, (480) 832-3844. Tom Roper is the featured caller.

Society for the Arts Social Hour, 4:30 p.m., Remington’s Lounge at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Rd., $2 hospitality fee plus charge for food and drinks, (480) 851-5101. Dance on the new patio floor or relax and enjoy Rags Allen and Margo Reed.

Bingo, 7 p.m. Thursdays in December, Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Ave., Mesa, charge for cards, (480) 832-9003. Game features a $900 progressive pot.

Chronic Pain Treatment Discussion, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Thursdays in December, Helen Foundation, 105 S. Delaware Dr., Suite 8, Apache Junction, free but reservations required, (480) 389-5431, ernestogallegos01@gmail.com.

Dec. 6 Friday The Engineers Club of the West Valley, 11:30 a.m., Briarwood Country Club, 20800 N. 135th Ave., Sun City West, $18, reservations required, (623) 544-0942. Blake Sacha, director construction supply chain, Intel Corp., will illustrate the steps required to go from sand to a silicon chip capable of powering the latest computer, tablet or smartphone.

Myron Sommerfeld and His Music of the Stars, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Venture Out, 5001 E. Main St., Mesa, $7, (480) 832-9000, www.nbea.com/mso.htm, www. bonniesommerfeld.com.

Arthritis/Neuropathy Treatment Discussion, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Fridays in December, Helen Foundation, 105 S. Delaware Dr., Suite 8, Apache Junction, free but reservations required, (480) 389-5431, ernestogallegos01@gmail.com.

Dec. 7 Saturday Crown of Life Lutheran Church Cantata, 4 p.m., repeats 3 p.m. Dec. 8, church’s Sanctuary, 13131 W. Spanish Garden Dr., Sun City West, free, (623) 5466228. The event features the combining of the church choirs, along with piano, string quartet, and flute under the direction of Dennis Lilleberg, choir director.

Minnesota Club of the Sun Cities’ Christmas Holiday Luncheon, 11 a.m., Union Hills Country Club, 9860 Lindgren Ave., Sun City, call for cost, reservations required by Dec. 3, (623) 546-0557.

Wisconsin Club Breakfast, 8:30 a.m., Tivoli Gardens, 12535 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, annual dues are $6 plus meals, (623) 546-0853. Former or present Wisconsites in the area are invited to join in on the fun and activities.

Dec. 11 Wednesday

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East Valley Michigan Club Holiday Lunch, 2 p.m., The Golden Corral 1868 N. Power Rd., Mesa, cost for meals, (480) 986-7085, (480) 610-9864. Bring a wrapped $10 present for the gift exchange and donate $3 toward a charity organization.

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Dec. 12 Thursday Missouri Opry Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Greenfield Village RV Resort, 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, $10 in advance, $12 at the door, (480) 832-3844.

Sunland Village Songsters’ Choir, 7:30 p.m. repeats 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Ave., Mesa, $5, (480) 832-9003. The choir, under the direction of Cynthia Hoff, will perform holiday material.

“A Swingin’ Christmas,” various times thru Dec. 21, The Palms Theatre, 5247 E. Brown Rd., Mesa, $30 to $45, (480) 924-6260, www.ThePalmsTheatre.com.

“A Swingin’ Christmas” is a new show that features a swingin’ six-piece band (including a horn section) and top-notch singers bringing Christmas tunes to life.

Dec. 8 Sunday Scottsdale Concert Band’s “Holiday Pops” Concert, 3:30 p.m., Saguaro High School auditorium, 6250 N. 82nd St., Scottsdale, free, (602) 327-3168, www.scottsdaleconcertband.org. The 75-member ensemble, now in its 36th season, is a winner of the prestigious Sudler Silver Scroll Award of Excellence.

Sun City Women’s Chorus Concert, 3 p.m., Sundial Auditorium, 14801 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, $5, (623) 933-7647. “Merrily Sing Noel!” features familiar holiday carols and new tunes.

Dec. 9 Monday Sun Lakes Democratic Club, 7 p.m., Sun Lakes Country Club’s Navajo Room, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes, admission is donation of nonperishable food items, (480) 895-1378, (480) 895-1162. Join the group for a relaxed holiday party.

Dec. 10 Tuesday “Picture Perfect: The Jodi Arias Story,” Book Signing with Author Shanna Hogan, 7 p.m., Barnes and Noble at the Desert Ridge Market Place, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, free, (480) 538-8520, www.barnesandnoble.com. Award-winning true-crime author Shanna Hogan will discuss the high-profile Jodi Arias trial and sign copies of her New York Times bestselling book.

Mainstream and Plus Square Dance, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Greenfield Village RV Resort, 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, $5, (480) 832-3844. Tom Roper is the featured caller.

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Dec. 13 Friday Sun City West/Surprise Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon, 11 a.m., The Colonnade Ballroom, 19116 Colonnade Way, Surprise, $23 by Dec. 6, (623) 255-5352. The guest speaker is Jo Russell, who will speak about “Coping with Danger, Detours and Motherhood.”

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Calculated Couples Singles Dance, 7 p.m., Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, 5401 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, $10, or $9 with pet food or pet toy for animal rescue, (602) 765-0200, www.cupidhelp.com.

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Pancake Breakfast, 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Ave., Mesa, $3.50, (480) 832-9003.

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Dec. 15 Sunday Poinsettia Tea, 1:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., $70 in advance, reservations required, (602) 274-5022, www. duetaz.org. The 23rd annual event features DanceMotion from Bender Performing Arts, mistress of ceremonies Destry Jetton from Channel 12, and an afternoon tea with scones, sandwiches and desserts. The afternoon benefits Duet.

...continues on page 14

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Dec. 14 Saturday

The Handbell Ringers of Sun City’s Christmas concert, “Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child,” 3 p.m., American Lutheran Church, 17200 Del Webb, Sun City, $5, (262) 237-4258, (480) 398-6776. Attendees will hear “Away in a Manger,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Rudolph,” “Silent Night.” The 24 members will be directed by Libbie Randels. Sherrill Tyacke will be a guest conductor.

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December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 13

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Jack Jackson Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, $10 in advance, $12 at the door, (480) 832-3844. Canada’s “Country Gentleman” entertains in Mesa.

“White Christmas” Movie Day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., SCAN Health Education Center, 1400 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, free but registration required, (855) 901-7226, ext. 3420. Lunch will follow the movie.

“Boogie Nights Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance,” 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Palm Ridge Summit Hall, 13800 W. Deer Valley Dr., Sun City West, $5 members of SCW Dance for Health of It Club, $8 guests, (602) 679-4220, www. scwdanceforhealth.com. Singles and couples dance to great rock music from past decades with host and DJ Kort Kurdi.

Friday Night Dance, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Ave., Mesa, $7, (480) 832-9003. Dance features entertainment by Anger Senger and Friends Country Band.

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National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association (NARFE) Chapter 1395, 11 a.m., Brothers Family Restaurant, 8466 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria, charge for meals, (623) 935-4681, deb.at.NARFE@gmail.com. The tentative guests will be the line dance group called A Class Act. All current and retired federal employees and spouses are invited to join the group to celebrate the holidays.

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Society for the Arts Social Hour, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Mabel’s on Main, 7018 E. Main St., Scottsdale, $2 hospitality fee plus charge for meals, (480) 889-5580.

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Bingo, 6:30 p.m., Greenfield Village RV Resort, 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, $1 to $3, (480) 832-3844.

Mainstream and Plus Square Dance, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Greenfield Village RV Resort, 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, $5, (480) 832-3844. Tom Roper is the featured caller.

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... from page 13 Dec. 16 Monday Calculated Couples West Valley Singles Dance, 7:30 p.m., Peoria Pines Country Club, 8411 N. 107th Ave., “A Swingin’ Christmas,” 7:30 p.m., Arizona Broadway Theater, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, call for Peoria, $10, or $9 with pet food or pet toy for animal ticket price, (623) 776-8400. This holiday treat features a rescue, (602) 765-0200, www.cupidhelp.com. Dress to swingin’ six-piece band and top-notch singers bringing your impress; no old jeans or sneakers. favorite Christmas tunes to life.

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Hillcrest Dance and Social Club’s Christmas Semi-Formal Dance, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., RH Johnson Social Hall, 19803 RH Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, $4 members, $6 guests, (623) 546-6845. Dance to music

by The Two Amigos. Complimentary holiday cakes served during intermission.

Desert Divas Holiday Concert, 6:30 p.m., Sonoran Plaza, Sun City Grand, 19753 N. Remington, Surprise, $10, (623) 975-2284, www.scgrandmusicclub.com.

Myron Sommerfeld and His Music of the Stars, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Las Palmas Grand, 2550 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa, $8, (480) 357-1148, www.nbea.com/mso. htm, www.bonniesommerfeld.com.

Dec. 22 Sunday West Valley Symphony, 3 p.m., Valley Vista Performing Arts Center, 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, $15 to $25, (623) 236-6781, www. westvalleysymphonyorg. The symphony presents “Amahl and the Night Visitors” with Cantilena Chorale. The symphony will perform the concert version of this one-act opera composed by Gian Carlo Menotti.

Dec. 23 Monday Suns vs. Lakers, 7 p.m., US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, $3,917.75 to $80.50, (800) 7453000, www.ticketmaster.com.

Dec. 25 Wednesday Merry Christmas from all of us at Lovin’ Life After 50!

Dec. 26 Thursday Mainstream and Plus Square Dance, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Greenfield Village RV Resort, 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, $5, (480) 832-3844. Tom Roper is the featured caller.

Dec. 27 Friday Coyotes vs. Sharks, 7 p.m., Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, $20.05 to $355, (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Dec. 28 Saturday Hillcrest Dance and Social Club’s New Year’s Dance Party, 7 p.m., RH Johnson Social Hall, 19803 RH Johnson Blvd., Sun City West, $4 members, $6 guests, (623) 546-6845. Enjoy a complimentary waltz lesson at 6:15 p.m. and dance to music by the Danny Kealey Orchestra from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Complimentary finger foods buffet during intermission.

Dec. 29 Sunday Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers, 2:25 p.m., University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, $30 to $455, (800) 745-3000, www. ticketmaster.com. Larry Fitzgerald and the rest of the Cardinals close out the home season with a game against Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers.

Dec. 30 Monday Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Discussion, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Mondays in December, Helen Foundation, 105 S. Delaware Dr., Suite 8, Apache Junction, free and reservations required, (480) 389-5431, ernestogallegos01@gmail.com.

Dec. 31 Tuesday Calculated Couples New Year’s Eve Singles Dance, 8 p.m., Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, 5401 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, $15, or $14 with pet food or pet toy for animal rescue, (602) 765-0200. Dress to impress; no old jeans or sneakers.

New Year’s Eve Dance, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Greenfield Village RV Resort, 111 S. Greenfield Rd., Mesa, $15 tickets available Dec. 18, (480) 832-3844. Ring in the New Year with Mr. G’s Swing Band.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, 6 p.m. to 12 p.m., Sunland Village Auditorium, 4601 E. Dolphin Ave., Mesa, $40, (480) 832-9003. With a dinner catered by Ed, the dance features music by the Rich Howard Band.

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s y e C urn Jo lose to six million Americans carry the diagnosis of heart failure.

Heart failure also is the leading cause of all hospitalizations in individuals older than the age of 64. Additionally, once hospitalized for heart failure, the patient carries a 30 percent risk of being readmitted with heart failure in the next 30 days.

Can these admissions and readmissions be prevented or at least reduced? The answer is an astounding yes. The patient has a vital role in avoiding one of every five hospitalizations for heart failure.

Furthermore, a dedicated patient may decrease the risk of annual readmission by almost 40 to 45 percent.

Insights from Above

True-life tales from some of Arizona’s most fascinating residents.

Dr. Richard A. Komm Age: 81

Driving vs. Flying: “It’s hard to compare flying and driving. Really, when you drive, you have a radius of a few hundred miles. When you fly, that radius is doubled, maybe tripled. On a weekend, one could travel 600, 800 miles distance and enjoy themselves in that radius. In a car that would be hard to do.

Plus, you have a lot of really dangerous situations on the road. Cars are passing and you are driving at a high speed. In an airplane, it’s a big open sky. Most of the dangers—other than weather related—usually occur around airports where you have more congestion.”

Why Flying? Komm formerly had multiple practices in California, so he would fly himself between San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. “That’s fine, but sooner or later you have to decide if that’s too much for one person. It spreads a little bit thin.” He decided on Southern California and then moved to Arizona in 2004.

ADAM MORENO

D

year Perspective Through a Active Listener Pilot’s Eyes,” which he selfTo bepublished an active listener, through Xlibris.the cardiologistHe is earned lucky, as she already his private pilot has the certifi important ingredients of cate in 1952, followed compassion care. However, active by and commercial, multi-engine, listening also requires time and patience. glider and instrument ratings.

To have time, the vital component on her side, the cardiologist would need to schedule her Heart Failure Clinic with

Aviator/Psychologist

Motivation: “I saw a movie once, ‘Annie Hall,’ where Woody Allen turns to Annie and says, ‘A relationship is like a shark. It has to constantly move forward or it dies.’ You have to keep motivated and keep an interest in life. If you keep an interest in life, the reverse is true.”

The Roles of the Doctor The role of the cardiologist does not stop after diagnosing and treating the failing heart with medications, surgery and/or devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. The role of the cardiologist is fourfold in such a setting.

The cardiologist wears several hats. She not only has to connect with the patient, engage as an active listener, convey and deliver the treatment plan, but most importantly, she assumes the role of the patient’s coach, as well.

Connecting with the Patient r. Richard A. Komm One would has think for such a hadthat a long-standing common love disease aswith heartaviation. failure, the affair treatment would be universal cut A psychologist byandtrade, and dry, as well.

Unfortunately, that is Komm learned to fly in St. not the case.

There is no cookie cutter Louis, Mo., when he was approach15, to heart Theand, treatment backfailure. in 1947 at age plan not 81, onlystill has aviates to complement the alone across patient’s lifestyle, likes and dislikes, but the United States.

Komm also has totook be consistent with his abilities a momentary break and habits.

Mostflying importantly, the heart from to recover from failure treatment plan has to conform a six-way heart coronary to the beliefs the patient. the arteryofbypass graft inAll March above-described patient characteristics 2012. However, he’s since have to be identifi ed, recognized been cleared to fly and and has acknowledged by the doctor. returned to his first love.

The cardiologist must his respect and He’s captured adoration accept these characteristics in her of transportation in the book patients. “Cubs to Bonanzas: A 65-

: : by Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Photos by Adam Moreno

Komm has lived through many changes, both in society and aviation. He yearned to write “Cubs to Bonanzas” to share the insights he accumulated over thousands of hours of cross-country flights—some harrowing, some educational and some both.

“The book chronicles a lot of the experiences in and around aviation, but also the change of society from ’47 to the present, which is quite extensive indeed, in terms of freedom of action, smaller government, more local control,” Komm says.

“There’s been quite a bit of change in affordability as well. Gasoline was 20 cents a gallon. Aviation gas was 18 to 20 cents. Today it’s $6 a gallon. It’s far exceeded the price of auto fuel.”

page 16 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

Captured Audience: Komm worked as a psychologist in a high-security prison in Coalinga, Calif. Despite what he describes as a “very toxic atmosphere,” he was able to break through to the criminals. “I have a card here that they made for me to thank me for being there for them,” he says, handing over a handmade card. “It was totally unanticipated.”

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Your contributions help keep our players on the field. Red Mountain High reached the pinnacle in athletic achievement by winning the AIA Director’s Cup. The girls softball team won its fourth consecutive state championship, ranking them No. 1 in the state and nation. State championships at Mountain View High in girls pom and boys golf, as well as individual state championships at Westwood, Dobson and Mountain View in swim and wrestling, were possible because of your generous donations.

The ECA State tax credit is available to all Arizona income tax payers and allows for dollar-for-dollar reduction of your state income tax owed. All donations are used for student programs, with none going toward administration or overhead.

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With tighter regulations—and a big thumbs up from the Fonz—reverse mortgage lenders are striving to regain our trust. But can they really promise happy days ahead?

REVERSING the Bad Rap on

REVERSE MORTGAGES

By Jimmy Magahern

W

hen Terry Goddard’s mother-in-law told him she was considering taking on a reverse mortgage, the former Arizona Attorney General was, not surprisingly, a bit skeptical.

After all, it was Goddard who, in his final term in office, declared the protection of Arizona’s seniors against fraud and exploitation his “No. 1 priority” and who, during a 2010 speech before a group of seniors in Sierra Vista, predicted “Reverse mortgages are the next wave of fraud.”

“As A.G., I always thought that this was the next area of major problems, because they were

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being so hyped and oversold to a very vulnerable population,” says Goddard, who left the office in 2011 after an unsuccessful run for governor and has now returned to his law practice. “I saw it as a growing market, one where more and more people were becoming eligible. And unfortunately that makes it an attractive market for the shysters.”

Inevitably, Goddard was right.

More people took out reverse mortgages at the height of the housing crash than ever before— about 115,000 annually from 2007 to 2009, an amount that’s leveled off to about 55,000 last year. But, ...continues on page 20

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with shades of the subprime mortgage meltdown, many were sold to homeowners who were bad risks for the loans. Some who were promised they could never lose their home by taking out a reverse mortgage, nevertheless did, by blowing the lump sum too soon or taking on risky investments, and not leaving enough for fees, property taxes and insurance, which the borrower still has to continue paying. Other couples were talked into putting only the oldest spouse’s name on the loan, which became a problem when that spouse passed on and the surviving spouse was faced with eviction.

“There have been some scary things in some of the reverse mortgages I’ve seen,” Goddard says. “Things like adjustable rates, and hidden costs, and slippery terms that you need to watch out for. When I first heard that there was an adjustable rate for reverse mortgages, I was horrified.

Because the main reason for entering a reverse mortgage is to get a regular, fixed, predictable payment. And you definitely don’t want that payment you get going down in the future. We

already have enough uncertainty in our later years.”

Cracking the Nest Egg The way a reverse mortgage is supposed to work is like this: homeowners older than 62 are allowed to borrow up to (currently) $625,500 against the equity in their home, receiving the amount either as a lump sum, monthly installments, a line of credit or a mix of all three. The loan, plus the accumulated interest, is paid back to the bank from the sale or refinancing of the house when the homeowner dies, moves out or sells it. If the house sells for less than the value of the loan, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance covers the lenders’ losses.

An attractive feature of the reverse mortgage is that it’s a nonrecourse loan, meaning borrowers are not personally liable to repay the loan—which also applies to their heirs, who won’t get stuck with a debt, although they also won’t inherit the equity. “That’s the biggest advantage of reverse mortgages,” says Sandy McKee, loan

page 20 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

adviser at Sunstreet Mortgage in Tucson. “You’ll never have to pay back more than the net proceeds from the sale of your home, even if it sells for less than the original loan.”

Still, that doesn’t mean a house can’t be foreclosed on, if the borrower fails to leave enough in the till to cover the regular obligations of paying property tax, insurance and maintenance of the home. Dana Anspach, president of Sensible Money LLC in Phoenix and author of the financial advice book, “Control Your Retirement Destiny,” feels that’s an unfair objection to raise against taking on a reverse mortgage.

“Those are just things you have to do anyway, regardless of whether or not you have a reverse mortgage!” she exclaims. “It always drives me crazy when I hear that. What happens if you don’t have a mortgage at all and you don’t pay your taxes? They can still take your home!”

Even so, the figures have been alarming. The current default rate for reverse mortgages is around one in 10, according to the Consumer Protection Bureau—up from roughly 2 percent a decade ago. In many cases, savings-poor Baby Boomers were

Former Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, who prioritized protecting seniors against fraud while in office, says he was surprised when his mother-in-law told him she was considering a reverse mortgage.

talked into draining the equity out of their homes too early—at 62, when a homeowner becomes eligible—and were encouraged to draw most of it out at closing, which sometimes went toward bad investments, leaving not enough to pay the continued financial upkeep on the home. With many of us living longer lives, retirees who crack

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of the stipulations of the loan is that the house must remain your primary residence for more than 180 days a year, which could become a problem if the borrower becomes ill and needs to go into assisted living, or move in with a relative. If you live outside of the home for more than 12 months, the loan will have to be repaid.

“And then what do you do?” Goddard asks. “These loans can’t be redone.

Once that equity’s taken out, it’s gone.”

‘Fonzie’ Scheme In TV commercials running on networks geared toward older adults, Henry Winkler pitches the advantages of reverse mortgages to the over-60 set. The former Fonzie, his famous black ducktail now a dignified grey and his leather jacket replaced by a pastel dress shirt and khakis, announces he’s here to tell folks 62 years and older about “a great way to live a better retirement.”

“Things sure have changed, haven’t they?” he says, before launching into the two-minute mini-infomercial.

For Baby Boomers entering their 60s, Winkler (who actually closes one ad with the phrase, “There can still be so many happy times ahead of you”) comes across as a reassuring and trustworthy friend as the face of One Reverse Mortgage, a subsidiary of Quicken Loans and the company ranked by HUD as the largest reverseonly mortgage lender in the United States. “Who doesn’t trust the Fonz?”

Goddard observes, with a laugh.

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experience his father-in-law had with a reverse mortgage. Nevertheless, Smith agrees he’s a perfect paid spokesman to attract the huge influx of Baby Boomers now settling into their 60s.

“We know that there are 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 every day,” he says. “That’s going to continue for 20 years. We know that right now there are about 25 million folks 65 and older that are homeowners, and two-thirds of them don’t have a mortgage. What a reverse mortgage does for folks is it allows them to liberate that money tied up in their home for other things.”

However, Smith bristles at the suggestion that people in this age group are too young to be tapping into the equity of their homes. Today nearly half of homeowners considering a reverse mortgage are under age 70, according to HUD statistics, compared to 1990, when the average person taking advantage of the plan was in their late 70s. A recent MetLife study reports a 67 percent majority of them are doing it to lift themselves out of the dire straits caused by the financial crisis. Boomers are often referred to as the generation that has tragically undersaved, and some advisers fear they may be too quickly exhausting their one source of equity as a result.

Smith maintains the situation is not quite so desperate for many of their clients, and that many are, in fact, liberating that “tax-free cash that you can use for anything” to live the good life Winkler touts in the ads—taking well-earned vacations, putting in home

Happier Days If you’re still not quite able to reverse your fears about taking on a reverse mortgage, the good news is that today’s most-utilized version of the program, the FHA’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, has recently been revamped with new rules aimed

at better protecting the borrower.

Earlier this year, the FHA eliminated the program choice which allowed homeowners to withdraw the maximum amount of money available in one big lump sum, requiring them to receive it in monthly payments better suited for today’s longer lifespans and rising health care costs. Starting in January, borrowers will also have to submit to a credit check and income assessment, to ensure they’ll be able to make their required property tax, utility bills and insurance payments over the life of the loan.

Understandably, not all lenders are thrilled about the changes, as they in effect will make it harder to qualify people for the loan. “They’re already required to go through a counseling session before they’re even allowed to take on a reverse mortgage—that’s one of the FHA mandates,” says Anspach.

“That in itself should educate people on whether it’s right for them. It’s only the kind of person who constantly overspends who will not be able to maintain the house and continue to pay the property tax. And they need to look at downsizing their habits in general, not just avoiding a reverse mortgage.” ...continues on page 22 ADAM MORENO

improvements and so on.

“This program is not strictly for folks who are in a needsbased situation,” he says.

“We also offer a program where you can use a reverse mortgage to buy another home. The issue is not so much that you can take it out too young, it’s how you utilize that reverse mortgage In TV commercials running on networks geared toward older adults, Henry Winkler, to balance your retirement the former Fonzie on “Happy Days,” pitches the advantages of reverse mortgages to the years.”

As for all the naysaying over-60 set. Today nearly half of homeowners considering a reverse mortgage are under and hand wringing, Smith the age of 70, according to statistics. says the worries over reverse Gregg Smith, CEO of One Reverse, open their nest egg too soon may find mortgages have been overhyped. themselves outliving their money— insists the still actively working Winkler “We have a saying: ‘Think in reverse,’” which is not always as good as it sounds. (who last year had choice recurring TV “You get to live in your house for life, roles in “Parks and Recreation” and he says. “Most of the bad things that whether or not you’ve exhausted your the rebooted “Arrested Development”) you hear about reverse mortgage, just reverse mortgage,” says Goddard. But has a “personal connection” with think the reverse of what you’re being that can also be a curse, if the borrower the program—in interviews, Winkler told. That’s generally the case with ends up needing care later in life. One has said he was inspired by a positive most attributes of the program.”

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Still others feel the government is “She was too young to really get taking tighter control over a job the much benefit from it,” he says. “She more reputable lender already does had a nice house in Florida, was on his own. “I look very closely at looking at reverse mortgages, and the borrower’s situation to determine we ended up thinking it just wasn’t whether or not it even worth it.” Spread out makes sense for them over what the actuary to consider one,” says tables estimate as the McKee. “And I have had average lifespan— to advise some people today a 65-year-old against it,” he adds. woman has a better For his part, Goddard, than 70 percent chance a former HUD agent, of living over 85 (versus is happy about the new 40 percent for men)— FHA restrictions. “I’m and taking into account glad they’ve stepped in, the upfront fees and because people need to interest charges, “she look at it more carefully, would have gotten a and it’s certainly not for Dana Anspach, president fairly small monthly of Sensible Money LLC in payment everybody.” for the In the end, Goddard Phoenix is the author of the asset,” Goddard advised his mother- financial book, “Control says. “I told her she’d in-law to pass on the Your Retirement Destiny.” probably do better reverse mortgage—at least for now. selling her house and investing the Even at 70, the age she was at when proceeds in a secure bank account or she came to Goddard and his wife to money market fund. discuss the loan, his mother-in-law was “Now, if she had been 10 years still considered a “young senior” given older,” he adds, “it might have made today’s longevity standards. more sense.”

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3514 N. Power Rd., Ste. 107 • Mesa, AZ 85215 Chicks” and Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’ Dirty.”

“The first time I performed, I was afraid,” Williams admits. “I sang. I performed. I did all this stuff. But we got through the first one. The music started and it was over. It was such a rush. It was on YouTube. I think every season, the first performance is always the fun one.

All the anticipation and the practicing and going through tryouts and making it. It’s like ‘Yay! Another year!’”

But more important than being in the spotlight is providing a good role model to women 50 and older, Williams says.

“I think that it’s inspiring to others,” she explains. “We practice sometimes in the driveway or in the garage. One woman came up to us and said, ‘Wow! How old do you have to be? How do you try out?’ You look at the women’s lives and you feel empowered.

“You can grow old and sit in a rocking chair. But the oldest Granny is 84 years old. Women in their 70s, it’s not over for you. You can be out there performing just like we are.”

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Tinseltown Talks The Real Rod Serling

: : by Nick Thomas

I

t’s been called one of the most influential programs in the history of television drama. “The Twilight Zone,” an anthology series that aired in the early 1960s, was created by Rod Serling (1924-1975), a veteran of radio and World War II. Both influenced his career as a writer.

“When he returned from war in the Philippines, he went to college and wrote for the campus radio station,” daughter Anne Serling recently recalled to me. “He later wrote plays for commercial radio, then television.

He said writing was a way to get the war trauma ‘out of his gut.’”

During the show’s five-year run, Serling was executive producer and chief writer, penning more than half the some 150 episodes. But he is best remembered as the program’s stone-faced host, whose foreboding narrations introduced the show each week. In biographies after his death, the master storyteller of chilling sci-fi

and fantasy tales was often described as dark and depressed, inaccuracies that led Anne “to set the record straight” in her own book about her father.

“He was described as a tortured soul, but that wasn’t my father at all,” said Anne, who published “As I Knew Him: My Dad, Rod Serling in 2013.”

“Although the war left scars, he was also a very positive, fun, down-toearth person. My friends adored him and any apprehension they had about meeting him would instantly dissolve because he could make anyone feel at ease. He was brilliantly funny at home, a great practical joker, and was always at the dinner table each night.”

As a child, Anne had little knowledge of her father’s career. “I knew he was a writer, but didn’t know what he wrote about until I was about 7. Some mean boy on the school playground asked if I was ‘something out of the “Twilight Zone,”’ but I had no idea

Rod Serling chats with Charlton Heston on the set of “Planet Of The Apes” with director Franklin Schaffner.

what that meant because I wasn’t allowed to watch much TV during the week—my mother’s rule! A few years later, we watched ‘Nightmare at 20,000 Feet’ together, the episode where William Shatner sees a gremlin on an airplane wing. I remember

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looking at my father and thinking ‘this is what you write?’ It was a bit scary.”

Praised for his original fiction writing, Serling was also highly respected for raising social issues in some episodes although controversial topics were subject to the censors’ whim. So he

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frequently concealed his intent in fantasy. “He famously once said he could have aliens say things that Democrats and Republicans couldn’t,” Anne recalled.

Several “Twilight Zone” actors also shared vivid memories of Serling.

Theodore Bikel is well-known to fans of “My Fair Lady” as Henry Higgins’ rival linguist, the nosey Zoltan Karpathy. In July 1960, Austrian-born Bikel appeared on a Hollywood TV talk show, “Caucus with Backus,” and was verbally assailed by fellow guests—glamorous silent film actress Corinne Griffith and beloved character actor Adolphe Menjou.

“We were talking politics and they said I had no right to open my mouth because I wasn’t born in this country,” recalled Bikel.

Appalled, Serling appeared on a later program defending Bikel’s Mariette Hartley Robert Lansing in “The Twilight right to freedom of speech. Zone” episode The Long Morrow.

“I will never forget how Rod Ann Jillian and Mariette Hartley came to my defense. I later appeared were teenagers when they first met in the ‘Twilight Zone’ episode ‘Four Serling. “I was 13 when I starred in O’Clock,’ in 1962.” ...continues on page 29

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entertainment

rivia Contest

C

hristmas seems to come faster with every passing year. Once you pack up the tinsel and tree, it’s time to take them back out again!

Not that we’re complaining. This magical time of year is a wonderful occasion to meet up with the kids and grandkids.

So that got us thinking about family get-togethers. Sometimes gathering the family in one room can lead to touchy subjects, but usually it’s a fun, fruitful time to catch up with your loved ones and play games, eat like kings and give as much as you get.

However, not all families get along famously. In fact, famous families often have the roughest time getting along.

So, to celebrate the holidays, we dug up some dirt about famous families that must have led to awkward holiday moments.

Trivia–Famous Family Feuds

1

Tinseltown Talks... from page 27

To enter simply:

On a sheet of paper list the correct answers in order 1 through 5.

Include your full name, mailing address, phone number and an email address (if you have one).

Mail your trivia contest entry to: Lovin’ Life After 50 Attn: Trivia Contest 3200 N. Hayden, Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Or email your entry to: trivia@lovinlife.com The deadline for entry is the 15th of each month. Please be sure to have your entry postmarked by that date.

If you’re a winner in our drawing we’ll contact you via telephone. Good luck!

Contest Prizes

the episode, ‘Mute,’” Ann recalled. “I was very excited about doing the popular show. Mr. Serling made me feel at ease and didn’t talk down to me.”

And after seeing him on TV, a gutsy 14-year old Mariette Hartley telephoned Serling and asked him to speak to her Connecticut high school drama club.

“He said he would be delighted and I can still see him sitting in the teacher’s desk at the front of the Anne Serling with father Rod in early 1970s. influence on his career and reportedly classroom talking to us,” Mariette said. “Years later, when I has secured the rights to adapt Serling’s started working in Hollywood, I met last, never-produced script, “The Stops him again when his limousine pulled Along the Way.” Until then, Rod Serling’s work is still up as I was walking out the studio. He remembered coming to my class. I told available for your viewing pleasure, him I was looking for work and within almost nightly, on classic TV cable a couple of months he gave me the channels …. in “The Twilight Zone.” wonderful gift of working in ‘The Long Morrow’ episode.”

Nick Thomas has written features and Today, Serling continues to inspire other moviemakers.

J.J. Abrams, columns for more than 350 magazines director of the new “Star Trek” films, and newspapers. He can be reached at his has called “The Twilight Zone” a big blog: http://getnickt.blogspot.com.

Ask the Old Bag

What politician’s daughters have made headlines for being on opposing sides of the same-sex marriage issue?

A gift certificate to a Valley restaurant awarded to two individual winners

Advice for the November 2013 Winners What pop star’s mother had her Over-50 Crowd 2 guardianship of her grandchildren Restaurant gift card : : by Gayle Lagman-Creswick

suspended when she disappeared to Arizona for 10Bag: days? I am a 68-yearear Old old retired widow. one son Which pop megastar hasIahad homeless whobrother recently died suddenly.

He who is none too impressed byhad no children. I have no close relatives. famemy andlife failure to helpIhim out up I feelherlike is over. wake financially? in the morning and I say, “Is this all thereNicholas is?” I Longworth, used to think my1900s husband an early and I would retire and have 20 good of theplanned house, didn’t yearsRepublican together.member We had well, back his father-in-law’s bid for the and I am financially secure...but for what?

For this?Who The laid plans...I presidency. wasbest his father-in-law? suppose you are going to tell me to get What famousand wrestler and his wife Well, split off my bottom do something. up in 2007 started something. dating go ahead, telland me.both I need Signed, It’s Over people 20 to 30 years younger?

Cindy Cassara ear gift Money: You have many Restaurant card options as I see it: Investigate Dolores Okasinski a reverse mortgage program, which would give you more income now while you need it. You could rent out one or two of your bedrooms to other seniors.

Last Month’s Answers (If you do this, be sure to screen your renters Or Thanksgiving you could sell The carefully). first American was your home and move to a retirement celebrated in Plymouth, Mass. community. Another option would be Eacha part-time year before Thanksgiving the to get job. Many people are president of the United States “pardons” now working into their 70s and evena roamme freeknow for thehow rest it of 80s!turkey, Goodwhich luck.willLet its life. goes!—O.B. Americans spent $875 million on turkey ear Here come the meat in Old 2011. Bag: That’s a lot of turkey! holidays again, and I must face A solution of water and salt that adds my daughters-in-law again, who are moisture to turkey meat is called brine. always telling me they would love to do In 1941 Thanksgiving become dinners. a federal Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday.

I am 75 and they are in their 40s, so I am sure they have more energy than I do. However, I have been cooking holiday dinners since I was 16 years

D

3

D

4

1 2

5

D

ear Over: I was going to tell you to get off the pity potty, but on second thought, I am going to suggest you get into a grief support group. Your son died recently, and you need support for that. Grief is a strange thing. You cannot avoid it. You cannot skip it. It is so much better if

3 D 4 5

The Ultimate in

POWER WHEELCHAIR The Ultimate in Ultr POWER WHEELCHAIRS December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 29

The Ultimate in

Senior News Line Winter Workouts at Home : : by Matilda Charles recently purchased a small, inexpensive manual treadmill.

Unlike the electric ones, this one doesn’t need to be within cord distance of a wall plug, and it’s not so heavy that I can’t move it. It

I

goes at the speed I set with my own legs.

And it didn’t cost the many hundreds of dollars that an electric treadmill does.

If you’re in good health (and your doctor approves), with only a few pieces of equipment, you can get in mild workouts this winter without having to go to the gym when it’s cold or wet outside.

Consider acquiring a few of these: • Hand weights: Start small, unless you’ve already been working out at the gym on a regular basis. A 3-pound or 5-pound weight might be all you need to get started.

• “For seniors” workout videos: If

you’re not sure about a treadmill, look for a workout video that emphasizes walking in place.

• If you have room, think about a sit-down pedaler like a recumbent bicycle instead of a treadmill. They even make these with only the pedal part, which you use while sitting in a chair. Some of them can even be used for your arms, with the peddler put on a chair in front of you.

• Squeeze balls for hand and finger strength.

• Wrist or ankle weights. (Hint: get the kind with the removable weights so you can adjust for your own comfort.)

Shop first at Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or local ads in your area. Next look in the big-box stores to fill in what you can’t find elsewhere.

Search online for “seniors homeworkout equipment” for ideas, but try to buy in person locally.

Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail. com.

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page 30 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 31

entertainment

... answers on page 43

EVEN EXCHANGE by Donna Pettman Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SUDOKU TIME Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

DIFFICULTY THIS MONTH H H H

Across 1. Baltic capital 5. Like some talk 10. First name in jeans 14. Dutch cheese 15. Inquisitive 16. A way out 17. Ethereal 18. Wedding 19. Thrill 20. Tucson native and star impressionist 23. Strange sky sight 24. Ground breaker 25. Go with the flow 29. And so on....

32. “When pigs fly!”

36. Go back 38. In days of yore 40. Fury 41. Top class Phoenix resort 45. “Family ___” 46. Two singers 47. Called 48. Sweetie 51. He’s __ it all!

53. Reunion attendees 54. Manhattan ingredient 56. “I” problem 58. Phoenix native and Brat Pack member 66. Certain fund-raiser 67. Safari sighting 68. Certain glow 69. Metal 70. Unbending 71. Artery’s counterpart 72. Grant basis 73. Fresh-mouthed 74. Small whirlpool Down 1. Take in 2. Brain child 3. Clothing

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY! HHHH Put on your helmet!

SCRAMBLERS

Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

page 32 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

CROSSWORD by Myles Mellor

4. Pertaining to starch, in biochemistry 5. Finely powdered tobacco 6. Joe DiMaggio’s wife 7. Where Hong Kong is 8. Former heavyweight champion Spinks 9. “Glee” star 10. Temporary occupant, usually 11. Bus. “suit” 12. Chianti, in Chianti 13. Would contraction 21. Do better than 22. Particle in a charged state 25. High School acting class 26. Repeated 27. Sugar cookie topper 28. Tasseled cap 30. Prohibition 31. Special effects maker: (abbr.)

33. Stringed instrument 34. Guessed wrong

35. Swamp plants 37. His job is on the line 39. Familiar 42. Virgo mo.

43. Lion/tiger cub 44. Vandalize 49. Quick mission 50. Tough cleaner 52. Djokovic’s forte 55. Decorative jugs 57. Lightheaded 58. Female equine 59. Healing plant 60. Shakira song subject, in Latin 61. Badgers 62. Kicked in 63. Shaded 64. Like the Arizona desert 65. Multiple 66. Tonic partner

Now Hear This: Dangerous Toys! ::by Rachel Brockway

W

ith the holiday shopping season upon us, it is time for grandparents to start shopping for toys for their grandchildren. Oh what fun this can be...but it is important for grandparents to be aware not only of the types and age-appropriateness, but also the noise level of a toy.

Connie Short, outreach manager at Arizona Relay Service, advises that when grandparents are out shopping for toys that they carefully read the warning label. Toys that emit noise should have a warning label stating its noise level. In fact, the American Society of Testing and Materials, which sets international standards for safety, states the sound-pressure level produced by toys (except close-to-theear toys) shall not exceed 85 decibels (dB) when approximately 2 feet away.

“What can be misleading is the distance at which the decibels are measured,” says Michele Michaels, hard of hearing specialist at the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH).

“As we know, most kids are not keeping toys at arm’s length, they use them closer than that and most often right next to their precious ears.”

Michaels states that 85 decibels (dB) is the maximum volume a child should be exposed to for no more than eight hours. Decibels are a unit of measurement to gauge volume and decibel volume is measured in several industries to ensure hearing safety.

Sounds over 100 dB can damage hearing in less than 15 minutes of exposure.

The Sight and Hearing Association (SHA), a nonprofit organization that works toward prevention of vision and hearing loss, evaluates the noisiest toys each year. In 2012, the SHA found that 19 of the 24 most popular toys tested were over 100 dB. Topping the list: • Toy Story Talking Figure Buzz Lightyear:111 dB near the ear, 81.6 at arm’s length • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo’s Electronic Sword: 109.2

dB near the ear, 81.6 at arm’s length • Dora the Explorer/ Dora’s Desert Friends: 108.2 dB near the ear, 80.4 at arm’s length • Barbie Little Learner Laptop: 108 dB near the ear, 83.8 at arm’s length • 123 Sesame Street Let’s Rock Grover Microphone: 107.3 dB near the ear, 79.3 at arm’s length

“While you are out shopping this So how do you make sure you are holiday season take an extra second keeping the young ones happy and still to look at the warning labels,” said Sherri Collins, executive director of protecting their hearing?

Ask yourself these questions when the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing. “What most shopping: • Is the toy loud to you? Because if people don’t realize is that once you it is too loud to you it is probably too lose your hearing, it is not something that will come back.” loud for your grandchildren.

For more information, visit www.

• Do the toys have an on/off switch for the noise? It is easy to azrelay.org or www.acdhh.org. To see check if the toy has an on/off switch the entire list of toys tested by the Sight for the volume. Plus the parents will and Hearing Association, visit www. sightandhearing.org. also thank you for this one.

December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 33

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Flashbacks :: by Mick Harper

1 2 3 4 5

How old was Priscilla, future wife of Elvis, when they first met?

What was on the b-side of the Rolling Stones’ “We Love You”?

Who released “Do You Wanna Dance?” in 1962?

Name the 1974 Hollies hit.

Name the song that contains this lyric: “You step inside but you don’t see too many faces, Coming in out of the rain to hear the jazz go down, Too much competition, too many other places.”

Answers

1 2 3 4 5

She was 14 and met Elvis when she and her military family were stationed in Germany in 1959. Their Las Vegas wedding wasn’t until 1967.

“Dandelion,” released in 1967. Once it came to the United States, the song became the a-side with “We Love You” falling flat on the charts.

Cliff Richards, followed by the Beach Boys in 1965.

“The Air That I Breathe.” The alternative rock band Radiohead was sued in the 1990s for lifting the melody.

“Sultans of Swing,” by Dire Straits in 1978, with a re-release the following year. The song was created after a rainy day in an Ipswich bar with a less-thanstellar jazz band playing to an empty bar.

They called themselves Sultans of Swing.

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Faucet focus Kitchen and bath makeovers tend to have the biggest impact on a home and its resale value. However, new homeowners who are strapped for cash may not have a large budget for a full-scale bathroom remodel. Fortunately, there are several basic swaps that can quickly change the look and feel of a bath.

The easiest way to remodel your bathroom is to replace its hardestworking fixture—the faucet. This is a project new homeowners can tackle themselves at a reasonable price. Moen offers a wide variety of faucet options like the new single-handle Boardwalk bathroom faucet, to add a fresh, elegant look to the sink. Available at Lowe’s, Boardwalk fits almost any decor and comes in Moen’s Spot Resist Brushed Nickel finish, which resists fingerprints and water spots, so the faucet will stay looking clean as you show it off to family and friends. For a polished look, swap out old hardware with affordable, coordinated accessories including robe hooks, towel rings and towel bars.

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home Festive Sicilian Fig Bars ‘Cucidati’

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ou get two Italians together and it’s not long before the conversation settles food and family—especially during the holidays! Thus began my friendship with Vinny Dejohn, formerly the wine and specialty food buyer at Whole Foods Market in Scottsdale.

Getting his suggestions for a good vintage was great, but getting his vintage family recipe for an Italian fig cookie was even greater. It’s one of the most delightful and delicious Sicilian holiday treats called Cucidati.

Thankfully, Vinny’s mission a few years ago was to contact his great aunt, carve out some time and preserve a family recipe once and for all. Here’s how Vinny put it: “Great Auntie Antoinette Arnone was 93 years old when she died.

Ten years ago during the holidays, I went back to New York and I made arrangements to spend time with Auntie Arnone and have her teach me how to make ‘Goog-i-dottie,’ as she would call them.

“We spent all afternoon making the cookies. Not only did I leave with Cucidati, but also her handwritten recipe card and her grandmother’s meat grinder that she herself has been using to grind the fig mixture for 60 years! I was so appreciative of her for taking the time to pass along her recipe. I often think of those treasured moments together.”

Vinny’s version of this soft, flavorfilled fig cookie with icing and little colorful candies is now part of my own holiday tradition. What better way to honor my own Sicilian father.

The time put into making these delights is well worth it. Keep them in an airtight container and pass them around the table for a festive holiday treat.

CUCIDATI

For the Fig Bar Filling 1 (11 oz.) package of dates

1/2 box raisins 1 string of dried figs or 2 packages (7 oz. each) figs.

1 small can of frozen orange juice concentrate (do not dilute) 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1/2 tablespoon ground cloves 1/2 cup honey 1 cup strawberry preserves 1 shot whiskey 1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Soak raisins and figs in warm water.

Drain, Add raisins, figs and dates in food old-fashion grinder or food processor. Add the remainder of ingredients and mix together. Set aside.

For the Dough 2 eggs 1 cup sugar 1/2 lb shortening 6 cups flour 1/4 cup baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup of milk 1 tablespoon vanilla Mix eggs, shortening and sugar in mixer. Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Add alternately to the first mixture along with milk and vanilla.

Refrigerate for three to four hours (It rolls out easier.)

Roll out dough as thick as piecrust.

Cut into 3-inch wide strips. Put filling in center and fold over dough. Cut into 1 1/2 inch bars. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Recipe makes about 80 bars. Recipe can be cut in half.

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Icing: 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk or cream (slightly more if needed) 1 teaspoon vanilla Candy sprinkles Mix together and drizzle over fig cookie bars. Top with candy sprinkles.

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travel

Macy’s window displays capture the magic of Christmas.

Chicago’s Christmas Magic :: by Andrea Gross | photos by Irv Green

T

he day is frosty cold, and I say establishments both big and small.

But again, we’re not here to shop. a silent thanks to the unknown goose that donated his feathers to fill We’re here to see the former Marshall my parka. My husband hands me a Field’s, which was once one of the mug filled with Glühwein. The hot, most renowned and most innovative spicy drink burns my throat in a nice, department stores in the world. It cinnamon-y way and, as the name offered the first bridal registry, the first implies, makes me glow with holiday personal shopping assistants, the first department store restaurants, the first cheer.

We, along with several hundred escalators, and was the first store to other folks, are braving the weather at create holiday window displays for the Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s largest sole purpose of spreading joy.

This holiday tradition, which began open-air Christmas festival. The in the early 1870s, holds atmosphere is distinctly true today. There are no European, with chaletwindows filled with glitzy style stalls offering a clothes, new appliances mind-boggling selection or tempting foods, no of Alpine delicacies attempt to lure folks to and crafts. We taste the cash register. The test a variety of wursts, displays are meant to schnitzels, strudels bring smiles, not to and chocolates, and extract cash. Now how gaze longingly at the nice is that? imported cuckoo clocks When, in 2005, after and nutcrackers. I buy a a series of corporate small ornament for my changes, the iconic store brother, but, like most of was acquired by May the Christkindlmarket Co., the terms included crowd, I’m more the requirement that interested in having Diners at Macy’s historic many Marshall Field’s fun than in seriously Walnut Room sit under a 45foot tall tree. traditions be continued. shopping.

Afterward, well fortified with another So, although the Chicago store, which mug of Glühwein, we move on to “The is the third largest department store in Loop,” where we walk along streets the world, now goes by the name of lined with government buildings, Macy’s on State Street, its Christmas museums, theaters, public art, parks, windows continue to delight hundreds restaurants, skyscrapers and, yes, retail of onlookers.

page 38 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

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Hot spiced wine helps people stay warm as they enjoy Christkindlmart.

We walk slowly, carefully admiring wanted to show that they supported each animated scene, and then enter America’s World War II allies. The the store to view the celebrated domed museum placed a single pine tree in the ceiling that’s made of more than 1.6 rotunda and volunteers representing million pieces of iridescent glass. various nationalities changed the Designed by Louis Tiffany in 1907 and decorations on a daily basis. The handset over a two-year period, it’s a result: a rotating display that honored glorious mosaic of serpentine swirls diversity as well as community.

In the 70-plus years since then that and graceful ovals in tones of amber, blue and gold with touches of red. I single pine has morphed into a 50-tree stare in awe until my neck begins to exhibit that lasts from mid-November hurt, after which we take the escalator until the end of December. We walk up to the fifth floor where I can see the slowly, admiring the ornaments on each tree. The tree representing Kenya details more clearly.

Eventually we make our way to is adorned with wood animal carvings. the historic Walnut Room, known The one from Denmark is laden with for the classic chicken potpie that woven hearts, while the one from was first served in 1907. As always Bosnia-Herzegovina has miniature during the Christmas season, a 45- dolls and skis. And on it goes...Russian foot tree festooned with more than matryoshkas (nested dolls), Romanian 1,000 ornaments brightens the room. snowmen….an international display We try to get a table, but no luck. The for an international city.

As we head back to our hotel, a restaurant doesn’t take reservations and the wait, according to the very nice gentleman who is sitting behind me on the train begins humming an old Frank hostess, will be more than an hour.

Instead, we satisfy our hunger by Sinatra tune, “Chicago is my kind of purchasing—and devouring—some town.” My sentiments exactly.

For the latest information on Frango chocolates. The minty truffles have been associated with the store Chicago’s 2013 Christmas activities, go since Marshall Field’s acquired the to www.choosechicago.com original candy company in the late 1920s. Although they are no longer made in-store, in my mind there’s no doubt about it: chocolate beats chicken potpie any season of the year!

Our final stop is at the Museum of Science and Industry, which hosts “Christmas Around the World,” an annual exhibit that celebrates the world’s— and Chicago’s— cultures and traditions. The first such display took place in 1942 when Chicagoans of all ethnicities Bugles herald the holiday season on State Street.

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Stop Blood Clots Before They Stop Youtravel E

very year, up to 600,000 Americans develop blood clots in the veins of their legs or lungs. Risk factors for these clots vary, but most frequently involve surgery, hospital stays of three or more days, hip and knee replacement, cancer and cancer treatment, a family history of blood clots, or disorders that simply cause their blood to clot too much.

Blood clots that form in the legs or lungs are responsible for about 100,000 deaths annually. Fortunately,

the use of blood thinning medications, also known as anti-coagulants, stops clots from forming and can mean the difference between life and death.

Surprisingly, some people at risk may not be given these medications or may not take them as prescribed.

“You should discuss the prevention of blood clots with your doctor, particularly if you’re hospitalized or having surgery,” explains Gary Raskob, PhD, Dean of the College of Public

Health at the University of Oklahoma, and Chair of the Medical & Scientific Advisory Board of the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA). “If you take a blood thinner, talk to your doctor about any concerns or problems you have, and get clear instruction to help you take the medication properly.”

According to Dr. Raskob, blood thinning medications like warfarin Manybeen people spend theirforentire time have prescribed decades. in Puerto Rico enjoying the beaches These older therapies require routine and never get to the countryside.

blood tests and can interact with other medications and certain foods. Newer blood thinning medications introduced in recent years don’t require blood testing, have fewer drug interactions and can be taken without special dietary considerations. Both older and newer blood thinners effectively prevent or slow the formation of dangerous blood clots.

For more information, visit the NBCA website at www.stoptheclot.org.

Beyond the Beaches of Puerto Rico :: by Andrea Gross | photos by Irv Green

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40 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : November December 2013 page 30 2012

t’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m in options. the mountains of central Puerto I take second helpings of pork and Rico, munching barbecued pork arroz, all the while tapping my feet under a tin roof. “This reminds me in rhythm with the high-energy salsa of Sundays when I was a child,” says music that drifts in from outside. I feel our guide. “Except instead of eating as if I’m at a neighborhood party as in a lechonera [restaurant specializing children play in the street, adults gossip in pork], we ate in my grandmother’s with friends and almost everybody over kitchen.” She heaps some arroz on a certain age sips frosty piña coladas, my plate. The rice is seasoned with the deceptively innocent drink that sofrito [onions, garlic and peppers] was dubbed the official beverage of and hasDr. a yellow color nutty flavorvascular Viungco is a and board certified and endovascular Puerto Rico in 1978. surgeon. from annatto seeds. It’s a plain, hearty Like most visitors to the island, awarded “America’s Surgeon” by the meal, the kind He thewas grandmothers of weTop had whiled away our first days in Consumers’ Council of America in 2010.

Puerto Rico have been serving for Puerto Rico strolling on the beach, generations.

He was nominated for the Guardian Award at Banner Heart 2012and wiggling our toes in Hospital the warminsand for hisRican commitment by exemplifying the virtues Puerto meals to areexcellence a uniquein medicine taking occasional dips into the water. of wisdom, warmth, integrity, and gentleness. blend of European, African and strength, Latin But we knew that Puerto Rico is more American Dr. flavors.

While the early thaninthe sun, rum and grand hotels Vijungco has expert knowledge the surgical treatment inhabitants of the island of manysurvived vascular diseases as: that linesuch the coast.

It also has a vibrant on corn, fruit and fish, their diet culture in the interior, one that is most  Varicose Veins expanded when the Spaniards came experienced  Peripheral easily Vascular Disease through a relatively in the early 1500s, bringing with them new series of “epicurean pilgrimages” Stroke pigs and cattle as well as  Limb Swelling wheat, rice and olive oil.  Aneurysms Later when the Africans  Dialysis Access arrived, people learned  Most Insurances Accepted  to combine these foods into exotic dishes,Discover such Vein and Vascular Center as pasteles [meat, green600 S. Dobson Rd, #B-10 banana and spices Chandler, AZ 85224 wrapped in plantain P: 480.745.8577 leaves] and mofongo F: 480.745.8677 [fried plantain stuffed with pork orOpening seafood]. a 2nd location in Mesa, AZ soon!!

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Are Your Silver Fillings Making You Sick?

n the 1800s, amalgam became the dental restorative material of choice due to its low cost, ease of application, strength and durability. Dental amalgam is an alloy of mercury with various metals for dental fillings.

It commonly consists of mercury (50%), Silver (~22-32%), tin (~14%), copper (~8%), and other trace metals! Amalgam is a very durable and strong material for dental fillings, however as it gets older it undergoes contraction and expansion, and could ultimately lead to stress on the tooth itself. These stresses caused by the amalgam can lead to fractures or breakage of a portion of the tooth structure, causing the need for more extensive care to the tooth.

For many years the mercury itself has raised questions: should we be aware of health concerns with the mercury in the amalgam? There are environment concerns as well, leading to pollution, as well as global health concerns. It has been shown in certain studies to be a neurotoxin and highly toxic to the central nervous system which can lead to auto immune disorders, memory loss, mood swings and has been shown to cause tremors. The mercury that is in the amalgam fillings have also been shown to be released as a form of vapor during chewing and grinding. Recent findings from amalgam fillings have also shown that during normal tooth brushing some of the vapors of the mercury can be released as well. This can pose significant risk to most individuals that have numerous mercury fillings.

Several European countries have banned the dental amalgam fillings all together in recent years. These movements have created a lot of controversy in the United States as well. There has been a recent movement in several U.S. dental schools to stop the use of dental amalgam fillings. Just over a year ago Costa Mesa, California became the first U.S. city and banned the use of dental amalgams. The American Dental Association maintains that silver fillings are safe and should remain an option for patient as a filling material of choice.

Patients having dental amalgam fillings should consult with their dentist on how to best evaluate the condition of their amalgam fillings. Generally if the fillings are very old, or have decay, or leaking margins, corrosion, it is best to have the fillings removed and replaced. A thorough examination by a well trained dentist can evaluate the condition of the amalgam and propose a safe effective means of removal for the patient if necessary.

There are a number of alternative restorations that can be used instead of dental amalgam. Some include composite resins, or porcelain fillings, which are tooth colored restorations. These restorations use adhesive techniques to bond the tooth together, which gives the tooth more support and is more esthetically pleasing as well. Research shows that people who have their mercury fillings removed have shown improvement in their symptoms.

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16” 1-tOpping Pizza

With purchaSE OF $25 OR mORE *Excludes alcohol. Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials.

Exp. 12/31/13

*Specialty toppings addional. Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials.

Exp. 12/31/13

Pick-up Or Delivery SpecialS

Dine-in Only

FREE 10” CHEESE PIZZA With PurchaSE OF any 14” Or 16” pizza at regular price *Specialty toppings additonal. Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials. Exp. 12/31/13

50% OFF

any paSta at regular price anD get the 2ND PaSta OF equal OR LESSer value 50% OFF. *Not valid with any other coupons or advertised specials.

Exp. 12/31/13

4545 E. McKellips • Mesa, AZ December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 41

Sound Off

... from page 8 language first. My neighbor’s been previous condition insurance, either. here for 15 years and is still waiting for Lots of luck trying to find one that me to learn to speak Spanish. Baloney. works.

Learn to speak English. That’s the No. 1 priority. Goodbye.

I don’t think it’s right to discriminate against gay people. I just want to say More tragedy on the Interstate 10 dusty roads. We rarely that many of them are rude and had that when the land was irresponsible in their behavior around growing cotton and grazing stock, people who do not share their sexual and the water still was allocated to the proclivities. Many times I have been reservation farmers. That’s what greed subjected to unwanted advances from gay males who have wrongly assumed does for you. But feed those casinos. if someone looks good to them, that What school children today person is fair game. don’t know about only 30-year-ago Arizona is as bad I think it’s time for the U.S. as their equally ignorant parents’ misgovernment to make changes knowledge of history, animals, weather to our federal income tax and vegetation. Shame on the present regulations. Why is it OK for me to have education expert reports. to claim taxes on anything that I win over $600 on a raffle but I am not able Interesting. “It’s disrespectful to to claim that raffle ticket as an expense? deny students of illegal parents And why is the limit so low on having for their free education” but it’s to claim a prize as income? If I work at not disrespectful of those parents who a job for “income,” I am able to write break us laws to bring those kids over off certain things as a work-related the border? Hmm, double standard. expense, right? Six hundred dollars is a joke! Have they heard of inflation? It’s Only spoken in Spanish. been $600 forever! It should depend on Oh boy, if you heard the what the actual prize is in order for you story of the radio historical to have to claim it as income and they broadcast that panicked should raise the limit! So if I am lucky the nation in 1938—it hasn’t much enough to win a trip to Vegas for two changed for the ignorant watchers of for $605 why should I have to claim that television who rush to their Twitters as income? It’s not income! The tickets with the unconfirmed dumb rumors are non-transferrable so I can’t sell that can still panic the ignorant of them so how exactly is that income? It’s just a free trip. It’s nothing steady. It’s a America.

Well it’s new phone book time one-time trip. You should not be taxed and there’s no need to cut trees on any prize except maybe money, over to print new books. Just use the $1,500 or more. If I win a car not only recycled old books and enough drained do I have to come up with the money ink to color the Sunday advertisement for state and sales tax, but I also have to pullouts. See, each one keeps the other claim it on my income taxes! How does circulating ad nauseam. Well, it’s what that make sense? It’s just our wonderful we’re supposed to be doing—to go government trying to squeeze the little guy for every penny they can so some green. “fat cat” in Washington can get free Have you noticed in all the haircuts and trips out of town for free advertisements for hearing aids, steak dinners with high-priced call girls. not one ever mentioned the price? Maybe because the $1,000 is the I really wish that if a doctor’s cheap one? My primary recommended office is going to be closed for and others start at $4,000 and up. One lunch from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., or two ears. This is the latest advertising they would have enough sense to not rip-offs on the market? No mention of make an appointment for 2 p.m. or at

least unlock the door early. I took my son to the doctor the other day and as a “good mom” I arrived 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork since my son was a new patient. Guess what? The door was locked! So my son and I had to wait outside where there is no seating until 2 p.m. for them to unlock the doors because we were parked too far away.

They should have at least warned me that they take lunch from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone knows that you always try to arrive early when you are a new patient to fill out paperwork.

I’m getting so tired of this charity that keeps calling me even though I am on the Do Not Call Registry asking for donations for breast cancer. I am a single mom to two kids and I lost my job. Even after I tell this woman that I don’t have the money to donate she asks if she can put me down for $15! I know her job is to get donations and she probably makes more the more donations she gets. It really irritates me that I keep having to tell these people over and over that I don’t have a job and have two kids to feed!

As a single parent, I sometimes do things to earn extra money, like exit interviews. I don’t make a lot of money and I wish I didn’t have to resort to it, but it helps feed my kids and keeps us off of welfare. If you come across someone while exiting a store and they ask if they can ask you a couple of questions and you don’t have the time or don’t feel like talking, simply politely decline. What I don’t appreciate is the poor attitude and rude comments that are given by certain customers. You’d think I was asking for a pint of blood or $20. All these stores are looking for is honest and candid

feedback from their customers. If you don’t want to give it, that’s fine. I just ask that you please be nice about it and say “No thank you.”

While Gilbert cashes in on a gigantic Heritage Marketplace project, the clowns in Queen Creek have not learned their lesson!

This after borrowing triple digit millions and putting their eggs in the house building industry, and watched it explode like a giant balloon in their faces! They keep raising my taxes for absolutely nothing! Instead of taking advantage of the Phoenix/ Gateway Airport traffic and freeway extension to the north, and building a hotel, restaurants and developing the actual old town facade on an actual town street that currently looks like a ghetto, they are building eight to 10 more home communities. Huh? There are no jobs. The town center has not been developed. There are lots of undeveloped roads. Rittenhouse is still one lane, even by Schnepf Farms.

Where are all those potential extra thousands of cars going to go? And Eastmark, Morrison Ranch and scads of other communities are building all around us...The traffic on Ellsworth was bumper to bumper at 2:30 p.m. today.

There is nothing to do. No theater, town waterpark/pool, a few corporate restaurants and a huge sales tax. Some vanity project included a horse park that 99 percent of the town doesn’t use.

They don’t encourage small businesses by allowing excessive rent, high taxes and very little community support.

The dirt storms are epic and it’s like I landed in hell....stay far away from this dirty “burb!” I hope I can sell my house before this terrible idea continues and it drives my house price into the gutter or converts it to a HUD home.

Pick up your copy of Lovin’ Life at any Valley page 42 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

www.lovinlifeafter50.com

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December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 43

Cholesterol: Know Your Numbers Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance involved with the production of our body’s cell membranes and hormones. It is naturally produced by the liver and obtained from our diet; mainly from egg yolk, meats, and shellfish. Although cholesterol is necessary for our body to function normally, too much cholesterol in our blood can lead to strokes and coronary artery disease (CAD), such as chest pain and heart attacks. High cholesterol often does not produce any warning signs until a heart attack or stroke occurs, thus it is recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) that adults 20 years of age and older test their cholesterol at least every 5 years. Lowering your cholesterol can reduce your risk of having these medical emergencies and needing heart bypass surgery or angioplasty.

damage the pancreas at very high levels. The desired TG level is less than 150 mg/dL. High TG levels are associated with premature CAD and very high TG levels, those greater than 1000 mg/dL, can cause pancreatitis.

Elevated TGs may be due to genetics but is more often a result from unhealthy lifestyle factors and obesity.

Lifestyle Changes To Improve Cholesterol Levels: • Increase physical activity to 60 minutes most days of the week • Limit cholesterol to less than 300 mg/day or to less than 200 mg/ day (which is almost the amount of cholesterol contained in 1 egg yolk) if you have high cholesterol • Limit saturated fat intake to less than 10 percent of your total daily calories • Limit alcohol consumption to no

more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men • Increase fiber intake to 25 g per day for women and 38 g per day for men • Stop smoking • Maintain a healthy weight For information about cholesterol medications or how to better manage your cholesterol, talk to your Walgreens pharmacist today! Walgreens offers cholesterol testing along with many other health tests.

ON MEDICARE PART B AND HAVE DIABETES?

Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers There are different elements of cholesterol. The most common elements include low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides (TG). The desirable total cholesterol level which lowers the risk for CAD is less than 200 mg/dL. Individuals with levels higher than 240 mg/dL have twice the risk of developing CAD compared to those with levels less than 200 mg/dL. LDL cholesterol, often called the “bad” cholesterol, deposits in your arteries and can lead to a stroke and CAD. The LDL deposits form plaques in the arteries of your heart which decrease the oxygen supply to your heart and brain. This can progress to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.

In general, the desired LDL cholesterol level is less than 100 mg/dL for people at high risk for developing heart attacks.

HDL cholesterol, often referred to as the “good” cholesterol, carries excess cholesterol from the blood back to the liver and then out of the body. Low HDL cholesterol levels less than 40 mg/ dL is a major risk factor for developing CAD. Conversely, levels above 60 mg/ dL decrease the risk for heart disease.

The goal HDL cholesterol for women is greater than 50 mg/dL and for men greater than 40 mg/dL. TG is a form of fat that contributes to high levels of cholesterol and can

New Medicare changes may limit where you can get your diabetes testing supplies. The good news is that diabetes testing supplies are available at every Walgreens along with: • Easy, direct billing of Medicare Part B and most supplemental insurance • A wide selection of major national brands • Convenient 90-day supplies

It’s easy to switch!

Visit your local Walgreens or call 888-380-8051.

Walgreens is an accredited Medicare Part B supplier of diabetes testing supplies.

page 44 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013 13MB0003_Diabetes_and_You_MedB_Ad.indd 1

www.lovinlifeafter50.com 3/11/13 3:53 PM

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December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 45

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

DANCES

HAIR STYLING SERVICES

HELP WANTED

HOME SHARE

AIR-CONDITIONED 1-Bedroom Apartment With Carport Near 24th Street & Camelback 602-952-1977

Dances Tuesdays 1-4pm

AMY’S SALON Service at Salon or will come to you!

Licensed & have Fingerprint Clearance Reasonable Rates Phoenix & Scottsdale Area Please Call Kim Cell: 602-321-3587 Salon: 602-956-6930 Booth Rental Also Available

DOG LOVER? Will you watch a dog in your home while the owner’s away?

Home full-time? $17/day and up!

Sleepover Rover www.SleepoverRover.com 866-867-5048

CHANDLER HOME SHARE Non-Smoking Woman (no kids/pets) looking for same to share home.

Upscale, quiet neighborhood: 3 Private, Unfurnished Rooms (bedroom/bath/den): Kitchen, laundry, patio, pool & Jacuzzi.

Pecos between McQueen & Cooper. $400/month, half electric & $200 security deposit.

Background/Credit Check/ References required.

Carole 480-664-0057

ASSISTED LIVING HOMES MARIE’S BOARD & CARE RN owned since 1997.

Assisted Living Home centered around your personal needs.

Near 38th Street & Union Hills 602-790-4121 CAREGIVING STATE CERTIFIED CAREGIVER Seeking position in East Valley private home.

Four plus years’ experience, references & flexible schedule.

Neg TB, fingerprint clearance.

LaDona Nelson 480-695-7096 CLEANING SERVICES DEE’S CLEANING SERVICE Home & Office Affordable Pricing, Honest & Reliable Weekly, Bi-Weekly or Monthly Services Move-In or Move-Outs Holiday Cleanings Homemaker & Organizing Services Available Hoarders Welcome Attention to Detail Call Dee: 480-991-9896 CRAFT SHOWS HOLIDAY CRAFT & BAKE SALE Saturday, 12-7-13 8am-4pm All Handmade Crafts Paradise Shadows MHP 2701 E. Utopia Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85050 Follow the Signs GARAGE DOOR REPAIR SUN DEVIL GARAGE DOOR REPAIR Stuck Door, Broken Spring, Opener Problems, Etc? Senior Discount AAA Discount 24 Hour Service Free Estimates 480-838-9397

Greenfield Village Resort - Mesa NEW FORMAT Country/Variety Music Old & New CARL & SYLVIA December Dates - 3, 10, 17 $6pp Couples and Singles Welcome

480-982-1479

FOR LEASE ALMA SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY 1350sqft. 3BD/2BA new carpet & paint All appliances included – Dish Washer, Washer & Dryer Brick Home Rent only $838+Tax & Sec. Deposit Call Jeff 480-964-6672 FOR SALE BACHMAN ELECTRIC TRAIN & COMPLETE VILLAGE (Houses, Trees, People) With 4ftx8ft white display board $220 602-997-1217 THE READERS ARE HERE! Where’s Your Ad? Get Noticed!

Call Tracey Wilson to advertise your business or service today!

Ask about our specials!

480-348-0343 Ext. 100 tracey@timespublications.com GLASS SHOWER DOORS, MIRRORS, GLASS Family Owned with 33 years’ EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures Install new one or repair what you have, insulated units, window glass, mirrors, patio door glass, glass tops to protect your furniture.

QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices.

FREE Estimates WESLEY’S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY MUSIC TAYLORED MUSIC D.J. For any event, birthday, anniversary or holiday party with all your favorite music.

Fun and Affordable Call Phil at 602-373-8728

page 46 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

HOME HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT NEW & USED POWER SCOOTERS IN STOCK We service all makes of power scooters and power chairs. Battery replacements, in store or on-site.

Call AZ Mediquip for all of your home healthcare equipment needs.

602-992-6146

MOBILE AUTO GLASS CONVENIENT, WE COME TO YOU! Our first priority is the safety of your family All work Guaranteed Glass Repair and Replacement with Integrity “Chips Happen” We can fix them and keep you and your family safe.

Fas-Break 480-252-4133

LEGAL HOUSE-CALL LEGAL SVCS

BY EXPERIENCED ATTNY Low Prices – Wills, Trusts, Miller Trusts, Long Term Care, Probate, Medicare FREE estimate call: D’Jean Testa, Esq. at: 480-962-8248

MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES FOR SALE HOME FOR SALE – ONLY $4,500 Newly remodeled, 2Bed/1Bath Mobile Home, Central AC, porch, awning, shed, fully furnished, pet friendly 4-star resort close to shopping.

Call 480-228-7786 WONDERFUL SENIOR COMMUNITY Centrally located in Tucson Quiet neighborhood, close to shopping, hospitals, etc.

Recreation Hall, Pool, Laundry One-and-Two Bedroom Mobile Homes available for sale Call 520-850-4763 for Details

Classified & Friendship Ad Information Write your ad in the space provided. All ads must be prepaid before each monthly deadline.

Deadline for ads is the 16th of each month. Your name, address and telephone number will not be printed in your ad. We will give it a code. All mail we receive with your code will be mailed to you at least once a week. We reserve the right to edit ads.

Check your type of payment and mail to: Lovin' Life Newspapers 3200 N. Hayden Rd. Suite #210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • Call 480-348-0343 Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone #: Email: o Check/Money Order o Visa o MasterCard o American Express o Discover Acct# _________________________________________________ Card Exp. ____ / ____ /____ CVV#________________________________ Signature ______________________________________ CLASSIFIEDS INFORMATION Please check desired circulation: o Tucson

o Sun Cities (Metro Phx) o East Valley (Metro Phx) o Phoenix & Glendale o Scottsdale

$25 first 30 words. 50¢ per word thereafter. $10 per additional zone.

FRIENDSHIP AD INFORMATION Standard Abbreviations Used in Friendship Ads M D W LTR

= = = =

Male Divorced White Long Term Relationship

F H NS TLC

= Female = Hispanic = Non-smoker = Tender Loving Care

W = B = ND = ISO =

Widowed Black Non-drinker In Search of

$15 first 30 words. 25¢ per word thereafter Start Issue: _______ End Issue: _______ Check one: o Classified o Friendship Ad to Read: ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ (30) ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ How do I Answer a Friendship Ad? Compose your response and address it to: Drawer # ________ Lovin’ Life Newspapers, 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

www.lovinlifeafter50.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION EAST VALLEY GUITAR LESSONS Start playing songs fast using a common sense guitar instruction for all levels. Customized lessons teaching how to tune a guitar, play chords cleanly, strum in time, learn entire songs, solo at jam sessions and even write your own music.

Multiple learning formats for faster results. Flexible scheduling to accommodate busy schedules.

Free lesson for new students.

Visit: www.EastMesaGuitarLessons.com Or Call 480-600-7349 HOME IMPROVEMENT/ REPAIR

MY FATHER’S TOOLBOX Honest Dependable Quality Workmanship Upgrade your plumbing or electrical fixtures.

Solve accessibility needs.

Carpentry, drywall and painting.

For free consultation call 480-600-0958 We accept major credit cards.

RO258814

TERRY’S COMPLETE HOME MAINTENANCE & REMODEL Electrical, Plumbing, Drywall, Carpentry, Paint 25 Years Local References Satisfaction Guaranteed!

East Valley Please Call Terry Heyl: 480-213-1366 POOL SERVICES POOL VALET LLC CLEANING & REPAIR Are Professionalism, Customer Service and Innovation important to you?

Then call Scott to schedule an appointment or to discuss your individual POOL CLEANING or REPAIR NEEDS. Call: 602-273-6800 or Visit: www.myPoolValet.com PROPERTY CARETAKERS BUSY AS A B PROPERTY CARETAKERS Serving the valley since 2003 From 24/7 emergency contact, checking on your home as often as you need, cleaning, handyman services and much more!

Check us out on Angie’s list or just call 602-377-4265

www.lovinlifeafter50.com

SERVICES ENOS KING-LEWIS II, AGENT Guide, Producer A to Z Businessman Wellness – Prosperity Fun Trips enos4homes@hotmail.com 800-824-1450 (Call 24/7) www.Enos4Prosperity.com TRANSPORTATION SERVICES JACK’S TRANSPORTATION For Your Transportation Needs In business over 15 years 10 minutes early is “on time” Airports, date night, doctor appointments etc.

We Service Mesa Gateway 602-770-4648 WANTED TO BUY CA$H PAID! WE BUY DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Unopened/Unexpired CALL NOW!!

480-269-3289 TOY TRAINS WANTED Collector pays cash for toy trains.

Call Terry 480-969-6056 WANT TO PURCHASE Minerals and other oil & gas interests Send Details to: PO Box 13557 Denver, CO 80201 WE BUY LIFE POLICIES For a Cash Settlement Contact Ben The Reliant Group Inc. 1-800-457-2315 WINDOW CLEANING CLEAR ADVANTAGE WINDOW CLEANING High quality, detailed PERFECTIONIST Work.

Sills, Tracks, Screens/Sunscreens cleaned.

15yrs. Exp. Lic & Insured w/Refs available.

Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale & the East Valley For Free written estimate call: Joe Albert Cell# 480-228-5453 www.clearadvantage windowcleaning.com

FRIENDSHIP ADS DRAWER 9791P WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS CLUB Come join us for lunch the last Wednesday of each month.

Black Bear, 6039 W. Bell Rd. at 11:30 am Call 602-843-0404 GREAT WAY TO MEET NEW FRIENDS DRAWER 9792P DIVERSITY SINGLES CLUB (AGE 60 PLUS) Meets Mondays 8:00am at Golden Corral Restaurant, 1868 N. Power Rd in Mesa for breakfast Prospective Members Welcome!

DRAWER LL1044 DWF, East Valley, 5’5”, young 70’s with great legs seeking romance, caring, sharing, happiness, friendship & honesty. Enjoys CW music, Rock & Roll & Gospel music, swimming, movies, adventure and you! Photo & phone – I’ll call you!

DRAWER LL1087 Single white lady, 75 plus and slender ISO man N/S, N/D who is seeking a LTR. Enjoy activities around AZ and dining out. I live in Glendale. Looking forward to hearing from you.

DRAWER LL1223 Intelligent female seeks gentleman who doesn’t need statistics. He has self-respect, sense of humor and an inquiring mind. Enjoys good conversation & doesn’t judge a book by its cover.

DRAWER LL1244 SHM 5’9”, retired, financially secure, ISO nice woman 45-60 for LTR. Must love music and have a sense of humor! Looking for someone to see the world with. Me – I’m not perfect, but I have a lot of love to give! Give me a chance!

DRAWER LL1354 Hi, is my wonderful guy around?

If you are looking for a special person, here I am.

TLC, WWF, 5’5”, pretty blue eyes, lovely hair and heart shaped lips, not bad figure – Sun City.

DRAWER LL1447 R U the 1?

White or Hispanic Female, 60-65 to share life with 70’s guy, but more like 60’s and fit. If you relate & live in the N or W Valley, please write!

DRAWER LL1383 WM, 79, 5’4”, 120lbs, very health conscience & very physically active – NS/ND. Hiking, board games, travel, movies, dinner, theatre, etc. Enjoys life! Summer & winter homes, well-traveled. ISO someone with similar interests.

DRAWER LL1403 Financially secure Scottsdale widow ISO senior widower or single WM, 5’9” or more to enjoy remaining years doing things seniors do: Birding, star-gazing, moon watching, learning to love again. Life is short; let’s meet for lunch, coffee or whatever. I will anxiously await your reply.

DRAWER LL1420 DWM, NS, clean cut, 66 looking for friendship or a casual relationship with NS female. Please include phone number.

DRAWER LL1441 WWF, 58, blonde hair with nice figure, NS, very active and always on the go ISO gentleman with an accent, NS, 50-60 who is very generous, likes to shop, sight-see, fish & knows how to eat! Must be an animal lover.

Please include phone number.

DRAWER LL1450 WWF young 60’s widow, sense of humor, just moved to the Gilbert area. I’m from the Midwest. ISO WITH A STROKE, a new single white friend man or woman 60’s to 73 with time to go T I M E L O S T I S B R A I N L O S T. WITH A STROKE, to a movie, lunch, dinner, sightT I M E L O S T I S B R A I N L O S T. seeing, bowling, board and card games, etc. Must have a sense of humor, sincere, dependable, N/S and not sloppy. Let’s have warning W I T H ALearn TTR Ksigns ES,atT R O K E , WSIthe HOA StrokeAssociation.org or 1-888-4-STROKE. fun! Please write with your phone WITH A STROKE, TIME LO T EI SL O BR A IIN T ISM ST S L BO RS AT. I N L O S T. number.

Learn the warning signs at

StrokeAssociation.org or 1-888-4-STROKE.

T I M E L O S T I S B R A I N L O S T. ©2004 American Heart Association

©2004 American Association Made possible in part by a generousHeart grant from The Bugher Foundation.

Made possible in part by a generous grant from The Bugher Foundation.

DRAWER LL1451 WM, old, fat, bald, honest Mesa gentleman 1944 model, everything runs, but Learn the warning signsthe at warning signs at Learn StrokeAssociation.org or the 1-888-4-STROKE. StrokeAssociation.org or 1-888-4-STROKE. Learn warning signs at not very fast.

StrokeAssociation.org or 1-888-4-STROKE. ISO WF, NS to share life and do some traveling with Sense of humor required! ©2004 American Heart Association ©2004 American Heart Association Made possible in part by a generous frominThe Bugher Foundation.

Madegrant possible part by a generous grant from The Bugher Foundation. ©2004 American Heart Association Made possible in part by a generous grant from The Bugher Foundation.

How do I Answer a Friendship Ad? Compose your response and address it to: Drawer # ________ Lovin’ Life Newspapers 3200 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

DRAWER LL1445 One of the NW Valley’s hidden treasures is this DWM 70’s looks 65 is looking for NS SWF or SHF who is active and well dressed for LTR. Would like a photo. Drop me a line. Looking forward to meeting you.

DRAWER LL1448 Single Hispanic Christian lady in her mid-60’s, N/S, N/D seeks Christian male N/S, N/D for friendship first. Race is not important, but honesty is!

Loves nature, music, laughter, togetherness & the simple things in life.

DRAWER LL1449 All I want for Christmas is…a regular, good, kind, honest, loving man for home-life hobbies, shared time & self-time. Not interested in a fanatic going all the time or an exercise nut - everything in moderation. PHX

December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 47

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page 48 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

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T HE F INISH L INE Arizona’s Leader in Senior Fitness Thunderbirds Return as Partners to Senior Olympics 2013 Sponsors nce again this year Arizona

O

Senior Olympics will be partnering with The Thunderbirds to raise funds for the organization.

“It’s a fun way for people to get involved and also be of real help to ASO,” commented Irene Stillwell, ASO executive director.

The Birdies for Charity is a program of Waste Management Inc. and The Phoenix Thunderbirds. All the money that is collected by ASO’s efforts goes directly to them. The Thunderbirds bill for and collect money, thereby saving ASO that expense.

“I hope everyone will realize that this is an ideal end-of-the-year donation because every cent of the donation goes directly into the program they are supporting,” Stillwell said.

Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation, the 501(c)(3) parent corporation of ASO, will be sending out an email blast in early December and every donation is fully deductible from 2013 taxes. Watch for the “birdies” e-mail in early December.

Everyone who donates before Dec. 31

Follow us!

will be eligible for a drawing for ticket to the Phoenix Open. It could be a double win: one for you and one for Arizona Senior Olympics!

Donate today at www. birdiesforcharityaz.com/pledge.

Be sure to specify Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation (No. 276).

Looks like Santa’s getting ready for Senior Olympics!

Happy Holidays from Your friends at Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation.

The Finish Line Newsletter is produced by Arizona Senior Olympics, founded by:

in partnership with the cities of Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe and the communities of Sun City, Sun City West, Sun City Grand

Arizona Senior Olympics P.O. Box 33278 Phoenix, AZ 85067-3278

602-274-7742

web site: www.seniorgames.org

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December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 49

www.seniorgames.org

Making Good Health a Habit

Pioneer Athlete Tells Her Story

(Listen to music or audiobooks. By Ellie Kallal Do things you love, mix it up.)

6. Make it an active decision.

Nancy Kummen just turned 63, and (Take stairs, park far away, has been competing locally in the sport of stretch while talking on the triathlon. In the past few weeks, she has had phone.) some of her fastest times. She took second in Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness her age group at the World’s International Program is the nation’s leading Triathlon in Chicago and plans to qualify in fitness program. It is provided at June to compete again the following year. no additional cost to with many At one time she broke her back in three Medicare Advantage and Medicare places and used water exercise and massage Supplement plans. So start today. to recover. A firm believer in activity, she urges Give Yourself Six Months There are great benefits that come Make a habit of walking, swimming, others to get into a program to boost their with exercise. But to achieve them taking exercise classes, gardening, or mood and improve their overall health. When all, it is important to keep going even chasing your grandkids. No matter she’s not competing, she stays busy teaching when you don’t want to. Some days what you choose, you already have a swimming and water aerobics and gives private lessons in her pool. will be easier than others, but if you support team.

Below are just a few SilverSneakers This is Nancy Kummen’s story in her own Triathlon in 1978 on the Hawaiian can stick with an exercise routine for Island of Oahu, where I lived. I was so words. six months, you’ll be on your way to benefits. taken aback by this event that I started creating a healthy habit that can last • Choose from more than 11,000 I consider myself one of the to train for it. a lifetime.

Back then, people thought you locations in the United States. pioneers in the sport of triathlon. I • Take group classes made just was able to see the very first Ironman were “nuts” to do such a thing. I was Stick To It for active older adults.

Exercise will improve your quality • Read health and wellness of life. It’s good for you. Yet, sometimes articles online. it’s hard to find the motivation to keep • Talk to a SilverSneakers it up. But with a few life changes, you program adviser for more can make exercise a part of your daily support. life today, and for the rest of your life.

• Join in on fun group events and Need someone to help you register for the Arizona Senior Olympics? ASO more!

1. Make it a priority. (Mark it on volunteers are ready and happy to help. your calendar, every day.)

This year the organization is offering in-person registration at the following For more information call (888) locations: 2. Make it easy. (Lift weights while watching TV, walk the 423-4632 or go to www.silversneakers.

• The ASO office by appointment only on Dec. 10, Dec. 11, Jan. 2 com. Find us on Facebook at facebook. mall, take a daily class.) and Jan. 8. It is located at 4205 N. Seventh Ave., Suite 200, Phoenix, 3. Make it safe. (Talk to your com/silversneakers. For even more 85013. Call (602) 274-7742 for an appointment. help, sign up for PACT, a new Web doctor; listen to your body.)

• The Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo at the Sun Dial Recreation Center in Sun 4. Make it social. (Get a workout experience that allows members to City from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Jan. 21. set fitness goals and create a support buddy or take classes.)

• The Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo at the Mesa Convention Center at 9 a.m.

5. Make it interesting and fun. network.

Jan. 29.

Bad habits are hard to break—but so are good ones! This fall, create some healthy, fun habits that will enrich your life every day. Decide today to make exercise a regular part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth or having that morning cup of coffee.

By the time the holidays roll around, you’ll be happier, healthier and ready to take the New Year by storm.

ASO Offers In-Person Registration

Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation  Arizona’s Leader in Senior Fitness 

REGISTER NOW!   THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT THE   ARIZONA SENIOR OLYMPICS   February 15th thru March 12 • Team sports March 5-9  Don’t miss the “SALUTE TO AMERICA” on Presidents Day! Barbecue lunch!



page 50 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : December 2013

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Prizes!

Early registration Deadline: 1/31 NEW! Easier online registration NEW! A social at every event!

More information at www.seniorgames.org

Giveaways!

 

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www.seniorgames.org totally nonathletic, depressed and overweight. But, there was something very special about doing it. I started by running 500 yards. I was beat and had to stop. The next day I did a little more and did my first marathon six months later, ran my first marathon in 1979, and a little over a year later completed my first Ironman. And that’s a story in itself.

Those who got involved back then were real guinea pigs. There was no information on how to train or how to eat. Events served donuts, cookies and peanut butter sandwiches. Some got really sick during the events. This was before rehydration products and energy bars. Today, in an open water swim there are buoys strung along the swim area. Back then, there was nothing. We were told to swim out to the ship, go around it and come back. I did the backstroke, the breaststroke, everything. I was not watching carefully and a kid came by

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and hollered to me, “Hey lady, you’re swimming crooked.” I almost swam to the other shore, instead of to the ship.

I finished in 13:24:00.

Since then I have completed nine Ironman distances and would like to do more but races are getting so expensive; it’s difficult to do them without a sponsor. I’ve done more than 500 triathlons and countless swimming, bike and running races. I never get bored with the distance and training. I get into a zone and enjoy myself. I look forward to tomorrow, and I’m glad to be a part of the Senior Olympics. I was looking forward to competing in Cleveland, but fell ill and couldn’t go. I’m planning to qualify and go to Minneapolis in 2015.

I enjoy teaching kids to swim and stay safe, and helping people get started in an exercise program. I’ve learned as you get older you need to have the discipline to watch diet, train and get rest.

q Yes, I would like to be a friend of Arizona Senior Olympics Send your tax-deductible contribution by check, money order, credit card or go online to www.seniorgames.org.

Amount Enclosed $ I am paying by q Check/Money Order qVisa qMastercard qDiscover qAmerican Express. You will be charged by Senior Games Payment Services if paying by credit card. If paying by check, please make it out to the Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation.

Credit Card. #: Expiration Date: 3 digit code on back of card: Name as it appears on your credit card: Address: City/State/Zip: Signature:

Mail to: Arizona Lifelong Fitness Association P.O. Box 33278 Phoenix, AZ 85067-3278

December 2013 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 51

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