s ’ y a d To Vol.1 No.2
Memorial Day Special: Social Security Benefits for Those Who Serve
Boomer Travel: Spring Destinations Gulf Coast Make A Difference Unleash the Goodness in You
Bridging the Generation Gap
What Boomers, Millennials, Elderly All Have in Common:
Money Fears
Super Simple Creations to Put Spring in Your Step
Retro Rides Are Back! Detroit is Flexing It’s Muscle Big in 2012
Today’s BoomeR
Featuring The Only B2B -Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!
Scotland, Ireland, France & the British Isles Cruise 2012 “CU Elected Leaders Symposium” June 7 – 19, 2012 Odyssey of the Ancient Crusaders 2012 “CU Winds of Change EduCruise” September 21 – October 3, 2012 Hawaiian Islands Adventure 2012 “CU Discovery EduCruise” November 3– 10, 2012 An American wine Country EduCruise 2013 “Credit Union Winds of Change Forum” May 11 - 18, 2013 The Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise 2013 “Credit Union Survival & Thrival Forum” June 14-24, 2013
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This Issue April / May 2012 Volume 1, Number 2
Boomer Travel
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Spring Destination: Gulf Coast is Calling
Bridging The Generation Gap
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11
What Boomers, Millennials and Elderly Have in Common
Retro Rides Are Back
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Detroit is Flexing its Muscle Big in 2012
Making A Difference
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Unleash the Goodness in You
Boomer Healthy Eating 16 Simple Creations Put Spring in Your Step
Social Security
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Serving Wounded Warriors and Fallen Heroes
B2B Marketplace
Founder John Vardallas & Alexandra Maragha Editorial Director Alexandra Maragha
In the workplace, learning institutions and home
Money Fears
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Business 2 Boomers Marketplace
Contributing Writers : Karyl Richson– Social Security Gary Knowles– Travel Writer Advertising Team For Letters to the Editor, articles and feedback as well as advertising inquiries email Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com
The American BoomeR.com John Vardallas CAE, CUDE CEO/Founder Professional Speaker Business/Lifestyle Strategist Boomer Sage and Blogger JohnVardallas@TheAmericanBoomeR.com (608) 577-8707 Alexandra Maragha Co-Founder, Editorial Director Today’s BoomeR Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com Today’s BoomeR Vol.1 No.2 Today’s BoomeR is published six times (Feb/Mar, Apr/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan) a year by The American BoomeR.com 769 North Star Drive (Suite 207) Madison, WI 53718 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
The American Boomer @American_Boomer Today’s BoomeR 3
EDITOR’S LETTER
’s y a d To
Connecting Generations
(feature)
The values and experiences that a generation holds is passed from one generation to another; leaving those to be acknowledged, accepted, or rejected. Repeated experiences through time can often transcend relationships and lead to a stronger bond where mutually valued learning and exchanges can take place and be maintained.
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As one who has learned that a generation could be all of these things and that each generational experience weaves the fabric of a mutually respected and productive environment, this issue is centered on celebrating the common threads and connections among generations.
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Alexandra Maragha Editorial Director Alexandra@theamericanboomer.com
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Our feature about bridging the generation gap explores inter-generational relationships in the workplace, learning institutions and in the home. Automobiles have transcended generations and our photo spread captures the then and now legacy of muscle that continues to be shared among the years. Lets continue to create our own generational legacies and use intergenerational bonds to learn about and compliment experiences while maintaining connections.
BOOMER TRAVEL
All Ya’all Come On Down, Hear? The Gulf Coast is Calling! Story and Photography by Gary Knowles
Spring Destinations
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TURNING SPILLED OIL INTO TOURISTS
EXPLORE A MUSEUM
If you’ve watched any TV recently, you’ve probably enjoyed this good natured southern brag-a-rama. Fueled by a $92 million contribution from oil giant BP, our friends on the Gulf will be casting friendly invitations our way for the next few years. The funds are targeted to help the region recover from lost tourism revenue after the disastrous 2010 BP oil spill.
Baldwin County Heritage Museum in Elberta displays artifacts of area settlers and a Smithsonian-quality collection of carved wooden figures by the late artist Evar Anderson. In Foley the Medical Museum preserve a mid-20th Century small-town medical center, and model railroad buffs will enjoy the Alabama Railroad Museum which showcases an impressive quarter mile “O” Gauge railroad tableau.
A recent visit to explore the new Alabama Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway provided ample evidence that our southern cousins aren’t just “blowing smoke. There are more than a few reasons to take them up on their kind invitations – and yes, whatever oil was there is gone. It’s a beach lover’s paradise.
SWEET HOME ALABAMA Alabama claims a swatch of the Gulf Coast that stretches about fifty miles from near Pensacola, Florida on the east, to near Pascagoula, Mississippi on the west. Just off Interstate Highway 10 the Costal Connection route offers a delightful 130 mile meander around Mobile Bay (http:// alabamascoastalconnection.com/ ) The drive servesup an irresistible combination of picturesque coastal communities, white-sand beaches, museums, estates, great dining and wildlife viewing.
FIRST, HIT THE BEACH If you do nothing else, this could justify your visit. Find a warm spot anywhere and lie in the sun on the beach. Ahhhh. There’s nothing that compares to the sound of the surf and the view of that long, blue wet horizon. Add flocks of shorebirds in aerial ballet cruising the waterway. Wiggle your toes in the “sugar sand” and take a stroll, collect shells. Enjoy a cool adult beverage. Ahhh…why go home? 6 Today’s BoomeR
Miles of white “Sugar-sand” beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, are a favorite of travelers from across the USA.
“For a Great Vacation, you can’t beat Mississippi!” boasts Karen Sock of the Gulf Coast Business Council in the new TV ads promoting the Gulf States. “Sure you can!” counters Bill Kearney of New Orleans, “Call it Louisiana!” “Hang on,” says Ron Hardy of SeaWorld. “Florida is where folks want to be!” “That’s only until they get a taste of Alabama hospitality,” boasts Shaul Zislin of Gulf Shores.
gladly help you combine excellent accommodations, preferred tee times and all golf fees for a great value. Nine challenging, manicured and eminently playable courses by designers like Palmer, Deviln and Pate are open year-round. Call 888-815-1902 or visit www.GolfGulfShores.com for free (Above) Go barnstorming along the guides and assistance. Gulf Coast in a 1928 bi-plane at the
DAMN THE TORPEDOES!
(Above) Gulf Coast shrimp, as fresh as they come, are sold at seafood markets like Bill’s in Bon Secour along the Alabama Coastal Byway.
EAT, EAT EAT! If you like seafood, shrimp and oysters -welcome to paradise. Roadside stands serve shrimp in a basket while beachside favorites like Tacky Jacks at Fort Morgan offer Fried Pickles and succulent Royal Red Shrimp. Sushi Grade Tuna, Stuffed Grouper, Soft Shell Crabs – and great steaks - are a proud tradition at The Tin Roof, a friendly, down-home crossroads restaurant at Bon Secour. In Orange Beach go dockside to Gulf Shores Steamer, tabbed a “Top 3 Seafood Restaurant” by Southern Living Magazine and head for Shipp’s Harbour Grill where Stilton Stuffed Filet and Grouper Ponchatrain testify to Chef Matt Shipps’ Culinary Institute of America pedigree.
GOLF THE GULF Take those clubs. Gulf Shores golf courses make it easy to arrange a getaway. Professional planners will
Explore historic Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan, guarding the entrance to Mobile Bay. Dauphine Island was once the capital of French Louisiana Territory. One of the most famous Civil War naval battles occurred here. It’s where
Jack Edwards airport in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
retro-thrill, climb into the open-cockpit 1928 Travel-Air 2000 bi-plane and buzz the coast with “Barnstormin’ Bar” out of the Jack Edwards Airport at Gulf Shores (www.866MustFly.com).
LISTEN TO THE MUSIC, SIP THE DRINK, TOSS THE MULLET If you’re looking for some super sounds, rock, country or beach music – this is the place. Joey’s North Shore Grill at 3849 Gulf Shores Parkway is one of the most popular pubs with great food and live music virtually every night (http:// (Above) Fire in the Hole!” – A tour www.thenorthshoregrill.com .) guide interpreter prepares to fire a Don’t go home before sipping a Civil War Era cannon at Fort Gaines few boat drinks and chillin’ at Luon Dauphin Island, on the Alabama Lu’s, the happenen’ place operated Coastal Scenic Byway by Lucy Buffett, Jimmy’s sister. (http://www.lulubuffett.com ) It’s Admiral Farragut ordered “Damn just off Alabama Highway 59 at the the torpedoes. Go ahead…full Intracoastal Waterway and speed.” Guided tours of the Homeport Marina. The legendary battlements include visits to the working blacksmith shop, live firing “Last American Roadhouse” – the Flora-Bama is just across the Alaof cannons and a peek at the old bama state line in Pensacola, Florifort latrine that seats ten. da. Every spring they stage the annual “Interstate Mullet Toss” with GET AIRBORNE guys on the beach throwing a mullet from a 10-foot circle in Alabama Jet-ski or parasail over sparkling across the state line into Florida. Gulf waters with Blue Reef This year's events (April 27Watersports in Orange Beach 29,2012) also feature the (251-504-7511). For a real Today’s BoomeR 7
and showcasing hundreds of varieties of heritage roses, some dating to the 1800s. (www.foleycvb.com or 1-877-253 -6539) www.GulfShores.com, www.OrangeBeach.com or PH: 800-745-7263. (Below) Sixty-five acres of flowers and plants and an elegant fifteen room mansion are showcased at Bellingrath Gardens Estate at Theodore on the Alabama Coastal Scenic By-way. (Above) Flora-Bama is a legendary rockin roadhouse on the Florida side of the Alabama border. Bikini tops and underwear hang from lines strung across the dance floor.
Flora-Bama® Mullet Man Triathlon and the FloraBama® Mullet Swing Golf Classic, daily bikini contests, beach games, great live music and great food. (www.FloraBama.com)
EXPERIENCE AN ELEGANT SOUTHERN ESTATE The South is known for gracious, elegant living. You’ll find an excellent introduction to it at Bellingrath Gardens and home in Theodore. This is a stunning 20th Century southern estate (www.bellingrath.org). The fifteen room home was built in 1935 by Walter and Bessie Mae Bellingrath, the first Coca-Cola franchise holders in southern Alabama. They devoted their fortune to the sixty-five acre property which they left to the Bellingrath-Morse Foundation to ensure public access. Plan at least a half-day to appreciate the magnificent grounds and art and antique filled home. The beautiful foliage is enhanced by the presence of great automobiles April 14,2012 at the 19th Annual Camellia Classic Auto Show.
SMELL AN ANTIQUE ROSE Old railroad tracks are often converted to bike trails, but in Foley, Alabama it’s for the roses. The beautifully landscaped trail is dedicated to growing, preserving *Gary Knowles is a Madison, Wisconsin travel writer and consultant to the hospitality industry. His “Getaways” column appears bi-monthly in the Journal and Topics Newspaper chain in northern Illinois and he is the “Travel Advisor” on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Joy Cardin Show”. 8 Today’s BoomeR
and even in relationships. These interactions can be successful, but often times the value of the inter-generational interaction is overlooked, leaving true connections and the overall benefits to fall short.
Working Together Creates a Return on Investment Bridging the generation gap in the workplace can create a large return in productivity and innovational outcomes when time is invested in cultivating generational views and skills. Baby boomers not only bring to the table work experience, many times in more than one field, but can also offer a unique blend of communicative skills, awareness to detail and overall professional leadership and wisdom that surpasses other generations. Most baby boomers had an educational upbringing that enforced information retention and critical thinking in a pretechnological age where computers and devices (that are now crucial components of the current generation’s cultural upbringing) were instead pens and papers written with precise penmanship. LikeBy Alexandra Maragha wise, boomers social inclinations are Photo (here and on cover) by Jon Schoepke of John Vardallas and Julie Armbrecht based on a face to face development of communication which has fostered a generation accusgeneration is defined as an entire group of individuals tomed to adjusting and anticipating most social situations born and living around the same time. A generation devel- enhancing professional relationships in the workplace. In ops its own sense of culture and lifestyle that can create a turn, Generation Y (those born between 1980 and 2000) for example, are tech dependent and may offer tech savvy unique experience from childhood through Adult years. For the baby boomer generation, they have been defined insights that are innate to the upbringing of their generaas the generation born between 1946 to 1964 and share tion, giving them the potential to become a crucial asset in this regard. Collaborative exchanges of skill sets and specific attributes such as fashion, music, movies, cars, events, politics and more that reflect years of birth, child- generational partnerships among colleagues on projects or presentations could bring the work environment to a hood, adolescence and adulthood. level above others who would otherwise overlook such an Generations come together to accomplish tasks and daily advantage. Inter-generational collaboration can increase activities in the home, workplace, learning environments
Bridging the Generation Gap
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the value of that investment not only through enhanced internal work culture, but will also be seen externally and appreciated by clients, customers and set such businesses above others.
Learning by Seeing And Doing A learning environment may only be thought of as the student-teacher relationship when considering the generation gap, however, in higher educational settings, such as colleges and universities, it is more common to have an intergenerational students body. While more recent generations can only read about events that took place years prior, boomers in the classroom have firsthand experience with such topics discussed. This personal experience can bridge the generation gap; captivating other generations by telling a personal view of an event or experience that would otherwise only be read or not even be included when learned through secondary and tertiary sources. An inter -generational classroom can stimulate discussion and debates with a greater variety of views based on the generational experiences and culture of those present. Likewise, a classroom setting allows for active learning to be expressed, creating an opportunity for generations to share aloud with mutual respect as peers, rather than being hindered speaking with one another in the same manner by generational boundaries.
Home Is Not Just a Family Tree The inter-generational dynamic that creates a family is usually in good working order, but those within a family may 10 Today’s BoomeR
have difficulties relating to one another. Every generation reflects its peer group. Adults and parents look to relate to their children and when children are at certain ages (parents too), a mutual misunderstanding of views, intentions and communication can lead to an inter -generational meltdown where words can be few and far between. The mysteries between parent-child relationships have been questioned through the ages, leaving baby boomers no strangers to such generational tensions between them and their own parents; they can relate to similar experiences that now their children are taking on. Bridging the generation gap between parents and children, and even other family members such as grandparents and siblings and cousins, does not have to rely on a repeat of history through the behaviors or phases that a child experiences but can serve as a start to find commonalities. Generational cultural attributes such as music, movies, fashion, events, hobbies and more can transcend a single generation in terms of interest and actual trends of that generation. Boomers and their children, more than they realize, can end up listening to the same music but instead of being on a ’45, songs are streamed on an MP3 player. By taking the time to learn with each other about each other, baby boomers and “baby boomer babies” can connect and bridge the generation gap in family settings allowing age and family roles to be brought closer together in action and mind.
Boomers Hooking Up... With millions of boomers being single, and hundreds of dating websites available, the dating game is at new levels. An AARP survey showed that 70% of single baby boomers actively date. These quick tips can help you to get into the Boomer Dating Game:
Get out there/Be Proactive.
Consider meeting online.
Start with having fun versus romance and keep it simple.
Connect with like minded people/persons.
Explore your creative side.
Stay in mind/body/soul shape (relationships require energy).
Don’t be disappointed if things don't work out experience teaches us some situations are just not meant to be.
A “catch and release” mind set is ok.
Caution: Scammers lurk everywhere. Some dating sites are a bit shady and even ask for money to be sent overseas. Remember, If it smells fishy, it probably is.
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What Boomers, Millennials, Elderly All Have in Common:
MONEY FEARS By Bruce Watson For the past few years, the media has been saturated with dire economic headlines lamenting, among other horrors, the death of U.S. manufacturing, the nation's exploding unemployment, and our ever-growing deficit. Indeed, at times it has seemed like depressing news may be America's only actual growth industry. That seemingly endless parade of dire warnings has had a definite impact: Perceptions of the country's economic future have remained miserable, even when the economy has offered its occasional glimmers of hope.
28% of silent generation grandparents were very confident that they would be able to "substantially" help their children and grandchildren to pay for their educations. Today, only 24% of boomers and 20% of silents are convinced that they can help their children and grandchildren. As for millennials, the number of them who expect to be able to help pay for their children's education has almost fallen by half, from 49% to 25%.
And when it comes for taking care of aging parents, perceptions are even more bleak. In 2007, 33% of boomers were very confident that they'd be able to assure a financially secure life for their parents. Today, only 19% feel that way. In that regard, things don't look good for the boomers, either: In 2007, 29% of millennials were confident they'd be able to financially take care of their parents. Today, only 21% are. The Future's So Dim
While the general erosion in economic confidence is disturbing, an even more insidious development may be the way in which respondents have reshaped their goals. In 2007, a large number of respondents Discussions of economic worries have often focused on the "Gen X" and were dedicated to what could be described as selfless goals, like taking "millennial" workers who are struggling to find a place in an ailing care of one's parents or paying for a child's education. Between 2007 economy, often ignoring the opinions of older demographics like the and 2011, however, the number of millennials who prioritized helping "baby boomers" and "silent generation," who are, presumably, headed their children to pay for their educations fell by 17% and the number towards retirement. Recently, however, a new study has shown that who prioritized preserving wealth to leave to their children dropped depressed views of the economy afflict people across the age spectrum, by 41%. In fact, the only millennial priority that had significant growth from those at the beginning of their careers to retirees. was "assuring a financially secure life for yourself/your family." The Last week, Ameriprise, a leading financial services company, released number of millennials who put it at the top of their list increased by Money Across Generations II, a cross-generational survey of economic 25%. perceptions. A follow-up to 2007's Money Across Generations, the new And the millennials are not the only ones who have scaled down their study considers several common economic goals, looking at how highly goals. While the number of boomers who prioritize "supporting a charrespondents value these goals, and how likely they think their chances ity or cause" doubled from 1% to 2%, the biggest growth by far was are of achieving them. In every particular, baby boomers, their chilamong those who were concerned with assuring their own financial dren, and their parents have become less confident of their chances of security. Meanwhile, among silent generation grandparents, most priachieving their goals. orities remained steady or decreased, with the exception of assuring Taking Care of Business that they had enough money to continue their lifestyle after retirement. In that priority, respondents increased by 15%. In 2007, when the first survey was conducted, perceptions were fairly positive. For example, 51% of baby boomers were "very confident" of Recently, there have been strong signs of an economic recovery: Unemtheir ability to assure "a financially secure life" for themselves and ployment is falling, housing starts are up, and consumers are buying their children. Today, however, perceptions are quite a bit darker: only things again. But if Ameriprise's survey is any indication, the hardest 33% of boomers are confident of their ability to guarantee their own problem to shake may not be financial, but rather emotional. For a genfinancial security. And, among their millennial children, perceptions eration whose economic experience has been defined by the biggest have plummeted even more sharply -- in 2007, 58% were very confifinancial crisis in more than 70 years, the biggest thing to fear may, dent of their ability to assure their own financial security; today, 37% indeed, be fear itself. are. Things have gotten even worse when it comes to taking economic responsibility for one's offspring. In 2007, 39% of baby boomers and
Bruce Watson is a senior features writer for DailyFinance. You can reach him by e-mail at bruce.watson@teamaol.com, or follow him on Twitter at @bruce1971. Today’s BoomeR 11
Retro Rides are Back
Detroit is Flexing its Muscle Big in 2012 Photography and Story by Alexandra Maragha 12 Today’s BoomeR *Today’s BoomeR Co-Founders covered the 2012 Chicago Auto Show Media Day preview held in February.
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As American muscle cars approach milestone birthdays celebrating 40, 50 and even 60+ years, one thing that is clear is they are not nearing retirement.
Mopar: 75 Years and Still Going Strong Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s — the muscle-car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth “package cars” equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of “special parts” for super-stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use. These specially crafted race vehicles dominated the drag strip, garnering the brand enduring respect from grassroots racers and automotive enthusiasts.
couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate these milestones than bringing back one of the most-coveted combinations in the brand’s history – the Corvette convertible and a 427 cubic-inch engine.” The 60th Anniversary Package and 427 Convertible made their public debut at the Barrett Jackson collector car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan 21, and will arrive at U.S. Chevrolet dealers early this summer. The Corvette 427 Convertible blends elements of the Z06 and ZR1 models to create the fastest and most-capable convertible in Corvette’s history. Its heart is the 427-cubic-inch (7.0L) LS7 engine from the Corvette Z06. Rated at 505 horsepower (377 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm), it is the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Corvette convertible – and, like the Z06, the 427 Convertible is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. To view more information about the Corvette 427 visit here.
Mustang Ranks Boss Almost 50 Years Later Launched from ‘69, the 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is back and better than ever. With its “legendary looks and modern muscle” the Boss continues to please and amaze.
The 1960s also saw the introduction of Max Wedge and HEMI® Super The ultimate Ford Mustang – Stock package cars, as well as altered-wheelbase “funny cars.” The legacy Shelby GT500 – raises the bar of these race vehicles is carried on today in National Hot Rod Association high on performance by (NHRA) competition in the Super Stock/A-HEMI (SS/AH) class in the delivering 650 horsepower and a track-tested top speed of more than Mopar HEMI Challenge. For more information about Mopar parts and 200 mph. The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 aluminum-block engine produces cars visit www.mopar.com. 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world. Corvette Celebrates 60 Years With 427 Convertible Chevrolet unveiled the 2013 Corvette 427 Convertible Collector Edition – the fastest, most capable convertible in Corvette’s history – as well as a 60th Anniversary Package that will be available on all 2013 Corvette models.
Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing the additional horsepower, including a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.
“The 2013 model year will be historic for Corvette, marking its 60th Anniversary and the final year for the current ‘C6’ generation,” said Chris 14 president, Today’s BoomeR Perry, vice Global Marketing and Strategy for Chevrolet. “We
And nearly every gear on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has been revised to manage the torque and use more of the power in a way that makes it more driver-friendly. For more information visit here.
Make A Difference Unleash the Goodness in YOU! Looking for a chance to bond with a loving animal that desperately needs a loving home? Thousands of animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles, and even some exotics are waiting in local humane societies and animal shelters across the country. Adopting an animal into the fold of your family can provide a rewarding experience. Before adopting an animal it is important to consider what type of animal may be the best fit for your family and lifestyle. Certain breeds can be better for some families with small children while others may require more activity and space . The cost of an animal is also an important factor to consider accounting for food, medical attention and other needs for a specific animal. Once these are decided, visit your local humane society , animal shelter or a breed rescue in your area. If you are unable to adopt an animal into your home, there are other ways to help. Volunteering or joining at a local humane society or donating money can also support those in need. Likewise, becoming an animal advocate can help spread awareness and educate others about the treatment of animals, both domestic and wild as well as helping to sustain such environments that animals live and need to survive. By giving animals a new leash on life, and giving them a voice through respect, can in turn, unleash the goodness in you.
Make A Difference and take the BoomeR Nation Challenge! Get involved with your local Humane Society through a variety of ways by:
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BOOMER HEALTHY EATING: Super Simple Creations to Put Spring in Your Step Tomato Confit 4 Heirloom Tomatoes 3 Garlic cloves, sliced thin 2 Thyme sprigs 1 Bay leaf, fresh ½ C Extra Virgin Olive Oil Pinch Sugar Pinch Salt Pinch Pepper Procedure: Cut tomatoes into quarters and deseed. Place quarters in a small roasting pan just big enough to arrange the tomatoes in one layer. Distribute the rest of the ingredients evenly over tomatoes. Slowly roast tomatoes in a 200 F oven for 3 hours.
Healthy and natural ingredients can turn the simplest food into delicious creations. With warmer temperatures spring and summer seasonal foods can be kicked up a notch and bring occasional dishes into everyday easy options. Impress your friends and family with these healthy creations from The Madison Club, located in Madison, WI. Executive Chef Andrew Wilson, Chef Dan Fox and the Madison Club’s culinary team create dishes that are inspired by fresh and locally raised meat, produce and cheese.
“The strength of the farmer to chef connection allows the Madison Club to incorporate amazing, Wisconsin-grown ingredients that are picked fresh off the vine and delivered to us using fewer fossil fuels.” Ordering produce, meats, fish and other fine products from fifty different local farms, gourmet food purveyors and fishmongers, the Madison Club is one of the leading restaurants in the area to work so closely with the local food community. For more information visit www.madisonclub.org
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Summer Berry Pimms Cocktail 2 oz Pimms 1 oz Gin 5 Fresh Raspberries 15 Fresh Blueberries 5 Fresh Strawberries 10 Fresh mint leaves Dash Bitters 3T Sugar 4 oz Soda water As needed Ice Garnish: Mint sprig and fresh strawberry Procedure: In a pint glass, muddle mint leaves, sugar, and fruit until the juice from the berries is nicely extracted and you can smell the mint. Pour in alcohol, ice to the top of the glass, and soda water to reach the base of the rim. Shake the cocktail 2 to 3 times with a shaker and pour back into glass. Finish with a dash of bitters and garnish with mint sprig and fresh strawberry.
Hickory Nut Sunflower Oil Vinaigrette 2 T Lightly toasted and crushed Hickory Nuts 2 T Sunflower oil 1 T Honey 1 T plus splash Sherry vinegar 1 T Aged red wine vinegar To Taste Salt and pepper 1/2 Orange, juice plus zest Procedure: Mix all ingredients together and season to taste with salt and pepper. This is a great salad dressing recipe for a spicy salad mix.
Stuffed Heirloom Tomatoes 2 Med. To Lg. Heirloom tomatoes 2 C Unseasoned breadcrumbs 1 C Ground meat 2 T Butter ½ C Fresh herbs, minced 4 Garlic cloves, minced 2 Green onions, sliced thin 1 lemon, juice and zest 1 C + Parmesan or gruyere cheese Dash Hot sauce To Taste: Salt and pepper Procedure: Cook ground meat over medium heat with butter. Once ground meat is almost cooked through, sauté in the garlic, green onion, and herbs. Cook until the ground meat is cooked through. Add the rest of the ingredients except the tomato, mix until well combined and season to taste. Hollow out large tomato and stuff with filling. Sprinkle a touch of cheese on top and bake in a preheated 350 F oven for 10 – 15 minutes or top turns a golden brown.
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Social Security: Serving Wounded Warriors and the Survivors of Our Fallen Heroes By Karyl Richson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Milwaukee, WI
It’s an American tradition to pay tribute to the men and The men and women of the Armed Forces serve us each women of the Armed Forces each Memorial Day — and every day. At Social Security, we’re here to serve especially honoring those who have made the ultimate them too. sacrifice while serving our country. FASTER DISABILITY APPROVAL FOR PEOPLE WITH ALS If you are a military service member who was wounded May is National ALS Awareness Month. Amyotrophic lateral scleroand needs to apply for disability benefits, it’s important sis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a to know that you will receive expedited processing. Our progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. More than 5,600 peowounded warriors initiative is for military service memple each year are newly diagnosed with ALS. As many as 30,000 bers who become disabled while on active duty on or Americans may currently be affected by this fatal condition. Social after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability Security can help. occurs. Depending on the situation, some family memPeople who have ALS meet the medical qualifications for Social bers of military personnel, including dependent children Security disability benefits. ALS is one of Social Security’s and, in some cases, spouses, may be able to receive “Compassionate Allowances.” The complete list of Compassionate benefits. Learn more about it at Allowances conditions can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/ compassionateallowances. www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. Did you know that May also is National Military Appreciation Month? Even more reason to let members of our military know how much we value what they do for us and our nation. To learn more about the Social Security benefits for those who have served in the military, read our publication, Military Service and Social Security. You can find it online or send us an email at OPI.Net.Post@ssa.gov, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask for a free copy to be mailed to you. Memorial Day also is a good time to remind families of fallen military heroes that we may be able to pay Social Security survivors benefits. If the person you depended on for income has died, you should apply for survivors benefits. Learn more about Social Security survivors benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm.
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The Compassionate Allowances initiative identifies claims where the nature of the applicant’s disease or condition clearly meets the statutory standard for disability. With the help of sophisticated new information technology, the agency can quickly identify potential Compassionate Allowances and then quickly make decisions and begin monthly benefit payments. Social Security launched the Compassionate Allowances program in 2008 with a list of 50 diseases and conditions. There are now more than 100 Compassionate Allowances conditions — and counting. Commissioner Michael Astrue’s dedication to Compassionate Allowances has earned him a humanitarian award and the attention of President Obama. "Commissioner Astrue has worked tirelessly to ensure that disabled Americans receive the Social Security disability benefits they've earned in a timely way,” said President Obama. For more information on the Compassionate Allowances initiative, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.
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