family
Dealing with grief during the holidays page 8A
Social Security
Numbers can change
page 7A
section B
Chain of dreams
Milwaukee County Department on Aging page 13A
The Christmas journey revisited page 1B
December 2013 Vol 26 No. 12
COMPLIMENTARY
POMMER:
For Big Mike Scheffler, EDITORIALS It’s Santa Time Again
Will Postal Service change soon? page 3A
EDITORIALS By Jack Pearson Santa Claus, as we all know, is that chubby fellow in the red and white outfit, cheerful, amazingly generous and very well liked, especially among the younger set. He’s also very busy at this time of year,
STATE CAPITOL COMMENT
By Matt Pommer Nemovitz:
Can you ‘time’ the housing market?
scheffler continued on page 18A
page 6A
ELLENBECKER: IRA funds help charities page 5A
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MONEY SENSE By Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky
MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION By Bruce Nemovitz
Meeting Santa face to face is always a big treat for any youngsters, as it was the besasies continued on page 12A for these three; Annikka Niemi (left) and her sister, Elinor, both of West Allis, and Gavin Nummerdor of Brookfield.
SENIOR Compare Obamacare to Romneycare Emma
APRON STRINGS By Aunt Emma
MONEY SENSE Since the Affordable Care Act
AGING ISSUES
By Karen Ellenbecker (a.k.a.Obamacare) was modeled after health care reform in Mas& Julie Ellenbecker sachusetts (a.k.a. Romneycare), I -Lipsky thought it would be interesting to
By Tom Frazier
Answer Man
dramatic result is that Massachusetts has the lowest rate of uninsured people in the country - 6% vs. the national average of 16% (vs.10% for Wisconsin). In the first year the uninsured rate in Massachusetts dropped from 10.9% in 2006 to 5.5% in 2007 in-
IT MAKES ME
see what had resulted in Massachusetts since the implementation of Romneycare in 2006. The most
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creasing gradually to 6.3% in 2010, probably due to the recession and higher unemployment rates in the state. Much like the ACA, the Massachusetts reform included expansion of their Medicaid program, a subsidized plan for lower income Frazier continued on page 3A
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2A • 50plus • December 2013
War Horse, the astounding theatrical experience coming to the Marcus Center, exerts its pull from the moment the title character, Joey, first trots on stage as a foal, petted by his owner and best friend, 15-year old Albert. The audience gasps, aware that Joey is a puppet, not a real horse, but captivated by the way he shudders and whinnies at Albert’s loving touch. Joey’s lifelike eyes, shining and reflective, draw us into the soul of his journey; as the evening progresses, and Albert sets out to rescue Joey after he has been sold to the English cavalry, we find ourselves carried along and hoping for Joey to make it home. It’s that kind of emotional power that has made War Horse an international phenomenon, sweeping up audiences and awards on both sides of the Atlantic and even inspiring an OscarŽ-nominated film directed by Steven Spielberg. War Horse won five 2011 TonyŽ Awards (including Best Play) for its New York premiere plus a Special TonyŽ Award for Handspring Puppet Company for creating the eleven puppets at the heart of the show. “One of the things we like to imagine,� observes Basil Jones, who runs Handspring with cofounder Adrian Kohler, “is people in the audience nudging the person next to them, saying, ‘did you see that?’� Set during the First World War, War Horse combines a powerful story with thrilling stagecraft and music. In addition, it showcases what may be
Tony-Award winning stage spectacle moves families, audience members to tears ÂŽ
Photos Š Brinkhoff/MÜgenburg 2011 London Cast
By David Freeland
WarHorse A Spectacular Journey
PAID ADVERTORIAL
the most inventive use of puppetry ever seen on stage. Soon after meeting him as a young horse, we watch in amazement as an adult Joey, seven feet tall, materializes before our eyes. Two puppet masters working inside Joey’s frame (built of light, malleable cane) raise and lower his torso, letting out forceful breaths, while a third manipulates his ears, lifting and pulling them back to register tender shades of emotion. Spielberg’s film version of War Horse employed real horses, but these onstage creations fully personalize equine ideals of courage, strength and loyalty in ways that reinforce the themes of the story. “Spielberg made a terrific film,� enthuses Michael Morpurgo, upon whose beloved novel War Horse is based, “but cinema has its limitations. It isn’t live, and that’s the difference. What’s
amazing about the stage show is that, whether it’s the music, design, or lighting, the puppets, the quality of acting or direction, it’s ingenious and unique. It’s a theatrical event.� During World War I, more than one million horses were conscripted by the British military alone; of these, only 62,000 returned. As Joey is forced into battle, serving in both the British and German armies, we are moved by his bravery and the trust he places in those who exploit his strength. His innocence makes him seem above the fighting: in War Horse, animals behave with a dignity that humans do not always achieve. Still, Joey is unprepared for the true brutality of 20 th century warfare. In a brilliant scene that defines the excitement of Act Two,
he faces a new kind of foe: a massive tank rolling his way, prepared to flatten everything in its path. The scenic design is so visceral that we are rushed into battle alongside Joey, enveloped in the sound and smell of combat. Joey rears on his hind legs as the tank pitches toward him and the stage goes black. “The First World War is emblematic,� suggests Mervyn Millar, War Horse’s puppetry director, “in the way the possibilities of destruction changed. You see Joey standing, looking at the tank, which advances without logic, without thought. Joey tries to work out what it means, what it wants, and it doesn’t want or mean anything. It just destroys.� Joey’s plight resonates with anyone who has ever loved an animal or taken a pet into the family. As Albert continues his
search, we are reminded of the ways in which animals remain with us through many stages of our lives, giving much and asking for little. “People emotionally invest in animals,� Millar believes. “I think everyone can empathize with Joey.� Determined to save his friend, Albert runs away from home with the hope of getting close to the front. But in trying to rescue one family member, he hurts another, leaving behind a mother anxious with worry. War Horse’s relevance comes from our awareness that, nearly a century after the start of the First World War, families are still being separated by armed conflict. “We talk a lot about the history of the war,� remarks Chris Harper, producer for the National Theatre of Great Britain (which first staged War Horse in London), “but at the heart of the show it’s
just a family, struggling to deal with life. The thing that’s exciting about War Horse is that it appeals to lots of generations. We see grandparents bringing their kids, wanting to explain the history from their own personal journeys with World War II or more recent conflicts. It’s a production that brings the family together.� Will Albert find Joey in time? As War Horse reaches its beautiful climax, the hopes of parents, children, and beloved friends – both onstage and off – merge into a shared experience, as tissues are drawn from pockets and eyes glisten with tears. “We get people coming back again and again,� Harper explains, “and they always have the same reaction. It awakens something in you. War Horse makes grown people cry.�
In Milwaukee for one week only!
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December 2013 • 50plus
• 3A
Changing postal services looms large on horizon The late Wisconsin Gov. Lee Dreyfus would quip that what many Americans wanted from their government was to “defend our shores, deliver the mail, and get the h--- out of the way.” Defending our shores is a difficult concept to pin down, and drone air strikes and NSA monitoring have changed the “defend our shores” issue. Dreyfus’ comments were made at the end of the Vietnam War. America may again be war-weary after a decade of fighting in the Middle East. Nationwide polling showed little enthusiasm to get involved in action to get rid of chemical weapons in Syria. The concept of limited government has been tested in the public eye with the shutdown of the federal government. The public found the government does a lot of things that improve our safety and health as well as help commerce. It’s easy to be against government spending as long as it doesn’t affect the programs that help each of us individually. Elected officials in the federal government have a hard time closing out programs or reducing government services. frazier continued from page 1A persons (Commonwealth Care), and a non-subsidized plan (Commonwealth Choice) for higher income residents. The subsidized plan provides a 100% subsidy to those with incomes of up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Plans can be accessed through the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector which the ACA calls Exchanges. Medicaid (called MassHealth) was expanded to cover children with family incomes of up to 300% FPL. As of August 2013, the Connector had enrolled 207,000 people in Commonwealth Care, and 42,000 in Commonwealth Choice. Enrollment in Medicaid has increased by 61,000 people as a result of expansion. According to a report from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, employer-based insurance remains the dominant form of insurance with 58% (54% in Wisconsin) followed by Medicaid at 20% (16% in WI), Medicare at 12% (15% in WI), individual
STATE CAPITOL COMMENT By Matt Pommer
The U.S. Postal Service is a prime example. We are the problem because we use computers, multi-purpose phones, and instant-message platforms to communicate with each other. When was the last time you wrote a personal letter to someone? MOVING IN THE Direct-deposit RIGHT arrangements DIRECTION get paychecks, pensions, and Nemovitz Social SeBy Bruce curity payments to the bank or credit union. Utility bills can be automatically paid without the need of writing a check and putting it in the mail. The Postal Service delivers lots of packages, but it has significant private-sector competition. It can be arAGING gued that competition has improved ISSUES both the Postal Service and the worldBy Tom Frazier wide private delivery services. The Postal Service financial woes have been well-studied. Recommendations have included closing some at 5% (6% in WI), and 4% uninsured (10% in WI). This data from states is based on 2010-2011PLANTING reports. Like TOMORROW’S Obamacare, Romneycare includes DREAMS TODAY an individual mandate toBypurchase insurBrad Olson ance and in 2009 approximately 4 million adults in Massachusetts complied with the mandate, and only 1% of state taxpayers paid a penalty. In summary, I believe that the Massachusetts health care reform law has worked very well in significantly reducing the numberSPORTS of uninsured people, and there By is Jack evidence Pearsonthat greater access to health insurance is having a positive impact on health care outcomes. Based on my research for this article, I have reached two conclusions: one, that it is still possible for Obamacare (the ACA) to replicate the success in Massachusetts, and two, given the similarities between Wisconsin and Massachusetts it was unfortunate that Wisconsin made the decision not to participate in the implementation of the ACA.
small post offices and ending general delivery of mail on Saturday. These are not difficult concepts to understand. The alternative is ever higher postal rates. Members of Congress love to talk about the need to solve the government’s financial woes, but are reluctant to reduce services, especially for something that dates to the start of the nation. There is very little important firstMONEY SENSE class mail on Saturday at our house. By Karen Ellenbecker There are advertisements assorted & Juliefor Ellenbecker -Lipskyis there products and travel. Rarely anything that couldn’t wait until Monday or Tuesday. Congress ran away from the idea of ending regular Saturday delivery. Some senior citizens claimedEmma they wouldn’tAPRON get their mailed medicines on time. STRINGS Small-town offiBy Aunt Emma cials lobbied against closing their post offices.” Now, a new bipartisan budget conference committee includes U.S. Rep Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, and both Wisconsin U.S. senators - Republican Ron Johnson of Oshkosh and Democrat Tammy Baldwin of Madison. Ryan has tried to downplay expectation of any grand budget solutions.
A word needs to be said about postal workers being watchful public servants. Letter carriers may alert neighbors or the police when something seems amiss on their routes such as overflowing mailboxes, property damage or just unplowed driveways in rural areas. Postal workers end up knowing the people of their routes. In the mid1950s I served as a Christmas-time “extra” in a western Pennsylvania town. The regular carriers knew where other family members lived in the town. It was an era when many people sent Christmas cards. Stamps were three or four cents. Social Security checks came by mail, and seniors knew what day they were due. Memory is tricky, but I believe there was delivery even on the Sunday before Christmas. Problems might not be as big as they seem. Ask your friends what they think about ending Saturday delivery or closing some small post offices. They might want to write - first-class letters would be a nice touch - to Ryan, Johnson and Baldwin about postal-service budget issues.
EDITORIALS
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SENIOR Answer Man
IT MAKES ME
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HERMAN WHITE WRITES
In retrospect, I think President Obama should have appointed a “Health Care Czar” to have overseen the implementation since clearly implementation was as important as passage of the law. Now, he needs to live up to his promise to let people keep their existing insurance. I understand that he wants to standardize higher quality health insurance, but if people are given a choice I believe they will make the change if they can find better coverage for the same or less money. Wisconsin in 2013 was very similar to Massachusetts in 2006 when Romneycare began. Like Massachusetts, we had a relatively low rate of uninsured people primarily due to a By Enis Wright number of Medicaid waivers which had already greatly expanded the Medicaid program to persons with incomes over 100% of the FPL. Instead the Governor and the Legislature decided to take the opposite approach and contract Medicaid eligibility to 100% FPL. The rationale is that any-
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one who is below the poverty level is eligible for Medicaid, but there will be thousands of people, including the working poor, just above the poverty level who will not be able to afford health care premiums, deductibles, and co-payments under the ACA. And, to add insult to injury, Wisconsin will be spending $119 million more in taxpayer money to cover fewer people, while turning down millions of dollars in planning grants, and over $1 billion in federal money to actually provide health care to many more people. The phase “penny wise and pound foolish” is woefully inadequate to describe this ideology. I hope that the uninsured rate in Wisconsin will not start to increase, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
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do so while respecting the rights and properties of others, that we all do our best to allow for a nurturing home life and great learning environment for our children, that cycles of poverty and despair are eliminated, that the gifts of hope that so many of us harbor become realistic scenes, that warring peoples will find ways to at least tolerate each other and that the caring Christian examples of this Christmas season will extend beyond this season as new ways of life for all.
ENTERTAINMENT
Old age is a time, not a reality. We are only as old as we believe ourselves to be. It makes me crabby and I express that sentiment every time I hear one of my buddies at the coffee shop (I only see them there and a few at church services) complain about old age and no longer being able to do this, that or the next thing, except sit idly by? Ben Franklin was said to be age 81 when he framed the U.S. Consti-
tution. We recall the successful Casey Stengl, still a New York baseball manager at age 75, and what about John D. Rockefeller, who at well into his 90’s was still making about a million dollars a week in a much less affluent time of history. Who knows, old-timer, you could be another Grandma Moses, who did most of her painting after age 100
HERMAN WHITE WRITES ARTS
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Political harmony
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This is not about the Menomonees, an nations who lack proper home enMONEY SENS HoChunks or another vironment, who still need to emerge By Karen Ellenbec other local Indian tribe that has been from the cycle of poverty. Try at&least Tom Frazier Tom Frazier Julie Ellenbeck Think about where you were atByBy the -Lipsky at this season of giving to help an Indiable to provide money to their tribal precise moment you heard news of the Japanese attack. I know I was standing members via the profits from such en- an family or a school and community. Too many of these still lack the bootin the local drug store about to buy a terprises as Indian casinos. MOVING IN THE straps to pull themselves up by. The Indians were pushed onto package of salted pecans at MinnesoRIGHT DIRECTION reservations by our forefathers who If you know not such a family or By Bruce Nemovitz ta central standard time 11 a.m. when PLANTING PLANTING a place we might suggest the Northconverted their lands – at least their TOMORROW’S TOMORROW’S the news came over the radio. There DREAMS TODAY DREAMS TODAY hunting grounds to their own uses. ern Cheyenne and Crow Reservations Brad Olson Emma were no school classes the next Byday, By Brad Olson Monday, as everyone’s ears were all They most often did not show much and their school, St. Labre at Ashland, to Emma By Aunt but glued to the radio listening to the kindness or demonstrate generosity. Montana 59004. Here, in addition education, they serve more than 1,000 The hopes of the Indians were dim, goings-on in Washington, D.C. and their prospects anything but bright. meals daily. Some students come from further reports of the near-disaster. The dwindling numbers of World They had to learn new ways of life. as far away as 80 miles. As a figure The world was quickly changing all of speech, I surely would not wish to War II veterans who came forwardSPORTS in SPORTS around them. ByBy Jack Pearson Jack Pearson that time of real military need served AGING walk in their shoes or, in reality, to Manythe of the local Indians live even ride the bus that distance to and WRIGHT ISSUES with a determination to succeed and the WRIGHT comfortable lives. But there still are from school. By Tom Frazier with dedication to saving their counSIDE of SIDE of way too many (one would be too ByBy Enis Wright try. As it was written before: “All gave Enis Wright many) members of the various Indisome; some gave all.” AGING AGING Potawatomis, any anticipated later U.S. war effort.ISSUES ISSUES
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With the coming of the 2013Christmas season we might ask Santa Claus to, among other things, bring us harmony among the politicians at all levels of government, a reMONEY SENSE alization that absolutely nothing realBy Karen Ellenbecker ly is free, a return& Julie of the $1.50 gallon Ellenbecker -Lipsky of gasoline, a new and more realistic minimum wage for the lowest of low workers in our economy, for those who would pollute the environment, new standards toAPRON live by and for those Emma who would protect the wild life, the STRINGS By Aunt Emma trees, birds and even the bees that they
By Matt Pommer APRON APRON STRINGS STRINGS By By Aunt Emma Aunt Emma
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SENIOR
SENIOR SENIOR Answer AnswerMan Man About Indian education Emma Emma
Remembering Dec. 7
KES ME
STATE CAPITOL COMMENT
MOVING ININ THE MOVING THE RIGHT DIRECTION RIGHT DIRECTION
4A • 50plus • December 2013
Why is the date, Dec. 7, 1941, so important for us to remember? So many of us recall exactly what we were doing and/or where we were when we first heard of the shooting of NEY SENSE Pres. John F. Kennedy that occurred en Ellenbecker ie Ellenbecker 50 years ago in Dallas, Texas. But so -Lipsky many people alive today have no recollection of what occurred on Dec. 7, 1941. Of course, the reason being that the majority of people alive today PRON were not on this earth 72 years ago RINGSwhen the Japanese launched a sneak unt Emma attack on U. S. military installations at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Those of us who were alive then and old enough to mentally process what occurred never will forget the when and where of our first knowledge of this sneak attack that was meant to dishearten us and demolish
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By By Karen Ellenbecker Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky -Lipsky
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IT MAKES
withJim JimMcLoone McLoone KILLING KILLING TIME TIMEwith
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Is this a good use of hot air? Yes, aristocrat. The only it definitely is a better use of hot air way you then can be than we have witnessed in Washing- above other people is if you are taller. ton, D.C. lately. We’re referring to the vvvvv PLANTING $75,000 per passenger helium balloon TOMORROW’S As for facial muscles, doesn’t it TODAYrequire more of them to frown than to ascents to 100,000 feetDREAMS that you’ll Brad Olson probably see happeningBywithin the smile? next decade. I hope the balloons don’t vvvvv collide with Santa’s sleigh. Who taught kids so poorly? About vvvvv the first thing they ever challenge is Do some people argue to impress the authority of their mother. themselves or to convince others that vvvvv they really don’t know what they’re A person can wish for something talking about? all day long, but it requires action to vvvvv get it. When you cook your SPORTS own food, vvvvv make your own bed, shine your own We’re told that about 10 percent By Jack Pearson shoes and do your own laundry it be- of the American adults approve of the comes tough to fashion yourself as an killing time continued on page 21A
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EDITORIALS
December 2013 • 50plus
• 5A
MoneySTATE Sense allows charities to have IRA funds CAPITOL COMMENT
What are theBy Matt benefits of Pommer gifting from my IRA account? Thanks to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the qualified charitable distribution provisions have been extended for 2013. This provision allows investors age 70½ (those subject to Required Minimum Distribution or “RMD” rules) and over, to gift directly from their IRAINaccounts MOVING THE RIGHT DIRECTION to qualified charitable organizations Nemovitz without realizing a By taxBruce consequence. The key word is “directly.” In order to avoid paying tax on your distribution in 2013, the money cannot come to you. It must be sent directly to the charity from your account. Your financial advisor can help facilitate this process for you. The dollar amount AGING that can be gifted tax-free from your ISSUES IRA account for 2013 is capped By Tom Frazier at $100,000. Talk to your tax accountant. The tax savings are usually greater than taking a charitable deduction on your taxes. If you are an investor who does PLANTING TOMORROW’S DREAMS TODAY By Brad Olson
MONEY SENSE By Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky
not need your RMD for living expenses and are charitably inclined, this can be a great way to reduce your tax liability both now and for your estate APRON later. Emma
STRINGS By Aunttime Emma best
When is the to start taking Social Security? When it comes to taking Social Security payments, there isn’t a right or wrong answer. It all depends on your personal situation. Some investors are looking to maximize the payments they will receive over their lifetime. If you delay payments until age 70, your benefit will grow at 8% per year between ages 62 and 70, giving you the largest lifetime benefit. Now,
ellenbecker.com and they may be answered in a future column. Ellenbecker Investment Group in Pewaukee (ellenbecker.com) provides comprehensive financial planning services. EIG has an A+ BBB rating and has twice been awarded the Wisconsin BBB Torch Award for Business Ethics and Integrity. Securities and advisory services offered through SII Investments, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC & Registered Investment Advisor. Ellenbecker Investment Group, Inc. & SII Investments are separate companies. SII does not provide tax or legal advice. Watch Karen Ellenbecker on The Morning Blend on TODAY’S TMJ4 December 10 & 24. Her Money Sense radio show airs on WISN AM 1130 Sundays at 2 p.m. & Saturdays at noon. Go to MoneySenseRadio.com to learn more.
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IT MAKES ME
CRABBY
HERMAN WHITE WRITES
we listen
before we advise,
this will not benefit you at all if you only live to age 65 or 70, so your life expectancy and current health should play a major part in when you decide to take Social Security. If you are looking to retire early, you may not be able to delay payments until your full retirement age or later. Ellenbecker Investment Group understands that there are hundreds of different scenarios that need to be considered for planning purposes with you and your spouse. We have software programs that can help evaluate your Social Security and analyze the best strategy for your future. Social Security is a complex system and a little planning can go a long way in retirement. Make an appointment with your financial advisor to discuss the best strategies for your particular situation. Do you have questions about your situation? Call 262-691-3200 to schedule a complimentary consultation, or send your questions to dawn@
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6A • 50plus • December 2013
STATE CAPITOL COMMENT By Matt Pommer
Timing is everything…or is it? What about interest rates? As one client described the times we live in as “the new now,” we as Realtors can no longer predict with accuracy the home selling cycles. Before the ‘great recession,’ I could tell you what each month would bring, with great accuracy as to sales volume either up or down. If you asked me when to put your home on the market, I would tell you that the spring market will bring you the most buyers and the best prices of the year. I would tell you that sales are always flat in November-February and that summer was slower and fall would bring more buyers after the kids went back to school. That selling cycle repeated itself year after year...until now! Interest rates are a key motivator for buyers to either jump into the real estate market or run away in fear. However, since 2009, interest rates have been at historically low rates and have continued to this day. Currently rates are at about 4.8% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage. Therefore buyers are comfortable that interest rates are going to remain stable for some
MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION By Bruce Nemovitz
time to come. However, political and world events have shaped the buying habits of our new millennial buyers (age group 18-35 years of age). This group watched their friends jump into the market of 2003-2008 only to lose AGING equity and in many cases their homes. ISSUES We now have a very cautious and edBy Tom Frazier ucated buyer who may look at many more homes before making a decision. They are computer savvy and know the values of the homes they look at before they actually schedule the showing! Interest rates are stable and afPLANTING fordable, and buyers are exceptionally TOMORROW’S knowledgeable. Political andTODAY social DREAMS events now play a much greater role By Brad Olson in the numbers of buyers deciding to hold off or to purchase. Therefore,
selling seasons are less predictable as MONEY SENSE buyers react more to By their concerns Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker about the economy and their jobs -Lipsky than they do about weather. This year we had a very slow start because the market appeared to be changing and neither buyer nor seller knew exactly where they stood and who had the APRON upper hand. EmmaAs the picture became STRINGS clearer and the media declared that the By Aunt Emma recession was over, sellers became a bit over-optimistic in their pricing and buyers were a bit cautious. Once each party became more comfortable with pricing for this new economy out of the recession, sales started to pour in. Then came the government shut down and we experienced a tremendous slowdown in August and September. When the government re-opened, sales began pouring in.
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IT MAKES ME
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SPORTS By Jack Pearson
Trying to time your sale is becoming a chess match and no one has the key as to how or when they will win the game. My best advice is to make your plans based on your timetable and current needs. Yes, December and January have always been very slow months, but who knows what will happen with our new real estate market? This is the new now. That means old formulas for successful selling and waiting for that perfect time to sell may be a thing of the past. Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for 35 years. Please feel free to call Bruce or Jeanne (his wife) with any real estate questions you may have at 262-2426177.
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December 2013 • 50plus
• 7A
Your Medicare number may not be your Social Security number By: Tom Margenau One bit of fallout from the recent trend for retiring baby boomers who are maximizing their Social Security benefits by claiming, at least for a while, spousal benefits from their husband’s or wife’s Social Security account is some confusion over Medicare numbers. Today’s first two questions deal with that issue.
Q
: Following your advice, when I turned 66 I filed for Social Security on my husband’s record. I plan to receive a wife’s benefit on his account until age 70, at which point I will switch to my own Social Security retirement benefits. I just got a new Medicare card in the mail and it confuses me. It has my husband’s Social Security number on it followed by the letter “B.” Shouldn’t my Medicare card number match my Social Security number?
A
: No, the number on your Medicare card will not always match your own Social Security number. What it will match is your Social Security claim number, which may be different from your regular Social Security number. You are currently claiming wife’s benefits on your husband’s record. (That little symbol “B” is Social Security’s code for wife’s benefits.) So as long as you are claiming wife’s benefits, your husband’s number with a B behind it is your Medicare number. Once you reach age 70 and switch to your own Social Security, you will then be claiming your own retirement benefits, so you will get a new Medicare card that will have your own Social Security number with an A after it. (That A is Social Security’s code for retirement benefits.)
Q
: I’ve just turned 70 and switched from getting husband’s benefits on my wife’s Social Security record to getting my own retirement benefits. I recently received my third Medicare card in the last five years, each with a different number. I am so confused! Which card should I be using?
A
: Your email didn’t tell your whole story, but I am pretty sure I can guess what hap-
pened. First, you signed up for Medicare only at age 65. Second, when you turned 66, you filed for husband’s benefits on your wife’s Social Security record. And third, when you reached age 70, you switched from your wife’s account to your own retirement benefits. So at age 65, they had to give you a Medicare number. But they couldn’t use your Social Security number with an A behind it, because as I explained in the first answer, that A means you are getting retirement benefits. And at age 65, you were not getting any Social Security benefits. So the Social Security Administration had to come up with another letter code for folks in your situation, and they chose T. So between age 65 and 66, your first Medicare card had your Social Security number with a T behind it. Then when you turned 66 and filed for husband’s benefits on your wife’s record, you got your second Medicare card, this one with your wife’s Social Security number with the code B1 behind it. B1 is the code SSA uses to designate someone getting husband’s benefits on his wife’s Social Security account. Finally, when you reached the age of 70, you filed for your own Social Security retirement benefits. So now your third (and final) Medicare card has your Social Security number with the A code behind it. This issue exists because the Health Care Financing Administration, the agency that runs the Medicare program, chose a long time ago to simply use the Social Security claim number as the Medicare number. This really was never much of a problem until recently when retiring baby boomers started employing various Social Security “maximizing” strategies that allow them to switch from benefits on one account to benefits on another account. And that means that those retirees will go through a series of Social Security claim numbers up until the age of 70. The only way around this bit of confusion would be for HCFA to assign a completely separate number as a Medicare number. But my hunch is most folks would not like that. Who needs yet another government identification number to remember? I say we
leave well enough alone. If that small fraction of retirees who employ these strategies are smart enough to jump through the hoops required to maximize their benefits, they are smart enough to keep track of two or three different Medicare numbers between ages 65 and 70.
Q
: I have been getting widow’s benefits since the age of 60. I have never worked, but of course I have always had my own Social Security number. I just turned 65 and got my Medicare card, which has my husband’s number on it. Is this a mistake?
Allied Senior Services Insurance & Investments LTD INC
A
: No, it’s not a mistake. As explained above, you are claiming widow’s benefits on your husband’s record, so your Social Security (and Medicare) claim number is your husband’s — with a D after it. D is the SSA symbol for widow’s benefits. If anyone is curious to learn the various letter symbols SSA uses to designate different kinds of Social Security benefits, just Google “SSA beneficiary identification code.” If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@ comcast.net.
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Dealing with grief at holidays By: Dr. David Lipschitz How many sons are blessed to reach the age of 70 and still have an active, involved and loving mother? Only 19 years older than I, my mother and I grew up together. As long as I can remember, she has been my inspiration and a wise advisor. She knew how to generate guilt as well as any Jewish mother. “Thank God your father was not alive to see this,” she said when I told her I would not travel the thousands of miles to South Africa to attend the Bar Mitzvah of one of my many nephews. To her, nothing was more important than family. She lived the fullest of lives. After losing my father at the tender age
with her family. An avid bridge player, she was ranked nationally and had played competitively almost every day. At 89, her active life effectively ended after she broke her hip, shoulder and nose from a fall. Soon after, she had two strokes and remained almost bed-bound, unable to speak, requiring assistance to meet all of her needs. She remained like this for 10 months, being lovingly cared for by her one child remaining in South Africa. We saw her decline, lose weight and become weaker almost daily. Her children in London and America saw and tried to speak to her daily on FaceTime.
My mother will always be remembered, and we as a family need time to mourn. But we take comfort in the fact that we shared a great life together and that she died in her own bed surrounded by family she loved. Her dignified death reflected a better life.
of 46, she remarried twice and finally lived for many years with a man 15 years her senior. She was very sociable and attracted men like flies to flypaper. She embraced life to the fullest, traveled and remained in close contact
Two days ago, she died in her sleep. I immediately flew with my family to South Africa to grieve together and attend her funeral. My initial reaction was one of deep relief. For the final year of her life, my
December 2013 • 50plus
mother was alive but no longer with us. That sense of relief made me feel guilty. Why could I not cry, and why was I not grieving more? As a family, we are aware that our grieving began after my mother became so dependent. We knew the end would come soon and were traumatized and wounded by seeing her fade away and become so unresponsive. We prayed that God would be merciful and that she not suffer. Grieving is personal and unique to the individual. The sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one can be paralyzing. And even an expected death can lead to overwhelming grief. For many, healing and integrating back into the community can be difficult. I learned a greatly about grieving in an article written by Dr. Edward Creagan, an oncologist from the Mayo Clinic. He recommends the following. 1. Actively grieve and mourn. Ignoring the pain, immediately returning to work and hiding inner feelings are a recipe for disaster. 2. Acknowledge your pain and loss. Celebrating a wonderful life helps us remember the integral role our loved one played in making us who we are, but the pain persists. Only by understanding these feelings of pain can acceptance and healing occur. 3. Look to loved ones for support. Remaining close to and around those you love makes the loss less severe. Closely discussing feelings with family or a spiritual healer will help bring
understanding and comfort. 4. Don’t make decisions soon after a loss. At this time, decisions can be made that may be regretted in the future. Wait until life seems more balanced and centered before making decisions about staying, moving, taking a new job, changing investments or altering a will. 5. Take care of yourself. Make sure that you have regular medical checkups, eat right and exercise. Don’t be lonely, and see to it that your emotional needs are met. 6. Time heals but may not cure. The extreme emotional and even physical pain may dull but persist for extended periods. If grief prolongs or worsens after six months, seek comfort from a support group or trained psychotherapist. My mother will always be remembered, and we as a family need time to mourn. But we take comfort in the fact that we shared a great lives together and that she died in her own bed surrounded by family she loved. Her dignified death reflected a better life. Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book “Breaking the Rules of Aging.” To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at: DrDavidHealth.com
• 9A
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Failure to take medications after a heart attack can increase the risk of further problems By: Dr. David Lipschitz It is truly remarkable that less than 50 percent of patients who have had a heart attack remain compliant with their medications. And a new study published in the American Heart Journal showed that patients taking their medications continuously were 24 percent less likely to ever be readmitted to hospital for a heart attack or stroke than those who were not complaint. Even stopping one of the needed medications increased risk of a second heart attack. Here are the medications that should be routinely considered after someone has had a heart attack: Most important is the daily use of aspirin. Most experts believe that as little as one “baby aspirin” daily is sufficient to reduce the risk of a recurrent heart attack. Occasionally, irritation to the lining of the stomach may occur, leading to indigestion and heartburn. Rarely, damage can be severe enough to cause a significant gastrointestinal bleed. For every 10,000 patients tak-
ing a baby aspirin each day, a total of 250 heart attacks, strokes or sudden death will be prevented and 40 cases of serious bleeding will occur. According to the Harvard Men’s Health Watch newsletter, approximately 6 patients are helped for everyone who is harmed. Every expert in the field believes the risk is well worth it. Lowering cholesterol by the use of statins has clearly been shown to reduce the risk of a recurrent heart attack, provided cholesterol levels are elevated. The first choice should always be a generic. Recently, the generic Lipitor (atorvastatin) has become available. Much more effective than the previous generics (simvastatin, pravachol, lovastatin), atorvastatin is likely to reduce the bad or LDL cholesterol to the target range in the majority of cases. Most patients tolerate statins and with dose adjustment target levels are readily achieved. A survey of 27 studies published in the journal Lancet showed that statin treatment in individuals with moderately elevated
cholesterol significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The results were so compelling that experts have suggested that everyone over 50 should be treated with the drug. Today in Britain and most of Europe, statins are available over the counter. Approximately 10 percent of patients cannot take a statin because of severe muscle pain and damage to the liver. Sadly, few alternatives exist that are as effective as statins in preventing heart attacks. Fortunately, clinical trials are underway that should lead to the introduction of new medications that are just as effective without these side effects. In patients who have had a heart attack, beta-blockers substantially reduce the risk of a recurrence by slowing the heart rate, preventing heart rate irregularities and reducing the heart’s requirement for oxygen. The most favored is the generic atenolol. The greater the slowing of the heart, the greater the cardioprotective effect of atenolol. Atenolol reduces the risk
of a heart attack by 56 percent and the risk of cardiac death by 67 percent. A low dose of atenolol should always be prescribed indefinitely after a heart attack. The major side effects are low blood pressure, severe fatigue and sexual dysfunction. If necessary, alternatives are available that are much more effective. And finally, every heart attack victim should be treated with a medication called an angiotensin converting enzyme or ACE inhibitor. These medications lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and heart muscle. Taken in a low dose following a heart attack, they appear to reduce risk of recurrence by maintaining more resilient heart muscle and by maintaining a lower blood pressure. The biggest concern following a heart attack is that the blood pressure will drop too low causing dizziness and fainting. In about 10 percent of cases, a chronic cough occurs. If this happens, alternatives are available that are just as effective
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December 2013 • 50plus
Plums for your bones New research finds that dried plums can improve your bone health. Really. According to Bahram Arjmandi, a registered dietitian and researcher at Florida State University, dried plums may reverse bone loss and preserve bone structure. His research, “Comparative Effects of Dried Plums and Dried Apple on Bone in Postmenopausal Women” was published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Participants in the study were between 1 and 10 years postmenopausal and not on hormone replacement therapy or other medicine. Armjandi found that the polyphenols in dried plums may act as free radical scavengers, suppressing the rate of bone loss. A serving (about five dried plums) has 3 grams of fiber, 293 mg of potassium and 16 mg of magnesium with fewer than 100 calories. Armjandi recommends two servings — 10 dried plums a day — to help stem bone loss. He spoke recently at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual meeting in Houston. Bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, a disease associated with skeletal fragility and fractures due to bone deterioration and reduced bone mass. It often progresses without any symptoms until a fracture occurs. The disease can occur in both men and women at any age but is most common in older women. Here are his recommended steps to optimize bone health: 1. Get the daily-recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. 2. Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise. 3. Avoid smoking and excessive
These medications are merely the core group that constitutes the best pharmacologic approach to preventing further heart trouble. Many patients require simultaneous treatment for significant high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure and many other problems. Remember that living a heart
alcohol. 4. Have a bone-density test and take medication if appropriate. 5. Incorporate 10 dried plums a day in your diet.
Q and A
Q
: Does exercise improve or worsen arthritis of the knees?
A
: Osteoarthritis, the most common type of knee arthritis, is when cartilage in the knee breaks down due to wear-and-tear. Current clinical guidelines identify exercise as a core part of managing knee osteoarthritis. A wide body of research shows that exercise interventions can reduce pain, improve ability to function in daily life and improve people’s quality of life. Strengthening, flexibility and aerobic exercise all provide benefit, and best results seem to come when all three are made part of a regular lifestyle. Strength-training (also called resistance exercise) not only builds muscle strength, it helps improve mechanics of how the knee joint moves and may normalize the way muscles fire, reducing joint pain and further cartilage destruction. However, individual differences in the severity of arthritis and its specific location matter, so it’s essential you get recommendations and monitoring by your doctor, physical therapist or other qualified health care professional. Clinical guidelines for treating knee osteoarthritis also recommend weight loss for those who are overweight. Excess weight puts strain on the knees and is a risk factor for developing knee osteoarthritis. In a clinical trial
healthy lifestyle, including exercise, eating right, sleeping well and controlling stress, are just as important as medications in preventing future heart problems. Understand the value of medications taken, assure that the total are kept to a minimum and never discontinue without a discussion with your doctor.
of overweight and obese people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, the group assigned to both diet and exercise, rather than exercise alone, had less inflammation, less pain, better functioning and improved quality of life. When people lost 10 percent or more of their starting weight they got the greatest reduction in inflammation and pain. Information courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research.
• 11A
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12A • 50plus • December 2013
Expert panel recommends against routine use of vitamins and minerals By: Dr. David Lipschitz More than half of the American population takes at least one nutritional supplement daily. The hope is that life will be prolonged, disease prevented, vim and vigor improved, and a better sex life achieved. Many physicians, nutritionists and other “anti-aging” experts maintain that the right concoction of these essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients will improve and prevent many physical and other problems that impair our quality of life. The United States Preventive Services Task Force has just presented its evaluation of multivitamin, vitamin or mineral supplements on the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. Its report, published in the Annals of
Internal Medicine, indicates that there is insufficient information either for or against the use of vitamins or minerals to prolong life or prevent cancer or heart disease. The report did note that beta carotene and vitamin E can do more harm than good. Beta carotene can increase the risk of lung cancer in susceptible individuals, and there is no evidence that vitamin E can prevent any disease. Not mentioned in this report is evidence that vitamin A, E and C in very large doses can increase cancer risk, Alzheimer’s and even shorten life expectancy. Iron is another mineral that, when taken in excess, can cause more harm than good. Prior to 1970, iron deficiency was epidemic in the United States,
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with 30 percent of women having too little iron in store, which made them more susceptible to becoming iron deficient. A further 20 percent of women had so little iron that their red blood cells were abnormal and their iron stores were totally depleted. Another 5 percent were so deficient that they became anemic. The cause of poor iron stores and anemia is excessive menstrual blood loss. To attack this problem, a major nutritional program was developed where many foods were fortified with iron. Increased iron intake from the diet in combination with the use of contraceptives and fewer pregnancies, has led to the virtual eradication of iron deficiency. Over the last 50 years, the amount of iron in the body has gradually increased. Iron is a potent oxidant and increased iron concentrations can damage cells, leading to a higher risk of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. For this reason, iron supplements or multivitamins with iron should only be used if suggested by a physician, because the patient is at risk of becoming iron deficient, either due to pregnancy or from blood loss. Because of the lack of beneficial evidence and the potential harm in some circumstances, the United States Preventive Services Task force suggests that rather than using supplements try to eat a well-balanced, prudent diet containing appropriate fats, carbohydrates and protein. Should vitamins or minerals ever be used? A major indication for the use of a specific vitamin or mineral is a test that has identified a proven deficiency. For example, about 20 percent of those over the age of 70 are vitamin B12 deficient due to irritation of the
surface of the stomach. Here taking a vitamin B12 supplement can prevent problems in the future. Similarly, if vitamin D concentration in the blood is measured and found to be deficient, supplement use should be considered. There are also many experts who believe that everyone over the age of 75 should take a multivitamin tablet that does not contain iron. The rationale is that many older persons’ diets contain less than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of many nutrients. Frank deficiency is rare as the RDA is calculated to be twice the amount of a specific nutrient, which assures that 95 percent of the population does develop evidence of deficiency. However, if someone is consuming less than the RDA, they are much more likely to develop serious problems should they develop an illness associated with declines in food intake or increased loss of a specific nutrient due to the illness. In America, our serious nutritional problem is not under nutrition or too little vitamins and minerals but over nutrition and too many vitamins and minerals. There are no magic bullets that will prolong life or prevent disease. The answer is to strive to be healthy by eating right, exercising, being happy, and having regular medical checkups. Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book “Breaking the Rules of Aging.” To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at: DrDavidHealth.com
Symposium links generations together Milwaukee County Golden Idols older adult performers and Sophia’s Heart Youth performers provide choreographed entertainment together at the “Chain of Dreams” Intergenerational Symposium hosted by the Milwaukee County Department on Aging on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at the Italian Community Center. More than 350 older adults, youth and professionals gathered for
December 2013 • 50plus
• 13A
a full day of introspection and insight into one another based on an idea from County Board Supervisor Peggy Romo West to instill better communication between generations.
Span at Breakfast
In 20 years, the number of Intergenerational Lunch Entertainment - Polka
Invocation Jeremiah Beyers and Sr. Edna
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14A • 50plus • December 2013
ARTHRITIS HELPERS
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By Sharon Naylor The Arthritis Foundation makes it easy for you to find top-quality gadgets and tools to help make your everyday activities more comfortable. Its Easeof-Use Commendation is a label much like the Consumer Reports “recommended” list or the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, noting products that have been put through rigorous independent testing by experts and found to make life easier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations. Since arthritis sufferers experience pain from some of the most basic movements, such as squeezing, twisting and lifting objects, and since there are more than 100 different types of arthritis each presenting its own physical limitations, it’s a benefit to know which products are proven life-enhancers. For instance, the Arthritis Foundation suggests choosing drinking glasses with a bumpy texture, which can be easier to grasp than glasses with smooth exteriors. And look for products with flip-top caps, zippers and larger, easy-to-open lids, rather than twist tops that can be difficult if not impossible for an arthritis sufferer to open. At http://ArthritisToday.org, you’ll find the complete and current list of Ease-of-Use Commendation-earning products, which at the time of this writing include: --Cordless phones with oversize buttons. --Lightweight Tramontina-brand nonstick cookware (since heavy castiron pans can be difficult to lift and maneuver, posing injury risks). --EZY-Dose Push-Button Pill Reminder cases, which hold your medications in organized slots, with easy flip-top access. --IMAK Active Glove, which provides compression in your hands and wrists, yet with its open fingers still allows for dexterity. --Tempur-Pedic pillows, neck pillows and bedding for improved sleep. --Pre-filled medication syringes.
--A range of lightweight gardening tools to keep you in the garden and maintaining your landscaping with ease. --Fiskars Easy Action Micro-Tip Scissors, an improved scissor that automatically snaps back open after easy-pressure squeezes. --Pilot Dr. Grip Pen & Pencil, with a wider barrel for easier grip to reduce writing stress and fatigue. --Pedometers and other fitness-oriented products, including exercise equipment. *Accessories The Arthritis Foundation also suggests switching from a heavy handbag to a cross-body bag with padded straps, made of lightweight nylon or thin leather to take stress off of your wrists, elbows and arms, and choose wallets or totes with oversize zipper pull rings, perhaps with a tassel to add extra ease of opening and closing. Check out the AmeriBag Healthy Back Bag (http://www.ameribag.com). A large, heavy wallet can cause pain in the back and hips, so the Arthritis Foundation mentions the Back Saver wallet, using a spring clip that folds to half the thickness of most wallets (http://www.coreproducts.com). *In the Kitchen Opening jars is a challenge for arthritis sufferers, so look to kitchen utensils with padded grips to give you extra traction in your twisting motion. And using a Crock-Pot means arthritis continued on page 15A
December 2013 • 50plus
• 15A
Arthritis question and answers
Q A
: How is arthritis
diagnosed?
: Arthritis is diagnosed in a variety of ways depending on the type of arthritis. The rheumatoid types of arthropathies are diagnosed by blood tests and symptom presentation. Blood tests are usually sensitive enough to confirm rheumatoid factor, lupus and psoriatic disease. However, what we are finding now in some people, usually women, is that the diagnosis can be a bit more difficult. Eighty per cent of all arthritis diagnoses are made in women and often times are brought on by other inflammatory problems in that woman. For example, a woman may be having a thyroid problem that has gone undetected because the blood tests to rule it out were not complete enough to detect the problem. Hypothyroidism can cause inflammation in many sys-
arthritis continued from page 14A not having to wield multiple pots and saute pans to make a meal, as the one Crock-Pot holds and prepares your meal. When you do cook in the oven, consider doing so with nonstick pans that won’t have you scrubbing during cleaning and lining cooking sheets with foil before baking a lasagna, pie or other drippy menu item, which prevents you from scrubbing spill-overs. A pizza-cutter with a wide handle for easy gripping can be used to cut sandwiches, meats and other foods for which knives are harder to manage. Using a small kitchen appliance to chop vegetables with the press of a button removes the hand strain of slicing and dicing. The Arthritis Foundation also recommends sitting on a barstool at your kitchen counter while preparing meals, so that your legs, back, hips, knees and feet get a break from use. *Cleaning Buy cleaning products in smaller containers. They may not be the most cost-efficient, but a lightweight detergent bottle is far easier to use than a supersized bottle. And for cleaning tasks that require scrubbing, the Arthritis
tems of the body that can mimic the pain and dysfunction of various types of arthritis. Additionally, what I am seeing in my clinic is a dramatic increase in patients with a multitude of inflammatory illnesses which are complicating each other. Research is showing that the toxins in our food, water, and air are to blame for this increase. Women are more sensitive to these toxins because of the way the toxins behave in the body. Most toxins act like estrogen in the body and thus lead to hormonal imbalances which are also inflammatory to many parts of the body. These have adverse effects on men as well which is why we are seeing a rise in estrogenic hormone imbalance health problems in men as well (ie. prostate problems). More often than not it is imperative that those patients suffering from arthritis of any kind employ a detox program designed especially for their Foundation says, “Simple cleaning tools, such as microfiber cloths and gloves, or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser remove dirt beautifully with just a little water and minimal muscle.” The association’s Ease-of-Use Commendation has gone to several lightweight upright vacuum cleaners, and it’s advisable to have one vacuum cleaner on each floor of your home so that you don’t have to lug it up and down stairs. Separate cleaning supply caddies on each floor is also a winning suggestion. And instead of using dust rags that require a grip, slip a cotton sock or glove on your hand to perform easier dusting. At http://ArthritisToday.org, you’ll find a free app -- downloadable to your iPad, iPhone, Android or Kindle Fire -- that lets you easily click and slide your daily activities, symptoms, stress levels, medications, sleep quality, pain levels and more to monitor your wellness and share your daily details with your physician. When you’re armed with easeof-use tools and technology, life can be easier and more painless, and you maintain your autonomy, while enjoying your hobbies and home care.
unique condition as part of their recovery. At my clinic when I accept an arthritis patient, I take a whole person approach to their care combining gentle physical medicine techniques to improve joint function, along with the use of my state of the art Class 4 Laser which is the most powerful modality available for helping the body to heal, and nutritional counseling and management to help them to heal from the inside out. Since adopting this clinical approach in my clinic our success rate in helping arthritis patients recover had improved dramatically. Answer provided by Dr. Eliesha Evans.
Q
: I know very little
about acupuncture and have the heard the needles are long, are they and do they hurt and how soon will I feel pain relief?
A
: The needles are like thin pieces of wire that vary in length depending on where on the body they are being placed. The insertion can be painless or one may feel a slight pinch. I have seen children from ages 4-12 that do not complain a bit when the needles are inserted. Answer provide by Aimee Brown of Natural Health Center for Acupuncture and Wellness.
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16A • 50plus • December 2013
Improving quality of life Are you aware of the United Community Center at 1028 S. Ninth St. in Milwaukee? The near South side center serves many of the functionally challenged in the mostly Latino neighborhoods near the center; people who are physically impaired or just advancing in age. They most probably do not play bridge, Canasta, chess, Chinese Checkers or even verbally debate Obamacare. But you just could hear some strains of Latin music and even see an occasional person tapping his or her feet to the sounds of music at this the United Community Center’s day care facility, the Latino Geriatric Center, located on the on the nicely remodeled second floor of UCC and conveniently reached by elevator. The center aims at serving the aging area population of both English and Spanish speaking older adults. This geriatric center is aimed mainly at serving the financially poor and in providing a clinic and research center for the growing Hispanic population in Milwaukee. The festive colors are reminiscent of another time and another place for many of those who attend the geriatric center daily or just occasionally. The Latino Geriatric Center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on the last Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. While the atmosphere nourishes the soul; the Latino foods served as the meals provide the often diminishing bodies with nutritional goodness. The occasional attendee with lagging mental skills very often is found via testing to have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. These too often functionally impaired mainly older people enjoy the best of companionship and care without great worry about much of anything and this includes expense. There is no pretense about curing the Alzheimer’s patient; the effort is at improving the quality of life. The disease is not an immediate death sentence. The mind is a very complicated composition. Losing cognitive skills doesn’t come easily, often quite frustratingly, but more so for the patient than the care provider. As part of the United Community Center, the Latino Geriatric Center serves perhaps as many as 70 persons
daily. It offers care, kindness and sociability for the Hispanics so inflicted with the degenerative brain disorders and for many attendees just in need of social, recreational and support services The homelike environment is designed to restore any lost dignity while working to develop skills and foster a sense of independence. Among the available activities are basketball, crafts, dance exercises, art therapy, board games cooking and more. The goal is to ensure that those attending enjoy each day and are able to do so at their own pace. In addition to various musical activities, for those so inclined, there are opportunities for spiritual and devotional worship. The on-site clinic is a collaborative effort of the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the UWM Center for Urban Initiatives and Research. Services per attendee are $50 per day, about one-third that of a fulltime nursing home. The center also is subsidized through Family Care provided by the County of Milwaukee. To a considerable extent, transportation also is provided with the bus stop right outside the elevator. As the lady leaves with her daughter after a day at the Latino Geriatric Center, she smiles and says to anyone listening, “Hasta la vista.” Yes, she will be back again tomorrow. Nevia Olin, the program coordinator, didn’t exactly say so, but we believe her heart is in what she does for each and every day care participant. Her eyes seem to be a direct pathway to her heart. You can believe that she’s accomplishing the task at hand by the appreciative smiles of those she serves. Life enrichment is the goal for each and every day care participant. It appears to be attained for those attending the Latino Geriatric Center. Persons wishing further information on this program can call the United Community Center, 414-384-3100.
Clear the holiday air so all the kids smile By: Doug Mayberry
Q
: As we do every year in our family, we are planning our big holiday. The process begins when the designated host sets the date, time, place and assigns who brings what food. However, a major problem has occurred. One of our sons’ employers went bankrupt, and he lost his job in March. Last month, he asked for a $10,000 “loan” to keep his house and catch up on his living expenses. We made the loan. As parents, we know our adult son’s loans will probably not be repaid. This experience threw a damper on our holiday plans when our other son and his wife learned of our loan. They have even hinted they may not attend this year’s parties because they did not get any money. How can we patch things up?
A
: Resolving this issue may turn into a major challenge. It appears that jealousy issues have come into focus. Getting to what the real issue is may be extremely difficult. The bottom-line is that you own the gold, and it is your choice how you choose to distribute it. Options are available. If you have the funds, would paying off the other son be wise, would it not solve the problem or would it just set a precedent? If you choose to explain about why you made the gift, would that help clear up differences?
Do your detective work to find out about the uproar. Try the compromise route. Plan a family meal with your sons and their wives soon to openly discuss the situation. Sometimes these kinds of disagreements erupt for reasons other than what has been said. If jealousy is the issue, it may be caused by competition, insecurity or control issues. When you meet, focus on the needs your son that you made the loan to has, not on personality. Explain that should your other son need financial help, you will also be there for him. Compromise and communication are the priorities. Loving families have differences but stay in harmony because they choose to do so. Hopefully, this will resolve your differences!
Q
: We have two children, a son, 5, and a daughter, 3. We want to gift the grandparents some Christmas items from them that they will enjoy and appreciate. Unfortunately, we cannot do so in person because of where we live. Do you have some suggestions?
A
: Anything your kids have made or can make is a winner. Their drawings or scrapbooks of memories from vacations, school activities, birthday’s, sports participation, and pets are priceless. Telling a story about their activities is always interesting. Coffee mugs imprinted with loving words and the children’s photos become treasures. Schedule a couple of phone calls,
maybe at different times for each child, about what they want to tell their grandparents. These are well received. Nothing warms hearts more than hearing their grandchildren’s voices. Also, taking time to create videos, which can be viewed and replayed is a good over-the-top gift. Happy holidays!
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December 2013 • 50plus
• 17A
Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California Retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
18A • 50plus • December 2013 scheffler continued from page 1A so if anyone was looking for someone with those same qualities to stand in for him at any kind of a Christmas function, a perfect choice would be big Mike Scheffler. Mike is one of the most gregarious and conscientious fellows you’ll ever meet, loves children and making them happy, and also admits to tipping the scales at a bit over 300 pounds, so he really looks the part. I’ve known Mike for more than 35 years, but it’s always been in a different guise. Over all that time, Mike has worked as an usher and supervisor of ushers for the Milwaukee Brewers. In the days of old Milwaukee County Stadium, he was always in the area directly behind home plate; at Miller Park he’s on the Loge Level, around the Press Box. Because of his outgoing personality, he’s always been very popular with everyone: the fans, other Brewers employees and members of the media. He’s also easy to spot, over six feet three in height. Working as an usher, however, has only been a part time summer job with him. On a full time basis, Mike’s been a mail carrier for the Postal Department for many years, and also a high
school teacher at St. Joan Antida. He wasn’t like most mail carriers today, who deliver by car or truck and who you never meet or talk to. Most of his deliveries were on foot, and nearly all the people on his route knew him. “I can still remember just about all the names of everyone I delivered to,” Mike said. “I really enjoyed the job and the people I met. One of my stops was at a business place where the manager also worked in administration at Northridge Shopping Center. He asked me one day if I could fill in during the coming Christmas season as a one of the Center’s Santas, that a couple of the Santas they had were gone. I accepted and had such a good time that I stayed on. That was more than 20 years ago.” Over the years, Mike has also worked as a Santa at Southridge, as well as for a few Milwaukee Brewers’ Yuletime affairs, and for the Lavelle Industries in Burlington where his wife, Deborah, works. He also has worked at a number of Christmas parties for Mike Rodell and his Wisconsin Sports Collectors Association. “The littlest kids really thought he was Santa,” Rodell said. “In a way, I did,
too.” Born in Milwaukee 56 years ago, Mike attended Milwaukee Hamilton High School and then both UW-Milwaukee and UW-Whitewater. He has three children, now grown, from a previous marriage. Mike and Deborah did live in Waukesha but relocated recently to Waterford. To appear as Santa-like as possible, a few years ago Mike had his own red and white Santa Claus costume tailored specifically for himself, along with a hat, black boots, a white wig and a white beard. “No padding was needed, through, I provided all that was necessary,” he said, smiling and patting his belly. “Mike would never tell you,” Deborah said, “but his Santa work can be very taxing. Lifting children on and off your lap for hours on end while wearing that heavy costume will do it. Many times he’s come home after a session dripping with perspiration, his underclothes completely soaked, and he’s exhausted. But he loves doing it, so what can I say?” By the way, Mike works all of his Santa appearances free of charge. Even back in the days when he worked at
Santa unveiled! Here’s big Mike as you see him in real life. That’s part of his impressive beer can collection behind him. He has more than 5,000 different cans from all over the world. It’s one of the largest such collections in the country. With regrets, they’re all empty! Northridge and Southridge, where being Santa is a gig, he always returned half of his salary to be used for underprivileged children’s presents.
December 2013 • 50plus
• 19A
Who gets what when someone dies By Tom Margenau Today’s column discusses two separate but related topics involving Social Security benefits due after someone dies. The first question deals with a circumstance I’ve covered many times, but bears repeating. The second question covers an issue I don’t ever recall answering before in this column. : My wife died Sept. 29, 2013. In other words, she was alive almost the entire month of September. And yet I wasn’t allowed to keep her Social Security check that came just a week or so after she died. Can you justify this in any way? : I’m not sure I can “justify” it, but I can explain what the law and Social Security rules say. You are probably aware that Social Security checks are paid one month in arrears. In other words, the check that comes in November is the payment for October. And in your wife’s case, the check that came in October was the Social Security payment for September. You may not be aware that the law says a person must be alive the entire month (and that means every day, every hour, every minute and every second of the month) to be eligible for the check for that month. Because your wife died on Sept. 29, she was not alive the entire month. Therefore, I’m sorry, but she (and now in turn you) are just not due any of the proceeds of her September Social Security check. In other words, Social Security checks are not pro-rated. But as I’ve pointed out before in this column, although that may be bad news after
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A
scheffler continued from page 18A I asked Mike if it was merely the youngest children, four and five and under, who still liked meeting Santa, talking to him and having their picture taken with him? “Pretty much so,” he said. “But would you believe not too long ago a 95-year-old lady came up and asked if I’d pose for a picture with her? She said she had her picture taken with a Santa every year since she was three years old. So I guess Santa still appeals to all ages, which is good. But it’s only the young ones that I haul up
you are gone, it’s good news when you first sign up for Social Security. For example, if you are 66 years old on Sept. 29 and want your benefits to begin effective with age 66, you will get a check for the entire month of September, even though you are only 66 for two days in the month. (Note: This rule does NOT apply if you take benefits at age 62. The law says you must be 62 for an entire month before you can get a Social Security benefit for that month.) : My husband passed away Oct. 5, 2013. Our Social Security checks go into the bank the second Wednesday of each month, in this case Oct. 9. I called Social Security and was told quite clearly that I would receive his check in October but not in November. I thought all was well until this week when I went to the bank to get some cash and was told they could not honor my request due to an overdrawn balance. I discovered that my husband’s Social Security check had been deposited but then had been sent back, leaving my account short almost $1,500. I was told that is standard practice. My problem is that no one told me this would happen -- not the Social Security people and not the bank. After a couple more contacts with the Social Security office, they had me send in a form to request the amount be returned and that will take at least 6 weeks. And to add insult to injury, the bank is charging me overdraft fees! Am I missing something? Why didn’t anyone tell me this would happen? And why wasn’t anyone the least bit sympathetic?
Q
on my lap,” he added with a chuckle. Then I asked him what he liked best about his Santa work? “That’s easy,” he said, “those big, happy smiles on the kids’ faces. You asked before about pay. Those smiles have always been the only pay I’ve ever wanted.” Mike Rodell jokingly said he thought Scheffler might really be Santa. He could be right. There is a little of the spirit and goodness of Santa Claus in almost everyone. A bit more, however, in some than others like Mike Scheffler.
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20A • 50plus • December 2013
Don’t get caught in a tech support scam The Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin (BBB) is alerting consumers of a phone scam in which the caller claims to be from Microsoft or other companies “Tech Support” departments. The caller informs you that you have a computer virus and offers to fix it, all in an effort to gain remote control access to your computer. Those who allowed the caller remote access to their computer reported difficulties with their computer afterwards. Some said their computers suddenly had viruses, or particular software programs were no longer accessible. Reports to the BBB of this scam have been frequent for the last sever-
al weeks, indicating this old scam has resurfaced again. Most consumers reported taking their computers for repair following the phone call. Computer firms such as Microsoft do not make unsolicited phone calls to consumers to report computer problems or viruses, nor do they offer to diagnose and fix problems via telephone. “We are concerned with the increase in reports from consumers that they lost money to these unknown scammers”, says Ran Hoth, CEO/ president of the Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin. “If you receive such a call, the best advice is to say no and hang up.”
Interfaith helps veterans The local Interfaith organization has a program for retired persons to help retired military, Volunteers for Veterans. Volunteers for Veterans offers numerous ways to become involved. Persons interested will receive guid-
ance and free training to best utilize their talents. Persons interested in becoming a Volunteer for Veterans can call 414220-8683 for further details. Marie Honel is the veterans’ program, coordinator.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), they’ve been cracking down on these scams and they continue to investigate and prosecute them. If you paid for a bogus tech support service with a credit card, call your bank or credit card provider immediately to dispute the charge. What you should do if you receive a “Tech Support” call: 1. Don’t trust cold calls. Never provide your credit card or financial information to anyone, over the phone that you don’t know. 2. Take the caller’s information and report it to local law enforcement authorities and the FTC.
3. Install virus detection to help protect your computer from viruses. 4. Find a computer repair company you can trust. Find a BBB Accredited Business by business category at bbb.org. For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.wisconsin.bbb.orgor 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), 920-734-4352 (Appleton), 608-2682221 (Madison) or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin). Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Pearl Harbor day program Dec. 7 Some gave some of their time and talents as they defended our American ideals. Recall these, but especially remember that some also gave all. A Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Pearl Harbor Day
program will be held Dec. 7 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. Later in the month, Dec. 14, there will be a 25th anniversary celebration of Christmas with the vets at Zablocki VA Hospital.
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December 2013 • 50plus
RON RINGS
unt Emma
SENIOR Answer Man
Dear SAM: I am quite a history buff. I have read much abut World War I, etc. and note that then Pres. Woodrow Wilson signed into law on Nov. 12, 1919, a
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actions of Congress. I wonder if even one in 10 Congressional members approve of their recent actions and/ or inactions? This is about the same number of adults who realize that Obamacare and the Affordable Care Act are the same. vvvvv Regulators recently told WE Energies that it could not shut down a certain coal-fired electrical, generating facility. Where’s Al Gore when Big Energy needs him? vvvvv The Milwaukee Jewish Federation is promoting HoursAgainstHate. with Jimis McLoone org. This a national campaign to stop bigotry and promote respect across lines of culture, religion tradition, class and gender. They ask that you pledge an hour to do something for someone who does not look like you, pray like you, love like you. At the very least, look it up on your computer. vvvvv An old friend fell for the scam of sending money to free a nephew in jail due to an accident he supposedly caused. She’s now $1400 poorer and the nephew never was in jail. Think it through if you get a similar call (I’ve had two in about three weeks). Don’t allow your love and helpful demeanor to be swindled. vvvvv Every day is somewhat like money. How you spend it is very important. I guess I’m trying to write, Don’t waste it! vvvvv It was tough to put the golf clubs away until spring. This is not quite yet the “dead” of winter. How can a person be an atheist and not wonder at the reawakening each spring? As earth “springs” back to life, it sort of reminds us of Jesus Christ, who sprang back to life after being dead.
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• 21A
Dear Horace: You are right in questioning this. It was in 1926 that the Congress of
the United States changed this observance date of Armistice Day to Nov. 11. It was not until after World War II that the observance was changed to include veterans of all of our nation’s military actions and the name of the day changed to Veteran’s Day. I can understand the change in name, but the date change puzzles me unless it was something like the 11th day of the
11th month at 11 a.m. that the guns fell silent in WWI. Thanks much for your interesting question. Sincerely, Senior Answer Man, AKA SAM
vvvvv Billy the Brownie didn’t kill three birds with one stone, but he’ll be carving them that way at the Christmas table as he’ll be trying a new recipe he recently read about. It is called Terduckin and, basically, it is roasting a duck inside of a chicken that is inside of a turkey. That could be a rather foul, oops, fowl, dinner. vvvvv Camel Cigarettes are 100 years old this year. Just think how overpopulated this world might be if cigarettes hadn’t been invented? To think of such could be breathtaking. vvvvv Over 6,000 Iraqi citizens have been killed in the last year in local strife. In the long haul, did we help or hinder? vvvvv Shouldn’t it be just as important to show an I.D. card of some type to vote as it is to prove your age when buying booze at a certain grocery store? vvvvv The fellow who says he doesn’t dance as he has two left feet just never heard the “right” tune. vvvvv Is it any wonder that there’s so little peace these days in the cut-throat marketplace? The last Peace Silver Dollar was issued in 1935. vvvvv Organized major league baseball has been in existence for over 200 years. But with ticket prices escalating so much as they did in the last World Series, the last fan standing in another 20 years will have to be a millionaire. Professional sports are such that they are not for the average wage earner to attend. vvvvv Can you remember back to your times as a child and you resisted having your parents attempt to guide you
in the right directions? Now that the shoe, so to speak, is on the other foot, you can get a book by Bruce Nemovitz on Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction. Go to GuidingOurParents.com vvvvv Al “Stork” Hansen, 87, a noteworthy elder statesman in Pewaukee, says that “Stork” is just a nickname and he really didn’t deliver most of the babies in the village. vvvvv My wife has such boundless energy that I tire just watching her in action. vvvvv What this American economy needs is more people like the late (died in 2012) Thomas J. D’Acquisto, who not only bought American automobiles, but also looked at the labels in everything he bought to be certain they read “Made in America.” vvvvv Support our troops, especially at Christmas with cash or donated items sent or brought to Honor Our Military, the Marian Center for Nonprofits, 321 So. Lake Drive, Milwaukee 53207. vvvvv If it happens to be the kids who have had to move back with their parents, the parents need plans to force the too comfortable kids into lifestyles of financial independence. Too many parents are enablers to the chronically unemployed. vvvvv What’s with all this stuff about Fitness After 50? If you can still tie your shoes without sitting down, you’re remarkable. As you age, cardio matters much more than weight training for we older people. It is the intensity of the exercise that matters most. The best way to rid yourself of that belly fat is to eat less and exercise consistently. Cauliflower, cabbage,
broccoli and turnip greens are the best vegetables to eat to avoid cancer. As for alcoholic intake, some reports tell us that two drinks a day may take you on your way to cancer. But, regardless, get up and go. Don’t allow your exercise regimen to have gotten up and gone. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. vvvvv Eleven million people over the age of 65 reportedly are dealing with some type of disability. Just try to imagine as we increase in age, how many disabled persons over age 65 there may be in 10 years? How about close to 18 million. Caregiving may be a very profitable career by then. vvvvv Among people of different ages, it seems the older you become, the more apt you are to believe in things such as guardian angels. Mostly, percentage-wise, the old-timers also believe they’re heaven sent. vvvvv Will the Affordable Care Act have an effect on my Medicare? Only if private practitioners begin refusing Medicare patients due to Medicare payments. If you have Medicare, you are not directly concerned with the Affordable Care Act. vvvvv People with Medicare need to know their A,B,C and D. A is for hospital and/or hospice care. B is for coverage for doctors’ visits and/or medical equipment. C is for advantage plans as compared with regular individual Medicare coverage and this comes when you are a member of a managed care plan. D is for prescription drug coverage. vvvvv This past month marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Pres. John F. Kennedy. It was the fourth assassination of a U.S. president.
declaration proclaiming that Armistice Day each year hence would be recognized as being for veterans. Why do we celebrate it on Nov. 11? Questioningly, Horace B. Grately
22A • 50plus • December 2013
When MU’s Ron Drzewiecki was the best runner in the land By Jack Pearson Picture in your mind a speeding, dazzling comet, hurtling through the heavens. It’s a spectacular sight, but one that is far too brief. In no time it’s gone from view and the sky is darkened once again. I was imagining that very sight as I was driving the other day, which was sort of strange as I’d been thinking about football up to then. I was on my way to Milwaukee’s south side to visit with Ron Drzewiecki. You might remember the name, it you’re a football fan and old enough. Ron, now 80, was the former star running back for Marquette University way back in the mid-1950s. He, too, was like a speeding comet; a speeding human comet. He was one of the fastest, most amazing running backs the Milwaukee area had ever seen, first through four years of high school football at the old Boys Tech (where he also starred in basketball, baseball and track & field) earning All-Conference honors in all of them (All State in football), then for four more years at Marquette. At MU, Ron is ranked up there with former greats such as Ray Buivid, Johnny “Red” Dunn, Lavvie Dilweg and Johnny Sisk. In his years at the school he set all-time records in total yards gained from scrimmage, 1,653 in 311 carries for a 5.3 average, 486 yards on 23 punt returns, 515 yards on 44 pass receptions, 1,063 yards in kickoff returns, and 30 touchdowns. Virtually every opposing coach raved about him. Ivy Williamson, the Wisconsin coach who saw him for four straight years, said he was better than any back he’d seen in the Big Ten, and that included All-American Howard “Hopalong” Cassidy at Ohio State. Every year he turned in electrifying runs. As a freshman he scored twice against Wisconsin, both on long, twisting runs. As a sophomore, he had another banner year despite playing half the season with a broken jaw. That year he dashed for 12 touchdowns, three in one half against Detroit on runs of 55, 59 and 47 yards. As a junior he scored twice against College of Pacific, one on an 81 yard dash, the other on a 57 yard punt return. As a senior, he scored on a 59 yard run against Wisconsin and returned a kick-
off for 54 yards against Cincinnati. He wound up his college career as the leading ground gainer for the victorious East team in the annual East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco, starred for the North in the North-South Game in Mobile, and did the same in the AllStar Game in Chicago. Add to those eight years one more with the Chicago Bears, after the Monsters of the Midway grabbed him in the first round of the annual NFL Draft. But by then it was nearly over; the comet’s thrilling ride through the skies was sadly at an end. Nine years and out. To be sure, it’s not so unusual for an athlete to have a career that short. Most have far less.
But the thing about Ron Drzewiecki was that he was not just any football player. He was a superstar, a running back whose exceptional exploits on the gridiron were heralded every week in headlines throughout Wisconsin. That he was so special was proven by his selection in the first round of the pro football draft. Being picked that high was usually an honor limited to the stars from major football powerhouses—Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, Michigan and the like – and not from a smaller school such as Marquette. In that 1955 NFL Draft, Ron was eagerly snapped up by the Chicago Bears, their first pick. He was on top of
Here’s Ron off and running on one of his long scoring jaunts. The site was old Marquette Stadium, tucked right into a residential neighborhood just south of 35th and Wisconsin in Milwaukee. People could sit in their homes and watch the games through their windows.
Ron (right), next to one of his Marquette teammates, Tom Braatz, during a jovial moment with their then new football coach, Frosty Ferzacca, in 1955.
the world, but not on top money-wise. Pro clubs then didn’t pay anywhere near the sky-high bonuses and salaries awarded today. First round picks now get bonuses into the millions, and salaries and multi-year contracts into multiple millions. Ron was given a thousand dollar bonus to sign, and a salary of nine thousand. “Truck drivers made more than that,” Ron said, “or even waitresses. But I didn’t care. I thought then that it was just the beginning.” In that same draft, the Baltimore Colts selected another state of Wisconsin runner, UW’s Alan Ameche, also in the first round. Way down in the ninth round, incredibly, Cleveland chose a young crew that-cut quarterback named Johnny Unitas. Can you believe that? One of the greatest QBs of all time, going as late as that? There’s something else about that draft. Ron could have been given more than what the Bears offered if he’d play in Canada. They offered $11,000. “I didn’t even consider it,” Ron said. “I wanted to play close to home, and there’s no other pro team closer than Chicago. Besides, I liked Papa Bear.” He was referring to George “Papa Bear” Hallas, the Bears’ long time owner and coach. So Ron reported to the Chicago training camp that summer, eager for the coming season. The Bears, however, already had a formidable running attack. Led by All-Pro Ric Casares and former UW star Don Kindt, they had gained more yards on the ground than any team in the league the year before. In addition to that, rookies in the NFL in that era usually sat on the bench most of the time, waiting their turn. One exception to that was Ameche, who not only started immediately for the Colts, he led the league in running in his rookie year. In any event, Ron didn’t get to see much play, used mainly as a punt and kickoff returner. In the little bit of action he was given at halfback, in the few times he carried the ball he averaged 5.4 yards a carry. “I was told my time would come,” Ron said, “and I thought it would.” But then Uncle Sam entered the picture, sending that infamous “greetings” letter, telling Ron he was needed in the service. So for the next two years, Ron spent his time in the Navy.
December 2013 • 50plus
During those years, however, Ron somehow lost that wonderful speed and elusiveness. “It wasn’t that I’d been shot or anything,” he said. “I was seemingly as fit and healthy as I was when I went into the Navy. I could still run, but not as fast; not nearly as fast. It was weird, and there wasn’t anything I could do about it.” He, nevertheless, reported back to the Bears, hoping for the best. The Chicago coaches, however, quickly became aware of Ron’s loss of speed, and he was dropped from the team. He tried out again the next year with Oakland on the West Coast, but it, too, was a no-go. His career was over, almost before it had begun. His job in pro football gone, Ron returned home. “He tried everything,” Dorothy, his wife said. “He sold cars, did every kind of labor work, a little coaching, but that didn’t pan out either. He finally got a job with a trucking company, and was with them for some time.” He also began smoking heavily. The only time his name appeared in the headlines again was in October of 1973, when he was named to the Marquette University Athletic Hall of Fame (along with other stars from other sports such as Butch Lee, Ernest Kukla, Barney Karpfinger, and MU Athletic Team Physician Dr. Charles Eichenberger). After Marquette dropped football as an intercollegiate sport in 1960, two of the school’s former players in that sport, and who had been on the same teams with Drzewiecki, formed a special reunion affair. The two were Marv Swentkofske, who played left guard, and Tom Braatz, who played right end. (More on Braatz later). The reunions have been conducted every two years ever since. Since Swentkofske died last year, and Braatz moved to Florida, those reunions have been under the direction of another of their teammates, Louis Gral, who was an end. Drzewiecki attended nearly all of the reunions, but missed the last two. He has emphysema now, and it has been getting steadily worse over the past ten years. In addition to Gral and Braatz, I talked to two other of Ron’s former teammates, John Linnemanstons and Ray Zagar. They also were happy to talk about their old pal.
“Ron was always so sincerely modest and easy going,” Gral said. “Everyone liked him. Most super stars on college athletic teams tend to get a little swell-headed. Not so with Ron. He was just a regular guy. Incidentally, the next reunion is set for July of 2014. We’re all hoping Ron will be able to make it. Actually, we’re all hoping that all of us will be able to make it,” Gral said. Linnemanstons (who was called “Big John”) in those days since he was one of the heaviest players on the squad at all of 220 pounds) was the team’s left tackle. “You didn’t have to hold a block very long when Ron was running,” John said. “We kept contact with the defensive lineman for about a half second, and that was enough. Ron would be by you and gone. It wasn’t just his quickness, either. He could cut on a dime, change direction completely at no loss of speed.” Zagar, one of the other starting halfbacks on the team along with Ron, was also his roommate and one of his closest friends in college. “We still are,” Ray said. “Even though we don’t see each other very much anymore. That’s what happens, though, when you get into your 80s. I remember all the gin rummy we played, before football games in the locker room and in the busses on road trips. I think he still owes me a couple of bucks.” Braatz is the name you should recall. Following his graduation at Marquette and a couple of years in the Army, Braatz entered the NFL, playing for many years with the Washington Redskins and then the Dallas Cowboys. After his retirement as a player, he went into administration, serving as the general manager for the Atlanta Falcons, then for five years as the executive vice president for Football Operations for the Green Bay Packers in the 1980’s. “I saw a lot of fine ball carriers in the NFL,” he said. “Ron was right up there with the best of them. During his years at Marquette, he was awarded Honorable Mention All-American honors three times. One of the problems was that we played before such small crowds. Marquette Stadium had a capacity of only about 15,000, and we seldom attained even that. Most of the time we were under 10,000. It was strange, but even the Packers didn’t draw there. The Pack
• 23A
Ron and his wife, Dorothy, today. They have been married for 58 years, have five children, 20 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. played three games at Marquette Stadium in 1952 (prior to the construction of County Stadium) and averaged only around 13,000. Had Ron played at a school like Michigan where the crowds were around 100,000, I’m sure he’d have received full-fledged All-American recognition. Anyone who saw him play would agree with that.” Another reason why the writers may have overlooked Ron was that the team itself was not highly regarded. In Ron’s freshman through junior years under Coach Lisle Blackbourn, the team’s record was 13-14-3, and in his senior year with Coach Frosty Ferzacca calling the shots, it was only 3-51. That’s an overall mark of 16-19-4. Also, the only major school Marquette played was Wisconsin. Some of the others were South Dakota State, Holy Cross, Miami of Ohio, College of Pacific, Santa Clara and Tulsa. Nice schools, but hardly powerhouses. Another aspect that’s hard to understand about Ron’s career is that it ended with such finality, and then was virtually forgotten. The usual routine with great athletes when their playing days are over is to go into coaching or at least on the staffs, or to go into radio or television commentating, or to continue to be in the public eye through business or politics. When Ron quit football in the late ‘50s, he absolutely dropped from sight. No one, except his family and a few friends, even, knew what had happened to him.
As noted above, I was on my way to interview Ron at his home in Greenfield. I had called first, and he was quite agreeable to meeting with me, and we set a time. I was a bit taken aback when I first saw him. The last time we were together was at one of the Marquette football reunions about eight years ago. At that time he was still in pretty good shape. At our recent meeting in his home, he was hooked up to an oxygen machine, and had difficulty talking. He also wasn’t inclined to chat much about his playing days. Every time I asked him a question about those times, he’d wave a hand at me and change the subject. He used to love to fish and will talk on that subject all day. Something else he will converse with you about is his family, wife Dorothy, his five children, Cindy, Cheryl, R.J., John and Christie, his 20 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. One of those grandkids, he was proud to say, Chris Drzewiecki, is 20 and just started work with the Milwaukee Brewers in their consumer marketing department. I could tell that he was getting a little tired, so I stopped all my questioning and got ready to leave. I walked over to him, and he grabbed my hand and shook it. He still has a grip of iron. “You take care of yourself old pal,” he said. “Thanks for coming to see me. Thanks a lot.” I thought it should be me thanking him, but oddly I had trouble talking at that point, too.
24A • 50plus • December 2013
December 2013 Section B EDITORIALS STATE CAPITOL COMMENT By Matt Pommer
TRAVEL
MONEY SENSE By Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky
MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION By Bruce Nemovitz
APRON STRINGS
Emma
By Aunt Emma
SENIOR
By Tom Frazier
Israel Revisited
CRABBY
By Mary McLoone
HERMAN WRITES Bethlehem of the Nativity, ChurchWHITE
A
PLANTING TOMORROW’S DREAMS TODAY By Brad Olson
Journey –
Answer Man
IT MAKES ME
AGING ISSUES
The Christmas
ll is calm and all is quiet, at least for
ARTSnow, inENTERTAINMENT the country of Israel, which
I had thecalendar privilege of visiting almost SPORTS two decades ago. It was 1994. But what better timethethan now, the wonderful season ChristWRIGHT of this land of such great impormas, to SIDE revisit tance to Christians. Times, to a great degree, Jimnineteen McLoone years. But have changed overwith these KILLING TIME the real message of Christmas never changes so let us return to Israel as we, my then-traveling partner, Katie Weber of North Lake and I believed it to be the greatest of experiences; one that gave us a better appreciation for the Jewish faith and culture as well the opportunity to explore the places where it all started; the Christian faith that began there over 2,000 years ago.
By Jack Pearson
By Enis Wright
60
Hillil has dark hair and beard, crinkly eyes and is amusing, intelligent, intense and compassionate. In the week we spent with him, we learned Jewish history, archaeology, about Israeli agriculture, industries, citizens, and hopes for the future besides facts about our Christian faith and heritage. Hillil is also a Biblical scholar, often reading us passages from the Old Testament. He especially impressed us with his respect for Jesus and knowledge of the New Testament. We all loved him. We left Jerusalem headed for Galilee on our second day in Israel. Shepherds tending their flocks,
The Israel-Rome experience began for Katie Weber and myself as we joined a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome led by two Catholic priests, then pastors of area congregations, Fr. James Loehr at St. Joan of Arc, Okauchee, and Fr. Dennis Ackeret of Christ the King in Wauwatosa. We were a diverse group, young and old, men and women, teacher, banker, housewife, priest, but all with one common denominator, our Christian faith. That faith was intensified after a week in Israel and, in addition, we learned a great appreciation for the Jewish faith and culture, thanks to our Jewish tour leader. Hillil, our guide, an Ohioan who’d taught here, moved to Israel when he was 27. Now in his 40s, he is married to a Jewish woman, Hana, also a tour guide. They have four sons and live in Jerusalem.
What’s Inside . . . . Arts & Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B
the Bedouins camped on the hillsides and appeared much as they must have centuries ago if not for a beat-up truck parked nearby. We spotted a group of camels ambling along a ridge in the distance and were told their owner was a wealthy man. There didn’t seem to be much vegetation on the hillsides, but there must have been enough; the sheep seemed content. Every so often there was a lush green area with fertile fields, fruit growing and prosperous looking villages. There was water available, probably supported by irrigation. israel continued on page 10B
Nativity Church, Bethlehem, Palestine.
Holiday Gift Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12B Holiday Poems Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9B
2B • 50plus • December 2013
Wisconsin Lutheran WISCONSIN LUTHERAN: The annual high school student council sponsored Veterans’ bountiful breakfast and ceremonies were attended by an overflowing crowd of people from several wars. Among the veterans were Theodore Hartner, 93, right, a World War II veteran and Lt. Col. Henry T. Ralenski, below, who served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. The Veterans’ ceremonies and annual parade had a theme of “To honor the dead by serving the living.” Among those on the parade reviewing stand, of right below, were, l to r, War Memorial Center director David Drent, Vice Admiral Dirk Debbink, U.S. Navy; Lt. Col. Janet Keech, USMC (Ret); Captain Roman Koshkin, USMC. William Goralski was honored as the 2013 Veteran of the Year.
William Goralski
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December 2013 • 50plus
• 3B
Busy Veterans
Badger Detachment Marine Corps League Funeral Honors Rifle Team members are pictured above with honorary member, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, at a recent ceremony. Over the years, the volunteers have done the honors at close to 1,000 buri-
als. They are, left to right, front row: Clayton Chipman, Ralph Ast, Carol Zien, Police Chief Ed Flynn, Lou Mane, Frank Muhanowski (Drummer). Back Row: Lester Brewster, Howard Weiler, Roy Isaksen, Paul Leopold and James Pelkey.
Is he wrong in his ways? There is a sheriff in Mariopa County, Arizona, who is not thought to be a model for the All-American Boy by many persons. But don’t ask people in his jurisdiction if they believe he’s doing a good job without expecting a resounding “yes.” Sheriff Joe Arpaio recently was reelected, gaining 83 percent of the vote total. Sheriff Joe puts the prisoners in his custody to work. He has cut an $18 million budget to under $3 million. How? The livestock the prisoners must care for not only becomes meat
on Arizona tables, but the manure they produce becomes fertilizer for the huge prison gardens that also are tended by the prisoners. Does he pay the prisoners for their work? They receive 28 cents an hour for their labors. At 28 cents an hour and toiling in the hot sun daily, this program might just be sufficient to discourage repeat offenders. Sheriff Arpaio’s tactics could be questioned as to their humane qualities elsewhere, but they obviously love him in Mariopa County.
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4B • 50plus • December 2013
We Saw You At . . . .
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By Margaret Pearson Co-sponsored by 50 Plus, the Aurora Sinai Medical Care, VMP – Manor Park and Southridge, the 19th Annual Expo again drew a record crowd at the Southridge Shopping Center. There were 30 major exhibitors and the event included health screenings, information on health and medical issues, travel, housing and finances, along with plenty of music and entertainment. Some of the faces in the crowd were:
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One of the featured speakers of the event from the Center for Senior Health and Longevity in Milwaukee and former medical director of the Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Ellen Danto-Nocton, M.D., internal medicine physician specializing in geriatric medicine.
Wayne and Lucy Wagner of Franklin.
December 2013 • 50plus
• 5B
Terry Gutowski and Lynn Netoles of Greenfield. Bob and Nancy Lindner of Wind Lake.
Richard and Inez Berghofer of Cudahy, and Natalie Stelmaszewsky of Muskego and Jeanette Sentkowsky of Milwaukee.
Dotti Gumieny of Greendale, Tamara Spredman of Butler and Teresa Hagedorn of Milwaukee.
Carol and Alfred Bartelt of Port Washington, and Shirley and John Johnson of New Berlin. Jean and Myron Anczak of Greendale.
6B • 50plus • December 2013
HERITAGE LAKE
THE REGENCY
Fruit cakes improve with age
MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION By Bruce Nemovitz
Emma
APRON STRINGS By Aunt Emma
HERITAGE LAKE
TRAVEL
MONEY SENSE By Karen Ellenbecker & Julie Ellenbecker -Lipsky
AGING
5020 South 55th Street • Greenfield • Call 414-282-0506 ISSUES Beautiful serene country setting overlooking a private lake. Close to shopping, churches and By Tom Frazier medical facilities. Heated underground parking, blinds and ceiling fan. Beautiful community room. • Heat & Water Included • Air Conditioned • Intercom Access • Appliances • Community Room with Kitchen • On Bus Line starting at • Laundry on each Floor
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SPORTS By Jack Pearson
Of course, my apron is tied into place as I am exceptionally busy today in the kitchen. Henry said that I hadn’t really baked anything special for Christmas. I told him that it is just the beginning of December and Christmas still is some time away. He should just wait and wait he will, though, I’m sure, rather impatiently. Little does he know that I’m making one of those fruit cakes today. But I will hide it for a couple weeks as it gets better with age. I will get to the meat of the column a bit later on, No, I am not going to talk turkey, but I would first of all like to tell you about Henry and some of his recent witticisms. Henry says that he doesn’t mind getting older; that it is much better than the alternative. The main thing he doesn’t like are the wrinkles. The wrinkles, yes, he says, “in your face, Emma.” I told Henry that those wrinkles are smile lines that just deteriorated as I became older. Henry likes to tell anyone who Enis Wright will listen aboutBy his favorite doctor, a psychiatrist named Jim Beam. He claims if you’re on the beam, you’re balancing well, or at least until the cops pull you over to test your breath. He claims Dr. Jim recently told him that there isn’t even enough proof that you won’t ache in the mornings as you age. That’s with or without a visit with Dr. Jim the previous night. As for psychiatrists, Henry asked me if I knew how many of them it would require to change a light bulb. Surprising to me, Henry answered, “Only one. But the light bulb would have to want to be changed.” Henry says there is a man who comes to the club almost every night. Henry says that he appears as though he could be a World War One veteran. He loves to play sheepshead and even claims that he’s played that card game for so long that he can recall when it
was named for the whole sheep and not just its head. The other night they guessed at the guy’s age. He fooled all of them by saying he was only 66. He says that he ages so well (that’s a matter of opinion) by sleeping late in the morning, having a nice lunch and then napping until it is time for the club bar to open. Henry refers to this fellow as Slim. He weighs about 300 pounds and is all of 5 ft, 9 inches. In all honesty, Slim doesn’t always act it out, but claims to be a “born again” Christian. He’s generally looking for at least smile if not a guffaw when he says this certainly proved to be very difficult for his mother to endure. I guess that’s about enough about Henry and Slim. As for the cookies, the fruit cake is enough for now. My Spritz maker is on the fritz. Henry and I talked last night about the Social Security. We aren’t really concerned about the little bit that government adds to our Social Security every year as Henry will have a nice pension and the Social Security will just be a plus for us. Thank goodness for Social Security as old age, if we’re healthy enough, will last much longer than youth. Was that Robert Browning (you know the poet, not the guy down the street) crazy or what when he asked “to grow old with him; the best is yet to come”? Even with Social Security, we don’t believe this to be correct. Still Henry worked diligently and, for that matter, still is. At the factory, Henry says they admire the work ethic of the older guys. What is it, that their piano is never out of tune? Oh, no, it is that great melodies still can come from old fiddles. See, I did get that right, didn’t I? We figure our Social Security will allow us to stay in our home, pay the upkeep, real estate taxes, water and electric bills. Since I never worked for pay outside of the home, we’ll just have Henry’s Social Security. But it should be about $1,200 a month. It seems as though the sun rises later and goes to China earlier every day. But just wait until Dec. 21; that’s the first day of the winter season. Watch out for those small snowflakes.
SENIOR Answer Man
IT MAKES ME
CRABBY
HERMAN WHITE WRITES
ARTS
the WRIGHT SIDE of
ENTERTAINMENT
calendar
60
KILLING TIME with Jim McLoone
December 2013 • 50plus
They are the ones that really pile up. Henry and I will be sitting by the fire (Oh, I love those paper logs Henry rolls up from our daily and weekly newspapers) and waiting for Santa to fill our stockings that hang from the fireplace mantel. As we sneakily fill each other’s with goodies and small gifts, we each proclaim on Christmas day that it must have been our guardian angels who found those huge stockings to be filled.
What matters now how we celebrate Christmas as long as we do it with appreciation, adoration and recognition that we are children of God. When we sing “Christ, the Savior is born” we should add our own “Alleluia!” as well as a few personal thoughts about what all this means. Christmas definitely should be about more than exchanging presents.
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• 7B
8B • 50plus • December 2013
LTC awareness month was about aged care By Terry Savage In Scott Turow’s new novel, Identical — which I highly recommend as a great read — there is a scene where a homicide detective working on an old case goes to visit the mother of the man who was imprisoned for the crime. The frail, elderly woman is well taken care of in an expensive nursing home, with photos of her twin sons on the nightstand. But she is suffering from dementia. And when the detective attempts to ask her about events long past, he learns she doesn’t even remember the
names of her sons! A helpful nurse gently prods her memory — but the point is well made: Old age will turn many of us back into the nearly helpless infants we were as we entered this world. We just don’t want to think about it now, when we can prepare. And once we can’t think about it, we will suffer the consequences of our lack of planning. November was Long-Term Care Awareness month. And unless you have a parent who requires home care, or care in assisted living or a nursing
home, you will probably stop reading about it now as you whisper a silent prayer that it doesn’t happen to you or your loved ones. That’s not a good strategy. According to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at least 70 percent of Americans age 65 and older will require some long-term custodial care. And that care is expensive these days, with an average annual nursing home cost of $83,950, and nearly double that in large cities, according to the Genworth annual cost of care survey.
Could you afford that for yourself, or your spouse? Could you and your siblings afford that kind of care for your parents — and would you share the costs? Those are the questions that should come to mind as your family gathers for the holidays, while giving thanks for family and good health and perhaps making plans for the future.
Season’s Greetings from all of us at 50 Plus Hometown Senior Living at a Great Value in Hales Corners! From just $910 per month! Assisted Living starting at $2,460 per month.
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he Little Things Can Become Big…and Expensive. As we age, little things like getting up from your favorite chair or stepping into your bath tub are no longer taken for granted. Think about it…when you step into your tub do you try to support yourself with a flimsy towel bar? One slip can result in an injury that can derail your dream of staying in your home. One-third of people age 65 and over suffer from falls every year. With the average cost of assisted living in Wisconsin being over $42,000, the financial consequences can also be devastating. Dennis F., 67, said that his parents, “took sponge baths for years because they couldn’t get in and out of the bath tub. I’m finding out now that a lot of seniors my age have the same problem.” The good news is that you can reduce your risk of falling with easy home modifications. According to Sean Flannick of Walk-In Tubs Of Wisconsin, “Whether it’s installing a walk-in bath tub, replacing your current tub with a shower, or just installing a few grab bars, you can take action to maintain your independence. Regardless of budget, there are solutions. A small investment in yourself now can help you maintain an active lifestyle for years to come.” To learn more you can contact Sean at 262-443-3950 or visit www.WalkInTubsOfWisconsin.com.
Presentation by: Prairie Home Cemetery With representatives from Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home.
What is it? Is this for me? Wednesday, January 15th, 2014 Prairie Home Cemetery 605 S. Prairie Ave., Waukesha 6:00 pm Reserve a place, Please RSVP due to seating 262.524.3540 www.prairiehomecemetery.com
December 2013 • 50plus
Yes, it’s December
This month has 31 days of greatly exciting ways. But time only drags on if you count the days. While cold winds outside do seem us to fluster, We face each day with courage as we can muster. As days come and go, we enjoy the holiday treats. It’s easy to be fond of homemade Christmas sweets. Trees, except evergreens, have become quite bare. There’s scant protection in fields for that old mare. Soon she will be spending time locked in the barn. With abundant hay and water, she won’t give a darn. Rains have come and gone, followed by some snow. Still nightly in skies, Old Man Moon does glow. Crops are harvested; fall plowing had better be done. We still await to do sledding as outdoor fun. Kids of most ages await ample snow. Right! Time was when we enjoyed a snowball fight. Snow-covered youngsters then were quite a sight. Do we really need any celebratory reason? Just recall why this always is such a happy season. Time arrives Dec. 25 to celebrate Christ’s birth. Thankful adoration and prayer will share the mirth. Do think of Jesus Christ’s birth in that cold manger. Of cold and Herrod, he was born in great danger. Christmas day, of course, there will be a feast. Sharing our blessings would be doing the very least. The days past Christmas often are mostly quiet. But on New Year’s Eve, the young’uns may riot. At year-end, give thanks for many a blessing Let not your gratitude be mere window dressing.
• 9B
Sons of Pioneers By Patricia Janke Hesitating when season tickets arrived imagining this group to be boring and contrived; A good friend said, “Give them a chance.” so I boarded the bus expecting less than a blast; Five weathered cowboys took to the stage boots, vests, hats didn’t hide their age; when the fiddler began I imagined a hoe down a guy with his gal wearing a western gown; then came country gospel “Just a closer walk with thee” their gift of harmony became clear to see; “Blue Prairie” brought visions of wagons with horses fresh water creeks running their courses; the elder member with the group forty-five years he had no problem changing gears; Tempos fast, sometimes slow I have to admit I enjoyed the show; Yes, they are older with grey hair and grey beards but gifted they were and the audience cheered. Happy Trails
Traffic By Patricia Foldvary Friday night – the traffic’s creeping. Tempers flare and horns are beeping. Lanes are jammed – I’m in a fix. No left turn from three to six.
Among orange cones I try to thread. The sign says, This lane closed ahead. A detour looms on this dark night. Did that guy pass me on the right? I’m off my route, I think I’m lost. This road three times I know I’ve crossed. Where am I now? I cannot guess. My kingdom for a GPS!
10B • 50plus • December 2013 israel continued from page 1B We passed by Jericho, an ancient Biblical city, thought to be the oldest city in the world. It was such an oasis which is probably why civilization survived. Later in the week, we weren’t permitted to enter Jericho. By then plans for President Clinton’s visit had been made and the peace signing with neighboring Jordan was imminent. Radical activity in Jericho, many extremists opposed to the peace plans, was evident. We were told a tourist bus had been stoned and later heard it had been shot at. But we had no problems of that type. As we continued on, we saw Bet Shean, a large area which has been excavated. There are ruins of a Roman amphitheater where there had been gladiators and animal fighting with room for as many as 5,000 spectators. The Valley of Bet Shean is a fertile area with farms and land utilized to the fullest. Along the banks of the Jordan River land was well developed. It has a good supply of rain and is called the “bread basket” of Israel. Jordan was just across the river and all seemed peaceful. Our aim was to reach Nazareth before the Basilica closed at noon, but as we arrived in the city, there was a traffic jam; road construction, just like the Milwaukee area. Nazareth is a busy city of about 40,000 and many, many visitors. In the pre-Christian period, it was just an insignificant village; thus the question, “Why Nazareth? Why would Jesus, the Savior, live in such a place?” We left the bus in traffic and hurried up the hill. The aromas wafting from the open-front markets along the way were tantalizing. There were long loaves of freshly baked bread, delectable appearing salads and dainty pastries. We were tempted. The Basilica of the Annunciation is built on the grotto where Mary lived and the grotto itself is part of the altar. The present church is the fifth one built on the spot where the Angel Gabriel stood when he told Mary that she would conceive a child. The walls on the second floor addition are covered with donated mosaics of the Madonna and Child. That of the United States, a work of steel and silver, is very modern; Japan’s is magnificent.
This is the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the location of the stable in which the Christ child was born.
This is the Grotto that is within the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Nazareth is a busy city of about 40,000 and many, many visitors. In the pre-Christian period, it was just an insignificant village; thus the question, “Why Nazareth? Why would Jesus, the Savior, live in such a place?” North of the Basilica is the Church of St. Joseph built over a cave, which is said to have been Joseph’s workshop, and between the churches is a Franciscan monastery. In the courtyard, we heard hymns of praise to Mary sung in many languages, all by pilgrims also desiring “to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.”
Several days later, we had another high hill to climb, to Ein Karem, the Church of the Visitation. We stopped halfway up, gazed out and imagined Mary traversing the precarious hillsides on her visit to her cousin, Elizabeth. Ein Karem is just southwest of Jerusalem.
Inside the church (the present one was built in 1935 on the remains of former churches) is a beautiful fresco depicting Mary’s visit. Outside, there are lovely gardens and on the courtyard walls the Magnificat is proclaimed in different languages. Bethlehem is a short distance from Jerusalem. By bus, the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem would take from three to four hours. By donkey, it was perhaps a month’s journey for Joseph and Mary. Bethlehem is not the peaceful little idyllic Christmas card village we’d imagined. It was the least clean and most littered city we visited. The drive from Jerusalem was quite long because the West Bank had been closed due to terrorist activities preceding the peace signing the next day. The city has an Arab population comprising Christians and Moslems. Its major industry is tourism. Wood carving out of olive wood (mangers and crib figures) is also significant. There was a military vehicle and soldiers posted inside the church square. As we proceeded to the Church of the Nativity, persistent vendors were selling everything from medals to maps. We imagined Christmastime and visitors assembled from all over the world. The entrance to the church is very small, made that way by the Crusaders to prevent the Moslem invaders from riding into the church on horseback. To enter, one must bend almost doubled over. The Church of the Nativity was built above the cave that was believed to be the exact spot where Jesus was born. We viewed the church built in the year 325 by Helen, Constantine’s mother. Even though it was early in the morning, we stood in line to go down the steps to the Grotto of the Nativity. The actual birthplace is marked by a silver star with a Latin inscription, translated, “Here Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary.” It was our privilege to celebrate the Eucharist in a cave nearby, just 10 feet from the grotto and manger site. As Mass ended, we joined in as pilgrims from an adjacent area were singing “Silent Night.” The feeling of joy, peace and happiness we experienced then was a fitting conclusion to our holy land pilgrimage.
W’S DAY on
on
HERMAN WHITE WRITES December 2013 • 50plus
ARTS
ENTERTAINMENT
calendar
• 11B
Merry Christmas to you!
Affordable Housing for 55+ and 62+ Pay only 30% of gross income in rent!
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Through December 13 Milwaukee Nari to serve as Salvation Army Toy Shop Collection Location. By Enis Wright office, 11815 Milwaukee/NARI W. Dearbourn Ave., (second floor) in Wauwatosa
the WRIGHT SIDE of
New (and unwrapped) toys along with cash contributions will be collected for underprivileged children in Milwaukee County. The office is open to the public Mon. – Fri. from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call Milwaukee/ NARI at 414-771-4071 for directions.
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • Church and Chapel Funeral Services provides dignified funeral services in your church, cemetery chapel, our funeral home chapels, or the chapel of your choosing with savings of more than $2,000 are common. • For example, we provide the service in your church, or beautiful cemetery chapels are available when final disposition is made there. • We make personal service arrangements in the comfort and privacy of your home, church, our arrangement office, or any of our funeral home locations.
FUNERAL HOME LOCATIONS Brookfield
Ritter-Larsen Chapel 1875 N. Calhoun Rd.
Waukesha/Pewaukee
Rudolph, Larsen Bros. Chapel Bluemound Rd. at Hwy. J 4 Blocks South of I-94
• We display monuments, caskets, vaults, and urns making Church and Chapel your one stop planning center. • Pre-planning Centers are open Monday through Saturday or by appointment. Stop by and browse at your leisure and receive free no-obligation information. Should you wish, we can meet in the comfort and privacy of your own home. • Dignified Services with less expensive fees compared to other fine funeral homes. • All cremation service options are available utilizing on-site crematory. PRE-PLANNING CENTERS • 92nd & Bluemound • Bluemound Rd @ Hwy J With Church and Chapel Funeral Service... Savings of $2,000 are common
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Bistricky-Irsch-Grosse Chapel 6709 W. Capitol Dr.
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-Gordon Hinkley
www.churchandchapel.com Gordon Hinkley is the spokesperson for Church & Chapel and is not a funeral director.
12B • 50plus • December 2013
Holiday gift guide
HOLIDAY SPARKLE
Through – December 29 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts The rowdy Herdman kids are back in this annual Christmas pageant. Enjoy this spirited performance of the season to make it the best ever Christmas pageant! Visit marcuscenter.org or call 414-273-7206 for tickets. Through December 29 Milwaukee Holiday Lights Enjoy these light displays in Cathedral Square Park, Pere Marquette Park and Zeidler Union Square, including hundreds of events taking place. The Jingle Bus takes visitors on a tour for $1. Tours operate Thursdays through Sundays, 6 – 9 p.m., starting by The Shops of Grand Ave-Center Court. Visit milwaukeedowntown.com for more information. Through December 24 A Christmas Carol The Rep, 108 E Wells St., Milwaukee In nineteenth century London, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge journey through this play with mu-
CEDARBURG DELAFIELD 262-376-4534 262-646-4534
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MILWAUKEE WAUKESHA 414-273-4534 262-549-4534
WAUWATOSA 414-258-4534
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Through January 5, 2014 The Nutcracker Suite - Holiday Show The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee The popular ballet is reinterpreted as the holiday floral show. Poinsettias of red, pink, and white surround a 30’ holiday tree. Stroll past scenes of toy soldiers in battle with mice, the enchanting Land of Snow—and every child’s dream, the Land of Sweets! For details, 414-257-5611/milwaukeedomes.org. December 4 Holiday Train The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is in its 15th year of helping to feed local communities. Along with the thousands of LED lights that adorn the sides of the train with new holiday designs and the entertainers (Willy Porter and The Claytones) it should be a great success in helping the needy at this holiday time. Amtrak Depot, 433 W. St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee, 7:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. in Hartland, parking lot adjacent to Cottonwood Ave & Pawling Ave. Bring donations of cash or nonperishable food items. December 5, 12, 19 & 26 Music Under Glass The Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. Come inside and enjoy your Thursday nights through April, from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Different artists perform each week with “Santa Gets Rocked Holiday Show” (The Cheap Shots) on the 19th of Dec. For details call 414257-5611 or visit milwaukeedomes. org. (Regular admission)
Golf
Gift Cards
sic, dancing and the timeless messages of hope, peace and love. For tickets visit tickets@milwaukeerep.com or 414-224-9490.
$20
off
your clothing purchase of $100 or more. Includes our half-price rack! (Good thru 12/24/13)
Hours: M,T,W,F 9:30-6:00 Thursday 9:30-7:00 Sat 9:00-4:00 Sundays in Dec. 12:00-4:00
December 5 – 15 The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue Vogel Hall, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Enjoy the magic, mystery, and mayhem of the season with original songs, brand-new sketches, and some classic favorites that will have you
December 2013 • 50plus
laughing all the way through this festive season. For tickets, call 414-2737206 or visit marcuscenter.org. December 7 Family Free Day at the Zoo All visitors receive free zoo admission, but the parking fee remains in effect. For details, call 414-2565412 or visit the website at milwaukeezoo.org. December 7 Holiday Festival Clark House Museum, Pewaukee Come and celebrate the holidays with music, food, drink and pictures with Santa. Visit the live Nativity at the Clark House Museum and end the day with the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree. All free events. Visit www.positivelypewaukee.com for more details. December 11 & 12 John Tesh Big Band Christmas Northern Lights Theater, Potawatomi Bingo Casino Jazz, big band and swing styles are all in the key of Christmas. Don’t miss this opportunity for a great show! For details, call 414-847-7922, ticketmaster.com 1-800-745-3000.
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December 13 Festive Friday Eves Cedar Creek Settlement, N70 W6340 Bridge Rd., Cedarburg Free family-orientated fun with a visit with Santa Claus in his winter wonderland, David HB Drake will be singing holiday songs, decorate a cookie, complimentary cider, all from 5 – 9 p.m. Visit cedarcreeksettlement. com. December 14 – 27 The Nutcracker Marcus Center for the Performing Arts In every way this performance is like a magical dream that will keep you watching till the end! You’ll know, simply because you cannot shut your eyes. For details, call 1-414.273.7206, 1.888.612.3500 (Toll Free), 1.414.273.3080 (TDD.)
ǂ – Enjoy free Milwaukee County Zoo admission for a full year. New Zoo Pass gifts include a plush-toy animal (while supplies last).
ǂ Ƶ OR ǨƩǨǦǦ Ƭ Snow leopard package includes an 11-inch plush-toy snow leopard (while supplies last).
ǂ ¢ featuring Zoo animals – This year’s ornament features Onassis, the Amazon River turtle. ǂ – Purchase a certificate that can be used for a Zoo Pass, Zoological Society events, or education classes and camps. Zoological Society of Milwaukee County 10005 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226-4383 A Zoological Society and Milwaukee County Zoo Partnership
Purchase any of these gifts at www.milwzoogifts.com or call (414) 258-2333.
• 13B
Holiday gift guide
14B • 50plus • December 2013
Holiday gift guide
December 20 Festive Friday Eves A Taste of Christmas Cedar Creek Settlement, Cedarburg A night for grown-ups to leisurely shop in a festive atmosphere with live vintage holiday tunes; also a quartet singing their songs while strolling through the shops. Complimentary munchies provided by merchants and Cedar Creek Winery wine tasting, all from 5 – 9 p.m. Visit www.cedarcreeksettlement. December 25 From all of us at 50 Plus, Have a Safe & Merry Holiday Season! December 31 Have a Happy & Safe New Year’s Eve! Future Events January 7-12 War Horse Marcus Center for the Performing Arts A heart-warming tale of loyalty and friendship that tells the story of young Albert and his beloved horse Joey. This story is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo and is a powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs! This is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. For tickets, call 414273-7206 or visit marcuscenter.org.
December 2013 • 50plus
WISH OF A LIFETIME A foundation that’s fulfilling dreams By Chandra Orr Jeremy Bloom believes every senior has a dream, one thing in life that he or she has always wanted to experience. For many, the lack of financial means or social connections bars them from fulfilling these lifelong dreams, but his foundation, Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime, aims to fix that. Bloom, a two-time Olympic skier and former NFL player, established the nonprofit as a way to honor, aid and give back to senior citizens for their many years of wisdom and service. “My relationship with my 85-year-old grandmother and 88-yearold grandfather was the inspiration behind Wish of a Lifetime, and they continue to be the heart and soul driving our efforts,” Bloom says. The foundation’s mission is simple: to grant lifelong wishes to deserving seniors. “The unfortunate reality is that a large percentage of seniors live an isolated and lonely life,” Bloom says. “In many cases, their loved ones don’t visit and their siblings have passed on. Our organization aims to knock on their door and make them feel special and important by helping them fulfill their lifelong wishes.” Buzz, 97, for example, was a professional drummer in the 1930s. He suffered from severe Alzheimer’s disease but never lost his passion for drumming. He longed to play with a dance band one more time, and with the foundation’s help, that dream became a reality. About a month before he passed away, he took the stage with a local dance band to rekindle his days as a professional musician. “It’s not hard to see the challenges that seniors face on a daily basis,” Bloom states on the foundation’s website. “I believe many people regrettably move on from this world with unfilled dreams. I have been very fortunate in my own life to have had the ability and the resources to chase every dream that I have ever imagined,
and I am delighted to start a foundation that will help others do the same.” When Phyllis, an 88-year-old avid bridge player, began to lose her eyesight and was unable to play bridge on her own, she sought to find a companion to assist her. “Phyllis’ wish was simple but remarkable. Phyllis passed away shortly after her wish was fulfilled, and her wish was so meaningful that it inspired her family to request that donations in lieu of flowers be sent to the foundation,” Bloom says. “The fact that a wish granted by JBWOL inspired others to contribute to our cause, as well as the outpouring of support we received in honor of Phyllis, was truly heartwarming.” One of the most meaningful wishes the foundation granted, according to Bloom, was for a 65-year-old man suffering from diabetes. “Bill’s wish was simply for a set of rugs so that when he woke up and went to the bathroom, his feet would not get cold. The simplicity of Bill’s wish and the sheer joy he expressed when it was granted have stuck with the staff to this day. Bill’s joy and happiness highlighted how seniors in our society have, in general, asked for very little throughout their lives and how the simplest act of kindness can make all the difference.” Seniors who are 65 or older are eligible to apply to have their wishes granted. To qualify, applicants must b e legal residents or citizens o f the U.S., be unable to fulfill their wish on their own and be in good enough health to experience the wish. There is no financial limit for wishes. However, to be considered, an applicant’s wish must meet certain requirements; the foundation will not grant requests for cash assistance, technology purchases, medical care, new homes or vehicle repair. “The staff looks to grant wishes that will enrich the life of the senior on an emotional, physical and spiritual level,” Bloom explains. “Additionally, the foundation grants wishes that will
• 15B
Services offered We Buy
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Happy New Year!
from all of us 50 Plus News Magazine inspire others to shift their own views on seniors and aging.” In the past, Wish of a Lifetime has granted wishes to reconnect with loved ones, attend sporting events and participate in long-loved hobbies, such as riding horses, piloting planes, riding motorcycles and fishing.
To submit an application, volunteer, make a contribution or donate to a specific wish, visit http://www.SeniorWish.org.
16B • 50plus • December 2013
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BERKSHIRE Communities
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ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES (55+)*
BERKSHIRE SUNSET
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