50 Plus August Issue by Plus Publications

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SPORTS

HOMES

HEALTH

SECTION B

Mileys of Golf

Assisted Living

Dental Care

Bird Companion

PAGE 18A

PAGE 9B

PAGE 12A

PAGE 1B

AUGUST 2012 Vol 25 No. 8 COMPLIMENTARY

POMMER:

Superintendent Gregory Thornton

Always enjoys first day of school By Maryann Bouche Even on vacation, Gregory E. Thornton, Ed. D., superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools, can’t resist heading to school. While visiting family members in Philadelphia recently, he volunteered at his granddaughter’s school. “I was giving out punch and cookies and her teacher wanted to sign me up as a permanent volunteer,” he says. “She didn’t know I was the superintendent here.” Interacting with students, parents and other community members throughout the Milwaukee area is a part of his job he relishes. “This work is transformational,” Dr. Thornton says, “and it takes all of us to do this transformational work.” That’s why the first day of school is the most exciting day of the year, “right up there with Christmas,” he says. “I remember my first days of school and the excitement is still present today in the young people. The community comes together, they line the sidewalks to cheer for the kids, and we have our annual bell ringing. It’s a good time.” This coming school year, MPS will have approxi-

Affordable Health Care PAGE 3A

NEMOVITZ:

Avoid Crisis Management PAGE 6A

OLSON:

Caregiving Costs PAGE 11A

Dr. Gregory Thornton

THORNTON continued on page 21A

White House senior community summit AGING ISSUES By Tom Frazier

By Tom Frazier, On June 24-26, 2012, I was honored to be one of over 100 Senior Community Leaders from 26 states to be invited to participate in an event in Washington, D.C. to advocate for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. It was organized by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) in cooperation with the White House. The purpose was to educate those who attended about the three issues, and threats to make drastic changes and cuts to these programs, especially in the “lame duck” Congress after the November Presidential and Congressional elections. The theme of the Summit was “Hands Off Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid,” a message we were to communicate to members of Congress during visits to Capitol Hill on June 25, 2012 and when we returned to our FRAZIER continued on page 3A

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2A • 50PLUS • AUGUST 2012

Eye Care Alert for LASIK, RK and PRK vision correction patients who later develop cataracts

by Cheryl L. Dejewski & Carolyn Vescio

Seventeen years ago, when refractive and laser eye surgery was relatively new, Diane Prondzinski of West Allis, turned to ophthalmologist Dr. Robert Sucher, co-founder of Eye Care Specialists, for help in reducing her dependence on the contact lenses and glasses she had been wearing for 30 years. At the time, Sucher and two of his partners, Drs. Norman Cohen and Mark Freedman, were part of a select group of surgeons across the country participating in an FDA study on the use of the excimer laser to treat nearsightedness and astigmatism with a procedure called Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK. Prondzinski was the perfect candidate. “I had a very high prescription and needed bifocals for reading. I just never seemed to be able to get enough light. I couldn’t wear contact lenses anymore because they made my eyes red and my glasses were uncomfortably heavy. When I came to Eye Care Specialists for laser surgery, I was ready for it!” What is refractive surgery? “Refractive surgery involves reshaping the cornea to improve the eye’s focusing ability and thus reduce the need for glasses, contact lenses or bifocals. This reshaping was originally accomplished with an incisional surgery procedure called RK and was later replaced by laser procedures called PRK and LASIK,” explains Sucher. Prondzinski recalls, “I chose to have my prescription undercorrected for mono-vision so I wouldn’t need glasses for reading, and I haven’t worn bifocals since—and I’ll be 66 soon! After my PRK, I’d wake up every day and say a little ‘thank you.’ It was like a miracle.” Laser surgeon Freedman explains, “Many baby boomers elect to have refractive surgery to improve their distance vision enough to reduce or eliminate the need for bifocals and thus switch to using only reading glasses. Other patients have such active lifestyles that they prefer the convenience of being less dependent upon corrective lenses.” In addition, some people choose to have LVC because of difficulty wearing contacts due to dry eye disease, arthritis, or other conditions.

Diane Prondzinski and daughter Marisa enjoy seeing the sights in New York City.

After PRK, Prondzinski continued with routine eye checks until 2007, when her near-perfect vision started to blur, and she was diagnosed with cataracts. What is a cataract? “A cataract is a gradual, painless clouding of the eye’s natural lens located behind the pupil,” explains Cohen, the first eye surgeon in Wisconsin to use ultrasonic cataract removal. “The development of cataracts is a natural aging phenomenon and is NOT caused by or related to previous refractive eye surgery. In fact, six out of 10 people over age 60, and almost everyone over age 80 has a cataract.” This clouding may take years or just months to progress. As a cataract “ripens” and clouding increases, it can blur and glare vision to the point of interfering with day-to-day functioning. “What we’re seeing now in our practice is that people who had refractive and laser vision correction when they were younger, are coming to the age where they are developing cataracts,” adds Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD, a member of Eye Care Specialists team of surgeons with prestigious credentials from both Harvard University and the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. By 2010, Prondzinski decided to have the cataract in her right eye treated.

Cataract Treatment = Removal “At present, the only effective treatment for a cataract is to make an opening in the eye, surgically remove the cloudy lens (cataract), and replace it with a prescription intraocular lens implant (IOL) to once again focus light rays sharply onto the retina,” explains Brett Rhode, MD, Head of Ophthalmology at Aurora Sinai Medical Center and a partner at Eye Care Specialists. “The decision to go ahead with surgery is based upon the patient’s candidacy in terms of whether we can reasonably expect the procedure to improve vision, and there are no underlying conditions, such as macular degeneration, that would negate the benefits. The decision also depends on how much the cataract is affecting the patient’s independence, safety, task performance, and quality of life,” explains Rhode. “Of additional major concern is whether they have had previous eye surgery, especially refractive or laser.” Previous refractive surgery can affect cataract surgery results Freedman explains, “Because refractive and laser surgery changes the shape of the cornea and the focusing ability of the eye, advanced testing and measurements must be done to ensure a successful cataract operation. This includes evaluating the cornea’s ability to withstand an incision and ultrasonic break up and removal of the cataract. “We also have to conduct special precise testing (beyond normal cataract surgery preparation) to determine the prescription power of the IOL to be implanted,” explains Dr. David Scheidt, who assists in performing the extensive pre-operative examinations for Eye Care Specialists. He advises, “Anyone who has refractive surgery should ask for and keep a copy of their records for when they might need cataract or other eye surgery, especially since many LASIK surgeons and companies come and go. Having original vision measurements from before laser vision correction assists us with our calculations.” Choose an experienced surgeon Dr. Daniel Ferguson, a partner at Eye Care Specialists who routinely performs cataract surgery, adds, “We are experi-

enced with both the psychological expectations and physical limitations of patients who have had laser vision correction. As a result, we’re seeing not only our own patients, but people who had their laser surgery done elsewhere and now need cataract surgery. These people often say that they come, not just because of our credentials, but because our doctors and staff give them the time and answers they deserve.” Prondzinski hopes to put other people at ease with her story. “With both the PRK and cataract surgery, I had no problems, no pain, no nothing! . . . I look forward to having my left cataract removed soon.” Want to learn more about laser vision correction and/or cataracts? Eye Care Specialists offers free educational booklets on these subjects as well as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma. Call 414-321-7035 for free copies. Since 1985, Eye Care Specialists has provided comprehensive care for virtually every eye condition to 121,000+ Wisconsinites and made the following achievements: I First in state to utilize phacoemulsification (ultrasonic) cataract removal & foldable artificial lenses I Forerunners in OCT laser scanning technology for eye disease diagnosis, tracking & treatment I Leaders in AMD, glaucoma & diabetic eye disease treatment (including lasers & Avastin injections) I Accept Medicare & most insurances I “Top Doctors”—Milwaukee Magazine

YE CARE T ESPECIALISTS

Norman Cohen, MD Robert Sucher, MD Mark Freedman, MD Brett Rhode, MD Daniel Ferguson, MD Daniel Paskowitz, MD David Scheidt, OD

West Allis

414-321-7520 10150 W. National Ave. Milwaukee 414-298-0099 735 W. Wisconsin Ave. Wauwatosa 414-258-4550 2323 N. Mayfair Rd.

www.eyecarespecialists.net

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AUGUST 2012 • 50PLUS • 3A

The good and bad of the Affordable Healthcare Act I had a colonoscopy last month on the eve of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Health Care Act – perhaps appropriate timing since preventive care is a feature of the act. The procedure itself is one of the more labor-intense and expensive screening procedures for common cancers. A physician uses a flexible fiberscope for a visual examination of the entire large intestine. The aim is to look for colon cancer, especially in the early stages when it may be treated successfully. A mild anesthesia and a pain medicine are administered, and other health workers are on hand to monitor the patient. The added staffing makes it more expensive than other tests that use blood tests or X-rays for other parts of the body. The costs can create a difficult choice for those without either private or government insurance. Yet, it’s far less expensive for society and the patient than discovering cancers at later stages. As I sat in the reception area, the TV monitors set to cable news chan-

nels and speculation on the upcoming Supreme Court’s decision. Looking at other patients I wondered how many of them lacked any form of health insurance to cover all or part of their colonoscopies. Critics of the Affordable Health Care Act say it is too expensive for America, in effect, to open the healthinsurance coverage door to all citizens because government would need to pay for or provide credits to many lowincome families getting health insurance. In turn that seems to raise the question of whether the screening should be limited to those with health insurance or sufficient private funds. Federal law requires hospitals to provide care regardless of insurance or

FRAZIER cont. from page 1A respective states between now and the end of the year. The NCPSSM had developed a lot of written materials on the issues, and briefed us before we went to Washington, D.C. to meet with our own members of Congress. We were asked to talk with our representatives about four issues: 1. Oppose the Ryan Budget Medicare and Medicaid Proposals (privatize Medicare and huge cuts to Medicaid) 2.Oppose Simpson-Bowles As a Template for a Budget Deal (Simpson Bowles proposes drastic cuts to Social Security even though it has not contributed a penny to the national deficit) 3.Oppose Legislation to Repeal the Affordable Care Act 4.Support the Sunset of the Social Security Payroll Tax Cut. I met with staff persons for Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, Senator Ron Johnson and Senator Herb Kohl. Also, I had the pleasure of meeting briefly with Senator Kohl on June 27, 2012 before returning to Wisconsin on that day. After a long and tiring day “on the hill,” we had to be on the buses the next morning at 6:00 a.m. to travel to

the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for meetings with key White House staff, including Gene Sperling, Director of the National Economic Council; Liz Fowler, Special Assistant to the President for Healthcare, National Economic Council; and Martha Coven, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget. In addition, Jack Lew, the President’s Chief of Staff, stopped by to talk with us. I was impressed with their depth of knowledge on the issues, their compassion for the people that these programs serve and their willingness to answer our many and, sometimes, hard questions. We then had a tour of the White House (lots of security checks), and were treated to a box lunch at the White House Conference Center. One of the concerns that we shared with White House staff was the lack of a good response to some of the opponent’s sound bites, which are false. For example, the claim that the Affordable Care Act cut $500 billion from Medicare is typically answered by an overly long policy explanation. My sound bite answer is “there were no cuts in benefits for seniors, but there were cuts to Medicare crooks, and reductions in overpayments to insur-

STATE CAPITOL COMMENT By Matt Pommer

resources. For the costs of those unable to pay, the cost burden is shifted largely to insurance company premiums or, to a lesser degree, operating losses assumed by hospitals – which in turn comes back to paying customers. But the shift is accepted by many because it isn’t a government collected “tax.” The care generated in the hospital setting overwhelmingly comes after symptoms manifest themselves. Certainly you don’t walk into a hospital unannounced and get a colonoscopy. For the patient it’s a twoday procedure because one day involves the preparation of drinking a gallon of cleansing mix. The procedure itself is painless, but the accompanying anesthesia leaves patient a little bit goofy for a brief period. In my case “more than usual,” quips my wife. Republicans led by Mitt Romney have vowed to eliminate every bit of the Affordable Health Care law. Senior citizens tend to be Republicans, according to assorted polling. Maybe we don’t care about its repeal because we already have our Medicare cover-

age. But we’re not alone. Polls show limited sympathy for those without health insurance. The nearly-elderly (ages 50 through 64) have a different interest in the legislation. Among its provisions are guarantee issuance of policies, a bar on limitations and higher premiums based on preexisting conditions, and prohibiting annual or lifetime maximumbenefit payouts. The availability of health insurance and the extent of its coverage are central concerns as that generation and their spouses mull over when to retire, either fully or partially. At least that’s what I hear from the near-elderly in my poker group, who happen to be solid Republicans. The availability of such insurance is on their radar planning screens, especially if they are a few years older than their brides. A final note. My results? No cancer this time, but two polyps were removed. “See you in five years,” the doctor said.

ance companies.” Incidentally, the Ryan budget proposal maintains the cuts that he accuses the Affordable Care Act of making in Medicare (e.g. not eliminating the “donut hole,” and increased costs for preventive care). In my “hill” meetings, I suggested that no cuts in Social Security should even be considered until the Social Security tax was restored to the level agreed to back in 1983. This was when Social Security reforms were recommended by the Greenspan Commission, and agreed to by President Ronald Reagan and Speaker

of the House Tip O’Neill. They agreed that 90 percent of wages should be taxed for Social Security, but wages over the Social Security cap have grown faster than increases in the cap so that only 84 percent of wages are now taxed. If the 90 percent was restored it would solve well over half the 75 year solvency problem. I mention this because it was a bipartisan deal worked out by prominent leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties. Where is this kind of leadership coming from today?

Looking for a good read? Pick an issue of

50PLUS

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4A • 50PLUS • AUGUST 2012

EDITORIALS y

KILLING TIME with Jim McLoone It is a shame that the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin cannot move more amicably forward together. We’re sure there’s no injustice intended. But let not either of them wait on the Lord to inherit the earth. As for the county, it seems that they’re Abele, but not always willing. ccccc With August comes the Wisconsin State Fair. What a wonderful activity it is, too. Farm and city do come together. There’s not just fun on the midway, but many high technological displays and grandstand entertainment. But regardless of the music played in the livestock barns, we doubt you’ll see any Jerseys bounce. For a real treat, take the grandkids along. ccccc I met a sweet young lady recently by the name of Brook. Did her parents expect her to be a river when she grew to adulthood? ccccc As a regular visitor to Milwaukee senior centers said, “I come here to stay young.” Don’t you sit at home and wait for dementia to arrive. ccccc With all of the recent problems in Milwaukee, I recall the words of Fr. Flanagan, founder of Boys Town in Nebraska, “It costs so little to teach a child to love and so much more to teach him how to hate.” ccccc I recently had minor surgery (if knee surgery can be called that), but a fellow, who was waiting for more serious surgery said that his only child, a boy, fervently prayed for his recovery. Where else could mom go, except to live with him? ccccc While standing in a line at the deli counter, I was tempted to just forget about whatever I wanted to buy. With aging, there are many less things worth standing in line for. Entrance into Heaven, of course, is still number one. ccccc Despite busy work schedules that perhaps seem like eight days a week, Linda and Jacob (Jack) Weisgerber must have stopped by the Fountain of Youth in Florida before they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in

July in Delafield. What place could have been more appropriate for the celebration than their own Seven Seas restaurant of renown. ccccc Spare tires are there to be used in case of need. Dr. Tim Tyre recently was seen assisting a man into a wheelchair at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. So kind, the man wasn’t even his patient. This is the type “spare tyre” I like. ccccc Think back to your times in calculus and chemistry classes when you dream of being young again. ccccc As this year progresses, it seems that June and July always just slip away. But these Dog Days of August aren’t always of the biting kind. ccccc We’re told that travel is broadening (Perhaps of the mind), but sitting lazily at home can be more so. ccccc Too soon, the grandkids and possibly even their kids will be heading back to school. I still recall those rulers given to kids when they started school by J.C. Penney that proclaimed the rule, “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.” ccccc My wife gives me a dirty look every time I converse with someone and come away believing and saying as I shake my head that the good Lord obviously made more horses’ asses than horses. But why are so many of these in politics? ccccc I believe that people should not worry too much about old age. After all, it won’t last that long. ccccc July not only is a thing of the past for another 12 months, but it never existed at all on my desk calendar. Tearing off June, I went directly to August. But was it really that bad of a month? ccccc

SENIOR

Answer Man

Dear SAM: Do you believe that the restaurant scene – once filled with chicken and steak places – is ever changing? The current popularity of Italian restaurants comes, of course, with the lower prices for pasta and the like dishes as opposed to what the taste buds really salivate for, juicy steaks that command high prices. What’s next on the restaurant scene? I would like to open a restaurant, but I am not sure what I should feature. Questioningly, Kevin Kennarde Dear Kevin: I believe you might get much better advice from persons at the Wisconsin Restaurant Association than I could give to you. If you have a high price menu, you need not only quality food, but also decent ambience and a wait staff that is pleasant, efficient and definitely not overly important. As for the wait staff, I think of nothing more important. A wide smiling waitress can get by with a lot, excepting, of course, serving shoe leather for a prime piece of meat. To me, many fine dining places fall down

IT MAKES ME Twenty-three million Americans can’t find jobs. This is a difficult situation for our country’s citizens. I guess we must be happy that they at least being fed via entitlements. But would we not be much happier for all concerned if we had more empowerment than entitlement? Meaningful actions to lower the greater than eight percent of people unemployed have not been forthcoming from the executive mansion. Our president is the president for all of us. He has to do something to right the ship even though he, himself, never held a job outside of government. Is he a shirttail relative to some of the European socialists staging rallies against austere measures?

on the simplest things, like the bread basket, keeping the water glasses filled and shiningly clean eating utensils. Really, who wishes to eat with plastic or dull looking knives and forks? To me, opening a restaurant of any kind today might be a gamble. Yes, people today do eat out more than ever before in history. But the places that do not serve alcohol seem to be dying at night. Isn’t it a shame that alcohol seems to be so important to the dinnertime diners? The value of a reasonably priced wine list cannot be overstated. I might think the wider array of Italian foods might make this type of restaurant more of a keeper than, say, Chinese or Mexican, where the menu items seem to be more selective. I know I have not helped you much, if any. However, I would rather pay $12 to $15 for a nice Italian or fish dinner while dining out and grill that expensive piece of beef right in my own backyard. I hope I have helped, Senior Answer Man

CRABBY 50PLUS What’s new for phase two of your life?

128 Cottonwood Ave.• Hartland, WI 53029 • 262-367-5303 PUBLISHERS Tom and Maureen Slattery EDITOR Jim McLoone TRAVEL WRITER Mary McLoone WRITER/PROOFREADER Cyndi Strayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Saran Piehl ADVERTISING Margo Lehmann ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION MANAGER Nicole Hesse GRAPHIC DESIGNER Peggy Duffy OFFICE MANAGER Paula Koeppen WWW.MYMILWAUKEELIFE.COM

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AUGUST 2012 • 50PLUS • 5A A D V E R T I S E M E N T

HEALTH TODAY

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6A • 50PLUS • AUGUST 2012

Don’t wait for crisis management! All too often I meet with a baby boomer emotionally drained from the responsibility tied to a parent or parent’s immediate move due to a health change. While none of us wants to burden our children with decisions that in many cases could have been made while healthy and financially prepared, there are situations that are unavoidable such as a sudden death or financial event that could not have been avoided. But my concern relates to folks I have met with over the years who want to move, know they should move, yet stay in a home that is no longer working for them both physically and emotionally. When a family enters into “crisis management” due to an immediate health event, decisions have to be made quickly. The senior who has had a stroke or a broken hip from a fall usually enters a hospital or rehabilitation center leaving his or her long time home unattended if there is no healthy partner still living in the property. Decisions often now fall to a child who has been designated as a power of attorney or trustee for their parent and/or parents’ estate. When there are

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION By Bruce Nemovitz

multiple children, this can cause undue stress among siblings, especially since not all often agree when life-changing decisions for their parent are made. You can just imagine the stress and sadness I see when I meet with the child who has been given the responsibility to help decide where mom or dad will spend the rest of their days as well as selling and downsizing their current house. The best advice I can give is to avoid crisis management by planning ahead. This may sound simple, but as we all know it is so difficult to accept change. When we are faced with decisions such as moving to a new community or apartment, our defense mechanisms kick in and we may fall into fear, which then leads to procrastination.

Information and self-examination are the best defense against crisis management! First, talk to your trusted advisors to get an objective and loving sense of your current situation. If your children and friends have been telling you that it may be time to find healthier surroundings than perhaps you should take a good look at your current situation. Are you living in a healthy and safe environment? Project five years out and be honest with yourself as to your health needs and safety. If you have a spouse, start a dialogue today. Take a ride to various senior communities with your family to see the many living options available. You will be pleasantly surprised as to the comfort and lively atmosphere offered by so many innovative communities. Connecting to others is the best free medicine out there. Isolation is a leading cause to depression and stress. Start today by letting your children know that you want to be in charge of your life and where you will be in the coming years. Let them know that you are planning ahead so that they are not left with the burden of finding your new home, sell-

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Back Row: Michelle Pedersen, O.D., Charles Ries, O.D., David Weis, O.D., Jay Heilmann, O.D., Arvind Saini, M.D., Front Row: Aaron Holtebeck, M.D., Peter Foote, M.D., Robin Wilson, M.D., Megan Lind, O.D.

ing your existing home and downsizing a life’s accumulation of treasures. Meet with your financial consultants as to what you can afford if you do decide to move to a senior community or apartment. Take charge of your life today by making your own decisions for the future so that your children will not suffer the emotional and physical challenges of crisis management. Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas. He received the 2010 “Realtor of the Year” from the GMAR Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors. He has been listed in Milwaukee Magazine’s 5-Star Agents list and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. He works with his wife, Jeanne, at Realty Executives Integrity. Please feel free to call Bruce or Jeanne with any real estate questions you may have at (262) 242-6177, or email him at Bruce@BrucesTeam.com. You can also go to their website at www.brucesteam.com and view the many articles and important information related to moving and downsizing!

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AUGUST 2012 • 50PLUS • 7A

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: Suspending Your Benefits Before They Even Start by: Tom Margenau

I am about to turn 66 years old. I was planning to wait until age 70 to file for my Social Security benefits because I wanted to get the delayed retirement bonus you mention so often in your column. But I found an article on the web that encourages people like me to file at age 66 and then immediately suspend my benefits. That way, if I change my mind before age 70, I can go back and get retroactive benefits until age 66. What do you know about this?

What I know is that you still can teach an old dog new tricks. I read the online article you referenced at MSN Money's website. It provided a Social Security benefit tip that I had never thought of. Let me clarify that. The procedure isn't new or unknown. It's called "file and suspend." You file for your Social Security benefits at age 66, and then immediately suspend those benefits. But the online article points out a clever new reason to implement this tactic. One big reason for doing this is so your spouse may claim Social Security benefits on your record while you delay benefits until age 70. Here is an example. Sid is 66 and still working. His projected Social Security benefit is $2,200 per month. His wife, Nancy, is 62. She was a stay-at-home mom who never worked or paid Social Security taxes. Sid does not want to take Social Security now because he plans to wait until age 70 to have the delayed retirement credits (a 32 percent bonus for holding off on retirement collections until 70) added to his Social Security payment. However, the rules say Nancy cannot collect spousal benefits from Sid's record until he has signed up for Social Security himself. But the "file and suspend" rule allows Sid to apply for Social Security retirement at age 66. Then Nancy would file for wife's benefits on Sid's record. At age 62, she'd be due a reduced rate of about 30 percent of Sid's benefit — or $660 per month. Next, Sid asks SSA to suspend his benefits. But Nancy's would continue.

At age 70, Sid would request SSA to "unsuspend" his own benefits, and he would begin to collect about $2,900 per month in retirement benefits, including the delayed retirement credits Nancy’s rate would remain at the $660 level. However, if Sid dies before she does, Nancy would get $2,900 in monthly widow's benefits because a widow is allowed to get her deceased husband's full benefit with the delayed retirement credits. The newly cited reason you should consider filing and suspending your Social Security at age 66 is to protect your eligibility for back benefits if your circumstances change before you reach age 70. For example, if serious health issues afflict you in your late 60s, you may decide to "unsuspend" your benefits and receive back pay benefits to age 66. (Of course, you would no longer be due the delayed retirement bonus.) Had you not filed and suspended your Social Security benefits at age 66, you would not have been able to claim the retroactive benefits once you changed your mind. However under this "file and suspend" plan, if you remain healthy you simply "unsuspend" your benefits at age 70, in order to be credited with the full delayed retirement bonus. So almost everyone who plans to wait until 70 to collect Social Security benefits should consider this "file and suspend" strategy at age 66. The one exception would be if you were planning to collect spousal benefits between age 66 and 70. Here is a quick example of that strategy. Jack is 66 and is due $2,400 per month from Social Security. His wife, Jill, is also 66 and is due $2,000 per month in her own Social Security. While Jill applies for her Social Security benefits, Jack, instead of filing for his own Social Security, applies for husband's benefits. Jack wouldn't want to employ the "file and suspend" strategy at age 66 because if he suspends his own benefits, he would also be required to suspend his husband's benefits on Jill's record.

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It’s time to quell excessive partisanship By Lee H. Hamilton There are lots of ways in which members of Congress differ from the American people. They are wealthier, whiter and older. Proportionally more of them are men, and far more are lawyers. All of these differences can affect congressional deliberations, but none matches another yawning gap that has opened up between Congress and average Americans: Congress, unlike the country at large, is noxiously partisan. Yes, there are partisan divisions among voters. But most Americans want to see our challenges addressed pragmatically. They are not especially interested in ideologically driven legislative maneuvering, and have almost no patience for political leaders who

zealously seek partisan advantage. They want politicians to find common ground — not dwell on their differences, promote special interests or place party loyalty ahead of national progress. Americans see the value in compromise, accommodation and civility. Congress, on the other hand, is filled with people who barely talk to each other, do their best to undermine the other side and seek partisan advantage at every turn. There are exceptions, but I’m always struck by news stories outlining efforts to bridge the partisan divide — that these are news, rather than commonplace occurrences, highlights the problem. How did Congress get to the point where partisan polarization has become the most prominent feature of American politics? There’s no single reason.

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The gerrymandering of congressional districts certainly has hurt. More often than not, people running for Congress do so in districts drawn to favor one party or another. This means that if there’s a political threat, it’s from members of their own party. There is very little reason for a candidate to consider the views of people across the political spectrum or to move to the center. Instead, the candidate must focus on the small number of partisan activists who dominate primaries. As New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg points out, good transportation hasn’t helped either. Instead of going to restaurants together or going to their kids’ birthday parties, members of Congress leave Washington on Thursday and spend as much time as possible in their districts. They have few opportunities to get to know one another. The partisan divide is also exacerbated by changes in the media. The 24hour news cycle and instant analysis have forced politicians to take positions before they really have time to think them out. Social media, for its part, creates a referendum virtually instantly on every issue. Politicians need time to study and ponder issues; instead, it’s as if they face an election every day on every issue before them. The result is that the sheer intensity of our politics has been ramped up — with money, lobbyists, interest groups, reporters, bloggers and countless ordinary-citizen commentators adding to the pressure politicians feel, raising the stakes and amplifying the feelings on every issue.

Just as there’s no single cause for Washington’s out-of-control partisanship, there’s no single solution. We need to find ways of reducing the outsized role of money in politics, eliminating the partisan gerrymandering of districts and opening up state primaries, so that interest groups and partisan activists have a harder time dominating elections. Congressional leaders need to expand opportunities for members to get to know one another and their families, principally by paying attention to the work schedule; it’s hard to get angry at someone you know well, much less demonize him or her. But perhaps the most important effort would be to expand the electorate. Low turnout in our elections greatly enhances the power of highly partisan voters. More voters would force politicians to listen to a wider range of views. It would tilt the balance toward where most Americans are — somewhere around the middle. Too often, “debate” these days is just the two parties’ talking points hammering at each other in a mean-spirited, strident tone — not a genuine dialogue that searches for common ground and a solution to the problem. Changing this will require you and me to make it clear to our political friends that we do not like divisive name-calling, constantly attacking an opponent’s motivation or blatant partisan calculation. Let them know that we all pay the price for excessive partisanship, and we’re tired of it. Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

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Ignore the rudies BY Doug Mayberry Recently, at a gardening club event in our retirement community, I encountered a neighbor with whom I have only had a casual relationship. I greeted her with, "Hello, it's nice to see you." She responded with an explosive public criticism of me, said she did not like me and made other mean references. I was shocked, dumbfounded and embarrassed. I do not know how other members felt about her actions, but from their expressions, I felt I might have been set up. The invitation list had been distributed, so she was aware that I probably would attend. Regardless of her reasons, I do not think she was much of a lady by criticizing me publicly. I did not respond and left shortly thereafter. Did I do the right thing?

Yes. Getting firebombed, as you were, reflects more on her than on you. No doubt, others who learned of her actions would be critical of her. Her actions may well backfire. Now, regardless of her reasons, one of the most effective ways to respond to her in the future is simply to ignore her. Rising above her issues is the high road, and getting into a catfight is simply self-destructive. Obviously, she is angry — and she may be in bad health, have an unhappy family life, feel jealous, have financial problems, etc. Her negative attitude is her problem to solve. You own your power. Unfortunately for her, she has lost hers.

I am a widow in my mid60s, am in fairly good health and live alone in Iowa. My son, who loves me, works on

the East Coast and worries about me. He calls me every weekend to ask how I am. Every time we talk, he encourages me to consider moving to a retirement facility where I could enjoy more companionship and better safety and have someone to monitor my health. After 41 years in my home, watching the neighborhood children grow up, sharing being a part of many families and receiving birthday cards, I am perfectly contented here. Neighbors keep a watch on me, stop by for chats, bring me cookies, drive me to church and even purchase groceries when I do not feel up to it. Should I consider my son's wishes and consider moving?

Loving family members are concerned about their parents and are frustrated and often feel guilty when they cannot be on the scene to help. However, it appears that you are functioning well and are at peace where you are. It is also wise to become aware of what your future needs might be. Continue to see your doctor and follow his recommendations. Should you begin to notice a change in your health, call for an appointment. Give your doctor's name and phone number to your son; he may feel less concerned if he talks with him. Should you need help, there are options: a part-time helper, Meals on Wheels, and regular participation at your senior or church centers. Keeping active and busy is your best medicine! Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@msn.com.

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Costs of caregiving - Why long-term care planning is so important! Most people volunteer as a caregiver out of love and a sense of duty, but many do it because they cannot afford the high expense of professional care. The average annual cost of nursinghome care exceeds $77,000. More than 65 million Americans — about one out of three adults — provide care for someone who is ill, disabled or aged. Although these caregivers are unpaid, the total value of their efforts is estimated at $450 billion annually — more than the value of paid home health care and more than the 2011 retail sales of Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer.

If you haven’t factored the cost of long-term care into your retirement needs, it may be wise to give it serious consideration. The proportion of adult children providing personal care and/or financial assistance to a parent has more than tripled over the past 15 years. Currently, a quarter of adult children, mainly baby boomers, provide these types of care to a parent. Working and non-working adult children are almost equally as likely to provide care to parents in need. Overall, caregiving sons and daughters provide comparable care in many respects, but daughters are more likely to provide basic care and sons are more likely to provide financial assistance. Unpaid informal caregiving, although free, could still have a signif-

PLANTING TOMORROW’S DREAMS TODAY By Brad Olson

icant financial impact. Seven out of 10 working caregivers reported having job difficulties, from changing their schedules or turning down a promotion to taking unpaid leave or giving up work entirely. The total estimated aggregate lost wages, pension and Social Security benefits of these caregivers of parents is nearly $3 trillion. For women the total individual amount of lost wages due to leaving the labor force early and/or reduced hours of work because of caregiving responsibilities equals $142,693. The estimated impact of caregiving on lost Social Security benefits is $131,351. A very conservative estimated impact on pensions is approximately $50,000. Thus, in total, the cost impact of caregiving on the individual female caregiver in terms of lost wages and Social Security benefits equals $324,044. It is very easy to lose sight of your financial needs when you are consider-

addition to losing a paycheck, you could also be missing out on years of service that are required in order to become vested in a defined benefits pension plan, to receive the company’s matching contribution in a 401(k) plan or to build Social Security benefits. Continued employment enables you to take advantage of opportunities for saving and accumulating compounded returns. Another consequence of leaving the workplace is the loss of current skills and connections to a professional network that can make it harder to re-enter the workforce down the road. Of course, the financial burden is only one aspect of the cost of caregiving. Studies show that many caregivers also suffer physical and emotional effects, especially back problems and depression. The old expression, “Physician heal thyself,” may be appropriate. When you provide care for someone else, it’s important to take care of yourself. If you haven’t factored the cost of long-term care into your retirement needs, it may be wise to give it serious consideration. If you are caring for a loved one — or receiving care — a sound financial strategy could help alleviate some of the stress. So planning is essential for you to be able to

The proportion of adult children providing personal care and/or financial assistance to a parent has more than tripled over the past 15 years. ing leaving the workplace to perform the rewarding but difficult task of providing care. Before curtailing your working career, it will be crucial to assess the long-term financial impact of caregiving for your aging parents. In

get the care you might need. Yet despite the obvious need, Long Term Care Insurance is often overlooked as a crucial planning tool. It's estimated that perhaps only about 10 percent of the over 70 million baby boomers

actually have a policy that will cover the costs of long-term care. Without incorporating the potential need for long-term care into a plan, individuals and families may unfortunately face the need for long-term care without the necessary tools, resources or knowledge. Hopefully a “caregiver” will step forward and put their life on hold, which may be a lot to ask! Brad is available to discuss your situation and help you consider your options, so feel free to call Brad with any financial planning and investment questions at (262) 649-9202, or email him at brad@otfsllc.com. The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

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Dental care essential to maintaining health By Dr. David Lipschitz At every age, a trip to the dentist is important. Having all your teeth pulled and wearing dentures and plates is no fun and most importantly, readily preventable. Thanks to improved dental care, fluoride in water and more healthful lifestyles, dental cavities are less common and many more Americans are able to keep their natural teeth throughout their lives. Sadly, 108 million Americans do not have dental insurance, and those covered by public programs rarely get the care they need. Federal law requires that every person eligible for Medicaid receive adequate dental care.

Because of a shortage of funds, states deliver dental care to fewer than half of the children who are eligible for Medicaid, and statistics for public health programs for adults are even worse. In Minnesota (the state with the best record), 56 percent of children on Medicaid receive no dental care. It is not surprising that the Pew Research Center reported a 16 percent increase in emergency room visits for dental problems between 2006 and 2009. In Florida in 2010, there were 115,000 visits to the ER for dental problems at a cost of $88 million. And dental care given in the ER usually is inadequate. A dentist does not see patients and treatment is limited to antibiotics and pain medication.

Failure to pay attention to your teeth and not understanding the importance of flossing and brushing appropriately sets the stage for lifelong tooth problems. Poor dental hygiene leads to the proliferation of bacteria and the production of acids that eat away at tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Simultaneously, a clear, sticky substance called plaque forms that is not only harmful to teeth but also leads to irritation and infection of the gum and severe periodontal disease. Cavities can be huge abscesses where severe pain can occur, and because of gum disease, teeth get loose and are easily lost. Needless to say, bad breath is a common feature. And with advancing aging, increasing tooth decay leads to dental abscesses, loss of teeth, the need for dentures and, eventually, difficulties with chewing and swallowing adequate amounts of food. This, in turn, can contribute to weight loss, malnutrition and the increased risk of infections. Of course, with bad teeth comes bad gums. Infection of the gums leads to periodontal disease that we used to believe caused problems that were limited to the mouth — including pain, discomfort and a high risk of tooth loss. Now we know that periodontal disease has far more serious effects. Inflammation causes an increased production of white blood cells and proteins that help fight infection. Unfortunately, this inflammatory response has negative side effects. Molecules called cytokines enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation in arteries that can lead to the deposition of fats and cholesterol, increasing the

risk of heart attacks and strokes. All of these problems can be avoided by paying attention to your teeth. Visiting a dentist usually involves initial treatment by a skilled dental hygienist who evaluates your teeth, diligently removes plaque, and cleans your teeth so that they sparkle. A careful evaluation to identify cavities and education about how to maintain healthy teeth and gums is a key part of the visit. Until recently, many dentists recommended or performed annual bitewing X-rays to identify and treat cavities that are otherwise undetectable. However, a recent study published in the journal Cancer showed that dental X-rays increased the risk of a benign tumor of the brain called a meningioma by 40 percent to 90 percent. And the risk was particularly high for children under the age of 10 who received panoramic dental X-rays. A meningioma can cause headaches and an array of neurological problems. Based on this report, the American Dental Association issued a statement recommending that dentists should order X-rays only when needed. While dental X-rays increase the risk of meningioma, this should never deter anyone from regular dental examinations. Discuss the need for an X-ray with your dentist and agree only if the test will make a difference in your care. Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

Brushing to a Healthier You We all know that having a bright, white smile is great for your looks, but did you also know that your oral health is connected to your overall health? Recent research has found that periodontal disease, which causes sensitive and inflamed gums, indicates a risk factor for heart and lung disease, diabetes and a number of other systemic diseases. So it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure having the healthiest gums possible. Good oral hygiene is one of the best methods of prevention. Start by brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. To take your oral care routine even further, look for toothpaste that contains baking soda. And using a toothpaste containing baking soda doesn’t just mean a healthier smile, it can mean a whiter smile, too. After all, baking soda is great at removing stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine or smoking.

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Implants, bridges are good solutions for lost teeth Is a dental implant in your future? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to support a restoration for a missing tooth or teeth, helping to stop or prevent jaw bone loss. People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits, leading to secondary health problems like malnutrition. By replacing missing tooth roots, dental implants provide people with the strength and stability required to eat all the foods they love, without struggling to chew. Additionally, dental implants stimulate and maintain jaw bone, preventing bone loss and helping to maintain facial features. Dental bridges, much like implants and partial dentures, are used to replace missing teeth. There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and

resin-bonded bridges. Once you and your dentist determine that a dental bridge is the best replacement for your missing tooth or teeth, you will be advised of different materials that the dental laboratory can use to make your restoration. Material availability will depend upon where in the mouth the bridge will be placed, whether or not you grind or clench your teeth, your dental insurance coverage, and other factors outlined by your dentist. Dental bridges today can be fabricated from a combination of porcelain and metal, porcelain and gold, or exclusively with high-strength metal-free materials such as zirconia or alumina. Your dentist will take X-rays and impressions of the area requiring a bridge, as well as preoperative photographs, for use in planning the ideal bridge restoration for you. Depending upon the number of consecutive teeth you are missing, your bridge could be

three or more units; two crowns that are cemented to the teeth on either side of the space (called abutments), plus one or more false teeth to fill the space. Additional impressions will be taken after your dentist prepares the abutment teeth for the bridge. While your bridge is being fabricated, your dentist fits you with a temporary bridge so the teeth and gums can be protected from damage until your permanent bridge is ready. To complete the dental bridge procedure, you must return to the dental office for a second visit to have the bridge fitted and cemented. After your dental bridge has been cemented into place, your dentist will provide you with hygiene information to maintain the performance and longevity of your restoration, along with the health of your teeth and gums. Dental bridges can range in price from $700 to $1,500 per tooth based on the aforementioned factors. If you exercise good dental hygiene, and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your bridges can last for many years.

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Tech savvy Why now is a good time to improve your computer skills BY Kristen Castillo Skype, Twitter, Google and Photoshop -- you've probably heard these terms, but you may not know a lot about them. "Seniors are beginning to get that 'left behind' feeling," says Jerry Taylor of SeniorTech, a company that offers personalized in-home computer lessons for seniors and retirees. "For example, every day they watch a TV show which tells them, 'For more information, go to www.something.com.' They're frustrated because there's usually no phone number given." *Getting Started Whether you're an avid computer user or a novice, you can enhance your tech skills. David Casuto, founder of Senior Surf Computer Education, which offers private tutoring as well as computer classes for beginning, intermediate and advanced learners, says his students are eager to learn, especially in groups.

"From my experience, most seniors want to be involved with others," he explains. "It gives them motivation (and) accountability, and it's more fun. People are learning from others." Senior Surf even partners with a local youth development group where teens and seniors work alongside each other sharing computer technology. In Jerry Taylor's one-on-one tutoring sessions, most of his students are 55 or older. Some are even in their 90s. No matter what the client's age, there's one thing Taylor won't do. "I never touch their keyboard or mouse," he says. "I insist they do everything -- no matter how long it takes." *Lessons That Work Many senior centers, community colleges and community groups offer computer classes for seniors. SeniorNet is a computer resource for seniors that partners with computer "learning centers" throughout the country. Prices for many of these classes range from $25 to $40 per student.

You can study many computer topics including email, blogging, graphic design, photo sharing, desktop publishing, researching on the Web and fun with Internet games. With patience and a little knowhow, you'll be surfing the Web, sharing photos and getting social all with just the click of a button!

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Hot topics! The secret link between heat illness and health reform By Marilynn Preston The nation's unfolding discussion about the Affordable Care Act — and what it means to you and to me, your most personal trainer — won't go away. It's too important to ignore and too complicated to fully explain, but it's worthwhile pursuing because, let's face it, what's more important than your health and well-being? On the other hand, it's blistering hot in many parts of the country. Crops are dying, and so, too, are some recreational athletes who don't understand the risks of heat illness. When is it too hot to run, to bike, to walk or play tennis? What's a smart strategy for staying active while avoiding collapse? So I'm torn. What should I focus on this week? How to exercise at 100 degrees or the most important piece of health care reform in 100 years? And then it struck me. The two are mutually dependent on one simple but profound idea: personal responsibility. If you want to prevent heat illness, you've got to be willing to learn and practice some new behaviors. The same is true for your role in health care reform, but let's begin with the 3 C's — Coping with Climate Change:

— Don't exercise outdoors at the hottest time of the day. Switch to early morning or late afternoon. Or shift your workout indoors. — Never push yourself to the point of dizziness, exhaustion or dehydration. Be aware of how your body is responding to high temps and respect the signals it sends you. — Drink plenty of water but not so much that you risk flash-flooding your system, which can also create a breakdown. This is what preventing heat illness looks like. It's up to you to take it on board and practice the basics of selfcare — avoiding doctors, drugs and emergency room visits. Personal responsibility also figures in when it comes to the Affordable Care Act, in a few crucial ways. For starters, when Gov. Mitt Romney was explaining to the citizens of Massachusetts why it was fair and good to require everyone in the state to sign up for medical insurance, he invoked the "Personal Responsibility Principle" as the reason. Health care is something we all use, he argued, so we should all be responsible for sharing in the costs — by buying insurance — and not expecting a

free ride. In Romney's state, insurance companies adjusted to the mandate by offering a wider choice of lower-cost policies, and there were subsidies, too. Now 98 percent of the people in Massachusetts are insured, and by all accounts, it's working very well. The Personal Responsibility Principle can't stop at citizens buying insurance. If health care reform is to happen in the best possible way, personal responsibility needs to override greed and ignorance throughout the system. Primary-care doctors, for example, have to do more than push pills and fill hospital beds. They have to take responsibility for keeping people well, by focusing their patients on smart eating, regular exercise and stress reduction. Since most of them don't have the time or expertise to guide you toward a healthier lifestyle, in the new system they will need to do the responsible thing and hand you over to a community health care specialist, wellness coach, nurse-practitioner or physician's assistant — all new job growth categories.

You know who'll be losing their jobs under the Affordable Care Act? The people at insurance companies who used to deny your claims because of "pre-existing conditions." (Being a woman is my personal favorite.) That can't happen to kids anymore, thanks to health care reform. And starting in 2014, it can't happen to any of us. The president needs to take responsibility for that, over and over. And you, dear reader, will need to take personal responsibility, too, if we want this historic shift to a more effective and humane system to succeed. Stop asking your doctor if a drug you see advertised on TV "is right for you." Instead, conspire with your health team to take fewer drugs, based on the healthier choices you make. Exercise more. Eat real food, in reasonable portions. Learn to cook and enjoy simple, healthy meals. Meditate daily. Make sure your kids eat well and play often. And liberate yourself by learning to embrace change, not fear it. Marilynn Preston — fitness expert, well-being coach and speaker on healthy lifestyle issues — is the creator of Energy Express, the longest-running syndicated fitness column in the country.

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Diet, exercise, love: One man's key to long life By Dr. David Lipschitz In nine months, I turn 70. I often ask myself, why am I so healthy? I feel so full of energy and able to do as much as or more than I did at age 40. My secret, I believe, is that I mostly eat right. I am overweight but not obese — no matter how hard I try, this is the best I am going to do — and I walk my dog briskly seven days a week for about 30 minutes. I am very hopeful about the future and the plenty of opportunities available to make work and days interesting and exciting, with the sense that I can continue to make a difference. I will never retire. Most importantly, I give love and respect to and receive it from the many individuals I work with daily and for whom I have great affection. I strive to be successful as a physician by genuinely and truly loving my patients. I work particularly hard on those who are the most difficult to love — the ones who never get better, question your every suggestion, are often rude and usually frustrated. These are the patients who are doctor shoppers and more than anyone else need someone who will never give up on them.

HERITAGE LAKE

No question, love is the key to happiness, health and longevity. It exists in many forms: in our faith, the love we have for our patients, students, workers and friends. Love is a powerful health tonic. And an important new study shows if you want to live long and live well, do not be a curmudgeon. People who are kind, loving, considerate, laugh a lot and are friendly to everyone are twice as likely to make it to the ripe old age of 100. Do not bottle up your feelings and if possible, do not speak ill of others. These personality traits may well be genetic — the most powerful predictor of living to 100 is the ages at which your parents died. Being sweet, kind, good and living long may all be gifts inherited from your parents. But if you are difficult to get along with, seek help and try to change. Your life will be better and may be longer. Love people, love life, love your work, be a kind and good person and longevity is all but assured. But people with all these wonderful attributes can lose much and become lonely. And new research in the Archives of Internal Medicine documents the powerful negative effects of loneliness.

THE REGENCY

For example, in a study of 45,000 people who had a heart attack, patients who lived alone were 24 percent more likely to die during a four-year followup period than those who lived with a spouse or a roommate. But living alone does not mean that you are lonely. Many people are perfectly content to be by themselves, love their own company and cope well. However, those individuals who reported that they were lonely were 46 percent more likely to die than those who did not say they were lonely. Lonely people are far more likely to be depressed, be sedentary, eat poorly and have poor health habits such as smoking or drinking. It is not surprising, therefore, that life expectancy is reduced.

Any man in a long-standing, loving and intimate relationship has a 50 percent chance of living 10 years longer than a man living alone. Women benefit from such a relationship as well, but only by three years. Married men are more likely to have medical checkups, wear a seat belt, drink in moderation, be compliant with medications, eat right and exercise. Studies also indicate that the happier the marriage, the more quickly the widower remarries. By contrast, many women state that they were married to the best partner and no other man could ever match up. My advice, however, is to remember that as we grow older, loneliness becomes a threat and companionship, or sometimes more, is definitely a tonic for a longer and better life.

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George Miley and family; golf and a whole lot more It was Leo Durocher who came up with the now famous maxim, “Nice guys finish last.” Durocher obviously never met someone like George Miley. Now 78, George is one of those rare individuals who looks and performs far younger than their age would indicate. And to top it off, he’s a very likeable guy. He didn’t compete in baseball, as did Durocher, but he’s been a winner in many areas of his life. One of them is the sport of golf, where he has been an active member of the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) and North Hills Country Club, for many years, and has won a number of prestigious tournaments. Another is in the business world, selling life insurance. Despite absolutely no experience in either sales or insurance, he has become a leader in the field. He has a total of 38 years on the Million Dollar Roundtable, a level most life insurance agents don’t reach even once. And still another, this one in tandem with his loving wife, Barb, where they have raised a most admirable family. There’s a definite connection between the first, the sport of golf, and the third, the family. George and Barb have five children, Lori, Lisa, Linda, David and Sara (now between the ages 41 and 55, and with children of their own). Three of these children chose to

SPORTS Sports Plus

By Jack Pearson By Jack Pearson

golfer that he eventually turned professional and competed on the Pro Tour. He recently was inducted into the WSGA Golf Hall of Fame. Over the years, both Dave and Sara have won more golf tournaments than their dad, which, of course, delights him. The other daughters, Lori, Lisa and Linda, had other interests and goals in life other than golf, George explained. “What happened with Lori was sort of amusing. She always made fun of the game. Then, after she and Jim (Wood) were married and she was already in her mid 30s, she changed her mind and decided to give it a try. She and Jim joined the Legends of Brandybrook Golf Club in Wales near their home.” He paused and chuckled. “And a couple of years ago, she won the Women’s Club Championship there.” George emphasized, however, that having golfing ability and skill has nothing to do with the love he and Barb have for their children and grand-

Dave Miley, with three of his four children, Reagan, McKenzie and Kate. (Not pictured, son George II.)

take up golf and have done exceptionally well, to say the least. Dave and Sara, the two youngest of the group, were so outstanding as teenagers that they were featured in Sports Illustrated Magazine and many other publications. Dave became such a dominant

children. “We care for them equally, whether they can hit a golf ball well or not,” he said. “And we are proud of all of them, too,” Barb added. “You should see this place when all of them and their kids come to visit at Christmas with 20

George and Barb Miley. It’s been a long and happy time since the two met as students at UW-Oshkosh.

adults, 11 grandkids and us. It’s a madhouse. It’s lucky we have a good sized place.” George and Barb have a beautiful home overlooking the 5th fairway at North Hills Country Club. Lori undoubtedly inherited that ability to succeed at golf despite a late start from George. “I grew up on a dairy farm near Sheboygan,” he said. “As a kid there were far too many jobs and things to take care of to even think about golf or any other sport,” he recalled. He didn’t touch a golf club at all in high school or through four years of college at UW-Oshkosh. “After my graduation there, I went into the Marine Corps,” Miley said, “and was stationed at a base out in California. One day, when we had some off-time, one of my buddies asked if I’d like to go golfing with him. I told him that not only didn’t I have any clubs, I didn’t know how to hit one either. He said it didn’t matter; he found some old clubs for me to use, and away we went. Well, I’ll tell you, I had a terrific time. I fell in love with the game right then and there.” He was 23 years old at that time. In the game of golf, it’s unusual for anyone who takes it up after becoming an adult, to really become any good in the game. Your muscles get set in their ways, and it’s very difficult to retrain them. That didn’t seem to affect George, who took to the game like a natural. His daughter, Lori, eventually did the same as her dad. “Besides the golf bit, a second turning point so to speak occurred during

my Marine days,” George said. “Another pal out there had been an insurance agent for New York Life before his service days. Just before our discharge, he asked me what I planned to do when I returned to Wisconsin. I replied that I hadn’t really thought about it. He said he thought I’d make a good insurance salesman, and said he’d ask someone from the New York Life office to get in touch with me. And that’s how it all began.” George returned home to his wife, Barb. Although they had been married for more than two years, the amount of time they had been together as husband and wife were only a few days. “Barb and I met while we were students at UW-Oshkosh,” George said. My graduation, our marriage and my induction into the Marines all took place in less than a week.” George became successful at selling life insurance, as those 38 straight million-dollar roundtable honors prove. “But it was not an easy task,” he recalled. “A life insurance salesman usually targets his family, his friends and neighbors first, who have somewhat of a reason to be receptive. Then after that, it gets much tougher.” It’s usually at that point that most young life insurance salesmen decide to get into a less demanding profession. Nevertheless, George did succeed and was eventually to join North Hills Country Club, and, a decade or so later, purchase that lovely home next to the course. MILEY cont. on page 21A

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The Miley bunch, George and Barb’s five children, all now parents themselves. From the left, Linda (Hext), Sara (Dwyer), Lisa (Anthony), Dave and Lori (Wood).

MILEY cont. from page 18A Being a member of a great golfing establishment such as North Hills and living right next to the course obviously were the causative factors in Dave and Sara’s becoming top golfers. Both give most of the credit for their success to the golf instruction staff at North Hills, especially Dave Rasmussen, Jim Morrison and Tom Strong (Strong later became the Director of the Greater Milwaukee Open). Because of their early golfing achievements, both Dave and Sara earned full scholarships for college, Dave to the University of Mississippi, Sara to the University of Georgia. The Sports Illustrated article about Dave and Sara appeared in 1989 when they were 23 and 18, respectively. The story noted that they were the first brother and sister in the entire United States to win their state’s Men’s and Women’s Amateur Golf Championships in the same year. Dave won the State Amateur at Ozaukee Country Club in Mequon, defeating Alex Antonio; Sara won her crown at

Nakoma Golf Course in Madison by defeating Cathy Jo Johnson. In addition to the WSGA State Amateur Title in ‘89, Dave also won the Wisconsin State Open in 1994, and four consecutive Milwaukee District Match Play Titles from ‘86 to ‘89. Sara was also the 1987 Wisconsin Junior Girl’s Player of the Year, the same season in which she won the WWSGA Junior Girl’s Championship. She won that tourney again the next year. She repeated as the WWSGA State Amateur Girl’s Champion in 1992 and was the runner-up in ‘93. In college at Georgia, she was the 1992 Southeastern Conference Champion and was a member of the Georgia team that won the conference championship twice. You may have seen Gary D’Amato’s article in the Milwaukee Journal recently concerning Dave’s induction into the WSGA Hall of Fame. As a junior and amateur golfer in Wisconsin, D’Amato wrote, Dave was among one of the most outstanding group of golfers ever to come out

of the state, including Steve Stricker, Jerry Kelly, J.P. Hayes and Skip Kendall. “Not only did Miley hold his own with that impressive group (now all on the PGA pro tour), he was the best ball striker of the bunch,” D’Amato said. “As a pro,” he added, “Miley wasn’t as successful as the other four. He regained his amateur status in 1999, and still today, at 45, maintains a scratch handicap at his club course in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he and his family now reside.” Although neither George or Barb take any credit for the success of their golfing children, they both have always offered all the support they could and attended, -- even when the two were away in college down south -as many of their golf matches as was possible. Ask George about his golf game and all you’ll get out of him is something like, “I like to whack it around.” But George has performed far better than his casual comments would indicate. Check out the listing of all the WSGA Amateur Senior Champions since that tournament began in 1926, and when you come to the year 1994, you’ll read, “George Miley, Champion.” There were some very good Wisconsin senior golfers competing then who George had to beat out, such as Archie Dadian and Dick Sucher. He also won the Club Championship at North Hills three times, in 1997, 2000 and 2003. In 1997, George was 63 years old; in 2003, he would have been nearing 70. During those championships, George was competing against golfers half and even a third of his age.

He and David also won the WSGA Pater Filius (father-son) Championship in 1989, and he and Sara have won the WSGA Father-Daughter Championship three times. That’s pretty good for a dairy farmer’s son who didn’t hit a golf ball until he had passed his 23rd birthday, wouldn’t you say? And in addition to his play on the course, he’s also on the WSGA Board of Directors, is a member of the organization’s Handicap Committee and has served on the Board of Directors and as a Vice President at North Hills. Consider all of the above. George is not far from 80, an age when most men are not only fully retired, they’re sitting around taking life easy. But George is still a competitive golfer at North Hills. In fact, he and his longtime pal Gene Haas (former Executive Director of the WSGA), were recently preparing to compete in the annually WSGA Super Senior Best Ball Tournament, this year at North Hills. “George has never been a spectacular, long ball hitter,” Haas said. “His strength is in his short game, and he’s better at that than anyone I’ve ever seen. He’s also steady as a rock. Everyone wants him as a partner.” George should have probably retired from his full-time job long ago, but he still goes to the office Monday through Friday, all year long. He’s also still active on the Board of the WSGA. He’s a loving, faithful husband, and an equally loving, faithful father and grandpop. And last but not least, he really is a nice guy. Durocher didn’t know what he was talking about.

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Emma hopes people practice what they preach Henry says that it is now an electronic world. He has difficulty attempting to comprehend how people as close to us as two generations ago got along as well as they did. Just look at the advances today. Could you imagine, among other things, not having a refrigerator or even electric lights? The next thing I thought Henry would tell me is about how many fewer people do skilled work at the factory. The digital age hasn’t passed the machinists by either. He says just setting up one of the big machines to do a simple task could have taken an hour via trial and error. Today, when job requirements change, a few buttons are pressed and, as Henry says, we’re back to action.

Emma

APRON STRINGS By Aunt Emma

I do guess it is time that I get my apron on, velcroed into place as here I come with a few dozen or so words; I would hope of wisdom, but I just do not always promise this. Summer seems to be flying by. We have learned from our elders that as age creeps up on us, we must shift our gears to keep up with it. It would be

so easy to do nothing but sit around, watch television, pet the pooch and occasionally, well, perhaps more than occasionally, converse a bit with my neighbors. It is kind of fun when I talk with Rita. Each of us is sitting next to a window and we can watch each other as we talk. It is too bad that neither of us knows sign language as we could easily communicate in that manner. Rita and I almost got in over our heads yesterday. The conversation still puzzles me somewhat. We were talking about God, science and the universe. I recently read about and told Rita how scientists suspect that there is at least a quarter of our universe that we humans don’t even know about. They refer to it as the dark side. We only know about it due to gravitational lensing or the bending of light around the big dark chunks or clumps. I read that some scientists have spent numerous years just looking at this, a side of life that is out there, but that we really know nothing about. The writer said that wherever there was a peak in this dark matter that there was formed a galaxy. Who would ever believe there are more than 90 million galaxies? How have they all been counted? Rita and I like to discuss things like this that Annie, Giselle and the other girls just pooh-pooh, saying, in a way, that we have learned enough just being here on earth. Now, I am a God believing person and so is Rita. Annie does go to church on Sundays. I suspect she wants to look around and also to be seen. Why I noticed once that she even passed the collection plate quite hurriedly past her. God forgive me for even watching her do this. Does telling you that we are good givers hurt my humility? I know we at times have suspicions about God. Is there really a Big Guy out there somewhere? But if we’re Christians, we do believe this. In fact, if you think about it, we are called Christians because we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom we recognize as the Son of God. This God, the Father has had to be there, everywhere forever. Just try to explain that even when talking to other Christians. He is, He was, and He will be forever. It is a belief that we must hold onto. How can we think there is no God? Who created every-

thing and why did He do it if He is not the Supreme Being? The “Why” isn’t answered. Was He just fooling around? And who ever named Heaven as Heaven? Some modern scientists still claim there was a big bang and suddenly earth, the skies and the oceans were formed. But who created the big bang? As Rita asks, “How did a rock even become a rock, except through someone forming it?” I do look at God as being God, but this is more than I can comprehend. How can there be three persons in one God? This is Annie’s perennial question. If you know this answer, I know many millions of people would like you to share it with them. I know that I am in over my head and I am swimming for a safe haven. That’s what I am doing in life. If you have found that safe haven, God bless you. But where’s your humility? Henry and I now are very close to retirement age and after that we may have a few more years before we’re pushing up daisies and not picking them. Yes, the good earth will be home to our bodies. Our time is very brief on this earth, especially when you think of some people claiming it is many million years old. But there’s this eternal life thing, this paradise. Hey, I am looking forward to that. We have the faith and the hope and believe we are charitable. Was it God who first said do onto others as you would have them do onto you? Let me close this month with a story. A group of non-Christians arrived at the pearly gates (that’s what brand of people we’re told they were, but very good people in their own rights and beliefs) St. Peter, the gate caretaker, took them across Heaven and as they were still on their way to their eternal home, St. Peter said, “Be quiet here. This is the Christian neighborhood of heavenly people. They believe they are the only ones up here and we’re always quiet when near here as we don’t wish to disappoint them. I guess those tenets of faith, hope and charity qualify for people of all beliefs as long as they practice what they preach. Please ask Henry to help me down from my soapbox. It is almost time to prepare dinner.

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THORNTON from page 1A mately 82,000 children attending 165 schools. Dr. Thornton, who was appointed superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools in 2010, cites several reasons why he looks forward to the start of the 2012/2013 session. One is the new Howard Avenue Montessori School that will welcome K3 and K4 students in September. The nearest MPS Montessori school, Fernwood in Bay View, has a wait list of 110 threeyear-olds and 29 four-year-olds, so the new school responds to what parents have been asking for, Dr. Thornton says. “There has been lots of parental interest,” he notes, “and it’s a top-notch program.”

That’s why the first day of school is the most exciting day of the year,“right up there with Christmas,” he says. “I remember my first days of school and the excitement is still present today in the young people. The community comes together, they line the sidewalks to cheer for the kids, and we have our annual bell ringing. It’s a good time.”

Montessori education methods focus on learning at an individualized pace on one’s own or in small groups; in the multi-age classrooms, children learn concepts by working with specialized materials with guidance from teachers trained in this approach. MPS reports that nearly every student in the district’s four oldest Montessori programs exceeds the MPS average on test scores and more than one-third exceed the state average. At Fernwood, which serves K3 through 8th grade, 89 percent of students are

proficient or better in reading, compared to 82 percent statewide, and 85 percent of students are proficient or better in math, compared to 78 percent statewide. Also for the new school year, MPS is giving five schools (Garland, Hayes Bilingual, MacDowell Montessori and the Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning) room to grow by moving them to new buildings, and Golda Meir is making preparations to add high school grades starting in fall 2013. The changes meet MPS’s objectives to grow and replicate those schools that are attracting families and are moving students forward quickly, getting them college-ready and work-ready, Dr. Thornton explained. Parents are a big focus for the coming year. “We are bringing the central office to the parents by opening five parent centers throughout the community,” he notes. Social media, including Twitter and Facebook, help the superintendent connect with parents. “I can have conversations now I wasn’t able to have before. It has helped with getting a feel for the challenges parents face,” he says. In addition, he regularly updates his blog on the MPS website, including responses to questions posted through the superintendent’s “Ask Me” section. “We want to support families in better ways,” Dr. Thornton says. Although he describes the district as an exciting place today with positive changes taking place, he adds, “We’re a challenged school district – more than 80 percent of students live in poverty. And, to be candid, we’re not moving as fast as I want.”

Teacher was his role model Growing up in Philadelphia, Dr. Thornton says, “I was blessed with a great family, school and church life. My parents wanted me to go to college because they didn’t go.” His fifth-grade teacher was an especially strong influence. “He was smart, witty and ahead of his time in his thinking,” Dr. Thornton recalls. “He taught me to think creatively— to think about why something was the answer. Teachers like that stretch your thinking.” Dr. Thornton said having inspiring teachers in his youth led to deciding to become an educator. “It’s the best profession of all,” he believes. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education at Temple University in Philadelphia,

The community involvement “lets kids know they are appreciated,” Dr. Thornton says.“Life is tough for some of these kids. Every child needs at least one caring adult, someone to give words of encouragement. Many have that, but some don’t.” and a Master of Arts degree in administration/supervision at Salisbury State University in Maryland. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. If asked to write an essay about what he did on his summer vacation, Dr. Thornton’s would be titled, “What I Did on my Autumn Vacation.” He prefers to vacation in October, after spending the summer making sure the first day of school will go as smoothly as possible. He and his wife especially look forward to trips to Philadelphia to visit their two sons and granddaughter.

Noting progress In May, when “U.S. News and World Report” listed three MPS schools as Wisconsin’s top high schools, Dr. Thornton says, “It was a big day for us.” Rufus King International School came in at No. 1, Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School was No. 2 and Milwaukee School of Languages was No. 7; King and Reagan were ranked among the 200 best in the country. “To me, that says that things are starting to work,” Dr. Thornton adds. According to MPS, math proficiency as a district is up 10 points over the last six years. The 2011 graduation rate was 17 percentage points higher than it was for the class of 2000. Also, with 5,500 middle and high school students involved, MPS has the nation’s largest concentration of students connected to Project Lead the Way, a program helping students learn science, technology, engineering and math. And the district recently implemented a Comprehensive Literacy Plan and Comprehensive Math/Science Plan for more cohesive instruction across MPS. Especially notable for the upcoming school year, Dr. Thornton said that there have been zero teacher layoffs while still “right-sizing our budget.” Forming partnerships with businesses has been one way to help man-

age the budget. In January 2011, MPS was awarded a five-year, $20 million grant from the GE Foundation for initiatives designed to improve academic achievement and better prepare students for college and career opportunities. Also, Dr. Thornton said another partnership with GE would mean 10 MPS schools would become national demonstration schools regarding the Common Core Initiative. The Common Core State Standards, which Wisconsin adopted along with a majority of states, are meant to provide a consistent framework for what students are expected to learn, replacing the various state-specific standards. Many businesses, from large corporations to mom-and-pop stores and restaurants, contribute to MPS by sharing their time, funds and talents, even bringing in free pizzas on a Friday for the students. The community involvement “lets kids know they are appreciated,” Dr. Thornton says. “Life is tough for some of these kids. Every child needs at least one caring adult, someone to give words of encouragement. Many have that, but some don’t.” To foster that needed support and encouragement, several hundred volunteer tutors have been working with students, Dr. Thornton notes, citing the effectiveness of the Interfaith Older Adult RSVP tutor program. “We’ll be expanding this and we’re looking for more volunteers,” he adds. The community’s support for Milwaukee’s kids is crucial for their success, stresses Dr. Thornton. “There is nothing more important than investing in our children—they are tomorrow’s workforce and our future.”

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Aerobics may help to lower blood sugar by: Charlyn Fargo If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, one of the best things you can do to lower blood sugars is to sign up for a structured exercise class like aerobics or resistance training. That's the finding of a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study found aerobics or resistance training was associated with a greater reduction in Hemoglobin A1C levels for patients with diabetes compared with patients in a control group, and longer weekly

exercise duration was associated with a greater decrease in those levels. We've always known that exercise plays a role in reduced blood sugars, but this study defined just how long that exercise needs to be. The researchers, associated with the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre in Brazil, found that structured exercise for more than 150 minutes per week reduced Hemoglobin A1C levels by .89 percent compared to .36 percent less for under 150 minutes. Researchers looked at previously con-

ducted trials of at least 12 weeks for 8,538 people. The 150-minute guideline follows the current guideline recommendations of 150 minutes per week. When dietary advice was combined with the physical activity, hemoglobin A1C decreased .58 percent compared with a control group. Combining good dietary habits and structured exercise classes can ensure good blood sugar control â&#x20AC;&#x201D; American Medical Association.

Q and A

Are there tricks to make it easier to start eating smaller portions at home where there is plenty of food?

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A: Yes. Experiment with some of these ways people have learned to eat more appropriate portions, and see what might work best for you. If you control how much food is prepared and find that there is always more than is really needed, try cutting back on the amount you fix, especially on the foods you are trying to limit. If you don't want extras to take for lunch

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or freeze for a future meal, you'll save money and face less temptation. If you currently put serving bowls on the table, consider keeping food off the table so you have to get up to get any second portions. Simply not having a bowl of food right in front of your eyes and the need to make an extra effort to get more are often enough to help you reconsider. Try starting off with portions about 10 percent to 25 percent smaller than usual. Studies suggest that we are often satisfied with less than we think we need. Some people find it easier to take smaller portions if they use a slightly smaller plate. Others find that if they fill their plates with a large portion of vegetables or salad, it makes it easier to take smaller portions of everything else. Allow for the possibility of going back for seconds if you are really hungry, but if you wait just a few minutes in between, you may be surprised at how often that perceived need for more passes quickly away. Many people also note that when they eat more slowly and focus on really tasting their food, they are satisfied with smaller amounts. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; American Institute for Cancer Research.

Three week series for caregivers The Shorewood Senior Resource Center will sponsor a three week series for caregivers, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Understanding Dementia: An Educational Program for Family Caregivers.â&#x20AC;? The three sessions will be given on Wednesdays August 1, 8 and 15 from 5:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:30 p.m. at the Resource Center, located on the ground floor of the Shorewood Library. At Session I, there will be information on the warning signs of dementia, the difference between dementia and Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease, and treatment options and progression. Session II will deal with steps to maximize function and strategies to optimize communication and interactions.

Session III will focus on understanding challenging or difficult behaviors and strategies for behavior management. The presentations are free, but pre-registration is required. Supervisory respite for your loved one may be available. Those interested should ask about it when they call to register. Fourteen days notice will be needed for this service. To register, call Elizabeth Price, Coordinator of the Shorewood Senior Resource Center, at (414) 847-2727.

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August Poem With July past, will happy carefree August days be here again? Recent ugly weather could be dumped into the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waste bin. We do look ahead for a comfortable time in these 31 days. Yes, there will be fading of hot summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sunny rays. State fair just ahead will provide times quite exciting. There will not be any old dogs ready to growl or biting. There is absolutely no reason for people to be mean or snarl. Country boys at the fair will be happy, even neighbor Carl Fair barns are overflowing with prize seeking livestock. Tending to the animals are young people steady as a rock. While at State Fair, be certain to have a whipped cream treat. Delicious and nutritious, the various flavors just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be beat. But be careful of overeating, it may cause enlargement of seat. On midways, we always liked merry-go-round and ferris wheel. Tilt-A-Whirl too often did make young girls shout and squeal. Following the fair, there still will be events at the lake. But if sitting too long in the sand, you might begin to bake. Schools right now are being dusted off and readied for fall. Kid will gravitate there from hither, yon and busy mall.

Sweet corn now is king of the field crops for eating. Warm and moist at picking, juicy corn still does need heating. So August will linger as the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fun and games times last. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass up the chance. This month enjoy a real blast. The summer vacation times too soon will be past.

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August Bingo Events PACKET PRICES ARE: Level 1 - $12, Level 2 - $27, Level 3 - $42. Extra side packs, 3 on 14 up: Level 1 - $6, Level 2 - $10, Level 3 - $15. GALAXIE BINGO: Every Friday night at 10:30 pm. $10 admission packets. Ages 18 and over welcome! TWIN WIN TUESDAY: For each winner on the regular games, we will draw a number to find that winners “twin” in the crowd. That “twin” will win the same amount as the winner. Regular games will pay $300. Admission pack is $22 with $11 extra packs. TWIN WIN STIMULUS PACKAGE: August 21st. All packs on this Twin Win Tuesday will be $11 and considered Admission Packs. With each admission pack, you will receive a door prize card along with extra chances to be the Twin Winner! BIRTHDAY DRAWING: When you play bingo on your birthday at Ho-Chunk Bingo you’ll receive a drawing ticket. On the first day of the next month we’ll draw 3 winners. Each winner will receive $250. Must be present to win. Must be a Ho-Chunk Bingo Players Club Member. Limit one per person. July birthday drawings, August 1. IS IT YOUR BIRTHDAY? Receive $10 off your packet ON your birthday. Applicable to level 2 or 3 only. Use your birthdate as an extra freespace on your birthday (paper only). If your birthday is on a day we are closed or a bash day, you may receive your discount the day before OR after (not both). Limit one birthday discount per person. WEEKLY DRAWINGS: Every Thursday five winners wil receive $100 in cash. You must be present to win. All eligible tickets must be in the drawing bin the day before the drawings. Limit one per person. Walk-ins are not allowed for Night Owls. SENIOR DISCOUNT: Seniors 55 and older receive $10 OFF their first pack. Applicable to Level 2 or 3 only. Limit one discount per person. Must show I.D. MONDAYS: Closed TUESDAYS: Twin Win Tuesday. Stimulus Package $11, August 21st. WEDNESDAYS: 1/2 price night, applicable to Level 2 or 3 ONLY. July Birthday drawings, August 1st. THURSDAYS: Regular Session with senior discount. Applicable to level 2 or 3 only. Weekly drawings. FRIDAYS: 6 pm BOGO, regular session. 10:30 pm Galaxie Bingo. SATURDAYS: Regular sessions are August 4th & 18th and 1/2 price nights are August 11th & 25th, applicable to Level 2 or 3 ONLY. SUNDAYS: Double Pay Sundays, August 5th & 19th (on regular games only). Regular Session on August 12th & 26th.

For More Information Call 800-748-2486 ext. 2000 We now accept promotional certificates on WEDs & FRIs. Special rules do apply on certificates for these nights. Please see flyer at Admission Booth. Change will not be given for any unused amount. One discount per person per night. Discounts cannot be used in multiples. Bingo calendar and game program may be changed without notice. Employees of the Ho-Chunk nation gaming facilities are not eligible for any promotional specials. CASH ONLY

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SECTION B | August 2012

50PLUS

Ricco talks and laughs and loves to sleep on a pillow By Jack Pearson Man’s best friend, according to the maxim, is his faithful and devoted dog. There can be warmth and affection among humans and other animals such as cats and horses, too. But for Ilene Bolle of Milwaukee, her best friend and constant companion, a little fellow whom she loves and is loved by, is a witty, beautifully colored parrot whose name is Ricco. And Ricco talks. He talked to me. He has a cackling, joyful laugh and speaks quite clearly. But back to the beginning, when we met. My wife, Margaret, and I had taken our collie, Casey, to the vet for a checkup. After we had parked in front of the place, she took him into the vet’s offices while I remained in our car, reading the morning sports pages. The window on my side was open. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a car pull up next to us. The driver then came out with something in her arms. Since I was engrossed in my paper, I wasn’t really paying attention. As she passed by my car window, I heard a cackling sort of laugh, “Heh, heh, heh,” and then a male voice asking, “Hi, there. Whatcha doin’?” I was startled. I turned my head around to see who was chortling at me.

There was a woman holding a parrot in her arms that was doing all of the laughing and talking. That was Ricco. Ilene quickly interceded. “He always gets talkative when I take him to the vet and likes to show off. He probably thinks he knows you.” Ricco looked at me and laughed again. Later, I learned from her that she had bought Ricco at a pet shop about 38 years ago. “They told me they thought he was about three at that time,” she said, “and that would make him around 41 now.” I was amazed, as my experiences had been only with dogs, whose lives span anywhere from 12 to 18 years. She told me that parrots like Ricco lived to be 60 to 80 years old. “He’ll probably outlive me,” Ilene, who is 62, said. I referred to Ricco earlier in this story as a “he.” Ilene says she has always considered him as a male, too, but there is no easy way of telling, as parrots don’t have visible male or female parts. “But even so,” she said, to me, Ricco is a little boy, my little boy.” Ricco can say a couple of dozen words and/or phrases,” Ilene told me. “The actual species name for Ricco is a ‘Panamanian Amazon,’” she said, “and some of the species have much

n Another of Ilene’s many hobbies is cartooning. This is a panel from

one of them. Her favorite character is, of course, Ricco.

n Ricco, with his owner-companion-best pal Ilene Bolle.

They’ve been together for nearly four decades.

larger vocabularies. I haven’t particularly tried to teach him to say a lot; what he says he has sort of picked up on his own.” I told Ilene that I had either read or had been told that parrots and parakeets don’t really “talk,” like humans do, but just have the ability to mimic voice sounds, and that they don’t really know what they’re saying. “So what do you think?” I asked. “Does Ricco only mimic your voice, or does he know what he’s saying?” She looked at Ricco and smiled. “I think a little of both,” she replied. “He mimics, but he also thinks. When someone leaves, he says ‘goodbye.’ When they come in the door, he says

‘hello.’ He never makes a mistake and reverses those words. He says, ‘lemmy outa here’ when he wants to come out of his cage, and at no other time. Doesn’t that sort of indicate that he knows what he is saying?” Ricco stays in his cage most of the time, but also has the run (flight?) of the house. What he especially likes to do at night, when Ilene goes to bed, is to fly or hop into her bedroom then fly or hop up on the bed and fall asleep on the pillow next to her. There is a deep bond of affection between the two, which is obvious. If you call Ilene on the phone and she RICCO cont. on page 2B

Inside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9B

50PLUS What’s new for phase two of your life?

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2B â&#x20AC;˘ 50PLUS â&#x20AC;˘ AUGUST 2012 RICCO from page 1B isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t home, the answering device picks up and replies, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is Ilene and Riccoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. We are not home. Please leave us a message.â&#x20AC;? Ricco goes outside with Ilene into their well-manicured yard (Ilene loves gardening and her yard is a miniature Mitchell Park) and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fly off. However, there was the one exception. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were out front and a huge and noisy truck came roaring past and frightened him,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He became disoriented and flew off, and I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find him. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if he knew how to find his way back. I went all over looking. Then, several doors away, I heard a plaintive wail from behind a house, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mom! Mom! Mom!â&#x20AC;? It was him. We were both so relieved. He usually calls me Ilene, but that time, because he was so upset and scared, that he became a youngster again, calling for his mommy.â&#x20AC;? Ilene and Ricco live in a pretty little home on Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s south side. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a quiet neighborhood, and even though Ricco stays inside most of the time, everyone knows him. Ilene retired not too long ago after 14 years at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. Besides Ricco, she has many interests and talents. She is an accomplished artist, and showed me many excellent watercolors; most of which are of Ricco, naturally. She also

draws cartoons, and is good enough at that skill to do it for a living. And as noted, she is an avid gardener. Most of the things Ricco talks about have to do with his life at home. When Ilene is cooking certain foods, for example, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mmm, I like that.â&#x20AC;? He also doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just make human sounds and words, Ilene said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If he looks outside the window and sees a cat, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make a meow sort of sound; if he sees a dog, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make a barking sound.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;What happens if you have to go away for a few days or longer?â&#x20AC;? I asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you have to place Ricco with a vet?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, no,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He prefers to stay here. One of my neighbors comes over and feeds him and takes care of his needs. But just like a little boy, he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care to be left alone. When I return, though, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very happy and excited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I suppose some people would think I am silly, treating Ricco almost as if he is human,â&#x20AC;? Ilene said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t care. I know heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a parrot; he knows heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a parrot. But at the same time, he has so many qualities, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not simply referring to his ability to talk. He always knows how I feel; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a friend, a very dear friend who provides companionship, affection and amusement. I would be lost without him.â&#x20AC;?

One of Ileneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many hobbies is painting. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a watercolor she did of Ricco.

Burlington

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AUGUST 2012 • 50PLUS • 3B

As a young baseball player, Nerad could power the ball By Jack Pearson Tom Nerad may be past 81 now, but he is still in great shape. He’s still active in sports, and serves as an umpire three or four times a week for local city league baseball games. And there was a time when he could wallop a baseball as well and as far, maybe further, than any young player the state of Wisconsin has ever produced. A baseball statistician once stated that of all the great baseball players originally from Wisconsin who made it into professional competition, only three ever hit as many as 50 home runs and knocked in 200 or more over the course of their first two full years in pro ball. They were Ken Keltner, Chet Laabs and Tom Nerad. There’s another aspect of his career that is also quite remarkable. Nerad attended Messmer High School in the late ‘40s, in an era when the school was a perennial powerhouse in many sports. Also during those years, there was a very popular national All-Star baseball game played in the old Polo Grounds in New York City put on by the Hearst Corporation. The teams in that game were made up of the top high school baseball players from all over the country. Every major city, such as Milwaukee, held its own competition in order to select and send two players to the game. During the years ‘46, ‘47, ‘48 and ‘49, of all the young players from this area who competed, and there were hundreds from many schools, of the two who made it every year, amazingly one was always from Messmer High School. In 1946, it was Paul Schramka, now the President of the Old Time Ballplayers Association of Wisconsin; in 1947, it was Eddie Granitz; in 1948, it was Eddie Rommel; and, in 1949, it was Nerad. “I was very proud of being selected,” Nerad recalled. “Especially so in that one of the players I was chosen over was Harvey Kuenn, who went on to the Major Leagues and won the American League batting championship in ‘59.” At Messmer, Nerad starred on a team that won the Catholic Conference Championship. Besides being an outstanding slugger, he was also quite versatile, playing first base, outfield and pitcher. His play there earned him a scholarship to attend St. Mary’s College in California. At the time, St. Mary’s played in the same conference as USC, UCLA, Stanford, Santa Clara and California, which was considered as the

strongest college baseball conference in the nation. “I made the team as a sophomore and I thought everything was going well,” he said. “But then the next year it all fell apart. St. Mary’s announced that it was giving up football (a few years earlier the school boasted an AllAmerican, Herman Wedemeyer). This, of course, impacted the baseball team. As at most schools, the football program is the sport that pulls in most of the money to support the other sports. So with football gone at St. Mary’s, baseball had to shut down, too.” So Tom returned home to Wisconsin, not too sure of what he was going to do with his life. Back then one of the top leagues in the area was the Milwaukee Muni, and Tom joined one of its teams. Back in those days, Tom’s dad Iggy (Ignatius) Nerad, who didn’t play baseball himself but loved the game, sponsored several teams. One of them carried the name of his own business, Nerad Furs. Tom, however, played on the Harnishfeger team, which was one of the best in the state. “One day I came home and my mother (Alice) said to me, ‘Tom, good news. You got an important letter. NERAD cont. on page 4B

o p C o a p C

n In 1955, Nerad played with the Lafayette Louisiana Oilers, a Chicago

Cubs farm team. That’s him, front and center.

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n Tom Nerad today. Check out those logos; he has a Chicago Cubs hat on, and a San Francisco jacket.

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www.churchandchapel.com Gordon Hinkley is the spokesperson for Church & Chapel and is not a funeral director.

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4B • 50PLUS • AUGUST 2012

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For Independent Seniors 55 & Better 414.769.9240 3120 E. Norwich Avenue • St. Francis, WI 53235 • thompsonmeadows@aol.com Nerad in his younger days. After starring for Messmer High School, he played college ball for St. Mary’s of California and then signed with the Chicago Cubs organization.

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‘Who from?” I asked. ‘Uncle Sam,’ she said.” That piece of correspondence, which started out as did millions of others like it with the word, “Greetings,” informed Tom that he was soon to be a soldier. He was subsequently sent to Fort Bliss, Kansas, where he again played ball, getting AllStar recognition. Two years later, after his discharge, he was offered a bonus contract with the Chicago Cubs. He was assigned to the Cubs’ Class C affiliate in Lafayette, Louisiana, in the Evangeline League. As a rookie, he did exceptionally well, banging out 24 home runs and 106 runs batted in to lead the league. The next season the Cubs moved him up to Class A, in the Western League in Des Moines, Iowa. There he again had a banner year, leading the team in homers with 26 and in RBI’s again well over 100. After that season, the Cubs promoted him a third time, sending him up to double A ball at Memphis, Tennessee. That was to be his last year in professional baseball. “About five weeks into the season I injured my arm and couldn’t throw any longer. In that era doctors didn’t operate with the skills and success they have today, and for all intents I was through,” he recalled. “At the time, if I recall correctly, I was tied for the league lead in home runs with Harmon Killebrew.” By this time, too, Tom was married, and he and his wife, Sonya, had their first child. They now have one son and three daughters. “So I thought I’d come

back home and get a job,” he said. “I wasn’t exactly getting rich playing ball, anyhow.” His take home pay in Lafayette was all of $400 a month; in Des Moines it was only $550 a month. In just over two seasons, Nerad had hit 60 home runs and knocked in 258. Had he not suffered the injury, he might have made it to the Major Leagues the next season with the Cubs. In those days if you were a good ballplayer, you could always get a job with one of the companies that sponsored teams in the Milwaukee Industrial League. These companies would not only hire you and give you a job; they would also put you on their baseball team. So Tom hooked up with the Falk Corporation and its team. “We were a very good outfit, usually on or near the top,” Tom recalled. “One of the teams we always beat was the Fire Department. One day, after we had creamed them again, their manager came up to me after the game and asked if I would like to be a fireman. The offer was pretty good, and I took it. And I was a fireman for the next 30 years until I retired in ‘88. In the early years, I played a little ball for them, too.” The Wisconsin Old Time Ballplayers Association has its own Hall of Fame, and in addition to great ballplayers who were from this area, they also inducted standout umpires, managers, administrators and team sponsors. So it was that in 1991 when Tom was elected to the OTBA Hall of Fame, also inducted that year was his father, Iggy Nerad.

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AUGUST 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 50PLUS â&#x20AC;˘ 5B

Affordable Housing for 62

HERMAN WHITE WRITES First of all, I will tell you that I am no psychologist or doctor, but I do believe that I know a few of the warning signs of dementia and depression. You may suspect that dear old dad or mom are traveling down the road to Alzheimer's disease, or one of its kin, but my guess is that many of the suspected dementia-bound people may be heading for severe bouts with depression. Are they tired, loosing sleep, waking early and not able to get certain things off their minds and/or losing interest in activities, places and people that they enjoyed through the years? Right now, I am thinking of my longtime friend, Harvey. Harvey very recently retired from a very busy business life as an accountant. He seems to be having a problem these days. What's bothering him might be the same maladies or attitudinal problems of others who are heading into the sunset of life. Harvey has been a single fellow all of his life. He lived at home and took care of his aged mother until she died when he was in his late 50's. He has never been what you could call an outgoing person. In public, he never would acknowledge another unless that person spoke to him first. He'd go about his own business and hope that others did likewise. Over many years,

you might say that Harvey was recognized as a nice person, but as a social outcast. Harvey did just enough tax work to keep him comfortable. He never was out to earn the last dollar available. If he was asked to make calculations he was unfamiliar with, he'd sweat over his decisions as he never wanted to give a client bad or even poor advice. Harvey has admitted that he isn't sleeping very well at night. He often tosses and turns, has nightmares about old business and awakens very early in the morning even though he's retired and does not have to get up until much later if he so chooses. He suspects that he is heading for dementia. However, I believe he's experiencing depression, which can be really serious. He mentioned this to me, saying that he's not asking for help, perhaps some advice as he's worried about the years ahead of him since he is, basically, all alone. I told him that he has to be active, go out for breakfast or lunch and sit at the counter so he'll be forced to engage in conversation with the other old timers there for the same reason. He must keep up with the events of the day, do more than watch television and make an effort to forget his aches and pains.

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414-271-4116 Harvey is not confused as to time and place, seems to be of keen mind, knows people, doesn't imagine things as occurring and has good recall of yesterday as well as some years ago. So what if he forgets a first name of another person once in a while?

Dementia is a whole different problem than an occasional lapse into forgetfulness. But it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy to fight off depression. By the way, Harvey is a fictitious name. I do not wish to lose him as a friend.

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6B • 50PLUS • AUGUST 2012

Major leagues professional standard’s There is said to be a right time for everything and, all too often, a wrong time to do this, neglect that or stubbornly refuse to do this or that thing. To this point in time, I have stubbornly refused to believe that the 2012 version of the Milwaukee Brewers will not make it to the playoffs. But my mind is changing. And with the manner in which things have been progressing to this point, I don’t believe

the WRIGHT SIDE of By Enis Wright

the loss of Prince Fielder from the lineup has made that great a difference. They play, all too often, mediocre ball. Some guys remain in the lineup day after day even as non-contributors;

never really lighting any sparks. With the price of a game ticket, beverages and a nice sandwich approaching unreasonably high numbers, it seems to me that it is almost past the time when ownership, which smiled all the way to the bank last year, should do something to rescue this season. Letting Fielder go to Detroit was understandable, but watching what’s occurring this season on the field is

very distasteful to fans, especially those who expect more for their money. Perhaps, the owners could get a German band to play between innings or hire the out-of-work as pinch hitters and base runners. The Brewers just aren’t meeting the professional standards that we judge overall major league teams by. And please don’t just tell me they’re better than Chicago and Houston.

Don’t take no for an answer What to do when the insurance company denies your claim BY Chelle Cordero You faced your fears, went to the doctor, followed all the treatments and took all of the pills -- and now you're

feeling better. But when the bills start to trickle in, your insurance company denies coverage. Suddenly, you're feeling sick again.

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OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Because Learning Never Retires

While suffering an illness can fill you with angst, facing the high cost of medical treatments, doctor bills and hospitalizations can be staggering. It's reassuring to have health insurance; you expect the basics, after co-pays, to be covered. But what if they're not? What kind of recourse do you have when your insurance company says no? In order to maximize insurance benefits, read through your policy and follow the plan language; explore discount drug options with large retailers, supermarkets or pharmacy chains; and discuss drug replacement programs with the physician. Become familiar with any pre-authorizations that may be necessary, and make sure you get the appropriate referrals. Many plans will permit you to notify your doctor after seeking emergency care, but non-emergency procedures require doctor approval first. Do your research about in-plan doctors and providers and determine whether you have any provisions for out-of-plan services. Be aware of required waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. According to the Patient Advocate Foundation, "A non-covered service or insurance denial can result from a preexisting benefit exclusion or pre-authorization issue such as previous medical advice or treatment before the effective date of the health insurance plan." If this happens to you, you should carefully review the specific reason for denial and see whether you have other coverage options through personal or alternatively sponsored plans (i.e., employer or spousal coverage). Speak to the doctor's office, hospital advocacy or case manager to find out whether they are willing to intercede in your behalf. "Sometimes it's just a matter of reprocessing the claim," says Erin Moaratty, chief of external communications for the Patient Advocate

Foundation. If you're denied coverage, read the determination letter carefully for the exact reason that you've been turned down. Sometimes the answer is as simple as a clerical error, your doctor's office listing the wrong code or missing documentation. Billing issues, duplicate claims and absent information can trigger a denial. Contact your insurance company directly for the proper procedure to follow to rectify an error. If the desired procedure is to be scheduled for the future and you're looking to pre-certify, you may need an affirmation from your doctor that proves it's a necessary treatment and not just an elective or cosmetic procedure. If you need to file a formal appeal, make sure that you have all of your information and records handy. Be prepared to answer what type of service was, or is, needed. What was the reason the insurance company gave for denying coverage? What is the anticipated cost? Is the procedure past any preexisting waiting periods? Is pre-authorization required or were pre-authorization procedures followed? According to a March 2011 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 39 to 59 percent of denied claims were overturned after appeal.Your appeal has to be factual, informed, firm and polite. The first step is to appeal to your insurance company, so find out the proper contact address for the appeals department. Don't delay filing your appeal, as the insurance company will take into account the length of time it takes for you to respond. Always make your appeal in writing and mail it with a return receipt so that you have proof it was submitted. Include letters from your attending physician, medical records, any written care instructions you might have INSURANCE cont. on page 20B

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We saw you at . . . . . 18th Annual Secret Gardens of Wauwatosa Tour BY MARGARET PEARSON Horticultural wonders and floral arrangements abounded throughout the 18th Annual Secret Gardens of Wauwatosa Tour on Saturday, July 14. Eight lovely home gardens were featured: the Kneeland-Walker Garden at 7406 Hillcrest Dr.; the Braze home at 1511 N. 70th St.; the Johnson-Miller home at 8215 Milwaukee Ave.; the Davis home at 8329 Jackson Park Blvd.; the Tritschler home at 8330 Jackson Park Blvd.; the Venske home at 2517 N. 86th St.; the Hudson-Simpson home at 2611 N. 116th St.; and the Franken home at 4248 Menomonee River Parkway. Proceeds from the event helped support the work of the Wauwatosa Beautification Committee, Inc. in obtaining plants for and maintenance of public garden spaces throughout the city of Wauwatosa. A few of the many homeowners and tour participants:

Mary Johnson of Wauwatosa and Kathy Turtenwald of Menomonee Falls.

Title 19 & Pre-Arrangements

Simple Cremation $595.00

Traditional Funerals 1, 395.00 (Excluding Cremation Permit & Fee)

Celine Kashishian of Wauwatosa.

at your Church or Cemetery Chapel of your choice

414.453.1562 Call for more details

SERVING ALL OF WISCONSIN

Accessible, federally subsidized, safe, secure, barrier-free, affordable one bedroom and efficiency apartments for seniors age 62 and older. 8 Desirable Convenient Locations in 6 Communities Stewart Dempsey of Wauwatosa and the Keenland Walker Gardens.

West Milwaukee

West Allis

Burnham Village

Oak West

Cifaldi Square

Cudahy

Oakwood

Gonzaga Village

West Allis

Sunset Heights

Milwaukee

Valentino Square

James & John

Mequon

Waukesha West Allis

For more information or an appointment call

(262) 240-9406 email: BeckPropSvcs@aol.com www.beckerpropertyservices.com

Becker Property Services, LLC Michele and Les Braze of Wauwatosa.

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Tina Funk of Milwaukee and Lori Funk of New Berlin.

Mark Simpson and Carolyn Hudson of Wauwatosa.

Jack Venske of Wauwatosa.

Russell and Linda Franken of Wauwatosa.

Debbie Tritschler and Lori Sauter, both of Wauwatosa.

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7 Tips for Choosing a Retirement or Assisted Living Community Whether you are researching a retirement community for yourself or a loved one, you will find there are more options available than ever before as well as many choices to consider when it comes to retirement living. That is why it is so important to ask the right questions, keeping in mind factors such as present and future needs, community location and financial situation, among other considerations. 1. Check the background of the community: Find out who owns and manages the community, as well as the track record of management. Determine whether the community is accredited for meeting high standards in services, operations and finances. Visit http://www.carf.org for a list of accredited communities by state. Review the financial performance of the organization, including any credit

ratings the company has received from agencies like Standard & Poor's or Fitch. 2. Consider future health needs: Retirement communities today offer many amenities and services but not all provide medical care, making another move a possibility should health needs change. Continuing care retirement communities are the only type of senior community that offers independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care on a single campus. Some CCRCs even offer specialized programs such as memory care, home health care and adult day programs as part of their services. 3. Get detailed information about fees: Learn what all fees do and do not include, when fees are subject to increase and under what conditions. Ask about the average fee increase

over the past five years. Consider the financial advantages and disadvantages of the contract options the community offers. 4. Meet with residents and tour the community: Arrange an appointment to tour the community, meet with residents and staff and sample the food and the service. Notice if the community is clean, well maintained and secure. 5. Use a services and amenities checklist: Get a complete information packet that includes application for admission, fee schedules, floor plans and the resident contract. Compare each community's pricing to amenities, programs and services that are important to you. 6. Ask about recreational and social activities: Find out what kind of social, cultural, educational, spiritual and

wellness activities are available. Is there an activities director on staff to plan entertainment, events and trips? Is transportation available? 7. Consider location and find out if there is a waiting list: Is the community located near family, friends, doctor's office, place of worship and shopping? Find out if there is a waiting list to move into the community and how it works. For more tips visit http://www.actsretirement.org/guide to download a free booklet called A Consumer's Guide to Retirement Living. This informative resource explains the range of senior living options that are available, and includes checklists, worksheets and important questions to help you confidently research, evaluate and compare retirement communities.

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ASSISTED LIVING AT ST. CAMILLUS 10101 W Wisconsin Ave.,Wauwatosa,WI 53226 414.259.6333 Assisted Living at St. Camillus is a network of service programs designed to meet different levels of need in a safe, wellness-oriented and serene setting. These services are provided at three levels to meet a spectrum of needs experienced by seniors at various stages. Assisted Living at St. Camillus is integrated with a continuum of care that includes independent living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy and hospice. Our Assisted Living and Memory Care Programs are designed to carefully monitor and provide services around the clock. The 24-hour a day availability of nursing staff to regularly assess any changing health needs provides greater assurance to residents and family. Our caring staff blends residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; independence and daily support, our activity staff offers varied opportunities for meaningful social, physical and spiritual activities. Living arrangements include studio and one-bedroom apartments. Assisted Living at St. Camillus offers an on-site medical clinic, massage therapy, podiatrist and pharmacy. Available support services include: transportation, banking, beauty salon, country store, library

Retirement Community â&#x20AC;˘ Independent Apartments â&#x20AC;˘ Assisted Living â&#x20AC;˘ Memory Care

N168 W22022 Main Street Jackson, WI 53037

www.jacksoncrossings.com

(262) 993-2838

Hwy 45 North to Hwy 60 East Exit

Sorting out senior living options? We Can Help Call or stop for a free consultation.

and chapel. Assisted Living at St. Camillus is a faith-based not-for-profit organization sponsored by the Catholic Order of St. Camillus and serving the Milwaukee area for more than 75 years. CEDAR BAY ASSISTED LIVING 5595 County Road Z,West Bend, 262.306.4299 www.CedarCommunity.org 101 Cedar Lane, Elkhart Lake, 920.876.4050 www.CedarLanding.org Part of Cedar Community, the nation's 86th largest not-for-profit, continuum of care providers, serving seniors since 1953. With the completion of Cedar Bay at Elkhart Lake, Cedar Bay assisted living's tradition of compassionate, attentive care now includes a total of 186 studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments in three unique environments. All offer engaging activities, private bathroom, kitchenette, storage, onsite and awake nursing care 24/7, three delicious meals served restaurant style, housekeeping and more included in monthly fees. Award-winning restorative and therapeutic programs, pet therapy, music, outings and more. Visit our website for pricing and virtual tours or call for an appointment. CLEMENT MANOR Retirement Community Assisted Living 9339 W. Howard Ave., Greenfield 414.546.7000 www.clementmanor.com Enjoy a continuum of health and well-being where personal growth and intellectual stimulation are available regardless of physical limitation. Our spacious apartments feature all the necessary amenities and are just a few steps away from the on-site chapel, bank and gift shop. Breakfast and dinner are served daily and lunch is available casually in the cafeteria or restaurant-style in the dining room. Weekly housekeeping and linen service are available so you can spend more time at the Center for Enrichment enjoying watercolor classes, Bible study, field trips, yoga or swimming in our warm water pool. Sponsored by School Sisters of St. Francis.

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THE COURTYARDS AT LUTHER MANOR 4545 North 92nd Street,Wauwatosa,WI (414) 464-3880 • www.luthermanor.org Contact Client Relations at (414) 464-3880 or live@luthermanor.org The Courtyards at Luther Manor takes a flexible, individualized approach to Assisted Living. From the privacy of personal resident single rooms and two-room suites, to the enjoyment of socializing and sharing experiences with other seniors, The Courtyards offers a distinct blend of support, life enrichment and senior care services. Personalized care plans allow residents to tailor services best suited to their needs and abilities. 24-hour, trained nurses are available to assist residents with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and medication supervision, while encouraging maximum mobility in a safe, caring environment. In addition to comfortable lounge areas for reading and visiting, we also have family rooms with kitchenettes and outdoor patios that are perfect for entertaining. Our large Life Enrichment Center hosts everything from lively card games and uplifting Bible studies to exercise classes, musical participation groups and arts and crafts projects. The Luther Manor community also offers onsite conveniences such as a clinic, pharmacy, beauty salons/barber shops, convenience stores and an ice cream parlor. Pastoral care, worship services and a variety of social and entertainment opportunities area available, as well. In addition to assisted living, Luther Manor provides independent housing and long-term care options, as well as rehabilitation services, adult day services and hospice care. CREATIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS, LLC. 920.258.9955/www.cle-cclswi.com AUTUMN VILLA, 2904 South 114th St. West Allis,WI 53227 CLARION MANOR, 21325 Clarion Ln. Waukesha,WI 53186 LAYTON COURT, 12320 West Layton Ave. Greenfield,WI 53228 RAINBOW TERRACE, 15831 West Santa Rosa Blvd. New Berlin,WI 53151 WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, 4926 W.Washington Blvd. Milwaukee,WI 53208 Gracious neighborhood homes (Assisted Living) for older adults who need more assistance/supervision than in their own homes. Staff is skilled in caring for those with emotional/mental health issues and other aging concerns. Promote physical/emotional well-being, self-worth and independence.

•Private suites •Therapy & pharmacy services •High staff to resident ratio •Medication & health monitoring •On-site lab & radiology •Outstanding activity programs

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The Best Value in Senior & Assisted d Living 3 Tiers of Residence Fees to Choose From to Fit Your Budget Optional a la carte Services vices So You Only Pay forr What You Need 1 & 2 BR Residences ences in the Village of Hales es Corners Just Steps from Whitnall Park An Attentive, ve, Caring Staff Available 24/7 24/ 7

Rates Start At $895

COMMUNITIES O E

11077 1 1077 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners rners For a personal nal tour, call Mary at 414-425-1148. 414-425--1148. How you live iss just as important as where you live.

ELLEN’S HOME OF GERMANTOWN N113 W16358 Sylvan Circle, Germantown 262.250.6455 Contact Person: Elaine Ellis Affiliated with Ellen’s Home of Port Washington with the capacity of the facility of 20 and is for profit. Spouses may share the private bedrooms with full baths, also suites. Enrollment/endowment fee of $2000 and is refundable (prorated). Monthly rent is based on free assessment and the meal plans are included in rent. Medical personnel on staff include 2 RN’s and numerous CNA’s. Numerous programs for a variety of resident needs and interests. We promote a safe, social, active, Christian atmosphere for seniors who can’t live on their own but don’t need a skilled nursing home. Our facility offers a pharmacy, lab, radiology, podiatry, therapy and salon services available. Our activity directors will keep your body active and life full and exciting. FOREST RIDGE,A WIMMER COMMUNITY SENIOR RESIDENCE 11077 W. Forest Home Ave – Hales Corners,WI 53130 Patti Frost – Administrator Mary Zurowski – Resident Services Coordinator 414-425-1148 Forest Ridge, a Wimmer Senior Community Residence, is your affordable hometown senior community. We feature 208 residences with 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms with 2 bath, and 1 bedroom with den apartments, many with patio or balcony. If you join our community as an independent resident and your needs change, you may stay in your same apartment while accessing the services of our Assisted Living Program. Rents start at $895 with an optional and flexible meal plan available at a modest additional cost. Our community offers an expansive array of recreational and lifestyle opportunities. Our resident social calendar includes a variety of activities, special events, tours and trips. For your convenience, we offer a daily dining program, enclosed parking, a full service bank, country store and a beauty salon/barber shop, all within the facility. In addition to our on-site Wheaton Franciscan Medical office, scheduled transportation is available, shopping, special events, tours and trips. Health staff consists of RN, LPN’s and Certified Nurses Aides. At Forest Ridge, we make a very special lifestyle possible. You will find the affordable retirement you want with the services you may need to assist you through the years.

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HARBOUR VILLAGE 5700 Mockingbird Lane, Greendale 414.421.9600 Contact Person: Karri Biscobing Harbour Village is affiliated with Senior Lifestyle Corporation and is for profit with the capacity of 114 at this facility. You will find studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes which spouses share rooms/apartments including 3 meals a day. Monthly rent is dependant upon level of care and services needed. A variety of cultural programs, arts and activities are offered regularly giving you the freedom to do the things you enjoy. Personnel on staff include an RN plus 24 hour awake carestaff. Assisted living truly emphasizes living at Harbor Village by appealing to the personal tastes of each resident. We provide opportunities to experience life to the fullest. HERITAGE COURT N48 W14250 Hampton Ave., Menomonee Falls 262.432.0222 Contact: Debbie Harry A 34 unit, secure Memory Care residence. When you enter the doors of Heritage Court you will find a warm and compassionate community with a very home-like atmosphere. We have caring, dedicated caregivers on staff 24 hours a day to provide our residents with love, respect and dignity. With an enclosed outdoor garden, residents can enjoy the outdoors in a safe and secure area. We provide three home cooked meals a day and snacks and have an array of activities for everyone to enjoy. All private suites with private bath. Activities: outings, movies, cards, daily events and more. Affiliations: Lexington Heritage, Heritage at Deer Creek and Heritage West Allis. HERITAGE AT DEER CREEK 3585 S. 147th St., New Berlin 262.432.0222 Contact: Debbie Harry Assisted Living and Memory Care residence. Within Heritage at Deer Creek you will find a warm and compassionate community where daily assistance is provided with love and utmost respect for personal integrity of our residents. Our compassionate staff is trained to serve with an open heart and friendly smile. Living arrangements: Assisted Living – 43 apts., studios, 3 sizes/1 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms/2 baths, walk-in showers, individually controlled heat and air, kitchenette. Pets welcome. All utilities except telephone included. Memory Care – 33 private suites with bathrooms, most with walk-in showers. Monthly rent: Assisted Living – start at $2,955; Memory Care – start at $3,800. In house physician, podiatrist, coordination of therapies and lab services. Activities: lunch outings, movies, cards, bingo, happy hour and more. Affiliations: Lexington Heritage, Heritage Court and Heritage West Allis. HERITAGE WEST ALLIS 7901 W. National Avenue West Allis,WI 53214 414.302.9700 Contact: Chris Kohn Heritage West Allis offers an elegant, Assisted Living and Memory Care community where daily assistance is provided with love and the utmost respect for personal integrity of our residents. Choose from studio, one and two bedroom apartments with no entrance or endowment fee. Within each apartment is a kitchenette, private bath with walk-in-shower, spacious closets and a reassuring personalized emergency call pendant. Amenities include: community pub, beauty

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shop, fitness center, community room and library. Professional care giving staff is available 24 hours a day to assist you with anything from bathing to medication administration. Heritage Memory Care Neighborhood specializes in care for residents with Alzheimer’s or other related Dementias. Our two 20-suite communities offer residents an uncomplicated design with home-like private accommodations. 40 residents will reside in private suites with bath and walk-in showers. A beautiful secure interior courtyard will provide safe access to the outdoors. Our activity program is designed to stimulate and engage the residents remaining cognitive strengths. Affiliates: Heritage at Deer Creek, Lexington Heritage, Heritage Court. JACKSON CROSSINGS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

N168 W22022 Main Street, Jackson,WI 53037 262.993.2838 Contact Person: Amy Lloyd Living on the Lake is important to many Wisconsin residents. At Jackson Crossings, people enjoy the birds, gardens, and fishing on a small “Northwoods” lake among friends and family. Our spacious 1 bedroom, two bedroom and studio apartments include lakeside patios or balconies, utilities, cable TV, housekeeping, towel and linen service, concierge service and much more. Depending on the services provided, monthly fees range from $2,390 to over $5,000 per month and include a meal plan, fitness and wellness programs as well as many recreational activities such as bus tours, live music and entertainment, art programs, wine tastings, barbecues, theme parties, Bingo, card parties, family picnics, transportation to shopping and more. The best thing about Retirement Living at Jack-

A decision the whole family will feel good about ...

Cedar Bay Assisted Living! . Improved quality of life for your loved one . Peace of mind for the whole family . Outstanding reputation for quality, compassionate supportive care services . Warm, welcoming, positive environment . Vibrant and engaging activities program . Three delicious and nutritious meals served daily . Comfortable apartments with private bath . Enjoy natural lake settings at both our Big Cedar Lake and Elkhart Lake campuses! Call or visit our website for helpful advice on assisted living and other options!

5595 County Road Z West Bend, WI 53095 262.306.4299 cedarcommunity.org

101 Cedar Lane Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 920.876.4050 cedarlanding.org

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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son Crossings are the excellent services and outstanding staff who make you the priority. If you should need rehabilitation or other help, you can receive the best care and never have to leave. Assisted Living and Memory Care are available. Our staff includes RN’s, CNA’s, a social worker, therapists, and a certified Alzheimer's educator. No entry fee or endowment is required and pets are welcome.

LEXINGTON HERITAGE 5020 S. 107th St., Greenfield 414.302.9700 Contact: Chris Kohn A 20 unit Assisted Living residence. When you enter the doors of Lexington Heritage you will find a small and comfortable facility with a very home like atmosphere. Throughout the days many enjoy sitting in our sunroom viewing the beauty of our private patio. We have caring, dedicated caregivers on staff 24 hours a day to provide our residents with love, respect and dignity. We provide three home cooked meals a day and have an array of activities for everyone to enjoy. Studio, large and small/bedrooms with private bathrooms. 2 bedroom/2 bath. All units have microwave and refrigerator. There is no enrollment/endowment fee. Activities: musical entertainment, trivia, crossword puzzles, church services, Pokeno, crafts and van for transportation. Affiliations: Heritage at Deer Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care, Heritage Court Memory Care, Heritage Eau Claire and Heritage West Allis.

PROHEALTH CARE REGENCY SENIOR COMMUNITIES – BROOKFIELD 777 N. Brookfield Rd. Brookfield Contact:Terry Sommers Director of Community Services 262-780-0321 www.RegencySeniorCommunities.com Regency’s Assisted Living offers seniors the privacy and independence they want with the individualized support services they may need. We provide two levels of care to residents as their needs change, reducing the need for a future move. As part of the ProHealth Care family, we also offer free transportation to ProHealth Care medical appointments. We have 94 studio and one-bedroom apartments ranging from $2,410 - $4,620 a month. Our rent includes a meal plan, nursing services, and many daily activities which include cards, crafts, outings, cultural and exercise programs and worship services. Our staff includes an RN, LPNs and CNAs.

Your Neighborhood Assisted Living In Waukesha and Milwaukee Celebrate your individuality at home with CLE Where your family is our family Visit a CLE home in your neighborhood

Call today at 414.258.9955 Email laurie.hintz@cclswi.com www.cle-cclswi.com

PROHEALTH CARE REGENCY SENIOR COMMUNITIES – MUSKEGO W181 S8540 Lodge Blvd., Muskego Contact Person: Judy Sorce, Director of Community Services 262.679.0888 www.RegencySeniorCommunities.com Regency-Muskego's Assisted Living programs provide several levels of care to meet the changing needs of our residents. Our 96 one bedroom apartments offer residents the privacy, independence, and comfort they want with the excellent care, compassion and respect they need, all for one affordable monthly fee of $3,170 - $4,620 per month. Besides offering three chef prepared mails daily, our residents enjoy hundreds of different types of activities including trips, socials, fitness, educational, recreational and spiritual programming. Around the clock care is provided by our staff of Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants. Our Attended Care Program is a better alternative to a nursing home, allowing people with higher physical or memory needs the privacy of their own apartments and excellent care at an affordable price. Free transportation to ProHealth Care clinics and hospitals is also available.

PROHEALTH CARE REGENCY SENIOR COMMUNITIES – NEW BERLIN 13750 W. National Avenue, New Berlin Contact Person: Arleen Houssaye, Director of Community Services 262-789-1699 www.RegencySeniorCommunities.com At the Regency New Berlin Assisted Living, we have 88 one bedroom and studio apartments. We also offer assisted living services in our independent one and two bedroom catered care apartments. As part of the ProHealth Care Family, we provide various levels of care for your changing health care needs, which enables many residents to avoid future moves to other facilities. Assisted Living rents range from $3,035 to $4,470 depending on the level of care and apartment size. Rent includes 3-meals a day, basic utilities, housekeeping, bed-linen change, and personal care services. We also provide recreation and activities including free musical entertainment, exercise classes, crafts, book and card clubs, bingo, day outings and church services. Free transportation is provided for group events. All apartments are equipped with an emergency call system, and we have on-site

PROFESSIONAL CARE WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH An affordable alternative serving the special needs of the elderly community. Our elderly living facilities provide a comfortable and charming homelike atmosphere.

Our Amenities Include: • 24-Hour Service Staff • 3 Meals Daily • Housekeeping Services • Assistance with Medications

Lives are Enhanced Expectations Exceeded

• Daily Activity Programming • Peace of Mind of Resident & Family • Private Accomodations • Linen/Laundry Service

ST. JOHN'S MANOR

812 Marquette Avenue South Milwaukee 414-762-2511

• Nursing Services • Personal Care Assistance • Special Events, Tours, Trips • R.N. Owner Operated

ST. MARY'S MANOR

1313 Missouri Avenue South Milwaukee 414-762-8026

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FOREST RIDGE SENIOR RESIDENCES

ASSISTED LIVING AT ST. CAMILLUS

HERITAGE COURT

CLEMENT MANOR

HARBOUR VILLAGE

HERITAGE WEST ALLIS

HERITAGE AT DEER CREEK CEDAR BAY

CREATIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS, LLC.

JACKSON CROSSINGS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY LEXINGTON HERITAGE

ELLEN’S HOME

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LUTHER MANOR

ST. CLARE TERRACE

PROHEALTH CARE REGENCY SENIOR COMMUNITIES – BROOKFIELD

ST. JOHN’S MANOR

PROHEALTH CARE REGENCY SENIOR COMMUNITIES-NEW BERLIN VMPTRINITY

PROHEALTH CARE REGENCY SENIOR COMMUNITIES MUSKEGO

ST. MARY’S MANOR TUDOR OAKS

VMP- MANOR PARK

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nurses available 8 hours a day, seven days a week, and on-call 24/7. Certified nursing assistants are on-site 24/7 for personal care services and emergencies.

ST. CLARE TERRACE 3553 S. 41 St., Milwaukee 414.649.0730 The finest assisted living apartment homes for seniors who may need help with life’s day-to-day needs. Spacious apartments feature all the necessary amenities including walk-in showers. Enjoy three meals prepared daily, a beauty shop, scheduled activities and the professional care of an on-site nurse who can help you with your medical and health questions. Another benefit is the beauty and spiritual comfort of our on-site chapel. St. Clare Terrace helps families combine their personal independence with professional care. Sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Clare and managed by Clement Manor, Inc.

ST. JOHN’S MANOR 812 Marquette Ave. South Milwaukee 414.762.2511 St. John's Manor offers personal attention with full-time nursing assistants, fulltime activity staff and a charming home-like atmosphere. Living arrangements include private rooms and activities such as bingo, van rides, entertainment, community programs, a patio and a transportation van. There is a refundable enrollment fee.

ST. MARY’S MANOR 1314 Missouri Ave. South Milwaukee 414.762.8026 St. Mary's Manor offers personal attention in a charming home-like atmosphere and provides many levels of care. The facility has private rooms, full-time nurses and a full-time activity staff. Most popular activities include bingo, van rides, entertainment programs, community programs and the outdoor deck. There is a refundable enrollment fee.

TUDOR OAKS

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY S77 W12929 McShane DR., Muskego Contact: Marketing 414.525.6500 Tudor Oaks Retirement Community is affiliated with American Baptist Homes of the Midwest and is non-profit. Capacity of the facility includes 36 RCAC and 22 CBRF Memory. CBRF rooms include a studio with private bathroom and shower. RCAC rooms - an alcove with separate bedroom, living and tea kitchen with private bath. Enrollment/endowment fee is only for Independent Living. Spouces may share room/apt. Refundable based on contract selected and monthly rent

based on care level. Meal plan included with monthly fee. Our recreation/programs include fitness classes, swimming, music, games, spiritual programs, bus trips and entertainment. Medical personnel on staff include a CNA 24/7 on the floor, and RN 24/7 on campus. Assisted living helps residents stay as independent as possible while providing for their needs. Residents enjoy social opportunities while living in a safe and happy community. All housing is under one roof from independent to assisted to skilled with rehab care. Long term staff provides caring and compassionate assistance.

VMP - MANOR PARK 3023 South 84th Street,West Allis Website: www.vmpcares.com Contact: Sue 414-607-4104 VMP Manor Park offers rooms that are singles, kitchenettes, and apartments which spouses may share. Monthly rent depends on size of rooms/apartments selected and there is no endowment or enrollment fee. Three meals daily are included within monthly rent. Our recreation and programs include exercise, music therapy and they promote interaction. Helping Hands is a group comprised of residents who perform social service acts for school children, cancer groups, humane society, military, etc. On staff we have a manager, nurses, CNAs, recreational staff, therapists, food service, social workers, pastoral staff. Residents receive medication administration and health monitoring, meals, housekeeping and laundry. Sliding scale insulin injections are possible. We offer an on-site medical clinic, rehabilitation, lab and X-ray services including mammogram. Chapel, store, and beauty shop are on-site. Another advantage is access to on-site skilled nursing, hospice and a ventilator unit.

VMP - TRINITY 7300 West Dean Road, Milwaukee Website: www.vmpcares.com Contact: Peggy 414-371-7350 VMP Trinity is owned and operated by VMP, a leader in senior healthcare for over 85 years. VMP Trinity offers a full array of services to meet the challenging needs of seniors. Couples enjoy the one and two bedroom apartments in the assisted living care area which provides support for those who need some help with daily activity tasks. All residents receive three meals daily, housekeeping, laundry services, medication administration and social activities. Additional supportive, personal care or nursing services are available as needed. There is no enrollment or endowment fee. Residents also benefit from an on-site medical clinic and rehabilitation center. As an added convenience, the clinic can provide lab and x-ray services on-site, including mammograms. Another advantage of VMP Trinity is access to more advanced care, including skilled nursing, hospice and a ventilator unit.

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50PLUS What’s new for phase two of your life?

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CURRENT EVENTS August 1 - 5 Ozaukee County Fair Firemens’s Park, Cedarburg The last free county fair in southeastern Wisconsin. Enjoy carnival rides, animal judging, horse show, dog obedience, truck pull, chainsaw carving auction, mainstage entertainment, food and more. www.ozaukeecountyfair.com

August 2 - 14 Wisconsin State Fair Enjoy everything Wisconsin! Visit www.wistatefair.com for more information.

August 4 Lovin' Kind Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell Ave Lovin’ Kind from 8-11 p.m. followed by Failure to Launch. This will be an awesome show! We're honored to play there and hope all of you will come to make this a blast of a night for you and a successful night for us.

August 10 - 11 Waukesha Bluesfest NagaWaukee Park, Delafield www.waukeshabluesfest.com or call (262) 542-0330

August 11 “Field of Honor: A Salute to the Greatest Generation” Miller Park Tickets can be purchased online at www.starsandstripeshonorflight.org or www.brewers.com/fieldofhonor, or by calling (414) 902-4000. Proceeds will help fund future SSHF flights.

August 11 - 12 Heritage Weekend Lisbon Community Park, N78 W26970 Bartlett Pkwy. Take a journey through history by visiting re-enactors from a variety of time periods. Walk through history –

up to 40 camps. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available to purchase.

August 16 - 19 Irish Fest Henry W. Maier Festival Park Enjoy everything Irish! For details, irishfest.com.

August 17 - 19 Port Washington's Maritime Heritage Festival A premiere Maritime Heritage event on the west cost of Lake Michigan featuring tall ships, artisans, educational activities, entertainment and more.Visit the website to learn more www.portmaritimefestival.com.

August 18 Donna Lexa Memorial Glacial Drumlin Bicycle Trail, Wales The 14th annual juried art fair with over 65 artists, entertainment, food, children's area, and Art Fair used book sale from 9 a.m. - 4 .m. Visit www.donnalexamemorialartfair.org or call (262) 853-0808.

August 18 - 19 Maxwell Street Days Field Park (Hwy 82 & NN), Mukwonago Flea market with over 600 vendors displaying their goods. For details call (262) 363-1501.

August 19 Vintage Baseball Game & Classic Car Show Richfield Historical Park Enjoy a Vintage style baseball game & classic car show. Games at: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. with kids activities and competition between games. Park Opens at 10 a.m. www.richfieldhistoricalsociety.org

AARP Driver Safety program West Wood Health & Fitness Center, 2900 Golf Rd., Waukesha AARP members $12 / nonmembers $14. Registration required for all events: www.prohealthcare.org/classes or (262) 928-2745.

August 24, 25, 26 Germanfest Downtown West Bend Celebrate German Heritage with national & international polka bans, German food and more! www.downtownwestbend.com or call (262) 338-3909.

August 25 - 26 Wings over Waukesha Waukesha County Airport Bring the family & see four of the best aerobatics performers in the country, a variety of civilian and military aircraft in the daily air show at 1:00 p.m. Saturday enjoy a hot air balloon “glow” from 6 - 9 p.m. Visit www.wingsoverwaukesha.com or (262) 424-6747.

August 31 September 2 Wisconsin Highland Games Waukesha County Expo Center A weekend of Celtic fun for the entire family! For details visit http://www.wisconsinscottish.org or call (262) 896-8490.

FUTURE EVENTS September 2 Maxwell Street Days Firemen’s Park, Cedarburg Vendors sell a varied selection of antiques, collectibles, crafts, fine arts, fresh produce, seasonal items, sports memorabilia, flea market items and more.

September 18 You’re Never Too Old to Play An Afternoon with John McGivern Northern Lights Theater, Potawatomi Limited seats available, contact (414) 607-4130 for tickets and info.

ONGOING THROUGH SUMMER SEASON Waterfront Wednesday’s Lakefront Park, Pewaukee Free sing along & dance to live music every Wednesday on Pewaukee’s lakefront, 7 - 9 p.m. with music varying weekly. River Rhythms Marquette Park, 900 N. Plankinton Ave. Free concerts through August 29, 6:30 - 9 p.m. www.westown.org. Wednesday Night Live Wisconsin State Fair Park Budweiser Pavilion, 640 S. 84th Street Free concert series ongoing on Wednesdays, featuring some of the top bands in the Milwaukee area from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. www.budpavilion.com. Concerts in the Gardens Boerner Botanical Gardens 9400 Boerner Drive, Hales Corners Free Thursday concerts from 6:30 8:30 p.m., through August 30. www.countyparks.com. Starry Nights Wilson Center, Gerlach Outdoor Theater 19805 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield Free summertime Friday night concert series. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m. rain or shine. (262) 781-9470 or visit wilson-center.com. Jazz in the Park Cathedral Square Park Free concerts through September 6, Thursdays, 5 - 9 p.m., Happy Hour at 5 p.m., Music starts at 6 p.m. Visit /www.easttown.com/events/jazz-inthe-park. Pere Marquette Park (On Old World Third Street between State and Kilbourn) Wednesdays 6:30 - 9 p.m. through August 29. Free to the public. Visit /www.westown.org for more information.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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ON-GOING Afternoon Dance American Legion Post #449 3245 N. 124th St., Brookfield Everyone Welcome! Second Monday every month, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., $3, Big Band dance. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Charles Horwitz Planetarium S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha Visit www.waukeshaschools.com/planet for more information on upcoming programs. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ The French Canadian/Acadian Genealogists of Wisconsin Mayfair Mall, Hwy. 100 and North Ave. Meets each month, 7:30 p.m., visit www.fcgw.org for details. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Milwaukee Art Museum 700 N. Art Museum Dr. Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday Sunday. Call (414) 224-3200 or go to www.mam.org. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Milwaukee County RSVP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Interfaith Older Adult Programs, Inc. If you are 55 years of age or better contact Lynn at (414) 220-8651 to be a volunteer. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Museum of Wisconsin Art 300 South Sixth Ave., West Bend Public hours, Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4:30 p.m. (262) 334-9638/ www.wisconsinart.org. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ O.A.S.I.S. 2414 West Mitchell Street Fifty Five Plus Travel Club meets monthly. For details, call (414) 647-6041. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Potawatomi Bingo Casino Senior Day is every Tuesday of the month. That means more chances for you to win! Fire Keeper's ClubÂŽ members 55 and older. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Schlitz Audubon Nature Center 1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee Call for information at (414) 352-2880 Ext. 0. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Sociable Singles Provides various events for singles 55 and older in Washington, Ozaukee and Northern Milwaukee Counties. Call Kathi (414) 416-4624 or Norman (262) 628-1278. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Mature Singles Interested singles 50 and older join us at our many events. Please call (414) 748-0278 for more information. â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ Square Benders Club Modern square dance lessons for singles and couples. Call for details at (414) 355-9424/(414) 964-5443. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Stillwaters Cancer Support Services 434 Madison St., Waukesha Visit www.stillwaterscenter.org or (262) 548-9148. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Racine Art Museum Free Friday RAM, 441 Main Street, Racine For details, call (262) 638-8300 or ramart.org. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ Vagabond Ski & Social Club Knights of Columbus Hall 3200 S. 103rd & Oklahoma Ave. Meeting and dance; with the fun music of "Dusk", on Wednesday, August 1, 8:30 (dance). An active social club for singles and married couples. Meeting and dance, 7:30 (meeting). Admission fee. www.vagabondskiclub.com. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

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Waukesha County Genealogical Society WCGS meetings are free/individual membership is $12/yr. For details visit www.rootsweb.com/~wiwcgs/. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ West Allis Public Library Book Sales 7421 W. National Ave. Sales are held the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

INSURANCE from page 6B received from a hospital and evidence that supports taking medications or specific treatments. If you don't hear from the company, follow up politely; you need them to listen to you. If the claim is still denied, contact the medical director in the company with your complete documentation. If you're unsuccessful after taking these first steps, consider contacting your state's insurance oversight department. If you're at a loss or confused as to how to proceed, a nonprofit organization such as the Patient Advocate Foundation offers advice for free. Fee-based companies may also help negotiate lower fees for uncovered services.