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Phase Two of Your Life?

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

VOL. 32 NO. 3

Local Writer Pens Sequel to “Beyond DiMaggio” Book

March 2018

INSIDE.... Moving in the Right Direction

See Page 5

Rehab and Memory Care

See Page 17-22

Events Calendar

See Page 28-29

Jack Pearson on Sports

See Page 30

We Saw You At See Page 38 One of the Italian American players interviewed for this book was former Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Chris Capuano (left), who had been traded to the Mets. He is seen with Baldassaro prior to a game in Miller Park. BY JACK PEARSON retired Professor Emeritus of Italian at UW-Milwaukee. Seven years ago, a local man, Larry Baldassaro, wrote The book became nationally known among baseball adone of the finest books on baseball ever compiled by a ministrators, players and fans, not simply those of Italian Wisconsin author – Beyond DiMaggio, Italian Americans heritage, but of all nationalities. in Baseball. Baldassaro, who resides in Whitefish Bay, is a LOCAL WRITER continued on page 16

Business & Services Directory See Page 39

FAKE NEWS: “Social Security Is Going Bankrupt”

AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier

Since 2010 Paul Ryan and others have been saying a lot of things about Social Security that today people might term “fake news.” In Mr. Ryan’s 2010 budget proposal called “A Roadmap for America’s Future” he said, “Social Security is going bankrupt and cannot fulfill its promises to future retirees.” His solution at that time was to create private accounts, cut cost of

living increases and increase the retirement age to 70. More recently, Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Texas), chairman of the Social Security subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee, proposed the “Social Security Reform Act of 2016” in December, 2016. He proposed to cut the cost of living adjustment, increase the retirement age to 69, and make cuts to the

benefit-computation formula. Then, in September, 2017 Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said “The driver of our debt is the structure of Social Security and Medicare for future beneficiaries.” But Senator Ron Widen (D-Ore.), ranking Democrat on the finance committee said that nobody should be fooled, “entitlement reform” is FRAZIER continued on page 3

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MARCH 2018

Eye MDs List 4 Key Tips for Protecting Vision

by Cheryl L. Dejewski

Scheduling regular check-ups and noticing and reporting any changes in your vision (wavy lines, loss of central or side vision clarity, flashes of light, etc.) are key ways that you can help to protect and preserve your precious gift of sight. In addition, studies suggest there are simple measures you can take to lower your risk of developing eye diseases. These include: 1. Eat your greens. "Your mother was right, but she may not have known that this popular adage could also help save your sight," notes Mark Freedman, MD, senior partner at Eye Care Specialists, a Milwaukee-area ophthalmology practice that has treated more than 130,000 patients. Freedman explains, "Studies have found that people eating a diet high in carotenoids (pigments found in many yellow, orange and green vegetables) have a significantly lower risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than people with lower intakes of these nutrients." AMD is a retinal disease that causes blindness from loss of central vision. People who ate lots of carotenoid-rich spinach, kale and collard greens lowered their risk most of all. Many carotenoids are antioxidants, which researchers speculate may prevent harmful chemicals called "free radicals" from damaging the retina. 2. Take a multivitamin. Head of Ophthalmology at a major Milwaukee area hospital, Brett Rhode, MD, reports, "Studies suggest that nutritional supplements may help prevent or slow the clouding of the lens of the eye that forms cataracts. Studies

have shown a 30% lower risk of cataracts among multivitamin users and a 40% lower risk for developing opacities (cloudiness) in the cornea that can lead to cataracts. These protective effects may be due to antioxidant nutrients (beta-carotene and Vitamins C and E, for example)." Another study by the USDA Nutrition Research Center on Aging showed that women who took vitamin C for more than 10 years had a 77% lower risk of developing early lens opacity (clouding of the lens which can lead to cataracts) than women who took less or no vitamin C. "Many ophthalmologists feel these studies provide strong evidence to the positive effects of vitamins on the eyes and suggest that since people over age 60 are often deficient in at least two-thirds of the vitamins they need, taking a multivitamin may prove beneficial overall,” says busy cataract surgeon and continuing education lecturer Daniel Ferguson, MD. “And, if you are at risk for a specific eye condition, like AMD, you should speak to your eye care specialist about whether or not you should be taking specific eye-related vitamin supplements."

3. Wear sunglasses & hats. "We all adore the sun, especially since we tend to see (and feel) so little of it here in Wisconsin. But, our fair-weather friend can be a potential enemy to our eyes,” notes Daniel Paskowitz, MD, an ophthalmologist with credentials from Harvard and Johns Hopkins. A number of studies have shown that chronic, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light rays increases the risk of developing cataracts and AMD. On the positive side, a study of 5,000 adults in Beaver Dam, Wis., showed that people who protected their eyes from bright sunlight by wearing sunglasses or hats with brims seemed to lower their risk of developing AMD." As a result of this and previous data, the FDA set a voluntary standard for non-prescription sunglasses to block 99% of UVB and 95% of UVA rays. Use this information when shopping and remember to wear your sunglasses and/or a hat (and encour-

age your children and grandchildren to do so) the next time you step outside to take a drive, work in the garden, go for a swim, or relax in a chair. 4. Don't smoke. Michael Raciti, MD, an ophthalmologist who has also taught surgery techniques to doctors-in-training, notes, "It has long been known that cigarette smoking causes a variety of overall health problems. People also need to realize the threat it poses to vision, including up to a 50% increase in the risk of developing cataracts and diabetic eye disease.” “Smoking also speeds the onset and increases the overall risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by two to five times," adds David Scheidt, OD, past president of the Milwaukee Optometric Society.” For free booklets on cataracts, AMD, diabetes and glaucoma, call 414-321-7035.

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Signs of hope appear to be on the horizon We are beginning to see, I hope, what it means to be an American citizen: you can’t be too dogmatic, and we need to accept differences and extend to everyone the opportunity to become the best they can be. Call me a contrarian. Or even a Pollyanna. But when everyone around me is filled with gloom and despair, seeing dire portents in every political headline, I try to find trends that encourage me. And I’m finding them. It could be that my hopes outrun the realities. But I’m guardedly optimistic that’s not the case. If there’s a single theme that ties them together, it seems to me that many people are beginning to view government with greater realism as to what it can do about improving the quality of life of our people. Don’t get me wrong — there are still plenty of Americans who believe that government is best which governs least, and many others who reflexively turn to government to solve our problems. Including some who profess to dislike government. Still, amidst all of the past year’s political turmoil — in fact, in no small part because of it — there’s been a renewed understanding that this country is a work in progress; that it’s not yet finished creating itself. And so FRAZIER continued from page 1

“just code for attacks on Medicaid, on Medicare, on Social Security, and on anti-hunger programs.” The point is that there are politicians who are very committed to making cuts and changing the basic structure of programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and using words like “bankrupt”, “reform”, “save” and “modernize” to disguise their real intent. SOME FACTS ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY

Every year the Social Security Administration issues annual trust fund reports on Social Security and Medicare, including projections of solvency for the next 75 years. The most recent report indicates that Social Security reserves increased by $35 billion in 2016 for a total of $2.8 trillion. There are two Social Security trust funds: the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund and the Disability

CONGRESS

By Lee Hamilton Americans of all ideological stripes are determined to question and challenge features of the political environment that concern them. They’re looking at divisive issues like immigration with a dose of realism — an assessment of what should and can be accomplished — that hasn’t always been evident before. They’re standing up for better treatment of women and confronting the costs of past assumptions. They’re marching and protesting. They’re running for office. They’re scrutinizing public figures more carefully than in the past. In other words, there’s an energy and a vitality in the system that were hard to glimpse before. Because politicians are pretty good at adjusting to the public mood, they’re becoming a shade less divisive, less polarized, less partisan, and maybe even less intolerant of different opinions. I’ve even seen some strike a Insurance (DI) Trust Fund. The annual report states that the OASI Trust Fund is able to pay full benefits until 2035 and the DI Trust Fund is able to pay full benefits until 2028. Combined the Trust Funds are able to pay full benefits until 2034. In 2016, 50.3 million people received OASI benefits and 10.6 million received DI benefits. The average retired worker in 2017 received $16,320 a year, the average retired couple received $27,120 a year and the average disabled worker received $14,052. In 2017, Social Security taxes were 6.2 percent of wages for workers and employers, and 12.4 percent for self-employed persons. A person does not pay Social Security taxes on earnings over $127,200 ($128,400 in 2018). All tax income is invested in “special issue” securities of the United States Treasury that are only available to the trust funds. These securities are

MARCH 2018

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note of humility. It’s possible I’m reading too much into this, but I think a growing number of Americans are tired of rancor, and are reasserting their respect for a nation founded on the principles of “out of many, one” and “freedom and justice for all.” And so there are signs of more flexibility in political life — of politicians and ordinary Americans shying away from implacable positions. They recognize that it’s a big country and we have to make it work. They are beginning to see, I hope, what it means to be an American citizen: that you can’t be too dogmatic, that we need to accept differences and extend to everyone the opportunity to become the best they can be. This is crucial, because the United States is changing in dramatic ways — becoming less white, less rural and suburban, more urban, more racially diverse, possibly a bit less religious. In many parts of the country there’s an understanding that whether we like it or not, our daily lives are affected by globalization and by forces exerted from far outside our immediate communities. Now, there are plenty of counter-trends to everything I just said, and these get a lot of attention — indeed, they dominate our view of where the country stands right now. But as I

survey the country and speak to different groups, I keep getting glimpses of the more hopeful trends I outline. So the question I come away with is, can they be sustained, nurtured, and enhanced? And there, I’m afraid, I’m less hopeful. Because the answer depends upon the quality of our political leadership. For the most part, I don’t see our most prominent leaders stepping forward with the determination to move the country in a more unified direction. We’ve always risen to the challenge of deep-seated, fundamental change in the past, but that doesn’t mean we always will. So where does that leave us as citizens? I think it falls to us to push the hopeful trends forward, to make them so obvious that they can’t be ignored. If we’re not at a crossroads, we’re certainly not far from one, and in the end, it’s up to each of us which direction we’ll take as a nation. Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the Federal government. By law the only disbursements permitted from the trust funds are benefit payments and administrative costs (less than 2% in 2016), and the Social Security Act requires that funds may only be invested in interest-bearing securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Social Security benefits are paid by redeeming the securities plus interest.

the Federal government may have to renege on its promise to redeem the securities; something that has never happened in the 82 year history of the program. Also, there are numerous ways to strengthen the solvency of the trust funds without any subsidy from other Federal taxes (e.g. gradually eliminating the cap on earnings would make the funds solvent for many years beyond 2035). Also, I believe that this debunks other false claims that Social Security is a “Ponzi” scheme.

IS SOCIAL SECURITY GOING BANKRUPT?

No. As stated above Social Security reserves are over $2.8 trillion and can pay full benefits until 2035. Even if Congress does nothing between now and then, Social Security will be able to pay between 75% and 80% of benefits. If politicians claim that it is “going bankrupt” they either do not understand how it works, are hiding their intentions to destroy it, or saying

IS SOCIAL SECURITY CONTRIBUTING TO THE NATIONAL DEFICIT OR DEBT?

No. As former Wisconsin U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, chair of the Special Committee on Aging, said in 2010 “Social Security has never been responsible for one penny of the federal deficit, and by law is barred from doing so.” And, as the Economic PolFRAZIER continued on page 12

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MARCH 2018

EDITORIALS It requires much more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away.

Prison population Not only is the state having difficulties with juveniles in the correctional institutions with different avenues for incarceration being explored, it appears that the overall prison population of Wisconsin is rising. It supposedly is rising by about 35 inmates each month. The inmates, of course, are becoming older and, sadly to write, they are serving longer sentences than

Striking fear

The way our country is headed should strike fear in all of our hearts. The recent shutdown of government, if ever so brief should be enough to strike fear in our hearts. Who is right? Who

in recent decades. What does this mean to you and me? Look for programs in the near future that will add new taxes to take care of prison inmates. The Department of Corrections now has an annual budget of over one billion dollars. Our guess is the DOC budget will be heading upward. Ouch!

is wrong? Who cares? We sent you people to Washington, D. C. to be able to work things out verbally. What a bunch of conceited dummies?

St. Patrick’s Day March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. Looking forward and glancing backwards, people with Irish forefathers find their souls awakening, filled with enthusiasm as they await the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day in the year 2018. Patrick, who was raised as an indentured servant by the French, found peace, friendships galore and happiness after he escaped, became a priest and sailed to Ireland for the conversion of the people to the Catholic reli-

gion. His heart was full of faith and he utilized the Irish shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Along his journey through life, St. Patrick asked the people to forget their many troubles as having cast them away. He urged them to remember and appreciate the blessings of today. He is said to have driven all the snakes from Ireland, at least the ground slithering ones.

The Stock Markets The recent large sell-off in the stocks of hundreds of companies, large and small, might not be the end of the scare. But regardless of what was a chilling experience for numerous investors, a serious look at the market with stock prices still contributing to Dow Jones Averages well above the 20,000 mark. But what caused the market to sell off billions of dollars in

It Makes Me

There may be some political shenanigans that will bother us in the near future. But many are the threats that have bothered us in the past, but that we have conquered as we met them head-on. Thought does not always

SENIOR ANSWER MAN DEAR SAM: I notice especially in Washington, D.C. that when people have issues they tend to take them so far that they reach a point of no return when they finally realize that they are wrong. Sam, how about an opinion on this. SIGNED: A NEW PENSIONER

Killing TIMEWITH JIM McLOONE A son-in-law said I was a tough old bird. It was at the dinner table. I thought he said the chicken was a tough old bird.

vvvvv

The last time I had my computer on, the screen suddenly read ‘’Due to technical difficulties, etc.” So I shut it off, turned it back on and the technical difficulty was gone. Like the guy who claims he learns from his mistakes, I surely wish I could recall what I did wrong to create technical difficulties.

vvvvv

profits? Everything still is said to be not fine or as it once was, hunky dory. But signs are for the markets going forward to be more bullish than bearish. And who likes bears? The bulls are a lot tastier and certainly not as angrily aggressive. Let us hope that the market will be like that said, “I’ll go on ahead.”

A man from the reservation up north claims that the only vegetarian he knows is a fellow who is too lazy to hunt or fish.

vvvvv

The Delafield and Hartland American Legion Posts held fisheries Feb. 3. Like our president, if those fish would learn to keep their mouths closed, they’d never be caught.

vvvvv

CRABBY

have to be serious. The person who first said that a person has to learn to grin and bear it was not 100 percent wrong. On another note, did you know that when an early settler invented the shovel that such was groundbreaking?

DEAR NEW PENSIONER: Yes, stubborn people certainly are set in their own ways. If they have certain issues, they turn such into entire magazines. I will be quick to admit that I am among those who are concerned about what has been going on in our nation’s capital. We supposedly send people there to legislate as best as they are capable of. I am more than a little concerned about the lack of positive law making. The way some of these lawmakers are acting today, mean and unruly, I surely hope they are not with pets in their care at home. ADAMANTLY, SAM

About two and one-half decades past normal retirement age, I guess my eyesight still is quite good, if not 20-20. I see myself going to the office again tomorrow. Why is it that our minds and bodies don’t seem to wear out at the same time?

vvvvv

Can you imagine being a child in elementary school today, working KILLING TIME continued on page 37

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My survey results are in: Seniors facing a move from the home they love… I am always trying to feel the pulse of my clients who are boomers and their parents. I just received the results from a survey I sent out to folks from ages 78-85. They are all homeowners and most considering a move to a senior apartment or community. So often we think we know what others are feeling but may misread emotions which are kept quiet. We are talking about a generation of seniors who are fiercely private and, in many cases, selfless. Most in this age group belong in or just behind the World War II generation. This generation would rather keep quiet about their feelings and focus on those in the family behind. The following are questions pertaining more to core feelings and emotions. It is about the why behind the actions or inaction. I feel this is valuable for you, the readers who are the seniors considering a move or you are the child wanting the best for your parent’s quality of life. 1) QUESTION: What would you consider the major reason that would hold you back from a move that

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz you feel would be beneficial? ANSWER: The task of downsizing is too overwhelming! The second answer was “I can afford it, but I don’t want to spend the money!”. 2) QUESTION: What would have to change from your current circumstances to make you ready to consider a move from your long-time home? ANSWER: An overwhelming 70% said a health setback. Second answer; “I can’t keep up my home any longer. 3) QUESTION: Of those you know that have moved to a senior community, are they happy or unhappy with their decision? ANSWER: The overwhelming

majority said they were happy they made the move, and only 5% unhappy with their decision to move to a senior community or apartment. 4) QUESTION: How far from your home would you consider in your next move? ANSWER: Almost half said within 2-5 miles from my current home. 28% said “distance is no problem”. 5) QUESTION: In a senior community or apartment, what services or amenities are most important to you? ANSWER: Two answers that were evenly split at around 35% were social activities and parking. Way behind at under 10% were medical services, meals and laundry services. 6) Question: Does the age of the building matter in your decision? ANSWER: 52% said they would prefer a newer building and 47% stated that the age of the building does not matter. 7) QUESTION: When do you anticipate a move?

ANSWER: almost 80% said “more than a year” 8) QUESTION: Do you consider yourself very independent? ANSWER: Almost 50% stated they are independent, but slowing down. Many stated they were dealing with health setbacks. This feedback is critical to all of you either considering a move or deciding to stay in your home. If you are the family helping mom or dad, the answers provide insights as to motivations and to perceptions. What can we gain from the feedback provided by this survey? Downsizing is an issue that must be dealt with not only by the senior moving but by the family helping mom or dad. Thankfully, there are services ready to help and make this process of shedding our treasures simple, organized, and done in a relatively short period of time. We will avoid shedding our things which hold memories. It is difficult knowing where to begin this process. But avoiding it can hold us back from the inevitable.

NEMOVITZ continued on page 23

NOW IS THE TIME...THE SPRING MARKET HAS ARRIVED! If you’re planning to sell your home in 2018, MARCH THROUGH MAY typically brings the highest sale prices of the year. To get more information on the real estate market, visit www.SeniorRealtor.com, or call us at 262-242-6177 for a free consultation. B R U C E ’ S T E A M : T R U S T. E X P E R I E N C E . I N T E G R I T Y. INTEGRIT Y SEE WHERE WE ARE SPEAKING NEXT: SENIORREALTOR.COM/EVENTS www.SeniorRealtor.com | Bruce@BrucesTeam.com | Jeanne@BrucesTeam.com

6 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2018

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Working while getting disability benefits

BY TOM MARGENAU

: I am 57 years old and getting Social Security disability benefits. I understand I can work and make $46,000 and still keep my disability checks. But how much can I make when I reach age 62?

: I’m afraid you’ve really got things mixed up. The $46,000 figure you cite applies to retirees in the year they turn age 66. And nothing is going to change when you turn 62. So let me back up. The only reason you are getting disability benefits in the first place is because you have been deemed to be unable to work. Or to put that another way, you are not getting Social Security disability just because you have a physical or mental impairment. You are getting those benefits because that impairment keeps you from working. That inability to work is the key to your eligibility for disability benefits. So, on the one hand, you shouldn’t be working at all. On the other hand, there are all kinds of work incentives built into the disability program that allow you to try working while still collecting your disability checks -- at least for a while. Those incentive provisions fill up about a 100-page book that the Social Security Administration produces. So there is no way I can explain all of them to you in this column. But I can summarize the main provisions. As a general rule, you can work for up to nine months, making as much money as you can, and still keep getting your benefits. However, after those nine months, if you are still working and if you are making more than about $1,200 per month, there is a pretty good chance your disability checks will stop. If you want more information, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov and under the “Publications” link look for the pamphlet called, “Working While Disabled -- How We Can Help.” It is an abbreviated version of that 100-page book I mentioned earlier. Many people getting disability benefits, and apparently you, too, think that something happens with your Social Security checks when you turn age

62. That’s wrong. However, when you reach your full retirement age, which would be 67 in your case, you will be automatically switched from the disability program to the retirement program. But the money amount you are getting stays the same; your disability benefit rate equals your full retirement age benefit rate. What will change once you reach age 67 is your ability to work. At that point, you will be considered a retiree and not a disabled person. And someone at full retirement age can work and earn as much as he or she can without losing any Social Security benefits.

: I’m on disability. If I win the lottery, can I keep my disability check?

: It depends on the kind of disability benefit that you are getting. The Social Security Administration runs two disability programs. So far in this column, we’ve been dealing with one of them -- Social Security disability benefits. The other program is Supplemental Security Income disability. Unlike Social Security, SSI is a welfare program. So if you are getting Social Security disability benefits, you could win a million dollars in the lottery and you’d still keep getting your disability checks. But if you are on SSI and you win the lottery, your SSI payments would stop almost immediately.

: I am getting SDDI. When can I go on regular SSI?

: You’re mixing up your acronyms, and so, I’m afraid, you’re mixing me up, too. As I explained in the prior answer, there are two different disability programs. The Social Security disability program is sometimes known as SSDI. That stands for Social Security disability insurance. And confusingly, the Supplemental Security Income disability program is often shortened into SSID. And to further complicate this alphabet soup mess, many people think BENEFITS continued on page 10

MARCH 2018

What happened to lifelong love?

BY DOUG MAYBERRY

: Since we retired, my husband has lost a lot of his patience. Within just a year, he’s become a cranky old man. Now, every time something goes wrong, he blames me and won’t let even the smallest things go. What happened to the lifelong lover I’ve been married to for 38 years?

: Retirement changes everything. Men often find the transition into retirement to be especially difficult. Unfortunately, you are the one who is closest to him and getting to hear him voice all of his frustrations. Over the course of his career, he developed a routine that retirement has now interrupted. Additionally, he has separated from the circle of acquaintances that he’s familiar with and used to dealing with. He has probably found that building new relationships with people of similar interests takes time and patience. As you’re now spending the whole day together, you should consider scheduling some privacy for both of you. We aren’t meant to spend all of our time with only one person -- absence makes the heart grow fonder! With your husband, discuss a plan to address your needs. One technique for better harmony is to be strategic about communicating. Set aside a routine time to discuss your thoughts and feelings -- you can share coffee or a glass of wine and unwind together around dinnertime. In his frustration at his different life, does he understand your feelings? Does he realize that you both may have to make some compromises? If you don’t tell him what you’re thinking, he has no way of knowing these things. Ask him about his day and what he would like to do tomorrow. Creating a schedule will help with the lack of structure with which many retirees struggle. Become a team again, and remember that communication and compromise are the keys to domestic harmony. The more time you spend together, the more important these things become. -- Doug

PAIR IT DOWN

: Last week, my billfold fell out of my pants pocket at a conference, and I couldn’t find it even after frantic searching. Fortunately, a good Samaritan picked it up and contacted me the next day. I couldn’t believe my luck! What can I do to avoid this mistake in the future?

: To avoid losing your wallet again, consider wearing pants with a deeper pocket or ones with a button. A smaller wallet style may also be able to fit in your front pocket, making it easier to keep track of. Having an oversized wallet makes you much more susceptible to losing it. Remove any unnecessary cards, photos, receipts, coins or other extraneous items. Some of these personal items are also irreplaceable and better off at home. In case you lose it again, make sure to cancel all of your cards immediately. Although replacing them will be aggravating, dealing with any missing money will be even more so. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Remember that thieves consider seniors easy targets! Keeping your wallet more secure will also prevent any “accidents.” -- Emma, Doug’s granddaughter Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@ msn.com. Emma, Doug’s granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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MARCH 2018

EYES: Clouding can be cleared with surgery “At what age should I be concerned about cataracts? What are the symptoms and how do you get rid of cataracts?”

Cataracts develop with time, like age spots and wrinkles, and can start around age 40. Six out of 10 people age 60+ and eight out of 10 age 80+ have a cataract. Mark Freedman, MD, senior partner at Eye Care Specialists, an ophthalmology practice recognized for providing advanced medical, surgical and laser treatment of most all eye conditions, explains, “A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens located inside the eye behind the pupil. The size of an aspirin, it works like a camera lens—focusing light onto the retina at

Carolyn P. Butler, M.D., F.A.C.S. R. Ted Compton, M.D., F.A.C.S. Jessica M. Schrieber, M.D.

the back of the eye to form the images you see. As you age, protein in the lens may clump together and start to cloud. This is called a ‘cataract.’ As the clouding advances, it can fog vision to the point of inhibiting day-to-day functioning.” “Some people believe that losing your vision is a fact of life as you grow older. This isn’t true. In reality, the vision loss is often caused by the gradual clouding and yellowing of the lens inside your eye as it forms a cataract,” says Brett Rhode, MD, Head of Ophthalmology at Aurora Sinai Medical Center and partner at Eye Care Specialists. In addition to having regular, comprehensive, dilated eye exams every two years after age 40, Rhode advises people to

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schedule it if they notice: • Foggy, fuzzy, or blurred vision • Sensitivity to light and glare • “Starbursts” around lights • Holding items closer to view • Needing brighter light to read • Fading or yellowing of colors • Difficulty judging stairs or curbs • Difficulty seeing to drive at night • Vision changes affecting the ability to do tasks • New glasses or prescription changes don’t improve vision “If you have been diagnosed with a cataract, it is not necessary to wait until almost all vision is blocked. In fact, if you wait too long, it can grow so dense that the operation becomes more difficult. Thus, if the cataract prevents you from doing tasks, new glasses won’t improve clarity, and no other conditions exist that could negate the benefits of removal, then it’s time for surgery,” says Daniel Ferguson, MD, an ophthalmologist with thousands of successful cases under his surgical cap. “There are no drugs, drops, glasses or exercises that can prevent or cure cataracts. The only effective treatment is to make an opening in the eye, surgically remove the cloudy lens (cataract), and replace it with a prescription lens implant that acts like an internal contact lens to restore focusing ability, side vision, and depth perception,” says Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD, an ophthalmologist with credentials from

Harvard and Johns Hopkins Michael Raciti, MD, an eye surgeon who frequently lectures to fellow eye care professionals, explains the typical cataract procedure, “The surgery is performed at an outpatient facility using local anesthesia (and often just drops to numb the eye). A no-stitch, self-sealing micro-incision is then made and a probe is inserted that uses high frequency ultrasound to gently break up and vacuum out the cataract. Finally, a lens implant is inserted through the same tiny opening and placed permanently inside the eye where the natural lens used to be. The procedure itself usually takes only about 15-30 minutes and total time at the outpatient surgery center is about 2-3 hours.” David Scheidt, OD, a medical optometrist who handles the preand post-operative care for cataract patients, adds, “After surgery, patients go home and resume normal activities within hours; and their vision noticeably improves within days. In fact, most people are so pleased with seeing things brighter and clearer, that they can’t wait to have their other eye done. And, studies have proven that prompt cataract removal actually reduces the risk of falls, injuries and car accidents and increases optimism, physical and emotional well-being, and life span.” For a free 12-page educational booklet about cataract diagnosis and treatment, call 414-321-7035.

MARCH 2018

• 50PLUS • 9

Inform yourself on macular degeneration What new treatments are on the horizon for macular degeneration-both wet and dry?

Historically speaking, there are no treatments for dry macular degeneration, and in 2018 this is still the case. Fortunately most people with dry macular degeneration have mild to intermediate changes with little to no vision loss. Unfortunately, still many patients progress to advanced dry macular degeneration due to progressive geographic atrophy. While we as retina specialists often recommend AREDS2 vitamins to minimize severe vision loss

from macular degeneration, hopefully in the future there will be modalities for the first time ever to treat dry macular degeneration. Currently, there are numerous trials looking at novel approaches to slow or halt progression of dry macular degeneration including gene therapy, cell transplantation, immune system strategies involving the “complement cascade,” and neuro-protection. Wet macular degeneration, when new blood vessels grow into the retina, currently has very effective treatment options in both improving and

stabilizing vision. Intravitreal Avastin, Lucentis, and Eylea all target VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and are the mainstay of treatments. Many patients need maintenance injections to keep the disease process under control, sometimes as frequently as every month. Moving forward, there is promise for extended release formulations of these drugs which will decrease the treatment burden and frequency of treatment. Similar to dry macular degeneration, there are many studies examining new methodologies in treating wet macular degeneration.

Some of the research topics include “complement cascade” mediated immune strategies, other anti-VEGF drugs, and gene therapy as well. While it is impossible to predict which new treatment modalities will be successful, hopefully these clinical trials that take many years to complete will translate into effective FDA-approved treatments for both dry and wet macular degeneration in the future. Answered provided by Dr. Nicholas Tosi, M.D. Retina & Vitreous Consultants of Wisconsin LTD, 414-778-3455

Trouble Seeing for older drivers Your eyesight can change as you get older. It might be harder to see people, things, and movement outside your direct line of sight. It may take longer to read street or traffic signs or even recognize familiar places. At night, you may have trouble seeing things clearly. Glare from oncoming headlights

or street lights can be a problem. Depending on the time of the day, the sun might be blinding. Eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as some medicines, can also cause vision problems.

SAFE DRIVING TIPS:

If you are 65 or older, see your eye doctor at least every 1 to 2 years. Ask if there are ways to improve your eyesight. If you need glasses or contact lenses to see far away while driving, make sure your prescription is up-to-date

and correct. Always wear them when you are driving. Cut back on or stop driving at night if you have trouble seeing in the dark. Try to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset, when the sun can be directly in your line of vision.

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10 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2018

Persuading parents to accept outside care can be tough BY MARSHA SEFF

My friend Mike recently e-mailed, asking for advice on dealing with his dad: “My dad is now at a point where he really cannot take care of himself without a caregiver living in the home, and he refuses both to have someone move into the home or move to a nursing home. Any suggestions?” Obviously, Mike isn’t the only one with this problem. Given the choice, older folks would cling to their independence until the day they pass away quietly in their own beds. Most don’t want a stranger in their home. Even fewer would elect to move to a retirement home. But, sometimes, these choices are the only safe options. It’s tough telling our parents what to do. And legally, they don’t even have to listen. Unless they’re found incompetent by court of law -- a step that’s not only adversarial, but very expensive -you can’t force them do anything. But you do have their love for you on your side. So don’t be afraid to use

it.

I called Ann Sanderson of Southern Caregiver Resource Center in San Diego, and we came up with several suggestions for Mike and others: Because your parents love you, use that relationship. They’ve always taken care of you, and helping you with this dilemma is just another thing they can do for you. “Put it on your plate, not theirs,” Ann suggests. Try starting the discussion with this: “I love you very much, and I’m worried about your safety and well-being. I know it’s very difficult to give up any of your independence, but it’s time to make some changes. “I’m not willing to sit by and watch you struggle and, perhaps, get hurt. I will not be accused of neglecting you. “I’m not sleeping; I can’t eat and can’t think at work. Please do this for me; work with me to come up with a solution we both can live with.” As I’ve written before, start with choices. “We can hire a home-care company or move you to a facility or you could move to Ohio and live with

my sister. Which choice do you prefer?” If your parents balk, point out that hiring a caregiver will allow them to remain home longer. Home-care companies are listed at eldercare.signonsandiego.com. Click on “in home solutions,” then “home care, non-medical.” If both parents are at home, tell Dad that Mom needs more help. Then, tell Mom the same thing about Dad. That way, each might believe they’re doing the best thing for the other. And they are. Suggest hiring someone for a few hours a week to help with little errands. Ask your parents what they might like to do that isn’t possible now. Visit a movie theater or friends, shop for groceries, go to the beach? Though not all companies offer such limited hours, let them know the need will increase. Meanwhile, your parents will have time to get used to having someone in the house. Include your parents in the hiring process if they’re capable.

If they still aren’t sold, show them a few retirement homes instead. If your parents are adamant about not moving, give them a potential out: “Let’s try this for six months. If you still hate the place then, we can consider other options.” Whatever you do, make sure your parents understand you’re not abandoning them, that you’ll visit often. If you continue to hit the wall, get their doctor involved. Your parents might take the doctor’s advice. If one of your parents has dementia, all this talk probably won’t help and it’ll frustrate you. Instead, seek a geriatric assessment. Then, if your parent isn’t fit to return home, you can send him or her directly to a suitable dementia facility. Good luck. I know how difficult this is. I’ve been there. Marsha Kay Seff writes about aging issues for The San Diego Union-Tribune. Contact her at marsha.seff@uniontrib. com.

a list of your assets and liabilities and their locations, your doctor’s name, and contact information for neighbors, tenants and friends. Every family has different needs. You can seek help from an attorney, a tax advisor or acquaintances who have undergone this process already. These preparations will help your family immensely.

Finally, make sure to let your family members know you love them. They will remember that long after you are gone. -- Emma, Doug’s granddaughter Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@ msn.com.

You can call the Ticket to Work hotline at 866-968-7842.

a couple years, she can file for dependent wife’s benefits on your account. At that age, her disability benefit will be supplemented up to about one-third of your retirement rate. If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@ comcast.net.

Estate planning

: After our weekly bridge game, my friends and I got into a serious discussion about our mortality. A good friend of ours died last month, and her son arrived to settle her estate. After talking to him, one of my friends heard all about his frustration and grief regarding the details and paperwork. I want to avoid doing this to my

BENEFITS continued from page 6

that “SSI” stands for Social Security income. Again, it doesn’t. It stands for that federal welfare program called Supplemental Security Income. So, having explained all that, let me decipher your questions. You said you are getting “SDDI.” There is no such thing. My hunch is that you are getting SSDI, or Social Security disability benefits. And then you asked when you can “go on regular SSI.” I’m sure you meant to be asking when your disability benefits will be converted to retirement benefits. And as I explained

own children. What preparations should I keep in mind?

: Settling a parent’s estate is a major burden for many inheritors, especially in their time of mourning. Here are the basics you need: a will, a trust, a health care power of attorney, an executor responsible for your estate,

in the previous answer, that will happen automatically when you reach your full retirement age. : I’m on Social Security disability. How do I get a ticket to work?

: The Ticket to Work program is just one of the many work incentive provisions built into the SSDI and SSID programs. It is way too complicated to explain in this column. And to be honest, I don’t fully understand how it works myself. But I can steer you to someone who does.

: My wife is 60 years old and has been getting a Social Security disability check for many years now. It’s only about $850 per month. I turn 66 next month and plan to apply for my retirement benefits then. I am estimated to get $2,640. Can my wife file for spousal benefits on my record?

: Not quite yet. She has to be 62 years old before she qualifies for spousal benefits. So in

MARCH 2018

• 50PLUS • 11

The problem with approaching medical treatment purely on past practices BY CHUCK NORRIS

As the 2017-2018 flu season drones on, it continues to be classified as a “moderately severe” event. To date, an estimated six percent of all Americans have sought medical care for flu symptoms. We know that large numbers of Americans have fallen ill, that people across the nation have been hospitalized and people have died. Where this will stack up in the annals of flu epidemics will not be known until it is officially over. While deaths are widely reported and are shocking, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that, even in a mild year, the flu kills about 12,000 Americans. As pointed out in a guest editorial in the New York Times by Dr. Donald G. McNeil Jr., in a bad year, influenza can kill up to 56,000 Americans. Most deaths are among the elderly. The flu also kills middle-aged adults whose health is compromised by underlying problems like heart or lung disease, diabetes, immune suppression or obesity. Flu can also claim the lives of healthy adults. What is known is that this year’s

outbreak began in Louisiana and Mississippi before spreading across Texas all the way to California and up the West Coast from San Diego to Seattle. It then moved into the Midwest. At present, the Northeast has been largely spared, as have Minnesota, the Dakotas and some Rocky Mountain states. What remains unknown is how to stop it in its tracks. Despite 100 years of scientific history in battling the flu, the flu virus continues to beat medical science’s best defenses. At present, vaccination affords the best protection. Yet seasonal vaccines are only moderately effective. That is because there is no real way to predict what strain of the shape-shifting flu virus will emerge each year. Viruses constantly mutate. They mutate as they circulate among people. They also mutate in the process of using them to make vaccines. This transformation can make the vaccine less effective. It is not like scientists the world over are not trying to find the answer to this problem to ward off not just flu season but future pandemics.

Labs around the country are hunting for that “super-shot,” a vaccine that is going to protect us against essentially all strains of flu. Designating a universal flu vaccine is now a top priority of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles believe they may have recently taken a solid step towards making a better flu vaccine by altering the genetics of influenza viruses. The problem is it takes years to develop new flu vaccines. Vaccine makers are cautious when it comes to investing in new vaccine technology. In addition to the extensive financial and time commitment required, it is viewed as an uncertain market. Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long recommended that everyone 6 months old and older should get a flu vaccine, every year less than half of people do so. As Dr. Barney Graham, deputy director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ Vaccine Research Center recently explained to the Associated press: “This 100-year

timeline of information about how the virus adapted to us and how we adapt to the new viruses, it teaches us that we can’t keep designing vaccines based on the past.” In the world of science, such lessons seem slow in coming. In the quest to turn the tide of the opioid epidemic, it was recently reported that States across the country are expanding their Medicaid programs to cover alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and yoga. It should not be surprising that this action has opened them to criticism from medical industry skeptics. They believe exploring such alternate treatments to be a waste of taxpayer money. As I reported in an article last November, the current epidemic of opioid overdoses was responsible for the death of more than 64,000 Americans within a 12-month period ending last January. An estimated 500,000 people have died from drug overdoses in this country since 2000. Roughly, 1,000 people a day are treated in emergency NORRIS continued on page 12

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New device stops a cold

New research shows you can stop “What a wonderful thing,” wrote a cold in its tracks if you take one Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more simple step with a new device when colds for me!” you first feel a cold coming on. Pat McAllister, age 70, received Colds start when cold viruses get one as a gift and called it “one of the in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If best presents ever. This little jewel you don’t stop them early, they spread really works.” in your airways and cause misery. But scientists have found a quick way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. Researchers at labs and universities agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills viruses and bacteria, Research: Copper stops colds if used early. just by touch. That’s why ancient Greeks and People often use CopperZap for Egyptians used copper to purify prevention. Karen Gauci, who flies water and heal wounds. They didn’t often, used to get colds after crowded know about viruses and bacteria, but flights. Though skeptical, she tried it several times a day on travel days for now we do. Researchers say a tiny elec- 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a tric charge in microbe cells gets sniffle!” she exclaimed. Businesswoman Rosaleen says short-circuited by the high conductance of copper, destroying the cell when people are sick around her she uses CopperZap morning and night. in seconds. Tests by the Environmental Pro- “It saved me last holidays,” she said. tection Agency (EPA) show germs “The kids had colds going round and die fast on copper. So some hospitals round, but not me.” Some users say it also helps with switched to copper touch surfaces, like faucets and doorknobs. This cut sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had the spread of MRSA and other ill- a 2-day sinus headache. She tried nesses by over half, and saved lives. CopperZap. “I am shocked!” she The strong evidence gave inven- said. “My head cleared, no more tor Doug Cornell an idea. When he headache, no more congestion.” Some users say copper stops felt a cold coming on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it nighttime stuffiness if they use it just before bed. One man said, “Best gently in his nose for 60 seconds. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The sleep I’ve had in years.” The handle is sculptured to fit the cold went away completely.” It worked again every time he felt a hand and finely textured to improve cold coming on. He reports he has contact. Tests show it kills germs on fingers to help you avoid spreading never had a cold since. He asked relatives and friends illness to your family. Copper may even help stop flu if to try it. They said it worked every time. So he patented CopperZap™ used early and for 2-3 days. In a lab test, scientists placed 25 million live and put it on the market. Soon hundreds of people had flu viruses on a CopperZap. No vitried it and given feedback. Nearly ruses were found alive soon after. The EPA says the natural color 100 percent said the copper stops their colds if used within 3 hours af- change of copper does not reduce its ter the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if ability to kill germs. CopperZap is made in the U.S. of they still get the cold it is milder than pure copper. It carries a 90-day full usual and they feel better. Users wrote things like, “It money back guarantee and is availstopped my cold right away,” and “Is able for $49.95 at CopperZap.com or toll-free 1-888-411-6114. it supposed to work that fast?” (paid advertisement)

UPDATE: Milwaukee County Senior Centers The Milwaukee Department on Aging has submitted its recommendation to the Milwaukee County Board for possible consideration at Committee meetings and County Board meeting in March 2018. Despite budget cuts that forced the contractor, Interfaith (Unison), to cut 8 positions (nearly one-third of the total) and for existing Senior Center staff to assume additional duties, the Department is not recommending any increased funding from a contingency fund that was set aside by the County Board. Instead the Department is recommending, $655,006 be transferred to fund the five Senior Centers at the existing

lower level for June 1-December 31, 2018. If anyone is interested in attending and testifying, the meeting schedule is as follows:* Health and Human Needs Committee, March 14, 2018, at 9:00 am in Room 201 B of the County Building Finance and Audit Committee, March 15, 2018 at 9:00 am in Room 203 R Full County Board of Supervisors, March 22, 2018 at 9:30 am *Please check the meetings agendas as this item may not be included on these dates.

FRAZIER continued from page 3

above, the law requires trust funds to be invested in interest-bearing special securities that are redeemed as needed to pay benefits. The problem with people who make these claims is that their “solution” is always to cut benefits and/or privatize Social Security. If their concern was real, they could simply propose to change the law to prevent the Federal government from borrowing the money. Please remember these facts when you hear politicians creating “fake news” regarding Social Security.

NORRIS continued from page 11

covered services include massage, yoga, chiropractic manipulation, and various forms of physical and behavioral therapy. Other states can be expected to begin rewriting the rules surrounding prescribing practices as alternative approaches continue to enter the mix of treatment options. In Ohio, which is combating an especially severe opioid abuse problem, public officials have taken an aggressive tack. In January 2016, an opioid task force convened by Governor John Kasich released a variety of recommendations for managing acute pain outside of hospital emergency departments. The list included non-opioid treatments such as massage, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback. A spokesperson for Ohio’s Medicaid department told STAT News that officials were careful to limit coverage to conditions for which there is strongest evidence of benefit.

icy Institute states, “Social Security is prevented by law from borrowing so cannot contribute to the national debt. It can only draw on savings in the Trust Fund to meet its obligations to pay benefits.” In conclusion, Social Security is not going bankrupt, and does not contribute to the national deficit or debt. Finally, some politicians like to claim that the Federal securities are worthless IOUs, or the trust funds are being “raided” for other purposes. As shown departments around the country for opioid dependence-related problems. One industry critic suggested to STAT News that money going to exploring these alternate approaches should be going instead “to potentially effective treatments.” Given that no examples of such treatments were either mentioned or recommended, you can only conclude that he means the traditional practice of prescribing painkillers. As I noted in November, in 2011, there were enough opioids prescriptions written in this country for every single American to receive a month’s worth of a commonly prescribed drug. How has that been working so far? According to a 2016 survey by the National Academy for State Health Policy, 12 states have implemented policies to encourage beneficiaries to use alternative therapies to help manage their pain and limit reliance on opioids. In addition to acupuncture,

MARCH 2018

Adult daughter is a financial burden

• 50PLUS • 13

DEAR ANNIE

BY ANNIE LANE

DEAR ANNIE: I’m a 69-year-old re-

tired widow living on a fixed income. I’m paying monthly on a loan to get some repairs done to my home. My problem is my daughter and son-inlaw. They both have health problems, my daughter especially. He gets Social Security disability and Medicare. My daughter has applied for Social Security disability and has been turned down. She has no health insurance at all. They are in deep financial debt. They live off his Social Security check, which isn’t much. He does pay the mortgage on their home and a few other important bills, but he is a hoarder and buys things he doesn’t need. When they come to visit me, they just have enough money to get them up here and spend some while they are here. When they get ready to leave, they always ask me for money to get them home. I keep telling them that when they come up here, they need to have enough money for all expenses till they get back home. I’ve also sent money to my daughter several times so she can get her prescriptions filled if she is sick. I’ve told her it should not be my responsibility to do that. But if I don’t, she can’t get the much-needed meds. How do I tell them -- and really get it through to them -- that they need to take responsibility for having enough money without hurting my daughter’s feelings and without causing my son-in-law to lose his temper? I’m being taken advantage of, and I’m tired of it. -- Wrung Dry DEAR WRUNG DRY: There comes a

time in your life when you have to stop crossing oceans for people who won’t jump puddles for you. Sit down and have a frank conversation with your daughter and son-in-law. Let them know you can no longer give them money but you can give them advice. Perhaps encourage your daughter to file an appeal to have her application accepted for Social Security disability benefits, and implore your son-in-law to seek help for his compulsive hoard-

ing. Whatever they decide to do, it’s not your burden to bear. So cut the umbilical cord and give your daughter a dose of tough love. You have no choice.

DEAR ANNIE: I liked your response to “Snubbed in the South,” who was disappointed her boyfriend didn’t get her a gift. This year, I was saddened to hear from a few of my female friends that their husbands failed to get them Christmas gifts (even though they had bought their husbands gifts). I have been married for 38 years now. My husband likes to show he loves me by doing things for me -- but birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas are special times. Early on in our marriage, we had occasional “what I need from you” meetings. I told him that when it came to Christmas, what I needed was something sparkly, something that smelled good and something soft. Then I proceeded to give him a few ideas in those departments. After that talk, he had a clear sense of how to please me, and he felt happier, too. We also had meetings in which we listed all household and child care tasks and divided them up. I will also say that we have gone to marriage counselors for a series of visits roughly every decade. I have made the appointments, and he has begrudgingly gone, but he has always been happier and our marriage stronger for having done it. Clear communication has helped keep us happy. -Sunny in Sarasota DEAR SUNNY: Some people are resistant to the idea of plainly telling a partner their needs -- but after hearing stories such as yours, you have to wonder why. Congratulations on 38 years of happy, communicative marriage. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www. creators.com.

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MARCH 2018

Unopened bills and other problems she said that she just forgot to deal with them. When going through the letters, we found that she’s been paying a lot of late payments in the last few months.

she needs by asking your mother how you can help her with her bills and balancing her checkbook. It will help to relate to her emoWHAT CAN WE DO? tionally and make her feel less under : These symptoms could be attack. You can mention a time when early warnings signs that your you’ve been affected by a late payment mother needs help and per- -- discuss how that made you feel, and haps monitoring. Try to assess what tell her that you don’t want her to feel that way as well. Assure your mother that you are Let the Luck of the Irish Help worried and want to help her, not youryou Live Life to the Fullest selves. You can suggest she allow you to has helped so many women (and men) with symptoms of Painful Intercourse, help her go through her mail with her Vaginal Dryness, Lichen Sclerosus Sclerosus, and some Urinary Incontinence Issues. and ask her to approve payments. is a NON-HORMONAL treatment with long-lasting effects, beginning to provide If she begins to get defensive and relief almost immediately….allowing you to discontinue most of your treatments used for these symptoms. 95% of our patients are very happy with their results confrontational, assure your mother Breast Cancer Survivors, this is a great option for you without worrying that you believe that any inheritance about any hormones being introduced into your system. she might give you is a gift, not a right. ● Non-Hormonal ● Long Term Lasting Effects These topics are very sensitive. ● No Side Effects ● Happy Patients/Couples ● No Down Time ● Restored Confidence When you visit, pay attention to ● Healthier Life Style her eyesight. Check to see whether For more information, attend a patient informational session on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. she’s walking steadily, eating properly, Clinic of OB/GYN taking care of her home, and maintain8905 W. Lincoln Avenue, Suite 407 ● West Allis, WI 53227 (414) 545-8808 ing her personal hygiene. Or call our office for additional information or an Be patient and sensitive to her reAppointment to meet with Dr. Lee CLINIC OFmay OB/GYN actions. She Avenue, notSuite immediately rewill be your 4 Leaf Clover 8905 W. Lincoln Enjoy your life again… act407 the• West way Allis, you’dWIlike, but later come 53227 You will be dancing like an Irish Dancer (414) 545-8808 • www. around to the idea. At the right time, clinicofobgyn.com your mother will become more willing to accept your help. Paying attention to her will reassure her of how much you love her! -- Doug

BY DOUG MAYBERRY

: While visiting our widowed mother recently, my sister and I learned she hasn’t been paying her bills. We found a stack of unopened envelopes on her kitchen counter that looks months old. When we asked mom why she hasn’t been on top of her payments,

TIME-MANAGEMENT WOES

: These days, I never finish anything I start. I keep a short list of daily tasks but often end up

reusing the list from the day before. I don’t know what’s getting in my way.

HOW CAN I GET GOING?

: The key is to accept the fact that your own choices are preventing you from success, not any lack of time. You will want to focus on better time management. If you have a long list, you may feel overwhelmed. Take on tasks one by one. Multitasking becomes more complicated and frustrating as we age. Remember that you have as much time per day as everyone else. If you’re retired, you probably have more time than others! Most seniors find that they are much more productive in the mornings. Try to get started on your list before noon. Additionally, many tasks require you to find supplementary information. When you’re making your list, compose a note about all of the steps involved with completing a task. Then do them. Small steps can be vitally helpful with getting tasks done. Once you organize your mind, you’ll be able to organize your life better! -- Emma Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@ msn.com. Emma, Doug’s granddaughter, helps write this column.

Learn of centurion’s life

David Weidenkeller will present the “life of a Roman Centurion” at a luncheon performance at Shorehaven, Oconomowoc, Center for Life Enrichment on Thursday afternoon, March 22. The program follows the luncheon, which begins at 11:15 a.m. with the program beginning at about noon and lasting until 1:15 p.m. The luncheon and performance are $25. Roman Centurions were among the most highly trained soldiers in all of history. They were an integral part of the first century in Rome, which was known as the Imperial Period of Roman History. Wiedenkeller’s Romulus Theodosius Pius will tell of his life in the Roman army.

Of special interest will be the narration of his story about the day he crucified Jesus Christ on the cross at Calgary. Wiedenkeller is known as a living historian as he presents a first person perspective after many years of research. The final date for registration is March 15. What’s for lunch? Wine, herbs, garlic toast and, of course, Roman chicken. The reservation number is 262354-1375.

MARCH 2018

Unwanted houseguest DEAR ANNIE: I’m a little chagrined to admit that we can’t come up with a solution to this situation by ourselves, but we are really stumped. We have a friend who has stayed over with us twice. The first time, he brought two others with him, which worked out OK. The second time, he stayed for four days, ate everything in the fridge, as well as meals, and didn’t leave the last day until 9 p.m. Also annoying is the fact that he is an in-your-face talker. This probably sounds a lot worse than I mean it to, because he is a good-hearted person and he did leave some money for all the food he’d eaten. But since the second visit, he has invited himself over a few times. We have made excuses, such as “we’ll be away” and “we’re just too busy at this time,” but that hurts his feelings. We truly would like to keep this friendship at a less intimate level but can’t figure out how to get that across without breaking his heart. He just sent us another self-invitation yesterday, planning ahead to the spring. How can we tell him no? Thanks for your help. --

Stumped in Vermont

DEAR STUMPED: Don’t be so cha-

grined that you haven’t come up with a solution yet. As playwright Titus Maccius Plautus wrote, “no guest is so welcome in a friend’s house that he will not become a nuisance after three days” -- and that was in 200 B.C. The question of what to do when good friends become bad houseguests has been stumping people for millenniums. I feel that your friend needs absolute directness, because you’ve generously dropped hints to no avail. Tell him that you’d love to spend time with him but he’ll need to find somewhere else to stay. If your having boundaries “breaks his heart,” that’s his issue.

DEAR ANNIE: I’m considering not

leaving an inheritance for my children or grandchildren. I am nearing 70 and have done so much for them, e.g., buying cars and helping pay for roofs, clothes, tires and so many other things. My daughter has always been a handful and told me herself that she’s

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE

always done the opposite of anything I have suggested. There’s always been an underlying resentment from her. Whenever there has been a misunderstanding with my daughter, it ends up being the “whole family” who is under attack. She has just plain worn me out. I know that the norm is for parents to leave their money to their children and grandchildren. How am I supposed to feel? What am I supposed to do? I do know for sure that this feels like elder abuse. -- Weary DEAR WEARY: If you worry so much about how you’re supposed to feel, you’ll never have a chance to learn how you actually feel. Allow yourself to experience your emotions as they come to you. I’d encourage you to see a counselor to help with this process. And I implore you not to make any decisions about your estate under duress. You aren’t obligated to leave anything to your children or grandchildren. They might even be better off; I hear from many people who have fallen out with family members over estate settlement. The

• 50PLUS • 15

most important thing is that you look after your own health and well-being now. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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MARCH 2018

Lutz supports WCTC Walter (Terry) Lutz, retired president and owner of Signicast Corporation, generously has given $2 million to Waukesha County Technical College to upgrade the college’s Integrated Manufacturing Center. The school, in appreciation, has named

the center and an adjacent structure in his honor. Quoting from a WCTC publication, Lutz said “I feel strongly about the need for technical colleges like WCTC to train our future manufacturing technicians.” Lutz grant will be

utilized by WCTC to modernize the facilities and equipment.” The Lutz Family Foundation also will commit $600,000 toward the purchase of new training equipment for the center.

Do one more thing to resist the flu BY MARILYNN PRESTON

I was driving the other morning, listening to Forum -- one of my favorite radio interview shows. The topic of the day was the flu. The Flu! After a few noisy coughs, I leaned right in, because pretty much everyone I know either has the flu, had the flu or is about to get the flu. “It’s very bad this year,” the two doctor guests on KQED agreed, both experts in the flu and flu vaccines. And California is especially hard hit, said host Michael Krasny. Health officials throughout the state report a skyrocketing number of flu cases: 1,646 so far, compared with 451 at a similar point last year. In San Diego County alone, there have been five recent deaths of flu victims under 65. I checked the Centers for Disease Control website later that day, and sure enough, the whole country is suffering from increasing cases of the flu and all the suffering and medical bills that follow. “Influenza activity increased sharply again in this week’s FluView report,” reads the warning in their latest online report. “The number of jurisdictions experiencing high activity went from 21 states to 26 states.” LOCAL WRITER continued from page 1

And now he’s done it again, another superb publication, somewhat of a sequel, Baseball Italian Style – Great Stories Told by Italian American Major Leaguers from Crosetti to Piazza. The book features the personal recollections of 44 Major League ballplayers whose stories take the reader across nine decades of baseball history, from the 1930s to the present. Players and managers include such names as Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Ron Santo, Mike Piazza, Tommy

One of the problems is the lack of effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine, recommended highly by the CDC for everyone over six months old. It’s only 32 percent effective, Krasny reported. It’s not a secret. Neither doctor refuted him. Thirty-two percent effective is better than nothing, the experts said. The CDC agrees. They consider taking the flu vaccine as the single most important thing you can do to prevent the flu. Really? The most important thing a person can do? Krasny asked the doctors about prevention. “We know about hand-washing. But what else?” Great question. Prevention! What can a person do to keep from getting the flu? “Take the flu vaccine,” the doctors kept repeating. And wash your hands. And if you feel sick, stay home from work or school so you don’t make other people sick.” I listened to this interesting discussion about the flu for 25 minutes of a 30-minute segment, and when I turned it off in the parking lot of my yoga class, I knew I had a column. Yes, dear readers, flu vaccines can be helpful, and washing your

hands periodically during the day is very smart, but as your most personal trainer I want to mention another strategy for fighting off the flu virus and all its nasty friends. It’s a strategy that I think is every bit as important as taking a flu vaccine that is 32 percent effective. It’s actually more important, in the long term. Drum roll, please. Strengthen your immune system! You have one. Everyone does. And the sooner you tune in to yours -- and what it needs to become stronger and more protective -- the less likely you will be to come down with a debilitating, even deadly, case of the flu. Is it 100 percent effective? No. Nothing is. What is your immune system exactly? To cover the “exactly” would take volumes, so for now let’s go with something simple from Harvard’s health department: “It’s an extremely complex network of cells and molecules.” Translation: There’s no place in your body that your immune system is not. I like to think of it as a gel-like matrix of potential. It’s your immune system that protects you from the disease, suffering and death caused by viruses, infectious bacteria, fungi, parasites and more. So again, vaccines can be

Lasorda and Tony La Russa, as well as former Milwaukee Braves Joe Torre and Sibby Sisti, and former Brewers Sal Bando, Chris Bosio and Chris Capuano. Their stories constitute a chronicle that documents not only the evolution of Italian American participation in the national pastime, but also the continuity of the game and the many changes that have taken place on and off the field. “I’ve been involved with the game, playing it and writing about it, for as

long as I can remember,” Baldassaro said. “Growing up in Massachusetts, I played high school, American Legion and semi-pro ball. Later, after college, I wrote an article about my boyhood hero, Ted Williams. Then in 1991 I followed that with a book about him, “The Ted Williams Reader.” About the same time, now living in the Milwaukee area and working as an instructor at UW-M, I began writing features for the Milwaukee Brewers magazine, which I still do.”

helpful and hand washing is de rigueur, but don’t forget the incredible power you have to engage with your immune system in ways that make it more effective, more protective and more resilient. The only question is, when will you decide to take action? “Get plenty of sleep. Be physically active. Manage your stress. Drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food,” it says deep into the CDC site, the last line of the last paragraph of a page called “Preventing the Flu.” I’m sorry the doctors on the radio show spent all that time promoting the flu vaccine and no time promoting healthy lifestyle changes. I guess they think those golden health cliches fall on deaf ears. I don’t agree. I think people are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Educate them. Coach them. Inspire them to boost their immune system. Do all this, and many fewer people will get sick from the flu, period. It’s certainly worth a shot.

ENERGY EXPRESS-O! YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM NEEDS YOU

“When all think alike, no one thinks very much.” -- Walter Lippmann Baseball Italian Style, Baldassaro said, “was truly a labor of love.” As such, he plans to donate any royalties he might receive from the book to the Jimmie Fund, the official charity of the Boston Red Sox. Baseball Italian Style will make its debut in this area on Tuesday, March 27 at 7pm at the Boswell Book Store at 2559 N. Downer Avenue in Milwaukee, with book signings and a brief talk by Baldassaro.

MARCH 2018

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Rehab and Memory Care iste d Li vin Reh g abi lita tion Me mo ry C Unit a Ski lled re L Spe icens ed ech Nu The rsin Occ rap g upa y tion Res pira al The rap t y Phy ory Th era sica py l Th Lon era py g-Te rm Car Tem e por ary Rec Car rea e tion al A c t i v Priv itie s/E ate nte rtai Roo nm Op m ent s en Fam Availa ble ily V Pet isit Vis atio itat ion n Hos Allo pic wed eC are Me dic are Me dic aid Res pite Car e

CENTER DIRECTORY Rehab and Memory Care

Ass

CENTER DIRECTORY AZURA MEMORY CARE 540 E. Forest Street Oconomowoc 414-405-2205 www.azuramemory.com

AZURA MEMORY CARE KENOSHA 4600 52nd Avenue Kenosha 262-220-2720 www.azuramemory.com

AZURA MEMORY CARE OF OAK CREEK 8772 S. Mayhew Drive Oak Creek 262-220-3574 www.azuramemory.com

Azura Memory Care provides a holistic approach to care in a home environment.

Azura Memory care provides a holistic approach to care in a home environment.

Azura is known as Wisconsin’s Dementia Care Experts thanks to advanced dementia training and specialized care.

ELIZABETH RESIDENCE 9289 N. Port Washington Bayside 414-352-4663 elizabethresidence.com

Elizabeth Residence provides a continuum of care from our RCAC to CBRF specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Full-time nursing staff, rehabilitation gyms and on-site therapy, daily activities and alternative memory care therapies.

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7901 West National Ave. West Allis 15 Locations- Greenfield, P New Berlin, West Allis, Elm Grove, Pewaukee, Hartland, Menomonee Falls and coming summer 2018 Muskego 844-658-4475 www.heritagesenior.com

MARCH 2018

Ass is t e d Li vin Reh g abi lit a tion Me mo ry C Unit a Ski lled re L Spe icens ed ech Nu The rsin Occ rap g upa y tion Res pira al The rap t y Phy ory Th era sica py l Th Lon era py g-Te r Tem m Car e por ary Rec Car rea e tion al A c t i viti Priv es / ate E nt erta Roo inm Op m ent s Av en Fam aila ble ily V Pet isit Vis atio itat ion n Hos Allo pic w ed eC are Me dic are Me dic aid Res pite Car e

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Rehab and Memory Care

CENTER DIRECTORY

SHOREHAVEN MEMORY CARE

1305 W. Wisconsin Ave. Oconomowoc 262-567-8341 shorehavenliving.org

TUDOR OAKS SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY S77W12929 McShane Dr. Muskego 414-529-0100 tudoroaks.net

Set in an intimate, homelike environment, Shorehaven provides expert, personalized and secure dementia care 24 hours a day.

Rehab in style—where our goal is your goal – to return to the best possible you!

ASSISTED LIVING • • • • • • • •

Private apt with bathroom/opt. kitchen RN and medical staff available 24/7 Medication management Pull cord alert system 3 wholesome meals served daily Robust daily activities scheduled On-site rehabilitation Limited Family Care available Call for information and a tour

(414) 607-4104 VMP Manor Park 3023 S. 84th Street West Allis, WI 53227

VMPcares.com

Wright House Senior Living is the perfect blend of dynamic programming with certified staff, personalized care plans, and a community built for the needs of our residents.

• 50PLUS • 19

Ass is t e d Li vin Reh g abi lit a tion Me mo ry C Unit a Ski lled re L Spe icens ed ech Nu The rsin Occ rap g upa y tion Res pira al The rap t y Phy ory Th era sica py l Th Lon era py g-Te rm Car Tem e por ary Rec Car rea e tion al A c t i v Priv itie s/E ate nte rtai Roo nm Op m ent s en Fam Availa ble ily V Pet isit Vis atio itat ion n Hos Allo pic w ed eC are Me dic are Me dic aid Res pite Car e

MARCH 2018

Rehab and Memory Care

CENTER DIRECTORY VMP HEALTHCARE & COMMUNITY LIVING 3023 S. 84th Street Milwaukee 414-607-4100 www.vmpcares.com

VMP offers a TRUE and FULL continuum of care for seniors, under one roof.

Independent plus, Assisted Living, Memory Care for seniors. All private units with private baths.

WRIGHT HOUSE SENIOR LIVING AND MEMORY CARE 6729 W. Mequon Rd. Mequon 262-512-8060 www.wrighthousesenior living.com

Family owned and operated senior apartments with a commitment to quality care and exceptional service starting at $3125 monthly.

20 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2018

Discover the Shorehaven Difference… Shorehaven Memory Care

Shorehaven is the trusted, faith-based resource of choice for community seniors • Dementia Specialists and Certiﬁed Dementia Practitioners on staﬀ • Nurturing, calming household environment • Registered Nurses on site 24 hours per day • Part of the beautiful Shorehaven Campus on Lac La Belle • Living spaces designed to help Alzheimer’s residents function as independently as possible • Variety of comfortable community areas including dining room, family conference area, access to outdoor courtyard, television and living room areas • Secured walking paths surrounded by gardens and manicured grounds

FIND US ONLINE AT:

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Call 262 567-8341 or go to shorehavenliving.org to learn more.

1305 W. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc | Reﬂecting Christ’s love,we provide homes and resources for seniors.

T Tudor Oaks Is R Revolutionizing R Rehab Results!

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• Independent Living • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing • Rehab Stays • Memory Care • Respite Stays

PHYSICAL THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SPEECH THERAPY ■ Brand new state-of-the-art strength and fitness center has changed rehab programming.

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S77 W12929 McShane Drive, Muskego, WI 53150 Tudor Oaks Senior Living Community is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior housing and healthcare since 1930.

MARCH 2018

• 50PLUS • 21

be free to simply love LEAVE THE CAREGIVING TO US

• Personalized managed care with a high caregiver ratio • Compassionate team speciﬁcally trained in advanced dementia care and our innovative MOSAIC philosophy • Warm, loving home designed to support those with dementia through all stages • Tailored activities to enhance life and give daily moments of joy with exercise, creative, sensory, and cognitive therapy

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Kenosha 262-220-2720

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Oconomowoc 414-405-2205

Please stop in and try our “Demo” phones at these fine area Locations: BELTONE: ZOUNDS HEARING CENTER 821 Meadowbrook Rd, Waukesha 53188 15280 Bluemound Rd, Elm Grove 53122 3333 S. Sunnyslope Rd, New Berlin 53151 333 W. Brown Deer Rd, Bayside 53217 6805 S. Howell Ave, Oak Creek 53154 VMP-SENIOR CENTER 3180 N. 124th St, Wauwatosa 53222 th 3023 S. 84 St., Milwaukee 53227 AVADA HEAR WISCONSIN 1140 N. Main St, West Bend 53090 10243 W. National Ave., West Allis 53227 RM COMMUNICATION CONNECT HEARING PRODUCTS th 8217 S. 27 St., Franklin 53132 9401 W. Beloit Rd/Ste 202, Milwaukee 53227 333 Bishops Way, Brookfield 53005 WISCONSIN HEARING 1755 W. Paradise Dr/Ste 103, West Bend 53095 AID CENTERS: N4 W22370 Bluemound Rd/202A,Waukesha, 53186 9211 W. Capitol Dr, Milwaukee 53222 7820 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek 53154 823 N. 2nd St., Milwaukee 53203 HOME HEARING AID SERVICES 101 W. Main St., Watertown 53094 Phone: 262-253-2151 TOBIN’S BECKER AUDIOLOGY 1260 Brown St., Oconomowoc 53066 20720 W. Watertown Rd/Ste 102, Waukesha 53186 AUDIOLOGY HEARING CLINIC OF MEQUON HART HEARING CARE CENTERS 11649 N. Port Washington Rd., Mequon 53092 15425 W. National Ave., New Berlin 53151 SONUS SAM’S CLUB 2255 S. 108th St., West Allis 53227 1540 S. 108th St., West Allis 53214 600 N. Springdale Rd., Waukesha 53186 AuD HEARING 8050 N. 125th St., Milwaukee 53224 875 E. Townline Rd., #101, Lake Geneva 53147 B.S. WISNIEWSKI 4847 W. Forest Home Ave., Greenfield 53219

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MARCH 2018

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 Full-time nursing staff  Rehabilitation gyms and on-site therapy  Secure patios and courtyards  Chef-prepared cuisine

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MARCH 2018

NEMOVITZ continued from page 5

Get help! Don’t do this on your own if possible. I’ve seen families take 3-5 years on their own when a professional company can achieve downsizing in less than a week. Most respondents stated that a health setback would make them consider a move. We don’t want to leave the home we love. But many are tempting fate by waiting for that unforeseen health event to happen before considering a move. The worst moves I see are those stemming from crisis management. When in crisis, the senior may be in rehab and may not go back home. Then the move is resting on the laps of family. All decisions are made quickly because the home must be sold to pay for future care. This scenario should be avoided at all costs if possible. I always suggest looking a few years ahead and be realistic about age and health when making the decision to put off a move, therefore leaving it to fate. In closing, one answer in the survey really stands out for me. When asked about those they know that have made the move, the majority said, “they were happy they made the move”. That means that in our minds we know a move could be beneficial to our quality of life, but fear of the unknown supersedes our logical assessment of our current living situations. Change is tough and all of us avoid it whenever possible. I hope my survey will shed some light on the question, “should I stay, or should I move?” It is a decision that can mean the difference of a healthy lifestyle or waiting for crisis management. Put quality of life at the top of your decision-mak-

ing process. Our fears can overshadow our best intentions causing procrastination and confusion. I hope the feedback from other older adults can help you or your family begin the process of making healthy decisions for you or those you love. *My next article will discuss results of my survey of boomers who are in the process of helping their parents move from their long-time home. I focused on their hopes, feelings, fears and difficult decisions that they face.

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for 35 years. He has published a book called “Moving in the Right Direction”, A Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. Bruce has just written his second book for the children of seniors, “Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction”, Practical Advice about Seniors Moving from the Home They Love. This book is now available at www.GuidingOurParents.com. Past articles about moving and downsizing and other important information can be found at www.BrucesTeam.com. Bruce received the 2010 “Realtor of the Year” from the 3,800 membership of the GMAR (Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors). Bruce is a featured speaker at several senior communities in the Milwaukee-Metro area. His discussions center on the challenge of moving from a long time home into a senior apartment or community. He has been listed in Milwaukee Magazine’s 5-Star Agents list for the last three years in a row. As such, he’s one of only a handful of Realtors who are continually included in the top 7% in client satisfaction in the Milwaukee Metro area. He’s rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, and was a finalist for Concordia College’s Ethical Business Leadership Award. He works with his wife Jeanne at Realty Executives Integrity.

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You don’t need the Luck of the Irish to find a great senior comunity....we have great amenities, great people and lots of laughter & fun!

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THE REGENCY

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5020 South 55th Street • Greenfield • Call 414-282-0506 Beautiful serene country setting overlooking a private lake. Close to shopping, churches and medical facilities. Heated underground parking, blinds, and ceiling fan. Beautiful community room. • Heat & Water Included • Air Conditioned • Intercom Access • Appliances • Community Room with Kitchen • On Bus Line starting at • Laundry on each Floor • Pet Friendly

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THE REGENCY

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24 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2018

Affordable Housing for 62+! (Pay only 30% in gross income in rent)

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Oh, to be organized! BY MARY HUNT

I have a theory that most of us would be more than willing to let go of the stuff that’s cluttering our homes if we knew these things would serve a worthwhile cause or help someone else. HERE ARE THOSE WORTHWHILE CAUSES FOR YOUR SEVEN BIGGEST CLUTTER PROBLEMS:

1. Vases, baskets, containers and anything else that held flowers you have received. If they’re cracked or broken, no one wants them. Take the ones in like-new condition to the closest flower shop to be recycled. 2. Excess dishes. If you do not use them at least once each year, sell them to an antiques dealer, or give them to a local thrift shop or the annual church rummage sale. 3. Pots and pans. Offer them to family members; take them to the thrift shop; or see whether your church kitchen or camp could use some decent cookware. 4. Clothing. Can’t bring yourself to dump your good clothes into a collection bin? Find an organization with specific needs. Crisis pregnancy centers, battered women’s shelters and drug rehab centers are just a few of the places that would be so grateful to get gently used clothing that their clients can wear to job interviews. And clothing beyond gently worn? Toss it. Now. 5. Books. If you’re keeping them for show, give it up. No one is impressed. Go straight to Cash4Books. net. If you can sell any to the site, print out the prepaid mailing label and get those books into the mail. If not, donate books to your local library. What

can’t be put on the shelves will help raise funds at the next library book sale. 6. Bibles and church literature. Call a local church or two and ask whether they are wanted. If not, send them to the thrift shop. 7. Furniture. Place an ad in your local paper, or post your items up for sale on Craigslist. If you want to give the stuff away, post on the FreeCycle website. Or call the next fundraiser auction that comes along and ask whether your items could be picked up. If your furniture is really as great as you think, it’ll be gone before you know it. Because clutter and organization are huge problems for many of us, here are more tips to help with the mess: Assign a home for everything you own, and then put things away in their home when you are finished using them. If something doesn’t have a home, perhaps it’s time to rethink that item. If you are having trouble parting with something and you want to save the memory of the item, consider taking a photo of it for future reference. Organize your kitchen pantry. Group like items together so you’ll know what you have and what needs to go on the grocery list. You’ll be amazed what’s lurking on your shelves. Go through your medicine cabinets twice a year (January and June), and throw away expired medications. Make a list of items you need to replace. Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate. com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740.

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MARCH 2018

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‘Notch Babies’ now reaching century mark -- and they are still mad! BY TOM MARGENAU

There is a group of very old people out there who, for decades now, has been misled into believing that they are being cheated out of Social Security benefits. I’m talking about folks who are now pushing the century mark -in their mid-to-late 90s and beyond. And that means that for 30 or 40 years now, they have been carrying a grudge against the government in general, and Social Security in particular. I still get letters from these people. Or, more often lately, I get letters from their sons or daughters (who themselves are now in their late 60s or 70s) asking me if anything can be done about this perceived injustice -- the infamous “Social Security notch.” In fact, my own mother was one of those people. Despite my constant reassurances to the contrary, she was convinced that the government was ripping her off by short-changing her on her monthly Social Security check. This cohort of seniors, generally people born between 1917 and about 1926, called themselves the “notch babies.” And their false claims about get-

ting financially fleeced by Uncle Sam were fueled by a rather sophisticated, albeit deceitful and shameful lobbying campaign, sponsored by greedy gadflies out to make a quick buck. For those readers who don’t have a clue what I am talking about, the “notch” refers to a time period when corrections were made to the Social Security benefit formula -- corrections that were necessary to ensure that all Social Security recipients were paid properly, but corrections that were misconstrued by many to be a way of cheating them out of benefits they felt they were due. Here’s the story. In 1972, Congress passed a law mandating automatic annual cost-ofliving adjustments to Social Security checks. Those COLAs were to be based on increases in the government’s official inflation measuring stick: the consumer price index. (Before 1972, COLAs were not automatic. They were sporadic and happened only if Congress specifically authorized a yearly increase.)

As part of the new process, the Social Security Administration had to come up with a formula for calculating increases to people’s Social Security checks -- which they did. But after COLAs were paid for a couple of years, someone noticed the formula was wrong. Social Security beneficiaries were getting increases that were slightly higher than intended. Once the mistake was discovered and SSA notified Congress, several decisions had to be made. For one, they had to figure out what to do about all of the Social Security beneficiaries who received the overly generous COLA adjustments. Congress decided to let them keep the money. (It would have been political suicide to send “overpayment” letters to every senior citizen in the country.) The second choice Congress had to make was to decide where to draw the line -- which people would have their benefits figured using the proper COLA formula. And they drew that line at 1917. In other words, they said everyone born in 1917 and later would have his or her Social Security benefit

figured using the corrected formula. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? But sometimes Congress can’t leave well enough alone. In this case, they bowed to pressure from senior citizen groups who demanded a transition period from the old (incorrect) formula to the new (proper) formula. After lots of haggling, what they eventually decided was that everyone born between 1917 and 1921 would have his or her benefit figured using a special formula. So, we ended up with the following scenarios. People born after 1921 had their benefits figured using the proper (and lower) COLA formula. People born before 1917 had their benefits figured using the incorrect (and higher) formula. And people born between 1917 and 1921 had their benefits figured with a special formula not quite as generous as the one used for the pre1917 crowd but more generous than the one used for the post-1921 crowd. You’d think everyone would be happy, right? Well, what happened next was pretty bizarre. Social Security recipients born in 1917 and later startNOTCH BABIES continued on page 27

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Perkins, 55 plus menu and 10 percent off any item on Thursdays at the Delafield location and possibly others. Check it out. Golden Corral, discount varies. Subway, 10 percent discount varies. Check it out. Kentucky Fried Chicken, free drink Burger King, 10 percent off at some locations. Country Kitchen, senior menu Four Star of Pewaukee, Senior Menu Your favorite expensive restaurant, a free smile.

March Poem

As we look outside, it is brown grass we see. Winds from the northwest do blow so free.

The fragrant breeze does create some smell.

But in this time, it is not enough to create a spell. Happy and smiling, I’ll readily walk a mile. So I won’t forget, I’ll place this in my ﬁle.

Is March too early to begin thinking of green? After a drab winter, it will be a lovely scene. Yes, we had faith that spring would come.

Mechanisms of the season do begin to hum. Give thanks for this great land we do enjoy.

Pray it continues, there’s no room for an atta boy! How wonderful is the sometimes-falling rain. As moisture aids crops, foodstuffs we attain.

Looking forward, we are ﬁlled with great hope. We must then with every problem do cope.

As we’ve heard, we need the winds at our back.

With great determination you will lead the pack. Having much gratitude for this window of life,

Great credit is always due to a wonderful wife. Looking backward, the winter was quite harsh.

Leaﬁng trees and grass so green appear in March. We need strength to face this new season with zing

Do your job and do it well, don’t be a bird on the wing.

MARCH 2018

Emma goes from raccoons to the Irish

NOTCH BABIES continued from page 25

ed to complain that they weren’t getting quite as much as folks born 1916 and earlier. Someone should have splashed some cold water in their faces and said, “You are being paid correctly. It’s the folks born before 1917 who are getting overly generous benefits. And on top of that, you are getting Social Security benefits at a higher rate than anyone born from 1922 on.” Instead, mobs of angry senior citizens around the country started to form into groups demanding “justice.” Even Ann Landers got into the fray. She’s the one who came up with the moniker: “notch babies.” And all these folks mistakenly thought they were singled out for lower benefit adjustments than everyone else. To repeat the facts: They were getting slightly lower benefits than people born 1916 and earlier, but they were getting higher benefits than everyone born after 1921. Then those greedy lobbying groups I mentioned earlier got into the mix and really muddied things. They sent letters to folks born in the so-called “notch years,” telling them they were being cheated out of Social Security

APRON STRINGS

By Aunt Emma the old saying that “There’s more than one way to skin a cat” didn’t apply to raccoons. After he cut the head off, that’s where the skinning had to begin. Well, I do hope that is enough of this nonsense. As for eating raccoon, I am told by Henry that it reminds him of chicken, which he is not crazy about. Why? Well, I’ll tell you what he told me. When he was about 12 years old, his daddy farmed him out to the fellow down the road a bit who had a big poultry business. Henry was busy every morning for about two to three hours, cleaning the trays under the cages that kept the chickens to be killed in as they waited, according to Henry, for the butcher. I guess I can realize why he doesn’t, to this day, like chicken. According to Henry, there was no way those birds could wing it. benefits and asking for donations to “fight this injustice.” And to help fill their coffers even more, the lobbyists deceitfully expanded the definition of those notch years to include everyone born through 1926. Some inexplicably pushed the notch cutoff into the 1930s! So senior citizens of all ages started sending in tens of millions of dollars -money that paid for many overpriced lobbyists and some pretty nice office space on K Street in Washington, D.C. -- but money that accomplished nothing else. After all, there really was no “injustice” to fight. Sadly, millions of seniors born between 1917 and 1926 or even later went to their graves bitter and disappointed -- including my own mother! Those alive today still believe that they are being cheated out of Social Security benefits. If you know one of these people, please tell them to enjoy what time they have left on earth and stop fretting about an alleged injustice that never happened. If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@ comcast.net.

We had a bit of excitement in the neighborhood two nights ago. A fellow not at all familiar with the great curve in the roadway just a couple axe handles downhill from our place was driving his fancy automobile as it slid into the big oak tree that sort of protects the house behind it. Well, Henry went down there when he heard the crashing noise. The driver didn’t need any help and was already calling the police when Henry got there. Henry, not the last one to think of a pun, told me the driver did figure out how a Mercedes bends. It took me a bit, but I got it better late than never. We did not watch the recent Super Bowl football game. Henry came home from the club when the game was about to begin. He still is upset with those, as he calls them, hot shot multi-million earning players who want to disgrace the United States flag. Henry says that even at the club when the Star Spangled Banner is played or sung, all the old boys still stand at attention. I say, “Bravo for them.” I was taught and those millionaires should learn this, too, that you stand up in

MO Men VE ad tion IN for th SP a is EC IA L

Henry just got home from the factory. He is a bit earlier than normal as they had a mechanical breakdown today. I was so surprised when he walked in that door that I almost choked into the telephone as I, of course, was gabbing away. He said it must have been a coon’s age ago when they ever shut down early, if only by 90 minutes. I wanted to ask about that coon’s age thing, but thought better of it. Talking about raccoons, Henry was at the American Legion Club about a month ago for the annual raccoon feed started by a barber there who also was an avid hunter. Old Tom McNulty is dead now, but how he liked to get those raccoons, shooting them at night and then skinning them. Talking about skinning raccoons, Henry recalls his daddy, out on the farm, having skinned a sufficient number of raccoons over two or three years of hunting them at night to have them sewed together to make a coon-skin coat. Henry says that on really cold days that his daddy would allow him to wear it to and, of course, from school. He always told him that

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reverence to the flag and you kneel in prayer. We already are well into the Lenten season. We at least do grace before meals. Henry says he will only do thanksgiving after each meal depending upon what it was and how it tasted. We will have a big party at the club March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. A lot of the Irish are rather full of themselves (as one of them tells us). We’re told there will be two types of people at the gala affair. Those who are Irish and those who wish they were. Ugh! At least St. Patrick drove the snakes into the sea. It was an Irish lad a bit older than I am who was sweet on me when we were teenagers. He taught me to drive. Well, one thing he taught me that I never have ever forgotten was when all the traffic is coming towards you, you have to be going the wrong way. I’ll be with you in April for hopefully a really good session after we enjoy some corned beef and cabbage. Yes, it is a little bit more palatable than Lutefisk and Lefse.

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MARCH 2018

EVENTS CALENDAR MARCH 3, 4 - 10 PM

MARCH 7, 7 PM

Downtown Waukesha – various businesses participating

Greenfield Public Library, 5310 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield

Waukesha Art Crawl Day Before the art crawl begins, there will be a special presentation at Bernie’s Tap Room, 351 W. Main St., by Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly. Reilly will commemorate the 100th Art Crawl and the impact the arts community has had on revitalizing downtown Waukesha. In addition to Mayor Reilly, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow and Representative Scott Allen will also be in attendance. “The Arts Page”, on Milwaukee PBS, will also be filming the presentation for use in an upcoming show about Waukesha Art Crawl and the West End Artists. After the presentation, enjoy the festivities at the participating businesses throughout the downtown.

Irish Music – Athas

gram supports Old World’s mission. All are welcome to attend this free event. MARCH 8, 6 – 8 PM

Lake Country Carvers

Shorehaven - Center for Life Enrichment, 1305 W. Wisconsin Get in the swing of St. Patrick’s Ave., Oconomowoc

season with an evening of Irish music. Guitarist Jeff Ksiazek and fiddler and singer Heather Lewin of Milwaukee-area Irish group Athas will play a medley of traditional and newly composed Irish tunes that will get you stomping. Be ready for a fun night full of roaring Irish music. MARCH 7, 6:00 – 7:00 PM

If interested in joining the Lake Country Carvers, stop in and visit. For further information, contact Ray Burrow at 920-474-4075.

MARCH 9, 9:30 – 3 PM

AARP Tax Assistance

Menomonee Falls Recreation Dept./ Community Center, W156 N8436 Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls

Trained AARP tax volunteers will be available at the library to assist seniors and others needing help Hartland Public Library, with simple income tax returns. Ap110 E. Park Ave., Hartland pointments are required and can be Hear about the heritage breed anmade by calling the Menomonee Falls imals that call Old World Wisconsin Recreation Department/Community home and the types of heirloom crops Center at 262-255-8460. that are grown there. Learn why it is important to have heritage breeds and heirloom crops and how the farm pro- MARCH 10, 9 AM – NOON Electronics & Appliance Recycling Old World Wisconsin Heritage Animals & Agriculture

Oconomowoc Arts Center Presents

Tallymoore

Contemporary Irish Folk Music

Saturday, March 17 7:30 p.m.

New Berlin, 16550 W. National Ave.

The City of New Berlin will be hosting a special one-day collection of household electronics and appliances open to any Waukesha County residents. Items will be collected at no fee: computers, other computer monitors, printers, keyboards, laptops, scanners, DVD players, VCRs, stereos, cell phones, telephones, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, microwaves, water coolers, freezers, water heaters, washer/dryers, stoves, oven/ranges, dishwashers. Items that will be collected for a cash only fee include television sets ($25 each) and Cathode Ray Tube computer monitors ($10 each). No broken or

de-manufactured television or computer units will be accepted. MARCH 11, 10 AM – 2 PM

Brew City Advertising Show

American Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee

Shop antiques to new beer signs, trays, labels, bottles, glasses and neon beer signs all available at this show. Look for $1 off admission coupon in our ad in this paper.

MARCH 17, 10 AM – 7 PM

Lucky Leprechaun Run

Hart Park, 7300 Chestnut Street, Wauwatosa

Run or walk your way in St. Patty’s style through the beautiful town of Wauwatosa for the 6th annual Lucky Leprechaun 7K (that is only 4.3 miles). Starting and finishing in the historic Hart Park, the route is a runners paradise! The run/walk is followed by the BEST post-race party in the Milwaukee area! Race highlights include: pre-race festivities with DJ Sinclair (9:00am), post-race party at Leff ’s Lucky Town, free coffee & hot chocolate, 2 free Miller Lites, free Zilli Chips, and live music. The race is open to all ages and benefits the MACC Fund. Past races have helped raise more than $25,000! Become a Gold Runner to raise money for the MACC Fund. For more information or to register go to raceroster.com.

MARCH 18, 10 AM – 2 PM

Countryside Collectors Classic Toy Show

6:30 p.m. New this Year Irish Dinner Meal Option Sold Separately WWW.THEOAC.NET

641 E Forest St, Oconomowoc

Local 150 Union Hall, 6200 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL

262.560.3172

Over 150 tables of Models, die cast, slot cars, hand builds, action figures, racing collectible, battery ops, Hot Wheels, and many other new and vintage toys and collectibles. Admis-

MARCH 2018

MARCH 18, 4 – 6 PM

Jackie & Friends Bluegrass

Delafield History Center, 426 Wells Street, Delafield

Don’t miss this good old fashioned bluegrass and folk music. Jon Peik on banjo and Cathy Peik on fiddle join local bluegrass singer Jackie Nicolson for a great bluegrass jam. Their sound will include a mix of old country, bluegrass and folk music. Jackie’s music provides a healing experience for her audiences and “she really knows how to deliver a song” quoting Keith Yoder, it’s music from the heart. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors.

MARCH 20, 6:30 PM

The Milwaukee of Yesteryear

Luther Manor’s Faith & Education Center, 4545 N. 92nd St., Wauwatosa

Travel back in time to the 1920s and ‘30s of Milwaukee! The curator of Milwaukee’s own Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear will take you on a journey into the grocery stores, pharmacies, clinics, speakeasies and toy stores of nearly 100 years ago. Artifacts, pictures, stories and movie clips will be sure to give a glimpse of this time in history. This event is free, but space is limited - RSVP to 414-434-1768 or at LutherManor.org/rsvp.

MARCH 20, 10 AM

Coffee with a Cop

Watertown Senior & Community Center, 514 S. First Street, Watertown

Join fellow seniors for Coffee with a Cop! Meet Police Chief Tim Roets! Ask him questions about the Police Department, voice your concerns, learn what they do and get to know the men and women in blue! This presentation is free and open to the public!

MARCH 21, 2:30 – 4 PM

Memory Café

Miss Katie’s Diner, 1900 W. Clybourn St., Milwaukee (Free Valet Parking)

An opportunity for individuals

with MCI, early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, their care partners as well as those who worry about memory problems, to come together to share your stories, socialize and create new friendships while enjoying refreshments. There is no cost to attend but registration is required by calling 800-272-3900. MARCH 22, 6 – 7:30 PM

Irish Harp Music South Milwaukee Public Library, 1907 10th Ave., South Milwaukee Come listen to a Gaelic Harper & Storyteller, Jeff Pockat, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! Registration not required. MARCH 23, 10 AM – NOON

Stepping On – Fall Prevention Program

Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee

Participants gain specific knowledge and skills to prevent falls in community settings. It is designed specifically for people who are: 1) at risk of falling, 2) have a fear of falling, or 3) who have fallen one or more times. Workshops are facilitated by trained leaders as well as weekly professional guest speakers including: physical therapists, pharmacists, vision specialists, and safety specialists. The program is free. Participants may borrow a weight during the workshop for a deposit of $20. They will receive their deposit back after the workshop is completed or if they choose to keep the weight they can surrender their deposit. To register for this event call 414-649-6221.

MARCH 27, 10 AM

Tablet Tuesday - Accessibility for Tablets

West Bend Community Memorial Library, 630 Poplar St., West Bend

If you have a difficult time using tablets because of a disability, this session is for you. Join Nancy Larson, Outreach Librarian, as we look at the settings functions of tablets as well as apps that help with accessibility issues. For additional information on this class please call 262-335-5151.

BREW CITY

ADVERTISING SHOW

Sunday, March 11th, 2018 • 10 AM to 2 PM American Serb Hall • 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave.

Come shop Antiques to new Beer signs, trays, labels, bottles, glasses, and neon beer signs are all available at the popular Brew City Advertising Show. Whether you’re seeking an item from the turn of the century, or an advertising sign for your home.

WE PAY CASH FOR BEER SIGNS Call now 262-366-1314

Admission: ADULT: $5 • KIDS 6-12: $2

a $1 wi dm .00 th is of th sio f is n ad

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In Tandem Theatre presents

The Outgoing Tide By Bruce Graham

February 23 - March 18, 2018 Gunner is beginning to forget words and becoming confused. Trapped by the menacing grip of an aging mind and fearful of his uncertain future, Gunner hatches an unorthodox plan to shape his own destiny.

The Fantasticks By Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

April 27 - May 20, 2018 Join the narrator, El Gallo, as he guides you through this whimsical, funny and heartfelt musical about a boy, a girl, and their fathers, whose plans to bring their children together is by keeping them apart!

TICKETS: 414-271-1371 www.InTandemTheatre.org

30 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2018

Baseball, SABR, and the birth of the American League Were you aware that the city of Milwaukee was the birthplace of Major League Baseball’s American League way back in 1901, and that Milwaukee had one of the teams? Its name was the Brewers, the same as today’s team. Did you also know that Milwaukee is the only city in the country to have had teams in the American League on two separate occasions, and in the National League as well at two different times? The natural assumption would have been that if any city in the U.S. had managed to accomplish that extraordinary feat, it would have been major metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. Not so. Milwaukee is the only one. Those choice items of baseball history, unknown to most sports fans today, originally appeared in a lengthy article in a SABR publication by Mil-

SPORTS PLUS

By Jack Pearson waukee sports writer and historian Bob Buege called “The Birth of the American League.” Which of course leads to another question: what is SABR? You might assume, from the sound of it, that SABR was some kind of a sword or dueling group. It actually is an acronym for the “Society for American Baseball Research,” which is an organization devoted to the re-

The cover of the SABR Convention magazine when the convention was held in Milwaukee.

Two of the principals of this column, Bob Buege (left) and Rick Schabowski, at the Milwaukee County Historical Society Marker that indicates Milwaukee as being the birthplace of the American League. search and study of baseball history and the publication of that information. Many major and minor league baseball officials, broadcasters and writers as well as many former players are members, although most of the memberships are simply fans. The organization, born in Cooperstown, New York in 1971, now has chapters in every state and even outside the U.S. with more than 6,000 members. SABR members have a variety of interests, which are reflected in the diversity of its research groups. Members meet in regular chapter gatherings. In Wisconsin, the local group is called the Ken Keltner Badger Chapter. The parent organization conducts a weeklong convention every year. It is correspondingly devoted to baseball in the state of Wisconsin. That issue was where Buege’s article on the origin of the American League appeared. Other local sports writers, who were all members of SABR, also contributed. Larry Baldassaro wrote a piece on when professional baseball first came to Milwaukee way back in 1869; the late Bob Koehler, Gregg Hoffmann, and James Nitz also wrote articles. Buege also wrote a second article that dealt with the time when the famous Yankee slugger Babe Ruth visited Milwaukee, and he also served as the issue’s editor. Nitz’s story con-

cerned the Milwaukee Chicks, the all-women’s baseball team that was created during World War II (remember the Tom Hanks movie?). Anyway, they were the best team in the league and won its championship. Since there weren’t any other women’s baseball leagues in existence then, they were called the “World Champs.” And here we go with another trivia query. Who were the only professional teams, in any sport, from Milwaukee to win world championships? The answer then are the Milwaukee Braves in baseball, the Milwaukee Bucks in basketball, and the Milwaukee Chicks in women’s baseball. By the way, those five area writers named above wrote many other features for the SABR publications, and three of them, Baldassaro, Buege and Hoffmann, also wrote several books. Some of them: by Baldassaro, “Beyond DiMaggio, Italian-Americans in Baseball,” by Buege, “The Milwaukee Braves, a Baseball Eulogy,” and by Hoffmann, “Down in the Valley,” a story about old County Stadium. In addition, Rick Schabowski, the current president of the Milwaukee SABR chapter, also wrote a number of articles for SABR and has just completed a book about the Milwaukee Bucks and its championship season. But back to that claim made in the second paragraph of this column about Milwaukee being in the Ameri-

MARCH 2018

Charles Comiskey can League twice as well as the National League twice. It sounds impossible, but it’s true. Milwaukee’s first appearance in the American League was, as noted, in 1901 when the league was formed. Then, after more than a half century without Major League Baseball, the Milwaukee Braves moved into town, and became a member of the National League. They stayed for 13 years, won a world championship in one of them, then departed for Atlanta. Four years passed by again without Major League play, with the exception of 20 games the White Sox played in town. Then Bud Selig and his group brought the defunct Seattle Pilots here, and began play in the American League. That was in 1970. They competed in the American for 28 years before the Major League powers that be switched them into the

Re-energizing

: I turned 70 this year, and I feel I’ve been slowing down and losing my energy in the last couple of years. I’ve always thought of myself as energetic and enthusiastic, but I’m starting to doubt these qualities. I thought it might be a medical issue, but my doctor assures me I’m in fairly good physical health. I don’t feel like my usual self -- I get distracted and tire more easily. I’m afraid to tell my family members because they’ll only be concerned about me, especially because I live on my own. I don’t want them to think I’m

• 50PLUS • 31

National League. If you’ve kept count, that’s AL in ’01, NL in ’53, AL again in ’59 and then the switch back to the NL in ’69. That should be the end of it. The only city to compare to all of that movement is New York, which had the Yankees in the American and the Giants, the Dodgers and the Mets in the National, but that’s 1 and 3, not 2 and 2. I’ve given you only highlights of the birth of the American League saga. To get the entire story, which is quite fascinating, you should read Buege’s article in the SABR “Baseball in the Badger State” issue. There’s not space here to reprint the entire article, of course, but here’s a couple of paragraphs to give you a taste. “In 1892, long-time St. Louis Browns first baseman-manager Charlie Comiskey took over the same positions with the Cincinnati club when the National League and the American Association merged. Comiskey had begun his professional baseball career in Milwaukee as a $35 a month pitcher for a team called the Alerts. In Cincinnati, Comiskey enjoyed only modest success, but he had the good fortune to become a drinking buddy of a pudgy sports writer named Byron Bancroft “Ban” Johnson. Comiskey helped Johnson become president of the Western League, and in 1895 Comiskey joined his league. At the same time, Cornelius McGillicuddy (Connie Mack) was managing the Pittsburgh Pirates to a level of mediocrity. In 1897 he found his way to Milwaukee to manage the Brewers in the Western League. He

took up residence in a downtown hotel called the Republican House. Another resident of the Republican House was Matthew Killilea, a Milwaukee attorney who was president and part owner of the Brewers.” That, and the rest of Buege’s article gives you a vivid picture of that bygone age. By the way, the old Republican House on 3rd and Kilbourn no longer exists. It was torn down many years ago and the land is now a parking lot owned by the Journal Company or whoever owns the Journal Company. If you’d like to read more of Buege’s article and other interesting pieces

in that Badger State issue of SABR or any other of their articles, about the only places you can find them is online at www.sabr.org, or by reaching Schabowski at RICKIU76@aol.com, or by calling SABR directly at 602496-1400 or writing them at 555 N. Center St., Phoenix, Arizona 85004. You can also join SABR at those same numbers.

losing my marbles. What do you think I should do? : Having occasional days where things just don’t go right is common at every age, but these days also seem to become more common with age. The key is to remind yourself to think about your actions, count the blessings you have and check out options that could improve your disposition. I can think of several problems that are common. Maybe one of the following questions will speak to you! Have you lost some close friends,

and are you having trouble replacing them? Are you struggling with a situation within your family that you didn’t anticipate and don’t know how to handle? Do you have a problem that seems so insurmountable you’re avoiding dealing with it? Isolation is the No. 1 issue for seniors. Loneliness can often paralyze us and exacerbate existing problems. They say that “a problem shared is a problem halved.” Reach out to the people in your life. Additionally, connect with other people around you. One great option

is finding a nonprofit you believe is helping others and making a difference. Research has shown major benefits for people who volunteer. Individuals become happier, are distracted from their own worries and concerns, meet new friends with a common goal, accomplish meaningful work, have the ability to utilize their own skills and expertise, and contribute to their own communities. Get out of the house and do something to engage with the world around you. A positive attitude is everything! -- Doug

The old Republican House Hotel, where a meeting to incorporate the American League was conducted. The structure no longer exists, but was located at the corner of N. 3rd and W. Kilbourn in downtown Milwaukee.

One last note: Opening Day, Monday, April 2, 1 p.m. at Miller Park, the Brewers against the St. Louis Cardinals. And that’s a National League game.

32 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2018

It was Old Duffy, not Eddie, Hank or Spahnie The accompanying story about the birth of the American League and an organization called SABR actually offers information unknown to most baseball fans. In compiling it for this article, another intriguing item of trivia popped up. Who was the first Major League baseball player who competed on a team in Milwaukee to be elected to the MLB Hall of Fame? Most fans would guess Eddie Mathews, Hank Aaron or Warren

Spahn, all of whom starred with the Milwaukee Braves back in the ’50 and ‘60s. They would be wrong, as this player was with the first Major League baseball team to play in Milwaukee. The correct answer thus is Hugh Duffy, who served as the manager of the 1901 Milwaukee Brewers and also as its hard-hitting center fielder. Duffy was a pint-sized dynamo, only 5’ 7” tall, but still led the Brewers in hitting with a .330 mark and paced the team in home runs and runs

batted in as well. What was really remarkable about Duffy’s career, however, was that in 1894, playing with the old Boston Beaneaters, he batted an astounding .438, the highest average ever attained in Major League baseball over a single season. Overall, however, that 1901 Milwaukee Brewers team was a sorry bunch, and finished in last place. They moved away after that one year and became the St. Louis Browns.

Lowering your risk of heart disease BY CHARLYN FARGO

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women -- claiming the lives of one in three women. The good news is about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable. My mom, who recently turned 89, is a survivor, with two pacemakers, a stent and open-heart surgery. She’s learned to eat healthier and put down the saltshaker.

She couldn’t control the risk factors of her age, being female and with a family history, but she could make a difference in her blood pressure, not smoking, lowering her cholesterol and being more physically active. The American Heart Association recommends women “know their numbers” - by having a simple test to find out their total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index.

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Here a few other tips on things women (and men) can do to lower the risk for heart disease: • Not all fats are created equal. While saturated and trans fats are bad for you, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats can actually be good for you. “Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are healthy fats because they do not raise the “bad” LDL cholesterol in your body and may actually help raise your “good” HDL cholesterol,” says Dr. Rachel Johnson, Robert L. Bickford Jr. Green and Gold Professor of Nutrition at the University of Vermont. “They also seem to have an anti-inflammatory effect and studies have shown that people who have diets rich in these types of fats have lower rates of heart disease and diabetes.” • Stock up on vegetable oils. This can include everything from olive oil and canola oil to peanut oil and sesame oil. Monounsaturated fats are found in these oils as well as avocados, olives and various types of nuts, including almonds and peanuts. • Eat more fish to incorporate polyunsaturated fats into your diet. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, trout and tuna are excellent options and also are high in Omega-3 fatty acids -- known to help with inflammation. • To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, fiber-rich whole-grain breads and cereals and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often. Foods that can help lower cholesterol include a variety of whole and multi-grain products such as bran and oats as well as foods rich

Hugh Duffy in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables. • Choose these foods less often -fried foods; high-fat processed meats such as hot dogs and sausages; simple sugars found in soft drinks, candy, cakes and cookies; saturated oils such as coconut and palm oil and shortening found in partially hydrogenated margarine and lard.

Q AND A

: What changes in my diet can I make that would help with regularity? A: The two dietary and lifestyle changes that will help you the most are fiber, fluids and regular exercise. The fiber and fluids add bulk to stools and make them easier to pass. Exercise helps to move things along. Rather than taking fiber pills or supplement bars, eat bran or other fiber-rich cereal. If you take a pill or supplement and don’t drink enough water, the increased fiber can make the constipation worse. If you want to try a supplement, get the kind you mix with water. Fruit is also a good source of dietary fiber. Studies have shown that prunes both draw water into the stools and stimulate the colon to move things along. The only catch is you need to eat about 12 prunes a day to get the full effect. If changing your diet and getting more exercise don’t’ work, you could talk to your doctor to figure out HEART DISEASE continued on page 33

MARCH 2018

Remember when Remembering when such and such occurred this month might not be possible for those who are not in their 90’s as we search the history books for a few events of importance in the 1920’s. Now, don’t write any nasty letters telling that the writer of this column is out of order, that the 1920’s should precede the 30’s, but we read about these years last month. All I can answer is you are correct. You might go on to inform us that only a few ancient Irish people would care more than a hoot that the Irish Free State was established in 1921 after a breakaway from British rule. Northern Ireland remained with the mostly protestant British. The Irish Republican Army was a victorious factor for the new nation during the civil war. The year was 1922 when Mohandas Gandhi was arrested. He led the country of India to its freedom from the British rule and agitated for such freedom for over 20 years before dying in a street killing about 20 years later. In this 1922, the British charged him with sedition as he led the Indian Independence Movement. This was a non-violent action in which Indians refused to buy anything British and pushed plans of non-cooperation. 1923 was the year when explorers finally found King Tut’s tomb after digs across much of the Middle East going from Cairo to Babylon over many years. Tomb hunter Howard Curtis, financed by the British, found the secret tomb and its many chambers filled with funeral relics that were said to have been buried there with Tut’s body for 3,000 years. Also in fall of 1923, Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch occurred with his stormtroopers taking over a gathering at a Munich hall. He was unsuccessful

against the regime, was jailed and while there, he began writing his Mein Kampf. The Democratic Party, in 1924, was ruptured when it broke apart in some sections of the South over its KuKluxKlan members. A brilliant orator, William Jennings Bryan argued against the Klan. The Klan was opposed to Blacks, Catholics and Jews. In 1925, Charles Darwin startled the world with his Theory on Evolution, which took issue with the biblical accounts of creation. He lost in court, but continued to ridicule the creationists. Gene Tunney, the boxing champion, defeated Jack Dempsey before an unbelieving large crowd in Philadelphia. The year was 1927 when the first ever radio broadcast went coast to coast. Of course, it was a football game. The dawn of television occurred April 8, 1927 as President Herbert Hoover gave a televised speech. May 22, 1927, was a great day in the U.S. as Lindbergh, piloting a single engine airplane, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, landing outside of Paris, France. The flight was for 3,600 miles. In 1928, Albert Einstein advanced the Theory of Relativity, which concerned the unifying of gravity with electromagnetism as different manifestations of a single field. He continued his working into the 1950’s. The U.S. stock market crashed on Black Thursday, Oct. 25, 1929. Twelve million shares changed hands and by year-end, the financial losses were over $15 billion. We will be back next month with a backward glance at further events in the 1930’s.

HEART DISEASE continued from page 32

Letter. Per serving: 326 calories, 27 g protein, 17 g carbohydrate, 17 g fat, 4 g fiber, 660 mg sodium. Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian at Hy-Vee in Springfield, Ill., and the media representative for the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

the cause. Certain medications, including those for high blood pressure or depression, can cause constipation. If you do need to take laxatives occasionally, they can be effective and are generally safe if used as directed. The two common types are osmotics and stimulants. Osmotics draw water into the stool; stimulant laxatives induce the colon wall to push stools along. -- Tufts University Health & Nutrition

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MARCH 2018

continued Business and Government EDITORIALS

Time was when government was the driving force in the nation’s economy. But people like Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, Jamie Dimon, Mark Zuckerburg, Priscilla Chan, Tim Cook, George Soros and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gates are among the business tycoons who keep the wheels of business suc-

cessfully spinning and the government functioning whether or not it deserves to do so. It becomes more apparent each day – or almost - that we all must step up to help government along as it appears to be operating at low speed compared to past times. Lawmakers need help whether they are willing to

Wetzel on television Those persons who watched the Super Bowl and/or the Winter Olympics on WTMJ Television had to notice the War Memorial Center and the

featured veteran, Gary Wetzel on the “We are Milwaukee” portion of the viewing program Actually, the War Memorial Cen-

About the Dreamers How would you like to be a dreamer today, not knowing your status in your home and worried that you soon might be sent out of the country you know and love? Immigrants brought into the United States as children may be sent

out of the country later this month. Their deadline is looming. Among groups and organizations concerned about the plight of DACA’s is Teach in America. This organization could see 164 teachers in rural and low-income schools possibly being

admit it or not. Look at our leaders, listen to them and then tell the world that we do not need new leadership. Long-term projects need to be done, but keeping black bean soup on the congressional menu might be more than can be accomplished. It

becomes more pronounced that we need new people leading our country. A goal might be, among others, to utilize our extensive resources for the good of the people, not just this or that party.

ter is recognized as one of the most The War Memorial Center, at this impressive buildings in Milwaukee. time, is seeking military uniforms Last year, over 140,000 persons visited from former military personnel. it.

forced out of the country. Of course, there are about 700,000 immigrants were brought here by parents or other relatives in the majority of cases. March 5th is their deadline or at least was at this writing in mid-February. Congress has been unable to re-

solve their fate. President Trump has said the final date for a DACA package he will approve is March 5. This means the congress has come up with no adequate plan over six moths of considering it. Let us hope for a legislative solution.

Senator Baldwin out in front money-wise U.S. Senator from Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin may not be in much of a race for reelection if money has any

influence and it generally does. Sen. Baldwin’s campaign has raised more than 10 times the amounts of either

Our economy The U.S. economy is growing ever so slowly, but so are the numbers of people being born in the United States. Baby boomers, the surge of newborns following the return of soldiers from World War II, are retiring from their places of employment in great numbers as they take advantage

of nice pensions and Social Security’s monthly checks. The stock market continues to rebound after the earlier monetary valued slide. There is a gradual, but rather steady slide in the numbers of men and women working outside of the home since the year 2000.

Stone and flower

Just in case you are interested, the birthstone of the month of March is

aquamarine. The flower of the month is jonquil. Looking ahead to April, the

Longest living people A recent Bottom Line Yearbook reported that the oldest living people reside on the Japanese island of Oki-

nawa. The island’s residents eat much fish, soy and drink a flower blossom tea found in U.S. health food stores.

other republican opponents, who faced off in the recent February primary elections.

Overall economic growth was at a smidgen under one percent in 2017 and could grow to two percent over the next decade. We’re told that the Social Security trustees look for growth in the coming years to 2030 at just under two percent. The growth of productivity will be slow as workers

birthstone is diamond and the flower is sweet pea.

The Okinawans have more older people in their midst, percentage-wise than anywhere health on earth.

born in the mid-1940s already are beginning to leave the work force. This plus the importation of many goods are driving forces. Obviously, we cannot look for great returns on banked investments. Compared to today, returns of two plus percent look good.

MARCH 2018

EDITORIALS CONT. The triple C’s seem to be working together on at least one thing. It is China buying cobalt mined in the Congo. China is known to be the largest market today for electric powered automobiles. With this comes battery power and to give batteries the power they need to operate, cobalt comes into the picture. We have read where

The Triple C’s cobalt mined in the African continent’s Congo is sold to Chinese companies that then process the cobalt into lithium batteries. Surprisingly, at least to us, over 90 percent of the cobalt utilized in battery production comes from the Congo. Until quite recently, the country of Saudi Arabia with its plentiful oil was the most powerful single nation

April Fool’s Day is ahead

• 50PLUS • 37

to cars of the internal combustion engine types. But at a minimum, according to today’s data, the Chinese are way ahead of others in placing electric-powered cars on the highways. We recently read that globally, the Chinese do 56 percent of all production of lithium-ion batteries. The United States manufacturers stand way back at 14 percent, while Germa-

ny and Sweden are under 10 percent and all others, combined, hardly noticeable. Technologically, the Chinese are way ahead of other countries in the production of solar panels and wind-powered turbines. We must do more than just watch China out-produce us in new energy resources.

As three old gents were walking down the street yesterday, the one man said, “My, it certainly is windy.” The second man said, “No, it is Thursday.” The third man chimed in with “So am I. Let’s go get a beer.” Yes, we realize that old age is not for seniors without a sense of humor. Look at grandma; now that she’s off

her rocker, she can go almost anywhere she wants to. This reminds me of the story about the older lady who appeared drunk walking down the street. The police stopped her, put her in the squad car to take her to her home. After going up and down the street several times the police were disgusted. All

she kept saying was “You are passionate.” The police finally realized she was saying, “You’re passin’ it.” How about old bankers losing interest, old baseball players going batty, old accountants losing their balance, old architects lose their structure and, of course, old academics lose their faculties.

That’s it for now. I have to go out and buy some of that cardboard metal. I guess it is easy to understand why April Fool’s Day jokes are banned in China as not conforming with the core values of Socialism.

Some people like it warm and they got it in 2017. Global temperatures were at near-record highs, government agencies have announced. NASA personnel have announced

that 2017 goes on record as the second warmest year since 1880. The entire planet is warming, not just one country. NASA reported calculations showing that the average Fahrenheit

temperature was almost two degrees above what was considered as normal in the 20th century. Seventeen of the 18 warmest years on record have occurred since the

20th century began. There are numerous reasons for the heat spike. Of course, rising emissions and the burning of fossil fuels are among them.

vvvvv

when meeting someone could make them suspectful. They may wonder what is so funny if you are grinning nonstop.

gen.

How warm was 2017? KILLING TIME continued from page 4

with computers and reading things on smart boards? I am sure most of you recall when reading, writing and arithmetic were all taught to the tune of a hickory stick plus the outhouse was about 10 yards out back of the building, recess was when the teacher who had all eight grades was about to have a nervous breakdown and lunch, day after day, was chicken noodle soup and an apple for dessert.

vvvvv

St. Patrick’s Day will be March 17. This is the one-day of the year when green beer doesn’t seem to have spoiled in the keg. It also is the day on which, as the Irishmen say, there are only two kinds of people, those who are Irish and those who wish they were. If you believe this, you must be Irish.

vvvvv

Of course, we Christians are now in the midst of Lent. I like to be following Jesus, but dying on the cross I never could do. Do you honestly think you could take living forever?

We’re told to love everyone, even someone you don’t like. This little bit could test your faith.

vvvvv

Having had computer problems for about an hour, I realized it was time for a nap. In fact, it always is time for a nap.

vvvvv

With the lack of action in what should be happening in Washington, D.C., the best old days for some of us had to be before the advent of the electronic age. What we did not know, did not hurt or disturb us.

vvvvv

Yes, we watched the Super Bowl and another yes to the story in the Wall Street Journal last month that told of the NFL’s loss of fan interest. Among people 18-49 the avid fans are down to 51 percent while that number was 75 percent four years ago. Do you recall when bowling was a big sport?

vvvvv

We’re told that shifting from an ordinary expression to a gigantic smile

vvvvv

Keep your right ear tuned to conversations, as it is the right side of your brain that processes sounds more quickly.

vvvvv

Would you believe that there are more than 6,000 breweries in the United States?

vvvvv

AARP is seeking photos for its 2019 calendar. The contest is open to all amateur photographers. For entry information go to aarpfoundation. org. You only have until April 22, 2018 to submit pictures.

vvvvv

Fraud and scamming is on the rise. Do be careful about the information that you give to unsolicited callers.

vvvvv

Plant a tree and do yourself two favors: shade and the release of oxy-

vvvvv

In addition to President Clinton the other president to face impeachment was Andrew Johnson. He faced it twice, but both times it failed. That was way back in the middle 1800’s.

vvvvv

NBC apparently wanted to make a real deal of the Winter Olympics where there were 2,900 athletes competing and 3,500 NBC workers. NBC doesn’t stand for Nothing But Chaos.

vvvvv

A couple companies are going to 28-hour workweeks. These are actual paid weeks, not the amount of actual work time put in by some workers for 40 hours of pay.

vvvvv

Watch out for what is said and heard on April 1, which is known worldwide as All Fools’ Day.

vvvvv

If something you wear is inside out is it not also outside in?

38 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2018

We Saw You At . . . . The Annual Waukesha JanBoree annual mid-winter event – fire- sculpting competition that cap- the sculptures. Although there are always works, sledding, ice skating, a dog tures the imagination. Here are a many different activities at this pull and more – it’s always the ice few of the patrons, artists and also BY MARGARET PEARSON

Bob and Zoe Molthen of Brookfield. Our viewers are Donna Dans and Robert Schweke of Genesee, and the artist is Gary Richter of Waukesha.

Gene and Steve Weidman of Waukesha, and artist Jimmy Dennis of Grafton. Debi Hankel and John Simon of Waukesha, and artist Troy Tadlock.

The artist is J. Morokast of Milwaukee, with Karl Fons of Milwaukee, and Katie and Jennie Hack of Waukesha.

Jenn and Tom Engel of West Bend, and artist Aaron Worden of Waukesha.

MARCH 2018

• 50PLUS • 39

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