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VOL. 33 NO. 3

Phase Two of Your Life

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Maggie Leef Defies the Norm

March 2019

INSIDE.... E-Cigarettes are Dangerous See Page 8

March Poem See Page 11

BY JACK PEARSON

If you were ever introduced to Maggie Leef, you’d never guess the lady to be a great golfer and a member of the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA) Hall of Fame. It’s just that she doesn’t look the part. Slim and graceful, she’s always full of pep and delightfully ebullient and talkative. Thus you might assume her to be something like a popular television personality. But that’s not the only reason, as the headline above notes that Maggie defies the norm. Virtually all sports superstars set out early in life to attain that lofty goal. For example, sport immortals such as Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods knew from the time they were of kindergarten age that they would someday gain golfing greatness.

See Page 17

March Calendar See Page 28

Emma’s Comments See Page 34

MAGGIE LEEF continued on page 24

Caricature by Gene Haas

The “Other” Wisconsin

Why Medicaid Expansion is the Smart, Compassionate, and Fiscally Responsible Thing to Do. If a man from Mars had watched Governor Evers’ State of the State address, and the Republican response given by Speaker Vos, I believe that he would have concluded that they were talking about two different states. In a way they were. I think that Speaker

Rehab & Memory Care Directory

AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier

Vos was talking about the Wisconsin where well-to-do individuals and corporations are thriving in our economy, and Governor Evers was talking about the “Other” Wisconsin where people such as children, minorities and lower income are not thriving and, therefore, need help with things like healthcare. Unfortunately, there are too many people still living in the

Other Wisconsin and we need to stop ignoring them. Perhaps nothing illustrates this dichotomy more than the issue of Medicaid expansion that the Governor plans to include in his 2019-2021 state budget, and that the Speaker is adamantly opposed to. As a part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) states FRAZIER continued on page 3


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MARCH 2019

Local Eye MDs answer questions about shingles n If the eyes are affected, lubricating

by Cheryl L. Dejewski

and/or antiviral eyedrops may be prescribed. Steroid eye drops (cortisonelike medicines) may also be used to reduce scarring and inflammation. Unfortunately, shingles is a condition that can return, especially when the immune system is weakened. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to minimize symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

What is Herpes Zoster?

Mark Freedman, MD: Herpes zoster is the medical name for shingles. It is caused by reactivation of the varicellazoster virus that caused chickenpox during childhood. This occurs when the body’s immunity to the virus breaks down, either with time or due to illness, physical or emotional stress, fatigue, poor nutrition, certain medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other factors. When the virus becomes reactivated, it travels along nerve fibers from its location in clusters of cells near the brain or spinal cord to a fairly isolated area of skin on one side of the body. Once there, it usually causes severe pain, itching, redness, numbness, and a rash of small, fluid-filled blisters called vesicles. Within a few days of their first appearance, these vesicles break open and begin to form scabs. The rash can sometimes leave permanent scars and long-standing pain, numbness, or skin discoloration.

Is shingles contagious?

David Scheidt, OD: Yes, but not to the extent of chicken pox. People with active shingles should avoid contact with babies, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Can shingles affect the eyes?

Brett Rhode, MD: Because the eyes are connected to nerves that can be infected with the herpes zoster virus, shingles sometimes affects the eyes. The typical shingles rash can spread from an involved area of the forehead or cheek to the upper or lower eyelids. The inside of the eyelid is most likely to become involved when the rash appears on the tip of the nose, although this is not always the case. Shingles can cause redness of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane covering the white of the eye). It can affect the cornea (the clear front window of the eye), causing small scratches or even scarring. Scratches on the surface of the cornea can increase the risk of a secondary infection by germs called bacteria. Shingles can also cause inflammation inside the eye known as iritis or uveitis, and can occasionally affect the retina (which receives and organizes visual information) or the optic nerve (which carries vision signals to the brain).

Involvement of these eye structures can lead to redness, swelling, pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Severe or repeated bouts of shingles can contribute to other eye problems, including glaucoma (high pressure inside the eye), scarring inside the eye, and/or cataracts (a clouding of the lens inside the eye).

Is shingles preventable?

Is shingles treatable? Daniel Ferguson, MD: There is no cure for shingles, but treatment can often relieve symptoms until the condition resolves. Most cases last from two to six weeks. It is vital to seek prompt treatment to minimize any permanent damage, especially to the eyes. The exact course of action depends on the location and extent of the affected area and may include: n Keeping the affected area clean n Pain relief with medications (like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or codeine), lidocaine patches, etc. n Antiviral pills to limit the virus (such as acyclovir or valacyclovir) are also often prescribed.

Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD: There are now two vaccines available to prevent shingles as well as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the nerve pain that one in five shingles sufferers develops, which can linger for months or even years. Since 2006, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that people get the one-dose vaccine Zostavax starting at age 60. When all ages are taken into consideration, Zostavax cuts the chance of shingles by about 51 percent (but only 18 percent for people over age 80). As of January 2018, however, the CDC is now recommending that Shingrix—a new two-dose vaccine— be given to people starting at age 50. According to the CDC, Shingrix offers 97 percent protection in people in their 50s and 60s and 91 percent protection in those in their 70s and 80s.

Shingrix contains an adjuvant, a substance that boosts the immune system’s response, which may be what makes it both more effective and longer-lasting than Zostavax. It’s important to talk to your primary care doctor about which vaccine, if any, is right for you, since not everyone is a safe candidate for a shingles vaccine.

Why are regular eye exams important? Michael Raciti, MD: In addition to being seen when a sudden concern like shingles arises, it is important to make vision care a priority. Since many sightthreatening conditions have few initial symptoms and good vision in one eye can often mask a problem in the other, regular, comprehensive, dilated eye examinations are important for the prompt detection and treatment of ocular diseases. A thorough look inside the eye may also reveal clues of serious non-eyerelated conditions, such as tumors, carotid artery disease and diabetes—giving patients the valuable opportunity to start treatment before they would have even noticed anything was wrong. And, if a condition is caught early enough, less invasive and less costly procedures may be able to be used to not only prevent the spread of the problem, but to even save a person's life.

For Free Booklets & Information: Call 414-321-7035 or visit www.eyecarespecialists.net See the best you can see, when you see the leaders in ophthalmology.

T EYE

CARE SPECIALISTS

Are you putting your vision at risk? Most people aren’t motivated to make an eye appointment unless they notice a problem—and often not even then. What they don’t realize is that many sight-threatening conditions have no warning signs. But, if you know the risks, symptoms, tests and treatment options for common eye concerns, you’re more likely to take action. We can help. Call 414-321-7035 for detailed free booklets on cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetes. Then, consider: When was your last eye exam? If it was more than a year ago, call today to protect your vision for tomorrow.

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www.eyecarespecialists.net

Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD

Wauwatosa 2323 N. Mayfair Rd.

414-258-4550

Michael Raciti, MD

Milwaukee 633 W. Wisconsin Ave.

414-298-0099

David Scheidt, OD


Practicing politics at a high level Over a lifetime in politics, I’ve met a lot of interesting, impressive politicians. But those I truly admired were men and women who were adept at the arts both of politics and legislating — a rarer combination of talents than you’d hope for in our representative democracy. They’re a reminder these days of what consummate skill looks like. For instance, Wilbur Mills, a Democrat from Arkansas who chaired the House Ways and Means Committee, was a master of legislative detail. When he brought changes to the tax law to the floor, members of the House of both parties would simply ask him questions, rather than challenge him, because his grasp of the internal revenue code was so overwhelming. When Mills was on the floor, it was never really an equal debate. The same held for Jim Wright of Texas and Hale Boggs of Louisiana, also both Democrats. They were great orators with vibrant, unique voices that drew audiences to the House floor and galleries simply to hear them. They seldom referred to notes, but I suspect they practiced — the chuckle in the right place, the extended pause at the perfect moment. They were masters at using humor as an effective weapon to counter an opponent and deflect critics. FRAZIER continued from page 1

could choose to expand the Federal/ State funded healthcare program for the poor by increasing the income eligibility to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). As an incentive, the federal matching rate would be 100% for the first few years gradually decreasing to 90% in 2020 and beyond. This compares to the average Wisconsin rate of 58-59%. According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, a nonpartisan legislative agency, Wisconsin could have increased federal funding by $2.8 billion and saved $1billion in state tax money if it had started full expansion (133% FPL) on April 1, 2014, the date the state started partial expansion (100% FPL). The savings results from the significantly higher federal matching rate that did not apply to partial expansion.

MARCH 2019

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Edith Green, a Democrat from Oregon, served 10 terms in the House from the mid-‘50s to the mid-‘70s. She specialized in education and was a potent force behind Title IX, the 1972 law that did so much to end sex discrimination in education. Green, too, was a highly effective debater, who did not back down from a fight she chose to wage — but who also had a keen sense of when the time was right to wage it. She paved the way for many talented women who followed her. Charlie Halleck of Indiana and H.R. Gross of Iowa, both Republican, were parliamentary masters. I often saw them block or delay measures I personally supported, and had to admire their skill at stalling, slowing down or just plain defeating legislation by the adroit use of just the right parliamentary maneuver. Meanwhile, John Anderson of Illinois served as the principal Republican voice at a time when the GOP was

in the minority. He was a powerful debater, took delight in verbal combat, and was often the lone voice against an onslaught of speakers from the majority party. He spoke forcefully, and out of a genuinely deep devotion to the nation that made plain his ideals. You couldn’t call Tip O’Neill, the legendary Speaker of the House from Massachusetts, a great orator. But he was a truly great politician. He had a knack for putting people at ease, calming tensions, and softening debates. He made everyone in the room feel as though they were all in it together — whatever the “it” was that O’Neill was focused on. Mike Mansfield, the Senate Majority Leader from Montana, had similar gifts. He was easily the most popular man in Congress during the years he served: He was decent, humble, fair-minded, and he spread credit to everyone around him while taking none for himself. He had a bedrock integrity about him and knew how to use his consummate personal skills to make the process work — even dealing with the difficult egos you could find in the Senate. I routinely watched Senators Hubert Humphrey, a Democrat from Minnesota, and Jacob Javits, a Republican from New York, come into a meeting, quickly grasp the issues,

speak to them forcefully and right to the point, and then move on to their next meeting — on an entirely different issue — and give the same performance. Their ability to jump from agriculture to nuclear proliferation to health care to education — all in the course of a few hours — was astounding. Finally, Speaker Carl Albert of Oklahoma somehow managed to unite both northeastern liberals and southern conservatives in his party. They were opposed to one another in ideology and culture, yet Albert often reconciled the irreconcilable with grace and insight. He spent hours listening patiently to people, trying to understand their points of view, patch things up, and find even the tiniest plot of ground for consensus. Next: What they all had in common. Lee Hamilton is a senior advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar of the IU Hamilton Lugar 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.

I remember a time when previous governors would have “laughed all the way to the bank” with a deal this good. Also, if you are thinking why people above the FPL should be eligible, it is because the FPL is very low with 133% being only $16,612 annually for an individual and $34,248 for a family of four. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that 76,000 more people (a little more than the population of the City of Waukesha) would be eligible for Medicaid healthcare under full expansion. Even though Wisconsin has missed the opportunity for the huge increases in federal funds and huge savings in state funds, there is still a big upside to expanding Medicaid in the 2019-2021 budget. Again, the Fiscal Bureau indicates that full expansion in the next state budget would

add $793 million in federal funds and a saving of nearly $280 million in state tax dollars. The state savings could then be used for other state priorities such as transportation, education, or healthcare. Speaker Vos claims that Medicaid expansion is “socialized medicine” or “government run healthcare.” It isn’t either. Medicaid healthcare is provided by private doctors, clinics, and hospitals. Doctors may choose whether or not to participate in the Medicaid program. Just as Foxconn, a private corporation could have chosen not to accept $4 billion from state and local governments. In both cases, Medicaid and Foxconn, the government is contracting for something of value and if one is Socialism so is the other one. In 1962, Michael Harrington authored a book entitled The Other

America that was a study of poverty in the United States. The book is credited by some people for influencing the development of healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Now the issue of healthcare is back in the national and state spotlights because we need to improve upon what was initiated back in the 1960s. The benefits from Medicaid expansion to lower income families and the state are pretty obvious but as long as some politicians can’t see that there are thousands of Wisconsin citizens who live in the Other Wisconsin where they are unable to thrive, it will be harder than it should be. Having access to healthcare will help them thrive if we are smart, compassionate, and fiscally responsible.

ON

CONGRESS

By Lee Hamilton


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MARCH 2019

EDITORIALS

This generation: Who are we?

Are we referring to the old-timers who read this publication religiously, or are the writers thinking about the Boomers, those men and women moving into their 50’s and/or 60’s and to whom life in retirement is about to begin? A defining characteristic of the Boomers is that they easily embrace the electronic age. For the most part, those of us in the older generation do use technologically born gadgets and watch television. But we just are not as savvy as the younger people. Why? Our first guess would be that age is the reason. Many of us learned to type on manual typewriters and still find adapting to doing more on the computers than emailing and receiving such as mostly bothersome. If there is such as a learning curve, it certainly is different for each of us. But are those of us in the “Let me count up all those years” stages of life to be passed by? Never! It is easy to complain about life, but if you are allowing it to pass you by, that’s your fault.

SENIOR ANSWER MAN

DEAR SAM:

This is a dumb question to ask you. I probably should go to the library to look it up. A buddy lives in Kenosha and he claims that his great-grandfather was “Ramblering” about in Kenosha at the beginning of the 20th century. I told him, “No way.” Who is right?

QUESTIONINGLY, ERNIE FONENALE DEAR ERNIE: I suspect that your

friend is a bit more of a car buff than you obviously are. You perhaps are thinking of the Nash Auto Company that didn’t begin in Kenosha until 1916. However, Nash took over the Rambler factory that made its first automobiles in 1902. The owner was Thomas Jeffrey

The Baby Boomers really are not pushing you out of the way. We need to better understand one another as our generations fold together in retirement. We all benefit when we work together or, in the very least, tolerate each other without grumbling or whining. Surely, the older guys don’t move as quickly down the swimming lanes or on the golf course, but is it worth being upset about whatever bothers the younger people? Very many of us have turned the curve in the road of life quite successfully and now wish to enjoy the downhill ride. Why not put some effort and consideration into enjoying retirement and letting others do it, too? If old Uncle Bob can’t shovel his sidewalk or have it cleared immediately after a snowfall, why not help him out? Be kind. Recognize life as a privilege. It is a gift. Accept it graciously and, if necessary, help the other guy accept its real meaning. We are all in this together. Let’s make a better life for everyone.

and he previously had been into bicycle manufacturing. Henry Ford had already manufactured the Model T and his next car, the Model A, made its first appearance in 1903. For further information, Jeffrey’s car really had a clever name, Rambler. He put 1,500 of these Ramblers on the road the first year. His Kenosha factory was a busy one. Each year until the company was sold to Nash, sales increased. I would guess about 15,000 new Ramblers were hitting the roads yearly before Nash took over the factory. Also, the short-lived, but beautifully built Kissel Kar, manufactured in Hartford, made its debut in 1906.

Sometimes my answers aren’t appreciated, SAM

It Makes Me

CRABBY

The March Hare already has run away. I have some tanning to do today as I wish to look like I’ve spent the winter in Florida when I change from slacks to shorts. But I am a bit crabby today. I went to a movie last night. A woman sitting about three seats away

picked up her cell phone - after she allowed it to so rudely ring - and began talking until a person closer to her told her to turn it off, and did so in quite a forceful voice. My question: Do only stupid people have smartphones?

Cheeses like Edam and Limburger, do they come from cows, goats, sheep or from grazing Edams and fourlegged Limburgers? lllll Anyone who believes teens are tortured today should go back to see the 1955 version of Rebel Without a Cause. Actor James Dean died shortly thereafter. lllll If you are feeling stressed out these days, it must be that you haven’t yet filed your income tax return. lllll There’s a $149 sensor on the market now that measures swing and velocity for golfers, baseball players, tennis enthusiasts, etc. What some people will do to promote their sports prowess! Will such breach data security? lllll The ice fisherman supposedly had a “hot hand” at catching fish. Hell supposedly is hot. Being written when it is minus 13 degrees, regardless of how warm Hell might be, it was damned cold outside. lllll It was only in 1939 that The New York Times determined that television took too much time away from busy people and that it never would become more popular than radio broadcasting. lllll

We doubt that there’s an Irishman alive who doesn’t know that March 17 is the annual date for St. Patrick’s Day. He was a pious, godly, virtuous, holy and righteous person. Yes, he also drove the snakes from the Emerald Isle and utilized the common three leaf clover to demonstrate the triumvirate of God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Even though he was very philanthropic, he did not invent Irish whiskey. lllll You might not believe it, but smelling is very sensitive at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, home of the presidential faces. Each face has a nose 20 ft. long.

Killing TIMEWITH JIM McLOONE

KILLING TIME continued on page 35

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Journey is a verb! I have invested much time and thought regarding the topic of moving from your long-time home to a senior community, condo, or apartment. The word,” journey” kept popping into my mind. So, I did what all great researchers do when confronted with a quandary; I scoured the internet! I wanted to view the multiple definitions of journey as well as some sage advice or quotes from so many prophets along the way. Here are but a few of the definitions of journey that I found: • Traveling from one place to another • A distance, course, or area traveled or suitable for traveling • Passage or progress from one stage to another Of course, there are many other descriptions but these few made an impression on me when thinking of my many clients who have already, or are about to traverse their lot line to their new home. Your home has been your refuge and comfort zone for many years. No one that I know wants to move from

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz comfort to a new unfamiliar setting unless there is a driving force behind their fear of the unknown. That driving force for the sake of this article is a deep sense that what has worked for us for many years has now become a challenge both physically and mentally. That one-acre lot was our dream when we first purchased our home many years ago, but now has a caretaker in our place maintaining the lawn, gardens and trees we so love. The stairs to the basement and second floor were easy to navigate, but now are more difficult due to our knees bending too many times throughout our lives.

MARCH 2019

Here are a few quotes I found meaningful as I researched the topic of journey: • Happiness is not a destination, it is a way of life…anonymous • When you feel like stopping, think about why you started…anonymous • If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet!... anonymous • We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us…anonymous • Life begins at the end of your comfort zone…Neal Donald Walsh • A journey is measured in friends, rather than miles…Tim Cahill • Take only memories; leave only footprints…Chief Seattle Now I know that I can lay out definitions and quotes all day but if your mind is closed to the thought of change not much will happen. You, the person facing the thought of moving from the home you have loved for so many years will make the decision regardless of this article or any words from your spouse, your friends or family. My main goal

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is to open your mind so that you don’t fall into crisis management where decisions are made FOR YOU! Too often I get a call from the daughter of older adults I have met with earlier, stating that mom or dad has fallen and broken a hip. The loss of a spouse may leave the surviving husband or wife reeling and confused now facing a move on their own. Wouldn’t it have been better for those parents to have moved when relatively healthy so they could have enjoyed their independence together! To travel, is the verb form of journey. It means taking action steps to insure a better quality of life. It means discarding the many treasures accumulating spider webs in exchange for the freedom of letting go. It means moving away from an environment no longer safe or enjoyable, to a vibrant lifestyle offering connections to others. It means taking a leap of faith that all will work out just as you took that chance many years ago purchasing the home you have enjoyed. Staying with quotes, “A journey of a thousand miles begin NEMOVITZ continued on page 35

IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO SELL? If you’re thinking of cashing in on your home’s equity, Spring may be the best time. We all hope to “time” the market and sell at the very peak price. With a price correction is the horizon, now is a great time for Bruce’s Team to visit your home and provide a free consultation. We can help guide you with improvements to make that are cost effective and will support a higher selling price. For more info 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 CONTACT US FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: 262-242-6177 www.SeniorRealtor.com | Bruce@BrucesTeam.com | Jeanne@BrucesTeam.com


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MARCH 2019

The 1 percent savings solution BY MARY HUNT

Want a simple, pain-free plan to increase your savings? CPA, author and blogger Mike Piper says to save 1 percent more. “Increase your savings contributions by 1 percent of your gross income,” he suggests. It might be difficult to imagine how such a small change could make any difference at all, but according to Piper, this strategy can work wonders, especially if you are young. I could not agree more. Anything you can do to become a consistent saver is going to come back to bless you in many ways in the future. A personal program of consistent savings does more than increase your bank account. It changes your attitude. It quiets your insatiable desires and moves you away from the edge, where it is easy to worry and panic. Money in the bank changes everything. We Americans are not very good savers. In fact, as a nation, we’re pretty pathetic. As of this writing, the personal savings rate in the U.S. is right at 6 percent of disposable personal income. To add perspective, the average annual disposable income per person works out to just about $44,000. A 1 percent increase would boost annual savings by just $440 annually. Or, for some, from $0 to $440. Hey, it’s a start, and a good one at that! I understand that saving money isn’t easy. That’s because the cost of everything seems to be rising and there are so many things our families need. It takes courage and creativity to stretch the money far enough to last until the next payday. I get it. But I also know how easy it is to turn “wants” into “needs.” You know what I’m thinking about; that would be your cable TV bill and smartphone data plan. I’m talking about restaurant meals and fancy coffee drinks. Money has a way of leaking out of our lives. If you’re smart, you’ll start to notice and do something to plug the leaks.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that we could be heading into particularly difficult economic times. Things are uncertain. That’s why we need to get our heads out of the sand and plan accordingly. If you were to know for certain that you would lose your household income exactly six months from today, that for a season you would have to survive on what you had saved, how would you prepare? You don’t know what is going to happen this year, so why not go ahead and begin to prepare as if it will be the worst-case scenario? Then, if all is well in six months, you’ll have started a nice nest egg. Get tough; be strong. One percent, just 1 piddly percent more than you are saving now. For some, that would mean starting from scratch -- saving just 1 percent of your paycheck. Don’t think about it. Just do it. Don’t flinch. Don’t overthink. Just designate a place to save it, and then get ‘er done. Then, every day, find your motivation and inspiration for ways to do that right here at Everyday Cheapskate. That’s what we’re all about -- finding every way possible to save time and money ... every day! I’ll check back this time next year to see how this has worked out for you. I’m smiling because I already know. I can’t wait for you to find out. 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. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of “Debt-Proof Living,” released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www. creators.com.

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MARCH 2019

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One year left to jump through the restricted claim loophole BY TOM MARGENAU

Anyone turning 66 this year who has a spouse already collecting Social Security or who is potentially eligible for benefits should consider jumping through the loophole that slams shut in 2020. Or to be more precise, the loophole that closes for anyone turning 66 in January 2020 or later. What’s the loophole? It’s the rule that allows 66-year-old retirees to collect spousal benefits on a husband’s or wife’s Social Security record while letting their own benefit continue to grow until age 70, at which point they get a 32 percent bonus added to their monthly retirement checks. Some may wonder: Why is this considered a loophole and why is it closing? Normal Social Security rules do not allow a retiree to get spousal benefits if his or her own rate is higher. After all, benefits to a spouse are classified as dependent benefits. In other words, you generally don’t get such benefits unless you were financially dependent on your spouse. Obviously, someone who worked and earned his or her own retirement benefit that is higher than any spousal rate that might be due should not be considered “dependent” on the other spouse. But a fluke in the language written into some amendments to a Social Security law that passed in the 1990s opened up that loophole and allowed millions of generally well-to-do retirees to “game the system” and collect dependent spousal benefits between age 66 and 70 before switching to 132 percent of their own. A couple years ago, Congress finally recognized their mistake. But instead of sealing up the loophole immediately, they established the January 2020 closing date. So again, if you are 66 before then, you might want to consider filing a restricted claim. Filing a what? -- you may ask. Well, that calls for some more explanation. Social Security rules have always included a “deemed application” policy. In other words, when you file for one kind of Social Security benefit, you are deemed to be filing for any and all other benefits you might be due. So that is why you normally cannot file for spousal benefits without filing for your own retirement benefits

at the same time. But what that 1990s loophole in the law did was to allow someone who was 66 or older to ignore that deemed filing rule. It allowed retirees to “restrict the scope of their Social Security application to spousal benefits only.” In other words, you could file for spousal benefits now and delay taking your own benefits until later. I’ve been calling that procedure the “file and restrict” method. But again, that law is changing for people turning 66 beginning in January 2020. Today’s questions come from people turning 66 before then who are lucky enough to use the loophole. : I will turn 66 on Jan. 1, 2020. My wife is 64 and started taking her Social Security at age 62. Based on everything I’ve read, I guess I’m out of luck and can’t file for husband’s benefits on her record while delaying my own until 70. Am I right? Did I miss the deadline by a day? : You are one lucky dude! You actually made the deadline by a day. And here is why. I’ve discussed in this column before the strange little quirk in the law that says you legally attain your age on the day before your actual birthday. That normally means nothing. For example, I will be 70 on June 22 of this year. But I legally turn 70 on June 21. That’s no big deal to me and to most other people. But it’s a huge deal, from a Social Security perspective, if you were born on the 1st day of the month. You technically turn your age in the prior month, so you usually can get one extra Social Security check for that month. And in your case, it’s even a much bigger deal because you legally reach age 66 on Dec. 31, 2019. So that means the file and restrict loophole is still open to you. So in December of this year, you can file for husband’s benefits on your wife’s record and at 70, switch to 132 percent of your own retirement. : I am still working full time and will be 66 in October of this year. My wife is 60 years old. She plans to retire when she is 62 and start her Social Security

Q

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Q

then. That will be in April 2021. If I understand the file and restrict rules correctly, that is too late for me to use that maximizing strategy because it is after the January 2020 deadline. Am I right? : No, you’re wrong. Remember, I said the loophole closes for people turning 66 in January 2020 or later. But you turn 66 before then. So even though your wife will not file for benefits until April 2021, because you will be 66 this year, you can still employ that loophole. You could wait until then and file for spousal benefits on her record and save your own retirement benefits until 70.

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But you’ve got to ask yourself if you really want to do that. You could simply file for your own retirement benefits in October when you turn 66 and just forget about any spousal benefits. You would be throwing away many tens of thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits if you wait until April 2021. You should run the numbers, consider the tax implications, and then decide what to do. : I just turned 69. I was planning to delay taking my Social Security until age 70. But I just did the math, and I think I will be ahead to start my benefits now. Do you think that’s a good

Q

LOOPHOLE continued on page 22

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MARCH 2019

E-cigarettes fueling a dangerous turn in tobacco use BY CHUCK NORRIS

If you are currently serving in the military or you are a veteran, you are more likely to be a cigarette smoker than a civilian is. The likelihood is even greater if you are (or have been) deployed overseas. It is also very likely

that you picked up this habit after enlisting. According to a Department of Defense report, 38 percent of the service members who smoke picked up the habit after enlisting. This trend is not by chance. Smoking has deep roots in our mil-

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itary culture. It began in April 1917, when the American Expeditionary Force marched off to join other Allied powers in the fight against Germany in World War I. Carried with them was their tobacco ration. Cigarettes soon became a way for soldiers to deal with the stress of battle and escape from the boredom of downtime. Cigarettes even became a form of barter -- as valuable as currency. Young soldiers and sailors away from home for the first time discovered cigarettes as a connecting rod in forming a new social order. Some 20 years later, as the U.S. entered World War II, cases of lung cancer were on the rise from smokers who picked up their habit during WWI. Name-brand cigarettes were now being sent to the soldiers and sailors at no charge and added to K-rations and C-rations. As war ended in 1945, another generation of young people were on their way home, bringing cigarette addiction with them. The smoking trend continued to grow. By 1949, more than 50 percent of men and nearly 33 percent of women now smoked. During the Korean War, in the face of mounting evidence of the adverse health effects of smoking, the military continued to provide free cigarettes, a practice that would continue during the Vietnam conflict, ending in 1975. Today, members of

the United States military continue to smoke at above-average rates, despite its leaders’ policy goal to become smoke-free in order to enhance fitness and military readiness and curb hospitalization and smoking-related disease. For many, smoking continues to be seen as a common bond for members of an exclusive group, part of an entrenched social norm. Supporting that mindset are tobacco companies that invest mightily to keep that smoking culture alive today. A recent campaign by the Truth Initiative, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to smoking cessation among youth and young adults,” revealed “tobacco industry documents made public as evidence in litigation,” according to HowStuffWorks.com. Within the documents, they uncovered internal tobacco industry references to members of the U.S. military as “the plums that are here to be plucked.” What are the results of the tobacco industry’s harvest? Smoking costs the Department of Defense more than $1.6 billion per year, taking into account tobacco-related hospitalization, medical care and lost workdays. For far too many young men and women, military service has left them with an unshakable addiction to a substance E-CIGS continued on page 22

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MARCH 2019

HERITAGE LAKE

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Marriage hesitation

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BY DOUG MAYBERRY

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: After many years of being alone after my husband passed, I am considering marrying a wonderful man who I met through a mutual friend. Although he is a very trustworthy and lovely man, he is a recovering alcoholic of 22 years. He made many mistakes in his youth but has worked on them for a long time. I have a modest estate, which isn’t too much, but I would like to preserve it for my children from my first marriage. Because of my potential husband’s past issues with addiction, I am concerned that a future relapse could jeopardize my children’s inheritance. An idea I’ve talked over with an attorney is to create a prenuptial agreement, which would list a return to drinking as immediate grounds for divorce. Although I think signing a contract would protect my children’s interests, I don’t know if asking him would endanger our relationship. What do you think is the best solution? : Ask yourself what your definition of marriage is. Although we tend to think that we all have the same definition of common cultural institutions, different people often have vastly different ideas. Once you know what you’re looking for in a marriage, you can find out if your needs match those of your partner. He may be very understanding and accommodating of your needs if he understands where you’re coming from and how important your children are to you. If he is on a different page, a legal discussion may break your relationship. Many senior couples can be just as happy in a committed relationship without marrying. What is your motivation for taking the next step? Ultimately, opening yourself up to a new relationship means opening yourself up to some risk. Entering into a legal contract like marriage solidifies these potential vulnerabilities. Trust is essential in all committed relationships. If you don’t trust your

A

future partner, you may be setting yourself up for failure (even if he never does anything to damage your trust). While there are ways to protect yourself from some foreseeable risks, there’s always the possibility of things not going as you expect. It’s up to you to decide whether the relationship is worth it. -- Doug

DOCTOR AVOIDANCE

Q

: I hate going to the doctor, always have, always will. Now that I’ve been having some heart issues, my family is getting on me about getting more regular checkups. Even though I know it’s a good idea, I dread the idea of going. Whenever I go, I always feel like I have a lot of information thrown at me and I can’t keep up. Do you have any ideas to help me overcome my avoidance? : Invite a trusted friend or family member along, and make plans for a nice day together. Making this unpleasant task more enjoyable will relieve you of some of the dread you’ve learned to associate with it. Plan lunch, a nice walk or some shopping near your doctor’s office. Having someone come with you into the doctor’s office may also help you deal with the deluge of information. The person can help you write down or remember important details or advice. Instead of fearing the doctor, find ways to integrate the experience into your life. -- 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.

A


“There’s no place like home” A Case Study of Effective Grassroots and Aging Network Advocacy BY TOM FRAZIER

Last month I wrote about the importance of advocacy under the federal Older Americans Act. The following is a first in a series of case studies about how such advocacy has been effective in improving the quality of life of older adults in Wisconsin, and some suggestions on how to do effective advocacy. The reform of Wisconsin’s Medicaid long-term care programs began in January 1995 with a proposal developed by advocates for older people and people with disabilities. “Keeping the Community Promise” was the first official call for the reform of Medicaid long-term care programs and was led by the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) of which I was the Director and the Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy (now Disability Rights Wisconsin) of which Lynn Breedlove was the Director. Wisconsin had taken some positive steps to help frail elders and people with disabilities remain in home and community care but institutional care always had the first draw on Medicaid funding because it was a mandated service while home and community care was optional. The result was nursing home care had to be funded while there were long waiting lists for home care. “Keeping the Community Promise” called on the state to eliminate that institutional bias. Shortly after our proposal Governor Tommy Thompson appointed Senator Joe Leean as the new Secretary of the Department Health and Social Services (now the Department of Health Services) and he indicated that “long-term care redesign” would be one of his top priorities. He appointed committees made up of all the stakeholders and we spent the next few years coming up with a plan to “redesign” long-term care. Advocates for older adults, people with disabilities, and consumers of long-term care services were well represented on these committees. Just as we thought we had consensus on a plan to present to the Governor, Secretary Leean changed his mind and proposed that the state “grow new entities” to manage Medicaid longterm care programs. The advocates for

the elderly and people with disabilities turned out in force at public hearings to protest this last minute change that we saw as a delaying tactic to keep the status quo. Just before a public hearing scheduled in Milwaukee Secretary Leean cancelled the remaining public hearings and, in effect, said we would start over. One unintended consequence of the Secretary’s change in plans was that it also angered counties that ran long-term care programs at the time and the Wisconsin Counties Association became a member of our Aging and Disability Coalition thereby adding significant strength to the coalition. We were able to get a meeting with Governor Thompson who decided to go ahead with the consensus plan and proposed Family Care as a five county pilot in his 1999-2001 state budget. Governor Thompson deserves great credit for having the vision to see that this was not only an important issue but a big issue for frail elders and people with disabilities as well as for the state in better managing Medicaid long-term care services and dollars. He did it over the objections of some powerful interest groups, including some in his own administration. The next step was the Legislature needed to pass the Governor’s proposal. The legislature was split with a Democratic majority in the Senate and Republican majority in the Assembly. A few small compromises were agreed to in order to get Senate support in the Joint Committee on Finance. CWAG led a major rally at the Capitol that we called “There’s No Place Like Home” with 3000 older people and aging network representatives from all over the state chanting the rally cry and meeting with their legislators to ask them to vote for Family Care. A week later the Joint Committee on Finance passed the Governor’s Family Care proposal on a 15-1 bipartisan vote and later in the session the Governor signed the budget into law. The aging network and grassroots rally was one of the largest ever at the State Capitol.

Epilogue

The five pilot counties began Family Care in 2000 (Milwaukee, Fond du

Lac, Richland, La Crosse, and Portage). In October 2005 APS Healthcare completed an Independent Assessment that found that not only did consumers like having choices but that the state Medicaid program was saving $452 per member per month. In January 2006 Governor Jim Doyle called for the statewide expansion of Family Care. As of January 2019 Family Care and IRIS (self-directed care) became

MARCH 2019

• 50PLUS • 11

available in all 72 counties.

Conclusion

Without a proposal, without working in coalition with other organizations, without a rally at the State Capitol and, most importantly, without grassroots and aging network advocacy Family Care would not be in existence today.

March Poem

This is the first day in the traditional month of March Winds of this month have tendencies in some to parch. Actively, we do serve the living by honoring the dead. We do this even if the effort is such that we only of it read. Having come through another winter, we cherish this award. We survived the worst of weather and have moved forward. Was Mother Nature our recent worst enemy of all? January was cold; February made us slip and fall. Mr. Spring, soon to arrive, will lead us into new things. Even returning birds have bright feathers on their wings. To the last of 2018-19 wintertime, let’s have a song What will be the words? Come now. We can’t go wrong. Why not a serenade to window designer Jack Frost? He placed his stamp on many panes without any cost. Now we seek out fancy ways to harness early Spring. Left over stocking stuffers might provide some zing. On-line, off-line, there’s much snooping and hacking. Wouldn’t you sometimes like to do a bit of whacking? Maple trees already are bursting with sugary sap. Brown bears would like a sap drainer’s forest map. As we close for March, we honestly will take flight. No airplanes, of course, but via a homemade kite. Now ask yourself, What have I accomplished this day? Did I leave a drawn map for others to find their right way? We’ll be back in April to plow and sow a farm field To do such, various tools we’ll naturally wield.


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MARCH 2019

Aging and your eyes Jonathan M. Hershey, M.D. Sharath C. Raja, M.D. Nicholas H. Tosi, M.D. Daniel D. Kim, M.D.

Are you holding the newspaper farther away from your eyes than you used to? Join the crowd—age can bring changes that affect your eyesight. Some changes are more serious than others, but for many problems, there are things you can do to protect your vision. The key is to have regular eye exams so you can spot problems early.

How Can You Protect Your Eyesight?

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Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye care professional—either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. People over age 60 should have dilated eye exams yearly. During this exam, the eye care professional will put drops in your eyes to widen (dilate) your pupils so that he or she can look at the back of each eye. This is the only way to find some common eye diseases that have no early signs or symptoms. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, your prescription should be checked, too. See your doctor regularly to check

for diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. These diseases can cause eye problems if not controlled or treated. See an eye care professional right away if you: • Suddenly cannot see or everything looks blurry • See flashes of light • Have eye pain • Experience double vision • Have redness or swelling of your eye or eyelid

Common Eye Problems

The following common eye problems can be easily treated. But, sometimes they can be signs of more serious issues. Presbyopia (prez-bee-OH-peeuh) is a slow loss of ability to see close objects or small print. It is normal to have this problem as you get older. People with presbyopia often have headaches or strained, tired eyes. Reading glasses usually fix the problem.

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It is important to identify eye diseases before they show symptoms. • Vision-threatening diseases often have no outward signs or symptoms in the early stages. Examples include, glaucoma, age related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. • Most eye diseases show no signs or symptoms until they reach later stages and, unfortunately, may have already done irreparable damage. • An iWellness exam is a quick, non-invasive scan that allows our doctors to see beneath the surface of your retina. This unique technology can help our doctors detect vision-threatening diseases in their early stages, when they are most treatable. Q. What is an iWellness Exam? A. It is an optical coherence technology (OCT) which is much like a body scan, CT scan or MRI – all of which have raised the level of diagnostic health care. Q. Why should I have a Wellness Exam? A. This state-of-the-art technology can help detect changes in the retina that may be associated with various eye diseases. Q. Does an iWellness Exam hurt? A. No, the Wellness Exam is non-invasive. The OCT does not use a bright flash light. The scan is quick and takes just a couple of seconds to complete. Provided by Design Vision Optical - 414-774-0200


MARCH 2019

Floaters are tiny specks or “cobwebs” that seem to float across your vision. You might see them in welllit rooms or outdoors on a bright day. Floaters can be a normal part of aging. But, sometimes they are a sign of a more serious eye problem, such as retinal detachment. If you see many new floaters and/or flashes of light, see your eye care professional right away. Tearing (or having too many tears) can come from being sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes, or having a condition called dry eye. Wearing sunglasses may help. So might eye drops. Sometimes tearing is a sign of a more serious eye problem, like an infection or a blocked tear duct. Your eye care professional can treat these problems. Eyelid problems can result from different diseases or conditions. Common eyelid problems include red and swollen eyelids, itching, tearing, and crusting of eyelashes during sleep. These problems may be caused by a condition called blepharitis (ble-fa-RI-tis) and treated with warm compresses and gentle eyelid scrubs.

Tips for Healthy Eyes

Protect your eyes from too much sunlight by wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation and a hat with a wide brim when you are outside. • Stop smoking. • Make smart food choices. • Be physically active and maintain a healthy weight. • Maintain normal blood pressure. • Control diabetes (if you have it). • If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focused on one thing, you can forget to blink. Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet for 20 seconds to prevent eye strain.

Eye Diseases and Disorders

The following eye conditions can lead to vision loss and blindness. They may have few or no early symptoms. Regular eye exams are your best protection. If your eye care professional finds a problem early, often there are things you can do to keep your eyesight.

Cataracts are cloudy areas in the eye’s lens causing blurred or hazy vision. Some cataracts stay small and don’t change your eyesight a lot. Others become large and reduce vision. Cataract surgery can restore good vision. It is a safe and common treatment. If you have a cataract, your eye care professional will watch for changes over time to see if you would benefit from surgery. Corneal diseases and conditions can cause redness, watery eyes, pain, problems with vision, or a halo effect of the vision (things appear to have an aura of light around them). Infection and injury are some of the things that can hurt the cornea. Treatment may be simple—for example, changing your eyeglass prescription or using eye drops. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Dry eye happens when tear glands don’t work well. You may feel stinging or burning, a sandy feeling as if something is in the eye, or other discomfort. Dry eye is more common as people get older, especially for women. Your eye care professional may tell you to use a home humidifier or air cleaner, special eye drops (artificial tears), or ointments to treat dry eye. Glaucoma often comes from too much fluid pressure inside the eye. If not treated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. People with glaucoma often have no early symptoms or pain. You can protect yourself by having dilated eye exams yearly. Glaucoma can be treated with prescription eye drops, lasers, or surgery. Retinal disorders are a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Retinal disorders that affect aging eyes include: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD can harm the sharp, central vision needed to see objects clearly and to do common things like driving and reading. During a dilated eye exam, your eye care professional will look for signs of AMD. There are treatments for AMD. If you have AMD, ask if special dietary supplements could lower your chance of it getting worse. Diabetic retinopathy. This problem may occur if you have diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy develops slowly and often has no early warning signs. If you have diabetes, be sure to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year. Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control can prevent diabetic retinopathy or slow its progress. Laser surgery can sometimes prevent it from getting worse. Retinal detachment. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. When the retina separates from the back of the eye, it’s called retinal detachment. If you see new floaters or light flashes, or if it seems like a curtain has been pulled over your eye, go to your eye care professional right away. With treatment, doctors often can prevent loss of vision.

• 50PLUS • 13

What Is Low Vision?

Low vision means you cannot fix your eyesight with glasses, contact lenses, medicine, or surgery. Low vision affects some people as they age. You may have low vision if you: Can’t see well enough to do everyday tasks like reading, cooking, or sewing Have difficulty recognizing the faces of your friends or family Have trouble reading street signs Find that lights don’t seem as bright

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14 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2019

Husband prioritizes grown kids over wife BY ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: My husband and I both have adult kids from our prior lives. Thank goodness my loving and independent children were raised and taught in a manner emphasizing that you honor your spouse first and everyone else is in line (depending upon the situation, of course). Recently, his youngest daughter, who is 25, asked her dad whether her friend and fiance could have their wedding in our backyard. It’s my husband’s house, but I live there, too. In the middle of a tiff between him and me, he replied to her text without discussing it with me. So there are 65 wedding guests arriving, people we don’t know. And I am sure they’ll need to use restrooms. All my personal belongings are throughout the house, as I’ve tried to make this a beautiful and comfortable place to live. This is so hurtful and mean and inconsiderate of him. He will not say “no” to his girls, at all costs to our relationship. The girls know this and milk it

every chance they get. It’s ridiculous, and I’m fed up! I deserve a loving and caring relationship with a man who is ready for a new life chapter, cherishes his woman, as well as his children, and has the you-know-whats to stand up to his adult daughters. -- Hurt, Frustrated and Appalled in Florida

Dear Hurt, Frustrated and Appalled:

When you’re battling your partner’s children for his attention, there’s no winning. Even if you ostensibly succeed, your partner might always resent your having (apparently) put a wedge between him and his kids. So reframe this problem in your mind, because it’s really not about competition between you and his daughters; it’s about communication (or a lack thereof) between you and your husband. Conspicuously absent from your letter is any mention of your having told him how you feel. That’s a good place to start. Try not to enter the conversation with fingers pointed. Let him know that you

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erate a great deal of money that goes toward library operations. However, we always make clear that donors should be aware that their books will probably be sold, not shelved. Libraries have limited shelf space and specific requirements for adding books to their collections. Though it is a wonderful effort to donate books, if the woman wants to read her donated books, that may not happen. However, if she makes a list of the titles she donates, she may request them on interlibrary loan if they are not later available in her local library. -- Longtime Librarian

Dear Annie: You recently printed Dear Librarian: Another day, another a letter from a reader who recommended to another reader that she donate her books to a library so they would be available for her and others to check out as needed. I have worked as a librarian for over 20 years. The vast majority of donated books are not needed by the library and thus are put into the book sales. Yes, donating books is a much-appreciated service to your local library, as these book sales gen-

lesson from a reader. Thank you for sharing. “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

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appreciate his caring nature as a father but that his prioritization of his daughters can sometimes leave you feeling left out. Tell him that in the future, you’d like to be consulted about hosting major gatherings at your home -- explaining that though it is his house, both of you call it home. If the problem persists, consider marriage counseling together. A therapist could help you both to see where the other is coming from and find a healthy middle ground upon which your relationship could thrive.

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MARCH 2019

Life overload BY ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: I pride myself on being an empathetic person. I’m known in my friend group and family as a person who “has it together” and is a comforting shoulder to lean on. I am also someone people can turn to at work to get things done and remain positive and professional. However, increasingly, I find myself wanting to curl up at the end of the day and just watch TV or zone out. I don’t want to reply to messages from friends who want to meet up, and I’m also avoiding chores and other responsibilities. Just taking out the garbage feels like a herculean task. When I do gather the energy to go out at night or on weekends, it’s always a blast. But then it seems to take twice as long as usual to get back to a normal amount of energy. For being so attuned to others, I’m rather blind when it comes to my own life. Is this what being burned out feels like? How do I snap out of it? -- Sizzled in Sioux Falls Dear Sizzled: You sound like a loving and caring person, and yes, you are at risk of burning out. My homework for you is to try being as empathetic to yourself as you are to others. The best gift you can give yourself is time to engage in activities that give you joy and pleasure. There is an old Zen story called “The Overflowing Teacup,” which you might find helpful. You sound like a much kinder person than the gentleman in this story, but the message is the same: In order to help others, you must not let your own teacup get overloaded with other people’s burdens. “Once, a long time ago, there was a wise Zen master. People from far and near would seek his counsel and ask for his wisdom. Many would come and ask him to teach them, en-

lighten them in the way of Zen. He seldom turned any away. One day, an important man, a man used to command and obedience, came to visit the master. ‘I have come today to ask you to teach me about Zen. Open my mind to enlightenment.’ The tone of the important man’s voice was one used to getting his own way. “The Zen master smiled and said that they should discuss the matter over a cup of tea. When the tea was served, the master poured his visitor a cup. He poured and he poured, and the tea rose to the rim and began to spill over the table and finally onto the robes of the wealthy man. Finally, the visitor shouted, ‘Enough! You are spilling the tea all over. Can’t you see the cup is full?’ “The master stopped pouring and smiled at his guest. ‘You are like this teacup, so full that nothing more can be added. Come back to me when the cup is empty. Come back to me with an empty mind.’”

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Dear Annie: Quick question: Do you cut crispy bacon with a knife and eat it with a fork? Or do you pick it up with your fingers and eat it? -- Fork or Hands Dear Hands: That’s my quick answer. Assuming the bacon is served crispy, whole and dry, it should be considered finger food. On the other hand, if it is really thick, you could cut it into pieces and use a knife and fork. “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

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MARCH 2019

Vitamin D and diabetes BY CHARLYN FARGO

Vitamin D may play a significant role in helping people with prediabetes not develop the disease. In a new study published in Diabetes Care, high-risk patients with the highest blood levels of vitamin D were 28 percent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest levels. Researchers at Tufts University led by Dr. Anastassios Pittas, an associate professor at Tufts School of Medicine, studied 2,039 participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program, a multicenter trial of strategies to prevent diabetes in people with prediabetes. Blood levels of vitamin D were tested multiple times over an average 2.7 years. After adjusting for other diabetes risk factors, those in the top third of vitamin D status were significantly less likely to progress to diabetes. How does it work? Vitamin D could help ward off diabetes by improving the workings of the pancreas, which plays a key role in the

disease. In a 2011 randomized trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Tufts researchers found that daily supplementation of vitamin D boosted the function of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The study of 92 overweight adults with prediabetes tested supplementation with 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily versus a placebo. After 20 weeks, those taking vitamin D saw a 26 percent improvement in functioning of cells in the pancreas, while those in the control group experienced a 14 percent decline. There seems to be a strong link between more vitamin D and less risk for diabetes. The bottom line? Have your doctor do a blood test to determine your vitamin D level. For most people over 50, a supplement may be needed. It’s true that our bodies can make vitamin D from the sun, but if you wear sunscreen or dress in layers, especially in the winter, your body won’t be making enough vitamin D. Keep in mind vitamin D is a

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MARCH 2019

LOOPHOLE continued from page 7

idea? By the way, my wife is 66 and still working and she is also thinking of waiting until 70 to file for her Social Security. : I’m not a financial advisor. So I really can’t tell you what to do. But I can give you some Social Security food for thought. If your math says that starting your benefits now is attractive, why not consider filing now and taking the maximum six months of retroactive benefits. That big back paycheck you’d get could be even more

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E-CIGS continued from page 8

that has been found to harm nearly every organ system in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more Americans have died from smoking than in all the wars the United States has fought. I was reminded of the power of this strong military smoking culture and the role of peer influence and social acceptability -- as well as Big Tobacco’s role in stoking it -- in thinking about the current epidemic in e-cigarette use among middle and high school students. According to data from the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC, between 2011 and 2018, nearly 21 of every 100 high school students surveyed reported e-cigarette use in a 30-day period. From 2017 and 2018, there occurred the biggest one-year spike in usage of any kind in the 44 years of monitoring substance abuse by young people. What we are learning is that teenagers do not see “vaping” an e-cigarette as harmful. The majority of teenagers vape for the flavors, not realizing that they are inhaling nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Many teenagers picking up an e-cigarette have never smoked a traditional cigarette and now, according to current research, have become four times more likely to do so. This current trend has been successful in putting nicotine in every classroom across America. As we were recently reminded by a U.S. Surgeon General report, in just over a year, this substance’s rate of use has doubled. While it is true that nicotine is not the major cause of tobacco-related disease, it is the addictive chemi-

attractive. But whichever way you go, then your wife could do the “file and restrict” thing and take spousal benefits on your record now while letting her own benefits grow until age 70. If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@ comcast.net. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. cal in both tobacco and e-cigarettes that binds the user to the product. At its worst, it can create an addiction where some lose their capacity to make a free choice. It seems clear that e-cigarette use among young people is associated with a progression toward greater cigarette use. As I said last week, the recent announcement by Altria, the leading U.S. cigarette manufacturer and parent company of Philip Morris, should make clear the nexus between traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The company recently announced it is making a $12.8 billion investment in e-cigarette maker Juul and plans to aggressively help promote the e-cigarette brand. This investment gives the tobacco industry direct access to a new pipeline of millions of young e-cigarette users and a growth market for their tobacco products. If Big Tobacco is expert in anything, it is how to surgically aim alluring advertising and packaging at young people and capitalize on trends to reap new lifelong customers. If we are to be successful in combating the public health threat this vaping epidemic represents, then media messages must begin to offer a different social perception: from “Smoking e-cigarettes is cool” to “You are being played.” Write to Chuck Norris (info@creators.com) with your questions about health and fitness. Follow Chuck Norris through his official social media sites, on Twitter @ChuckNorris and Facebook’s “Official Chuck Norris Page.”


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MAGGIE LEEF continued from page 1

They practiced for countless hours every day and took lessons from top teaching pros to gain that objective. With Maggie, the timing was far different. She didn’t decide to become a champion competitive golfer until she was almost 40 years old. Incredible. Not only in golf, but in any sport the odds of something like Maggie resulting in success would be almost infinitesimal. When I discussed all this with Gene Haas, the retired Executive Director of the WSGA, he agreed that Maggie was a very special person, but he cautioned that she didn’t just blossom all at once into a great golfer – like little Billy Batson of the comics shouting “Shazam” and being transformed into the powerful Captain Marvel – but that she was always a very good player. He also pointed out that she came from a golfing oriented family. Her father, John Brady, was a longtime member at North Hills Country

Club and also served for many years as President of the Men’s Senior Golf Association of Wisconsin. Her mother, Pat Brady, was also a fine golfer, a member of North Hills and was President of the Wisconsin Women’s Golf Association; and further, her two brothers and three sisters were good golfers. In fact, every year the family had their own little golf tournament and labored quite diligently to beat one another. Which was true. The records show that in 1980 when she was still in her teens that Maggie and her dad won the North Hills CC Father-Daughter tournament. Then a year later, she won the Women’s Club Championship there. But then, nothing in the records for tournaments or championships of any kind for more than 14 years. When I asked her about that she replied, “Well, there was college, and then a job after that, and marriage. I just golfed when I had the time. It just

Maggie, with a gentleman who was extremely proud of her golfing accomplishments, her husband, Jim Leef.

Maggie and the two canine members of the Leef family, Ike, the black lab, and Kismet, the golden retriever. wasn’t the most important thing in my life.” During those years her golf was primarily on a recreational basis, playing with her parents, (now both deceased), husband Jim and friends. One of the latter was Katie Falk, who is one of the greatest female golfers this state has ever produced and a member of the WSGA Hall of Fame. Maggie and Jim joined Blue Mound Country Club in 1993, where she proceeded to win the Women’s Club championship in ’95, ’96 and ’97. The couple also became members at two new courses as well, the Bog Golf Course in Saukville and the Bristlecone Pines Country Club in Waukesha County. Then an unforeseen accident, a fall or a sudden twist or whatever happened, she can’t recall exactly what it was, and she suffered some cracked vertebrae in her back. (It was deemed “unfortunate” at the time. But as what sometimes occurs, the long-range result can be just the reverse.) When it happened, she was bedridden for a time, and assumed that her golfing days were over. “Katie was such a huge help to me then,” Maggie recalls. She encouraged me not to give up, but to get out and walk and exercise as much as I could. She was right on target with that advice. I began getting stronger and able

to move better, but I was still too stiff and sore to even attempt to play golf. My swing had become lousy. But then Katie came to my rescue again. She suggested I get in touch with Manuel de la Torre, the golf teaching pro at Milwaukee Country Club. Not only was Manuel probably the best golf instructor in the state, he was also especially good with golfers who had been injured in any way. So I did. As it turned out, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.” Maggie said that prior to her mishap, she was probably about an eight or nine handicapper. After working with de la Torre for several months, not only did she recapture the golfing skills she once had, amazingly she got even better. Her golfing handicap improved first to around a six, then even lower, to a three and a two. “I improved so much that I felt I could start golfing competitively.” That was late in 1999. The next spring she entered the annual WWSGA Match Play Tournament as well as the WWSGA Stroke Play Tournament. Amazingly, she won them both. She won the Stroke Play event again in ’01 and the Match Play again in ’03. She was named as the WWSGA Player of the Year for 2000. Think of that! She was voted as the top woman golfer in the state only a year or so after she and everyone else MAGGIE LEEF continued on page 25


MARCH 2019

When generosity turns into resentment BY ANNIE LANE

not go from kindness to resentment?

things for people. It makes me feel good. I believe my kind acts should be appreciated, but not be expected. Is that wrong? Most of the time, what starts off as a kind act ends up with expectations of more. Sometimes these expectations can be difficult to manage and are so far from what I intended. In the end, the recipient is angry when I pull back, or I feel used if I don’t. It’s too much stress. How do you

Be Kind

MAGGIE LEEF continued from page 24

person who suggested that Maggie would make for a great story, was himself inducted into the WSGA Hall of Fame in 1991, along with Mark Bemowski. Mark, who died not too long ago and who was then featured in the November issue of this paper, was a young junior member at North Hills CC at the same time Maggie was, and they were good friends. Manuel de la Torre, who is also no longer with us, was the instructor who Maggie credits with resurrecting her career, was also elected into the Hall, in 1975, along with Joyce Ziske, as noted, the first lady to be honored by the Hall. Maggie and Jim reside in a beautiful home just across the way from the Bristlecone Pines Country Club layout, a few miles north of Pewaukee Lake. When I drove out there to do the interview and met her for the first time, I was somewhat surprised. She looked far younger than the age listed on her official bio. She welcomed me with a big smile and asked me in. “Let’s go down to the rec room to talk,” she added with a little laugh. As we went through the house, we passed a small room with a gate across its doorway. Inside were two good-looking, well-groomed dogs, both wagging their tales furiously and bouncing up and down. So I stopped to visit with them. “Oh, you spotted Ike and Kismet,” Maggie said. “They really seem to like you.” Ike, she explained, was a black lab and was named after our 34th President, Dwight Eisenhower. Kismet was a female golden retriever. After we’d left them and began our discussion, I learned that Maggie’s actual first name is Margaret. “Everyone called me that when I was a lit-

I also think you could benefit

pattern. Why do you do these kind things, and why do you do them for people who don’t treat you well? If your self-worth is tied up in the idea that you’re a generous person, you should disentangle it. You are worthy and enough; you do not need to go out of your way to prove this through gestures. To be clear, I’m not saying you shouldn’t be generous. But true generosity can exist only for its own sake,

not for the ego’s. Frank A. Clark said, “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

tle girl, and it’s just stuck.” We had a pleasant interview. As we were going back upstairs I stopped to say goodbye to Ike and Kismet. I told them that I was composing a story about their pretty mistress and that I’d include

their names in it, which they seemed to understand quite well as their tales began wagging again faster than before and Kismet even gave me a kiss. I don’t usually get kissed when doing an interview, so that was a surprise, too.

Dear Annie: I like doing kind What am I doing wrong? -- Trying to from examining your own role in this

thought she’d never play again. Ripley would have loved it. The ensuing amount of tournaments she has entered and the many in which she took the championship from that point on are quite numerous. In addition to that WWSGA Player of the Year Award in 2000, she won it again in 2003 and 2014, and won the WWSGA Senior Woman Player of the Year in 2011, 2013, and 2014. There is not enough room here to list everything else. When Maggie was inducted in the WSGA Hall of Fame in 2017, she was the 17th female to have been so honored. Formed in 1964, the Hall took more than a decade to honor their first woman golfer, Joyce Ziske Malison in 1975. Joyce is in her 80s now, but is still an active member at the Rivermoor Club in Waterford, where she still beats her age in scoring and usually beats all the male members there who are brave enough to take her on. The second female to be inducted was Goldie Bateson, who after her playing days became one of the first women pros at any club in Wisconsin, at the old Allis-Chalmers course (then called Roberts, now New Berlin Hills). Of the total of 93 golfers now in the Hall, only 17 are women. The Hall’s powersthat-be made progress on catching up in the ‘90s, naming women as five of the seven inductees; Katie Falk and Marilyn Williams in ’93; Mary Beth Niehaus in ’94; Martha Nause in ’95 and Carol Jean Templin in ’99. It’s interesting how the lives of so many of the people in this story have been interwoven. Gene Haas, whom I mentioned earlier and who was the

Dear Trying to Be Kind: Anyone who acts entitled to your generosity doesn’t deserve it, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for putting some space between such a person and yourself. Boundaries are the foundation of a healthy social life. Lay some down, and resolve not to pay any mind to another’s unfair expectations of you.

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Here’s Maggie Leef, the most recent inductee into the Wisconsin State Golf Association Hall of Fame.


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MARCH 2019

There is a strong link between faith and health BY DR. DAVID LIPSCHITZ

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For the past 50 years, significant research has focused on the strong link between faith and health. Studies have shown that those who believe in a higher power and that “God is on their side” tend to be healthier, have a lower risk of disease and, most importantly, should they become ill, tend to recover more quickly, spend less time in the hospital and have a lower complication rate. Studies have also shown that a concerted effort to meet the spiritual needs of patients undergoing treatment for a serious illness leads to shorter hospital stays and better outcomes. This research, done with the Veterans Affairs Health System, indicated that not only was health improved, but cost savings were substantial. Most health care providers believe that it is inappropriate for them to discuss issues of faith with their patients. There is concern that this may imply a wish to impose their beliefs on those of their patient. This view is changing. Studies have shown that in the appropriate setting, virtually all patients welcome a discussion of faith with their physician. This particularly applies to the annual physical and care during a serious or life-threatening illness.

After some thought, the approach I use is simply to ask the patient “Is religion important in your life?” In the most religious of nations, the answer is almost always yes. But to me, it does not matter whether the answer is yes or no, whether the patient is devout, an agnostic or atheist. Because the impact of faith on health is not related to what religion or denomination you belong to, whether you attend religious services or not, but rather on being spiritual. And I have yet to identify anyone, good or bad, who does not believe he is a spiritual human being. And the elements of spirituality that link to health are as follows: First, seek peace. A stressful and unhappy life leads to illness. Stress is a major contributor to heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, depression and obesity. Living a stress free,

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happy and purposeful life prolongs life expectancy. Second, have faith. Not only faith in a higher power but faith in yourself and in the goodness of others. Third, be hopeful. Have more hope that the future will be better, our lives richer and our bodies healthier. Should you become ill, simply being hopeful can be a key element to responding to treatment. Next, have more love. More than anything, love is the essence of spirituality and the key to longevity. Love assures a better and longer life. Men who are in long-standing, loving, intimate and monogamous relationships live 10 years longer than those who are not. While women in relationships do not get quite as large a benefit, they live an average of three years longer. Love is not relegated only to the realm of intimate relationships. Love can be expressed in many ways: between parent and child, student and teacher, doctor and patient, family, friends and community. Without love, there is no life.

A central component of every faith is to be charitable and more giving. Volunteering 14 hours a week (at any age) prolongs life for five years. Giving your time or money to good causes is an insurance policy to a longer life. Research shows that the more you give in relation to what you have, the greater the benefit. A man of faith once told me that if you are unwilling to give, you cannot receive. Give to others and we all benefit. Finally, remember forgiveness. The willingness to forgive others and ask for forgiveness in return may be the most powerful link between spirituality and health. Most of us have great difficulty with forgiveness and it requires work. But, bearing a grudge and carrying the weight of unresolved conflict is a heavy burden to bear. It weighs on your heart and mind, affecting more than just friendships. Dr. David Lipschitz is the director of the Dr. David Health and Wellness Center in Little Rock.

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EVENTS CALENDAR March 2, 11 am & 1 pm Luncheon, 6 pm Wine & Cheese FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS Waukesha Floral and Greenhouse, 319 S. Prairie Ave., Waukesha Join us for our Festival of Flowers Event, benefiting Eras Senior Network. Come for lunch or enjoy a wine and cheese tasting in the evening. All times will feature beautiful and entertaining floral demonstrations by Marty Loppnow, owner of Waukesha Floral and Greenhouse. For more information contact

Heather at 262-522-2404. March 3, 2 pm THE MILWAUKEE CONCERT BAND PRESENTS TRAVELS ON THE SPICE ROAD Oak Creek Community Center, 8580 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek This performance, Travels on the Spice Road, is a musical showcase that highlights the far-eastern roots of modern music. Enjoy selections such as The Mikado, In a Chinese Temple Garden, Juba Dance and

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Medley from Miss Saigon. The Milwaukee Concert Band was formed in 1940 as part of the Civic Music Association. The musicians in the Band are volunteers. The Band has appeared on all of the concert stages in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, and has appeared with many local and national artists throughout its history. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome and appreciated. March 6, 2:00 – 4:30 pm CINEMA OF ’39: TURNING BACK TIME Brookfield Public Library, 1900 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield Many movie historians consider 1939 to be the best year in movies. The best picture nominees included Wizard of Oz, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Goodbye Mr. Chips, and a little film titled Gone With the Wind. We will begin monthly screenings of five of the ten best picture nominees. Which five will they be? Join us and find out! A short discussion with refreshments will follow each screening. Contact the library at 262-782-4140, option 1, prior to the date for the movie selections. March 9, 6:30 pm COMEDYSPORTZ Oconomowoc Performing Arts Center Little Theater, 641 E. Forest St., Oconomowoc ComedySportz is their name and improv is their game! Back by popular demand, this professional improvisational comedy troupe will bring their antics live from Milwaukee to the OAC’s Little Theater. Every show is completely different, always hilarious and appropriate for all ages. The show features two teams of comedian “Actletes” competing for laughs and points, with a referee keeping things moving, awarding points and calling fouls. The comedians on stage rely on suggestions called out from audience members as they develop scenes, characters, and compose

song lyrics on the spot. Arrive early to enjoy dinner, snacks and refreshments. Refreshments and food will also be available during intermission. Call the box office at 262560-3172 for ticket information. March 10, 4 pm IRISH AND CELTIC MUSIC CONCERT Irish Cultural and Heritage Center of Wisconsin, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee The award-winning duo of multi-instrumentalist Zig Zeitler and vocalist Siusan (not a misspelling – it’s Irish!) O’Rourke will present a concert of Irish and Celtic music at this most Irish time of year. They have been Irish Music Award Nominees for “Top Duo” three times. Zig brings long experience playing every kind of American Roots music to the duo’s repertoire, particularly his dexterous instrumental skills on Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle, Harmonica and especially the Irish Bouzouki. Siusan is especially drawn to songs that speak to those descendants of the emigration experience she prides herself in bringing to the table renditions of old pieces that are clearly hers and hers alone. There is a suggested $15 donation at the door. Reservations are encouraged by calling 414-702-6053. March 12, 10 am HOW TO MAKE DOWNSIZING & SELLING YOUR HOUSE EASY Luther Manor’s Faith & Education Center, 4545 N. 92nd St., Wauwatosa If you or an older loved one are considering selling a home, there are a lot of questions you are asking yourself. What actions should I be taking when considering senior home needs? What is involved in selling a home? What is the housing market like for those who want to sell? And, what am I going to do with all my stuff?! It can be a daunting decision, but it doesn’t have to be! In this special hour-and-a-half long workshop, Bruce Nemovitz,


MARCH 2019

some originals. From Etta James to Alison Krauss, the Beatles to Feist, Rebecca and the Grey Notes offer a unique style covering blues and jazz, as well as old country and rock. Show only tickets are $36 for adults $18 for high school students and younger and military personMarch 12, 1:30 – 3 pm nel with ID. Dinner & show tickets MAKE IT: BRANCH WEAVING are $43/$25. Dinner tickets must be Pauline Haass Public Library, purchased two weeks prior to the N64 W23820 Main Street, Sussex show. Tickets may be purchased at Transform a simple branch into the box office or by calling 262-560a work of art while learning basic 3172. weaving skills during this month’s Make It event. Materials for this March 18, 1:00 – 4:30 pm free adult program are limited and TURNING 65? WELCOME registration is required. Call 262- TO MEDICARE Washington Co. Public Agency 246-5181 to reserve your spot. Center, 333 E. Washington St., Suite 1113AB, West Bend March 13, 9:30 – 11:25 am This class has been designed to anLEARNING IN RETIREMENT HERBS AND OILS – ESSENTIAL swer the questions you have about OILS OF THE GARDEN starting Medicare. We will discuss WCTC, LIR, Room WK101G, Medicare parts A and B, Supple327 E. Broadway, Waukesha ment insurance, advantage plans, With spring gardens around the Part D, and other resources. You corner, learn more about herbs must be 60 or older and a Washand garden essential oils. You will ington County resident to register. learn how they can be used to sup- Register by calling 262-335-4497, port your body and enhance your spacing is limited. wellness. We will have recipes to share to flavor foods with essential March 19, 5 – 7 pm oils, repel pests and enhance your MATURE SINGLES memory. Experience essential oils CLUB SIP & SNACK firsthand during this class. Contact Open Flame, 5081 S. 108th Street, the LIR office at 262-695-3473 for Hales Corners Meet new single friends 55+. Join us enrollment information. for happy hour and find out about more activities that the club has to March 15 & 16, 7 pm offer! We are a non-profit, non-secOAC’S CABARET CAFÉ – REBECtarian organization focusing on the CA AND THE GREY NOTES interests of single individuals. Our Oconomowoc Arts Center, Little activities are scheduled for all areas Theater, 641 E. Forest St., of greater Milwaukee. Call Jan at Oconomowoc The OAC’s Cabaret Café offers 414-461-6090 with any questions. high quality musical entertainment Visit our website at maturesinglespaired with delectable food entrees. clubmil.com. Set in the OAC’s Little Theater, audiences are treated to an intimate March 20, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm cabaret environment complete with LUNCH & LEARN: GOLDA MEIR great acoustics, soft lighting and ta- Three Pillars – Village on the bles adorned with linens and can- Square, 375 State Rd 67, Dousman dles. Rebecca and the Grey Notes is After a delicious sit-down lunch, a Milwaukee-based band covering help us welcome Golda Meir, pora variety of songs while performing trayed by Jessica Michna, and learn how a woman born in Ukraine and Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Melinda Stuart, Certified Senior Move Manager at Smart Moves, will outline ways to make downsizing and selling your house easy. Space is limited, RSVP to LutherManor.org/rsvp or 414-434-1768.

raised in the United States ended up as the prime minister of Israel. Call Olivia at 262-965-7322 to register for the event.

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March 23, 3 & 7:30 pm JIM WITTER BAND Ruth A. Knoll Theater - Schauer Arts Center, 147 N. Rural St., Hartford March 21, 10 am Join Jim Witter and his incredible REEL CONVERSATIONS band on a journey through the 70s Hartland Public Library, and 80s! In this year-by-year mul110 Park Ave., Hartland timedia musical feast you’ll hear Join us for a new movie club for timeless hits from Billy Joel and Elclassic and newer film lovers. We ton John, including: “An Innocent will be discussing “All Heaven Al- Man,” “Honky Cat,” “You May be lows” (1955) starring Jane Wyman Right,” and many more. Jim Witand Rock Hudson. Please watch ter and his band create a magic the film before attending the meet- that makes you immediately feel ing. Copies of the film are available like long lost friends surround you. throughout the Bridges Library You’ll laugh. You’ll cheer. You’ll System. Light Refreshments will be sing out loud. Call 262-670-0560 served. for ticket information.


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MARCH 2019

JOIN US FOR THE 2019

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS LOCATED AT WAUKESHA FLORAL & GREENHOUSE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20TH 2019 Luncheon Seatings, 11:00am & 1:00pm: • •

Features beautiful & entertaining floral demos by Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse Catered by The Picnic Basket Restaurant

Spring Wine Garden, 5:30-7:30pm: • •

Wine tasting stations and beer flight tasting Gourmet cheese, fruit, and a selection of Hors d’Oeuvres Benefitting:

Tickets are $35 per person REGISTER AT ERASWAUKESHA.ORG

Oconomowoc Arts Center M A I N S T A G E

CABARET CAFE Tapestry A Carole King Tribute 7:30 pm Saturday, April 6 Rebecca & The Grey Notes 7 pm Friday & Saturday March 15 & 16

ComedySportz The Blitz: Winston Churchill Starring Randy Otto 7:30 pm Saturday, May 18

6:30 pm Saturday, March 5

www.theoac.net 641 E Forest St, Oconomowoc

262.560.3172

March 27, April 3 & 10, 9:30 – 11:25 am LEARNING IN RETIREMENT MAGIC FOR FUN WCTC, LIR, Room WK101G, 327 E. Broadway, Waukesha Participants in this beginner’s magic class will have the opportunity to learn magic tricks and illusions to amaze friends, family and become a grandparent magician. It is fun watching a magician, and now you can discover the thrill of learning how to perform the magic tricks yourself. This course includes step-by-step instructions for learning simple easy-to-do tricks

using everyday common objects. Your presentation and what to say during the tricks will also be emphasized. The instructor brings to the classroom decades of magical performing. Contact the LIR office at 262-695-3473 for enrollment information.


MARCH 2019

• 50PLUS • 31

Lake Havasu- An affordable winter get-a-way

Jeff & Beth Oestreich, of Waupaca, WI, have vacationed in Lake Havasu City, AZ, for the past four winters. Several of their friends had “wintered” in Lake Havasu and painted such a warm picture that upon retirement, the Oestreichs, too, decided to give it a try. A few phone calls to a Lake Havasu realtor provided them with an idea of rental costs and possibilities. Though their friends had shared what their rental expenses were, the Oestreichs were happily surprised by how truly reasonable rental rates are. While some of the couples are able to rent the same places year after year, the Oestreichs are in their third home. A three bedroom ranch home can be had for $1,200-$1,800 per month. Many homes have backyard pools and boast a view of beautiful Lake Havasu. For anyone unfamiliar with the history of Lake Havasu City, Robert P. McCulloch, most widely known for the McCulloch chainsaw, developed the area. While investigating a new location for his outboard motor company, McCulloch chanced to fly over a widening in the Colorado River located in the barren Mojave Desert in Arizona. McCulloch purchased 3,500 acres on the eastern shore of the Colorado River, built his factories, and moved his employees westward. Realizing the people would need grocery stores, fuel stations, clothing etc. McCulloch continued developing the area. In order to entice people to in-

TRAVEL

ENTHUSIAST

By Joanne Abbe vest and relocate, free trips were offered. Hoping to turn Lake Havasu into a tourist magnet, McCulloch purchased the London Bridge in 1964. The bridge’s exterior granite blocks were numbered and transported from London by ship, then rebuilt over a reinforced concrete structure built on land in-between the main part of the city and Pittsburgh Point, a peninsula connected to Lake Havasu. After the bridge was reconstructed, the Bridgewater Channel Canal was dredged under the bridge and flooded. It remains one of the most popular attractions in the area. Lake Havasu boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year and a unique mix of tranquil waters, rugged mountains, and plenty to do. Everywhere you look, folks are hiking, biking, boating, fishing, golfing, off-roading, shopping, dining, and enjoying seasonal events. There is even a highly popular Eagles Club, which caters to their membership with inexpensive meals, parties and STRONG drinks. (You have been

Beth and Jeff Oestreich anjoy the many hiking trails Lake Havasu has.

Beaches, mountains and spectacular weather await in Lake Havasu.

One of the many rentals in the Lake Havasu area.

warned.) Many of the Snowbirds even venture over the border into Mexico where they get annual health and dental care. Their exams are performed by US doctors who find maintaining practices in Mexico to be much more affordable. These savings are passed on to the patient. The only real glitch to a visit is the lack of a local airport. Phoenix and Las Vegas airports are each about 3

hours away. Most winter residents arrive in their personal vehicles so they can travel freely. The city is very easy to maneuver in. In fact, it is common and legal to see people driving ATV’s on city streets. A simple trip to your computer can tell you all the facts available about the city in the desert, but a visit to Lake Havasu City, AZ, will warm your body and keep vacation money in your pockets.


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Area sports mourns passing of Bill Lutz, Dick Demski BY JACK PEARSON

Remember the years just after the end of WWII when the nearest Major League Baseball action was way down in Chicago, more than a hundred miles from here? No matter. This area has always been a baseball hotbed, spawning such stars of the sports as Al Simmons and Harvey Kuenn. Every young lad in the state who was any good at all in the game had dreams of making it to the Big Leagues. It was in those long ago years that two other baseball players, both teenagers from this area, had that same goal in mind and were at the beginning of their own careers. Their names were Bill Lutz and Dick Demski. Although both experi-

enced long and truly exceptional careers in the sport, neither made it up to the Majors. They very well could have, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s essential to the story. Both men, sadly, died on the same day recently - on Friday, January 18. Lutz, who was born on March 11, 1933, was 86: Demski, born on June 15, 1929, was 89. As noted above, both men were superlative athletes, among the finest this area has ever produced. This was given ample credence when they were inducted into the Wisconsin Old Time Ballplayers Association Hall of Fame; Lutz, in 1995, Demski in 2006. “I recall each of those gentlemen quite well” said Paul Schramka, who

Bill Lutz, one of the finest baseball pitchers ever from the state of Wisconsin. served as president of the WOTBA for more than 36 years until his retirement a few years ago. “Over all that time I’ve seen and known hundreds of great players,” he said. “And those two were among the very best of all of them. Here’s something about Lutz I have to tell you. He was a pitcher, a left-hander, that’s why they called him ‘lefty.’ Anyway, of all the pitchers I’ve ever seen, and that includes sandlot, minor league and even Major League, I’ve never encountered anyone that had the control Bill Lutz possessed. One time, if my memory still serves me, he was pitching for the old Falk Corporation team, and he hurled the equivalent of three complete games without issuing a walk. And it wasn’t just his control; he had a world of stuff. Blazing fastball and one that moved sideways, up and down and every which way. Why he never made it to the Big Leagues was always a mys-

tery to me.” It’s true; why Lutz and Demski never made it to the Majors was hard to understand. To come up with an explanation now would be only conjecture. Both men possessed tremendous talent and loved the game. A possible conflict-answer was that both were also dedicated family men. Both were happily married (and for more than six decades). There were several children in both families, and among those offspring were a number of growing boys. All those young lads were good athletes as well and needed a father at home to help and guide them. Tie all this in with the fact that back in that era Major League owners weren’t shelling out the huge signing bonuses and salaries today’s players receive. Schramka explained that he didn’t know Demski as well as he did Lutz, but suggested someone who did, the


MARCH 2019

legendary Pancho Palesse. In addition to having been a top-flight athlete himself, Palesse had also played on and managed several senior softball teams over the years. On one of those teams, he recalled, one of his star players was Demski. “We had a very good team in the Monday morning senior softball league,” Palesse said. “And our first baseman was Demski. You know the old saying, ‘speak softly and carry a big stick?’ well, that was Demski. He didn’t say much, but boy, could he swing that bat. We also had a team that competed in the Senior Olympics. One year we went down to the Nationals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and won the championship of our age level. That was really something, and Dick was a major factor in our success.” Demski, born on June 15, 1929, began his career as a youngster with the old Bunny Brief Stars of Yesterday program. Later, he played for the Heil Company in the Industrial League, for the House of David and for several teams in the Classic League. In the latter it was with the 901 Club, Harnischfeger and Barsch & Probst. He was signed to a contract by the New York Yankees and played for that organization and for the Philadelphia Phillies with their minor league teams. He was in the Texas League for two years, then one of the top minor league organizations in the country. “Dick never talked about himself all that much,” Palesse recalled. “About the only thing I ever heard him say about his playing days was that he was proud to have played on the same minor league teams with the great Ted Williams as well as with Pete Runnels, who was a future American League All-Star and batting champion.” In his later years Dick lived in New Berlin with his wife of 67 years, Carole. Other survivors included his four sons, Brion, Craig, Dale and Richard, and grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lutz was born in Manitowoc, where he was a multi-sport star at Lincoln High School. There, on the school’s baseball team, he threw two no-hitters and averaged an astounding two strikeouts an inning. After his graduation he played and starred in the Northern League, where his winloss records in his first two years were 12-1 and 12-2. Then, following three

Dick Demski, who starred in both area baseball and softball for many years. years in the service, he joined the Menasha Macs, and had a perfect 14-0 record. He also led the league in hitting and was voted as its Most Valuable Player. He later pitched for the famous Falk Corporation team for all of 30 years in an amazing career, winning seven league Most Valuable Player awards and leading his team to nine championships. Following his playing days, he served as a Major League Scout for the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles. Bill and his wife Patricia, who died a few years ago, had six children, two daughters, Anne and Mary, and four sons, Bob, Bill, John and Michael. Three of the boys, Bob, Bill, and John, continued their father’s legacy in baseball and all played for teams in the Langsdorf League. Bob Lutz recalled one particular highlight of his dad’s amazing career that bolsters the inference made earlier that he and Demski would have made it to the major leagues. “Dad was with the Falk team; and they had made it to the championship of the NBC (National Baseball Congress) game. Their opponent was the Alaska Goldpanners. With dad on the mound, Falk won the game and the championship, 3-1. The Goldpanners

pitcher was Tom Seaver,” Bob said. There was another game that was almost as memorable. In 1955, in the NBC District Championship game when on the mound for the Menasha Macs, Bill pitched a 3-0 no-hit win. Even more astounding is in the entire nine innings only 14 of his pitches were called balls. If that wasn’t the epitome of pitching control it has to be close to it. The Wisconsin Old Time Ballplayers Association, started in 1932, is one of the oldest baseball organizations of its kind in the country. It opened its Hall of Fame in 1981, and the facility

• 50PLUS • 33

now includes the names of virtually every player either born in this state or who played for teams here. The list includes, in addition to Al Simmons and Harvey Kuenn, such greats as Kid Nichols, Andy Pafko, Ken Keltner, Ron Unke, Ken Sanders, Red Wilson, Felix Mantilla, and the man who led the OTBAW for so many years, and who was a pretty fair player himself, Paul Schramka. Since Paul’s retirement a few years ago, the association has been run by Rick Schabowksi. Both men were class acts and will be missed.

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MARCH 2019

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Greetings. Gee whiz, it does seem like a very long time ago since we connected up. Wait for a minute. There, I have my apron on and we can really get started. Henry has the day off. He didn’t feel really well this a.m. I suggested he drink a quart of prune juice to help things along. He claims he might as well have drunk a bottle of nitro-laced liquid. Dynamite! I hope you can understand and don’t think my writing this month is crude. Henry told me that he is embarrassed about having to tell others he’s going to or is in the john when the phone rings and he doesn’t answer it. He thinks he’s just going to change the moniker to Jim. He says this way people who ask where he was will think he was exercising; you know, at the gym. In reality, when Henry isn’t working and is at home, about the only things he exercises are his lips. Well, anyway, Henry claims that he’s about onto a new invention called Fitness Stockings. They will have some kind of wire along their sides that will

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By Aunt Emma keep your feet moving. I guess those would be nice for politicians, too, as they would tend to keep them running. The politicians at the nation’s capital seem to be such that we’re getting fed up with both sides. What some big electronic company needs to come up with is a new monitor to not only measure lip speed, tongue twisting and don’t-expect-me-to-lookyou-in-the-eye-when-I’m-promisingsomething statements, but that will measure when they need changing and not necessarily when they’re leaving office. A grandson is just learning how to change their baby. Can you imagine, Grand sonny and his wife are so into this ecology thing that they’re even using cloth diapers for changing? We have an annual event coming up at the club. It is the St. Pat’s Day party. It won’t be nearly what it was last year as this year it is on a Sunday night. Even the saints in heaven supposedly look down on an Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day when it is a working day and he just can’t hold his liquor. And I don’t mean holding a bottle in his hand. Henry claims that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland.

From what I have heard, a lot of these have settled in the Everglades in Florida’s interior. Henry still laughs about a clever Irish gent, who usually has a snoot full before St. Patrick’s Day celebrating is done. He’s known familiarly and rather generously as Two Dollar Bill. His name is Bill and he says as he passes out the $2 currency certificates that these really are honest-to-goodness Two Dollar Bills. I have rambled on way too much about Henry and I haven’t even gotten to the lady friends and our discussion at coffee yesterday morning. We talked about the cold temperature and the sheets of ice outside. I guess we all were very lucky. Not one of us fell on the ice or had a pipe burst during our deep freeze in January and into February. As Angela (new to our neighborhood) said, she was surprised by all the commotion over bad weather. She hails from upstate Vermont. She says they fight those conditions all winter long. Angela will be in Florida by the time this is printed. She says they moved south to Milwaukee to enjoy time with their relatives, but still prefer southern Alabama during late winter. She loves to watch tomatoes ripening on the vine. To each his own…or something like that.

Tax time surprise If you were divorced and paying alimony in a divorce finalized on or before December 31, 2018, you can deduct your itemized payment. Now, alimony is no longer deductible.

The recent taxation overhauls eliminate all deductible moving expenses except for those of service personnel

We are closing ground The birth rate in the United States today is 1.76 percent. This will not sustain our growth. A rate of 2.1 percent is required to maintain population growth.


MARCH 2019

• 50PLUS • 35

KILLING TIME continued from page 4

lllll Are you tired of receiving unwanted robocalls? Do record the robocallers numbers and report them to the FTC. Then hope that regulators will do more than just warn those bothersome companies and charities. In 2017, about three million complaints were received. lllll Hurrah for this woman entrepreneur. A Chinese lady catches, freezes and ships carp to China where it is readily eaten. lllll Do Cheerios own stock in General Motors? We wondered what it was all about as we read that Cheerios no longer would have GMO’s? The GMO’s are abbreviations for “Genetically Modified Organisms.” lllll

NEMOVITZ continued from page 5

with a single step (Lao-tze). Taking that single step begins with changing your mind, taking it from fear to wonderment. See what options are available to you and you will find that there are so many great new options out there just waiting for you to discover. Have conversations with those you trust and love and express your true feelings. Sometimes just hearing yourself speak the words can lead to you moving away from fear and procrastination. To journey is to move. It can be a verb only if you open your mind to possibilities that could offer a chance to a better and more fulfilling life. I have helped several thousand families make the move to their new surroundings and what I hear most often after the journey is, “I wish I had done it sooner!”

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 over 35 years. He has published a book called “Mov-

A daughter is prone to exaggeration. She claims she told me about such and such at least 1,000 times. I know it was not even over 100 times. lllll It seems like only yesterday that when you answered the ringing telephone call, it was someone who you were happy to talk to, not a scam artist or supposed charity pitch-maker. lllll If you really don’t believe that Guinness Beer is good for your health, stop to realize that there are just fewer than 35 million Irish people in the United States who might disagree. lllll

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REILLY-JOSEPH COMPANY ing in the Right Direction”, A Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. Bruce has written a second book for the children of seniors, “Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction”, Practical Advice about Seniors Moving from the Home They Love. These books are now available at https://www.brucesteam.com/bruces-books/. Past articles about moving and downsizing and other important information can be found at www.SeniorRealtor.com. Bruce and his wife Jeanne hold seminars about selling your home of many years. Check their website for times and dates. 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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36 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2019

Financial implications of living to 100 Eras Senior Network of Waukesha County supports and engages over 2,000 seniors and adults with disabilities each year through volunteer-provided services, meaningful volunteer opportunities for seniors, and educational presentations. The US Census Bureau projects that by the year 2030 all Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) will be older than 65, and for the first time in US history there will be more oldSMALL PETS WELCOME

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tion will be 65 years of age or older by 2030. This equates to almost one out of every four people being considered an older adult. By 2050, nearly 10% of the Waukesha County population will be age 85 and older. Who will pay for the increasing numbers of US citizens living to 100? Do we have sufficient personal savings for a possible 35 years of retirement? How long are you planning to work? An article from Forbes indicated that “Elderly poverty rates could soar as the oldest old outlive their savings. The household finances and emotional well-being of their caregiving children — boomers and Gen X’ers — could suffer. Mounting costs for long-term care and Social Security could overwhelm federal and state government budgets. And the money is likely to run out for many who live to 100 but never thought they would.” Many older adults are choosing to work beyond the traditional age of retirement in part to finance a longer life. Additionally, working allows older adults to continue their connection to professional skills and the community. “The desire to work, in part, comes from a financial place, but it also does transcend beyond that to a desire to be engaged in the world,” says Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. The Forbes article included strategies that could leverage the trend of older adults working longer to an assist individual’s savings. Could these trends also help with the workforce

shortage? Older workers could be considered “paid up” on their Social Security after 40 years of work. Eliminating the employee share of the Social Security payroll tax at that point would boost an older worker’s take-home pay and getting rid of the employer’s contribution then would give firms, nonprofits and government agencies an incentive to keep them on payroll. To encourage people to stay on the job until 70, pay their Social Security benefit in a lump sum for the years they work past Full Retirement Age (currently 66) and until 70. Scholars estimate the lure of a lump sum payment could encourage people to continue working almost two years longer. Perhaps the vision of a life that extends 100 years includes trying a new career, or working longer in your present job. AARP.org/work is a great place to start your journey for information about work in the next chapter of your life. Kathy Gale is Executive Director, Eras Senior Network, Inc. More information about Eras Senior Network, Inc. can be found at www.ErasWaukesha. org.


MARCH 2019

• 50PLUS • 37

8 surprisingly effective ways to use apple cider vinegar

BY MARY HUNT

We cannot yet declare apple cider vinegar to be a miracle cure. However, according to WebMD.com, it has a long history as a home remedy used to treat everything from a sore throat to varicose veins. Here are a few of the ways that ACV may work well for you to treat everyday issues, just like it has for so many of my readers and others.

SEND DANDRUFF PACKING

Forget all the pricy salon sprays that promise to destroy the fungus that grows on your scalp. Make your own dandruff treatment at home that will banish dandruff and leave your hair silky and shiny -- for only pennies per spray. Mix equal parts ACV and water in a spray bottle. To use: Shampoo with your cheap shampoo of choice. Rinse. And towel dry. Then spray this ACV dilution onto your hair and work it through to the scalp. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse. Do this twice a week, and in no time, you’ll send embarrassing dandruff away forever. For routine maintenance, use ACV as a conditioner, which follows.

HEALTHY, SHINY HAIR

Mixing 4 parts water to 1 part ACV results in a very effective hair conditioner that will leave your hair soft and shiny. Shampoo. Rinse. And then pour about 1 cup of this mixture over your hair and rinse it out. Prepare to be amazed.

SORE THROAT SOOTHER

At the first sign of a sore throat, pull out three pantry ingredients to make a powerful elixir that will help soothe the discomfort and break up mucous and sinus congestion. Mix 1 teaspoon ACV, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 3 teaspoons honey in a glass of warm water. Apple cider vinegar and honey are known to have antibacterial properties, and the capsaicin in the cayenne helps alleviate pain. Sip this concoction gradually one to three times a day. Note: This is not a substitute for physician-prescribed medication.

NO MORE STINKY FEET

Persistent stinky foot odor is not necessarily a hygiene problem but rather one caused by a fungus that may have managed to live unnoticed on the bottom of feet, under toenails or even between toes. A daily shower is not likely to alleviate the problem, but this will: Soak your feet in a container of hot water to which you have added 4 cups ACV and 1 1/2 cups baking soda. Mix well, and soak your feet in it for or at least 10 minutes. Dry them, and then enjoy clean, soft feet that should also smell clean and fresh. Any lingering smell of vinegar will quickly dissipate on its own.

but stay with me here. One tablespoon of enzyme-rich ACV in a cup of water or tea taken right before a meal alleviates the symptoms of heartburn for many. If you hate the taste, adding a tablespoon of honey will help this medicine go down.

SKINCARE ASTRINGENT

Apple cider vinegar will do wonders for your skin -- even alleviate acne -- for pennies, not dollars. If you have sensitive skin, dilute ACV with water. For other skin types, ACV is most effective used straight up as an all-natural astringent: Mix up a dilution of 50-50 ACV and water. Spray this on your clean face, or apply with a washcloth or cotton balls. Do not rinse.

QUICKLY HEAL SUNBURN

Acidic ACV on a sunburn? You bet, and you’ll be amazed at the result. Here’s the routine: Following an unfortunate sunburn, draw a bath and add 1 or 2 tablespoons ACV to the tub. After soaking for 10 minutes, the ACV will have helped restore your skin’s pH levels, and your skin will feel cool and

WHITEN TEETH

To make an effective whitening mouthwash, mix 1 teaspoon ACV with a cup of water. Swish this around your mouth and either spit it out or go ahead and swallow. It’s good for you. 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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38 • 50PLUS •

MARCH 2019

We saw you at....The Annual WADA Antiques Show BY MARGARET PEARSON

Record cold didn’t stop any of the hardy souls who attended this event,

Kathleen and Richard Irwin of Palmyra.

the Wisconsin Antique Dealers Association’s 45th annual show. A total of 53 antique dealers from all over

the Midwest filled the display area at the Waukesha County Expo Center. Proceeds from the show went to

Ann Flach and Charlie Lippert of Hartland, and show demonstrator Jeff Smith of Minneapolis.

Judy Schwingel, Ruth ,and Nancy Anderson, all of Waukesha.

Sandra Fults, an exhibitor from Owen, Wisconsin, with Rosemary Schwalbach of West Allis and Rene Steven of New Berlin.

the Waukesha Grant and Scholarship Program.

Carol and Fred Harman of Janesville.

Stephanie Kelly and Dave Weber of Madison, with their rescue dogs.

Joann and Holly Henderson of Kenosha.


Help for the organizationally challenged BY MARY HUNT

Have you caught an episode of Marie Kondo’s new binge-worthy Netflix series, “Tidying Up”? It debuted on Jan. 1, and I’m kinda obsessed. My husband and I have a huge task ahead, as he’s getting ready to finish our basement. Right now, it looks more like a horribly organized storage unit coming soon to an episode of “Hoarders” than the beautiful new living space I see on his plans. Getting organized is like dieting. Everyone knows how to do it. The problem is getting around to it and then maintaining the results.

LOSE WHAT YOU DON’T USE

Back in 2002, when we lived in California and redecorated our kitchen, I emptied every cupboard and drawer. When it was time to put everything back, I decided to put things away only as I used them. I quickly realized why it was such a problem to keep the kitchen neat and tidy. We had too much stuff we never used. Getting rid of the unused left so much space to organize the essentials.

FACE IT

If you don’t have enough closet, drawer and storage space to comfortably handle your possessions, you probably own too many. Give away. Pare down. Let your rooms, closets and drawers appear serene and controlled -- kept. Eliminate and concentrate.

MAKE IT YOURS

There’s no single right way to organize your possessions and home. The way you organize has to fit your style, your energy and your schedule. Find a system that functions best for you and your family. Getting rid of the clutter is a good place to start. Personally, I’m fond of the paper-bag method for instant results -- something that works wonders, especially when you are at your wit’s end over clutter and chaos.

BROWN BAG METHOD

Take one (or more, as necessary) large brown paper grocery bag or box and fill it with all of the stacks of extra papers, magazines, mail -- your basic clutter. The purpose here is not to throw anything away, just to get it out of visual range until you have time to

go through and separate, sort and file. At least that’s what you tell yourself. If within, say, 48 hours or so, no one in the family has mentioned missing something of importance, it is probably safe to throw the whole thing out. While this may be a method of last resort, I guarantee it works.

SALAMI METHOD

A more preferred way to get organized may be the Salami Method. You wouldn’t think of eating an entire salami in one sitting, would you? You’d eat it in slices over a period of time. Think of your project as one big salami. Start with one thing, one room, one closet. Tomorrow is another day, another drawer, another room. Soon you’ll be in control. I’ve learned that gaining control over the stuff in my life has an amazing effect on my attitude. When everything’s in its place, I’m less stressed, more able to think clearly and, basically, a happier person. Order brings calm; clutter results in chaos. I have found some kind of comfort in knowing that I’m not the only organizationally challenged person out there. Why, just the other day, I

MARCH 2019

• 50PLUS • 39

was reading that the ratio of naturally born neatniks to messies is about 1 in a million. Not everyone has a severe case of the messies, but if you think you might, take a look at “Sink Reflections” by Marla Cilley, aka “The FlyLady.” Thousands log on to her website, and she reaches into every person’s home to help make housecleaning more fun and life more organized. As Publishers Weekly explains, “Beginning with ‘Shiny Sink 101,’ Cilley explains how a spotless kitchen sink can direct even the most discouraged housekeeper onto the path of well-ordered domesticity.” 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. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of “Debt-Proof Living,” released in 2014.

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