November 2010
MAGAZINE
Home | Lifestyle
Blended Families—Making it Work Health | Fitness
Holiday Blues Yoga
Exercise for the Body and Mind Workplace | Career
Starting a New Career Dollars | Sense
Reverse Mortgage Weighing the Options
2|
16
Honoring Our Viet Nam Vets | Viet Nam is the Baby Boomer’s war. Our husbands and wives; brothers and sisters; cousins and friends all served. November 11 is Veteran's Day and November 25 is Thanksgiving. What better time to give recognition and thanks to these now aged soldiers?
08
10
14
HOME | LIFESTYLE Blended Families | All you want is get your 2.5 children and their families together to enjoy a nice quiet holiday meal together, without the frenzied rush to get everyone to the next place. HEALTH | FITNESS Holiday Blues | While holidays represent wonderful times, they can also be a time of high stress and exhaustion
22 DOLLARS | SENSE
27
Reverse Mortgage, Weighing the Options | So what is a reverse mortgage and who might benefit from this product?. 23 |Money Matters
ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT 31 | Holiday Traditions
29 | Utah vs. BYU
30 | 10 Handy Tips For Holiday Travel
05 | FROM THE EDITOR 21 | THIS & THAT
33 | UPCOMING EVENTS
34 | RESOURCES
13 | Yoga Exercise the Body and the Mind WORKPLACE | CAREER Your New Career | Making the decision to pursue a new career can be one of the most challenging and exciting times in a person's life.
Next Month: Creating a 50s Christmas | Simplify your life by going back to your childhood traditions. Holiday Health Tips | Eat, drink and be merry—the healthy alternative Giving Financial Gifts | Read what the legal experts say about giving cash for the holidays.
November 2010 | 3
HCT’S 26th annual production! Charles Dickens’ important tale of redemption is splendidly retold through Wilkins’ rich adaptation and Bradford’s music.
Playing next
4|
December 3–December 23
or go online at www.halecentretheatre.org
october 5–november 27
call the box office 801.984.9000
Now Playing
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Winner of 5 Tony Awards! Watch as this tasty treat revs to life in show-stopping dance, saucy new music and breathtaking staging. A Regional Premiere! A sure sell out!
Editorial Publisher................................ Utah Boomers Magazine, LLC Managing Editor...................................................... Teresa Glenn Copy Editor......................................................................Janet Lynn Contributing Writers...........Margaret Thompson, LCSW Keith Ten Brook
Lon Jefferies
Michael Jones
Photography................................................................. Mark Crim Distribution............................................................................. 30,000
Advertising Sales Traci Wood 801.201.5087 Webmaster Dan Call Cover Art Mark Crim On October 14, 1989 the Utah Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated. Located on the west side of the State Capitol Grounds, the memorial includes an eight-foot-high statue of a soldier returning from battle with his buddy’s rifle, flanked by a curved, gray granite wall with polished black granite panels on which are inscribed the names of the 388 men and one woman who died or were listed as missing in action in Vietnam between August 13, 1963 and April 4, 1975. http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/utah_today/utahandthevietnamconflict.html Utah Boomers Magazine is published monthly for the baby boomer population of Utah. The information contained in this publication may be contributed by independent writers and does not necessarily reflect the views of Utah Boomers management. Copying or electronic distribution of any content within this publication is strictly prohibited without the written permission of Baby Boomers Magazine and the author. For reprint permission, editorial submissions or comments email teresa.glenn@utahboomer.com.
Dear Fellow Boomer, Here we are in November. It seems as if the older I get the more time flies. As I write this, the sun is out and it is a beautiful, chilly day. I’m still wondering where summer went, and soon it will be the holidays with all the activities that they entail. Some of us dread the holidays and fall into a funk just thinking of all the things that need to be done. We hope we have provided solutions that will help you alleviate the angst that often comes with holidays and all the planning, family turmoil, and holiday travel. Please remember those in need at this time of year. If you are able, drop off some food at the Utah Food Bank, choose an angel from the Angel Tree (there are some boomers on there), or just look around for those who might need a helping hand. You will make a huge difference. November 11 is Veterans day. As you saw on the cover, we are honoring our Viet Nam Vets. When we first discussed this story, we were unclear how to approach it. We didn’t want to appear too sappy but did want our story to be heartfelt. Then it occurred to us to let the Vets tell their own stories. It is a powerful article and I think you will be moved. To those veterans who would like to share their own stories, we’ve created a page at utahboomers.wordpress.com/viet-nam-vet-stories or send them to teresa.glenn@utboomer.com and I’ll get them posted. Once again, I want to urge you to “like” us on facebook. It’s such a great venue to communicate what’s happening in the world of Boomers. Until next month,
Questions and suggestions: info@utboomer.com
November 2010 | 5
going on vacation? otHer family matters needing attention? Holiday festivities or sHopping got you tied up?
silverado sHort-term stays Our short-term stays are specifically designed to give you the time and peace of mind you need... A secure, life-enriching community with stimulating activities, outings, pets, children and gardens. Full-time RN and 24-hour on-site licensed nurses with expertise in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Transportation available for medical and other appointments. Long-term care insurance may cover the cost of the stay. Caregivers all specially trained in dementia care.
Call our community today and let us help you plan for your present or future Short-term stay needs.
Aspen Park 1430 East 4500 South • Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Phone (801) 272-8000 Lic#2008-HOSP-195
www.silveradosenior.com/aspenpark
Healthy Harvest AD
Cheesy Spaghetti Squash What you need
Kraft Kitchens Tips
1 large spaghetti squash (3 lb.) 2 Tbsp. Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan Style Grated Topping 1/2 cup Kraft 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 2 plum tomatoes, finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Make Ahead Microwave squash and pull into strands as directed; place in microwaveable bowl. Refrigerate up to 2 days. When ready to serve, microwave on high 3 to 5 min. or until heated through.
Make it
Calories 50 Total fat 1.5 g Cholesterol 5 mg Sodium 80 mg Dietary fiber 1 g Sugars 4 g Vitamin A 8 %DV Vitamin C 4 %DV Iron 2 %DV Healthy Living Information Low fat Low sodium Carb Choices: 1/2 Diet Exchange1/2 Starch
Pierce squash several times with fork or sharp knife to allow steam to escape. Microwave on HIGH 10 min. or just until squash is softened, turning after 5 min. Let stand 5 min. Cut squash in half; remove and discard seeds. Use fork to scrape insides of squash to form strands; place in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; toss lightly with fork. Spoon into 1 squash shell; discard remaining shell.
Nutritional information Per serving Saturated fat 1 g Carbohydrate 8 g Protein 3 g Calcium 10 %DV
Microwave 2 min. or until heated through.
November 2010 | 7
Blended Family
The
Grandma’s House Mother and Step Father
Son
Father and Step Mother
Other 1.5 Children
Mother and Step Father
Wife #2
Ex-Wife Father and Step Mother
Mother and Father
Mother and Father
Stepchild #1 and #2
Stepchildren’s Father and Step Mother Half Sibling of Stepchild #1 and !2
8|
Child #3
Child #1 and #2
...making it work O
ver the river and through the woods seems mild compared to getting to Grandma’s house these days. All you want is get your 2.5 children and their families together to enjoy a nice quiet holiday meal together, without the frenzied rush to get everyone to the next place.
3. Ask well in advance to have your date put on everyone’s holiday schedule. 4. If one or more of your children lives out of town, make travel arrangements well in advance, and plan accordingly.
Since Utah is slightly above average nationally in divorces, your family probably resembles the Brady Bunch, with yours, mine and ours offspring.
Eliminate the Competition
The illustration to the right is a reasonable, if slightly exaggerated, family scenario. For space purposes, we have only used one of your 2.5 children as an example.
Let’s do the math Story problem: Your son was married and had two children. He was then divorced and married a woman with two children. They had one of their own. You want them all at your house at 3:00 pm for Thanksgiving, Christmas, (you fill in the blank), dinner.
Who says that Thanksgiving, or any other holiday needs to be celebrated on the day it’s posted on the calendar? Come on—we’re boomers—the generation of rule-breakers and trend setters. Go ahead and make your own holiday. My friend, Morrena, has her Thanksgiving on Wednesday evening rather than Thursday. All the kids are available and she never has to worry about “who’s turn it is”. Everyone shows up, they have a nice quiet, unhurried dinner. According to Morrena, the best part is that she is able to get up on Thanksgiving and spend her day reading the paper and planning her black Friday while eating leftovers.
As you can see by the illustration, there are 24 people involved in this decision, and that is for just one of your offspring. If you multiply that by 2.5, you now have 60 people involved. Assuming (and don’t laugh when I say it) everyone gets along, the problem becomes easier to solve. But if there is any derision in the family the problem is compounded.
Manage Your Expectations
Solution
Expect to hear things like, “My mom doesn’t make me eat sweet potatoes”. Or, my other grandma doesn’t do it like that”. Some of these comments might make you bristle, but let them slide. This is difficult for them too.
1. First and foremost, consider the children. Always include half-siblings in your plans. After all, they are part of your children/grandchildren’s family. Holidays should be a fun an memorable time for them. Don’t allow their memories to be those of family squabbles. 2. Be considerate. Schedule your time around other family traditions. You can’t expect your ex-daughter-in-law to be happy about your dinner being the same time as a long-standing family tradition of dinner at her mother’s house.
If you have images in your mind of the perfect get together, you might be setting yourself up for failure. Don’t expect everything to go well all the time. When so many people are involved, there will be personality clashes.
Take the high road
Incorporate Other’s Traditions All families are different. In some, it’s not only okay to have the football game playing during dinner, it’s tradition. Find a happy medium that will incorporate other’s traditions without jeopardizing your own. If you respect theirs, they will respect yours. October 2010 | 9
The Holiday Blues
Margaret Thompson, LCSW
While holidays represent wonderful times, they can also be a time of high stress and exhaustion. Too many activities, not enough time, financial demands, and family pressures can overload anyone’s circuits. For many, Christmas is not a time of joy and cheer, but of depression, loneliness, anxiety, and self-doubt. These days of personal crisis, unemployment, and overwhelming debt have already caused a fair amount of ongoing stress in all of our lives. The upcoming holiday season may strain even the most resilient; it is critical to maintain physical and emotional health during the next weeks and months. Do you find yourself facing the holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving and ending after New Year’s Day, with a sense of delight and anticipation or of negativity and dread? You are not alone if you feel increasingly irritable as the season unfolds. Holiday depression is common and can be attributed to four main factors: unrealistic expectations, over burdened schedules, social and family conflicts, and unhealthy lifestyle.
Unrealistic Expectations The biggest stress is expectations, those that others have of us and those we impose upon ourselves. We focus on choosing
10 |
the perfect gift, re-connecting with friends and family, and providing loving, cherished memories for our children. Women who work now were raised by women who stayed at home and try to reproduce an “old-fashioned” Christmas like they remember for their children. This is an enormous amount of work, setting us up for disappointment and despair. Expectations of how the holidays “should be” keep us from enjoying simple, more meaningful ways to celebrate.
Overburdened Schedules and Finances Women feel the most pressure to plan, shop, cook, decorate, and coordinate family events. We try to do too much, for too many people, in too little time. This can lead to exhaustion, sleeplessness, poor appetite and irritability. The added expenses of gifts, travel, and entertainment can strain any budget, causing personal and marital distress.
Social and Family Conflicts Unresolved family problems and relationships can surface during times of stress. Tensions are often heightened during the holidays. The same sister who was obnoxious and self-centered at the Christmas dinner last year will still be the same person this season. Understanding this before you attend the fam-
ily function can make a big difference in how you approach her and can help you separate from her behaviors. People with few friends or family may feel more alone and isolated. Those with large families feel stressed by having to choose which families to visit. Single adults can feel especially lonely as they compare themselves to those who are married with children.
Unhealthy Lifestyle The physical demands of the holidays can lead to a vicious cycle of stress including: lack of sleep, increased sugar and fat in our diet, lack of regular exercise, and a lowered immune system. SAD (seasonal affective disorder) can play havoc with our well being as our bodies have difficulty adjusting to decreased light. While holiday stress is short lived and lasts only a few weeks, SAD can last for several months. Those who have experienced depression or anxiety in the past may be especially vulnerable and should be careful to preserve a healthy lifestyle.
Take Control of the Holidays Don’t let the holidays become something you dread! Instead, take steps to prevent stress and enjoy a happier holiday season.
Tips To Prevent Holiday Stress •
•
• • • • • • • • • •
Acknowledge your emotions. It’s okay to feel sadness and grief. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holidays Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Families needs change and grow over time. Don’t expect a “magical” holiday. Plan ahead. Schedule obligations wisely. Use a calendar to prioritize activities. Pace yourself. Recognize your limitations. Anticipate crisis. Unplanned situations are likely to occur. Be mindful of diet. Allow indulgences with limitations. Don’t skip those workouts at the gym. Limit alcohol intake. Put family issues aside. This is not the time to “fix” anything that’s broken. Set and stick to a reasonable budget. Reach out. Seek community, religious, or social events to offer support to others. Learn to say no. Friends and family will understand if you can’t participate in every activity. Take time for yourself. Spend time alone, take a walk,
• •
•
listen to music. Restore your inner calm. Young children need quiet time. They can feel the effects of stress, too. Find the humor in the craziness of the season. Therapists know that humor maintains a positive outlook, is a stress reducer, and can help you “reframe” any situation. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may still overcome by symptoms of stress and depression, and therapy or medication may be useful.
Signs You May Have the Holiday Blues 1. You have no interest in the usual plans and activities of the holiday season 2. You feel sad and irritable most of the time 3. You have changes in weight or appetite and are bingeing on holiday treats 4. You have difficulty falling or staying asleep 5. You have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions 6. You experience fatigue or loss of energy 7. You feel hopeless or worthless 8. You feel tearful or blue every day 9. You feel irritable and argumentative 10. You are drinking alcohol more frequently and use alcohol to feel “numb” 11. You avoid planning or attending holiday events 12. You procrastinate about shopping 13. You wonder what the point is of decorating this year 14. You can’t wait for the holiday season to be over 15. You have negative thoughts and are unable to see the positive 16. You can’t stop worrying about what might go wrong If you have scored positively to 8 or more of these signs, you may be experiencing holiday depression rather than stress. This checklist cannot replace the assessment of a qualified mental health clinician. Call your physician or insurance company to receive a referral for an assessment or treatment. Margaret Thompson, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of The Salt Lake Marital and Family Therapy Clinic. With over thirty years experience as a marriage and family therapist specializing in relational therapy, her areas of expertise include relationship problems, interpersonal conflicts, and managing life transitions.
November 2010 | 11
ATTENTION UTAH BABY BOOMERS If you, or someone you know, was born in Utah
January 1, 1946
please contact Teresa Glenn at teresa.glenn@utboomer.com or Christine Fraizer at cbfraizer@comcast.net to be included in our January issue highlighting Utah's first baby boomers.
Leonard J. Swinyer, M.D.
Douglas M. Woseth, M.D.
Michael R. Swinyer, P.A.-C
Laurie Ellis, D.C.N.P
1140 E. Wilmington Ave (2200 South) in Sugarhouse 801-488-HOT1 (4681) • www.bikramyogaslc.com
• Acne • Moles • Eczema • Skin Surgery • Mohs Surgery • PUVA for Psoriasis • Hair Removal
• Botox Injections • Fungal Infections • Restylane • Juvederm Implants • IPL Photo Facials • Chemical Peels • Clinical Research
801-266-8841 Fax: 801-266-0449
3920 South 1100 East #310. Salt Lake City, Utah 84124
YOGA Exercise for the Body and Mind
Yoga isn’t just for the young and limber. In fact, it is a great low impact exercise that has benefits for the body and the mind. No matter your age, shape or physical fitness, there is a yoga program that will fill your needs. Yoga itself isn’t young. It’s been practiced for 5000 years, and has gained popularity in the stress filled population of the United States.
Benefits of Yoga Yoga, when done properly and regularly, has been proven to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and improve circulation resulting in greater cardiovascular endurance and enhanced respiratory performance. A slower heart rate can benefit people with hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. In both men (yogi) and women (yogini) who practice yoga, back, and other skeletal related pain is often diminished if not completely eliminated. Yoga isn’t just for your body, but for your mind as well. Disciplined participants in yoga report reduced stress, better moods, and a greater sex life. Studies show that yoga benefits clinical depression.
Types of Yoga There are many different types of yoga available in your area. The following explains a few of the most popular disciplines so you can judge which style is right for you.
weight loss. One of the most beneficial aspects of Bikram’s yoga is that it is practiced in a room heated to 95-105 degrees which promotes flexibility, detoxification, and prevention of injuries. Another benefit—one session can burn up to 600 calories! Hatha is a basic form of yoga that has become very popular in the United States. Hatha Yoga is the foundation of all Yoga styles. It incorporates poses (asanas) into a complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or self-realization. It has become very popular in America as source of exercise and stress management. Restorative Yoga spends long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters—passively allowing muscles to relax. The holidays are often when our stress is the greatest. Maybe it's time to give yoga a try!
Ashtanga Yoga is physically demanding and generally not for beginners. It involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures, resulting in sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Bikram Yoga is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and November 2010 | 13
Making the decision to pursue a new career can be one of the most challenging and exciting times in a person's life. You look forward to the possibility of doing something you have always wanted to do, fulfilling your personal vision, benefiting others, increasing your income, or any combination of these or other benefits. You may be looking to start your own business, move into a new field that has always interested you, or go back to school to get the training needed to allow you to leverage your expertise to teach.
Is making the new career decision enough? By the time you have made the decision to pursue a new career you likely have done the hard work to carefully think through your decision. You have spent weeks, months, or maybe years, dealing with the up and down emotions associated with making this type of life change. You have sought career guidance from friends and family, and possibly paid for professional advice. The plan is ready. Time to execute. You are ready to go.
Have you addressed the most important new career risk? The most likely source of failure in realizing your new career is having insufficient resources to survive until your new career can pay the bills. Let's face it, as a minimum we all need food, shelter, and clothing to sustain our physical needs. How long do you expect your transition take? Even if you planned to go a year without income, what happens if you get sick and cannot work for 3 weeks, or worse? Will you have the resources to bridge the additional gap? Do you need health insurance to cover unplanned medical expenses? Are you starting a new business? When does your business plan show you breaking even? If it takes two years to be profitable instead of one, do you have access to funding to stay in business while addressing the shortfall in revenue? Like a business that runs out of cash, failing to mitigate this risk opens you up to personal bankruptcy, or worse.
Are there better times to take on the new career risk?
Keith Ten Brook 14 |
During college, I learned to stretch the income I made over the summer to address my needs for the entire year. I look back and am amazed at how little I managed to live on. This certainly suggests that it should be easier to change your career when you have few obligations and have not gotten used to a more expensive lifestyle. continued
If you want to mitigate the risk of insufficient resources in transitioning to your new career, make changes in your lifestyle before you execute on your decision. Determine your minimum needs and try living on your minimum budget before starting your transition. This will enable you to establish how long you can likely stretch your available resources. Have you just lost your job or experienced a major reorganization at work? Believe it or not, this may also be an ideal time to start working a new career transition. Severance benefits from a job loss can provide the additional financial resources necessary to provide the time needed to move into a new career or launch that new business. In addition, it is not uncommon for training and education resources to be provided that could reduce what you need to spend on required education for your new occupation.
Are you able to retire? If you have established that you can afford to retire, you have already determined that you have the resources to survive, and hopefully more. This puts you in the position to have already mitigated this risk, as long as any new career invest-
ment does not substantially change your resource situation. It comes as no surprise that this is a great time to transition to a new career as your resources will allow you work on your new career until you succeed or ascertain that the new career was not what you hoped it would be. Mitigate this risk to free yourself to focus on your new career If you are midway through your working career and have responsibilities for other family members, this risk certainly will be a major factor that you should address prior to executing your career transition. With a well thought mitigation plan, you can be confident that you will have the resources needed to address the needs of you and those that depend on you, allowing you to focus on building your new career. Do not let this risk be the item that causes you to prematurely quit on the career of your dreams. Keith Ten Brook is Co-Founder of Decision Innovation, Inc. Our company is focused on moving beyond collecting data and analyzing information to creating knowledge and providing insight. We will explore the decision making process and provide a unique combination of decision tools, decision and information management methods, and expertise that will give you the power over your personal and business decisions.
November 2010 | 15
16 |
Viet Nam is the Baby Boomer’s war. Our husbands and wives; brothers and sisters; cousins and friends all served. In 1965 there wasn’t a volunteer army, but compulsory military service—the draft. That is the year the first boomer would have been drafted into the military. He was 18 years old—just a kid, graduating from high school, too young to vote, and inducted to go fight a war he most likely knew nothing about. He probably couldn’t point out Viet Nam on a map. It was the first time he was away from his family and friends and he was scared. Utah sent more than it’s fair share of young people—nearly 30,000—a whopping 8.6%…significantly higher than the national average of 6.9%. Of those, 388 men and one woman died or were listed as missing. This article is not about the war and its political ramifications, but about the young men and women who served. November 11 is Veteran's Day and November 25 is Thanksgiving. What better time to give recognition and thanks to these now aged soldiers? The following three stories are from men whom you might know. They have asked that we not use their last names because they still feel the need to keep quiet about their experience. They go to work, pay taxes and mow their lawns—keeping their stories to themselves.
with the government for my exposure to Agent Orange, and bitter with the way we were treated when we got home.
Doug August of 1969 at Oakland Naval Hospital is where the war in Vietnam began to impact my life. I was 19 years old and a corpman for the US Navy. One experience I had summarizes my two year war experience: One of my fellow corpsman who worked in physical therapy asked me if I could help him with a critically wounded Marine. Now mind you, I had been working on Neurosurgery for two months and had seen some dramatic battle wounds; gunshot and spinal cord wounds being the most common. But, I was not prepared for what I was about to see! I showed up a few minutes before Paul, a marine who stepped on a land mine, was wheeled in on a gurney to receive treatment. His injuries were so devastating I could not believe he'd survived. His whole lower body was, for a lack of a better word, gone. He was missing both hands. His pain, both mental and physical, became apparent to me as Buzz and I gently lowered him into the whirlpool. He screamed in agony. He begged "please kill me" over and over again. My empathy for him was so strong, I couldn't help but wonder why the corpsman in the field bothered to save him. What kind of life will he have? I
“A lot of Vietnam veterans today still don’t say that they served or that they’re a veteran because people made them ashamed for doing their job…attitudes toward soldiers were hurtful.” Tom Corey, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Fred I was drafted at age 19 before there was a lottery. I served in Viet Nam from December of 1966 to November of 1967, a year in hell. I didn’t expect to make it home. I was careful to make my letters home upbeat as not to worry my family. They were never aware of the danger I was subjected to daily. I went in as a Sergeant E5 (MOS 13 ECHO 40 NCO) and spent my time in the Mekong Delta jungles, out in front of the troops, just me and a radio operator, watching for white phosphorus signals that would help determine where artillery would “reign down,” I was the guy [the Viet Cong] they wanted dead. After my time in Viet Nam was up, I landed in Oakland, California for processing. I remember standing on an Oakland street corner all alone—no flag waving, no parades. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. I waved down a cab and checked into a San Francisco hotel where I holed up for three days. I think that time helped me decompress and find a way back to my real life. I’m on disability. Due in part to my exposure to agent orange*, I contracted the diabetes I have lived with for 23 years. Because of the diabetes, my heart only functions at 70% capacity. Like a lot of Viet Nam vets, I have been bitter for 40 years. Bitter
think I would have let him die! For years his screams haunted me. Then,15 years later as reading a popular magazine and I came across a article about a Vietnam Vet that had stepped on a land mine. I was amazed at what I was reading! I had to read the article twice to make sure it was not Paul. What was so liberating for me is what he had done with his life. He never let his injuries slow him down. He had led a productive life and even loved to snorkel. He went on to thank all the medical personal that had saved his life, cared for him, and rehabilitated him. For me a change of thinking took place. We did the right thing in saving Paul. We did our job as best we could. Did Paul have the same outcome? Don't know, but I choose to think that somewhere in the Caribbean Paul is snorkeling.
Larry I enlisted in the army in 1967. Mostly because I was young and bored and had grown up with a steady diet of John Wayne films showing the glory of war but also because this is what men in my family did. I arrived in Vietnam in early 1968 and was assigned to the 1st Battalion 12th Cavalry—1st Air Cavalry Division.
November 2010 | 17
I served as a radio operator in I corps and later in III corps. Names like ‘Street without Joy’, ‘Parrots Beak’ and ‘A Shau Valley’ became part of my language. I spent a lot of time in the hospital with malaria and came home a burned out angry old/young man. I was assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia and later to Germany. I left the Army in 1970 having served 2 years 11 months 28 days and 14 hours. Unlike a lot of Veterans I was treated kindly and with respect by my age peers and the anti-war movement. I was treated badly by the people that said I could count on them. The Veterans Administration sent me a letter saying I needed to come for a physical because of the time I spent in the hospital in Vietnam. After waiting 4 hours I went up to the desk and asked, “How much longer?” The response was, “What are you complaining about its free!” I went to the Veterans Service Organizations and was told, “We don’t want you whining drug addicted losers in our organizations.” The VA had ‘rap groups’ for veterans, one for Vietnam Veterans and one for Real Veterans. I found that the only way to get a job was to say I had never been in the military so, yes, I lied about my military career for financial gain I guess I could be tried under the ‘Stolen Valor’ law. In 1975, when the war ended, I got drunk to celebrate. I got sober in 1986. My mother told me, “I sent off a happy go lucky 18 year old boy, and I got back a bitter, angry, cynical old man” That’s about it. Thank you Lyndon Johnson.
The Veterans Administration has learned a lot from the past. The problems that the Viet Nam Vets faced alerted them to their shortcomings in dealing with home-bound soldiers. The soldiers returning today are met with an interdisciplinary team that evaluates their physical and mental fitness. They are checked in on every 30, 60 and 90 days to make sure they are reentering civilian life successfully. The VA is also reaching out to Viet Nam vets, hoping to introduce them to the new and improved system. (see sidebar) In Utah, soldier bashing was less prevalent than in other states, but still, we were safe at home listening to “Fortunate Son” while these guys were experiencing horrors that we can’t imagine and they will never forget. So...the next time you see a Viet Nam vet, take a minute to tell him or her thank-you for his service and sacrifice. *Agent Orange is the code name for one of the herbicides and defoliants used by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. References and recommended websites www.saltlakecity.va.gov/ veterans.utah.gov/ veterans.utah.gov/ http://www.vietnampix.com/intro.htm www.moorej.org/vn_mem/ historytogo.utah.gov/utah.../utah.../utahandthevietnamconflict.html
18 |
NOT THE OLD VA The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System is not the same VA people always imagine. It’s not just for your father anymore, it’s for your mother, son, daughter, uncle, brother, aunt…get the picture? We have baby strollers in our Women’s Clinic and text messaging in our Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom clinics. It is a unique blend of old and young Veterans coming together, bonding from their experiences and healing thanks to each other. Our staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, work at the VA because they want to continue to serve. Their compassion and commitment is unwavering. We salute our Vietnam Veterans for giving us another try and allowing us to make good and learn from the past. Because of this new generation of Veterans ravaged by war our older Veterans are realizing they still have some demons to deal with. We are honored to help and eager to help those who may be struggling, struggle a little less. We are a big system and we are not perfect, but our mission is very clear. We are here to serve Veterans and we love what we do. There is nothing more honorable. The George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center and our outlying clinics provide everything from your basic primary care needs to specialty care to mental health services. Our care and services far exceed anything you will find in the private sector…just compare our performance measures. For our rural Veterans we offer telehealth services. A doctor can look in your ear from 300 miles away or just listen if you need someone to talk to. A Veteran does not have to be service connected in order to get care. Veterans can receive care regardless of their claim status. New Veterans are entitled to five years of free healthcare which includes wellness physicals, readjustment counseling or anything else related to their services.
New PTSD regulations As of summer 2010 the Secretary Of Veterans Affairs, Erick Shinseki loosened the requirements for PTSD claims, meaning the burden of proof expected is significantly diminished. Veterans who may have been denied claims in the past should certainly re-file.
Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions Vietnam Veterans exposed to agent orange should check with the Veterans Benefits Administration on presumptive health conditions that will entitle you to compensation. There are new illnesses and conditions being added all the time. Jill Atwood Public Affairs Officer VA Salt Lake City Health Care System
Committed to Caring For Veterans You Took Care of Us, Now Let Us Take Care of You Call to Enroll Today
The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System and the Utah Department of Veteran Affairs Presents:
Unite for Veterans
Watch KUTV Channel 2 on Veterans Day for our “Unite for Veterans� Campaign.
The Department of Veterans Affairs would like to thank all Utah Veterans and their
families for their service and sacrifice. On Wednesday November 11, Veterans Day, we want to talk to you about the benefits and services you have earned. You will
hear from experts in healthcare, disability
benefits, education, and job training. You will be able to call in and ask questions.
Operators will be standing by for 12 hours.
1-800-613-4012 www.saltlakecity.va.gov Find us on Facebook
Hear from other Vets going through the
same thing. And again, thank you for your service.
November 2010 | 19
Classical Genius Narrated biographies of the most beloved composers The Classical Genius Composer Executive Series, offering beautifully narrated biographies of over fifty-five classical music composers. From Bach to Rachmaninoff, their amazing, and often tragic lives unfold against the wonderful masterpieces they created. The set includes 24 CDs in a sophisticated leather case.
I have been listening to these CDs nonstop. What inspiration. Thank you. -Stephen M. Ehninger, AIA www.classicalgenius.com
20 |
&That
THIS President John F. Kennedy May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963
To download past issues of Utah Boomers Magazine go to : utahboomers.wordpress.com/
Melanie stopped into the Walmart at 1300 South and 300 West. She didn't buy much, a few baskets, some laundry supplies...you know the drill. She put her wallet in the shopping cart, rolled the cart out to the parking lot and loaded her purchases in her car. It wasn't until two days later that she couldn't find her wallet. She searched her bags, looked through the baskets—nothing. In a panic, she called the store. They had it. When she went to pick it up, she found everything intact, including the $140.00 cash. Kind of restores your faith in humankind, doesn't it?
Baby boomers are the 1st generation in American history in which the majority have obtained at least some form of higher education.
Beaver and Wally's Mom Dies Remember watching Leave it to Beaver and asking your mom why she didn't wear dresses, high heels and pearls while she cleaned the oven? Yep, that's something I'll never forget. Ouch. During the 50s and 60s, June Cleaver, Harriet of Ozzie and Harriet, and of course, Donna Reed filled our little heads with images of what a real mother was supposed to look and act like. After all, they were on TV right? Doesn't that make it true? Who cares that there wasn't a kid in the neighborhood who had a TV mom. One of our TV fantasy moms, actor Barbara Billingsley, aka June Cleaver, died Saturday, October 16. She was 94.
Like Us On
November 2010 | 21
›››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››››
Weighing the Options
The Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgage Michael Jones
Many seniors today are faced with the realization that the cost of living is continuing to rise and their retirement income may not be enough to meet the active lifestyle they are used to. With the high cost of insurance, medical expenses and mortgage payments, some retired individuals are struggling to keep their heads above water let alone enjoy their retirement years.
If you are in your retirement years, or you find yourself looking after aging parents who are struggling financially, a possible solution might be a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) more commonly known as a reverse mortgage. If you are looking down the road at retirement, it may be helpful to learn what options are available for future planning. Even though this loan is backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) it is often disregarded because of common misconceptions about reverse mortgages. I've had clients tell me that their friends have warned them they shouldn't get a reverse mortgage. When I've asked them to explain why, they just say that they've heard bad things about them or that they are a “scam”. When I ask them what specifically is bad, they don't have an answer. It is simply based on misconceptions or fear. So what is a reverse mortgage and who might benefit from this product? A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows borrowers to tap into the equity they have accumulated in their home, pay off their existing mortgage or other debt, take cash out and remain in their home as long as they choose, without having to make monthly mortgage payments. To be eligible for a HUD reverse mortgage, The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires all borrowers to be at least 62 years old, live in the home as their primary residence and have enough built up equity in the home. The amount of money you can take out is based on your age, the interest rate, and the value of your home. Because the money you receive is considered loan proceeds and not income, you are not taxed on the money. The loan is repaid when you either move out of the house or the last borrower passes away and the remaining equity goes back to you or your heirs.
22 |
‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹‹ There are no income or credit requirements for a reverse mortgage. Reverse mortgages have several payment options. •
Receiving a lump sum of cash at a fixed rate; • Receiving monthly payments at an adjustable rate; • Having your funds in a line of credit; • Or receiving a combination of these: getting a smaller lump sum and monthly payment or a line of credit. When you meet with a reverse mortgage specialist, they can help you determine how much you can borrow and help you choose the best option to suit your needs.
fees or servicing fees. The costs have come down thousands of dollars over a few years ago. Despite this, if you are planning on moving out of the home in a year or two, you need to look at how much the closing costs are and determine if it makes sense to go ahead with this loan. Reverse mortgages generally do not impact Medicare or Social Security benefits however, if you have Medicaid you need to be careful to structure your loan so that your benefits are not affected. Talk to your provider to make sure they understand your situation and how the loan could affect you. Another thing to consider is the fact that over time the loan balance does in fact go up and you lose equity. If you’re someone who really wants to
There are some exciting things happening in the reverse mortgage market today. Before you can proceed with a reverse mortgage, you must attend a counseling session with an independent HUD approved counselor. This is required for anyone taking out a reverse mortgage. They will make sure you understand the terms of the loan and how the reverse mortgage works. They will also review your financial situation and look at any other options that may be available to you. This is an important step and helps you to look at the loan with an independent third party who has no incentive for you to go ahead with your loan. As with any financial product, a reverse mortgage may not be right in every situation. In the past, one of the biggest concerns with reverse mortgages was the up-front closing costs. In the last year up-front costs on certain types of reverse mortgages have come down substantially. Fixed rate reverse mortgages now rarely have origination
keep the home in the family, you need to realize that the loan does need to be paid off eventually. The most common way of paying off the loan is to sell the home. Unless your heirs have some way of refinancing the loan, the home must be sold. I find it is important to involve family when they are affected by your decision to take out a reverse mortgage. They may be uncomfortable thinking that you are tapping into their inheritance or taking what they think is theirs. More often than not, I have found that adult children are very understanding and if the financial situation is one where the reverse mortgage is needed, they will be the ones who encourage their parents to use a reverse mortgage as a solution to their financial needs. There are many different reasons for taking out a reverse mortgage and there are no restrictions on how you spend Weighing the Options | continued on page 28
Lon Jefferies
The Best Use of Your Money
Q A
Should I save for retirement or pay off my mortgage? Are there other options I should consider? Jennifer, Salt Lake City, UT
There are many productive ways to spend money: saving for retirement, paying off a home, eliminating debt, and don’t forget about reasonable spending to make life more enjoyable. Following is how I would prioritize tasks: 401(k) First, determine whether your employer matches contributions to your 401(k). For instance, many employers match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4 percent of salary. A company match is free money and simply too beneficial to resist. Over the long term, a well-diversified portfolio can be expected to obtain an annualized return of 7 to 10 percent; however by taking advantage of the match described above, you immediately achieve a 100 percent rate of return. Depending on circumstances, it may or may not be wise to contribute more to your 401(k) than your employer will match. If your employer doesn’t match contributions, there are other factors to consider. Consumer Debt Credit cards frequently have interest rates of up to 30 percent. If your employer doesn’t match contributions to your retirement account, it doesn’t make sense to invest in the market where you hope to obtain a 10 percent return while paying 20 to 30 percent on your debts. One would be better off paying down high interest rate debt before investing elsewhere. Emergency Fund After eliminating consumer debt consider establishing an emergency fund consisting of enough money to cover three to six months of expenses. If your household The Best Use of Your Money | continued on page 29
November 2010 | 23
Weighing the Options | continued from page 27
your money. The most common reason for a reverse mortgage is to pay off an existing mortgage and increase your cash flow by eliminating monthly mortgage payments. Senior borrowers use a reverse mortgage for many reasons. One time, we saved a home from a foreclosure auction with no time to spare. Another client used the proceeds to buy a second home in Idaho close to children and grandchildren. This is allowed as long as they live in their primary home at least 6 months out of the year. One borrower used the funds to help their child buy their first home and another helped their grandchildren with college. Quite often people use proceeds just to help with the expense of medical care. There are some exciting things happening in the reverse mortgage market today. In October, HUD introduced a brand new product called the HECM Saver, a new
24 |
low cost reverse mortgage. This product is for borrowers who want to borrow a smaller amount than the standard HECM with lower upfront costs. The HECM Saver is available as a fixed rate or an adjustable rate loan. This is a great option for someone who wants a small line of credit for emergencies but doesn’t want to pay a lot to set it up and wants to keep most of their equity to pass on to their heirs. Another product that is fairly new to the market is the HECM for purchase program. This loan allows buyers who are at least 62 to purchase a primary residence with a larger down payment and live in the home without making mortgage payments. This is a great option for seniors who are downsizing and can use the proceeds of the sale to put into the new home. Or if someone is planning to make a cash purchase, they can keep some of their money liquid to use for
other purposes and still don’t have to worry about a mortgage payment. Using the equity in your home by taking out a reverse mortgage can be a good idea but remember, your home is probably your most valuable financial asset, and it’s a decision you should consider carefully. If you want to stay in your home as you grow older, the equity in your home could become the way to make it happen. Michael Jones is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist with Integrity First Financial in Salt Lake City (www.integrityfirstreverse.com). Contact him at 801-230-3496 for a free consultation to discuss what options are available and what you qualify for. You can email him with questions at michael@integrityloans.com.
The Best Use of Your Money | continued from page 29
only has one source of income, a six-month reserve is more appropriate. This emergency fund will protect you in the event of a job loss or medical emergency. Other Retirement Planning Once expensive consumer debt is paid off and your emergency fund is build up, shift your attention back to retirement planning regardless of whether your employer matches 401(k) contributions. In fact, after taking advantage of any match your employer provides, your 401(k) may not even be your best option. Investors can frequently obtain the same tax-deferred benefits and build a more diversified and technically sound portfolio via the thousands of investment options available within an IRA or Roth IRA. Consequently, for those willing to take the time to research mutual funds and develop a diverse portfolio, it may make more sense to contribute to an IRA rather than a 401(k). Remember this depends on your personal circumstances.
historically provided even a conservative portfolio with an annualized return of 7 to 10 percent. If your mortgage rate is only 4 to 6 percent, it likely makes sense to invest rather than pay off the home. This is exaggerated when considering the interest on a mortgage is tax deductible. However, if you simply aren’t comfortable investing in the market, paying off the mortgage essentially guarantees yourself a return, which is your mortgage interest rate adjusted for the loss of a tax benefit. Note: This list of priorities is impacted by your personal situation. Speak to a financial planner before taking action. If you have a question for Lon, you may email him at lon@networthadvice.com
Mortgage People frequently wonder whether they should attempt to quickly pay off their mortgage. This decision is impacted by your tolerance for risk. Again, the market has
Lon Jefferies is a fee-only financial planner with Net Worth Advisory Group (www.networthadvice.com). He never collects commissions so he can provide objective advice. He is a candidate for CFP™ certification and a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). Contact him at (801) 566-0740 for a no obligation consultation to review your financial situation.
Local Firm.... National Experience.
See us for your legal needs: Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Business Organization, Real Estate Transactions, and General Litigation David P. Hirschi dave@hsblegal.com Phone: 801.990.0500
Jeffrey J. Steele jeff@hsblegal.com www.hsblegal.com
Justin R. Baer justin@hsblegal.com Fax: 801.322.0594
November 2010 | 25
26 |
Holiday Traditions It is family
traditions, not presents and
spending that
bring families together and
create lasting memories.
A
s far back as I can remember, Christmas has started for me and my family on Christmas Eve with the Nutcracker Ballet. We started going to the Nutcracker Ballet at Kingsbury Hall back in the mid ‘60s. My mother had never been to the ballet before, so she loaded up all five of her kids and we went. I don’t remember much about it in those early years, except that the first time we went I kept wondering when somebody was going to talk. From that first night on, we always went to the Christmas Eve performance. My best memories are of getting dressed up and going to the Capitol Theatre, where Ballet West was eventually housed. I remember my brothers sneaking down into the orchestra seats, which were sometimes vacant, so they could see better. We always sat way up high in the cheap seats, but at least we were there! After that we’d go home and have a nice Christmas dinner consisting of ham, potato salad, baked beans, chips and rolls. This was part of the tradition and the best dinner all year! Then we’d open one predictable present—our pajamas. We kept the Christmas Eve tradition going and after a while, it just became part of who we are. There is a sense of security knowing what to expect. As we grew older and started getting married we kept it going. Most of the spouses thought it was a great idea, even though some of the husbands weren’t crazy about ballet. I remember my excitement the first time I took my own children. They both watched it with wide eyes. I’d always bring Life Savers® for the second act which is more of the pure ballet. My daughter started ballet when she was three and continued on, eventually having her dream come true—to dance in the Nutcracker. Her first year she was blue soldier and the second year she was a red soldier. It was fun to take her to the rehearsals and see behind the scenes as Bene Arnold tutored all the children. Over time, we just naturally memorized the music. I bought the LP (album) and I often begin playing it in August. We now have three generations of family going to the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. I’m counting the days until my granddaughter will be three and can go. That will be Christmas 2012! We love this tradition! It wouldn’t be Christmas without going to the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve! Marti Johnson, Salt Lake City
Artists of Ballet West: Photo by Ryan Galbraith.
November 2010 | 27
RITZ CHEESY FOOTBALL What you need 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened 1 pkg. (8 oz.) Kraft Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1/2 cup Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup Miracle Whip Dressing 2 green onions, chopped 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1 pkg. (3 oz.) Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits 2 Tbsp. pimiento strips Ritz Crackers
Make it Beat cheeses and dressing with mixer until blended. Add onions and pepper; mix well. Refrigerate several hours. Form into football shape on serving plate; coat with bacon bits. Add pimento strips for "lacing." Serve with crackers.
SANDWICHES
Kraft Kitchens Tips
DELI TRAYS
Size Wise This is the perfect appetizer to serve while watching the big game with friends. Since it serves 32, one recipe goes a long way!
GOURMET DELI ITEMS
Substitute chopped toasted Planters Pecans or Walnuts, Planters Slivered Almonds or finely chopped fresh parsley for the bacon bits.
SPECIALTY CHEESES
Variation Prepare using Philadelphia Neufchatel Cheese, Kraft 2% Milk Shredded Cheddar Cheese and Miracle Whip Light Dressing. kraftrecipes.com
FRANK GRANATO IMPORTING COMPANY 1390 SO. 300 WEST SALT LAKE CITY 801-486-5643
4040 SOUTH 2700 EAST HOLLADAY 801-277-7700
I
t pits father against son, neighbor against neighbor, and friend against friend, and for a short time we engage in behaviors we wouldn’t dream of in our normal lives.
Dubbed the “Holy War”, the Utah vs. BYU rivalry is anything but. Over the years the rivalry has transformed into a battle that, at least for some, has nothing to do with the game of football. In fact, for many of us, it is the only game we watch all year. The Utah vs. BYU rivalry is listed #2 in the nation on the Best College Football Rivalries poll at the-top-tens.com. One of the blog entries describes the rivalry this way: "It’s more than just a game. It is a battle of cultures, philosophies, and lifestyle. BYU fans and Utah fans don’t just think their schools are better, they think their fellow fans and supporters are better people than those who cheer for the opponent. They equate their schools to an entire belief system and when they do battle on the gridiron, it is a symbolic jihad. Winning the holy war is a reaffirmation of a fan’s sense of all around superiority. "
Interestingly enough, there is even a “rivalry” about when the rivalry began. Utah maintains that it began in 1896 when they
played the Brigham Young Academy (Utah, 12–4). BYU insists the rivalry officially began in 1922. No matter it's beginnings, Utah's move to the Pac 10 and BYU going independent, has left many wondering if the rivalry games will end. Utah and BYU announced early in October the rivalry will continue—at least for now. Utah will play in Provo on September17, 2011 and BYU will visit the U on September 15, 2012. Fans will have to get used to the new schedule, breaking a long standing tradition of November games and eliminating the anticipation of the end of season conference standings. But for now, fans can enjoy the game November 27th. According to both team's website, the game will be broadcast on the Mountain HD and CBS C HD and on the radio station KALL 700. So, wether you are lucky enough to hold a ticket, or are watching from home or your favorite sports bar, enjoy the game. Try to keep the anger in check and the name calling to a minimum. Fun as it is, you will have to see your temporary adversary again in your real life!
November 2010 | 29
handy tips for holiday travel Andrea Lemon
1
4
Plan Ahead
Traveling with Gifts
Contact your travel agent well in advance of your trip to secure the lowest-priced airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars that usually sell out quickly for holiday travel. Be aware that prices generally escalate during the holiday season, as demand is higher.
2 Pack Light Packing light saves time and energy. Some airlines place special restrictions during the holidays and allow only one carry-on, so less luggage is vital.
3 Ship Your Gifts Ship your gifts to your destination ahead of time. If you shop online, have your order shipped to your destination. In order to avoid paying expedited shipping costs, plan ahead. Allow two to three weeks for your package to arrive. The holidays are very hectic times for courier services. Tell your family or hotel to expect the packages.
30 |
If you plan on packing your gifts, remember not to wrap them. With safety a priority for all airlines, security personnel will need access to all items. Pack collapsible gift bags to be used as wrapping upon arrival.
5 Securing Your Home Before leaving, be sure to secure your house. Lock all doors and windows, and don’t forget to set the alarm. Also, give your home that lived-in look so it doesn’t catch the attention of potential burglars, by having a friend or neighbor collect your mail and newspaper. Remember to set your lights on timers and don’t leave any details of your trip on your answering machine. Have someone lined up to come and shovel the snow while you are away. The best way to tell if someone is out of town is if their driveway is still snow packed two or three days after it has snowed.
6
The Best Time to Fly First, avoid peak travel days. The busiest days to fly are those immediately before and after the actual holidays. If possible, book your flights two days before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
The holidays are known for family traditions – opening presents at the crack of dawn on Christmas Day, napping during a football game on Thanksgiving, lighting the menorah during Hanukkah, braving the crowd of people trying to get that perfect present and standing in an airport line that just doesn’t seem to be moving. To maximize holiday travel happiness and minimize the hair pulling grief, follow these helpful holiday travel tips.
7
9
Non-Stop Stops Hassles
Get to the Airport Early
Have your travel agent secure a non-stop flight, or one involving the fewest connections and stops. Every time your plane touches the ground during peak travel times, the possibility of delays due to inclement weather or air-traffic problems increases. Also, where possible, book morning flights, which tend to be delayed less often than afternoon departures.
8 Getting to the Airport Have a friend drive you to the airport, or take a shuttle. Shuttle services generally pick up guests early to ensure a timely arrival. If you’d rather drive and park at the airport lot, do not leave any valuables such as CD or GPSs in plain view. Also, remember to put jumper cables in the trunk in case you come home to a dead battery. One way to take the worry of getting to the airport on time is staying at an airport hotel the night before an early flight. The additional sleep is well worth it. In some cases, hotels allow you to leave your car at the hotel for the duration of your trip.
Because flights are generally overbooked during the holidays, it is absolutely critical to check in early. Domestic travelers should arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure, while international travelers should arrive three hours in advance. Spending an idle hour in the gift shop is much more fun and relaxing than missing your flight by ten minutes.
10 Attitude is Everything Keep a positive attitude, but also be mentally ready for setback. Delays happen, and airlines do the best they can to keep their schedules on time. Bring snacks, an inflatable pillow and eye mask, a good book, your favorite CDs, MP3 players and a deck of cards. Boredom is the true enemy in these situations, so be prepared to conquer it! If Santa can travel safely year in and year out, so can you and your family. Just remember these travel tips and everyone will be home for the holidays with warm memories to share.
Andrea Lemon is a travel agent with Cruise and Travel Masters. Her passion is travel and she has been fortunate to explore many wonderful places. The travel industry is a perfect career choice because she loves to work with people. She enjoys helping clients create the perfect arrangement, whether it’s a family vacation, honeymoon, weekend getaway or a lifelong dream. Andrea can be reached at (801) 2684470 ext 110
November 2010 | 31
Flowrider, Rock Walls, Zip Lines and more—Talk about Stuffing! What is the reason for the season? Togetherness. Start a new holiday tradition this year—a tradition of traveling with your loved ones onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Mariner of the Seas 7 Night Mexican Riviera Round trip from LAX, CA
Freedom of the Seas 7 Night Eastern Caribbean RT from Pt Canaveral, FL
11/21/10 prices from:
11/21/10 prices from:
$573–Interior, Cat Z cruise only guarantee
$899–Interior, Cat Q $1119–Ocean View, Cat H
$704–Ocean view, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee
$1319–Balcony, Cat E1 Resident rates are also available.
$797–Balcony, Cat X, cruise only guarantee
12/19/10 prices from:
12/19/10 prices from: $858–Interior, Cat N $1019–Ocean view, Cat I $1198–Balcony, Cat E1 12/26/10 prices from: $1159–Interior, Cat N $1519–Ocean view, Cat I $1709–Balcony, Cat E1
$1049–Interior, Cat L $1409–Balcony, Cat D3
7 Night Western Caribbean RT from Pt Canaveral, FL 12/26/10 prices from: $1399–Interior, Cat N $1779–Ocean View, Cat H $2019–Balcony, Cat D2
Oasis of the Seas 7 Night Eastern Caribbean RT from Ft Lauderdale, FL
Voyager of the Seas 7 Night Western Caribbean RT from Galveston, TX
11/20/10 prices from:
11/21/10 prices from:
$1339–Interior, Cat Q
$719–Interior, Cat M
$1589–Ocean View, Cat I
$1069–Ocean View, Cat H
$1639–Balcony, Cat C2
$1139–Balcony, Cat D3
7 Night Western Caribbean RT from Ft Lauderdale, FL 12/23/10 prices from: $1599–Interior, Cat Q $1899–Ocean View, Cat I
12/19/10 prices from: $909–Interior, Cat N $1149–Ocean View, Cat I $1399–Balcony, Cat E2 Resident rates are also available.
$2149–Balcony, Cat D8
9 Night Eastern Caribbean RT from Ft Lauderdale, FL 12/30/10 prices from: $2169–Interior, Cat N $2349–Balcony, Cat B2
Rates are per person, and based on availability at time of Booking. Additional taxes & government fees will apply.
Call us today to reserve 801-268-4470
Cruise & Travel Masters
4376 S. 700 E., SLC, Utah 84107 www.cruiseandtravelmasters.com www.facebook.com/cruisentravelmasters
November Events October 22-November 6 Bram Stoker’s Dracula
October 28-November 7 She Was My Brother
Monday–Thursday 7:30 pm Friday 8:00 pm Saturday 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm Pioneer Theatre Company 300 East 1400 South, Salt Lake City 801.581.6961
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center 138 West 300 South Thursday-Friday 8:00pm, Saturday 4:00pm and 8:00pm, Sunday 2:00pm Info Phone: 801.355.2787 $20/General Admission
November 1-November 4 Day of the Dead Celebration & Exhibit 1355 West 3100 South West Valley City, UT 84119 Hours Mon–Thurs, 9 am–6 pm 801.965.5100 Free
November 1–November 7 Heber City’s Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering (Heber City)
November 2, 9, and 16 November 1-November 30 Advanced Landscape Design Samson, The Rock Musical Thanksgiving Point Gardens November 2, 9, and 16 10:00 am12:30 am Cost: $40.00 (for the 3 week course)
Salt Lake Masonic Temple 650 East South Temple $22.50 Info Phone: 801.572.4611
October 21-November 6 The Coming Ice Age
November 5-November 7, 2010 Moab Folk Festival
Pygmalion Theatre Company 48 W Broadway Pygmalion Theatre Company 48 W Broadway http://www.pygmalionproductions. org/pygmaliontheatre/Ice_Age.html
October 28-November 6 Seussical the Musical Morgan Theatre Utah State University 1400 Old Main Hill , Logan Wednesday-Thursday 7:30pm, Saturday 2:00pm and 7:30pm 435.797.1000
Friday 7:00pm-10:30pm, Saturday 12:00pm-4:30pm and 7:00pm-10:30pm, Sunday 12:00pm4:30pm 435.260.9964
November 11 ABBA MANIA! Kingsbury Hall 1395 E Presidents Circle $23.50–$29.50
November 14, 2010
Thru December 31 Yellow #2 (Improv) ComedySportz 36 W Center Street, Provo $4
Thru December 31 Comedy Sportz Jewish Arts Festival 2010– Jews that Rock I.J. and Jeanne Wagner Jewish Community Center Two North Medical Drive Free Admission
36 West Center St., Provo 801-377-9700 Friday and Saturday 8:00pm and 10:15pm $8 pre-show/ $10 at the door
December 4 and 5
November 18, 2010 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Energy Solutions Arena 301 West South Temple Tickets: $25-$57 801.325.2000
November 27, 2010 Utah Utes vs. BYU Cougars Rice-Eccles Stadium 451 South, 1400 East Saturday 1:30pm $159-$750
December 4-December 5 Holiday Open House and Art Show
Red Butte Garden Wreath Workshops Saturday at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. and Sunday, at 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. $50 members and $60 non member. Register at 801.581.8454
To have your event included here, email info@utboomer.com.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum 300 Wakara Way 9:00-5:00 801.581.4747 Free
November 2010 | 33
Resources Advocacy AARP of Utah
801.561.1037 Utah Dept of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Phone: 801.538.3991 www.hsdaas.utah.gov/ Utah State Courts Estate Planning & Probate www.utcourts.gov/howto/wills/ Phone: 801.578.3800 Social Security Administration 1.800.772.1213 www.ssa.gov SAGE Utah Services & Advocacy for GLBTQ Elders www.glccu.com/programs/lgbtq-elders-50
Dental Services Employment Services Legal Services
Utah Legal Services.................800.662.4245
Financial Services Healthcare Resources Alzheimer’s Association of Utah 801.265.1944
American Cancer Society of Utah 801.483.1500 American Chronic Pain Association 800.533.3231 American Diabetes Association-Utah 801.363.3024 George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 500 Foothill Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84148 Phone: 801.582.1565
Pet Services Respite Care
Medical Home Portal www.medicalhomeportal.org CHTOP Chapel Hill Training-Outreach Program chtop.org/ARCH/National-Respite-Locator. html helpwithmyparents.org Connecting caregivers and professionals
34 |
Senior Centers
Most Senior Centers supply transportation and meals. They are open Monday through Friday, and the hours varies. Call your center for times.
Davis County
Autumn Glow Center 81 East Center Kaysville, UT 84037 Phone: 801.544.1235 Golden Years Center 726 South 100 East Bountiful, UT 84010 Phone: 801.295.3479 Heritage Center 140 East Center Clearfield, UT 84015 Phone: 801. 773.7065
Salt Lake County Columbus Senior Center 2531 South 400 East Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Phone: 801.412.3295 Draper Senior Center 12350 South 800 East Draper, UT 84020 Phone: 801.572.6342 Eddie P. Mayne Kearns Senior Center 4851 West 4715 South Salt Lake City, UT 84118 Phone: 801.965.9183 Friendly Neighborhood Center 1992 South 200 East Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Phone: 801.468.2781 Harman Senior Recreation Center 4090 South 3600 West West Valley City, UT 84119 Phone: 801.965.5822 Kearns Senior Center 4850 West 4715 South Salt Lake City, UT 84118 Phone: 801.965.9183 Liberty City Center 251 East 700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111 Phone: 801.532.5079 Magna Center 9228 West 2700 South Magna, UT 84044 Phone: 801.250.0692 Midvale Senior Center 350 West Park Street 7610 South Midvale, UT 84047 Phone: 801.566.6590
Mount Olympus Senior Center 1635 East Murray.Holladay Road Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Phone: 801.274.1710
Washington County Senior Citizens 150 East 100 South Street Enterprise, UT 84725 435.878.2557
River’s Bend Senior Center 300 North 1300 West Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Phone: 801.596.0208
Hurricane Senior Citizens Center 95 N 300 W Hurricane, UT 84737 435.635.2089
Riverton Senior Center 12891 South Redwood Road Riverton, UT 84065 Phone: 801.254.7609 Sandy Senior Center 9310 South 1300 East Sandy, UT 84094 Phone: 801.561.3265 South Jordan Senior Center 10778 South Redwood Road South Jordan, UT 84095 Phone: 801.302.1222 Sunday Anderson Westside Senior Center 868 West 900 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104 Phone: 801.538.2092 Taylorsville Senior Citizen Center 4743 South Plymouth View Dr. Taylorsville, UT 84123 Phone: 801.293.8340 Tenth East Senior Center 237 South 1000 East Salt Lake City, UT 84102 Phone: 801.538.2084 West Jordan Center 8025 South 2200 West West Jordan, UT 84088 Phone: 801.561.7320
Washington County Council on Aging http://www.washco.utah.gov/contact The Washington County Council on Aging provides services for senior citizens 60 and older. These include classes (pottery, painting, aerobics, yoga, square dancing, and computer training) tax assistance during tax season and other services. Nutrition is a main focus of the senior centers. In-house meals are served as well as Meals on Wheels. The following centers are supported in part through the donations of those patrons who use the facilities. Gayle & Mary Aldred Senior Center 245 North 200 West St. George , UT 84770 435.634 . 5743
Volunteering
Utah State Parks Volunteer Coordinator 1594 W North Temple, 116 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 (801) 537-3445 robinwatson@utah.gov The Nature Conservancy in Utah www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/utah/volunteer/ Volunteer Match www.volunteermatch.org/ United Way www.unitedwayucv.org/volunteer/ Utah Commission on Volunteers volunteers.utah.gov/ Red Butte Garden Call 801-585-5688 To include your services in this space call Traci Wood at 801.201.5087
A
G I F T
O F
L O V E
December 1-4 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. South Towne Expo Center, 9575 South State, Sandy, Utah
Adults: $5; Children: $3; Wednesday Family Day: $15 Discount tickets available at Zions Bank
A Benefit for Primary Children’s Medical Center
www.festivaloftreesutah.org