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Bristol Health Chaplain helps guide patients through pandemic
Ken Smith
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IF LAUGHTER ISATHE THEN SMILE IS THEN A SMILE BEST MEDICINE PART OF THE CURE
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THEN AIFSMILE IS IS THE LAUGHTER High Quality Care is not complete without the kindness and PART OF THE CURE compassion
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of a dedicated staff At our center, we strive to excellence in care High-quality care is. not complete without theprovide kindness and compassion of a de Chaplain helps patients with the friendliest of smiles. staff. At our center, we strive to provide excellence in care with the friendliest o THEN A SMILE IS High-quality care is not complete without the kindness and compassion of a dedicated during pandemic PAGEstaff. 6 At our center, weOur strivestaff to provide excellence in care with the friendliest of smiles. PART mile OF THE CURE is committed to going the extra to make
Our staff is time committed going the extra mile to make your time spent with your spent to with us a five-star experience.
Old building gets new life PAGE 10
FEATURES 3 Daniel O. Tully | 4 Stephen Allaire 5 Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri | 8-9 Healthy Living
staff.our At our center, we to provide excellence in care with the friendliest of smiles. Let smiles bestrive a part Visit us online or call to of your road to recovery. Our staff is committed to going the extra mile to make your time spent us schedule a personal tourwith today! a five-star experience.
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Column
State eases restrictions on home care for the elderly planning, as Moses claims in the Wall Street During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Journal article. Moses has a history of outraseniors are afraid to go to a nursing home. I want to assure our readers that there is another geous proposals that are detrimental to those option. A senior who needs the care that a trying to become eligible for Medicaid Title nursing home provides can receive care at 19. An example of this is when Moses sughome through the CT Home Care Program. gested that senior should use all of their home Over the past 15 years in this equity before they would ever become column, I’ve always promised if I see eligible for Medicaid Title 19. something that affects seniors in this As many of you have read community, I will let you know right throughout the years, I always caution away. Well, in a recent Wall Street you about who you listen to. Steven Journal article, the long-term care Moses’ “think tank” is financed by insurance industry was attempting the long-term care insurance industo use the pandemic crisis and the try. Long-term care insurance, in numerous deaths in nursing homes the right circumstances, is a tremenas a way to back door changes to the Daniel O. dous product. As in many things, Medicaid system that would hurt long-term care insurance is not necesTully seniors all throughout our state. sarily right for everyone. One thing Behind this effort is Steven Moses, a that would make long-term care insurance long-term care insurance lobbyist, who was more affordable would be significant regulathe driving force behind the law change in tion on the grotesque increases in premiums Medicaid when they changed the look-back to the most vulnerable of our society. I have period from three years to five years. That numerous clients that have to make a difficult change was slammed through Congress with decision between excepting less coverage so no evidence supporting the reasoning for that their long-term care insurance that they’ve changing the three-year look-back to five. held onto for decades can stay in force. This That change in law has created instability is an insult to those who did “the responsible in the nursing home industry, not Medicaid thing“ in purchasing long-term care insurance.
Connecticut, like most states, is recognizing that home care is more cost-effective than institutional care. In Connecticut, financial or other assistance may be available for those who choose to remain in their homes despite declining capabilities. Public and private agencies offer a variety of home care services that may be available: Home health care, either part-time or 24 hour care Personal care and homemaking services, such as shopping, cooking and cleaning Services to the home, such as meals programs, transportation and home repair Medicare and Medicaid provide some coverage of the medical portion of home health care. (In some cases, 24/7 care can be covered.) Although the coverage is often inadequate, when combined with other resources available to the client and his family, it may be enough to keep a fragile older person at home for a longer period of time. The has many consequences, some of which may be quite unexpected. To begin with, family members shoulder most of the burden of care for the elderly at home. Being the primary caretaker for someone who requires assistance with activities of daily living, such
as walking, eating and toileting, can be a consuming and exhausting task. One important consideration when one family member has the sole responsibility of caring for a parent or other older relative is the question of equity with other family members. For example, is the child being fairly compensated for her work? If the older person is living with a child, does the elder help pay for the house? If the care is taking place in the elder’s home, should the child have an ownership interest in the house? For parents with only one child, such arrangements may not be so complicated, but if the parent has more than one child, it can be difficult to know what’s fair. An experienced elder law attorney can devise creative solutions to your health care puzzle.
Daniel O. Tully is a partner in the law firm of Kilbourne & Tully, P.C., members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Inc., with offices at 120 Laurel St., Bristol. Contact him at 860583-1341.
Do you have a loved one in a nursing home? Do you want to protect your assets? • Former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Connecticut where he handled Medicaid (Title 19) cases. • Lectures Nationally and throughout the State of Connecticut on Elder Law, Home and Asset Protection. • Board of Directors for the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
Attorney Daniel O. Tully
Don’t leave your loved ones to suffer due to lack of planning, even if a loved one is already ill or in a nursing home.
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Looking at estates and probate
When someone passes on, the bate. There is a probate fee on family is often at a loss of what the total value shown on the tax to do. Here is an outline and return. The return must be filed some tips to help guide the way and if the deceased owned real after the funeral is done and estate, a certificate of no tax is the funeral director has filed on the land records obtained death certificates showing no tax is due. from the town. Real Estate cannot be sold It is necessary to pull without a certificate of together two lists of all no tax as a buyer or bank the assets. One list is will want to get clear title assets owned solely by if the property is sold or the deceased, without mortgaged. Stephen Allaire a joint owner or a benIf the total assets that eficiary. The other list go through probate is property owned jointly with are less than $40,000 there is right of survivorship or that has a shorter probate procedure, a beneficiary named. Property called an Affidavit in Lieu of automatically going to others Administration. It lists the assets, does not go through probate, the debts and where the propbut is part of what is called the erty goes, and a full estate does taxable estate. The word taxable not have to be opened. Instead, raises everyone’s blood presafter reviewing the papers filed, sure, but the good news is the the court orders the property be Connecticut inheritance tax distributed to the rightful heirs exemption is $5.1 million in without doing a full probate 2020, and the Federal is $11.2 estate. The tax return must still million, so for all but the very be filed and there is a probate wealthy, there is no inheritance fee, but the process is easier and tax. faster than a full estate. If there was a joint surviIf full probate is required with vor owner, or a beneficiary countable assets over $40,000, named, on a car, or home or then the heirs must apply to bank account, it is automatiprobate to have the will admitcally owned by the survivor and ted and an executor appointed to does not go through probate. handle the estate. If there is no But all assets must be listed on will a similar application is made an inheritance tax return, even to open the estate and appoint CONTINUED ON A15 if they do not go through pro A4
Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2021
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Write a letter: Three reasons it’s more important than ever
Benefits of Letter Writing Physical and Psychological Wellness Let’s be honest. We could all stand to lessen the stress in our lives. Like exercise, meditation, or coloring, writing can also be a very calming activity. It gives us the opportunity to slow down and collect our thoughts. Furthermore, writing is good exercise for the brain and promotes mindfulness. We can embrace our rightbrain artistic and creativity skills and have a means of self-expression. Writing or receiving a letter can also do a lot to boost our mental state. Studies have shown that despite having digital and virtual communication channels available, people often still feel lonely, depressed or isolated. Letters create a different connective experience between people that simply makes them happy and boosts morale. As opposed to a Facebook “friend” or a pithy tweet, letters have greater intrinsic value. And, doesn’t it just feel so nice to receive something in
the mail other than a bill!
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H E A L T H
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Historical Value A letter is an historical record that provides a snapshot of the times. It also gives us insight into the author and their humanity. For example, both former presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush were known to be prolific letter writers, chronicling everything from their relationships with their spouses to world events. And, on a more personal level, a special letter is part of your own history. You can hold it, share it, re-read it over and over again, and have it as a cherished keepsake. Creating Meaningful Relationships We have gotten so used to communicating with our peers and friends through apps, emails and texts, that when we send or receive an actual hand-written note, it really stands out and has meaning. When you get a carefully crafted letter on unique stationary, someone has taken the time to express their gratitude or to tell you how special you are. Moreover, the letter writing effort in and of itself, regardless of the words, expresses a strong message to the reader – that you cared enough to take the time. (In contrast, think of all of the emails (some read, some unread) that you get and delete in just one day!) Letters become a lasting, tactile way to create a connection and a memory, and simply brings joy to the recipient. So what are you waiting for? Try that new off-beat, scented stationary and take some time to decompress and reflect. Jot down on paper words that express yourself, tell someone you care, or simply to share your story. And, reclaim the art of letter writing for yourself and those you cherish. Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri is an estate planning, elder care, special needs, litigation and probate law firm with five offices in the state, including Berlin and Simsbury. More information is available at czepigalaw.com
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By JILL BRIGHTMAN I’ll admit it. I love to text. It’s quick and it’s easy. And, why struggle to find the right (auto-corrected) words when I have a variety of emojis right at my fingertips? The advent of email, text messaging, and social media have undoubtedly changed our communication style, providing a convenient and fast way for us to keep in touch with others. But these innovations, as helpful as they are, have also left us missing something – the beauty and joy of writing and receiving the written word in the form of a letter. Letter writing is one of the oldest forms of communication and is an innately personal and human experience that technology just cannot replicate. Putting pen to paper allows us to not only express our thoughts and emotions, but provides a tangible artifact for generations to hold, feel, and read. And, in the midst of pandemic lockdowns and cancelled social gatherings, hand-written letters can provide something that Zoom meetings do not – a deeply, personal one-to-one human connection that we sorely miss and need.
January 2021 • Connecticut PRIME TIME
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Submitted photo
Lending guidance Ken Smith
Bristol Health chaplain helps people through the covid-19 pandemic Story by Catherine Shen Ken Smith, a chaplain at Bristol Health, reassures patients, families, and healthcare workers on a daily basis that they are not alone in the pandemic. Even now, when hospitals have barred many families from visiting loved ones due to the dangers of potential covid-19 transmissions, Smith has been providing words of comfort over the phone, through an iPad, or just by being present for those in need of spiritual support. A6
“It doesn’t matter if they’re religious or not. If someone isn’t my faith, I find out what’s meaningful for them and base my prayers or conversations on that,” he said. “That is the most important thing, to have compassion and sensitivity to those who need it.” Smith, 60, has been a chaplain at Bristol Health for six years but worked in the pastoral role and clinical chaplaincy since the mid1980s. He studied at the Gordon-
Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2021
Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston and had his first clinical pastor experience while at the seminary. Stating that it was a deeply meaningful experience, he knew that was the direction he wanted to go with his ministry work. Eventually, he ended up at Bristol Health. As a hospital chaplain, Smith sees his job as a way to help people who find themselves in situations that they did not expect to be or did not want to be, and
to comfort them and their loved ones. His priority is always to listen, to understand their feelings, and make meaning of their circumstances. “Storytelling is a huge part of helping families who are grieving. Sometimes it’s a funny anecdote or a story about a favorite dish that mom cooked. Either way, I want to hear any story that people want to tell and personalize the prayer,” he said. On one April weekend, Smith
Those who offer care are often those who are forgotten, he said. There was a case in recent months where in the same family, a father had died from covid-19 and the mother was dying from cancer. The hospital’s hospice team gave a lot of care for that grieving family, who just suffered one loss and was preparing for another. “That takes a toll on anyone, let alone workers who deal with that constantly,” said Smith. “It’s a hard thing for us, to witness families not being able to be with their loved ones and to hear from patients who have fears of dying alone.” One thing Smith learned to be extra careful with is the moral injury someone feels because they can’t allow families to visit for safety reasons. “We need to be able to listen to nurses when they tell their stories because we’re so used to the family being able to be there,” he said. “But with something so contagious and dangerous, it’s intense.” Through staff request, Smith started a voluntary daily prayer meeting every day at 8 a.m. to help start the day in peace. When it comes to finding peace in his own heart, Smith said he looks to his faith to help put things in perspective. “When I’m dealing with my own grief or feeling other people’s grief, I have to learn
to let it go when I leave the room,” he said. “In any medical profession, you have to learn to do that or you won’t be ready for the next person who needs you.” Hospital chaplains are meant to focus on patients and their families while keeping a trusting relationship with fellow colleagues. “I want to help our workers who are so compassionate and empathetic,” said Smith. “I am always here to listen.” Contact Catherine Shen at cshen@centralctcommunications.com
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found himself having to pray for seven patients, who were all succumbing to covid19. “That weekend was the worst time for staff, who were all so heroic,” said Smith. “The patients were given incredible care, but they were just too sick. It was big. It also meant families couldn’t come to say their last goodbyes in person. We connected the families through whatever technology that worked for them, and I also had another priest call in. Normally, I would be by the patient’s bedside and their families, but that couldn’t happen. A call-in isn’t the best, but it’s better than not being connected at all.” While most hospital patients are in resident due to various illnesses, many of the incoming patients were hospitalized due to covid-19. Smith received several requests since March from patients who wanted to talk about guilt, specifically feeling guilty about arranging for elderly parents to get care from a nursing home, only to contract the virus there and die. “In reality, they were doing the best they could with the information they had to keep their parents safe,” said Smith. “No one saw the pandemic coming and it’s not a realistic guilt. But the feeling is very real and a lot of patients are dealing with that guilt. I help reassure them that they did the best they could.” Different people find comfort in different ways, he said. Some do so through passages of scripture, psalms, prayers and blessings, while some just need a friendly conversation and words of encouragement. “That’s what I do for our frontline workers,” said Smith, who described himself as working on the line behind the frontline. “They are my heroes and people don’t know half of what they go through. For me to be able to offer them comfort is very important.”
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H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
Not too late to get flu vaccine Influenza season is now upon us and it’s time to think about getting the flu vaccine if you haven’t received one already. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get the vaccine, HEALTHY with rare LIVING exceptions. It has been proven that getting the vaccine is the best way to Geoff minimize Robinson the potential of becoming infected with the flu virus. It can also reduce the severity of your illness if you do become infected with the virus, as well as reducing the potential for hospitalization. This is especially true this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC suggests that in theory it would be possible to become infected with both viruses at the same time, resulting in a higher risk of serious illness and complications, but how common that could be remains unclear. People who are already at increased risk of A8
complications, such as children under 6 months of age, adults over 65 years of age, and adults with certain pre-existing medical conditions, could be at greater risk if infected with both organisms. This makes it all that more important to get as much protection as possible. It is difficult to predict when the flu season will peak, so it is recommended that one should get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. It can take up to two weeks to develop the immunity once you have received the vaccine, so earlier is better. It has been advised to administer the vaccine as late as January, but waiting until late in the flu season to get the vaccine increases the potential risk of infection while waiting for it to produce the antibodies that prevent the illness. The vaccine may be given through your primary care provider, but can also be received at local pharmacies as well as local health departments, and may already be available. It is recommended that the place to start is with your primary care
Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2021
AP
provider. However, if a person’s medical provider is a member of the Bristol Health system the vaccine can be obtained at the Bristol Health Medical Care Center
at 15 Riverside Ave. It is available there by appointment only, which can be made by calling 1-833-4BHDOCS. The most important part of the process is to be sure to get the
vaccine. Geoffrey P. Robinson, PA-C, is a physician assistant with Medworks Occupation Health Program of Bristol Hospital, which is located at 975 Farmington Ave in Bristol.
H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
Quiet cold and flu season amidst covid-19 Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Connecticut and across the country , which is leading to a quiet cold and flu season, so far. In the Southern Hemisphere, which just came out of its winter season, case numbers were so low that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HEALTHY said the season ended LIVING with “virtually no influenza circulation.” In Europe, which faces an immense covid-19 threat this winter, only one person was diagnosed with flu from Sept. Virginia Bieluch, M.D. 28-Nov. 22, according to a joint monitoring program called Flu News Europe that’s operated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization. Flu activity in the United States, as in Europe, typically peaks between December and February. Early reports here are also encouraging: Public health and clinical laboratories nationwide have reported fewer than 500 cases and no deaths since Sept. 27, according to the CDC. In Connecticut, the state Department of Public Health has not released a formal report, but says statewide influenza activity continues to be low. The recommendations that have been put into place to control COVID-19 such as masks, hand hygiene and physical distancing measures are likely playing a role in helping to control flu activity. We are optimistic that if people continue to exercise their personal responsibility and wear face masks, avoid large gatherings and wash their hands
frequently, the influenza season will be mild. The flu vaccine, of course, remains a primary safeguard. If you haven’t gotten your vaccine yet, doctors say it’s not too late to do so. The CDC cautions that infections may increase.. Everyone is urged to continue to follow the recommended practices to control both covid-19 and influenza and to be vaccinated for influenza. The seasonal flu and covid-19 are contagious respiratory diseases, though caused by different viruses. Influenza viruses cause the flu. A new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, causes covid-19. COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu and can cause more serious illness, especially among the elderly, those with a weakened immune system, or other medical conditions. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes, respiratory droplets are produced, which then spread the virus. The CDC’s recommendations for avoiding covid-19 are also effective against the flu: n Wash your hands frequently. n Keep at least 6 feet from people in public who are not household members. n Always wear a mask in public when close contact with other people is unavoidable. n Clean and disinfect frequently touched hard surfaces in your home every day. n Monitor your health. A fever, cough, or shortness of breath could be an early sign of either flu or covid-19. Dr. Virginia Bieluch is the chief of Infectious Diseases at The Hospital of Central Connecticut. For more information, visit www.thocc.org or call 860.224.5011.
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New beginnings
Before and after of the Old Hatch Building.
Old Hatch Building in New Britain is given new life Story by Erica Drzewiecki The Old Hatch Building at 24 Washington St. is breathing new life with the culmination of a $3 million renovation. New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart cut the ribbon officiating the project’s completion Wednesday alongside City Economic Development Director Bill Carroll and New Britain
Downtown District Executive Director Gerry Amodio. They were joined by real estate investor William Coons III and Stephen Morelli, chairman of the State Workers’ Compensation Commission, which recently moved its District 6 offices into the two-story building. Sitting between the old Miss
A10 Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2021
Washington Diner and New Britain Elks Club, the former Hatch Insurance Co. building was built in 1929. The property later served as offices for the New Britain Chamber of Commerce and was a music store at one point in time. The city took ownership of it back in 2012 after it had been vacant
more than 30 years. “We wanted to do something special today because of the amount of time, money and energy that went into this building,” Mayor Stewart said. “Knocking it down would have been the easier route to take, but because of the funding opportunities and the developer’s
commitment we were able to put together a great product and salvage the historical value downtown.” The city partnered with Coons on the project in 2017 and the team was able to secure Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits from the State to renovate the building at a 25 percent reimbursement rate. “This project was not financially viable when I came in,” the developer explained. “The building was in totally horrific shape. We updated it, made it ADA compliant and rebuilt everything.” Stewart worked with Central Connecticut State University to
The city partnered with Coons on the project in 2017 and the team was able to secure Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits from the State. designate the downtown neighborhood as a historic district back in 2016, making it feasible for the city to refurbish properties like this one with the help of state grant funding. “Without the historic tax program you wouldn’t have developers willing to take a chance on a property like this,” the mayor pointed out. The building’s original façade was able to be salvaged, with the marbling and stonework above the front entrance refurbished to
showcase its historic beauty. Carroll acknowledged that it took all hands on deck to bring a project of this scope to fruition. “The City of New Britain is very fortunate to have made the right choice in selecting William Coons III as the developer for 24 Washington Street,” he said. “The former Hatch Building has literally come back to life.” Morelli and his staff on the Workers’ Comp. Commission moved out of their office at 235 Main St. and are now conduct-
ing business in the new District 6 offices, which are still closed to the public due to covid-19. Hearings are currently being conducted by telephone. Once the building reopens to the public, visitors will be directed to park in the Badolato Garage at 25 Washington St. “We wanted to stay in New Britain but there was too much traffic in front of the old building,” Morelli said. “We are very happy with the new space. It’s convenient for our clients. These guys really took a tremendous leap of faith, building it out to all our specifications before the approvals even came in. It came out great. We love it here.”
January 2021 • Connecticut PRIME TIME A11
CROSSWORDS JANUARY, 2021
CLUES ACROSS 1. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 5. 2014 Winter Olympics host 10. Soft fabric 12. Covered in flowers 14. Works at a college or university 16. Keeps us cool 18. Corpuscle count (abbr.) 19. Similar 20. Birthplace of Muhammad 22. They __ 23. Preamble to a book 25. Southern China people 26. Hair product 27. The woman 28. Partner to cheese 30. One point north of due east 31. Round Dutch cheese 33. Be in awe of 35. Christmas song 37. Emits coherent radiation 38. Something that is comparable to another 40. Monetary unit 41. The cutting part of a drill 42. Resinlike substance secreted by certain insects 44. Touch lightly 45. Toyota SUV 48. __ and Andy, TV show 50. Made less dangerous 52. Assets under management (abbr.) 53. Nostrils 55. Moved quickly 56. Thai isthmus 57. TV personality Roker 58. Honors anew 63. Rags 65. One who obtains pleasure from inflicting pain or others 66. Marketplaces 67. Dark brown or black
CLUES DOWN 1. Nowhere to be found (abbr.) 2. Not new 3. Brew 4. Stain with mud 5. Chief or leader 6. Luke SkywalkerÕs mentor __Wan 7. Type of sauce 8. Sharpens 9. Priestess loved by Zeus 10. Jean Henri __, French entomologist 11. Regulates supply of fuel 13. Disturbing and horrifying 15. Equal (prefix) 17. Hosts film festival 18. Tattered piece of clothing 21. Rich desserts 23. Unique motor (abbr.) 24. Disfigure 27. Chemical substance 29. Slang for famous person 32. Department of Labor 34. The A-team rode around in one 35. Beach cabin 36. Living things 39. Gun (slang) 40. Disconsolate 43. Stroke gently 44. Actress Richards 46. ÒCletus HoggÓ actor 47. Returned material authorization (abbr.) 49. Brazilian mountain range 51. Upset 54. One with supernatural insight 59. Insecticide 60. Taxi 61. ÒMuch __ about nothingÓ 62. Cannister 64. Popular clothing retailer
A12 Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2021
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January 2021 • Connecticut PRIME TIME A13
A new friendship
Photo courtesy of Bristol All Heart Hotline
Ronald Helming, left, and David Dube, have become friends as a result of Dube’s volunteer efforts through the Bristol All Heart Hotline. By SUSAN CORICA @CORICABP Early in 2020, David Dube had been living with his parents helping to take care of his elderly father. “Then my dad passed away in March and it was hard,” he recalled. “I wanted to help someone else.” Dube, who has always been active in the community as a member of the American Legion and St. Matthew Church, decided to call the All Heart Hotline to put his name on the volunteer list. That call led to a true friendship. When the covid-19 pandemic began in March, the city established
the All Heart Hotline for residents in need of social services or other support during the public health emergency. Volunteers are screened by the mayor’s office and then matched with those in need of assistance. Cathy Savino, the mayor’s executive administrator, introduced Dube to Richard Helming. Helming, 83, is hard of hearing and no longer able to drive. He is unable to get to grocery shop on his own so Dube began taking him shopping once a week. “We go to the bank, too, so he can take some money out, and we
A14 Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2021
also go over to Subway and he purchases two spicy Italian grinders and always says ‘no pickles.’ That’s his favorite,” Dube said. “Once in a while he treats me. I tell him I can’t take any money but I know he just wants to do something nice.” Dube said Helming isn’t completely on his own — he has a dog, a nephew that checks in on him, a sister in Florida that he chats with and neighbors that help out with plowing his driveway. Still, the older man enjoys his friend’s visit. “I am grateful to have someone to take me grocery shopping,” Helming said. “David is more than
a helper, he’s a good friend.” Dube, who lives in Burlington but is moving to Berlin, enjoys that Helming is a fellow veteran. “He tells stories about the time he was in the service. He was in the Army and he served in Korea I believe around 1955,” said Dube, who was a hospital corpsman in the Navy from 1980 to 1999 and now works at the Veterans Affairs office in Waterbury. “I like helping others and am happy that I was matched with Mr. Helming. I look forward to continuing to grow our friendship as I help him with whatever he may need.”
Get to know facts about estates and probate Continued from Page A15 an Administrator to handle the estate. Whoever is Executor or Administrator must make a list of all assets that go through probate, called an inventory which is due 60 days after the executor is appointed. Also a list of all debts must be filed, called a return and list of claims. The inheritance tax return is due six months from the date of death. The return and list of claims is due 150 days after the Executor is appointed. Creditors can make claims up to 150 days
after the Executor is appointed. After this is done the Executor prepares a final accounting showing all the assets on the inventory, all the debts and costs of the estate paid, and the balance to be given to heirs. Normally this is very straightforward, and all the heirs sign a waiver and it is automatically approved. The Executor sends everyone their share and the probate is finished. If preplanning is done with appropriate trusts, or beneficiaries designated, probate can often be avoided, but the probate fee is the same regard-
less. There is one potentially big benefit for anyone who does own real estate or stocks and that is called a step up in tax basis. That means the IRS and Connecticut Revenue Services treats the property as if the heirs bought it at the date of death value shown on the tax return, so when they sell that property, there will not be capital gains tax on the amount shown on the inheritance tax return. So, if stock was bought for $10 per share by the deceased, and is worth $30 a share at death, there will not be a tax on the $20 gain.
Debts must also be listed on a Return and List of Claims so that the legitimate creditors will be paid from the estate. If there is not enough money to pay the debts, each creditor will get paid a fractional share based on what percentage of the total debt they are owed. So, if there were three creditors, and one had 50%, one 30% and one 20% of the debt, and only $1000 was available the 50% creditor would get $500, the 30% creditor would get $300 and so on. This is a bare bones outline, and is no substitute for getting thorough advice, but it should
be helpful. Attorney Stephen O. Allaire and Attorney Halley C. Allaire are partners in the law firm of Allaire Elder Law, members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., with offices at 271 Farmington Ave., Bristol, 860-259-1500, or on the web at www.allaireelderlaw. com. If you have a question, send a written note to either Attorney Allaire at Allaire Elder Law, LLC, 271 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010, and they may use your question in a future column.
Notable Bristol residents who are gone but not forgotten
Jack Denehy — Mr. Denehy, the teacher, military historian, and “senator-like” individual according to family friend and neighbor here and when in Florida, Linda Fallon; I am fortunate to have gotten to know him well after spending time at the Bristol Historical Society. This after his parents and mine had mutual friends and my hearing of his name through earlier years. Josephine Moller — I’ve talked about her before. She wasn’t a friend, but might have become one had our years lined up better between her being a teacher of mine and myself becoming active in Bristol. I thought she was a great teacher, one I had respect for, and when she lost her son in 1976, Carl, a state policeman, it tugged at my heart. No one should lose one of their children. Carl died doing a good deed, while just off duty. Janet H. (Haviland) Elton — She was the widow of Clarence F. Dibble and George H. Elton, Jr., and I wish I had gotten to know her better. Ruth Boss, her daughter, by the way, was a high school classmate of mine, a quiet and nice lady. I wish I could sit down with Janet today to hear about her church, genealogical and Bristol Historical Society interests. Sally Kish — All of the previous individuals mentioned here prior died some years ago, but while writing this the name of Sally Kish came up because I wish I had gotten to know her. I’ve written about her son, Paul, who has been a dedicated runner with intellectual/physical challenges. I had
taken notice of Sally in more recent years and enjoyed her musical presentations. Dan and Gen Valerio — This one is for DiNoia family patriarch Paul, Sr. It’s recalling Dan and Gen Valerio, a couple I really adored, one that produced a son, Dan, Jr., and daughter Dee Valerio-Matyka, who also give back to the community. There will be more on this giving couple later in 2021. Dave Lepore — As someone who does somewhat what Dave did, write, he was quite special to me. Clever, smart, humorous, Dave had it all, but was not given enough years to entertain us. He was everyone’s friend and we enjoyed reading his musings. He was one of a kind. Dr. James F. Gilhuly — Now here was another fine gentleman. Ask any American Legion ballplayer who knew and dealt with
him. I wish more folks had his mindset, because I’m sure he had a lot of thoughts about things that would benefit the masses, especially in today’s crazier world. Ed Beardsley — Ed was just a little older than me and an athlete in high school when he was among the type of boys that I wanted to be with. And what possible young up-and-comer doesn’t look up to the older “jocks?” Later in his life he gathered youngsters with intellectual and physical challenges to let them play ball — and the rest is history. These are just a few of the folks I recall from time-to-time, as many of us do. Contact Bob Montgomery at bmontgomery@ bristolpress.com or by calling 860-583-5132.
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This Prime Time column was the brainchild of Ben Scoville, one of our sales representatives for the Bristol Press, an idea some years ago to bring back great memories to those who are seniors and longtime local residents. And, now I’m included among them! Stop the clock! This week I’d like to recall some of Bristol’s best who are no longer with us. There are too many to write about in one sitting, but here are some names I noted the past couple of days. Let’s continue to keep them in our thoughts. John Vanden Heuvel — A Navy veteran, he was known to us as “Uncle Sam,” tall, squared away in donning his white Navy working uniform for occasions, and all about our military veterans. He often visited us at the Bristol Press, especially Maureen Hamel, who was our community editor at the time. Glo Sessions — What a talented artist she was. Every time I think of her I recall the paintings she did that once were on display at the Bristol Public Library. I also cherish the copy of the sketch she gave me that she drew of a woman lying on a towel soaking up the sun on the beach. Julie Larese — You had to know him to understand what he meant to so many of us. One of a kind, who gave a lot to others as the unofficial mayor of Bristol. There are so many stories about this man. He was known by many monikers, including “The Godfather.” Say no more.
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January 2021 • Connecticut PRIME TIME A15
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A16 Connecticut PRIME TIME • January 2021
