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Gender-based Wage Gap Hits Older Women Harder

55 PLUS Issue 50 April / May 2014

For Active Adults in Central New York

Growing number of CNYers over 65 in the workforce or looking for a job

The Boss at Excellus 59-year-old Art Vercillo talks about his career, his life as a practicing surgeon, family and why health care premiums continue to go up.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR PARENTS’ FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

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CONTENTS

55 PLUS

55 PLUS

April / May 2014

14

24

Savvy Senior 6 12 JOBS Financial Health 8 • Gender-based wage gap Gardening 10

hits older women harder

14 My Turn 20 WORKFORCE More 65-year-olds in the Golden Years 36 •workforce in Central New York Aging 40 18 Consumers Corner 44 TRENDS Druger’s Zoo 48

Last Page — Gregg Tripoli: Raising the profile of the Onondaga Historical Association Museum.

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55 PLUS - April / May 2014

• If 50 is the new 30 why am I so unemployed?

22 GARDENING

• Gardening: Pros talk about new trends

24 FINANCES

• Suddenly single and with finances upside down

cny55.com

37 48 28 COVER

• From the operating room to the boardroom, Dr. Arthur Vercillo is doing it all

37 PROFILE

• Head of the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST): Larry Leatherman giving his most

42 HISTORY

• Utican captures the rich history of one of New York’s storied waterways

46 VISITS

• Hawaii is like no other state for it is truly America’s “Islands in the Sun.” 10 things you should do if you visit

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savvy senior

By Jim Miller

What to Know About Your Parents’ Financial Affairs

M

ost adult children don’t know much about their parents’ financial situation or end-of-life plans, but they need to. Here are some tips.

Have the Talk If you’re uncomfortable starting up a conversation like this with your parents, see TheConversationProject. org for guidance. It’s also a good idea to get your siblings or other family members involved. When you meet with your parents, you’ll need to sit down and create several lists of important information, find out where they keep key documents and how they want certain things handled when they die or if they become incapacitated. Here’s a checklist of areas you need to focus on.

Personal Information • Contacts: Make a list of names and phone numbers of close friends, clergy, their doctors, lawyer, accountant, broker, tax preparer, insurance agent, etc.

• Personal documents: Find out where they keep their Social Security card, marriage license, military discharge papers, etc.

• Secured places: Make a list of places they keep under lock and key or protected by password, such as online accounts, safe deposit boxes, safe combination, security alarms, etc.

• Service providers: Make a list of the companies or people who provide them regular services like utility companies, lawn service, etc.

• Medical information: Make a copy of their medical history (any drug allergies, past surgeries, etc.) and a list of medications they take.

• Pets: If they have a pet, what are their instructions for the animal’s care?

• End of life: What are their wishes for organ or body donation, and their funeral instructions? If they’ve made pre-arrangements with a funeral home get a copy of the 6

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

55PLUS Editor and Publisher Wagner Dotto

agreement.

Legal Documents • Will: Do they have an updated will or trust, and where is it located?

• Power of attorney: Do they have a power of attorney document that names someone to handle their financial matters if they become incapacitated?

• Advance directives: Do they have a living will and a medical power of attorney that spells out their wishes regarding their end-oflife medical treatment?

Financial Records • Income and debt: Make a list of their income sources such as pensions, Social Security, IRAs, 401Ks, investments, etc. And do the same for any debt (mortgage, credit cards, medical bills, etc.) they may have.

• Financial accounts: Make a list of the banks and brokerage accounts they use (checking, savings, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRAs, etc.) and their contact information.

• Company benefits: Make a list of any retirement plans, pensions or benefits from their former employer including the contact information of the benefits administrator.

• Insurance: Make a list of the insurance policies they have (life, longterm care, home, auto, Medicare, etc.) including the policy numbers.

• Property: Make a list of the real estate, vehicles or other properties they own, and where they keep the deeds and titles.

• Credit cards: Make a list of all their credit and charge cards, including the card numbers and contact information.

• Taxes: Find out where they keep copies of past year’s tax returns.

For more information, call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 and ask them to mail you a free copy of their publication “Let’s Talk: Starting the Conversation about Health, Legal, Financial and End-of-Life Issues,” or you can read online at eldercare.gov.

Associate Editor Lou Sorendo

Writers

Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Laura Thompson, Aaron Gifford Sandra Scott, Patricia Malin Mary Beth Roach, Matthew Liptak

Columnists

Eva Briggs, M.D., Bruce Frassinelli Marilyn Pinsky, Harold Miller Jim Sollecito, David J. Zumpano Marvin Druger

Advertising

Jasmine Maldonado Marsha Preston Jim Maxwell

Office Manager

Laura J. Beckwith

Layout and Design Chris Crocker

Cover Photo

Chuck Wainwright 55 PLUS –A Magazine for Active Adults in Central New York is published six times a year by Local News, Inc., which also publishes In Good Health–CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper.

Published at 185 E. Seneca St. PO Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126.

Subscription: $15 a year © 2014 by 55 PLUS – A Magazine for Active Adults in Upstate New York.

No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher.

Third class postage paid at Syracuse, NY. Permit Number: 3071

How to Reach Us P.O. Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-342-1182 Fax: 315-342-7776 Email: editor@CNY55.com Editor@cnyhealth.com

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Law could impact many seniors who currently rely on Medicaid to help pay for their medical expenses and healthcare costs

T

he Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 required all states to implement an “estate recovery program” to recover assets from the estates of any individuals who received Medicaid benefits during life.

The default language of the federal statute provides the state can recover from the “probate estate” of the Medicaid recipient, but allows the states to expand the definition to include all assets owned by the recipient, including joint accounts, lifetime interests, beneficiary designated accounts and even trusts.

In 2011, New York state attempted to enhance its estate recovery program to include these additional assets to recover from, but after a public outcry and lobbying efforts, New York repealed its enhanced recovery statute, so New York can only recover from the probate estate.

So what does this have to do with the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare?

There is a new twist coming to light regarding states’ rights to recovery for Medicaid benefits paid.

What does the Affordable Care Act have to do with Medicaid benefits?

While it does not, in any way, provide care for nursing homes, it does provide that Medicaid can be a provider of health insurance and can be available on the exchange for affordable healthcare.

It seems pretty ordinary, except the Affordable Care Act has a provision that ensures estate recovery from the estates of those receiving Medicaid benefits for

The best way to ensure the total protection of your assets and your values now and after you pass, is to plan ahead. healthcare. What does this all mean? Well, for the first time, estate recovery will apply to those individuals who receive Medicaid as a health insurance benefit rather than just as a nursing home benefit. This could impact many seniors who currently rely on Medicaid (in addition to Medicare) to help pay for their medical expenses and healthcare costs.

It is unclear whether the enforcement procedures or the state’s ability to recover on healthcare-related Medicaid costs will be enforced and, if so, how it will be managed.

It is essential we understand the estate recovery laws and how they impact Medicaid recipients.

More importantly, it’s imperative to ensure your healthcare needs will be met now and in the future.

The best way to ensure the total protection of your assets and your values now and after you pass, is to plan ahead. Those that have failed to plan are typically the most adversely affected by the rules. I encourage you to make sure you address these new rules when doing your planning.

David J. Zumpano is an attorney and a certified public accountant (CPA). He operates Estate Planning Law Center. He can be reached at 315-793-3622.

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55 PLUS - April / May 2014

Room With A View

Spring is the time of rebirth

T

his winter I was determined to get rid of anything I had not worn in the past five years unless it held exceptional sentimental value. This wasn’t as hard as I thought. Of course then I noticed that some walls would look fresher and more up-to-date with a new coat of paint.

That got my juices flowing. I could now turn my attention outdoors. There were several areas that had looked really sharp when first planted 32 years ago. That’s right. Things we planted when we were first married had either overgrown, didn’t meet our current needs or they just didn’t hold as much appeal.

At this stage of life, I am not looking for a total remake, just a change in select areas — in particular, the outdoor views that I want to enjoy from indoors. For example, I have grown much fonder of birds and butterflies moving by the windows.

Maybe I appreciate seeing these “flying flowers” because I have a keener sense of the circle of life. Maybe I just sit still more than I did.

Some plants can benefit from a good pruning. It’s important to weigh the plant’s value and what we already have invested in the space it occupies.

Generally if an evergreen crowds a leafy plant, we sacrifice the leaves in favor of the needles. Mainly because it takes longer for a conifer to grow and it does offer interest for 12 months of the year. But once a conifer is too large, there is no bringing it back. At that point it’s best to prune at ground level and replace it with something fresh. As a general rule, ground level pruning or removal happens if a plant has been around more than 12 years.

Still not sure if a plant continues to add value to your home? Take some photos of your home landscape and do some objective analysis. Do you love what you see? I rest my case.

It makes me cringe when someone

notices that a plant isn’t thriving and reaches for all kinds of products to pour on, hoping for that miracle cure.

Hope is not a strategy for success. It’s better to remove the labor-intensive item and move on to a far better cultivar. Life is just too short to put up with plants that have outlasted their usefulness or will never reach their full genetic potential.

There are just so many newer items available to purchase this spring that produce better flowers with longer bloom time, have a more compact habit of growth, are attractive to birds and butterflies, resistant to deer, offer cool winter interest and a host of other features that you never even considered before. It used to be that hydrangeas had to grow to 8’ tall to have great flowers. Now we have them at 3 feet or less. Weigelas have come a long way, too. Probably the best flowering shrub you can plant for hummingbirds now come in smaller forms with mountains of flowers.

And don’t even get me started on some of the wonderful new types of butterfly bush that attract, you guessed it, masses of “flying flowers.” The Northwind Ornamental Grass planted at my home and garden center has stood tall all winter long. It is narrow and upright at 4-5’ and the deer walk right past, refusing to nibble any part at any time.

If something in your yard is merely good but not great, check out what you can check out at your local garden center. Spring is the time of rebirth. Maybe this year you will rebirch. They’ve improved, too. The possibilities are enticing.

Jim Sollecito is the first lifetime senior certified landscape professional in NYS. He operates Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in Syracuse. Contact him at 468-1142 or at jim@sollecito.com.

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Gender-based Wage Gap Hits Older Women Harder Author: young women are paid about 90 percent of what men are paid.

When they are over 35 they earn even less

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

I

n 1975, 23.1 percent of women 55 and older participated in the workforce. The US Census Bureau’s latest data, gathered in 2010, states that number has jumped to 35.1 percent. More employment opportunities for women, the wobbly economy and surge of baby boomers supporting both children and elderly parents are among the factors behind the growth in women 55-plus who work.

Unfortunately, the wage gap between these women and their male counterparts remains the same as a decade ago, according to “The Simple Truth About the Gender Pay Gap,” a report by Catherine Hill, released in 2013 by The American Association of University Women based in Washington, DC. The report states that women make 77 percent what men do over the course of a career.

The report further explains that a gap between men’s and women’s wages exists regardless of childrearing or elder care choices, the level of education, type of occupation, location and race, though these factors can influence the degree to which women 12

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

experience a pay gap when compared with male colleagues.

Unfortunately for baby boomers, the gap worsens with age.

“Among younger workers, women are paid about 90 percent of what men are paid,” Hill wrote. “From around age 35 through retirement, women are typically paid 75 to 80 percent of what men are paid.”

It may seem easy to dismiss wage gap because of factors that impact women’s ability to perform such as taking time off for childbearing;

however, “even after you control all those factors, there’s still a gap,� said Don Dutkowsky, professor of economics in the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. “It’s a significant gap.�

Dutkowsky has observed the percent of men and women seeking higher education equalizing in recent years, which can only help promote equal salaries for women. He has also anecdotally heard of more men staying home with the children and that male caretakers and female breadwinners are becoming more accepted.

Telecommuting can also help women stay working while caring for young or older family members.

Missing years of career advancement makes the gap larger, as does not staying current with technology.

Women also need to speak up more when opportunities arise for advancement such as a better position within their company or a higher level of responsibility elsewhere. And they should ask for the wage they deserve for a job well done. Typically, men tend to be more outspoken about their accomplishments than women, which helps men receive more notice and compensation for their work.

Divorce or death of a husband forces some older women into the workforce after years of caring for children and elderly parents. They may have little current experience or competency with technology. They may not have the education or training that their husbands had, either. “The more skills you have, the more you can market yourself and fit into job openings or create job opportunities,� said Steve Reiter, owner of Reiter Coaching in Syracuse.

He encourages clients to stay current with technology that relates to their desired occupation.

Instead of applying to companies with openings, he recommends that applicants find a company that aligns with their skills, ideals and interest. “Figure out how you could help them do something better,� Reiter said. “See if they’d be open to a conversation about the nature of their business.�

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55+

workforce

Not Quitting at Age 65 Most are retired at that age but study shows a growing number of people 65 and over still active in the work force or looking for work

By Aaron Gifford

B

lame the economy and the Great Recession. Or credit today’s older adults for their ability and desire to remain active in the work force. Either way, this is definitely not your father ’s retirement situation.

A re c e n t n a t i o n a l s t u d y o f Americans around the retirement age determined that a quarter of adults over 65 are working or looking for work, and that figure is expected to increase within the next few years. The study, completed by The Associated

14

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

Press NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, also found that those over 55 remain the fastest-growing segment of the work force.

The study, called “Working Longer: Older Americans’ Attitudes on Work and Retirement” is based on surveys of 1,024 adults over the age of 50.

“Retirement is not only coming later in life, but for many it no longer represents a complete exit from the work force,” AP authors noted in the study’s introduction. “Faced with

the expectation of living healthier for longer, older adults may opt to remain in the work force longer and defer savings, pensions and Social Security for a later age. Increased work force participation of older adults has implications for retirement policy, Social Security and health care financing, and the behavior of employers and employees alike.”

Of those surveyed, 47 percent indicated that they will do some work for pay during their retirement, and 50 percent said friends and

relatives around their age are still working. Twenty-two percent of the participants said they have searched for employment in the past five years.

Twenty percent of the respondents said they have experienced age-related discrimination in their effort to find a job or secure a promotion in their current career.

The report also notes that the average retirement age has shifted since the recent Great Recession, from age 57 prior to 2008, to 62 last year.

Sixty-two percent of the survey respondents said age is not or was not an issue in their job or career. Of those surveyed, nearly half responded that their job is or was physically demanding. Thirty-six percent said it has become more difficult to complete the physical requirements of their job as they age, and 10 percent said that task has actually become easier.

Eighteen percent of workers 50 and older reported that it is more difficult to complete the mental aspects of their job compared to when they were younger, but 51 percent said it is about the same.

As for retirement savings, 60 percent of those surveyed indicated that they have less than $50,000 saved for retirement. More than half of those surveyed said they did not have a pension, and 70 percent said they have borrowed from their retirement savings in the past year even if they were still working.

In addition, the study measured how attitudes toward retirement have changed. It said that 47 percent of working adults 50 and over have shifted their expectations in the past decade, originally hoping to retire around the age of 63 and later deciding to push off retirement to beyond the age of 65. Ten years ago, 11 percent expected to retire after their 70th birthday, and 10 p e rc e n t n e v e r planned to retire.

The percentage of those who planned to retire at 70 has Kingson

Number of workers over the age of 65 in the work force CAYUGA COUNTY

Year No. of workers over 65 2002............. 1,052 2007............. 1,166 2012............. 1,393

MADISON COUNTY

Year No. of workers over 65 2002............. 841 2007............. 890 2012............. 1,084

ONONDAGA COUNTY

Year No. of workers over 65 2002............. 7,409 2007............. 8,623 2012............. 10,634

OSWEGO COUNTY

Year No. of workers over 65 2002............. 944 2007............. 983 2012............. 1,321

NEW YORK STATE

Year No. of workers over 65 2002............. 280,038 2007............. 331,089 2012............. 429,235

Source: New York State Department of Labor. Figures based on the third quarter of each noted year.

now grown to 20 percent, while the percentage of those who never planned to retire has remained at 11 percent.

A portion of the study also examines opinions about Social Security, with 43 percent of those surveyed indicating that they will begin collecting benefits between the ages of 65 and 69, and 6 percent noting that they will wait until their 70th birthday or beyond.

On average, the study said, Americans over the age of 50 believe that people should be eligible for full Social Security benefits at age 64.

Eric Kingson, a Syracuse University professor of social work and co-director of Social Security Works in Washington, D.C., a national

organization that is fighting to preserve Social Security benefits for retirees, said he is cautiously optimistic federal lawmakers will eventually consider expanding Social Security benefits as an impending “retirement crisis” looms. By his estimations, about two thirds of working Americans will be unable to maintain the standard of living they’ve grown accustomed to after they retire.

“It’s about a $7 trillion gap between what they have in savings, and what they need to have for retirement” to maintain their current standard of living, he said.

Kingson, citing research from the National Institute of Retirement, said the average American household has about $3,000 in retirement savings, and that the average benefit to Social Security recipients is about $15,000 annually. He advocates increasing the amounts by up to $800 a year, “but I don’t think even that’s enough.”

As a tenured college professor at a prestigious private university, Kingston, 67, acknowledges that his retirement finances are secure, and he’s in a position to continue working because he enjoys it. He plans to retire at 70 and start drawing from Social Security then. When it comes to his advocacy work, however, he’s thinking about the people who have to keep working despite health problems, or those who have had to put off retirement indefinitely because of the dot com bust, the housing and credit collapse, or personal events that crippled them financially.

The tragedy is that most Americans spend a half century building for retirement, Kingson said, but still can’t enjoy that time as comfortably as they’d like. Without economic and Social Security policy changes, Kingson fears that 40 years from now there will be a significant increase in the number of elderly people who move in with their children because they are too broke to afford their own place.

“It’s critical that after a lifetime of work, there should be some options for a period called retirement, and certainly for a period of dignity,” he said. “What kind of country do we want to be? And what do we value as a society?”

April / May 2014 - 55 PLUS

15

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17

55+

trends

55 and Still Unemployed If 50 is the new 30, why am I so unemployed?

By Laura Thompson

T

his economy has hit my cohort a staggering blow. Persons 50 and older can search for two to three years before finding employment. Some of us just give up, dumbfounded by the world’s cavalier dismissal of us.

When did we become so lacking in value?

I haven’t changed that much. I’m older, fatter and definitely gray. My bottom is bigger, but my brain is intact. I like to think that, in addition to a few pounds and wrinkles, I’ve also gained some judgment and wisdom not available to younger workers.

The world doesn’t always agree.

There’s a subtle, discreet beast working against me out there. No one has come right out and said it, spoken its name. Instead, I’m told I’m overqualified, underqualified or just not qualified, no further explanation offered. No one admits I belong to an age group more prone to illness and medical expense that some of the other kids. No one says they’d prefer to invest in a younger version that will remain in the work world a few years longer. Absolutely no one confesses they want more or better eye candy for the office.

No one uses the word O-L-D. Yet it’s quietly implied, delicately suggested.

Sometimes, not so delicately.

Recently, I had the doubtful fun of applying for a position offered through a temp agency. Four thin, young and uniformly beautiful women with hip-length hair and short black skirts ran the intake process. As I waited my turn, I was encouraged by the amount of time, patience and 18

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

encouragement they gave the job applicants, especially the handsome young men. These same Medusas could not wait to tell me how extremely unqualified I was for the sole position I was interested in. No, they could not review my resume, they were very busy and had others waiting. No, this position on my resume, identical to the one I was applying for, did not qualify me for the job.

No, there was not someone else I could talk to. Every ‘no” and “not” in the world, but still no job for me.

I was talking to an artfully constructed wall of youth. And it could not be overcome. No rebuttal could break through their cool blank stares or perfectly made-up faces.

No attempt at humor could produce a smile on their carefully lipsticked mouths. They were the “It” girls of the working world, and I was not.

I got the message — this is the new economy, and no old women need apply.

I waddle on.

Hey, America! I am an older experienced worker. My skills, talents and abilities are not easily replicated. My enthusiasm alone has carried the day more than once. If I wanted to get something done, I would hire…me. And you are more than foolish not to.

Eventually, this too shall pass. American businesses will remember that there is something to be said for maturity, judiciousness and a working knowledge of your own first language.

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19

my turn

By Bruce Frassinelli Email: bruce@cny55.com

Tales from the Crypt and Other Stories

W

hen I was 11 years old, one of my best friends, Jerry McHugh, came over to my house one brisk fall day. In hushed tones, Jerry suggested we go into the basement so my mother couldn’t hear what was to come next.

I followed Jerry down the steps into our back basement. There, he reached into his belt, which was covered by a sweatshirt, and pulled out a comic book. “Look at this!” he exclaimed. My jaw dropped. It was one of the first issues of Tales from the Crypt.

On the cover were images of The Crypt Keeper, The Vault Keeper and The Old Witch. Inside, each of these creepy characters served as narrator of horror stories, one spookier than the last.

I p a g e d t h ro u g h t h e b o o k , mesmerized by the gory images — flying parts of skulls bashed with baseball bats, beheadings with guillotines, dismemberment of arms, legs and other body parts and blood everywhere.

The one image that stayed with me for days was seeing a hapless janitor’s head severed by a depraved sadist, who impaled the head on the front of a luxury car and used it as a hood ornament.

I begged Jerry to let me have the book overnight and promised to return it the next day. I had to pay him a quarter before he agreed, or two and a half times more than the face value of the magazine. I could not risk going to the drug store to buy my own copy for fear that the owner, Mr. Wylie, would rat on me to my mother.

Once I took the book from Jerry, I had to find a place to conceal it, because 20

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

if my mother found me reading s u c h material, t h i s 11 - y e a rold would have been history.

T h a t night, when I was sure my parents were asleep at the other side of our home, I retrieved the book, which I had strategically hidden between the bed sheets. I also had brought a flashlight to my room, because putting on the overhead light was too risky; mom might have seen its glow under my closed bedroom door and wondered what was going on at 1 a.m.

I held the book in my hands, intent on the gory cover. There were four stories inside, two told by The Crypt Keeper and one each by The Vault Keeper and The Old Witch.

The anticipation was palpable, way off the fear meter. The cover blared: “Introducing a new trend in magazines — illustrated SuspenStories we dare you to read.” The word “TERROR”

down the left side of the cover screamed out to me, and for a minute I thought I heard maniacal laughter in the distance. The cover showed this buxom blonde babe being watched by a salivating werewolf from around the corner. On the street was a discarded open newspaper that said, “Werewolf Strikes Again.”

As I read the second story, “This Trick’ll Kill You,” my heart started to pound, and I began to sweat. My

imagination was in overdrive. The third story, “Grim Fairy Tale,” did me in. I couldn’t finish it; I was consumed by fright. I sneaked into the basement and hid the book near the furnace until I could rid myself of the beast the next day. Every step to and from the basement was accompanied by unbearable apprehension, but there was no way I was going to sleep with this book tucked into my bed.

When I returned to my room, I was sure I heard a rustling noise coming from my closed closet. I was nearly paralyzed with fear. Slowly, I edged past the closet, out of the room, down the hall and into my parents’ room.

My father was snoring heavily; my mother was fast asleep. I positioned myself on the floor, at the foot of their bed and curled up in a ball. Certain that I was now safe in the protective confines of my parents’ room, I fell asleep.

The next thing I heard was my mother calling me and nudging me to get up. “What are you doing here?” she inquired. “Uh, I had a bad dream,” I lied.

For the next four years, I never missed a copy of Tales of the Crypt, which came out every other month.

By that time, I was 15 and had gravitated to horror movies such as “War of the Worlds,” “The Beast with A Million Eyes,” “The Blob,” “The Creature Walks Among Us,” “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” and “I was A Teenage Werewolf” (starring Little House on the Prairie’s Michael Landon when he was 21.)

Not surprisingly, Tales of the Crypt and other copycat publications came under attack from members of the clergy, parents and educators, who charged that this “filth” was contributing to illiteracy and juvenile delinquency.

A high-profile Congressional subcommittee convened in 1954 to examine the effects of comic books on children. From these hearings came a highly restrictive Comics Code, which proved to be the death knell for these types of publications.

EC Comics Publisher Bill Gaines pulled the plug on Tales of the Crypt and two of its companion horror titles in September 1954.

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21

55+

gardening The Pros Talk About New Trends

More colorful plants, more simplicity, more vegetable gardens likely to dominate new season

By Ken Little

W

hen dedicated gardeners begin tilling the soil this spring, many will be seeking simplicity in what they plant.

Others want to emphasize the benefits of an organic garden.

What’s new is gardening and landscaping this year is also traditional, several nursery operators in Central New York said.

Variety a Key “What they’re after? Color.

They want newer varieties, compact varieties, they want low maintenance,” said Jim Sollecito, operator of Sollecito Landscaping Nursery, at 4090 Howlett Hill Road in Syracuse.

Sollecito, who writes the column “Gardening” for 55 PLUS magazine, started the company more than 40 years ago, and has seen gardening trends come and go.

“Folks have been punished this winter, and will be very anxious to get outside and into the soil this growing season,” Sollecito said.

If plants look a little ragged, “take the organic approach and help them with Neptune’s Harvest Fish and Seaweed Tonic every two weeks. You’ll be pleased at how quickly they can turn around into a landscape feature again,” he said.

For those looking for color in their garden, Sollecito recommends “the newer and more compact hydrangeas such as Little Lime, Little Lamb and Tuff Stuff.”

22

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

“For something that attracts hummingbirds you can’t beat Weigelas, and the newer introductions such as Fine Wine, Minuet and Tweedie Bird really give a long bloom and stay tidy,” he said.

“They want things that deer aren’t going to eat,” Sollecito said. “Deer are an issue, so ornamental grasses are a good choice. The perennial of the year for 2014 is my favorite ornamental grass, Northwind.

“I love how tight this grows and when it moves with a breeze I call it a ‘wind dancer,’” Sollecito said.

Today’s gardeners also have a practical side that reflects the times.

They want edibles. They want Juneberries. Everybody’s talking about Juneberries. That’s a great plant,” Sollecito said.

Sollecito, a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in ornamental horticulture and a Lifetime Senior New York State Certified Landscape Professional, enjoys sharing his expertise with others.

“Edibles without the use of pesticides is a concern, so we advise Juneberries, which ripen in, well, June,” he said. “It’s the first white flowering plant of spring in April, and when you taste these delicious berries you’ll wonder why you haven’t been planting them in the past.”

Sollecito said he first started using Juneberries in his landscapes 40 years ago, “and many of those plants still look terrific today.”

Along with an emphasis on edibles,

gardeners are also interested in organic products.

“They want to go organic,” Sollecito said. “That’s what people are talking about this year.”

For more information, go to www. jim@sollecito.com.

Becoming ‘Simpler’ Dennis Ouellette, owner of Ontario Orchards at 7735 Route 104 in Oswego, said many gardeners are finding happiness in simplicity.

The family-owned business has been in operation since 1966.

“There’s a real good thing that’s happening in gardening. Over the years, a number of people have tried gardening and very few are successful,” Ouellette said. “They’ve become simpler, they’re raising fewer things and becoming more successful.”

Rather than trying to grow exotic and demanding vegetables, many people are planting traditional standards like beans, corn, peppers, squash and tomatoes.

“Instead of raising so many things that take up so much more of their time, which they don’t have, people are going back to the simplicity of gardening,” Ouellette said.

Enjoying a garden can be as easy as that. “Usually the beginners put way too much in and the people that are doing well and surviving the initial gardening attempt realize they have to simplify the product that they raise instead,” he said. “Raise six things you do real well instead of 10 things.”

Many gardeners still enjoy planting flowers, Ouellette said.

“They’re looking for the newest, the easiest, the most prolific,” he said.

That can include petunias, marigolds, patience plants, snap dragons, geraniums and roses.

“They’re looking for newer varieties that are more prolific and easier to care for,” Ouellette said.

Experienced gardeners realize they can put half as many plants in the ground and still “raise twice as much,” he said.

“We’re encouraging people to raise fewer plants. Rather than [planting] 24 tomato plants, plant 10 and get more fruit,” Ouellette said.

The realities of everyday life are reflected in the gardens many people are planting, Ouellette said.

“The last couple years, a lot of it is time,” he said. “People are busier.

They’ve got so many things they’re involved in in their lives. They realize they don’t have to raise so much.”

For more information, go to www. tasteofcny.com/

‘Tradional’ Gardening Terry Foran, owner of Cross Creek

Nursery, at 8390 Cazenovia Road in Manlius, said he is seeing variations in gardening preferences in recent years.

“It’s because of the economy. The biggest thing we’re seeing people do is reverting back to the old vegetable garden or container garden,” said Foran, who has operated the 53-yearold business since 1992.

“Growing your own fruits and vegetables and perennial gardens have always been big,” Foran said. “Right now, from everything that we’ve read and trade shows that we’ve been to, [the trend] is in the edible range.”

Foran recalls a time when large, formal gardens were popular with many people, some who had outdoor kitchens and patio areas with expanded living space.

Simpler landscaping layouts are popular with many gardeners who enjoy the outdoors and being active, he said.

Foran said in the last three to four years, he’s seen more people interested in lower maintenance and edibles, “mainly the fruit trees, vines and container (garden) vegetables.”

Those options are “a pretty good mainstay for this year, particularly

More Color.

Less Work.

Sollecito.

Naturally.

with the economy,” Foran said.

Many of Foran’s most loyal customers have been gardening for many years. It’s a way of life.

“They will continue to garden (but) their kids aren’t big gardeners.

That’s the next big hurdle, to get those millenniums (in their 20s) start to garden.” he said.

Some of Foran’s customers in the younger age group “are also more organic.”

“They want to grow their own food and learn how to do it,” he said.

Herbs and other “remedies” remain popular among all age groups, Foran said.

Business begins to pick up each year after two to three weeks of warmer weather, a welcome sign of spring.

Gardening remains a popular pastime for thousands of Central New Yorkers, Foran said.

“We’re looking for a solid growth year this year,” he said. “Overall, it’s just a matter of trying to get the younger generation interested in gardening.”

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23

55+

finances

Suddenly Single

Death, divorce can turn your finances, retirement plans upside down

By Lou Sorendo

Y

ou’ve lost your significant other through a death or divorce.

You are emotionally traumatized.

Those grandiose plans you made together regarding retirement are all for naught. Now, you are at an advanced age, without a partner, and retirement is approaching.

What now?

You may have planned effectively for your future but becoming suddenly single is emotionally challenging as well as financially disruptive.

Women have a greater likelihood of being divorced or widowed at some point in their lives than men, according to Today’s Senior magazine.

For women following divorce, the standard of living drops 45 percent, while for the senior citizen the effects are more devastating — 75 percent, according to Today’s Senior.

“One of the worst times for an individual is when their significant other passes away. It’s generally an unexpected type of event,” said financial expert Aaron Campbell, who recently authored a new book, “Never Worry About Retirement Again.” It provides information on how anybody from age 20-80 can retire comfortably.

“The last thing someone wants to worry about is what the ramifications are in terms of financing,” he said.

Campbell draws an analogy of a person on an African safari who is dependent on a guide. The guide is the only one who has an idea as to where the destination is amidst the threat of predators.

The guide, however, is killed or

24

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

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25

injured, taking the “map” with him.

“You are out in the middle of the jungle with nothing out there to be able to guide you. That is what we find happens to a lot of people,” he said.

It usually is one of the spouses who manage financing, and once that person is gone, it leaves the other spouse “out of control and not knowing what to do,” Campbell said.

“In that instance, even if they haven’t worked with a financial adviser in their lifetimes, I think it’s always good at least to try to build a relationship with someone so that if that time comes, someone has a copy of the map to get you where you need to go,” he added.

Campbell said the No. 1 priority for someone who is suddenly single is to determine where are they going to get income.

Often, a spouse has a pension plan, but it is only set up to cover one person.

“You can go from $5,000 a month as a couple to having that income dropped perhaps by 70 percent,” he said. “It really can put a pinch on someone’s financial picture.”

The second priority is to establish how to manage expenses and determine how much it will cost to live, Campbell said.

“Those are the two primary things that you need to consider when you get in that situation before you do anything else,” he said.

Determining income and expenses are paramount, Campbell said, and not so much what type of investments is chosen.

“Investments are just simply tools to be able to provide certain benefits,” he said. “Most people think of equities for growth potential and CDs for safety. What I originally tell somebody right off the bat is he or she doesn’t necessarily need to make an early financial decision in terms of what products and what types of investments to choose until they determine whether income is needed or not. That will put them in the right direction.”

Income-based decisions If income is needed, then the individual can start thinking in terms of where the best income sources are, he added.

Campbell said with low interest rates and stock market volatility, those making investments for income 26

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

“One of the worst times for an individual is when their significant other passes away. It’s generally an unexpected type of event.”

Aaron Campbell, author of “Never Worry About Retirement Again.” purposes may prefer annuity accounts.

“They provide a source of reliable income, and once that is covered, then you can get into more growth-oriented investments or bonds or whatever else it is you might want to invest money in,” he said.

“The No. 1 key is what investments are you going to choose to put your savings in so that it will ultimately provide the income that is going to provide the lifestyle that you want,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how much money you have. If you don’t have enough income on a monthly basis to meet your lifestyle goals, nothing else really matters.”

In his experience, Campbell said he has met more suddenly single folks who are conservative in their investments rather than eager to make quick returns.

“People may be in situations where they just feel like they are not ready or don’t have enough money,” he said. “Instead of being overaggressive, especially those who are advanced in age, I find maybe they are conservative.”

He said people seek the refuge of bank CDs where returns are minimal “because they feel a level of safety.”

“If you are making a half-percent on $100,000 in savings, that is $500 a year in income,” he said. That’s a problem for people because with inflation, they will find themselves slowly losing purchasing power over the years on a guaranteed basis because there is not enough interest to keep up.”

“That’s probably what we see as the biggest issue instead of taking too much risk,” he said.

Rethinking financial goals “Whether someone needs a financial adviser or not depends on the circumstances they are in,” said

Randy Ziegler, senior financial planner with Ameriprise Financial in Oswego.

“Someone who has a low income or low asset value probably doesn’t need or benefit from a financial adviser relationship,” he said. “But someone who has to make a lot of changes in life and has been forced to make a lot of changes due to becoming suddenly single oftentimes could benefit from a financial adviser relationship if they need to rediscover their own financial goals,” he added.

Regardless of how he or she became suddenly single, the person needs to rethink retirement goals as well as their children’s education goals.

“There may be a lot of different financial issues and goals that arise because of their circumstances that now forces them to rethink what they thought they were going to want from a financial goals standpoint,” he added.

“A financial adviser, given the right set of circumstances for the client, can help the newly single person rediscover their goals and determine what they want to do in the future,” he noted.

Everything changes Ziegler said often in a divorce situation where the couple did have assets, the suddenly single person finds himself or herself with a distribution from the spouse’s retirement account that they have to manage despite not being prepared to do so.

“One of the things about becoming suddenly single as related to retirement might be the need to manage retirement capital as part of the divorce distribution,” Ziegler said.

In a divorce, couples typically have to divide all assets, so there might be a pension plan or a 401K distribution that takes place. “As part of that, the newly single person must make reinvestment decisions as to how to handle those funds. That’s where a financial adviser can help,” he noted.

Also as part of a rebound, the newly single person might need to complete a new cash flow worksheet to determine what their living expenses are going to be like, Ziegler said.

The suddenly single person might have new living arrangements along with a new lifestyle to adjust to, which often means they need to adjust their cash flow to fit that lifestyle, he added.

Ziegler has had many clients who became suddenly single either through death or divorce.

He said the focus for these people should not be strictly on investment products, but rather on what goals they wish to achieve and the investment products that will serve those goals.

“The question is what do we need your investments to do for you in order to meet the type of lifestyle and retirement goals that you have set up relative to your risk tolerance,” he said.

Ziegler said the focus is not so much on various investments such as equities, money market funds or bonds. Rather, it’s how to help the suddenly single person with whatever money and investment capital they do have to structure a plan that fits his or her financial goals.

Ziegler said in many instances, one person in a relationship commonly manages money more than his or her partner. He noted this is not particularly gender-based.

If the person who manages the money dies suddenly without any planning or warning, it leaves the other person to manage the assets and cash flow.

“If that person wasn’t involved on the investment side, he or she will be more conservative and not less,” he said.

“There sometimes are circumstances where I have to help reframe their risk tolerance with them to help them understand when it makes sense to take risk and when it doesn’t,” he said.

Ziegler said normally it makes sense to take more risk with assets over the long term as opposed to a shorter time frame.

Ziegler said a reverse mortgage is always an option for the suddenly single person, particularly if the person has a large equity stake in real estate property. It is also an option if the suddenly single person doesn’t have a lot of other capital to draw from.

A reverse mortgage is a financial instrument that allows seniors to access the equity in their home without income or credit qualifications. Seniors must be a minimum age, live in their own home and have equity in it.

“Typically it is one of the last options I usually look at,” Ziegler said, noting that there are some control issues with the property when a person gets into a reverse mortgage.

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27

55+

cover

Two Hats, One Goal From the operating room to the boardroom, Dr. Arthur Vercillo is doing it all

By Lou Sorendo

W

ith the precision of a s u r g e o n , A r t h u r P. Vercillo handles his role as regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield with the same measure of exactness.

After all, besides being a business executive, he is also a general surgeon.

This unique dual role is being mastered by the Syracuse native.

Since taking over his position in 2009, he has led Excellus BCBS through a nightmarish recession as well as the dawn of major federal healthcare reform.

Besides his professional responsibilities, Vercillo and his wife Melissa raised a family in Fayetteville.

He has spent 31 years as a doctor and is a lifelong resident of Central New York.

“It’s hard to say what is really work and what is social and fun,” he said. “For example, when I am playing tennis with a group of doctors, we’re having a great time and getting exercise. It’s social, fun and makes me healthier. Between sets, we talk about the Affordable Care Act, issues that affect the provider community, the quality of healthcare, or talk about liability. I don’t know; is that work or

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is that play?” Vercillo asked.

“I enjoy every minute of every day and I look forward to coming to work on Mondays and look forward to the weekends,” he said. “There are a lot of overlaps, but there is nothing that I am doing right now that I don’t thoroughly enjoy. I carve out plenty of time for family, and it’s just wonderful.”

In order to combat job-related stress, Vercillo, 59, takes to the outdoors as well as ventures into reading.

Vercillo’s main hobbies involve the outdoors, and it is usually with his wife.

It could be hiking in the Adirondacks, skiing, golfing or playing tennis.

The couple loves the outdoors and sees it as a way to get away from things, enjoy each other’s company and get plenty of exercise.

“I love to read. I set aside time every single day to read,” he said.

Vercillo dives into medical journals and is an editor for two medical journals: American Journal of Managed Care and American Journal of Accountable Care.

“It’s fun to get articles and have the first crack at it and see what makes sense and what doesn’t,” he said.

He is also an avid fan of popular

literature, recently finishing John Grisham’s “Sycamore Row.” He recently reread Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game,” which he first read many years ago.

“Anybody who hasn’t reread that recently, you ought to. It’s a great book,” he said.

He also enjoys the humor of Miami Herald columnist Carl Hiaasen, and also recently read “The Gods of Guilt”

by Michael Connelly.

“Reading is one stress reliever that I’ve got,” he said.

Mind-body connection Vercillo said staying fit and healthy translates well not only in his administrative role but on the front lines as a surgeon.

“I think it is very important. When you are fit and feeling good physically plus feeling good about yourself, these are ways to go forward and have the right attitude to help push through whatever challenges there are that day,” he said. “It helps you lead a team and be a good team member.”

Vercillo said he does not ascribe to any particular diet.

“I can’t say I do the Atkins diet or the Mediterranean diet. What I do is

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include a lot of fruit and vegetables.

I also love fish. Even though I really like red meat, I try to hold back on red meat to maybe once or twice a week,” he said. “I also get a lot of exercise.

I do a lot of outdoor activities and try to play tennis at least every other day. On a good week, I’ll play it every single day.”

In terms of longevity, Vercillo said just as important as length of life is its quality.

“Both are impacted by just enjoying what you do. If you are not enjoying what you do, you need to make a change,” he said. “I look forward to every single day.”

Vercillo said part of enjoying what one does is being with people you really like being with, be it family,

friends or co-workers.

“You have to have a good laugh, including laughing at yourself. Many of the people I work with and the friends I value have a good sense of humor and aren’t afraid to exhibit it,” he said.

Vercillo said he thinks individuals have a lot more control over their personal health than they think.

He noted it is up to individuals as to what food they consume; how much exercise to get; whether to smoke; or whether to wear a seat belt or helmet when on the roadways.

Dual role Approximately 90 percent of what Vercillo does is administrative while 10 percent is clinical.

He takes care of patients in his Liverpool office and also performs surgical procedures to remedy problems. Vercillo specializes in the thyroid gland.

Which does he enjoy the most?

“Whichever I’m doing at the time,” he said.

“When I am seeing patients in the office, I just love it,” he said. “It’s an honor and privilege to be allowed into that part of a person’s life. It’s something that I respect and it is just an incredible experience for me. I love my interactions with patients.”

“You can walk into a restaurant and someone calls you over and asks, ‘Do you remember me? You took care of me 15 years ago and I want to introduce you to my family.’ What a

Precise Approach Dr. Arthur P. Vercillo a tactician in both operating, boardroom

A

rthur P. Vercillo applies the same philosophy as a general surgeon that he does as regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

“With any issue that comes up, I like to think of it in terms of risks, benefits and options,” Vercillo said.

“This is how I speak to all my patients before an operation is done so that decisions can be made with everybody having their eyes wide open.”

He said the same analysis is used when decisions are made at Excellus BCBS: determine the pros, the cons, and what are the options.

“I make sure that the right resources are expended to look into each of those issues and then when a decision is made and you pull the trigger, you live with it, you learn from it and you adjust according to it,” he added. “It’s like constantly trimming your sails. You have to do what is going to be best.”

“If the decision is not going to get you exactly where you want, make the necessary adjustments. There is always work to be done that can make 30

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it better,” he said.

Vercillo said it is critical to trust in your team. “ Yo u a l w a y s h e a r a b o u t surrounding yourself with good people. You can’t just surround yourself with them, you have to turn them loose and let them do what they are so good at doing. Don’t hold them back and tell them everything that needs to be done,” he said.

“Get a good team, give them freedom and make the decisions and go forward. This is my philosophy whether I’m dealing with patients in the office, issues in the building at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield or policy issues that are in the community,” he noted.

“I think one should always leave things a little better than you found them,” he said. “It can’t be guesswork.

You have to be willing to do your homework, do the research, do an analysis and then come up with the best possible plan.”

Thoughts on retirement “I am just so happy with what I’m doing now, the time I’m spending with

my family, and the goals that we are achieving here locally,” the 59-year-old Vercillo said. “All of this makes it so that retirement seems like something far in the future.”

“But I also know this. The time is going to come and very few people who go into retirement regret it. So it’s something that needs to be done in a thoughtful, planned out way,” he said.

Although Vercillo is not in the process of retiring, he has already been doing the kind of things to be prepared to retire.

Vercillo has worked with a financial adviser to make sure everything will be in order from a financial standpoint.

He has also already selected a location in Florida where he will spend roughly 50 percent of his time there in retirement and the other half in Central New York.

“I’m putting the pieces in place for an eventual retirement just so it’s not going to be a dramatic, traumatic experience. However, I’m not ready to go there quite yet,” he said.

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wonderful thing that is,” he said in terms of the gratification he receives as a physician.

The level of passion is no different when he changes roles.

‘When I take off the white coat and when I’m in the boardroom or with a group of employees, it’s great. I love it. It’s different,” he said.

“When I am here in the building with 1,000 employees, I’m taking advantage of that time because I spent the last 25 years one-on-one with somebody and that other person is asleep under anesthesia,” he joked. “I want to take advantage of the fact that I have 1,000 people who are awake and interactive here in the building.”

One would think a top executive at Excellus BCBS would have the ultimate health care policy.

“I’ve got a great policy. It is the same policy that is available to all the thousands of employees of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and the same policy that is available to tens of thousands of people throughout Upstate New York,” he said.

Vercillo has a “healthy rewards” component to his policy that allots him $500 for eating well and getting exercise.

“I do not have anything special that is not available to anyone else out there,” he said. “I take advantage of it.

It’s great and obviously a lot of people in Upstate New York take advantage of these products and that’s why our uninsured rate is only around 8 percent.”

Long lineage of doctors B o t h Ve rc i l l o ’ s p a re n t s a re doctors, although in different fields of medicine. His mother was more involved in public health and dealing with children, while his father is a retired surgeon.

He said having that exposure while growing up allowed him to see the good and bad associated with the profession, what the challenging hours were like along with the rewards.

Vercillo said he is probably one of a few doctors who have both a mother and daughter who are doctors as well.

His mother, Margaret S. Vercillo, who is retired, practiced emergency medicine before becoming medical

Art Vercillo and his wife, Melissa, in a local fundraising event in 2013.

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director of the Syracuse office of Mutual of New York Life Insurance Company.

She also was the first female medical director of the Syracuse City School system.

His father, retired surgeon Arthur A. Vercillo, was long-time chairman of the department of surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse.

Vercillo’s daughter Tally represents the third consecutive generation of physicians in the Vercillo family.

She is in the midst of a five-year residency program at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

She intends on being a head and neck surgeon.

“With all three of my kids, there were times they would come in and make rounds with me at the hospital.

They were always around at the dinner table when a phone call came in about an emergency. All three had virtually the same exposure,” he said. “There was one [Tally] who just couldn’t get enough, and she went into medicine.”

“There was one [Charlie] who wanted nothing to do with it at all, and he is in law school,” Vercillo said.

“And there is one [Meg Vercillo Lewis] who found it interesting but it wasn’t what she wanted to do. She has gone into communications and does a lot of things with healthcare policy.”

Regardless of their exposure, Vercillo insists that youngsters have

Colleagues shed praise on surgeon, top Excellus BCBS administrator

to find their own path.

“Whatever it is, we were going to support them. I’m just happy as can be that all three have found rewarding careers and are very happy,” he said.

Other physicians in the Vercillo family tree date back to the Civil War. “Whether you are male or female, it’s just a wonderful field to be in,” he said.

“But you got to like it, enjoy being with people, and enjoy finding a challenge and finding a solution to it,” he said. “You’ve got to be there when things don’t always go the way you want. You’ve got to be there. That’s the field.”

him as my friend and he deserves all of the success he has achieved.”

Thomas Greenwood, real estate agent/friend, Syracuse

By Lou Sorendo Many healthcare professionals have shared experiences while working with Arthur P. Vercillo, a general surgeon and regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

“Art has chosen an unusual path in that he continues to have an active surgical practice while being a senior administrator in a very successful, nonprofit health insurance company.

He brings the unique perspective of a practicing physician to the complex world of health insurance, which closes the credibility gap on both sides.

“Art brings a positive, ‘can do’ attitude to both his surgical practice and administrative role. He listens, communicates effectively, and is very team oriented. He has excellent people skills and appreciates the importance of being out in the community to build relationships. He is a respected leader among physicians and served as president of the Onondaga County Medical Society from 2005-2006.”

Colleen O’Leary, anesthesiologist, SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse.

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“I have spent a lot of time with Art serving on assorted committees and boards and have always been so impressed with his ability to understand issues, articulate the positions and move the process forward. He is a natural-born leader who is able to reach consensus.

“He possesses natural intelligence, is amiable, and has great people skills.”

Bob Weisenthal, ophthalmologist and surgeon, CNY Eye Care “Art has been my friend for over 40 years. He is very well rounded, excelling in sports, business, science and most importantly, family and friends. He is competent, level-headed and knows his priorities.

“He takes good care of his family and has an exceptional relationship with his wife and three children. In addition, no matter what level of success he achieves, he never forgets his friends. He wants them to benefit from his success as well.

“Art is a lifelong learner and is always willing to accept challenges and try new ideas. I am proud to have

“I first met Art and his wife Melissa years ago, when our daughters were tennis partners on the FayettevilleManlius girls’ tennis team. He impressed me as someone who had his priorities straight as a family man: He came to every game and was a fully enthusiastic parent.

“I don’t know Art as a surgeon, but I love that he has maintained his practice even as he fulfills his role as Excellus BCBS regional president.

I’m confident that he’s fully present when it’s game on in the operating room. Also, because of his up-to-date experience there, he brings a valuable perspective to his role as a healthcare leader.

“I’ve sat with Art on the HealtheConnections board for some years now and have recently joined the local Excellus BCBS board. In those boardrooms, again and again, I’ve been impressed with Art’s thoughtful, measured participation.

He’s one knowledgeable, smart guy.

Furthermore, he’s open to different opinions and is able to listen and adjust his position to move an issue forward.”

Anne Messenger, friend/ colleague, Syracuse

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The Vercillos, from left: Arthur, Tally, Charlie, Meg Vercillo Lewis and Melissa. Photo was taken at a family wedding in Chicago in 2006. Â

Art Vercillo at a Glance

Around 1980 while a medical student.

Birth date: Nov. 18, 1954 Birthplace: Syracuse Current position: Regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Current residence: Fayetteville Education: Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Syracuse University; Doctor of Medicine degree from SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse; intern and surgical resident at St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Hartford, Conn.; surgical research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard University, Boston.

Affiliations: Academic appointments in the departments of general surgery and otolaryngology at SUNY Upstate Medical University; past president of the Onondaga County Medical Society; member of the American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, Medical Society of the State of New York, Onondaga County Medical Society, American Society of General Surgeons, Society of Laparoscopic Surgery, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Hernia Society and the American College of Physician Executives; named to the editorial board of the American Journal of Managed Care in 2013 and the American Journal of Accountable Care in 2014; serves on the boards of Arc of Onondaga, HealtheConnections, Success By 6, the SUNY Oswego MBA in Health Services Administration program and the Syracuse City Ballet Personal: Wife Melissa and three adult children: Meg Vercillo Lewis, Tally Vercillo and Charlie Vercillo Hobbies: Tennis, hiking, skiing, golfing, reading April / May 2014 - 55 PLUS

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Vercillo: Why Health Insurance Premiums Continue to Rise

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hy do health insurance rates continue to increase year in and year out?

According to physician Arthur P. Vercillo, regional president for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the industry continues to see an increased use of health care services.

In addition, there is a trend toward higher payments for many of those medical goods and services that together are driving the increased cost for coverage, he said.

“We aren’t immune to national trends in health care cost increases,” he said. “With access to new drugs, new technologies and advancements

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The Affordable Care Act also impacts Excellus BCBS rates.

The ACA expands coverage, broadens benefits and changes the way insurers calculate premiums.

In New York state, communityrated products for small groups and individuals must contain what the state has determined to be “essential benefits,” Vercillo noted.

“Because of these changes, most community-rated products were discontinued and replaced with new products that meet the

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new requirements,” he said. “The ACA does not reduce the cost of health care. In some cases, it will increase the amount people are paying for coverage because of new mandatory benefits and the addition of new taxes and fees.”

According to Forbes, New York is among a handful of states that will enjoy average premium reductions under Obamacare.

“Most, but not all, of these states had heavily-regulated individual insurance markets prior to Obamacare, and will therefore benefit from Obamacare’s subsidies, and especially its requirement that everyone purchase health insurance or pay a fine,” Forbes reports.

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golden years

By Harold Miller Email: hal@cny55.com

You Gotta Have Skin in the Game A road map for readers to join the club of centurions, those who plan to have an active, fulfilling life until the century mark or beyond

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here is controversy as to whether or not fabled billionaire investor Warren Buffet coined the phrase “skin in the game.” In any event, he likes executives in companies in which he invests to have their own funds (skin) invested in their firms. Skin in the game has become a metaphor for being committed to something through emotional, financial or bodily commitment. This well-worn phrase has been expanded to the athletic and political world — and every human endeavor. In other words — borrowing from a currently popular euphemism — if you want to talk the talk, walk the walk.

As I enter the octogenarian years, my perspective on life is changing.

Having survived a grievous gunshot wound (I was DOA at the hospital but a surgeon brought me back to life as a result of a medical procedure learned in the Korean War), motorcycle crash, colon cancer and recently my second hip replacement, apparently I have outlasted the great reaper for now. I am truly the bionic man with ceramic joints, titanium bones and titanium mesh holding my abdomen together. Yet I am stronger than ever and more active than ever.

Daughter Marcia (who is a physical therapist) says I have pretty much exhausted my nine lives but there is no reason why I cannot live an active life for many more years — as long as I continue my regimen of exercise and physical therapy.

In reality I am the product of miraculous modern day medicine that is poised to extend our lives past the century mark — if we are able 36

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‘I am truly the bionic man with ceramic joints, titanium bones and titanium mesh holding my abdomen together. Yet I am stronger than ever and more active than ever.’ to invest some skin in the game.

Anthony Atala is a director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in North Carolina. His laboratory produces artificial bones, skin, cartilage, ears and even human organs.

He does this with the aid of an inkjet printer whose cartridges are filled, not with ink, but with human cells. This machine arranges microscopically thin layers from a variety of body cells and biomaterials, yielding complicated patterns that can be brought to life.

A useable outer ear takes seven hours; a kidney takes a whole day.

Unlike the ear, the kidney is not yet implantable; however, replacement organs are going to be a scientific fact. This will mark the biggest medical revolution in the history of mankind: an end to waiting for donor organs and the beginning of an era in which organ failure no longer means a death sentence.

If you would like to join our club of centurions, those who plan to have an active, fulfilling

life until the century mark or beyond, here is a roadmap.

• Cast away anything that will automatically shorten your life. Cigarettes, obesity and over indulgence in any substance are the major factors.

• Sensible diet. A well balanced diet is the key to a long life. There are endless pamphlets, magazines, and articles on this subject — or just Google “healthy diet.”

• Regular bodily exercise: walking, biking, swimming, body building at the gym, anything that will stimulate the heart and increase blood circulation for at least 30 minutes a day. Wife Janet walks for an hour almost every morning at 7 a.m. (it helps we spend our winters in Florida), usually with neighbors or friends (gossiping all the way). I work out at the gym building muscles that will take the strain off of my joints, bike and swim at least four times a week.

• Regular mental exercise.

Writing this column (and others), writing books — including the reading and research that goes with it — and playing word games with my wife almost every afternoon does it for us. Physiologists believe that this is a major factor toward offsetting dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The brain is much like a muscle. If you do not exercise it regularly, it will atrophy.

Life is a blessing that should never be wasted or prematurely ended if at all possible. Life is indeed a game you should play with body and soul or a game you sit on the sidelines and watch. You choose.

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Giving it His MOST

Larry Leatherman recognized for his work in educating children on science, technology, engineering and mathematics

By Matthey Liptak

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he president of Syracuse’s Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), Larry Leatherman, took home SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Feinstone Award for his work in educating children on science, technology, engineering and mathematics in late 2013.

The annual award is given to a recipient chosen in the United States who cares for the environment, encourages volunteerism and adds to society’s understanding of environmental issues and their solutions. A committee made up of SUNY ESF staff and members of the college foundation’s board of directors decided to focus this year on somebody who has contributed to STEM education (science, technology,

engineering and math). Leatherman was selected.

“I think it’s great because those that made the decision to select me are looking at the importance of STEM education and getting kids involved,” Leatherman said. “It important. It’s important for our country. It’s very important for this community as well.”

“I think Syracuse is tremendously lucky to have a dynamic leader such as Larry as part of our community,” said Brenda Greenfield, executive director of the ESF College Foundation Inc. “At ESF, we understand that early exposure to science can help spark an interest that leads to a successful career. The work Larry is doing will help light that spark, not just for the children of today, but for many generations to come.”

Larry Leatherman, the president of Syracuse’s Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), has been honored for his role in educating children.

Leatherman was on the board of directors of the MOST from 1997-2004. He took on the job of running the MOST in 2004, only three days after retiring from Bristol Myers Squibb.

Leatherman’s spark for science was lighted over half a century ago, when, in about the fifth grade and living in Kalamazoo, Mich., he was a member of a group called the JETS Club, an acronym for junior, engineering, technology and science.

“I was interested in science at the time,” Leatherman said. “The April / May 2014 - 55 PLUS

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Leatherman was on the board of directors of the MOST from 1997-2004. He took on the job of running the MOST in 2004. club raised money. We went out and did a paper drive in the days when you collected people’s newspapers.

You put them in somebody’s garage.

You filled the garage and then you sold them to a recycler that gave you so much per ton. We raised enough money to take the train to Chicago.

I think there were six kids or so. We spent the day in the Museum of Science and Industry. It’s the largest science museum in the U.S.”

Inspiration strikes The museum, at about 1 million square feet or the size of 10 MOSTs, made a huge impression on young Leatherman. He decided then and there that he wanted to be an engineer.

That is what he went on to do.

He got a degree in biochemical engineering and went to work for Bristol Myers Squibb. For most of his 37-year career there, he worked in Syracuse. Leatherman was part of the group within the company that spearheaded the donation of the Bristol IMAX Omnitheater to the MOST. Leatherman was on the board of directors of the MOST from 1997-2004.

He took on the job of running the MOST in 2004, only three days after 38

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retiring from Bristol Myers Squibb.

The role of president came to him after a six-month search for a candidate proved fruitless elsewhere.

Today, at 69, Leatherman doesn’t seem to know his own age. Perhaps his organization’s visitors are rubbing off on him.

“When my parents were my age, they were old,” he said.

The soft-spoken museum president stays young at heart with around 150,000 visitors to the museum each year, most of them children. One of the regular visitors is his granddaughter.

“She started coming here when she was about 2, maybe,” Leatherman said.

“She could barely talk when she first started coming here. My wife brings her down maybe once every few weeks or so. She now calls me grandpa but at first she called me pa-pa. She said ‘Papa, my heart is so happy when I come to the MOST.’ That’s something—to hear that from your granddaughter.”

Revitalizing the MOST Leatherman and the rest of the MOST staff have worked hard to make the museum accessible and vital to children of all ages. The work has paid off for Leatherman’s grandchild and

the thousands of other kids who enjoy the facility and exhibits.

But it hasn’t been easy. Leatherman expected to be able to accomplish all that he wanted for the organization in four years, he said. He’s been president for about nine years though and hasn’t reached all the goals he set.

A new capital campaign began in 2005. The museum set its sites on raising $8.9 million for new permanent exhibits, operational costs and an endowment. The six permanent exhibits are geology, the climbing structure, “Techno-town,” life sciences, flight and space, and energy.

“Of the $8.9 million we were trying to raise we got to about $5-$6 million pretty quickly,” Leatherman said. “Then in late 2008, the whole damn world economy collapsed. Our capital campaign pretty much came to a grinding halt.”

The campaign was put on hold because donors weren’t able to offer funding like they used to be able to. They have raised the majority though — $7.2 million. It’s been enough for all but one of the six new permanent exhibits to be constructed.

The missing piece is the energy exhibit that Leatherman estimates will take $500,000 to $750,000 to complete.

Though the MOST has kept some of its old exhibits that it considers classics, the main emphasis has been on its new exhibits made possible by the capital campaign. There are 300 exhibits now at the MOST, Leatherman said.

Leatherman and the rest of the staff love working with and for the kids who come to the MOST but the children can be some of the most demanding patrons there are, at least when it comes to the exhibits.

“I’ll tell you one thing, kids are pretty good at wrecking stuff,” Leatherman said. “You can never kidproof everything.”

Peter Plumley, the MOST’s exhibit project manager, agrees. He undertakes the challenge of designing durable interactive science exhibits with Leatherman.

“We didn’t know how hard kids would be on the exhibits,” Plumley said. “Everything we designed and built for the first exhibit was broken in a month. We have learned so much over the last seven years. Now everything is built to handle any kind of conditions.”

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aging

By Marilyn L. Pinsky

Help When You Need It

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hink of yourself as suddenly being required to be a caregiver.

We can be surrounded by information to help us in our time of need, but until we actually have the need for that information, it just doesn’t stick in our heads. Then when the time does come, we are often so overwhelmed, that we forget that help exists.

Cynthia Stevenson hears that lament often. She is the director of the Caregiver Services Program at the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services.

Even though the program tries to publicize its services so people will reach out to it early, often it isn’t until caregivers reach the end of their rope that they call.

Let me introduce you to Cynthia Stevenson, one of my heroines (in a previous life she was one of the founders of the Alzheimers Association of CNY) and learn what the program offers.

According to Stevenson, there are

three critical factors that make for a successful caregiving experience: 1 — Education, Information and Training 2 — Support 3 — Respite “In the Caregiver Services Program we provide those important pieces in a number of different ways,” says Stevenson. “Just by calling our office and explaining your situation and what your needs are, you can receive referral and consultation right over the phone. We’ll provide recommendations and contact information about appropriate programs and services in the community and give you guidance in decision making. Our staff serves as a safety net, providing additional information and support on an ongoing basis or only as often as requested.”

“We also offer more hands-on and personal educational services,” Stevenson said. “Our popular Institute for Caregivers (I Care) is an education program that offers 16 or so free classes

Cynthia Stevenson (right) consulting with Mayra Orsini of Syracuse, caregiver to both parents.

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each spring and fall on a wide variety of topics helpful to family caregivers.

We sponsor these classes jointly with the CNY chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. I Care classes are taught by local experts in their respective fields who offer their services pro bono and they are held at various sites throughout the city and county.”

“For the many working caregivers who are only free on their lunch hour, we can bring the program to the workplace with speakers on a variety of topics for noontime ‘Caregivers in the Workplace’ presentations.”

“Additionally, our Caregiver Services staff is available for staff training for aging care organizations and facilities. We also do presentations to a variety of community organizations on topics of aging, caregiving and what community resources are available.”

The second leg of the three essentials to being a successful caregiver is support, and here the Caregiver Services program offers five options.

“The first,” said Stevenson, “is providing a professional aging specialist who facilitates three caregiver discussion groups. The groups offer support in making changes in one’s personal caregiving practice, information, decision-making skills and an opportunity to connect with others in similar circumstances.

There are two groups that meet bimonthly and two groups that meets monthly in senior residences.”

“Our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, known as RAPP (Relatives As Parents Program) is a support and education group facilitated by a social worker that provides education programs and social activities for grandparents and grandchildren three times each month.”

“A common issue we find,” said Stevenson, “is what happens within

families when there is a need for care for a loved one. Often the children live all over the country and total responsibility seems to fall on one person, who themselves may be working and have their own family responsibilities. The Family Caregiver Planning Program, facilitated by a staff person who is a mediator, offers freeof-charge family meetings to discuss caregiving issues and challenges within the family, resolve conflicts and arrive at agreements that are shared in written form with each family member.”

“Second, we offer Finding Your Way with Parkinson’s groups that meet monthly and are facilitated by volunteer professionals in the aging field. Each meeting offers a speaker on a topic of interest to both the patient with Parkinson’s disease, or other movement disorders, and the family care partners, as well as time for sharing and support for both. These groups meet at senior residences.”

“The third essential is respite and in this area we work with social day programs in the community. While the patient receives supervision, meals, mental and physical exercise, socialization and meaningful activities, the family caregivers receive respite and information.”

“Another important option is short-term respite, available from a home care agency that brings a professional companion caregiver into the home. This service is available on a sliding fee scale and gives the family caregiver some time away for personal activities.”

There is a wonderful program beginning in May called Catering to Caregivers. In a nice collaboration between business and government, the Onondaga County Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services is hosting a choice of a free luncheon or dinner for caregivers at three different senior residences, providing an opportunity to relax and be recognized for all they do. Reservations may be made by calling Cherry at 315-435-2362 or by email at cherrylamb@ongov.net.

The Caregiver Services program o ff e re d b y O n o n d a g a C o u n t y government is free of charge to county residents. Information is available on the department’s website at ongov.net.

Check your local county Office for the Aging to see what might be available in your area.

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How Divorce Can Affect Your Social Security Benefit

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Savvy Senior: Get Paid for Being a Family Caregiver Study: Rate of Divorce Among 50+ Has Doubled

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Local Retirees Enjoy Playing Santa Rod Wood: 50 Years of Broadcasting

PLUS

PLUS Issue 48 December 2013 / January 2014

Issue 49 February / March 2014

For Active Adults in Central New York

For Active Adults in Central New York

Mr. Meals on Wheels

Mason Kaufman celebrating 30 years with Meals of Wheels of Syracuse, the last 20 as its leader

BRUCE COVILLE

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Author of ‘My Teacher is an Alien’ gets ready to write four more books — on top of the 103 he already wrote. Find out what keeps this former Wetzel Road Elementary School teacher going

What Empty Nest? Adult Children Returning Home in Droves

Savvy Senior: Resources for Older Job Seekers

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JFK ASSASSINATION 50 YEARS AGO STILL BRINGS DEEP EMOTIONS

Jim Sollecito ‘My Arctic Adventure’ If you think a bad break- up is embarrassing at 20, try it at 55.

See inside

PLUS

Issue 47 October / November 2013

PLUS

For Active Adults in Centra New York

$25 MILLION GIFT TO CNY A year-old foundation in Oswego making donations to enhance life in CNY

Meet Fred Wilson, CNY’s New Fitness Guru Saving On Energy Bills: Tips from ACCES Pickleball: The Biggest Unheard-of Sport

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55+

history

Oneida Lake:

a Historical Perspective Utican captures the rich history of one of New York’s storied waterways

By Patricia J. Malin

F

renchman’s Island, Poddygut Bay, Fort Brewerton, Eddie’s Restaurant, Russell’s Danceland, Flo’s Diner, pirates, steamboats, George Scriba, shipwrecks, salmon runs, walleyes, ice fishing, logjams, eel trapping, cutting ice, and the Midway at Sylvan Beach.

By now, you might have guessed that we’re referring to historic sites, people and images associated with Oneida Lake.

Do you know Oneida Lake is the largest body of water in New York state—79.8 square miles—and the only one completely within the state’s borders?

It is roughly 26 miles east to west and three miles north to south. Located northeast of Syracuse, the lake touches four counties and encompasses 12 towns and villages in the heart of central New York.

From its original settlements by Native Americans; its lore from the French and Indian War; its strategic importance during the American Revolution; the growth of its retail establishments and entertainment

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venues in the Gilded Age, Prohibition and later wartime; its hatcheries that still enable world-class fishing; its tempestuous storms; to the endless tall tales (fish tales, too); all this and more have kept Jack Henke engulfed in research throughout his life.

Even though it might suffer an inferiority complex when compared with its illustrious cousins, the upscale wine-producing, tourist-driven Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake is considered a “poor man’s resort” or a blue-collar destination — ­­ it has a fascinating history of its own.

Henke, 62, is a native of Utica, but over the last 40 years he has become an adopted son of Brookfield, a hamlet south of Utica in Madison County.

He taught history at Brookfield Central School for 30 years prior to his retirement in June 2011.

His bookworm tendencies led him to obtain a master’s degree in library science from Syracuse University in 2008. He works as a substitute librarian at New Hartford Public Library and Jervis Library in Rome. He is also a part-time reference librarian in New

Hartford. He enjoys the challenge of answering questions from library guests.

“I like to think I can offer friendly service and make you feel welcome,” he said.

When he isn’t working or fishing, he gives presentations to the public on Oneida Lake history.

Looking for the connection “It’s the neatest thing. I love connecting people with knowledge,” he said of his motivation in writing the books. “Everybody wants a connection.”

Henke has spent years researching original material for his books. He pored over newspaper archives, interviewed town historians, read original diaries, traced genealogical records, translated source material in French, and tracked down individuals whose families contributed to Oneida Lake’s culture over the last century. He has penned three books on the lake’s history, along with various other nonfiction books.

His first book, “Sylvan Beach, New York, on the Lake Oneida: a History” or “Tales of the Vienna Woods” originated as an independent project while he was a senior at Hamilton College in Clinton.

Henke earned his undergraduate

degree in history in 1972. He received a master’s degree in teaching from Brown University in 1973.

“Snow falls steadily at Sylvan Beach, lending an impressionist’s veil to a walk through the village,” he wrote on his first day of research on Jan. 1, 1972. This book was finally published in January 1975.

“Oneida Lake — Place Names and History” (February 1989) details the origin of the names of communities, bays, points and even underwater reefs that are found throughout the lake’s basin. Poddygut Bay, for instance, got its name around 1900, Henke related, from fish pirates who noted its “beer belly shape.”

“From the Beach to Brewerton: Stories of Oneida Lake” was published in September 2004. One learns Brewerton was established as a British fort at the western terminus of the lake in the early 1700s. It was named after a British major who served in the French and Indian War. Henke said Brewerton and the Oneida carry at Wood Creek outside Rome (Fort Stanwix, another British fort) at the eastern end were bookends guarding Oneida Lake. This was a strategic water route for all travelers heading from New York City to the western frontier before and after the Revolutionary War. It was bypassed with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825.

Scriba makes impact Henke devoted a chapter of his Sylvan Beach book to visionary businessman and major landowner George Scriba. Quoting from Scriba’s diary, he noted that in 1794, Scriba (who founded Constantia, nee Rotterdam) received a patent for 525,000 acres of land between the north shore of Oneida Lake and the southwest shore of Lake Ontario.

He set up a number of businesses, laid out townships and attracted settlers, and traded goods with the Indians. He dreamed of a canal to connect his towns and ease transportation, but the War of 1812 and assorted other economic calamities drained him of his fortune.

In his diary, Scriba also delved into the legend of DesWattines, a French nobleman-traveler whom he detested.

Yet the former’s exploits led to the naming of “Frenchman’s Island.”

As a city boy, Henke never

anticipated the impact the lake would have on his adult life.

He credited his neighbor in Utica’s Cornhill, Tom Fuoco, a b u t c h e r, w i t h introducing him to fishing at Oneida Lake in 1967.

It’s funny, but I can remember every detail of that d a y, ” H e n k e emphasized. “ We c a u g h t three walleyes and a number of jack perch and I was hooked, no pun intended.”

He also picked up tips from his father and grandfather during fishing trips to Canadarago Lake in Otsego County.

Somehow, it was Oneida Lake that managed to steal his heart. In his book on Oneida Lake place names, he confessed that he maintained a tradition of taking his mother to dinner every Easter Sunday at Pier 31 restaurant.

“I was fascinated by the migrating birds,” Henke wrote, and the “glorious displays of light and color” at sunset on Verona Beach and Sylvan Beach.

Some of his later books came about naturally during a day’s “work” as a fishing guide. He is a longtime board member and a former president of the Oneida Lake Association. The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame named him outdoorsman of the year in 2003.

Rich resource “I think my message in the books is that Oneida Lake is an incredibly invaluable place,” he said. “It has a heritage that has brought riches to central New York. Its aesthetics, the quality of its fishing, the quality of its beaches and its shoreline have pumped the economy and brought tens of thousands of people here every year. But it’s a product that has to be preserved and protected.”

Henke was a hands-on teacher who believed in making history come

Jack Henke has written books about Sylvan Beach and Oneida Lake.

alive for his social studies students.

Between 1990 and 2011, he and his classes compiled several history books.

In “Across The Distance: Letters and Documents of Veterans of World War II” (2004), students interviewed veterans from the Brookfield-Waterville area and published letters they had sent from the front to their families at home.

Later classes published the recollections of local Vietnam War veterans and a history of the Madison County Fair. Not surprisingly, he passed along his fishing knowledge by taking his students to Oneida Lake.

He has a new Oneida Lake book in progress. However, while it will likely delve into history, Henke said he has neither developed a theme nor a title.

He is also working on the history of Zion Lutheran Church in Utica.

Though Henke’s books draw on documents long hidden away in dusty files, they come alive with an abundance of colorful writing, especially from those who preceded him.

On page 273 of “From the Beach to Brewerton,” he quotes from a 19th-century newspaper dispatcher: “Oneida Lake has a rhythm in every day and every season, almost like a heartbeat. And when you spend your life with the lake, as these old fishermen and I have, you come to realize its rhythms and yours are the same.”

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consumers corner

By Eva Briggs, M.D.

CLL Strikes People Over 45 the Most Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common form of leukemia in adults in western countries

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wo of my immediate family members, my father and my brother, died from complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This bone marrow cancer causes stem cells — precursors of mature blood cells — to churn out too many lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in fighting infection. The excess lymphocytes produced in CLL are abnormal and less efficient than normal lymphocytes, placing affected people at increased risk of infection.

And as the disease progresses, the abnormal cells in the bone marrow crowd out cells that produce red blood cells and platelets leading to anemia, bruising and abnormal bleeding.

CLL typically strikes people over age 45, and most patients are over 60.

It’s the most common form of leukemia in adults in western countries, though it’s rare in Asia. About 17,000 cases occur in the US each year. Men are affected more often than women.

CLL usually develops slowly and

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many patients live with the disease for years before requiring treatment.

The elevated white blood cell count of CLL is often discovered when a blood count is checked for some other reason. In fact, up to half of all people with CLL have no symptoms when the disease is found. In a small percentage of patients, CLL transforms into an aggressive form of lymphoma (solid tumor of the lymph nodes).

T h e c a u s e o f C L L re m a i n s unknown. It’s very unusual for it to occur in families, but if there is an environmental trigger it hasn’t yet been discovered.

As CLL advances, symptoms begin to develop. The abnormal lymphocytes can enlarge the lymph nodes, liver and spleen. These enlarged organs can cause a decreased appetite or make patients feel full after eating only a small amount. Even though there are lots of white blood cells, they are ineffective, leaving patients vulnerable to recurrent infections.

Many patients become fatigued and experience night sweats.

Bruising and bleeding occur in later stages.

When CLL is suspected, additional tests confirm the diagnosis. A bone marrow biopsy using a needle to obtain a sample of the bone marrow can be examined under a microscope.

Flow cytometry involves suspending the marrow cells in fluid and passing them through an advanced detection device to sort and count them. Ultrasound demonstrates whether the liver and spleen are

enlarged.

Patients with mid or early disease often don’t need treatment, because the disease progresses slowly, chemotherapy has side effects and treats but doesn’t cure CLL. Criteria for treatment include weight loss greater than 10 percent over six months, extreme fatigue, fever from the leukemia for more than two weeks, night sweats for more than a month, worsening anemia or low platelets, severe enlargement of the spleen or lymph nodes, and rapidly increasing blood lymphocyte levels.

There are a number of chemotherapy regimens for CLL. The only known cure is a bone marrow transplant. But the best timing for transplant remains unknown. And because CLL strikes older people, many CLL patients are too frail for to undergo bone marrow transplantation.

Even though the immune system in CLL patients isn’t very good at doing what it’s supposed to do — combatting infection — paradoxically many CLL patients develop autoimmune problems. Their immune system attacks their own red blood cells, platelets, skin, nerves, or other body systems. Prednisone often helps, though it’s fraught with many side effects.

The good news is that new therapies continue to be investigated, and perhaps someday we’ll have more effective treatments for CLL.

Eva Briggs is a medical doctor who works at two urgent care centers (Central Square and Fulton) operated by Oswego Health.

Bennett Manor Apartments

Letter to the Editor

Senior Housing (Elderly and/or Disabled)

Reader Disagrees with Columnist on Climate Change Dear Editor I enjoy 55 PLUS magazine and was impressed with the scope of articles in the most recent issue.

I am disappointed, however, that you would publish a column that reflects such a lack of understanding of the issues of climate change. It is unfortunate that the term ‘global warming’ was initially used to describe climate change, since those who refuse to recognize the problem are able, as 55 PLUS columnist Harold Miller does, to assume that, because there are places where it is exceptionally cold this year, global warming is a scam.

In fact, the overall world temperatures continue to rise. The majority of scientists agree with that and, as indicated in a report published by the UN last September, these scientists are 95 percent certain that at least half of climate change over the last 50 years is the result of human activity, the most certain they have ever been.

I refer you and Mr. Miller to the report on the British climber Jonathan Conville, missing on the Matterhorn since 1979, whose remains were recently revealed as a result of the melting of a glacier. One report ends: “As Alpine glaciers melt due to global warming, the remains of

long-lost climbers have increasingly emerged from the shrinking mountain ice.”

You may also want to listen to a recent discussion on the Diane Rehm Show on the implications of a world without snow. Although the complete disappearance of snow is unlikely, it is diminishing and snowpack and glaciers are shrinking, both of which are contributing to the reduction of water supplies in many parts of the world, including the American southwest.

Part of the introduction online reads, “Climatologists report that since 1970 the rate of warming per decade is three times what it was for the previous 75 years.”

I am not an expert, but I would recommend that you find one who can give the correct information to your readers. Without a true recognition and understanding of what is happening to our world, what human actions have and are causing, and what we can each do to make and encourage our leaders to make change, our world is headed towards a future we can scarcely imagine.

Sincerely, Andrea Latchem

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April / May 2014 - 55 PLUS

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visits

10 Things to Do in Hawaii, the Sunshine State

By Sandra Scott

H

awaii is like no other state for it is truly America’s “Islands in the Sun.” It is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is of Polynesian heritage.

There are only seven inhabited islands with each offering unforgettable great experiences. In 1778 the English explorer, Captain James Cook, visited the Hawaiian Islands and is thought to be the first European to do so. He

Arizona Memorial

named them the Sandwich Islands in honor of the Earl of Sandwich. At first Cook and his crew were treated as deities but when one of the crew died showing that they were mere mortals the relationship deteriorated and Cook was killed. A monument in Kealakekua Bay, which is a great snorkeling spot, by the way, commemorates the event.

Hawaii became the 50TH state Aug. 21, 1959.

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Pearl Harbor: The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument is the place to learn about the beginning and end of World War II. A 23-minute documentary in the Pacific Memorial Theater relates the attack on Dec. 7, 1941 that led to the United States declaring war. Visitors then proceed to the memorial built over the sunken Arizona. The recently refurbished battleship Missouri, the site of Japan’s official surrender to the United States that ended World War II, is accessed via a shuttle bus to Ford Island. There are many displays and monuments.

Polynesian Cultural Center: The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a trip to villages in Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, New Zealand and Samoa, where visitors can learn about the various cultures and participate in a variety of activities. Be along the river to see the colorful canoe pageant.

At 5 p.m. head to the Hale Ku’ai for a fabulous luau. After dinner there is time to amble over to the evening show, “Ha: Breath of Life,” which is a circle of life story.

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Snorkeling and diving: Enjoy the colorful underwater parade of fish, including the bright yellow tangs and the humu-humu-nukua’pua’a, the Hawaiian state fish. Dive above a turtle cleaning station where the surgeon fish clean the algae off the turtles. The most exiting snorkel trip is the night dive with the manta rays. There are plenty of companies on all the islands that offer diving and snorkel trips.

Whale watching: Every winter, from December to May, the humpback whales make the journey from Alaska to the warm waters around Hawaii to bear their young. They put on a great show of breaching, fin slapping and tail waving. While these behemoths of the sea can be 40 to 45 feet in length, weigh up to 40 tons and can eat a ton of food a day they can leap nearly their body length out of the water. It is best to take a whale-watching boat tour.

Surfing: The surf is always up in Hawaii. The North Shore of Oahu is known for its big waves especially during the winter but surfers will find thrills on all the islands. At one time only the royalty were allowed to surf but now anyone can enjoy this uniquely Polynesian sport. Wannabe surfers will find places to take lessons and practice on more gentle waves. Surfing is also a spectator sport especially at Oahu’s Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline.

Volcanoes: There are currently three active volcanoes in Hawaii.

For the biggest thrill head to the

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Lava Tube Big Island and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are hiking trails, a museum, petroglyphs and a walk-in lava tube. Near Hilo is Kilauea, one of the earth’s most active volcanoes; it has been active since 1983. It is called “the world’s only drive-in volcano” The Crater Rim Drive, a 10.6-mile loop, takes visitors to the main attractions.

Plantations visits: On Oahu visit the Plantation Village museum and the Dole pineapple museum.

The Big Island is home to Mauna Loa macadamia nut plantation. Maui is the place to learn about producing sugar, tropical fruits and flowers. Kauai is home to a sugar plantation and rice mill. On Molokai visitors can learn about taro and take the Molokai Coffee

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Plantation Estate Tour.

Halawa Valley: The Halawa Valley is where the first civilization in Hawaii began around the year 500. Anakala Pilipo and his family, who have been living in the valley for 50 generations, are preserving the ancient culture of Hawaii. Learn about growing taro and how to make poi, the uniquely Hawaiian food. And, the lush valley is the place to hike to some stunning waterfalls.

Father Damien: Located on Molokai is the former leprosy colony. At one time, victims of this now easily curable disease were isolated. In 1873 Father Damien, a Catholic missionary, arrived at the colony and dedicated his life to improving conditions for the patients.

Even today the area is remote and accessible mainly by a mule ride down the escarpment but the settlement can be viewed from above from a scenic overlook at Pala’au State Park with explanatory story boards.

Getting around: Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own special appeal from bustling, modern Oahu to laid back Molokai.

Several airlines, including Hawaiian and Mokulele Airlines, offer quick efficient connections between the islands. Looking for a luxurious, allinclusive adventure cruise to the Big Island, Maui, Lanai and Molokai? Then consider a week on Un-Cruise’s Safari Explorer with the maximum capacity of 38 passengers. For more information check Gohawaii.com.

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10 Safari Explorer

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druger’s zoo

By Marvin Druger

The Death of a Loved One

A

s soon as life is born, it is destined to eventually die.

I read somewhere that 10 out of every 10 people die.

So, the odds are against us. It is not a question of “will I die?” It is a question of when, where and how.

We are so busy living that most of us never think about death — until it happens to a loved one. My wife, Pat, my dearest partner and friend, died Jan. 19 at 3:10 p.m. in Francis House in Syracuse.

About three years ago, doctors detected some blood in her urine. They decided to do a scan of her kidney and bladder. These organs were fine, but the scan showed a bit of her lung and the doctors noticed a small density in the lung.

Since she was a nonsmoker, they treated her with antibiotics, thinking that the density was an infection.

It didn’t go away.

They biopsied the density and found that it was lung cancer. A PET scan revealed that the cancer had already spread to her bones and other organs. They treated her with chemotherapy and she seemed to respond well. Then, an MRI revealed five small, cancerous tumors in her brain.

They administered whole brain radiation for three weeks. The tumors shrunk a bit and there were no new ones in her brain, but there was swelling. The swelling and posteffects of radiation caused some brain damage, resulting in memory loss and changed behavior.

The doctors seemed satisfied with her progress, until the cancer went to the brain. Then, Pat was doomed. The usual survival time after lung cancer reaches the brain is several months.

Pat began to decline physically and mentally and I tried to care for her at home as long as possible.

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This became increasingly difficult, and she finally needed hospice care.

Francis House in Syracuse, a dwelling for the terminally ill, offered a bed for her. I refused it. Then my daughter, Lauren, and I visited Francis House. We were very favorably impressed. It is a two-winged house with 16 beds for patients. Each room

has a private bathroom, a TV, a dresser and closet, and 24-hour-care is given by capable, friendly nurses. It is like any home bedroom. On Friday, the house coordinator said that she had given away the initial bed, but that another one would be available on Tuesday. I had to let her know by Monday if we would accept the bed. I did, and was never sorry about doing so.

Amazingly, Francis House proved to be a very cheerful place. Aside from the excellent staff, the place has many hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life. They are always cooking, cleaning and taking care of family members. There are two large kitchens and community areas. Whenever the volunteers saw me, they tried to feed me. I ate more bacon and eggs in the time Pat was there than I did in the past 30 years. Overall, death became

Marvin Druger with his wife Pat, who died Jan. 19.

an inevitable, but dignified, process at Francis House.

My daughter, Lauren, and my daughter-in-law, Suzanne, took turns in staying in the room with Pat all night, attending to her needs with loving care. I came in the morning and stayed at her side all day. Pat declined rapidly and became increasingly weaker. Eventually, she couldn’t open her eyes or speak, or lift her arms and legs. Just before Pat reached this stage, she said to me, “Marvin, shut up!”

The most poignant moment of Pat’s stay at the Francis House occurred shortly after her arrival. I think she knew that she was failing and she said to me, “Marvin, please help me!” But, I couldn’t help her. “Pat, I can’t help you!” I was full of frustration, anger and despair. I couldn’t help her when she needed me most.

On the 12th day at Francis House, Pat’s breathing became irregular and she seemed to be gasping for breath.

My son, James, was at her bedside with me. I left the room for a few minutes. When I returned, I went to her bedside. “James,” I said, “I think she has stopped breathing!” I called for the nurse, but Pat was dead. The funeral director, Steve Sisskind — a former student in my general biology course at SU — arrived within 30 minutes. Family members spent some time with Pat and then she was taken away to the funeral home. I had never seen anyone die, let alone my spouse of 56 years, and I was in a state of total shock and numbness.

I intended to have a funeral service several weeks later, but Steve advised us to do it as soon as possible. I said, “But nobody will have time to make plans to get here.” “Steve replied, “Don’t worry. They’ll get here.”

A ceremony in celebration of Pat’s life was held in Hendrick’s Chapel at Syracuse University on a cold Saturday, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m. Steve was right. About 250 people gathered in the chapel. There was organ music, the singing of “Amazing Grace,” a eulogy

by Norm Keim, former chaplain at Hendrick’s Chapel, brief talks by family members, musical pieces by my grandsons Aaron and Josh on the clarinet and the cello, respectively, and two appropriate prayers. My speech ended with a poem from my book, “Even Stranger Creatures and Other Poems,” that I had written with Pat in mind:

The Yellow Day Lily The yellow flower was beautiful, It sparkled in the sun, I put it in a vase To be seen by everyone.

I told my wife the flower Was as beautiful as she, They both had special features That brought happiness to me.

The next day the flower was gone, It lay upon the floor, It now was shrunken orange And its yellow was no more.

It was here for just an instant, But then it went away, I wish this lovely lily Could have stayed just one more day.

T h e h o u r- l o n g s e r v i c e w a s followed by a grand reception in the Heroy Geology building lobby. The reception line stretched the length of the room. It was gratifying to hear supportive and sympathetic words from so many people who knew and admired Pat. I greeted each person warmly, scarcely noticing that my family had disappeared to eat the food, leaving me and my grandson, Keith, as the sole greeters.

Pat was cremated a few days later and a new phase of my life without Pat began. My daughter, Lauren, took leave from her job as a second grade teacher in Maryland to stay with me and help attend to the details that accompany a spouse’s death. I never realized that dying was so expensive.

I wonder how poor people can afford to die?

What are some of my memories of Pat? She was a generous donor to many causes. My name was on the donations and when I sometimes complained, she said, “I’m making you a generous man.” We attended the Joyce Theater in New York City once a year and when I opened the program book, I saw us listed as donors. “But we hardly ever come here,” I said. She replied,” We have to support the arts.”

I didn’t say anything, but I thought to myself, “We don’t have to support the arts all over the world.”

The words that come to me when

I think of Pat are: vivacious, radiant smile, cheerful, witty, practical, organized, conscientious, efficient, caring, generous, very intelligent and strikingly beautiful. She was gorgeous in so many ways.

Pat had a biology degree from Brooklyn College and a master ’s degree in mathematics from Syracuse University. She worked with me in the general biology course for many years and then served as an administrator in the writing program at SU. She nurtured three children, in addition to me, and the family grew to three in-laws and seven grandchildren. She was a talented seamstress and quilter.

In retirement, Pat was a volunteer docent at the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse. She also did taxes for people as a volunteer AARP tax consultant.

She was a member of the Friends of Jowonio Preschool Board and an active member of the Quilt Guild and the Women’s of the University Community. She helped me achieve a successful career and we shared many worldwide adventures together. We did so many things together that one of our grandchildren thought that Pat’s name was “Pat and Marvin.” She made me what I am and I loved her dearly.

At this writing, it is about one week after her death. How does one cope with such a tragic loss? Eventually, all living things die. Why? From a biological perspective, our body is a changing assemblage of atoms and molecules. When we die, these atom and molecules are not destroyed, but they move on into some other forms. I often think of my atoms reassembling in the form of a saguaro cactus plant or a tortoise, since these organisms can live more than 150 years. Death is a great, unsolved mystery and we can’t contradict it, so we have to learn to accept it.

Memories of our wonderful life together may help cope with the loss, but what lingers is not so much what we did together, but what we didn’t do, but could have done. There are so many things that I should have said to her, but I didn’t, and now I can’t.

These thoughts should inspire us to live every moment of our lives and to say what is in our hearts. The vision of this beautiful person who has now left my side stays vivid in my mind.

I expect her to enter the room at any minute and say, “Marvin, shut up!” If only that could happen.

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By Mary Beth Roach

Gregg Tripoli, 57 Raising the profile of the Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center Q.Tell us a little bit about your background.

A. I grew up in Liverpool since I was 10 years old. I went to Hamilton College for my undergrad, then took a year off and went to the University of Pittsburgh for graduate school.

Then I started my career in banking — in money management, cash management. A couple years on the East Coast, a couple on the West Coast, then I moved to Italy to be the special assistant to the minister of economic affairs for the Republic of San Marino. Then I began a career in management consulting for a very large multi-national conglomerate that was headquartered in the Middle East.

Then I came back to Central New York.

Q. What brought you back?

A. The universe conspired. It was time to retire from that career. I was missing my family, who’s all here. I’ve had a home here since 1987. I wanted to come to back to that, take some time to do all things that I wanted to do that I never had the time to do because I was working. That ran its course, and I got bored. And I wanted to do something productive — completely different than anything I’d ever done.

I’d always been interested in arts and culture, considered myself sort of a creative sort in that realm. I thought nonprofit might be an interesting.

I thought that my experience as a management consultant and from the for-profit world, I would be able to bring something to the table in nonprofit management — to bring a more entrepreneurial for-profit approach to nonprofit management.

Q . What are some of your 50

55 PLUS - April / May 2014

responsibilities as executive director?

A . I’m a nonprofit director so at any time you may see me with a paint brush in one hand and a toilet brush in the other. We all wear a lot of hats. But officially, I’m the CEO of the organization, so I manage all the aspects of the company.

Gregg Tripoli is the executive director of Onondaga Historical Association Museum and Research Center.

Q.You are everywhere.

A. I’m ubiquitous. But that’s what’s necessary. Part of the reason why I was hired was to raise awareness and visibility, and so that’s one of the ways to do it and get involved in the community. And I’m happy to do that because I love the community that we serve. I like to do a little bit of everything. I like to try my hand at kind of everybody’s work. I do development work, do some research work, do some writing. I do a lot of the retail product development. Kind of a jack of all trades. Whatever’s required.

There’s no such thing as “that’s not my job” here.

Q.What’s your favorite exhibit?

A. Of the permanent exhibits, I really have an attachment to Syracuse China, because that was the largest collection that OHA’s taken on in its 150-year history, and it happened while I was here. And so I have learned a lot about it. The company was so fascinating. To learn the business, the marketing, the design, the actual manufacturing, the employee relations.

I love our Heart of New York because it covers so much of the history. I wish we had room to do it five times as big as this because there’s so much great

history. Right now my favorite exhibits are the temporary because they’re the newest. I love Fashion After Five and the Culture of the Cocktail Hour.

Q.What are some of misconceptions that people might have about the OHA? A.There’s a lot of misconceptions about the OHA — that we’re old and tired and boring and that we don’t want to share our collections. That’s all we want to do is share. We have about 30 exhibits out in the community.

We write, we do film projects, we do television stuff, we do offsite exhibits, we do educational programming.

We’re everywhere. It’s all about outreach to us, it’s about bringing the stories — amazing stories — of Onondaga County out to a worldwide audience.

Q.What can our readers see in the future when they come to museum?

A.I can tell you – they can always see something new that’s old. Because we’re predominantly a changing exhibit museum, every few months we open up a new exhibit.

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Become an OASIS Volunteer!

OASIS, nationally recognized for impact and excellence, is a nonprofit organization that promotes successful aging, lifelong learning, health programs and meaningful volunteer engagement.

Energize yourself & your community by volunteering at OASIS in vital positions such as: Volunteer Instructors – Experienced, dynamic lecturers, teachers, professionals and artists who are willing to donate their time and share their knowledge to enrich the lives of mature adults. Teach a course in a subject for which you have a passion! Our program manager will work with you to develop your curriculum and schedule. The commitment will be based on your availability.

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To find out more about becoming an OASIS volunteer contact Tracie Alexander, OASIS Program and Volunteer Manager at (315) 464-1745 or email at: alexandt@upstate.edu