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TRI PALM ESTATES AND COUNTRY CLUB 32059 Westchester Drive - Great view with garage

$63,000

73259 Broadmoor Drive - Golf course pond view

$99,000

32321 Merion Drive - Updated, furnished

$72,500

73326 Broadmoor Drive - Updated, golf course

$99,000

73699 Broadmoor Drive - Golf course, garage

$79,900

73319 Broadmoor Drive - TKF, golf course

$104,900

73210 Wyconda St. - Turnkey, furnished

$79,900

32704 Tucson Place - Owner will carry

$110,000

32725 Westchester Drive - Remodeled interior

$79,900

33303 Acapulco Trail - Golf course

$115,000

73570 Algonquin Pl. - 1984, motivated seller

$79,900

33487 Carlsbad Circle - Remodel, TKF

$115,900

32101 Saucon Valley - Updated great yard

$79,900

73659 Algonquin Place - OWC w/ 20K Down

$117,500

33183 Laura Drive - TKF, garage

$82,500

33150 Laredo Circle - 433A, updates

$128,000

73020 Broadmoor Drive - Super cute with sunroom

$84,900

33541 Les Road - Garage plus 3 bedrooms

$ 128,500

73401 Colonial Drive - Open floorplan

$84,900

73266 Broadmoor Drive - Golf course, garage

$132,500

73280 Olympia Place - Great price with golf cart

$84,900

33761 Westchester Drive - Updates, garage

$135,000

73597 Algonquin Place - Golf course

$89,000

73705 Broadmoor Drive - Huge 3 bedroom

$137,900

33497 Acapulco Trail - Golf course

$89,900

33441 San Lucas Trail - Updated throughout

$139,900

33417 Laura Drive - Updated, garage

$91,000

73170 Broadmoor Drive - 2005 w/433a

$149,500

32491 Westchester Drive - 1997 home

$94,500

33150 Barcelona Drive - Spectacular golf course home

$169,500

33280 Westchester Drive - Updates, corner lot

$94,988

33200 Laredo Circle - Golf course, 3 car garage

$179,900

33190 Acapulco Trail - Great desert view

$97,500


EDITOR’S NOTE

M

any of us can recall that moment during our teen years: We sat across the dinner table from our parents or other older relatives, heard them mention their age—say, 60—and we thought: “Man, that’s old.” Funny how time changes perception. Better still, isn’t it wonderful to know that these days, at 60, most people are just getting started—with a new career, a shift in mindset or an entire new direction in life. (Like this guy, pictured.) Out: waiting for 65 to hit and settling into conventional retirement. In: New approaches to ensuring good health, happiness and vitality—no matter what age you are. That said, welcome to the winter edition of PrimeTime Magazine, the Coachella Valley’s premier publication geared toward the 50-plus population. It’s been enlightening to meet with some of the individuals featured in this issue, especially the thoroughly engaging Bill Feingold. The popular on-air personality, whose developed a remarkable following here with his 94.3 FM morning radio show, “The Bill Feingold Show featuring Kevin Holmes,” chats with us about his serendipitous evolution into the radio world and how he feels that now, more than ever, he is the busiest and happiest he has ever been in his life. Learn more about this enterprising man, beginning on page 30. Vitality and longevity go hand in hand with somebody like Yvonne Elliman, too. You may recall the popular recording artist’s smash hit “If I Can’t Have You,” from the Grammy-winning soundtrack of “Saturday Night Fever.” In this edition of PrimeTime, Elliman, now in her sixties, opens up about the evolution of her career and some of things that keep her motivated and inspired these days. Take note: Elliman hits the stage at a Mizell Senior Center bash in February. Expect disco ball encounters. Learn more on page 12. Elsewhere, take note of the season’s best events (page 4), a few enterprising programs we discovered at The Joslyn Center (page10), the latest on insurance matters (page 28), and much more. So, what keeps you inspired? Let us know at news@desertentertainer.com. In the meantime, enjoy the issue. And … here’s to “just getting started.” Greg Archer Editor

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CONTENTS DEB GEISSLER PUBLISHER dgeissler@desertentertainer.com GREG ARCHER EXECUTIVE EDITOR news@desertentertainer.com ADVERTISING SALES KIMBERLY BRUCKS ADVERTISING MANAGER kbrucks@desertentertainer.com JUDY TELANDER MARKETING SPECIALIST jtelander@desertentertainer.com

YVONNE ELLIMAN ON LONGEVITY PAGE 12

4 LAYOUT & GRAPHICS JOSE DE LA CRUZ SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST ads@desertentertainer.com

8 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS GREG ARCHER LUCINDA SUE CROSBY

10

ALISON ELSNER

Office is located at: 41-995 Boardwalk, Suite L2 Palm Desert, CA 92211 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Closed Major Holidays Phone: (760) 776-5181 Fax: (760) 776-5733 desertentertainer.com desertmobilehomenews.com canadasouthmagazine.com Titles registered and all contents copyright 2017 by the Hi-Desert Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

A QUARTERLY PRODUCT OF

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ESPECIALLY FOR YOU Do you realize the valley is filled with so many events geared to the 50-plus population? Here’s our picks of the best among them during the consistently busy winter months. GRAB THOSE BOOGIE SHOES Mizell Senior Center’s popular “Stars Among Us” gala returns—and with a fiery “Saturday Night Fever” theme. JAZZED ABOUT JOSLYN Our team of scribes sets out to find some of the most enterprising programs taking place at The Joslyn Center. What we found may surprise you. DISCO DIVA AND THEN SOME Back in the 1970s, singer/performer Yvonne Elliman captured the limelight with a hit play and movie, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” followed by a No. 1 single, “If I Can’t Have You,” from the the blockbuster film “Saturday Night Fever.” Decades later, she reflects back on it all and reveals her remarkable longevity.

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ON THE COURTS Writer Lucinda Sue Crosby illuminates the stellar health benefits of tennis and so much more.

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WORTH THE SWEAT A senior workout to remember. Inside tips designed to enhance balance and mobility.

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THE 411 ON PRESCRIPTIONS Medical costs fluctuate. Fear not: Here’s everything you need to know about prescription medication in 2017.

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ASSURANCE WITH INSURANCE Life unravels quickly at times. Best to stay on top of the latest news in the vast universe of life insurance.

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BILL’S WILD ADVENTURE Tune in: Sixtysomething radio personality Bill Feingold opens up about his serendipitious rise locally, and the secret to remaining forever youthful.

ON THE COVER: YVONNE ELLIMAN PHOTO BY YVONNEELLIMAN.COM TENNIS, ANYONE? PAGE 18

FOLLOWING FEINGOLD ON K-NEWS PAGE 31


DATEBOOK

ART OF THE MATTER THE SOUTHWEST ARTS FESTIVAL KICKS OFF JAN. 26

Schedule it In

Place these noteworthy events at the top of your list of things to experience this season BY ALISON ELSNER

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ow that 2017 is officially under way, it’s best to pop open the calendar. Take note of the following events and prepare for the good times ahead.

Each attendee pays for his/her own meal. 73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert. For more information, call 760-340-3220 or visit joslyncenter.org.

The Southwest Arts Festival Jan. 26-29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Joslyn Center Singles Jan. 26, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Calling all senior singles. After a brief club meeting and introductions at the Joslyn Center, the Singles Club group members will experience a new restaurant each week to enjoy some of the Valley’s great cuisine and meet new friends.

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The 31st annual Festival is an internationally recognized event that will feature traditional, contemporary, and abstract fine works of art by more than 200 acclaimed artists. Exhibits include clay, drawing, glass, jewelry, metal works, painting, photography, sculpture, and textile. Sponsored by the Greater Coachella

Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Indio Visitors Bureau, the event will run four days and supports a variety of valley nonprofits. $14 per person. 81800 Avenue 51 (at Monroe Street), Indio. For more Information, call 760-347-0676 or visit southwestartsfest.com.

Palm Desert Senior Games and International Sports Festival Feb. 9-12 The 17th annual Games will host more than 1,000 athletes from all over the country and Can-


DATEBOOK ada for the first California Senior Games of the year. Competitions will include basketball free throws, 9-hole golf, pickleball, swimming, table tennis, race walking and track and field. Cost to participate in the games is $7 per event and $12 for pickleball. Registrants may enter as individuals or teams. Age categories will range from 35 and up. Palm Desert Community Center, 43900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert. Information or registration, 760-568-2560 or desertseniorgames.org.

Modernism Week Feb. 16-26 (Day and evening events) This signature annual event is a celebration of mid-century modern design, architecture, art, fashion, and culture, which takes place in Palm Springs and surrounding cities. There are more than 250 events such as the Modernism Show and Sale, neighborhood and home tours, films, lectures, architectural bus tours, and nightly parties and live music. Take note of the walking and

bike tours, tours of Sunnylands, fashion, classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition and more. Fees for individual events range from free to $1,000 per person. “Community and Meeting Place” (CAMP) headquarters, 350 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. For information or tickets, visit modernismweek.com.

Riverside County Fair and International Date Festival Feb. 17-26, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Carnival open until midnight) It began as a celebration of the date harvest 71 years ago, but the festival has grown to one of the most unique celebrations in the country. Famous for camel and ostrich races, the outdoor Arabian Nights Pageant, battle of the bands, magic acts, cooking shows, exhibits and carnival rides, this year the fair welcomes Cheap Trick, War and Voz de Mando in concert. And of course, don’t forget the food: date shakes, cin-

namon rolls topped with dates, deep fried dates wrapped in bacon and Pink’s delicious Indio Date Dog. $8-$10 per person (additional fees for carnival rides). Riverside County Fairgrounds, 82503 Hwy. 111, Indio. For more information or tickets, call 760-863-8247 or visit datefest.org.

La Quinta Arts Festival March 2-5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 35th annual event will host 220 of the foremost contemporary artists from around the country. Daily activities, besides a delicious sensory overload of all types of art, will include music, performance art, trendy food concessions in Restaurant Row, craft beers and fine wines. Free parking along with paid valet parking options. Cost is $17 per person ($22 for

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 >>>

MARK THE DATE SEVENTY-ONE YEARS AND GOING STRONG, THE RIVERSIDE COUNTY FAIR LAUNCHES FEB. 17

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DATEBOOK

YOU GOT SERVED EXPECT ANOTHER ROUND OF FIERY SPORTSMANSHIP AT THE BNP PARIBAS OPEN.

<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 multi-day pass), children under 12 are free. La Quinta Civic Center Park, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta. For more information call 760-5641244 or visit lqaf.com.

Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival March 4, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. This annual event will connect you with our natural surroundings by celebrating wellness, recreation, the outdoors and, of course, local wildflowers in bloom. The venue will also feature local artists, conservation painters, a kids’ zone, 5K walk/run, wild flower hikes, beer and wine garden, food and beverages. Free. Must park at St. Margaret’s Church, 47535 Hwy. 74, Palm Desert—shuttles will transport guests to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Center. For more information or tickets, call 760-862-9984 or visit desertmountains.org.

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Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience March 4, 4-11:30 p.m. The 6th annual event will be headlined by Snoop Dogg along with Pepper and the Expendables. Guests will enjoy regional beer and wine from more than 100 craft breweries and wineries in addition to a variety of gourmet food trucks and local restaurants. Colorful and inventive art installations by day will transform into marvelously luminous arrangements at night. Cirque entertainers will mingle with attendees savoring the extensive selections served up in the beer and wine gardens. $70-$300 per person. Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio. For more information or tickets, visit RWBEXP.com.

and WTA Premier professional tennis tournament in the world, taking place in the (yet again) newly renovated Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The top men and women players compete in a 96 singles draw and a 32 doubles draw. The 54-acre venue offers a fine-dining and shopping experience as well, including the world-famous Japanese restaurant Nobu. A wide range of daily, package and luxury club suite tickets are available for day and evening sessions, from $20 general admission per person to $8,700 for series box seats. 78200 Miles Ave., Indian Wells. For more information, call 800-999-1585 or visit bnpparibasopen.com.

Senior Inspiration Awards March 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

BNP Paribas Open March 6-19 (Day and evening sessions) This tennis extravaganza is the largest twoweek combined ATP World Tour Masters 1000

The 25th annual event honors 11 senior citizens aged 65 and older who inspire others through volunteerism and active engagement in the community. Hosted by the County of Riverside,


DATEBOOK

PHOTO BY DAVID A. LEE

MOD SQUAD BUS TOUR, ANYONE? YOU CAN FIND ONE DURING MODERNISM WEEK.

Riverside County Office on Aging and representatives from all nine Coachella Valley cities, the luncheon is a tradition that was established by former Riverside County Supervisor Corky Larson in 1992 to recognize Coachella Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unsung heroes. The tradition continued with Supervisors Roy Wilson and John J. Benoit. $30 per person. J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, 74855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert. For more information, call 760-863-2556 or visit seniorinspirationawards.eventbrite.com.

Palm Desert Food & Wine March 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26, 2017, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 7th annual event will again follow El Paseo Fashion Week, offering gourmands, foodies and hungry people a variety of special events, parties, cooking shows, demonstrations and tastings for three days. Grand Tastings feature tastes from more than 40 noted restaurants and chefs, with premium wines and champagne. Celebrity chefs and authors will be on hand.

A portion of proceeds will benefit FIND Food Bank. $100-$135 per person each day, with additional fees for featured events, demonstrations and tastings. The Gardens on El Paseo (west side upper level parking deck), 73545 El Paseo, Palm Desert. For more information, contact 888596-1027 or visit palmdesertfoodandwine.com.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF EXCALIBUR

STAYING ALIVE THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES MORPH INTO, WELL, THE BEE GEES.

NIGHT FEVER REDUX MIZELL SENIOR CENTER UNLEASHES A GROOVY DISCO CELEBRATION WITH ITS ‘STARS AMONG US’ GALA BY ALISON ELSNER

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f you’re suddenly feeling the urge to don your platforms and boogie to the beat of “Staying Alive,” then your timing is perfect. Mizell Senior Center will celebrate 40 years since the film “Saturday Night Fever” hit the big screen, with its 12th annual Gala, “Stars Among Us.” The event unfolds Feb. 25 at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

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Co-chairpersons Cyma and Leo Cohen, Eric Rudolph and Bob Iles invite guests to “the musical experience of the season,” starring The Australian Bee Gees Show, a tribute to the Bee Gees, who, of course, provided the soundtrack to “Saturday Night Fever” and largely defined the disco era with their sound in the late ’70s. The event will be emceed by Donna Pescow

(“Angie”), who also starred in the original film, and Yvonne Elliman provides a special performance of her song, “If I Can’t Have You,” another trademark disco hit that many of people fondly remember. Special honorees will include Dr. Ronald Fragen and Carol Fragen (Galaxy Award), Frederick Noble (Shining Star Award) and Elaine


DATEBOOK

IT’S ALL IN THE HIPS JOHN TRAVOLTA (BELOW) IN “SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER.”

Frank (Legacy Award). Sponsorships are available by contacting Jack Newby, Director of Development at Mizell Senior Center at 760-3235689, extension 118, or by visiting mizell.org to view the sponsorship package. Support tiers range from “Boogie Shoes” Dance Sponsorship at $2,500 all the way up to “Night Fever” Presenting Sponsorship for $30,000. The gala will support Mizell Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels Program, the Coachella Valley’s largest Meals on Wheels Program, which serves homebound seniors by supplying more than 500 meals each day from Palm Springs to the north Salton Sea. For many of the clients receiving meals, the Meals on Wheels driver is their only outside connection to the world and to services that they would otherwise be unable to access. The program is available for qualifying participants 60 years and older and is sustained entirely by donations. Generous Meals on Wheels program sponsors include The Riverside County office on Aging, S.L. Gimbel Foundation, Walmart Foundation, Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area, Wells Fargo Foundation, Desert Classic Charities, City of Indian Wells, The Champions Volunteer Foundation, Palm Springs Rotary Foundation, Stater Bros. Charities and Coachella Valley Wellness Foundation.

For more than 40 years, Mizell Senior Center has been serving active adults in the greater Palm Springs area and is a community focal point for health and active aging. Services and activities which enhance dignity and independence for senior citizens are emphasized, with many programs designed to meet the needs of low-income seniors and those who benefit from social and recreational opportunities. A wide variety of sessions is offered, such as art, music, wellness events, low-cost flu vaccinations, daily lunch, exercise and fall reduction and prevention classes.

The “Stars Among Us” Gala is expected to sell out, so attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible. Oh, and the part about wearing your platforms? We were just “Jive Talkin’”—regular dance shoes work just fine. As co-chair Leo Cohen says, “This is going to be an enormously clever event and the most fun of any gala in the desert.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mizell.org/mizell-events or call 760-323-5689. Ticket prices are $300 each or $3,000 for a table of 10.

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SPOTLIGHT

Jazzed About Joslyn The valley’s revered senior center stands out with notable services in 2017

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ike so many enterprising local organizations geared to the 50-plus population, The Joslyn Center offers a diverse mix of valuable services. Still, now that 2017 has arrived, so, too, has an opportunity to revisit what the center is doing and how well it impacts valley residents. Take note of five Joslyn Center programs that captured our attention:

‘Read With Me’ Fact: About 87 percent of local students at the John Kelley School in Thermal come from homes where no English is spoken. Fact: 94 percent of those students’ families live in poverty and 85 percent are English language learners. Fact: You can make a difference in this enterprising program that links volunteers with children in need of literacy. How it works: Volunteer at The John Kelley School for about two hours a week. Volunteers are needed for a vital literacy program to help children develop to their maximum capacity. If you enjoy reading, are fluent in English, like children, willing to

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follow the teacher’s directions, and willing to commit two to three hours per week during the school year, this is the ticket for you. Contact 760-340-3220, Ext. 103 for more details.

Free Editorial Services Let’s say you have an unpublished manuscript that’s just aching for an audience. Come on over. The center’s very own author-educatoreditor, Annabelle Townson, offers one-on-one service to Joslyn members who have a current unpublished manuscript. Best to call for a onehour appointment and you will be able to review your writing goals, including an initial discussion of your manuscript: 760-360-0316.

Square Dancing Do-si-do much? Maybe it’s time. Joslyn Center’s introductory square dancing is a hit on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. in the Clark Auditorium. Considered America’s national folk dance, we’re told that it stimulates both physical and mental well-being. The Mayo Clinic’s take on square dancing: It strengthens weight-

bearing bones, rehabilitation movement after heart or knee surgery, and offers an opportunity to develop strong social ties, which contributes to self-esteem. Singles and walk-ins welcome.

Joslyn Singers Let’s end on a high note. The Joslyn Center’s stellar singing group stands out for a number of reasons. The main one may be the camaraderie and the love this inspiring group of seniors has for singing. Often noting that singing is “good for us,” the group emphasizes how the vocal act assists with breathing and general well-being. Beyond that, the group ventures out to assisted living facilities and other venues and takes the stage in several annual concerts (Spring and Christmas). Catch them at venues like the Rancho Mirage Library. Interested in performing? Dues are $15 per month and a Joslyn Membership is required. For more information, visit joslyncenter.org.


SPOTLIGHT

End Senior Hunger Campaign One of the center’s more notable programs is this campaign, which provides low-income seniors access to healthy and nutritious food on a consistent basis. Best of all, seniors will be able to remain independent in their own homes—longer and, hopefully, with more vi-

tality. The increase in nutritional intake can lead to a lessening or a reduction of prominent health issues. More than 13,996 meals are served each year to home-bound, frail seniors, who are unable to prepare their own meals or even shop. Interesting to note: Joslyn’s Penny’s Pantry provides nonperishable groceries to approximately 217 low-income seniors each

month. So, how do you get involved? Make a donation or volunteer. You can deliver meals to home-bound seniors or help distribute food through our pantry. Why not conduct a food drive of non-perishable food products? That’s the idea. Call 760-340-3220, Ext. 107, or check out the center’s website for more details at joselyncenter.org.

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COVER STORY

Staying Power She turned heads with a chart-topping hit from ‘Saturday Night Fever,’’ but for Yvonne Elliman, real-life longevity is simply music to her ears BY GREG ARCHER

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COVER STORY

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vonne Elliman is no stranger to longevity. Take “Saturday Night Fever,” for instance. Forty years ago, the film about a cavalier New York clubgoer with hot dance moves hit the big screen and managed to leave an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of audiences. Disco, anyone? Actually, yes. And a lot of it, thank you very much. The film catapulted its star John Travolta to superstardom and gave the musical performers whose songs appeared on the soundtrack a career boost as well. Of course, The Bee Gees sat nicely at the top of that musical list, however Elliman also garnered attention with the dance-moves-friendly chart-topper, “If I Can’t Have You.” The song hit No. 1 and even today, enjoys the kind of radio-play hoopla any artist could ever hope for. But the Hawaiian-born performer—her mother was of Japanese descent; her dad, Irish—maneuvered through the unpredictability of show business for many decades. It’s interesting to note that it was her British-born band teacher who encouraged Elliman to ven-

ture off to London to pursue a musical career. She was only 17 at the time, but she went and eventually caught the attention of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, who wanted Elliman to sing the part of Mary Magdalene on the soundtrack for “Jesus Christ Superstar.” She later joined the stage show and in 1971 was on the receiving end of a hit single ballad from the track, “I Don’t Know How To Love Him.” She hit gold again by starring in the 1974 film version (as Magdalene) and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Locals may recall Elliman on tour with Eric Clapton in 1975, performing in San Bernardino. After “Saturday Night Fever” went nuclear in the late-1970s, Elliman birthed the modest hit, “Moment By Moment,” from the film of the same name. She took a hiatus in the 1980s and 1990s before making a comeback in 2004 with the album “Simple Needs.” Like everything in nature, things are cyclical. So it’s nice to know that Elliman continues to perform and—this is good news—that valley residents can catch the performer, now in her sixties, when she takes the stage for the Mizell

Senior Center’s 12th Annual “Stars Among Us” Gala. The popular outing, which is put on by Eisenhower Health and Harold Matzner and will be emceed by Donna Pescow, takes place Feb. 25 and celebrates the 40th anniversary of “Saturday Night Fever.” Tribute band, The Australian Bee Gees are also on the ticket (see related story, page 8). The festive gala benefits Mizell’s valley-wide Meals on Wheels Program. Here, Elliman opens up with PrimeTime about life, performing, and boldly following your bliss—a key ingredient for longevity, actually. PrimeTime: What do you love and appreciate the most about singing and performing? Yvonne Elliman: I enjoy the smiles and encouragement I get from a live audience. I used to worry about critics and, under some lighting conditions where you could see your audience, I would be concerned if I saw someone get up from their seat and walk out. They could be going to the restroom or answering an important phone call, but it could also mean that they

CLASS ACT THE SINGER IN 1970S, WHEN HER STAR WAS ABOUT TO RISE.

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COVER STORY My dad was the final judge, and when he said it was great, we knew that it was ready to play to a live audience. That’s when I realized that performing music was what I wanted to do. A great awareness to come to. For several years that followed, I spent a lot of time trying to imitate Barbra Streisand or Dionne Warwick and the chosen others at that time, singing to the mirror and emoting with gestures and dance. It never occurred to me that this could be my future. It was when a song was brought to life with just our voices and a guitar, that I became excited about becoming a musician for life. Your early influences are interesting. For instance, how did growing up on Hawaii shape you and your thoughts about life and longevity?

HEAVEN SENT YVONNE ELLIMAN AND CO-STAR TED NEELEY IN THE SHOWSTOPPER “JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.”

<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 weren’t enjoying the show, and it would play with my confidence. Then after one show, while signing some programs and posing for photos, a fan gave me a hug and said, “Isn’t it fabulous to know that all these people are here to love you?” That was all I needed to hear, and from that point on, I feel nothing but pure enjoyment, performing on stage for the people who put me there. When did you realize that you truly wanted to perform? Was there a ‘moment’ or was it something that began in childhood? I used to sing along with the commercials on TV, doing harmonies, enjoying what I heard. My parents gave me nods of approval and de-

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cided to pay for piano lessons to broaden my knowledge of how music is created. My dad bought season tickets for all the summer performances by the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, featuring guest pianists and vocalists. And he also introduced me to opera and all its wonder, but I never fantasized for a moment that that could be me up there. So it was during 5th grade. I made friends with a girl in my class who was also a neighbor. She and I would sing folk songs that we learned from her older brothers, and slowly her younger twin brothers started blending in their harmonies where they found openings. I had graduated from the ukulele to the guitar, still taking piano lessons, but enjoying the freedom of having a mobile instrument opposed to one that had to be played only in the house. So I would figure out the tunes, and the four of us would harmonize and practice till we got it perfect.

Hawaii is a very musically driven place. I enjoyed a happy childhood with all the different ethnicities contributing their styles of music to the mix. My dad became my group’s manager and got us gigs at the military bases and the occasional spot at a beachside hotel. We won some talent shows, and were growing in popularity, but I think dad knew that our chances to hit it big were slim due to limited exposure. But then ... the orchestra/band teacher in my high school took a solo recording of my voice back to his native England during Easter vacation— that’s what “Spring Break” was called back in 1969. He played it to an agent, who told him to bring me back after I graduated that June, and he’d make me a star. A couple of weeks after graduating, I sat in a jet plane, on my way to where The Beatles lived, only 17 years old and very naive. Fascinating. So what was the best thing about living in London and what’s the most interesting thing you learned about creativity and craft? London was very swinging, very chic, and leading in fashion, tourism, theater, and music. It was so much fun, so lively. That was until it got cold and then homesickness kicked in, because all the color was replaced by grayness and … where did the sun go? However, when it’s cold and miserable outside and all you can do is long for your island home, you get this urge to write about it, and that’s what I did. I wrote my first recordable song, “Hawaii,” which eventually appeared on my second solo LP, “Food Of Love.” Many beautiful love songs have been the results of many a broken or lonely heart.

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COVER STORY

SHOWSTOPPER THIS FROM-THE-VAULT PHOTOGRAPH CAPTURES ELLIMAN’S MYSTIQUE.

The Bee Gees and ‘Saturday Night Fever.’ One never knows when there’s a hit that’s about to be born, however what were your thoughts about ‘If I Can’t Have You’ prior to recording it? That’s true. I never recorded songs for their “hit ability” because guaranteed hits are very unpredictable. You’re bound to be happier with your product if you record it with the same enthusiasm you felt when you first wrote it or heard it, because it’s meaning or message, carries over to the listener, who then believes that you know of what you sing. You’re more likely to have a hit by connecting with people honestly than to get lucky with a non-relatable tune with some cute gimmick. So true. I loved the Bee Gee’s version of “If I Can’t Have You” when I first heard it, because it was passionate with big, majestic chords countered by it’s sad lyrics; then there was that tempo that was deliberate and strong—quite a bit slower than my version. When Freddie Perrin, the producer/writer of my “Love Me” LP, was told to give it a disco feel, he sped it up, added some tasty disco riffs, and it worked—but a lot of people, myself included, never felt the song fit completely into the disco mold. That’s because Barry didn’t write it as a disco song. What were some things that came to mind after it became a chart-topping hit? When it hit No. 1, I was elated. Finally. It didn’t stay at the top for very long, and it took a long time getting there, but once it got there, I walked around with a grin on my face for days. When it played on the radio as the No. 1 song in a countdown, I giggled and looked around self-consciously. I didn’t realize that that song would become more famous than I. How did fame change you … or make your grow as an artist; a person? I don’t believe fame changed me very much. I became more worldly and sophisticated. But I could quickly revert to the old me, since that is the real me. Fame certainly made it easier to get top players to record with me, get good seating at a restaurant, be given complimentary tickets to big concerts, and this is a fact that is sad but true: Fame brings many costly

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COVER STORY <<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

PHOTO COURTESY OF YVONNEELLIMAN.COM

and desirable gifts from friends and business acquaintances that the famous one could well afford without their help. Fastforward to a leaner, more realistic lifestyle that the famous one has fallen into, who wonders and wishes for the help given out before, when it hardly mattered. Are you surprised that the song still lives on so wonderfully today? I am not surprised. As I said, the song is way more famous than I. However, I am grateful that it has remained in people’s hearts and that they react the way they do when they hear it. I’m flattered that they want to hear the original artist do it, because there have been a lot of people covering it. Check out YouTube. What helps you maintain longevity and positivity now? Two things are giving my chances of living long better odds: [Helping] my 92-year-old father, and 97-year-old mother.

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ON THAT NOTE ... ELLIMAN’S ENIGMATIC PRESENCE AND POWERFUL VOCALS CONTINUE TO ENCHANT AUDIENCES.

So, what’s some of the best advice you

and he said, “What’s the matter, sista? Just sing.”

have been given about life?

Experience Yvonne Elliman at the Mizell Senior Center’s 12th Annual Stars Among Us Gala (cel-

Some of the best advice given me that turned my

ebrating the 40th anniversary of “Saturday Night

life around after not having sung or jammed for

Fever”), beginning at 6 p.m. at the Palm Springs Air

20 years, was when my friend—and now hus-

Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs.

band—looked at me strangely when I had the

For more information, and tickets ($300 and up),

option to pick up the guitar and sing, or to not,

call 760-778-6262 or visit mizell.org.


HEALTH & WELLNESS

HIT LIST LUCINDA SUE CROSBY (RIGHT) WITH TENNIS PARTNER LAURA DOBBINS.

Hits Them With Their Best Shot Racquet sports make for a long life—and many happy service returns BY LUCINDA SUE CROSBY

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ighty thousand people can’t be wrong … can they? That’s how many Brits and Scots were followed by scientists in a study conducted between 1994 and 2008 delving into the connection between human longevity/health and exercise. The results, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, demonstrated that a person’s activity level as well as the type of sport he or she pursued, had a demonstrable connection to the risk of dying during the study period.

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Three kinds of activity were found to be the most helpful: racquet sports like tennis or pickleball, swimming and aerobics. But racquet sports proved to be the most beneficial by far. When compared with those who didn’t participate in racquet sports, those who did were 47 percent less likely to die for any reason and 56 percent less likely to die due to a cardiovascular episode. Anecdotally, in its 90-and-over age division, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) currently conducts four national doubles

championships per year—one on each surface (grass, clay, hard court, indoors)—for both men and women. This means that in 2016, there were plenty of nonagenarians fit enough to fly about the country who were also competitive enough to make the tournaments viable. Betty Cookson, who won last year’s USTA National 90 Indoor Doubles with Rita Price, actually suffered through knee surgery in November 2015 just so she could “get back on the courts and

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

HOT SHOTS CROSBY (CENTER) AND HER TENNIS PALS TAKE A BREAK FROM THE GAME.

<<< CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 play at a high level.” Betty obviously healed with a vengeance. Coincidentally (?), the popularity of racquet sports is booming. These days, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America and, for the past couple of years, tennis has experienced a vigorous resurgence, both in the number of new converts as well as those who are re-embracing the sport after extended time away. And why not? Tennis is relatively cheap, aerobic and community oriented. Ergo: If you’re thinking about taking up a sport to boost your physical and mental wellbeing, consider putting a racquet of some kind in your hand. And here are some tips to assist in optimizing your experience … 1) If you have any physical challenges, discuss with your doctor your suitability to begin an exercise regimen and the appropriateness of your choice. 2) If you’re a newbie to the sport or haven’t played in a while, find an experienced pro and investigate his or her lesson program, including cost. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. A few half-hour sessions should be sufficient to get started. NOTE: In my experience, most folks can only concentrate on

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and/or learn a complex set of physical skills for 45 minutes or less. Thus, hour-long lessons are a waste of time and money except for highly competitive players or those who share semiprivate sessions. 3) Dress appropriately for the weather (layering is good) and hydrate before, during and after your game. Water and electrolyte-laced liquids all replenish, depending on how hard you go at it. 4) On sunny days or cloudy days, wear a cap, visor and/or sun glasses whenever possible. 5) Before stepping onto the court, try 10-20 easy jumping jacks to get the blood moving through all your joints and muscles. NOTE: Experts believe that stretching before muscles are thoroughly warm and pliable can cause more harm than good. 6) Warm-up easy. Don’t try to begin today’s session at the level you ended your last one. And don’t overdo. Most sport injuries for us regular Joes occur past the point of physical tiredness. 7) Fun. It’s supposed to be fun. So finding an amenable group near your ability, sociability and commitment levels is key. Shop around.

8) Simple stretching at the end of your game will help body recovery and improve dexterity. Off court, yoga can be particularly helpful. 9) For tennists: The USTA provides plenty of competitive venues for those so inclined. 10) Practice with a purpose … drilling once or twice a week, even for 30 minutes, will advance your skills more than playing 10 sets. Hit specific shots to specific parts of the court to enhance placement, control and patience. When playing for score is involved: we all warm up for 10 minutes or so before engaging in battle—so use that time to run through all your shots— groundstrokes, volleys, overheads. And while you’re at it, notice your opponents’ strong and weak shots so you can exploit them during play. Racquet sports have a long history—an aged written record recently uncovered in the archives of the British Exchequer details the amount Henry the VIII once paid for losing a bet on a “court tennis” match. With a small investment in inexpensive gear and needing only one other player/hitter, you can get the same thrill, enjoyment and physical boost as enthusiasts who lived 500-plus years ago. Go aces, baby!


HEALTH & WELLNESS

WORTH THE SWEAT

Behold: The senior-friendly workout to improve movement and prevent injury

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xercise is good for everyone, but seniors with mobility or balance issues may wonder what kind of exercise they can do that will be safe, easy and effective. Jogging outdoors, running on a treadmill or lifting weights at the gym aren’t always practical—or enjoyable—activities for everyone. However, one type of exercise works for everyone, no matter your age or ability, because it relies on improving practical movements often involved in everyday activities. “Natural movement is universal, and it’s about bringing movement back to the basics,” says Bradly Prigge, wellness exercise specialist with the Mayo Clinic’s Healthy Living Program. “It’s not about following the latest fitness craze or learning the newest secret to weight loss. Natural movement is about connecting with your body and cultivating an awareness of your full abilities.” Rather than engaging in strenuous activity for its own sake alone, natural movement training emphasizes improving the efficiency of practical movements which can include rising from a seated to a standing position, getting up off the floor, crawling, stepping under or over objects, and more. The objective, Prigge explains, is not just to improve health but also enhance how well you can perform each movement. Efficient movement can help with balance,

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inspire more healthful activity, and provide practical benefits in everyday life - all of which are especially valuable to seniors facing mobility or health challenges. “The practice and training of movement shouldn’t feel like a chore or something you have to do,” Prigge says. “Rather, it should empower and liberate you, and, as a result, enhance your life. Natural movement training can help improve your strength, mobility and conditioning, but they’re not the direct goal. Those improvements are the result of practicing and developing movement skills that are directly transferable to real world situations, Prigge adds, like rising from a seated to a standing position, walking with balance/confidence, and lifting a bag of groceries without injury. Natural movement is for everyone because at its most basic level it incorporates movements that are instinctual to all humans. For example, a natural movement workout might include crawling on your hands and knees for 30 seconds to a few minutes, sitting on the floor and swiveling hips and knees to facilitate standing up, or balancing while walking across a beam. “I realized just how organic this type of exercise is after attending a natural movement training class,” Prigge says. “I came home and saw my 2-year-old daughter doing the same kind of moves I’d just learned in training, with-

out anyone teaching her to do them.” Here, he offers some advice for making the most of your natural movement workout: • Pay attention to your movement and strive to develop awareness of your body’s sensations, and how different movements feel. For example, where do you feel pressure and/or tension in your body when making a particular move? How does shifting your body weight or changing position alter those sensations? • Only perform movements and positions that your body allows without producing pain. Just as walking, sitting, standing and other everyday movements shouldn’t cause pain, your natural movement workout should also be pain-free. • It’s alright—and even advisable—to use your hands for support or raise your hips with bolsters or pillows until you develop greater mobility and strength. • Be kind to yourself and realize it is important to meet yourself where you currently are, rather than where you used to be or feel you should be. To learn more about natural living and the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, visit healthyliving. mayoclinic.org.


MONEY & INVESTMENTS

PLANNING AHEAD

THE BEST WAYS TO STRETCH YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS

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he temptation to start collecting monthly Social Security checks at age 62 is hard to resist, but claiming the benefit too early can have damaging consequences for your overall retirement funds. According to Kiplinger.com’s October list of “Financial Decisions You Will Regret in Retirement,” taking the money as soon as you are eligible at 62 is actually considered one of the worst mistakes you can make in your lifetime by many advisors. That’s because the longer you wait to claim benefits, the more money you are eligible to receive in your monthly check. The Social Se-

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curity Administration says the increases from delaying your benefit can be large and explains that a worker would receive $750 a month if she starts her benefit at age 62, but $1,000 a month at her full retirement age of 66. Or, if she delays until age 70, she would receive $1,320 a month. There are obvious advantages to waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security, but for individuals who can’t or don’t want to continue working that long, it might not be so easy to defer the monthly cash benefit. Certified financial planners Neil Krishnaswamy and Tom Davison say older adults do

have options for filling the financial gap until they are eligible for their maximum benefit at age 70. Both experts outlined strategies that incorporate housing wealth early on in retirement instead of using home equity as a last resort option, which has been the conventional wisdom until recently. This can be achieved by either selling the home and downsizing or, if you plan on staying in your current home for many years, using a reverse mortgage to convert part of the home’s value into a liquid asset. “Setting up a reverse mortgage with a term payout that lasts eight years is one idea to


MONEY & INVESTMENTS consider in this scenario,” Krishnaswamy wrote in an article posted to Forbes.com on Oct. 12. He explained how the loan proceeds can help bridge a homeowner’s finances by replacing all or a portion of the income Social Security would have provided during the interim. A reverse mortgage can also make sense for affluent retirees in high tax brackets seeking to maximize their Social Security benefit. Davison, a wealth manager and researcher in Columbus, Ohio, wrote a 2014 case study, “Delay Social Security: Funding the Income Gap with a Reverse Mortgage” that showed how using a reverse mortgage line of credit to bridge the gap can dramatically improve a retirement financial plan. Instead of spending down an IRA or other investments where withdrawals are taxed, withdrawals from the line of credit, which are not taxable income, can be used to pay expenses. This allows the investment portfolio to grow until the first required minimum distribution at age 70, the same year the retiree can claim the maximum Social Security benefit. Davison emphasized the long-term benefits of the reverse mortgage line of credit if the borrower is able to put money towards voluntarily repaying it over time. The reverse mortgage line of credit will grow at a reliable rate and can be used to support spending later in life when fewer borrowing options are available. A reverse mortgage is a loan that enables homeowners that are generally 62 or older to use part of their homes’ equity to obtain cash proceeds that can be used in many ways, without giving up ownership of the house. Borrowers may choose to draw their funds as a lump sum, as a monthly term or tenure payment, or they may choose to create a line of credit that can be drawn upon on an as-needed basis; borrowers may also choose a combination of a monthly payment and a line of credit. The loan does not have to be repaid until the last surviving borrower or remaining eligible non-borrowing spouse passes away or permanently leaves the home, or fails to meet loan obligations that include paying property taxes and insurance, and keeping the home maintained. There is no penalty for repaying all or some of the loan early, and as Davison stresses, repaying the line of credit when expenses are low will enable it to grow and make funds available later on when you need it. To learn more about reverse mortgage loans and how using home equity can fit into an overall financial plan, visit reversemortgage.org/equity, a consumer education website hosted by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

NOW, ABOUT THOSE MEDS … THREE WAYS SENIORS CAN CONTROL PRESCRIPTION COSTS

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or 55 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, the New Year means any new Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans, or any changes to your existing plans, take effect. If you signed up for coverage, it’s important to understand how your prescription drug costs may be affected. Even if you did nothing to alter your coverage, some features of your plan may have changed for 2017. Getting a handle on Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is important to your health as well as your pocketbook. “A survey by Walgreens showed that in order to manage prescription drug costs, some people have delayed filling a current prescription or occasionally skipped prescribed doses to stretch medication,” says John Lee, senior director of Medicare at Walgreens. “This is a real concern as it can pose significant health risks, so it’s vital to evaluate your medical situation, have a plan that best fits your needs and then understand how to get the most value from your plan and pharmacy.” The survey shows that even though prescription drug costs are among the top concerns for Medicare beneficiaries, approximately one out of every five beneficiaries lacks a good understanding of their insurance plan. Roughly the same percentage falsely believes that all phar-

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macies charge the same copay and one-third of respondents didn’t know they can switch pharmacies at any time, including outside of the annual enrollment period. The survey reinforced the need to educate beneficiaries about how plans and coverage can and do change from year to year. To make the most of your benefits and find potential cost savings for your prescription medications under your Part D coverage, here are three easy steps to get started:

Use A Less Expensive Brand Or Generic The brand-name drug your doctor prescribed can do wonders for your symptoms but be worrisome for your budget. Many brand-name drugs have generic or other brand substitutes. First, make sure your doctor considers generic options. If those options aren’t available, there may be lower-cost brand-name drugs used to treat the same condition. Ask your pharmacist if you have that option then talk with your doctor to see if switching brands makes sense in your situation. Finally, whatever your prescription may be, a 90-day supply from your pharmacy can be less expensive out of pocket than refilling every 30 days.

Verify Whether Your Plan Has A Preferred Pharmacy Network Many prescription drug plans have a preferred pharmacy (preferred cost share) network where you can pay a lower out-of-pocket copay for the exact same drug. Walgreens is in the preferred pharmacy network for many of the largest Medicare sponsors and, effective January 2017, offers copays as low as $0 on generic medications for select plans. Filling a generic medication at a non-preferred pharmacy could cost you $3, $5 or even $10 for the same drug.

Seek Medicare’s Extra Help Program And Other Ways To Save Medicare offers an Extra Help program to help people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug program costs, like premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of your insurance coverage, which may cover non-prescription items, like vaccinations and certain overthe-counter medications. Medicare beneficiaries seeking help navigating prescription drug costs can find additional resources and a list of Medicare plan sponsors at walgreens. com/medicare.


HEALTH & WELLNESS

TO LIFE! Making your life insurance work for you L

ife insurance is a valuable asset, but over time you may find that your life insurance no longer fits your situation. You might be surprised to learn that in addition to your home, stocks, bonds and antiques, your life insurance is another asset you can sell. Life insurance policies can be converted to immediate cash through a life settlement, but as many as 85 percent of seniors don’t realize this option is available, according to a survey conducted by Coventry Direct. A life settlement is a financial transaction in which a policyowner sells an unneeded life insurance policy for more than they would have received from the insurance company if they were to lapse or surrender the policy. Most life insurance policy types qualify, including universal life, whole life, variable life, survivorship and even term life policies. Among the reasons you might consider a life settlement: • Your life insurance policy is too expensive

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to maintain. If your premium payments have continued to increase, your policy may no longer be affordable. However, simply allowing the policy to lapse results in a total loss of the premiums you have paid. • You have more life insurance than you currently need. As your circumstances and need for financial protection change, you may want to reduce the overall insurance you own. For example, if your policy was intended to pay off your mortgage in the event of your death, but you’ve since sold the home or paid off your mortgage, you may not need the same amount of coverage. • You need help with increasing medical or long-term care expenses. Selling your policy can help cover your immediate needs for health care or other unforeseen medical expenses. • Increasing your retirement funds will increase your peace of mind. The proceeds from the sale of your policy can help boost your savings and

supplement your retirement income. • Your debt load exceeds your comfort level. Whether a single emergency incident or a combination of variables compounded your debt, working your way out can be emotionally and mentally draining, but applying untapped assets to reduce the burden may help. For example, one policyowner no longer had a need for several life insurance policies totaling $500,000. The life insurance company would only pay him the cash surrender value of $28,500. Instead, he contacted Coventry Direct and was able to sell the policies for $110,000, which he used to supplement his retirement and plan a family vacation. Learn more about life settlements and whether selling your life insurance policy is right for you by calling 888-858-9344 or visiting coventrydirect.com/ lifesettlements.


PARTING THOUGHTS

TALK OF THE TOWN BILL FEINGOLD IN HIS 94.3 FM LAIR.

IN BILL WE TRUST Local on-air celebrity Bill Feingold captures the limelight—and plenty of appreciation—doing exactly what he loves BY GREG ARCHER

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elebrities, real-life heroes, political chat, Yiddish lessons and even—what’s this?—goats have all found a home on “The Bill Feingold Show featuring Kevin Holmes,” one of the most unabashedly festive morning chat fests to ever hit the valley. The early-morning outing, which comes to life from 6-9 a.m. Monday through Friday on 94.3 FM (K-NEWS), is more than a ratings winner. It’s an experience. A lot of that has to do with the man in the titular position—Bill Feingold. The gregarious sixtysomething mixes a fabulous blend of wit and insight, along with his co-host (Holmes), who is decades younger than Feingold, which gives the duo plenty to opportunity to generate humorous pokes at age,

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generational influences and so much more. But there’s plenty of spirit and smarts in this endeavor, which is one of the reasons why PrimeTime reached out to Feingold. We wanted to learn more about him, and how he’s thrived alongside his 60-plus brethrens in the valley. PrimeTime: You were born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island. Tell me more. Bill Feingold: I loved it. There were good schools. You went out in the morning and didn’t come back until nighttime. The front doors in the neighborhood were open. It was a different world. When the streetlights went on, you had to go home. I had great friends.

And you never set out to be in radio? No, no. I was a stockbroker for 17 years in New York and L.A. In 1987, when the market crashed, I was in L.A. and I stayed another year, and I had it. It was just too much. I was going to move back to New York, and I was out by the pool where I was living and I was told, “The owners are leaving and everyone wants you to be the manager.” I told them, “I can’t fix anything!” [Laughs] … I’m Jewish, I really can’t fix anything. But I called people [to fix things] and I did it for seven years. I came to Palm Springs on the weekends, and then I bought a condo. After three months, I moved to Palm Springs. That was 17 years ago.


PARTING THOUGHTS op. I had four hours of material ready, and I went through it in about 10 minutes. I was a nervous wreck. But we got through that, and after a couple of weeks, Kevin and I became friends and we talked, and people loved that. The show grew—at night, one hour, and then three hours. About two-and-a-half years ago, I went to the station and said, “We need a good morning show—could we move to the mornings?” It is wonderful to hear from people that we keep them informed and make them laugh. The show has really grown. How do you feel the show has helped you with your vitality beyond the age of 60? I love it. I love it. I love it. What I love about doing the show … well, I love celebrities. I get to meet every celebrity that comes out here—they come on the show. I get to meet politicians. I get to meet the people who run the charities and we get to help them. When we moved the show to the mornings, I thought I would get a life. [Laughs] I’m here at 2:30 a.m. and the show goes on at 6 a.m. So, what happens between 2:30 and 6 a.m.? I go through every newspaper and six different websites and pull out the stories that would be really interesting. Well, what time do you go to bed every night, then? 7:30 p.m. [Laughs] I get up at 1:30 a.m. I leave the station at 10 a.m. and Kevin books the guests [for future shows]. What would you say to people who are 55, 60 and …?

DYNAMIC DUO FEINGOLD (LEFT) AND HOLMES, 94.3 FM’S RATINGS WINNER.

Share more about how the show came into being. I didn’t know what I was going to do living in Palm Springs. I got very involved with city council meetings and in 2003, I ran—Bill Feingold For City Council. I lost—nobody knew me. Because I had done pretty well in the election, they made me the chairman of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. There was

a radio show on in the afternoons—“Marshall and Stone”—and they would make fun of me or the Commission, and they would have me on once and a while. I got a little bug about radio, and every now and then, I would fill in for one of them. For about four years, the station kept calling and saying, “Do you want your own radio show?” I said, “No. I hate my voice!” Finally, I said, yes. The show was one hour on Saturdays. I met Kevin here. He was my board

Don’t stop working. Stay active. I really think … well, I am work-a-holic now, but this has been the hardest job and the most fun. Because when you have a regular job, people don’t criticize you or come up to you. But if you are on the radio, they think they have every right to say, “Well, that was stupid!” [Laughs] But for the most part, people are very complementary. It’s fun. It’s been a blessing, opening up doors that would never have been open. I think working keeps you young and vital. Catch “The Bill Feingold Show featuring Kevin Holmes” from 6-9 a.m. (M-F) on 94.3 FM. Keep track of the fun at 943news.com or facebook.com/ billfeingoldshow.

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