NEWS FOR BOOMERS AND BEYOND
JUNE 2015
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Members of the local T.O.P.S. chapter 1159 in leadership roles Vivian Gorden, at left, Cathy Mc Arthur, seated, Judy Rockow, Teresa Theel and Donna Draves. Not pictured: Diane Fricken.
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Better late than never for retirement planning Brandpoint Media
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f you’re within 10 years of retirement and haven’t done any appreciable planning, you’re not alone. Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older expect to retire later than they hoped, citing financial concerns, according to a 2013 study by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. And while you may be part of that group, keep in mind, it’s better to plan late than never. A good benchmark on retirement readiness is the ability to replace at least 75 percent of your pre-retirement income at the age you qualify for full Social Security benefits, which is 66 or 67 for
Why Go Anywhere Else? Anyone can provide advice. At Edward Jones, our goal is to provide advice and guidance tailored to your needs. That’s why we live and work in your community. When it comes to your financial needs and goals, we believe you deserve face-to-face attention. You talk, we listen, and we get to know you. Mutual Funds Annuities Portfolio and Retirement Plan Reviews Investment Banking Equities Fixed Income Investments Insurance
Fond du Lac County Senior Dining Menu JUNE 1 Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Health Slaw, Peach Slices, Cinnamon Roll*, Sliced Bread JUNE 2 BBQ Meatballs, Baby Red Potatoes, Peas and Carrots, Egg Custard Pie, Seedless Grapes*, Dinner Roll JUNE 3 Baked Spaghetti, Mixed Italian Salad, Pear Slices, Cookie*, French Bread JUNE 4 Pork Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Birthday Cake, Applesauce*, Dinner Roll JUNE 5 Fruited Chicken, Salad on a bed of Shredded Lettuce, Cantaloupe Slice, Fudge Brownie*, Sliced Bread
For more information or to schedule a complimentary financial review, call or stop by today.
JUNE 8 Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Calif. Blend Veg., Cranberry Gelatin, Frosted Cake*, Sliced Bread JUNE 9 Pepper Steak, Baked Potato, Chinese Ramen Sal., Vanilla Pudding, Petite Banana*, Dinner Roll
Rich Matravers 404 E. Main Street Waupun, WI 53963 (920) 324-9002 800-441-6143
Joe Heeringa 14 W. Main Street Waupun, WI 53963 (920) 324-2188
WI-5001861054
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Ben Baertschy 928 S. Main Street Suite 600 Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 923-1020
Dan Sprader, AAMS 976 E. Johnson St. Suite 700 Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 923-3934 877-923-3934
Pam Tollefson 355 N Peters Suite 100 Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 921-6095
Steven Millin, AAMS 68 N. Main Street Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 923-0970 800-743-2996
Adam VandeSlunt, AAMS 1005 W. Main St Waupun, WI 53963 (920) 324-2530 888-324-2535
Doug Shireman, AAMS 885 Western Ave. Suite 300B Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 923-4401 888-923-4667
Jeff Wills 928 S. Main St Suite 600 Fond Du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 923-1020
JUNE 10 Baked Chicken, Twice Bk Style Pot., Spinach Salad w/ Rasp. Vinaigrette, Pineapple Tidbits, Raspberry Sherbet*, Sliced Bread JUNE 11 Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Butterfinger Torte, Apple Slices*, Dinner Roll JUNE 12 Ham Rolls, Squash, Cole Slaw, Pear Slices, Butterscotch Pud.*, Sliced Bread JUNE 15 Chicken Marsala, Baby Red Potatoes, Carrots, Applesauce Cake, Honeydew Melon*, Sliced Bread JUNE 16 Mush. Pork Cutlet, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Applesauce, Cookie*, Dinner Roll JUNE 17 Beef Stroganoff, Casserole, Tossed Salad, Ice Cream Cup, Peach Slices*, Sliced Bread JUNE 18 Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruited Gelatin, Cinnamon Roll*, Dinner Roll JUNE 19 Salmon Loaf, Sour Cream and, Chive Potatoes, Peas/Pearl Onions, Cream Sicle Torte, Pinapple Tidbits*, Sliced Bread
JUNE 22 Pork Loin, Mashed Potatoes, Calif. Blend Veg., Peach Slices, Frosted Cake*, Sliced Bread JUNE 23 Chicken Tetrazzini, Casserole, Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, Cantaloupe Slice, Vanilla Pudding*, Dinner Roll JUNE 24 Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Peas and Carrots, Choc. Cloud Torte, Plum Halves*, Sliced Bread JUNE 25 Chicken Terriyaki, Baked Potato, Three Bean Salad, Pineapple Tidbits, Cookie*, Dinner Roll JUNE 26 Beef Frank on a Bun, German Pot. Salad, Corn, Fudge Brownie, Seedless Grapes* JUNE 29 Baked Chicken, Twice Bk Style Pot., Pickled Beet Salad, Pear Slices, Tapioca Pudding*, Sliced Bread JUNE 30 Meatballs in Honey, Mustard Sauce, Baby Red Potatoes, Summer Blend Veg., Choc. Banana Torte, Apple Slices*, Dinner Roll
Meal Sites: FOND DU LAC – Riverview Apartments, 101 Western Ave., Mon-Fri 11:45am; Westnor Apartments, 653 W Arndt St. noon; Portland Square Apartments, 55 N. Portland, 11:45am; Senior Center, 151 E. First St. Mon-Thurs 11:45am; NORTH FOND DU LAC – Northgate, 350 Winnebago St., noon; RIPON – Russell Manor, 504 Russell Dr., 11:45am; Willowbrook Apartments, 615 W. Oshkosh St., noon; WAUPUN – Senior Center, 301 E. Main St., noon. Eligibility & Nutrition: All persons or married to someone 60 years or older are eligible for the Fond du Lac County Elderly Nutrition Program. Each meal contains 1/3 of the current daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Registration: Preregister at least one day in advance by 1pm, by signing up at a meal site or calling Fond du Lac Courthouse, 929-3937; Waupun Senior Center, 324-7930. For cancellations call the Department of Senior Service at 929-3937 before 1pm the business day prior to the meal. Donations: There is a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 years of age or older or married to someone 60+. Mobile Meals donation of $3.50. Volunteers: Volunteers are needed for the Senior Dining Program of the Fond du Lac County Dept. of Senior Services. Call 929-3114 for more information.
WI-5001860596
www.edwardjones.com
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most people. Retirement income can come from a variety of sources, including Social Security, savings and a pension, if you have one. “While people age 50 or older no longer have time on their side when it comes to retirement savings, there are strategies that can help you play catch up,” says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president, MassMutual Retirement Services division. “Pre-retirees have some levers to pull that younger workers may not.” TakE sTOck OF YOUR assETs Meet with a financial professional who can evaluate your retirement resources and project how much income you can expect if you retire at a certain age. Many 401(k) plans offer online tools to help you determine where you stand and how likely you are to replace your income based on your current assets and saving habits.
by MaTchiNG cONTRibUTiONs c t of Say your employer matches contributions to ate your 401(k) plan up to 5 percent of your salary and you only contribute 2 percent, you’re turns is ing down free money. Make sure you save our enough to at least get the full match. for Talk to your tax adviser about whether you 7 forshould contribute to your 401(k) on a before- or
While people age 50 or older no longer have time on their side … there are strategies that can help you play catch up.” — Elaine Sarsynski, MassMutual Retirement Services
after-tax basis. Pre-tax contributions may make it affordable to save a higher percentage of your pay by deferring some of your tax liability until retirement. After-tax contributions may reduce your tax liability in retirement. caTch-UP cONTRibUTiONs If you’re age 50 or older at the end of the calendar year, you are eligible to contribute up to an additional $6,000 to your retirement plan in 2015. That’s on top of the $18,000 limit for younger employees. Matching contributions from your employer do not count toward your contribution limit. OPTiMizE sOcial sEcURiTY You can begin taking Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. But should you? “It depends on a lot of things — your health,
medical history, current cash needs, and future financial obligations, to name a few,” says Farnoosh Torabi, best-selling author and personal finance coach. “But one thing is certain: the longer you delay your application, the bigger your benefit will be.” The maximum benefit from Social Security starts at age 70. You can estimate your retirement benefit by using the Social Security Administration’s Retirement Estimator at ssa.gov/estimator. DON'T FORGET YOUR PENsiON If you are entitled to a pension, this is an important source of income that should factor into your retirement planning. Your pension pays you a benefit at retirement based on factors such as your years of service and salary. Your plan administrator will have specific information about your plan. “When it comes to saving for retirement, don’t let a late start dissuade you,” Sarsynski says. “Becoming more financially disciplined and making the most of your resources can go a long way toward helping you retire on your own terms.” For more information about planning your retirement, visit RetireSmart.com.
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EXPERIENCE is published by Gannett Wisconsin Custom Publishing. Contents of the section are for Action Reporter Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of Gannett Wisconsin Custom Publishing. For information, contact Karen Befus at 920-426-6701 or kbefus@gannett.com.
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EXPERIENCE | 3
June Calendar
jets big b cont the r Compiled by the Fond du Lac Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. For detailed information visit fdl.com or call (920) 923-3010. avai 21 • Wisconsin dairy products will be House Red Jackets historic baseball 19 • FAMILY NIGHT – 4 to 7 p.m. at AND available. Visit nebat.com. team in a rousing pick-up game. You’ll Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac, at La 7 • ART ON THE ISLAND – 10 a.m. to 4 be amazed by the rules that guided the 75 W. Scott St. Activities include Hun p.m. at Lakeside Park’s Oven Island, 1860s teams. Everyone can particiboard games, pajama parties, and ’60s 555 N. Park Ave. A wide variety of pate, and of course, enjoy the peanuts, Little Caesar’s Pizza (available for trop arts and crafts. Food, live music, kids’ popcorn and Cracker Jacks. purchase). Included with general 22 • DANCE LESSONS – 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays crafts, free admission and parking. 15 • MUSIC UNDER THE STARS: KENNY admission. Sponsored by Lakeside DOW at Fond du Lac Senior Center, 151 7 • FOND DE VETTES 44TH TRIP BRANDT BAND – 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Evening Kiwanis. Butt 19-20 • NORTH FONDY FEST – 8 E. First St., Thursdays at the Eagles AROUND THE LAKE – 7 a.m. registraButtermilk Creek Park, 700 S. Park Ave. a.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Village Park, Club, 515 N. Park Ave. Admission tion, 9 a.m. departure from Forest Ave. Polka variety music. mus 200 Winnebago St., North Fond du charged, no partner or experience Mall, 835 W. Johnson St. Free event 17 • BUTTERMILK FESTIVAL: 24 • Lac. Raffle, food, games, walk/run, KAP needed. Beginner lesson at 7 p.m., for Corvettes only. Lunch and SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT – 7:15 parade, softball, kickball. Kids craftsCree intermediate at 3 p.m. For informarefreshments available from the Noon p.m. at Buttermilk Creek Park, 700 and games, face painting, giant slip 15-p tion, call (920) 979-3434. Kiwanis Club at end of ride at Holiday S. Park Ave. Light classics, popular and slide, bounce house, model train of G FARMERS MARKET – 11 a.m. to 3 Auto Budget Center at 11 a.m. Live music from many eras, vocal selecdisplay. Music by Oil Can Harry at and p.m. Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to noon music, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. tions, featured soloists and marches. 8 p.m. Saturdays at 30 S. Main St. Get to Bring a non-perishable food item for 18 • FARM FLAVORS DINNER – 5 p.m. ipati 19-10 • THE ART OF DAITHI – openknow your local farmers and vendors. the local pantry to be entered into a at Meuer Farm & Corn Maze, N2564 27-2 ing reception 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; Visit downtownfdl.com. drawing for tickets to Road America. Highway 151, Chilton. Admission at W TOUR OF LACLARE FARMS – 11 a.m. 11 • MEET PRODUCER DINNER – 6:30 charged. A showcase of fresh produce gallery hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday High through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, char and 2 p.m. weekends in June at p.m. at LaClare Farms, W2994 CT HH, from our farm and the surrounding at Share Fine Art Galleries, 228 S. LaClare Farms, W2994 CT HH, Pipe Pipe (Malone). Admission charged. area. Cash bar, three-to-five-course chee Military Road. (Malone). Learn about the cheese Chef Jim creates a multi-course meal dinner and farm activity. 19 • TOUR THE TOWN ART WALK 20 • ROBERT WELLNITZ MEMORIAL AIR making process. View the goat milkusing locally sourced ingredients, SHOW – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fond du ing facility and the barn. Pet and feed paired with a local brewery or winery. Fond du Lac – 5 to 8 p.m. at various Lac Aeromodelers Association, N4841 downtown businesses. For a map the goats. Cash bar, facility tours. Hickory Road. Admission is charged of sites and exhibiting artists, visit MEET THE CHEESEMAKER AT LACLARE 11-13 • WISCONSIN STATE BUTTON SOCIETY STATE SHOW – 6 to 9 p.m. per car. Radio-controlled airplanes, tourthetownfdl.com. FARMS – noon to 4 p.m. weekends in Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June at LaClare Farms, W2994 CT 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Retlaw HH, Pipe (Malone). Cheesemakers Plaza Hotel 1 N. Main St. Admission will be featuring cheese made charged, reservations required, call in-house. 4, 11, 18 • THELMA THURSDAY – 5 to 8 Charlotte at (262) 835-4124 or email Louise at btnplywi@excel.net. p.m. at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, 51 Sheboygan St. Contemporary 12-14 • WALLEYE WEEKEND – 3 to 10:30 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wings featuring the works of Scott Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Zieher and Mike Womack. Free Visit horiconmarsh.org for more information. Lakeside Park, 555 N. Park Ave., Fond admission. The bar is also open. du Lac. Free family festival with live 5 • LEGO NIGHT – 4 to 7 p.m. at Tour de Marsh music on several stages, children’s Children’s Museum of Fond du Lac, June 6, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Join bicyclists, hikers, motorcyclists and autos touring entertainment and activities, sports 75 W. Scott St. Come and build with the famous Horicon Marsh. Choose from 40, 18 or 8-mile routes. Tour maps and tournaments, concessions, Mercury the museum’s collection of LEGOs. refreshments available at designated spots along the route. Marine National Walleye Tournament. Program is included with general 13, 27 CHEESE PAIRING – 3 p.m. at admission. Winged Wonders LaClare Farms, W2994 CT HH, 6 • TAYLOR PARK POOL opening day, June 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn about native pollinators. From crafts to honey tasting Pipe (Malone). Admission charged. 380 Emma St. Admission charged, there will be something for everyone. Includes three different types of season passes available. cheese paired with three different 6 • PETTING ZOO – 9 to 11 a.m., at Archery Camp types of wine or beer. Reservations National Exchange Bank and Trust, June 20, 9 a.m.-noon. Free for children in grades 4-8. Pre-registration required. recommended. 130 S. Main St. In celebration of 14, 28 • HISTORIC BASE BALL – 1:30 Wisconsin’s dairy industry, the Martin Mania p.m. at Wade House Historic Site, petting zoo will feature a variety of June 23, 6:30-8 p.m. See why purple martins are dependent on man-made structures. W7965 Highway 23, Greenbush. farm animals, pony rides, games, Admission charged. Join the Wade prizes and more. A sampling of
Horicon Marsh
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ACTION PUBLICATIONS | JUNE 2015
jets and helicopters. Acrobatic planes, big birds and amazing 200 mph remote control jets that look and sound like the real ones. Food and refreshments available. 21 • Father’s Day antique Car anD truCk show – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakeside Park, 555 N. Park Ave. Hundreds of cars and trucks, ’50s and ’60s music, best dads contest, raffle, trophies and concessions. 22 • MusiC unDer the stars: the Downtowners – 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Buttermilk Creek Park, 700 S. Park Ave. Big band, polka, ’50s and ’60s music. 24 • ButterMilk Festival: DorF kapelle – 7:15 p.m. at Buttermilk Creek Park, 700 S. Park Ave. A 15-piece ensemble featuring the music of Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Switzerland, with audience participation. 27-28 • Dairy Days – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wade House Historic Site, W7965 Highway 23, Greenbush. Admission charged. Make ice cream, butter and cheese in the fashion of the 1860s.
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27-28 • no naMe renDezvous – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Izaak Walton League Grounds, N6491 CT K. Bordered to the east is the Niagara Escarpment, a location central to the Native American culture. Kids games with archery, BB gun shoots and mock fishing. Tomahawk and knife throws, demonstrations at some individual camps and blacksmithing re-create the history of the pre-1840 fur-trapping era. Teddy bear hunt takes place on Saturday. 28 •BreakFast on the FarM – 8 a.m. to noon at the Michels Farm, N11805 Butternut Road, Lomira. Countrystyle breakfast, $1 ice cream sundaes, farm tours, kiddie pedal tractor pull, antique farm equipment, family activities. 28 • eDge the leDge – 7 a.m. at Fondy Sports Park, N5820 CT D. Old and new crazy, fun obstacles. Kids’ event starts at 10:30 a.m. 29 • MusiC unDer the stars: Copper Box trio – 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Buttermilk Creek Park, 700 S. Park Ave. Americana music.
l p a c a n l a n o s r e p c a d c
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JUNE 2015 | ACTION PUBLICATIONS
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EXPERIENCE | 5
T.O.P.S. chapter expands membership, allows comfortable, friendly weight-loss environment T.O.P.S. members include, back row, from left: Grinitte Kososki, Deb Berg, Linda Stephany, Kate Pape, Jean Benson, Judy Rockow, Donna Draves and Mary Tighe. Front row, from left: Joanne Zalewski, Marilyn Fields, Cathy Mc Arthur, Mary Kramer, Vivian Gorden, Judy Hoffmann and Jane Stone.
Story by Lois A. Pflum | Cover/centerspread photos by Taima Kern/Action Reporter Media
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wonder how many people living in Fond du Lac know that there are several T.O.P.S. chapters (Take Pounds Off Sensibly), right here in our city? According to Vivian Gorden,
6 | EXPERIENCE
there are at least five different chapters locally. Vivian, 77, of Fond du Lac, is currently involved in the Wisconsin 1159 Fond du Lac T.O.P.S. chapter, which she partnered with in
2011. She is passionately driven and puts in a lot of energy to make this chapter special with a lot of fresh ideas, enthusiasm and “get-go.� She noted though, this chapter wasn't the
JUNE 2015 | ACTIO
first chapter she belonged to. Presently there are 23 women in her chapter who range in age from 50 years in age, all the way up to the mid 80's. Vivian stated although men are welcome in the group, none are involved at this time. This chapter convenes on a weekly basis at the Fond du Lac Senior Center. Vivian feels her chapter is a close-knit group, members share camaraderie and success stories, offer encouragement, support and promote good nutrition, and occasionally have a guest speaker at their meetings, who has expertise in a topic pertinent to the group. Key members are referred to as leaders, rather than president and vice-president. They are: Vivian, leader; Diane Fricken, co-leader; Cathy Mc Arthur, secretary; Theresa Theel, treasurer; Judy Rockow, weight recorder and Donna Draves, assistant weight recorder. Vivian explained members are weighed privately at every meeting and have the option to share their weight with other members of the group if they so choose. She emphasized weight loss goals are personal and are set by each member and their personal physician. Goals related to members in this chapter are: Encouraging healthy eating, exercising and leading healthy life-style. Vivian is also involved in the state T.O.P.S. organization. Members of this group receive a bi-monthly news magazine, full of ideas, feature stories, and even recipes, among other items of interest. Vivian attended the state meeting which was held May 1 and May 2 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton with approximately 400 members in attendance, and certain members received recognition for exceptional weight losses. She added, "The state group convenes annually in different cities located throughout Wisconsin. The international group will be meeting in Reno this July, which will include members attending from all over the United
More Info To learn more about the Wisconsin 1159 Fond du Lac T.O.P.S. chapter, contact Vivian at 933-3216
ON PUBLICATIONS
States and Canada.� Vivian commented she is very appreciative of the support from her husband, Ray, with her involvement and dedication to T.O.P.S. Although Vivian was born in Oshkosh, she has lived in Fond du Lac since 1986. She is a familiar, face not only at the Fond du Lac Senior Center where she volunteers in the craft shop and plays in the chimes choir, but also at Hope Lutheran Church where she is a member and plays in the chimes choir and rings the bells. Although she is not a member of the Church of Our Saviour, she also enjoys ringing the bells there. Vivian keeps busy by volunteering
at the Lutheran Home and the Galloway House and is a member of the Fond du Lac senior center Red Hat Honeys (past Queen Bee), and a member of the Red Hat Chorus. With all these volunteer activities, Vivian manages to find time to do embroidery work, plant flowers around her home, and do some traveling with Ray. Recently, "Max," a toy poodle, joined the household and has made a very good adjustment in the Gorden home. Mother to Sue and Steve, she and Ray have a blended family of 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
EXPERIENCE | 7
❚ LIFE ❚ LOVE ❚ LOSS ❚ LEGACY
FUNERAL & ESTATE PLANNING
Beneficiary designations Isabell M. Mueller, attorney
T
he last will and testament and the revocable trust are the most common documents used within an estate plan to direct how an individual’s assets should be distributed in the event of death. However, for most individuals, a large portion of their assets does not actually pass according to that will or trust, but is instead controlled by beneficiary designations. IRA, 401(k), 403(b), annuities and life insurance are the most common examples of assets with beneficiary designations. Upon the owner’s death, the beneficiary listed on those designations will receive those funds regardless of what any will or trust may state. It is, therefore, crucial to address all beneficiary designations and coordinate them with the overall estate plan. Improper, incomplete or outdated beneficiary designations may cause unnecessary taxes to be paid or may cause the funds to be distributed in the wrong manner or even to the wrong recipients entirely. For example, it is common for parents of
minor children to direct in their estate plan that the assets are to be distributed to a trust for the benefit of their children if both parents die. This purpose of this minors’ trust is to ensure the funds are available to be used for the children, but to also keep them under the management of a trustee chosen by the parents until the children are older. However, if the beneficiary designations on the parents’ life insurance policies list simply “children” or list the children by individual name, those funds will not be distributed to the children’s trust. Instead, the funds would be distributed to the children outright. If a child is still a minor the funds would be held by a guardian until the child reaches the age of majority, at which time they would be turned over to the child without any restrictions. In this instance, the beneficiary designations on the life insurance policies should have directed the proceeds to pay out to the trust for the children. Beneficiary designations are an integral part of almost every estate plan, but if completed incorrectly, they may entirely derail that plan.
Law Offices of ISABELL M. MUELLER Estate Planning
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A properly completed estate plan will ensure not only that a will or a trust is in place, but also that all beneficiary designations are coordinated with the documents and the overall goals of the estate plan as well.
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Alert! Divesting assets may make you ineligible for Medicaid GWAAR legal services team
A
s people get older, many consider transferring assets to their family or to charity. Some were fortunate to have inherited homes or other family assets, so it is logical that they would like to similarly transfer their wealth to younger members of their own families. While their intentions are honest and noble, individuals need to be aware of the risk of “divestment” in the event they need long-term care and do not have sufficient assets to pay for it. Divestment is a general term applied when an individual transfers assets — money, possessions, or property — for less than fair market value or when someone refuses to accept an asset to which he or she is entitled. When an individual transfers an asset without getting back something equal in return, or gives up an interest in an asset, he or she now has fewer assets with which to pay for long-term care should the need arise. Because long-term care is so expensive, Wisconsin law includes provisions that prevent individuals from divesting assets and then requesting that the state pay for their long-term care. To dissuade people from divesting, Wisconsin
law imposes a penalty period based on the amount of divestment. An individual is ineligible to receive long-term care Medicaid or community waivers (programs that provide long-term care services in home and community settings rather than in a skilled nursing facility) during the penalty period. The more wealth that has been divested, the longer the penalty period. The penalty period will only apply if an individual divested assets during the “look-back period.” This period is the 60 months immediately prior to an individual needing long-term care and applying for nursing home Medicaid or being approved for a community waiver program. Transfers made more than 60 months in the past do not result in a penalty period. Importantly, the penalty period does not apply to Medicaid card services or Medicare Savings Programs. It
Divestment can prevent an individual from obtaining the long-term care he or she needs, which can be debilitating to an individual and his or her family.
2015 Transportation Services
Fond du Lac County Department of Senior Services Service Type Elderly
Walk-on vans 60+ years of age
Escort
Frail; physician certified
Handi-Van
Wheelchair use or mobility impaired No age restrictions
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Cost
Medical, Employment, Nutrition Personal Business, Education/Training, Social/Recreation
$2.50 each way $2.50 each way $2.50 each way $2.50 each way
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Within FdL County $2.50 each way Outside FdL County $6.00 each way
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Senior Service Transportation Service Phone Numbers ELDERLY VAN: 60+ years of age ......................................................... 929-3936 HANDI-VAN: Wheelchair or mobility impaired, no age restriction....... 929-3110 ESCORT: Frail, no age restriction ......................................................... 929-3936
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Senior Dining & Mobile Meals (60+ years of age) 929-3937
applies only to nursing home Medicaid and home and community-based waivers. It is highly recommended that an individual consult with an elder benefit specialist or an elder law attorney if he or she receives a notice of divestment. In some cases, the divestment penalty period can be waived if the penalty period would deprive the institutionalized person of medical care that would endanger his or her life, or deprive the individual of food, clothing, shelter, or other necessities of life. There are some exceptions to the normal divestment rules, so it is important to quickly investigate a notice of divestment to determine whether an exception applies and whether to request an undue hardship waiver. Divestment can prevent an individual from obtaining the long-term care he or she needs, which can be debilitating to an individual and his or her family. For that reason, it is very important to understand the consequences of transferring assets if long-term care may be necessary in the following five years. While someone may have great intentions, transferring assets without receiving fair market value in return can unexpectedly create significant problems when unforeseen health issues or a need for long-term care arises.
686 Fond du Lac Ave. - Fond du Lac, WI Call Judine at 920-923-2202 * 920-517-3201
Judine Lange
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Grotta Azzurra Small tour boats inside the Blue Grotto sea cave, island of Capri, Italy. GETTY IMAGES
De
Helen left, R
Valerie Graczyk, travel writer
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n mid-April we led a tour to Italy, a favorite place to visit. We fell in love with the beauty and the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea — especially the Island of Capri. Prior to traveling to Italy I watched the movie “It Started in Naples” with Sophia Loren and Clark Gable. They are shown going into the Blue Grotto in a row boat and diving in and kissing. Very romantic! We left on the ferry from the Bay of Naples in the rain. I knew we could not go into the Blue Grotto if the water was rough because the opening of the grotto is very small. But as we arrived in Capri the rain stopped, we quickly transferred to a motor boat and when the boat rounded the side of a mountainous cliff, we saw at least a dozen small row boats with men standing up shouting at us to hire them. Within minutes we were transferred into smaller row boats and instructed to lay as flat as we could so as not to hit our heads on the rock as we entered the grotto. Our rower waited his turn at the opening of the cave, grabbed a rope and pulled us through into the grotto. It was stunning! A huge cavern with blue shimmering water and rowers singing Italian love songs at the top of their lungs. The blue light from the grotto comes from two sources. One from the small hole in the cave wall and a second hole
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beneath the surface. What a magical, delightful experience! We highly recommend the Blue Grotto on the Island of Capri.
To see more photos of our excursion, go to somedaytravel.com and click on Italy, 2015. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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CENTER FOR HEALING AND RECOVERY
We Succeed When Our Patients Succeed. At the St. Francis Homee Center for Healing and Recovery, we offer comprehensive short-terrm rehabb services through our suppportive therapists in a comfortabble and caring environment.. To learn more about thee St. Francis Home Centeer for Healing and Recovery, call us at (920) 926-6052.
Decagenarian celebration Helen Holzmann of Grancare recently celebrated her 100th birthday with her children, from left, Roger, Mary Mand, Rosie Baus, Jim (not pictured daughter Ann). SUBMITTED PHOTO
agnesian.com AGNESIAN HEALTHCARE IS SPONSORED BY THE CONGREGATION OF SISTERS OF ST. AGNES
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www.woodlandsseniorpark.com
✔ Excellent Food ✔ Beautiful Interfaith Chapel
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GRANCARE REHAB 920-921-6800 Medicare - Medicaid - Family Care Certified
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Harbor Haven Health & Rehabilitation is a 24-hour Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility uniquely designed to meet the needs of our residents. • Short-term Rehabilitation Services • Medicare Certified • Alzheimer’s Care • Hospice Care • “Household Concept” – resident care is specialized to meet the unique needs of residents in each household
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459 E. First Street, Fond du Lac, WI For a personal tour contact Jody at 906-4785 Fond du Lac County – First on The Lake
Answers from page 3 CENTER FOR HEALING AND RECOVERY
We Succeed When Our Patients Succeed. At the St. Francis Homee Center for Healing and Recovery, we offer comprehensive short-terrm rehabb services through our suppportive therapists in a comfortabble and caring environment.. To learn more about thee St. Francis Home Centeer for Healing and Recovery, call us at (920) 926-6052. agnesian.com AGNESIAN HEALTHCARE IS SPONSORED BY THE CONGREGATION OF SISTERS OF ST. AGNES
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