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Grandparents & Grandkids Summer Water Safety Tips
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ew things are as much fun as splashing around at the beach or in a backyard pool, but not every child is confident about taking the plunge.“For some children, the idea of getting in the water and trying to swim can be a bit frightening,” says K.J. Hales, author of It’s Hard to Swim, the second and most recent addition to the Life’s Little Lessons by Ellie the Wienerdog educational picture book series (www.ellietheweinerdog.com).
May is National Water Safety Month, a good time for parents to consider teaching their children how to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swimming lessons for most children four-years and older. Water safety classes can also reduce the risk of drowning in younger children, the pediatrics group reports, but advises that because children develop at different rates, not all will be ready to swim at the same age. (Continued on page 23)
Ms. New York Senior America Pageant Winner
Lee Ann Brill Long Island Resource Guide Coming in June
Advertiser’s Call (631) 286-0058 Ext. 221
Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park May 27-28
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(Send event info to Frank@50plusny.com. Deadline 15th of the month)
May 3 Long Beach Art League Meeting. At the library at 111 West Park Avenue in Long Beach; 7:30 p.m. www.longbeachartleague.com. May 4 Civil War Roundtable. South Huntington Library. 7.pm. Discussing the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines’ Mill. 631-549-4411.
May 11 Senior Group Meeting SAGE. Topic: Holocaust Survivor speaks about her experience; 10:30 a.m. to noon. At the Woodbury Jewish Center. Includes light refreshments. $5. 516-496-9100 x352; www.thewjc.org. May 11 Saul Silas Fathi Lecture. Bethpage Public Library, 2 p.m. 631-232-1638.
May 5 Blind or Visually Impaired Resource & Technology Fair. Suffolk Cooperative Library System. 631-286-1600; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
May 12 A Taste of Country. 7 p.m. at the Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard, $80 pp. 631-451-9130; e-mail: brookhaven@dressforsuccess.org.
May 6 Walk for a Cure – to support Alzheimer’s, Autism and Cancer Research. New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc., Sons of Italy Walk-AThon, rain or shine. Registration 8:30a.m. at Eisenhower Park. 516-785-4623.
May 13-14 Long Beach Boardwalk Art, Craft & Gift Fair 2017. Long Beach Boardwalk. 10 a.m. Free. 516-442-6000.
May 6 Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony Orchestra. Lynbrook High School Auditorium. 516-365-6857. May 8 Loving Hands Knit & Crochet for Charity Mtg. Merrick Golf Club. Speaker: Brittne McCrimmon of Nassau DA’s Office. Refreshments & raffle. RSVP to 516-246-9552. May 7 & 21 A Night at the Opera/A Day at the Races. Two free concerts inspired by the Marx Brothers movies. Sunday, May 7, at Kings Park High School and Sunday, May 21, at Mary Immaculate Church in Bellport. Concerts start at 2p.m. (Doors open at 1:30.) Free. May 7 Pilot of the Year Ceremony in Honor of Edwin Ferrar. Valley Stream resident, WWII fighter pilot and renowned animal trainer; 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Valley Stream Historical Society at the Pagan- Fletcher Restoration. Free. 516Civil War Roundtable 825-7157 or 516-8724159. May 4
MayEvents May 19 to 21 Ladies Kennel Association of America - L.I. Kennel Club. Planting Field Arboretum, Oyster Bay; 9 a.m. 516-922-9200. $10 pp, $20 per carload. 800 dogs competing.
May 25 Book & Bottle: Pirates, Raiders, & Rumrunners! Suffolk County Historical Society, Riverhead. 6 p.m. Includes wine and cheese. RSVP to 631-727-2881. Non-members $5.
May 20 Swing Band Senior Social and Dance. Featuring the Big Band Beat and the Savoy Swing Band. St. Sylvester's Church, Medford; 7p.m. $15. 631-567-1790.
May 27-28 Bethpage Air Show. Jones Beach State Park. Noon to 5 p.m. Featuring the US Air Force Thunderbirds. $10 parking fee. Info: 516-7851600; bethpageairshow.com. Bring chairs or blankets. 50+
May 20 Ladies of Laughter. Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington; 8 p.m. Funny women showcasing their unique styles of humor. $25; Friends $20. 516-767-1384; www.ladiesoflaughter.org.
Coming in July AN AFTERNOON OF COMEDY & DANCING at VILLA LOMBARDI’S Sponsored by The Sons & Daughters of Italy Basilone Lodge #2442
Sunday July 9th 2:00-6:00 pm For info call Madeline 631-289-0413
Featuring the one and only
Uncle Floyd Vivino
50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
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Congratulations to our Hidin’ Harry Winners! Congratulations to Hidin’ Harry winners from the April issue, Joanne Myrah of Jericho and Cheryl Kelly of Bay Shore. You’ll both be receiving a pair of theater tickets in the mail.And Hidin’ Harry was on page 6 in our April issue. So … Find Hidin’ Harry somewhere in the pages of 50+ LifeStyles and send us your answer — including your name and address — by post to Hidin’ Harry, 146 So. Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 … or by e-mail to: editor@50plusny.com. Only one entry per month, please.
ART DIRECTOR Gregory A Jones ext. 232 EDITORIAL OFFICE: 146 South Country Road, Suite 4 Bellport, NY 11713 Tel (631) 286-0058 · Fax (631) 286-6866 Advertising Rate Card By Request COPY DEADLINE 15th of previous month ©50+ Lifestyles™
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LifeStyles Sudoku Solution from page 21
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LifeStyles Puzzle Solution AVAILABLE AT MOST
Harry is hiding somewhere in this issue. Find him and tell us where he is and you can win a pair of theater tickets. We’ll pick two winners out of every issue. Find Hidin’ Harry and send your answer to: Hidin’ Harry, 146 So. Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 or e-mail Editor@50plusny.com.
and most Libraries in Nassau/Suffolk. 50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
from page 20
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Veterans
Brookhaven Youth Bureau Provide Donations to Veterans in Need In a continuing effort to help veterans in need, Supervisor Ed Romaine, Councilman Kevin LaValle and the Brookhaven Youth Bureau have collected donations of food and coats. The items will be distributed directly to veterans and their families. (Left to righ)t: Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore, Supervisor Ed Romaine, Youth Bureau INTERFACE Coordinator Josephine Lunde, New York State VFW Commander Dennis Sullivan and Councilman Kevin LaValle. The VFW leaders were at Town Hall this week to collect donations.
“Visions of Vietnam: 50 Years Later” “Visions of Vietnam” captures life in Vietnam as it is today, about 50 years after the height of the Vietnam War. Joan Weiss traveled throughout the country in a three-week guided tour in
50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
News
early 2016, photographing sites that at one time were synonymous with death and destruction, whose cities and towns have since gone far in shrugging off the taint of war. Weiss’ images of the rural areas, small and big towns, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (still referred to by the people as Saigon), and the people living in them offer a visual narrative for those curious to see post-war Vietnam after more than four decades of communist rule over both the north and the south. “This exhibit is dedicated to the veterans of the Vietnam War. It shows what I saw in the Vietnam of today, photographed, and chose to display in this gallery,” said Weiss. “The images tell a story that is impossible for me to put in words, of a country that is at peace but not free, of a country that is no longer torn in two but not yet whole. A country where the old still dedicate themselves to the land and the young look ahead to a better future, one that might, some day, bring freedom.” The exhibit is on view in the Art League of Long Island’s Strolling Gallery May 3 through June 4, 2017. The artist’s reception is May 6, from 1 to 3 pm. The gallery is open to the public, free of charge mornings, afternoons, and evenings during weekdays and during class
sessions on weekends. For information call 631462-5400 or visit www.artleagueli.org.
Eight Empty Seats to Honor Vets, First Responders and 9/11 Victims “It is fitting that the new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum devote a respectful memorial to those who made the supreme sacrifice, those who remain Missing in Action or Prisoners of War and all those who answered the call of our nation,” said County Executive Edward P. Mangano. “These chairs serve as a daily reminder of our gratitude, and allow each of us to pause and remember what these men and women sacrificed for our nation.” The eight seats, placed throughout the arena, will be dedicated to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action; five branches of the United States Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard); first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical service members; and collectively, those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Each seat will be embroidered with the logo of the group it represents, and will be marked with a plaque identifying its significance. 50+
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LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE
Concerned about the So-Called ‘Fiduciary’ Rule? Visit: www.markjsnyder.com
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lthough there’s some ambiguity as to when the US Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) so-called “Fiduciary Rule” will take effect, most asset managers are taking the position that it will one day happen in some shape or form. As a result, many are taking steps to be ready when the time comes. Concerned? Please note that Mark Snyder is a Registered Fiduciary as well as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). We’ve taken the extraordinary step of producing a video to help you understand how this rule may impact you. The bottom line – our office has been meeting the Fiduciary standard of care, the industry’s highest standard, long before the Fiduciary Rule was tabled. While we have regularly maintained a “client first” culture, the DOL rule, which has yet to go into effect, has grown awareness of the important issues facing investors, issues we’ve ad-
50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
dressed long before the DOL brought them into prominence. While it remains to be seen what the full impact of the fiduciary standard will be, we have steadily acted in our clients’ best interest and will continue to do so. Would you prefer to work with someone bound by trust and the highest legal standards of professional care and accountability or someone who is not? The Registered Fiduciary certification is awarded to financial professionals who have passed the Registered Fiduciary™program. They have demonstrated an ability to act as competent financial fiduciaries, have displayed a superior care standard by passing an annual background check, and have pertinent educational qualifications, licenses and skills. To learn more about this important issue please visit our website: www.markjsnyder.com. Scroll down to watch our fiduciary video. For a
no-obligation consultation, contact our office: 631-289-4224 / www.markjsnyder.com. Mark J. Snyder Financial Services, Inc., 1733 North Ocean Ave., Suite B, Medford, NY 11763. 50+
May is Older Americans Month
LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE
We’re Number 1, We’re Number 1! NY Ranked at Top of DUI List
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n an effort to keep Americans safer on the roads this year, BackgroundChecks.org researched state DUI rankings. The report was released on March 9, 2017. BackgroundChecks.org used a combination of CDC, Department of Transportation data, and local state data, to create a comprehensive score for each state. New York was ranked #1 as one of 10 best states, having the least problems with DUI and drunk driving. The 10 states with the least DUI Problems are: New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, Utah, Rhode Island, Virginia, Indiana, Washington, and Kansas. The top 10 states with DUI problems in America are Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, South Carolina, Mississippi, New Mexico, Kentucky, and Maine. “The fact that over 10,000 people a year die from DUI related accidents is a travesty,” said Trent Wilson, co-author of the research. “We hope this research will open some eyes and make people think twice before drinking and driving.” DUIs were on the rise in 2016, according to data released late last year by the CDC and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.BackgroundChecks.org is an organization devoted to Public Safety, Online Privacy, Home Security, and Open Government. Their technology tools and resources are used by hundreds of thousands of users each month. As part of their commitment to public safety, they constantly conduct new research to shed insight on issues that affect the public welfare. The full research is available at: backgroundchecks.org/which-stateshave-the-worst-dui-problems.html. 50+
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What are Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs?
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nyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited resources and income may also be able to get Extra Help to pay for the costs — monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. Many people qualify for these important savings and don’t even know it. To qualify for Extra Help: • You must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia; • Your resources must be limited to $13,820 for an individual or $27,600 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your home, car, or any life insurance policy as resources; and; • Your annual income must be limited to $18,090 for an individual or $24,360 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where you may have higher income and still qualify for Extra Help include if you or your spouse: — Support other family members who live with you; — Have earnings from work; or — Live in Alaska or Hawaii. See SSA Publication No. 05-10525 and for more information go to http://www.seniorhealthplansolutions.com/rxplansavings 50+
50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
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LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE
Retired?
It’s Smart to Expect the Unexpected! By Michael Hartzman, Bristol Financial Services
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nyone who has retired or is planning to retire in the near future has sat down and reviewed their monthly budget. Typically, this process involves looking at the checkbook to total the monthly bills. In addition expenses can include estimating how much is spent on eating out, other entertainment, birthday gifts for the grandkids and hopefully a vacation or two each year. Over the years I have helped hundreds of people prepare for retirement and continue to guide them during the retirement years. While knowing what your monthly expenses are is crucial to a happy and fulfilling retirement it is the unexpected bills that can saddle a household with debt. In addition to making sure a household has enough cash flow to cover monthly bills it is also vital to have emergency money accessible for those once in a while expenses that could take years to dig out of if they have to be paid for with a credit card or loan. I remember sitting in an emergency veterinary hospital with my dog. Across from me was a very upset and nervous older couple. They were on the phone applying for a loan so their beloved pet could have the surgery needed to save its life. I remember thinking these people are spending money they do not have and it will probably take them years to pay back. I also remember thinking that as a pet owner I would have made the same decision.
When people come to my office to discuss retirement one of the first things they mention is the kind of health insurance they have and what it costs. What they rarely mention are the co-pays for office visits or the cost of prescriptions and refills. This all adds up quickly. In addition most clients never anticipate the high cost of dental care. As we age teeth become more fragile and the possibility of needing a bridge or major dental work increases. It is not unusual for a client to call needing $10,000 to $20,000 to take care of such a problem. In addition to medical costs for the two legged and four legged members of the family let’s talk about perhaps the neediest member of your family – your home. A simple plumbing repair job can cost $300 to $500 just to have someone show up. A new refrigerator can be close to $1000. A leaking roof or basement can be $5000 to $10,000 to repair and without proper insurance the claim may not be covered. Speaking of insurance: it is important to call your agent at least once a year to review your coverage. Make sure your deductibles are not too high or too low. Make sure you are not insuring a piece of jewelry or artwork you no longer own. Being retired is about enjoying your friends and family, spending time on your hobbies or traveling. Hopefully, you are able to do these things and put money aside for the “uh-ohs” and the “I didn’t see that coming”. In the long run you will be happy you did rather than building up bills and credit card debt you monthly cash flow cannot withstand. 50+ Michael Hartzman and Bristol Financial Services are located at 500 North Broadway, Suite 238, Jericho, NY; 516-349-5555; www.bristol-financial.com.
OPERATION
STOP SCAMS
Every Two Seconds, Someone’s Identity is Stolen. Fight Back with Operation: Stop Scams
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Meet David Okrent former IRS Agent, CPA Attorney Elder Law, Estate Planning & Special Needs
FREE BREAKFAST SEMINARS Thursday, May 11; 9 to 10:30 a.m. The Golden Dolphin Restaurant 365 Main Street, Huntington Wednesday, May 24 9 to 10:30 a.m. The Lake Grove Diner 2211 Nesconset Hwy, Lake Grove See ad on page 15 50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
Reservations Required:
631.427.4600
ARP New York, joined by Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas and officials from the New York Attorney General’s office, hosted a free document shredding event in April, during which officials warned consumers about the growing problem of identity theft and provided important tips on how to protect themselves. Operation: Stop Scams’ security experts urge consumers to shred the following types of materials to avoid having sensitive information compromised: • Old documents: Papers that carry your Social Security number, birth date, signature, account numbers, passwords or PIN numbers. • Banking: Canceled or unused checks. Shred deposit slips and ATM and credit card receipts, once you receive your monthly statements. • Credit Cards: Preapproved credit card applications and incentive/gift checks from credit card companies. • Medical: unneeded medical bills. • Investments: Investment account statements. • Obsolete ID cards: Expired driver’s licenses, medical insurance cards and passports. 50+
LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE
Protect Your Money: There’s an App for That! Ally Bank's Card Controls app, OnDot System’s CardControl, Discover Card’s Freeze It, Visa’s Visa Consumer Transaction Control and MasterCard’s In Control lead the way
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ince the credit card made its debut as an alternative to cash, more Americans are using debit or credit cards as a primary payment method than ever before. In addition to the convenience and simplicity of using a card, another reason they have become increasingly popular is because they offer certain protections for consumers. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your maximum liability for fraudulent credit card transactions is $50 and many credit cards promise zero liability. While similar protections apply to fraudulent debit card transactions under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, it’s important to remember that a stolen debit card, however, impacts your bank account balance as soon as the fraudulent transaction occurs. To understand how you are protected, it’s a good idea to check with your bank to understand their policy on customer liability and to inquire if they offer solutions you can use to protect your card if it’s lost or stolen. Some banks are taking extra steps to make debit card usage more secure by putting even more technology in the hands of their customers. For example, Ally Bank's Card Controls app — available at no cost to both checking and money market customers — was designed to give cus-
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tomers more control at their fingertips. By using a secure mobile app associated with their bank accounts, users have the ability to turn their debit card on and off, enable only certain types of transactions, set maximum single transaction amounts and create alerts to be notified when transactions occur. While many apps are only available through the bank backing up the card, it’s only a matter of time before these tools are made available to private cardholders. Look for similar apps like OnDot System’s CardControl, Discover Card’s Freeze It, Visa’s Visa Consumer Transaction Control and MasterCard’s In Control, with more coming everyday. “The ability to proactively control, monitor and manage card usage from a mobile phone provides greater peace of mind,” says Diane Morais, president of Consumer & Commercial Banking Products at Ally Bank. Technology advancements are resulting in new tools that banks can offer their customers to make it easier to control and monitor how and when your card is used, but the services vary from institution to institution. To ensure you are using all the resources available, find out what your bank offers to make debit card usage more secure. — StatePoint 50+
50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
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LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE
MY OPINION Social Security Was Doomed From The Start U.S. Government Misjudged the Future In 1935 By Alan Jacobs
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hortly after the Reagan Administration took charge in Washington D.C., professional investor and author of the book “Roadway to Prosperity” (www.roadwaytoprosperity.com) Al Jacobs essentially opted out of the Social Security System. From that time on Jacobs has contributed only minimally to the system, while retaining a vested interest in both Social Security and accompanying Medicare benefits from the U.S. Government. “Social Security provides necessary security for those who have worked until they are 65 and not accumulated enough savings to live on,” says Jacobs, “but for those who have accumulated the means to do without Social Security income, they’d be wise to extract themselves if they are able.” Jacobs says there are many reasons that the U.S. Social Security System was in trouble from the start. Here’s a look at the Social Security System past, present and future: • The current Social Security System was part of FDR’s New Deal of 1935. The measure, meant
to implement social insurance for the elderly and unemployed, was enacted as a result of the Great Depression of the 1930s, which wiped out the savings and income of many elderly and retirees. • Initial payments, limited to $30 per year, were made into the system only by employees. If the U.S. Government had a crystal ball, it might have foreseen the problems Social Security would cause. In 1940, life expectancy for all Americans was 63 years of age, thus the government didn’t expect to pay benefits to its citizens very long. Ida May Fuller was the first to receive a monthly Social Security check. She paid $24.75 into the system, lived to be 100-years-old and collected $22,882.92 during her retirement years. • Not all beneficiaries were as lucky as Ida May, but it was an ominous beginning for the system. Throughout the next 70-plus years, amendments were added, employers were forced to pay in and optimism that the system could roll on as it had always done continued well into the 1980s. • As one century faded into another, Ameri-
cans began to live longer for many different reasons, and as they did, Social Security began to show signs that it couldn’t last. The system soon became a hot item on the political trail, even prompting Donald Trump to tell everyone he didn’t need the $2,663 a month. He even encouraged his fellow billionaires – and those less fortunate millionaires – to stop taking the payment. The message didn’t seem to resonate, however, as these groups of earners are collectively taking in more than $1.4 billion a year in Social Security benefits. • According to a Pew Research Study, since 2010 Social Security’s cash expenses have exceeded its cash receipts. By 2019 the US Treasury will start dipping into its reserves and according to the study Social Security by 2034 will only be able to pay out 75 percent of benefits owed if something doesn’t change. • Today the full benefit age for Social Security is 66 for people born in 1943-1954, and it will gradually rise to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. The average lifespan f is 78 years. 50+
LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE • LEGAL & FINANCE
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2017’s Best, and Worst, States to Retire In
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ith 31 percent of all non-retired adults having no retirement savings or pension because many simply cannot afford to contribute to any type of plan, the personal-finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis identifying where the best and worst states for retirement are. Retirement might be the end of the line, but it doesn’t have to be the end of financial security or life satisfaction. Timing is often a primary concern with retirement, as it generally coincides with the age at which we become eligible to draw Social Security or pension benefits. Hopefully the choice will be ours and not dictated by our circumstances — the unfortunate case for nearly a third of non-retirees who haven’t put away a single penny for retirement, though not necessarily through any fault of their own. But in addition to when you want to retire, a good question to ask is where, which can be difficult to answer if you haven’t adequately planned for your golden years. Even in the most affordable areas of the U.S., most retirees cannot rely on Social Security or pension checks alone to cover all of their living expenses. Social Security benefits increase progressively with local inflation, but they replace only about 40 percent of
the amount you earned if you were an average worker, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
If retirement is still a big question mark for you because of finances, consider relocating to a state that lets you keep more money in your pocket without requiring a drastic lifestyle change. To help you find that permanent, affordable place to call home, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 31 key indicators of retirement-friendliness. Our analysis examines affordability, healthrelated factors and overall quality of life. The data set ranges from “adjusted cost of living” to “weather” to “quality of public hospitals.” 50+
NEW YORK Rank: 41 Score: 53.54 Quality of Life: 1 Quality of Med Care: 30 New York is: Tied for fifth with highest life expectancy; Second in lowest property crime rate; Tied for first with most theaters; First in museums per capita. Best States to Retire
Worst States to Retire
1 Florida 2 Wyoming 3 South Dakota 4 Iowa 5 Colorado 6 Idaho 7 South Carolina 8 Nevada 9 Delaware 10 Wisconsin
42 Arkansas 43 Kentucky 44 Vermont 45 New Mexico 46 New Jersey 47 Hawaii 48 Connecticut 49 Wash. D.C. 50 Alaska 51 Rhode Island
50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
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50+ 5/17
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Around The Towns...
Send your news items to Frank@50plusny.com 1
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1) Eva Casale, VP President of Information Technology for Suffolk Federal, has run seven marathons (184 miles) in seven days to raise funds and awareness for Hope for the Warriors. She was recognized by Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine and town board. 2) Arthur Seidman, a Northwell Health volunteer since 1995, celebrated his 100th birthday.
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3) Congressman Lee Zeldin at the Tesla Science Center. 4) Legislator Kate Browning honored Laurette Mulry for being selected as “Brehon of the Year.”. 5) Oyster Bay Town Supervisors recently attended a meeting hosted by NY State Fraternal Order of Police, Nassau Police Lodge 69. 50+
50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com
The End of an Era By Brad Deutser (originally featured in NYdailynews.com)
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rom ring to ring, you have entertained. From generation to generation, you have brought families together. You have invited us in to witness and be a part of the Greatest Show on Earth. But, you have also become one of America’s great tragedies. After nearly a century and a half in business, doing what you do best, you will vacate your place in the entertainment space. There will be other circuses. But, there will never be another Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. You have never wavered from your roots – your history, your way of working and promoting, and your way of entertaining. Until, recently. Pressures to change practices. Pressures to change acts. Pressures to conform to current ways. Most people are unaware of the extent you cared for animals. Most are unaware of the brilliant business model to get people in the door to experience the circus and buy memorabilia and merchandise. Most are unaware that Ringling Bros. was the entry point for so many to begin their careers in show business. It was a gateway for many around the world to explore, to share culture, and to provide smiles. It was so much to so many. In many ways, it was part of the American way. I remember the excitement when the train stopped in a city. I remember the authentic joy the clowns brought as the elephants paraded down the streets to the arena. I remember the genuine love of the circus by its performers behind the scenes and in the rings. I remember the sweat on the brow before each show and the smiles that filled the stands. So it begs the question: Why did Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey fail? Or did we fail it? I have struggled to explain how we allow our American icons to disappear. For what? Better, more wholesome family entertainment? Why did the business environment change so rapidly? Or did it? Was it lack of strategic foresight? Was it changing societal norms? Were there simply better options? Or did we take it for granted that what was once here will always be here? This was an icon that navigated the generations. It circumvented challenges over nearly 15 decades. Somehow it remained relevant year after year, until now. But why? To some, Ringling gave up its core values and become something different when it removed elephants from its show. To others, no matter the advances or new innovations, it was still the circus that you only needed to see once. To others, it was a lumbering icon that couldn’t change quickly enough to keep up with the pace of technology and today’s entertainment. And, to others, it was simply taken for granted that it would always be there for us, like it had been for the previous 146 years. (Continued next page)
Who Are You? A Senior’s Lament By Mitzi Richman of North Bellmore
Poets Corner
I look in the mirror And what do I see? It’s just a stranger Staring back at me!
What’s happened to you? I keep asking that face You have bulges and fat, All over the place!
This woman has wrinkles, Her hair has some grey, I don’t recognize her, But I’d like her to stay
My diet is poor, And sweets get in the way, I keep trying to change, And be slim again one day!
There are questions to ask, I am curious and yet, Should I delve any further? And ask, “have we met?”
The memory is gone, I make lists every day As reminder of chores, I must get to some way!
She looks so familiar, But my memory’s so poor, I can barely remember faces, Yet I still can’t ignore!
I am clumsy and slower, Than I was yesterday, But I must remember, I’m still here today!
I silently ask her, But who can you be? Then a light starts to shine … Can’t you see that it’s me?!
My friends are long gone, I wish they didn’t go, There’s a void in my heart And I do miss them so! 50+
(Ringling Brothers... continued from previous page) Perhaps, this is less Ringling Bros. giving up or giving in and more a statement of the America we live in today. We gravitate to sexy headlines. We are intrigued more by the glitz and less by the substance. We place stereotypes on things that we are reluctant to ever modify. We expose our youth more to what is ahead and much less to what is now. Reality works best when there is controversy or big names. But, that has never been the circus’ way. Theirs was a way of basic, good old-fashioned American values. This ending of an era sends a message to all of us. It reminds us that relevance is fleeting. It reminds us, as parents and grandparents, that we must find new forms of entertainment to bring our families together. It reminds us to hold on to what is important to each of us – whether it is the circus or something else. At its core, this is about family values – and working fiercely to protect them – in whatever way is most appropriate to today’s family. The circus that convened families, generations and communities is soon to be no longer here. For many it has been replaced by the bright lights of the computer screen and video games as well as the solitude it brings. We may not be able to recreate the greatest show on earth, but we can recreate the environment and the magic that it was to families who came together to celebrate the goodness and wholesomeness it represented. There will be many questions. What really happened to end this era? What will become of the animals for whom Ringling provided such genuine and remarkable care? What will happen to the children who no longer have the greatest show on earth? There will be answers. But, unfortunately, not the same answers our parents had for us. Ringling Bros., RIP. 50+ Brad Deutser is president of Deutser LLC (www.deutser.com), a consulting firm that advises leaders and organizations about achieving clarity, especially in times of transition, growth or crisis. He previously worked for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
20
Age of Elegance
CROSSWORDS
By Ethel Bennett
And the winner is...
T
he 32nd annual Ms. New York Senior America Pageant was held on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at the SUNY College at Old Westbury. The theater was packed with enthusiastic people rooting for their favorite contestant. The following were the Judges Choices:
Queen, Ms. Lee Ann Brill 1st Runner-up, Jeanne Marino 2nd. Runner-up, Elaine Whitehouse 3rs Runner-up, Barbara Antes 4th Runner-up, Rose Scalia In alphabetical order here are the other contestants: Linda Bernet, Jeanie Knigin, Grace Macnow, Elaine Moskowitz, Rita Plush and Maxine Wolberg.
(Solution on page 4) ACROSS 1. Leg, old style 4. Don’t bring them down? 7. Gym equipment 10. Honey (slang) 11. 4 p.m. drink 12. You may smell one 14. He reintroduced the Torah 15. Could be a cool one? 16. You might bet on it 17. Josh 19. Dwells 21. Grazing land 23. Depot (abbr) 24. Affects not nicely 28. An ancestor? 31. Clark’s co-worker
32. Mrs. in Castile 33. Tell the truth 34. An extremity 35. They’ll be adults soon 37. Out with no bail (abbr) 38. CCLI x 2 39. Places for R&R 43. Stash 47. Rain hard 48. Not feeling so hot 50. Not here 51. Bristle 52. XIV halved 53. Prompter prefix 54. No SSN? Then this (abbr) 55. Typographic lengths 56. Pt. Jeff to Middle Isl. direction
DOWN 1. Stare 2. Magic opener 3. Spots all over 4. End of a list finisher 5. Goneril’s dad 6. Antarctica area (two words) 7. A most beautiful sound? 8. Yankee slugger 9. A long story 10. Wager 13. Net security protocol (abbr) 18. Poetically ever 20. A college dorm room? 22. Confident, aggressive 24. Height abbreviation 25. A salon job 26. Contest
27. Poetically earlier 28. Hail as per Ceasar 29. Each 30. Hesitations 33. Stir up 35. Rock outcrop 36. Maritime navigation system (abbr) 37. He uses 38 and 52 Across 39. Hwys. (abbr) 40. Yeti shoe size? 41. They look for Alfs perhaps (abbr) 42. Some chances are this 44. Needs to repay 45. Chest sound 46. Check out 49. Portugese airport (abbr)
PAGEANT COMMITTEE: State Administrator/MC, Marleen Schuss; Pageant Producer/MC, Chiara Klein; Stage Director/ Seasoned Stepper, Pat Tropea. The theater was sold out, and the crowd was entertained right up to the last exciting moment. The judges had great difficulty making their final decision, because anyone of the contestants had the qualification to be the winner. Following the Pageant, a gala/dinner dance, was enjoyed at the North Ritz Country Club in Syosset. The music was furnished by one of our own Cameo Club members, Celeste Belletti. A wonderful time was shared by all. A welcoming luncheon for the new members was held at the Woodbury Country Club, in Woodbury. We already have several contestants for the 2018 Pageant. If you are interested in participating in next years Pageant, please call Marleen Schuss at 516-678-3242. Complete and return the coupon below or email Marleen Schuss at marleenschuss@aol.com if you are interested. Until next month: Ethel 50+ COUPON
Women Must Be 60 Years or Over I would like to compete in the 2018 Ms. New York Senior America Pageant. Name Address Telephone E-mail Address
Return to: Marleen Schuss, State Director 80 Banks Avenue - Apt. 2113, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Or e-mail: marleenschuss@aol.com Phone: 516-678-3242
21 Looking to Adopt a Cat or a Dog? Donate, Foster or Volunteer? Call Us Today!
Your New Best Friend is Waiting! THE KITTENS ARE HERE!
Stop by and see them today!
Visit Our Wantagh Adoption Center 3300 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793
516-783-0030
www.lasthopeanimalrescue.org • Open Daily: 10am to 7pm
Drowning accidents can be prevented! Close to 400 children drown in the U.S. each year. Most of them under the age of 5. The Swim Brayv Foundation is a non-profit organization that engages and educates the public on drowning prevention and water safety.
swimbrayv.org
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(Solution on page 4)
22
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Shy, quiet, WM, 65, 5’4”, retired, seeking quiet, easygoing female, race open, 50-68, for LTR. Enjoy doo-wop, c/w, travel, beach, celebrity photography. Email hmost45@yahoo.com.
CLEAN HOMES BY STACEY Weekly, bi-weekly-monthly, one time only, Reasonable rates. E. Moriches, C. Moriches, Shirley, Yaphank and Bellport. 631-902-3787.
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Golf For Single Adults (GFSA) welcomes new members. We are a lively, fun-loving group of single, senior golfers who meet regularly for golf at courses on Long Island and upstate New York, as well as other social events. Our golf season runs from May thru October. Join us at an upcoming general meeting on April 18 (6:30pm) at Sweet Hollow Diner on Rt.110 in Melville on May 16 (6:30 pm) at Crickets on Main St. in Sayville. For more details and full 2017 events schedule please email us at GFSALIGOLFNEWS@gmail.com or call our hotline 516-942-4228 to leave a message. FOR SALE "Love the beach, boats, fishing? Wear a fishhook or nautical velvet choker necklace. $20 postpaid. For pictures contact Ginny at Goldentoes@optonline.net or (631)475-5479.”
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23
Cover Story - Summer Water Safety Tips
Hales, who offers teachers’ guides and educational activities to go along with the lessons in her books, says she chose swimming as one of Ellie the Wienerdog’s adventures because it’s a valuable skill that all children should learn. People die from drowning about every 30 seconds, and anyone can drown. Most families do not realize this fact, but besides car crashes, drowning is the top reasons for “unintentionalinjury related deaths” in children under the age of 15. While swimming is and should be a fun recreational activity for families, it must be remembered that swimming is predominately a skill and sport. A lot of times families feel they are “good” swimmers and therefore drowning will not happen to them. However 25 percent of drownings happen to people who would consider themselves adequate swimmers. The bottom line is: drowning can happen to anyone, even if they have taken swim lessons. To keep you and your loved one’s water-safe during the summer fun…Swim Brayv. What does “Swim Brayv” mean exactly? Brayv, pronounced brave, is an acronym for five simple precautions that everyone can take to advocate for water safety. (Swim Brayv is also the name of a foundation who’s goal is to significantly increase water safety advocacy and safe swimming practices through an engaging delivery of knowledge at water activity sites. The foundation was formed after one of the board members lost her younger brother, Brayv, before his second birthday, due to a drowning accident in 2011. For additional information visit them online at swimbrayv.org ) The goal is to get the public, not just lifeguards and other water professionals, to understand the importance of staying vigilant and safe around water. As we spread knowledge and awareness, together we can… Save Lives, Swim Brayv.
B – Be aware You could save a life by being aware of your surroundings. R – Rest Swimming is fun, but rest when you get tired. A – Act fast If you see someone struggling, don’t wait … act fast to save a life. Y – You can impact water safety Advocating for water safety will help lower drowning statistics over time. V – Victims didn’t expect It Drowning can happen to anyone; be proactive, not victims. Why does becoming an advocate for drowning prevention matter? The American Academy of Pediatrics also cites several water-safety tips for parents, including: • Never – even for a moment – leave small children alone or in the care of another young child while in bathtubs, pools, spas or wading pools, or near irrigation ditches or standing water. • Empty water from buckets and other containers immediately after use. • To prevent drowning in toilets, young children should not be left alone in the bathroom. • Closely supervise children in and around water. With infants, toddlers and weak swimmers, an adult should be within an arm’s length. With older children and better swimmers, an adult should be focused on the child and not distracted by other activities. Bath seats cannot substitute for adult supervision. • If children are in out-of-home childcare, ask about exposure to water and the ratio of adults to children. • If you have a pool, install a four-sided fence that is at least four-feet high to limit access to the pool. The fence should be hard to climb (not chain-link) and have a self-latching, self-closing gate. Families may consider pool alarms and rigid pool covers as additional layers of protection, but neither can take the place of a fence.
• Parents, caregivers and pool owners should learn CPR. • Do not use air-filled swimming aids (such as inflatable arm bands) in place of life jackets. They can deflate and are not designed to keep swimmers safe. • All children should wear a life jacket when riding in a boat. Small children and non-swimmers should also wear one at water’s edge, such as on a riverbank or pier.
“When Ellie finally swims, she realizes that learning something new is wonderful and if you give it a try, you can do anything you wish,” Hales says. “This is a lesson I hope all children will take to heart, not only when learning to swim, but also when facing any challenge that comes their way.” 50+ 50+ LifeStyles May 2017 • www.50PlusNY.com