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Phase Two of Your Life?

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

VOL. 31 NO. 12

SANTA – An Enduring Family Tradition

December 2017

INSIDE....

December’s events for you See Page 28-29

Be watchful for senior scammers

See Page 19

SumMer Del Gardens have beautified for 90 years

See Page 14

Tops senior bowlers Marty and Shane Linskey as Santa. The family tradition carries on as you’ll note when you read this endearing story.

SANTA continued on page 15

What Would Abraham Lincoln Do? AGING ISSUES

By Tom Frazier

You may recall that when the House of Representatives passed its “repeal and replacement” of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) it also included tax cuts of nearly $1 trillion mostly paid for by cuts to the Medicaid program. Speaker Ryan was up front about needing the tax cuts to set the stage for even greater tax cuts as a part of tax “reform.” Paying for tax

cuts mostly for already wealthy people by cutting Medicaid (i.e. health care for poor people) did not fly in the Senate. For example, Senator Bob Corker said “It’s not an acceptable proposition to have a bill that increases the burden on lower-income citizens and lessens the burden on wealthy citizens.” Ultimately, the Senate was unable to pass any version of repeal and/or replace,

See Page 24

so now we are on to “tax reform.”

Both the U.S. House and Senate have advanced tax reform proposals that feature reductions in corporate tax rates from 35% to 20%, reductions in individual tax rates, increases in the standard deduction, cuts in deductions for state and local taxes (SALT), and cuts in estate taxes. There are, FRAZIER continued on page 3

2 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

Stop a cold before it starts New research shows you can stop “What a wonderful thing,” wrote a cold in its tracks if you take one Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more simple step with a new device when colds for me!” you first feel a cold coming on.

Pat McAllister, age 70, received Colds start when cold viruses get one for Christmas and called it “one in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If of the best presents ever. This little you don’t stop them early, they spread jewel really works.” in your airways and cause misery.

But scientists have found a quick way to kill a virus.

Touch it with copper. Researchers at labs and universities agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills viruses and bacteria, Research: Copper stops colds if used early. just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and People often use CopperZap for Egyptians used copper to purify prevention. Karen Gauci, who flies water and heal wounds. They didn’t often, used to get colds after crowded know about viruses and bacteria, but flights. Though skeptical, she tried it several times a day on travel days for now we do.

Researchers say a tiny elec- 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a tric charge in microbe cells gets sniffle!” she exclaimed.

Businesswoman Rosaleen says short-circuited by the high conductance of copper, destroying the cell when people are sick around her she uses CopperZap morning and night. in seconds.

Tests by the Environmental Pro- “It saved me last holidays,” she said. tection Agency (EPA) show germs “The kids had colds going round and die fast on copper. So some hospitals round, but not me.”

Some users say it also helps with switched to copper touch surfaces, like faucets and doorknobs. This cut sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had the spread of MRSA and other ill- a 2-day sinus headache. She tried nesses by over half, and saved lives. CopperZap. “I am shocked!” she The strong evidence gave inven- said. “My head cleared, no more tor Doug Cornell an idea. When he headache, no more congestion.”

Some users say copper stops felt a cold coming on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it nighttime stuffiness if they use it just before bed. One man said, “Best gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The sleep I’ve had in years.”

The handle is sculptured to fit the cold went away completely.” It worked again every time he felt a hand and finely textured to improve cold coming on. He reports he has contact. Tests show it kills germs on fingers to help you avoid spreading never had a cold since.

He asked relatives and friends illness to your family.

Copper may even help stop flu if to try it. They said it worked every time. So he patented CopperZap™ used early and for 2-3 days. In a lab test, scientists placed 25 million live and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had flu viruses on a CopperZap. No vitried it and given feedback. Nearly ruses were found alive soon after.

The EPA says the natural color 100 percent said the copper stops their colds if used within 3 hours af- change of copper does not reduce its ter the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if ability to kill germs.

CopperZap is made in the U.S. of they still get the cold it is milder than pure copper. It carries a 90-day full usual and they feel better.

Users wrote things like, “It money back guarantee and is availstopped my cold right away,” and “Is able for $49.95 at CopperZap.com or toll-free 1-888-411-6114. it supposed to work that fast?” (paid advertisement)

Scientists rediscover ancient way to prevent illness Old ways sometimes get new life.

Ancient peoples discovered a natural element that often prevents illness. Nobody knew how it worked until recently.

Now scientists have discovered it actually kills germs, such as bacteria and viruses, on contact. Researchers are busy turning it into a powerful new way to prevent infections, stop illness from spreading in hospitals, fight back against superbugs, and even stop colds, cold sores, sinus trouble, and flu.

More than 4000 years ago ancient Egyptians discovered that copper could prevent infections, help wounds heal faster, and purify water. More than 2000 years ago, Hippocrates, often called the father of modern medicine, recommended copper to fight infections.

More than 1000 years ago the Aztecs used copper gargle for sore throats. Over 150 years ago Europeans used copper to prevent infections, and Civil War doctors in the U.S. used it to combat infections in battlefield wounds.

In the 1800s doctors began learning about the role of germs in spreading infections and illness. By 1932 they were using antibiotics to kill bacteria.

Antibiotics worked well at first, but many germs have since developed resistance to antibiotics and are spreading faster again. Some people go to the hospital for one problem and catch something worse while they are there, as infections spread from patient to patient.

Researchers looking for a solution discovered that copper rapidly kills dangerous germs just by touching them. Germs which can live for weeks or months on stainless steel or plastic die quickly on copper. Suddenly the ancient use of copper makes sense.

Copper turns out to be “antimicrobial”, meaning it kills viruses and bacteria, which finally explains why it has worked for over 4000 years.

In 2002 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversaw tests proving that copper destroys germs that spread in hospitals, including

MRSA and other microbes that have developed antibiotic resistance. Scientists at dozens of universities conducted hundreds of studies showing that copper kills over 100 different disease germs, including every kind of microbe it has been tested on. The National Institutes of Health says, “The antimicrobial activity of copper is now well established.”

Dr. Chris Rensing, then at the University of Arizona, showed copper’s high electrical conductance disrupts the tiny electrical charge across the membrane surrounding a microbe. This instantly pops holes in the membrane. Even a single copper molecule that touches the microbe stops it from reproducing and quickly destroys it. Professor Rensing calls this “contact killing”.

The EPA registered copper and some copper alloys as the only solid antimicrobial materials. It urged hospitals to replace their “touch surfaces,” such as patient bedrails, tray tables, faucets and doorknobs, with copper.

Hospitals that did so cut hospital-acquired infections dramatically. Forbes Magazine said, “Copper is the new gold standard in saving lives.”

Copper has two great advantages over antibiotics. First, antibiotics kill bacteria but not viruses or fungus.

Copper kills them all. Second, germs develop resistance to antibiotics, but not to copper, even after thousands of years.

Copper is a natural element found in many of the foods we eat. It is necessary for the body. Low risk of toxicity is one reason the EPA chose it for hospitals.

Further research indicates copper is good not only for killing germs on surfaces, but also for killing germs on skin and in the nose.

Based on the strong scientific evidence, several companies have produced new copper products for hospitals and homes. An Arizona company, CopperZap LLC, developed a handheld copper touch surface, called a CopperZap. It has a copper tip you rub gently in your nose for 60 seconds to prevent colds and a copper handle COPPER ZAP continued on page 23

DECEMBER 2017

• 50PLUS • 3

The plain truth is that Americans want more from their government than they’re willing to pay for.

As Republicans in Congress move forward on their tax plan, it’s worth remembering one thing: whatever the legislative particulars, keep your eye on the plan’s impact on the federal debt. Our debt load is already worrisome. It’s almost certainly going to get worse.

There are a lot of different ways to characterize our fiscal situation at the federal level. We spend too much.

We borrow too much. We spend more than we take in. We don’t tax enough to cover our expenses. However you describe it, the plain truth is that Americans want more from their government than they’re willing to pay for.

This is not new, but at some point it will become unsustainable — we just don’t know exactly when. One common measure of the debt problem is to compare the total federal debt to our gross domestic product, or GDP. This basically measures whether a country’s economy is healthy enough to carry its debt burden. When Presidents Carter and Reagan were speaking out against the dangers of our large national debt, it stood at around 30 percent of GDP. Today it stands at 103 percent.

FRAZIER continued from page 1

however, some major differences: the Senate keeps seven tax brackets with somewhat lower rates while the House has four brackets keeping the top rate at 39.6%; both increase the standard deduction from $6,350 for single filers and $12,700 for married couples to $12,000 and $24,000. The Senate totally eliminates deductions for state and local taxes while the House allows a deduction of up to $10,000 for property taxes, but also eliminates deductions for state and local income taxes. The Senate doubles the estate tax exemption from $5.40 million for an individual and $10.98 million for a couple to $11 million and $22 million.

Unlike the Senate, the House also increases the exemption but repeals the estate tax in 2025. The House reduces the mortgage interest deduction from

ON

CONGRESS

By Lee Hamilton For years, people who worry about the debt have warned that this trend could not continue; it’s turned out that the economy is far more resilient than many of us thought. And so the fear of debt has faded. This is too bad.

Before we go on, remember that there’s a difference between deficits and debt. The deficit is the difference between what the government takes in and what it spends. That’s measured annually. The debt is the accumulation of our deficits. And experts agree that growing debt at some point really will become unsustainable. As it grows larger, it weighs more heavily on economic growth, crowds out private investment, creates economic uncertainty, dumps a burden on our children, and limits our ability as a nation to deal with unforeseen events.

How we handle it will have a profound impact on our future and our role in the world. $1 million to $500,000 while the Senate makes no changes to the existing deduction. The Senate keeps deductions for student loan interest and medical expenses while the House would eliminate both deductions.

Despite claims from the President and Congressional leaders, most more objective sources document that the vast majority of tax cuts will benefit wealthy individuals and corporations.

The Tax Policy Center estimates that households earning $1 million or more would see an average tax cut of $230,000 while most low and middle-middle income families would receive only a modest benefit or none at all. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities states that the tax plan would “give 80 percent of its net benefits to the top 1 percent of households, those with incomes over $900,000 per

The problem is that regardless of what our political leaders say about deficits and debt, their actions tend to belie their words: they continue expensive federal programs and lavish tax breaks on favored constituencies without regard to the long-term fiscal impact. I’ve come to believe that deficits will likely continue — with increasing debt — until some financial crisis focuses our attention on the serious imbalance between our taxes and spending. There is little real seriousness about trying to solve our fiscal issues, or real appetite to get our spending under control and use taxes to get a handle on our finances.

Which brings us to the current move for tax “reform.” Tax reform can have several meritorious goals, including establishing a more equitable tax system, encouraging economic growth, and imposing fiscal restraint.

What I don’t see in the current debate is much more than lip service to any of these goals. To achieve even a measure of fiscal restraint you can reform entitlements, which are the chief drivers of increased spending; you can moderate or cut defense spending; and you can increase taxes. Some politicians like to add a fourth — becoming more efficient — but while helpful, that won’t have the necessary impact.

You’ve heard a lot already about how we need tax cuts to unleash economic growth. But the history of tax cuts makes clear there’s only a tenuous connection between the two. Many factors affect the growth of the American economy; taxes are only one of them. And certainly, tax cuts that explode the deficit and send the national debt skyrocketing are not going to get the job done.

What always worries me about tax debate on Capitol Hill is that it begins with a lot of talk about reform, and usually ends with a lot of talk about tax cuts. This isn’t surprising. Tax cuts are popular. Tax reform, which helps some people and hurts others, is politically treacherous.

So as you watch the debate on Capitol Hill, use your discrimination and judgment. Tax cuts can often help the economy, but not if they balloon deficits and the debt. If that happens, they’ll eventually end up lowering growth and slowing the economy.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

year.”

Now, for the bad news. Since Congress could not combine repeal and replace with large tax cuts and healthcare cuts, it appears that the plan is to pass tax “reform”, create at least an additional $1.5 trillion in deficit spending, and then claim that we need large cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, housing assistance, food assistance, Social Security operating funds, and more to rescue us from the huge deficit that they just created by not paying for the tax cuts for the wealthy. So, older people and lower to moderate-income people will face double jeopardy--little or no tax benefits and cuts in programs and services that they depend on for food, shelter, healthcare and financial security.

The Reublican Party claims to be the party of Lincoln, but I have read a

lot about Lincoln and I cannot believe he would have supported such largess for the wealthy and such penury to those less fortunate. Either “Old Abe” is not getting the tweets or leaders of his party are not listening to his answers. I suspect the latter.

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4 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

EDITORIALS

If thinking was easy, why wouldn’t more people do it?

If you need help

To be sure, yes, aging is better than the alternative. But as a person ages, staying in his or her own home may be difficult. When an older person needs a caregiver it might happen for a day, a week or almost any time before he or she is willing to admit.

Son or daughter most likely daughter will be the first one to realize that mom and/or dad is sliding down the aging hill and won’t stop short of someone taking the reins and telling the aging person that a helpful caregiver is coming into focus. The challenge may not be more than a concerned family can handle, at least in the beginning stages. A neuropsychological evaluation could reveal the timetable to greater care needs.

Certainly, this writer realizes this story could be about him, his wife, a sister or the friend next door. As we all know, getting older has its pitfalls.

But the vast majority of us will find it better than the alternative even if cemetery fees are all paid in advance and gravesites well cared for.

Troubles might begin with memory. But we don’t necessarily have to know who is on first, as the aging ball player might not recall his name.

Whatchamacallhim may become a universal name.

The media advertisements have the names and phone numbers of at least a half dozen or more persons or organizations that will provide care in the home for a few hours, a half-day or whatever can be afforded as well as needed. Requesting a family member to take this on is not a fair deal.

Dad or mom or perhaps you are ready for retirement home life, but admitting it may be the sticking point.

No, I did not write nursing home.

There are dozens of places where almost normal retired persons can supposedly live quite independently. This

It Makes Me

When people complain of this or that being the berries, why do they disparage those kinds of fruit? Why insult something that you may like to

is a certain step beyond living at home and will include at least one meal a day plus other necessary services. Plan on spending $2,000 a month or more for a single situation or up from $3,000 for two people living in the same retirement unit.

There go your retirement dollars.

But do be thankful that the sale of the family home possibly will provide money to “cover senior living” expenses beyond short-term senior necessary skilled care.

When the time arrives, don’t be embarrassed to ask for in-home help.

Surprisingly, we have learned that over 75 percent of persons age 85 and upward still remain in houses that do lack accessibility features like walk-in level floor showers, main floor laundry rooms, wide doors, grab bars with steps, easy to use electrical outlets, etc.

Your Area Agency on Aging can help you with names of possible mechanics.

Because of the current questions regarding certain tax issues, we can’t write as to any advantages regarding health saving accounts. Talk such over with a CPA or elder attorney depending on what you learn from the Area Association on Aging. Also, you should learn about Medicaid, depletion of assets plus personal questions.

The retirement road has a few bumps along the way. Know your way.

Ask your children to be honest with you when you ask questions about your future.

If you have a pet, dog or cat, know that dogs have a 12-15 years longevity window and cats 14 to 18 years. Put a plan or pet trust in place.

A widow or widower has some financial flexibility. Be proactive, knowing that the life ahead is the only one you ever will have.

SENIOR ANSWER MAN DEAR SAM: With the holidays just ahead, it seems that we all have so much to do.

When I tire a bit, I always go for another cup of coffee, but this doesn’t always help me to keep going. Do you have any suggestions?

Sincerely, Michael McGinnity

Killing TIMEWITH JIM McLOONE

I am having an 89th birthday this month. Fire Department, please excuse us if the fire alarm sounds with all those lighted candles. eeeee We are told that alcohol and medicines don’t mix. I am not sure if encouraging you to give up the medicines is the right approach to solving this potential problem. I wonder how Dr. Jim Beam would advise drinkers?

Egg Nog and Bloody Marys taste quite good sans alcohol. eeeee Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are a time at most homes for conversation. The hostess will have to have a new approach. The dressing has to be more than window. And the conversation has to be amicable even if the once or twice a year dinner attendees aren’t the other 363 days of the year. eeeee The Wisconsin Lutheran High School students deserve a great deal of thanks for their annual breakfast and program for veterans. The greatest of generous activities are performed by those who plan for them. Whether Catholic, Baptist or pagan, we all enjoyed that well-planned ecumenical treat. eeeee eat? I can’t see myself saying that this As Christmas gets closer, we must or that is the cranberries, strawberries, realize that regardless of our dreams or blueberries. Raspberries do seem to for the future, we must keep our feet often get a bad rap. on the ground and our eyes on the tasks just ahead.

CRABBY

DEAR MICHAEL: Believe me, I do know the feeling. What I do is something that you perhaps cannot do. When I feel overwhelmed, I try to take a shower or at least wash my face several times if the shower is not possible. Then I change my clothes. A nice freshly pressed shirt and colorful tie perk me right up. When you believe you are looking great, you’ll feel that way. Good luck.

Senior Answer Man

eeeee There was a time in our lives when almost every family placed roasted turkey at the center of their Christmas dinner table. Somewhere along the way, prime roasted beef became the meaty centerpiece of many non-fowlKILLING TIME continued on page 23

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What’s New for Phase Two of Your Life

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TOM & MAUREEN SLATTERY

PUBLISHER

MAUREEN SLATTERY

EDITOR

JIM McLOONE

WRITER/PROOFREADER JILL GILBERT

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR SARAN PIEHL ART DIRECTOR/ PRODUCTION MANAGER NICOLE HESSE

OFFICE OPERATIONS MANAGER PEGGY DUFFY

Plus Publications P.O. Box 230 Hartland, WI 53029

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DECEMBER 2017

• 50PLUS • 5

What to consider when updating your best old friend…Your home!

Making the right choices will pay dividends when it is time to sell!

Many of you have owned your home for many years and are wondering what improvements will bring the best return on investment and which upgrades could be moved to the bottom of your ‘to do’ list. We are all changing constantly and so is your home! When we see familiar faces often, we don’t really notice the gradual change produced by normal aging.

Go to a reunion and your high school sweetheart will look significantly different! It is the same with your home.

You don’t notice the daily wear and tear and deterioration when walking in and out each day for 30 plus years.

Eventually that ‘new roof ’ is showing signs of blistering and is ready for replacement. So often I will ask a seller how old their furnace, roof or water heater is at this time. One spouse may say 5 years and the other 20 years! Our time frame becomes blurred as we age and that is natural and normal.

When we sense we are getting closer to the time where we may say

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz goodbye to our best friend, our home, we begin to take a critical look and become more honest with ourselves as to what may need replacing or repair.

Time to look for our folder of upgrades to find out the ages of the important critical components; roof, furnace, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical system. Then on to windows, flooring, paint, siding and other cosmetic upgrades needed. We begin to realize that it may be time to spend some of our hard-earned savings and bring our ‘best friend’ into the 21st century!

Today’s millennial buyers are so much different than you were when

you bought your first home. Their tastes have changed and so have yours.

Flowered wall paper, pink ceramic tile, and wool carpeting were the rage in 1960, but today’s young buyers are loving hard wood flooring, no wall paper, and colors you would find odd or maybe unappealing. The question is what improvements offer the best return on investment and which upgrades should you leave for the next buyer.

My over 35 years of experience has taught me never to say never and what is today will probably be the opposite sometime in the future. Change is constant and so are the buyer’s expectations when looking for their new home. Today’s buyers are coming into the market in many cases with school loans and little cash for down payment. Incomes are significant so with interest rates still at historic lows, they can pay more for a home that already has updates such as newer roof and furnace. For every $50,000 the buyer mortgages, the payment is roughly

$250 per month (based on a 30 year fixed rate at about 4%). Think of what improvements a buyer can purchase by offering more for a home with that improvement already done. The millennial buyer does NOT want to walk into a basement repair, a bad septic system or a furnace on its last leg. These are examples of large ticket items which if in need of replacement will turn away a buyer or if they do make an offer it will be way below market value. The drop in price will far exceed what the repair would have cost.

Conversely, new windows can cost up to $20,000 which will be a great selling point. However, can you imagine what cosmetic improvements you could make for that same dollar amount? I’ve seen many sellers spend money on the windows, but then overlook the cosmetic updates needed such as flooring, painting, kitchen and bath remodeling, etc. How will your home look to a younger buyer? ReNEMOVITZ continued on page 27

Wishing you peace, health & happiness all season long and into the new year!

If you are considering downsizing in the future, use the colder season as a time to prepare your home for sale. Simple updates to your home and good planning can help you get a head start before the busy spring real estate market arrives.

Moving doesn’t have to be a burden. We can help!

All our best, Bruce & Jeanne Nemovitz B R U C E ’ S T E A M : T R U S T. E X P E R I E N C E . I N T E G R I T Y. INTEGRIT Y CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION: (262)

242-6177

www.SeniorRealtor.com | Bruce@BrucesTeam.com | Jeanne@BrucesTeam.com

6 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

FINANCIAL PLANNING TODAY… It’s about more than your 401(k)

BY JOHN HELL

Most clients that walk through the door after 50 are facing some financial fears: Will our money last in retirement? How do we plan for health care? Where do we begin with our estate planning?

The only way to get rid of these fears is to face them…head on. To start- we make a plan.

At SVA Plumb Financial, we believe that holistic financial planning puts you and your family on the path to having a solid foundation as you move into this retirement phase that could last 25 to 35 years. Planning includes reviewing your Social Security options, insurance, employer-sponsored plans, outside investment accounts, and retirement income needs combined with your risk tolerance. Your personalized plan is adjusted every time you experience a life change and is reviewed annually to make sure you stay the course that you have set for your family and retirement.

Try to visualize yourself and your family in retirement. Now think about what that picture could look like if you make it a priority.

Some things to consider: •Have an emergency fund.

This fund can help by making sure you do not need to pull from your retirement savings prior to age 59 1/2 so you do not incur penalties.

•SAVE more. The earlier we can help you become an aggressive saver, the happier you will be with the outcome of your retirement plan. Pensions are quickly becoming a thing of the past and it is up to you to plan and save for this exciting time in your life.

•Start clearing away all outstanding debt. Weigh the options

of paying off high interest rate debt prior to putting away additional retirement savings.

•Make sure you do not lose ground to inflation. Even after

you retire, you need to make sure your portfolio keeps up with inflation. If you are not keeping this in mind when you think of your risk tolerance, you may be falling behind without even knowing it. Long-term thinking about your goals will help you invest accordingly and help you keep your portfolio diversified so you will be more likely to ride out any market downturns.

•Set Goals. As you review your financial goals, be sure they reflect your retirement lifestyle objectives.

We know that retirement planning is a challenge and at SVA Plumb Financial, we will help you focus on the details so the end result can come clearly into view. We also believe that investing in your retirement planning can be one of your greatest accomplishments.

We take great pride in helping you achieve that goal. Learn more about us at SVAplumb.com or call us for a complimentary portfolio review.

John Hell Wealth Manager SVA Plumb Wealth Management (262) 923-5199 hellj@svaplumb.com

DECEMBER 2017

Briscoes talk at Shorehaven Stewart and Jill Briscoe, the originators of Elmbrook Church and all the associated congregations, were the stars of the show for a couple hours on a bleak November day at Shorehaven in Oconomowoc. The multi-talented Briscoes talked of their religious vocations, their family, their travels and what God means to them and what He should mean to you and me in the Center for Enrichment.

Their appearance was open to all and was highlighted in the Shorehaven monthly engagements.

The Briscoes, whose religion brought them from England to Waukesha County following World War II, are dynamic speakers and have a religious following of perhaps over 100,000 people. Modest, definitely not pretentious, the Elmbrook founders, now in an in-active ministry due to their advancing ages into the 80’s, are authors of several publications, the latest one recently off the press.

It can be viewed, among numerous other locations, at Shorehaven.

Dale Reich, a Vietnam veteran, Oconomowoc school teacher, and successful author, was the featured speaker Nov. 11 at Shorehaven’s Center for Enrichment as the Oliver Construction Company and several others including First Bank, Stifel-Nicolaus, Culver’s of Johnson Creek and Shorehaven treated about 100 veterans to a program emceed by Randy Otto after an introduction by Shorehaven CEO Ed Somers.

Reich interestingly told of his time as a foot solider serving in Vietnam.

Vocal entertainment was by the duo of David and Betty Reul.

As the event was completed, the veterans recalled with “Thanks and praise, for our days neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky. As we go, this we know, God is nigh.” This is one stanza of the complete Taps.

Colors were posted for the luncheon ceremony by the Oconomowoc American Legion.

Veterans Day Tribute

• 50PLUS • 7

Ask the Expert – Planning Ahead

Garrett Rose, General Manager, Wisconsin Memorial Park

Q: What’s the best advice you would give someone about cemetery arrangements?

Q: Is it really possible to plan my own final resting place?

A: Very simply: be prepared. I don’t mean

in advance, you can plan a memorial of your choosing. And whether that means a stately private estate or a custom memorial in a specially designed cremation garden, it’s all up to you. We help individuals select a permanent memorial that truly reflects their personality and passions.

The result is a beautiful and lasting tribute that gives friends, family and future generations a place to visit and reflect on special memories.

merely to expect to have a burial service or mention your final wishes to your spouse, but to plan everything in advance—and in detail—with the help of a professional. If I could give a single piece of advice, this is what I would recommend to anyone. The most difficult thing we see is families who are not prepared for the loss of a loved one.

The surviving family members are forced to create a plan while they mourn, which can make an emotional situation worse. A plan can help your loved ones to better cope with the loss, allowing them to focus on what’s most important. And, you can feel comfortable in knowing that your personal wishes are known.

Plan everything in advance—and in detail—with the help of a professional.

A: Yes! By making your arrangements

Garrett Rose is the General Manager at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Inc., a member of the Dignity Memorial® network serving the Brookfield community and families nationwide. For more information, contact Garrett at 262-781-7474, or visit Wisconsin Memorial Park at 13235 W Capitol Dr. or www.WisconsinMemorialPark.com.

EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY

AT THE WAR MEMORIAL CENTER

leave them something to remember you by.

Planning ahead allows you to do something truly personal and memorable. Contact us today to learn more about creating a lasting legacy in the new Veterans III Mausoleum in our Field of Honor section.

WISCONSIN

Memorial Park Inc

Honor the Dead Serve the Living

13235 W CAPITOL DR., BROOKFIELD

> 262-781-7474 WisconsinMemorialPark.com <

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Swindler must pay up before benefits start

Q

BY TOM MARGENAU

: I have a brother-in-law who is a scoundrel in my books. I just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what my sister sees in this guy. Back when he was in his 40s, he was convicted of defrauding the Social Security disability program. I know he paid a fine and even served some jail time. That was about 20 years ago. Now he is about to turn 62 and according to my sister, he is signing up for his Social Security old age pension. Surely, the government isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to start paying this crook retirement benefits, will they?

A

: Obviously, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know any of the particulars about this case other than what you told me. But if he served his prison sentence, then he has repaid his debt to society and he would be eligible for retirement benefits, assuming he meets all the eligibility factors. But even though heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s repaid his debt to society, he has not repaid his debt to the Social Security system. And what I mean by that is the Social Security Administration will withhold all of his monthly retirement benefits until they have recovered every nickel in disability benefits that he swindled out of the system.

Q

: There is a guy on our block whom I am convinced is a deadbeat cheat. He is living off of Social Security disability benefits, yet I see him outside all the time working on his house and yard. How can the government be sending this guy a check every month when there is obviously nothing wrong with him?

A

: Just because you see someone â&#x20AC;&#x153;outside all the time workingâ&#x20AC;? doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily imply that he is totally healthy and fit. I have a friend who is in the early stages of cancer treatment, yet he is always doing things around his house and yard.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure he likes staying as busy as he can to help keep his mind off of all his problems.

Of course, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what is going on with your neighbor. But if

you really suspect he is cheating the Social Security system out of disability benefits, do something about it. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just gripe to me. Report him to the Social Security Administration. You can do so anonymously. Just go to the Social Security website and under the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contact Usâ&#x20AC;? link, click on the tab that says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Report Fraud, Waste, or Abuse.â&#x20AC;?

Q

: I know someone who is cheating the Social Security system.

She is nothing but a drug addict. She lives on the streets, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure she is a prostitute. She has never worked a day in her life. Yet she gets a Social Security check every month.

No wonder our Social Security system is in such trouble if they are sending checks to people like her!

A

: Once again, I obviously know nothing about this woman.

And I wonder how you know so much about her and her alleged Social Security checks. Over my 45 year career dealing with these issues, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve run into thousands of people who claim to know all about someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, only to learn later that most of what they thought they knew was gossip and hearsay. Still, if you truly believe this woman is abusing the system, you can follow the advice I gave in my prior answer by reporting her to SSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fraud department.

By the way, if she really is getting a monthly disability check, my educated guess is that she is getting Supplemental Security Income payments, not Social Security. SSI is a federal welfare program run by the SSA that pays monthly benefits to low-income people who are over 65 or disabled.

SSI payments are funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. The law says that people can NOT get SSI (or Social Security) disability benefits simply because they are addicted to drugs. But many people with drug addictions also have other severe physical or mental impairments that qualify them for disability benefits.

BENEFITS continued on page 9

DECEMBER 2017

Q

BENEFITS continued from page 8

: There is a guy in our small town who is a drunk. And he brags that he is getting a disability check from Social Security.

Why does he deserve a disability check for a condition he brought on himself with all his drinking?

A

: Well, I guess I’m going to have to start every answer in this column by pointing out that I really don’t know anything about the situation being presented. But I do know Social Security law, and I can make some educated guesses about what is going on.

Just as with drug addiction, a person cannot get disability benefits just because he or she is an alcoholic. But frequently someone with severe alcohol dependency also has many other problems, like possible cirrhosis of the liver or cardio-vascular issues. So if this guy is getting disability benefits, he is getting them because he has other chronic disabling conditions, not because he is an alcoholic.

As to your point that he shouldn’t get disability benefits “for a condition he brought on himself,” well, there you are traveling down a rather slippery road. I have a cousin who gets disability benefits from Social Security because he has terminal lung cancer.

He smoked three packs of cigarettes a day for all of his adult life. My wife is friends with a severely obese woman with chronic heart problems who is getting disability benefits. She spent much of her life eating a high fat diet.

Should benefits be denied to these people because they brought on their own medical problems? If we start denying government benefits to people whose lifestyle choices led to their disabling conditions, we’d have very few people getting disability benefits.

Q

: I have a lady friend at church.

She is probably in her late 60s, like me. She has a grown son who is mentally disabled. He is probably about 35 years old. My friend said her son is getting Social Security disability benefits. How can that be?

I know he hasn’t worked a day in his life. She is a nice Christian woman so I don’t think she is lying to me. But how can he be getting disability benefits without ever working? Should I report her for fraud? I am very torn about this.

A

: You can stop worrying. Your friend’s son is very likely getting benefits on his mother’s (or his father’s) Social Security record.

The law says benefits can be paid to dependent children up to age 18. But the law further says that if the child is disabled, those benefits can continue -- usually for the rest of his or her life.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer.

Contact him at thomas.margenau@ comcast.net. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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• 50PLUS • 9

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Save the Soldiers Home is the theme for restoration of several of the aging buildings. Yes, over 150 years of inspiring people going along the streets fronting on or passing by the Veterans’ Center in Milwaukee that overlook the ever-enlarging military veterans’ cemetery and that are situated near the VA medical facilities.

Opened in 1867, thousands of Wisconsin veterans, over the years, were housed there. Restoring these iconic buildings will help relieve the plight of many homeless military vet-

exp. 12/31/17

erans. The dynamic slogan is that “Every Hero Deserves a Home.”

There are some people who look on the ancient buildings begun by the late and great President Abraham Lincoln as a great shrine. Others look to them as just old buildings, but they are beloved structures by the veterans of the various wars. Due to many people so involved and spurred on by women’s groups, these buildings on this historic campus are in their early stages of restoration that will provide - in a year or so - 101 units of housing for veterans.

DECEMBER 2017

• 50PLUS • 11

Many of these veterans are now homeless. Cost of the entire restoration project is estimated at over $40 million. Six historic buildings are involved in the undertaking.

Built at the orders of President

Lincoln and promoted by determined women of that age, who raised $110,000, a staggering amount in that time period, the restoration plans first began formulation about 10 years ago.

Almost all of the money needed will

come from fund raising. Much has been committed, but more is needed and fundraising is still underway. The capital campaign is co-chaired by Mick Hatch, Patti Keating-Kahn and Carl Mueller.

The building known as Old Main will be home to 72 one-bedroom, eight two-bedroom apartments and spaces for community amenities. This renovation is expected to be completed in March 2019. Buildings numbered as 18, 19 and 62 will house duplexes. Several houses on the site and the chaplain’s quarters will become living quarters There are recognition opportunities in the project for donors. Giving levels to be recognized begin with $10,000 for 11 women’s single units and 85 for men. All pledges are over a five-year period. The Giving Levels rise to $1,000,000 for a residence wing.

Learn more about donations at www. savethesoldiershome.com.

Who is in charge during this remodeling time frame? The Alexander Company and the City of Milwaukee Housing Authority. More answers may be available through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

Don’t you agree that every hero deserves a home?

The Marine Corps veterans celebrated the Corps’ birthday Nov. 10 at

a luncheon at Pallas Restaurant in Milwaukee. The Badger Detachment Ma-

rine Corps League was the host.

Those attending enjoyed steak or

chicken dinners and were entertained by the Easy Days quartet.

Marine Corps Luncheon held Nov. 10

12 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

Advocate Concerns

Q

: My 87-year-old mother is not in good physical condition, and occasionally she becomes confused and “loses it.” Her mind seems to be elsewhere for a few minutes, but she returns to her normal self soon. I have spoken to the doctor on several occasions, but he has dismissed the issue. I am not satisfied with his answers, and I want to make sure I have the best knowledge to help her.

A

What would you do?

: You are her health advocate, so it is important to assume an active role in her care. This will require some effort on your part.

Schedule a second opinion with an-

other doctor, and get a more comprehensive view of her condition. Obviously, there are multiple reasons why your mother is experiencing difficulties, and you first need to determine what they are.

This could be happening for many reasons other than her age. It could even be caused by mixing medications. Because of her age, it may be necessary to actually count the number of pills remaining in the bottle.

If this happens regularly, she should get a complete checkup in order to track down the problem. For example, if you think she is having a stroke, the American Stroke Association recommends the following “FAST” diagnostic:

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• Face: Ask her to smile. Does one

side of her face droop?

• Arms: Ask her to raise both arms.

Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech: Ask her to repeat a simple phrase. Is her speech slurred or strange?

• Timing: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Your mom is lucky to have you as her advocate. Keep up the good work!

Q

SECURE IDENTITIES

: One of my neighbors has recently had problems with identity theft, and now I’m concerned that I’m vulnerable.

What can I do to protect myself?

A

: There are several common ways in which criminals may attempt to steal your identity. Keeping track of the following suggestions will cut down on your risk.

Shred any documents with your name and address. Pay special attention to financial statements or credit offers, as they contain extremely sensitive information.

When paying by debit card (especially if it doesn’t have a chip), cover the pin pad with one hand while typing in your PIN. Someone may have installed a camera to spy on customer transactions. Gas stations are especially vulnerable to outside manipulations, so go inside to pay.

Don’t write checks to small vendors. Pay in cash or money order, as these don’t list your bank information. The person you’re dealing with may be honest, but you don’t know how careful they are.

Never submit your Social Security number or bank account information to an unsolicited source or public network. This includes emails -- which may appear to be from your bank -- or online stores.

If you’re suspicious, call or visit your bank and ask if it is attempting to contact you.

DECEMBER 2017

Money in the bank is frugality’s reward

BY MARY HUNT

Living frugally does not mean choosing a life of poverty. Frugality is simply the act of avoiding waste. It means finding the most economical way to accomplish a task or project.

Frugality doesn’t mean giving up; it means living better, because when you have all that you need plus money in the bank, life becomes much easier.

Frugality is a state of mind, an attitude you choose for a way of life that is rewarding. Every day my mailbox fills with frugal tips from my loyal readers.

Some make me laugh; others leave me wondering why I didn’t think of them; others have become such a common way of life for me and I’m grateful to be reminded of what great frugal ideas they are. Enjoy this recent sampling. $5 GIFT GAME. Last year, all of our children were home for Christmas, so my husband and I decided we would hand out $5 bills to each one, go to Walmart and set a time limit of 10 minutes to find a gift AND get through a checkout line. Before we left home, we drew names. The kids still talk about it. -- Sandy

CHEAPER AIR. This past sum-

mer, it got so hot where we live that many nights it was nearly impossible to sleep. We have central air in our home, but making the room comfortable for sleep would require cooling the entire house, and that gets very expensive. We decided to buy a mini window-mounted air conditioning unit (for less than $150) for our bedroom that we run just long enough to cool the room before we go to bed.

Our electric bill increased by only a few dollars. -- Marielle DOWN MEMORY LANE. To celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, my siblings and family members took them on a scavenger hunt. We split up into two groups and took them out separately. The hunt included places and events from their marriage. We took a blank anniversary card that had to be signed by 20 strangers and instructed each team to designate a photographer to take as many pictures as possible. At the last stop, which was the church where they were married, we downloaded the

• 50PLUS • 13

photos, had dinner and enjoyed the day’s events. -- Jenny TENDER MEATBALLS. To make the lightest and fluffiest meatballs, I use club soda in place of the milk or water called for in the recipe. The difference is remarkable. -- Rose FLAT BACON. When I make BLT sandwiches, I like my bacon to be flat. Here’s how I manage that: I lay the bacon strips out on a cookie sheet (with sides) and cover the bacon with foil. I lay a second cookie sheet on top to keep the bacon strips from curling while they bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. This simple trick produces perfectly cooked flat bacon every time. -- David CONDITION YOUR LEGS. I use inexpensive generic hair conditioner when shaving my legs. My skin is silky soft, and I rarely need to use additional moisturizer. -- Sharon

away, I take squares of quality paper towels, dampen them with water and add a dollop of cleanser on each. I fold the towels and place them in sandwich-size zip-close bags. -- Carrie Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate. com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740.

When I travel, I don’t like to pack all of my regular-size toiletries. Instead of my tube of facial cleanser, I make my own cleansing cloths. For each day I’m

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Started in 1929, SMD Garden Club is still going strong. Pictured are some of the forty-five members who celebrated this event at Lapham Peak State Park recently. Originally from the Summit, Merton, and Delafield area, others now join members from Waukesha County in their pursuit of home gardening and civic beautification. Along with these goals, the gardeners strive to protect our native flowers and fauna and support the work of exterminating invasive species.

At monthly meetings, the members participate in a number of activities such as exchanging garden ideas, flower arranging, and other handson plant related activities. The club also invites speakers who cover tree and lawn care, perennial and annual plant updates, prairie plantings and land management to encourage na-

tive plants, birds and bees. The group also enjoys touring member gardens along with tours of farms, historic gardens, nurseries and public gardens.

In recent years, Hawks Inn in Delafield has benefitted from members decorating the Inn for the Christmas season and helping with spring cleanup of the grounds. August is the Perennial Plant Sale and Garden Trash and Treasure Sale along with Hawks Inn Ice Cream Social. It has been a successful fundraiser. Even though SMD’s budget is small, by year’s end, it makes a donation to five environmentally related non-profits. Since 2007 a monthly newsletter, “The Dirt” has been emailed to members with articles, photos, and updates.

For a better world, gardening is still as much fun and rewarding as it was in 1929 when the club was founded!

1st row: Cathy Snyder, Gini Waltz, Mary Poppens 2nd row: Mary Daniel, Mary Jean Schiefelbein, Barb Atlee Back row: Linda Neumiller, Judy Bloomquist, Cheryl Steinbac

DECEMBER 2017

• 50PLUS • 15

Holiday Gift Guide & More SANTA – An enduring family tradition

‘T

BY RICK ROMANO

is the season to consider all the magic of Christmas. As candles, fireplaces and powered lights flicker, stories from our past come alive with thoughts of the Santa Claus once known and still to be discovered.

When Janey Brandt gathers up 30 family members in her Wauwatosa home for a visit from Santa Claus this Christmas Eve, the great grandmother will be continuing more than her long annual tradition of welcoming the jolly man in the bright red suit.

She will also help extend her current Santa’s very own family tradition.

Santa Shane not only has been visiting the Brandt household for pretty much the past decade, he is extending the work begun decades ago by his parents. Just like they used to do, he stays busy visiting families and others for more than a month before and through Christmas day.

Santa Shane is Shane Linskey of St. Francis, who has been a Santa Claus for the past 11 years, following in the footsteps of his dad, Marty, who performed the task for the previous 31 years and was joined for most of that time by Jackie, his wife and Shane’s mother. It is a case of learning the craft at the knee of one’s mentor.

Learning Curve

Shane appreciated the Santa tradition beginning at the age of 9 when, at a neighbor’s Christmas party, the hosts were stuck without a Santa for their young child and asked his father to fill in. With not much time to prepare, Marty donned a fake beard and a red baseball cap. The moment was transformational for Marty and Shane, as well as the children.

“I remember how much fun it was,” Shane said.

“The excitement of everyone was something,” Marty said. “My wife, Jackie, said it was so wonderful. That’s how it started. She got a red gown and I grew my beard and dyed it and my

hair.”

Marty and Jackie were knee deep in the Santa experiences. Mr. and Mrs. Claus entertained at church functions, hospitals and other events.

“I was an elf to them during those years,” Shane said. “I remember driving them to gigs and driving a convertible they rode in for the Burlington Christmas parades. We always got a red one from a local dealer. Some of those rides were very cold.”

Warming the hearts of others fueled the effort.

“It’s very gratifying to see the smiles on faces,” Marty said. Most of the time it was easy to soak it in and feel good, he said. He noted one memorable experience when a larger size developmentally disabled youth “came running at me as I sat in a chair and both of us tumbled backward.”

Other experiences were heart rendering.

“You see kids and adults in the hospital and you want to help them,” Marty said.

Marty credits his Santa career to his outgoing personality.

“I’ve always liked people and enjoy talking to everyone, he said.

His personality probably helped make him an effective UPS driver for 25 years – an interesting take on the Santa delivering the goods – and being the one-time owner of Marty’s Pit stop, a restaurant and bar in Powers Lake.

He remains in good spirits, though saddened by the loss of Jackie last year.

She was the love of his life, he said Shanes’s Turn

With the experience of seeing and helping his parents work their Christmas magic until health issues intervened, Shane took over after the 2006 season. He has done so with a couple of differences.

“Mom and dad did all their work for free, but I saw a business in all of this,” Shane said. He also has developed a regular following among families and businesses.

“I get requests year round and sometimes I get more than I can do,” he said. “I have a couple of Santas who work for me.”

Like his father, Shane grows his own beard and dyes his hair.

“I start in November and as soon as Dec. 26 comes, I go to the barber, get my hair cut and dye it back.”

He also shares some of the same magical experiences of putting smiles on the faces of children and adults, regardless of circumstance.

“It’s very gratifying to see people happy,” he said. “There was one visit where a neighbor of a girl asked me to visit her because she had been diagnosed with (terminal) cancer. So I came out to visit with her, her parents, grandparents and her year and a half old sister. I spent three hours doing what I always do – read stories and sing songs and give out gifts. It was a very nice time and everyone had a nice time – but it was sad because it was probably going to be her last Christmas.”

There are plenty of heartwarming moments, like the ones Shane has with families like those of Janey Brandt.

“I hired Santa Shane through a friend who knew his dad,” said Brandt, who has had to hire a few different Santas through the years. “His costume is excellent including a belt with a big buckle that the kids all love. He has his own beard and everyone in the family has gotten to know him.”

Brandt, like a lot of families, makes sure Shane has a special parking place and she places a big bag of gifts outside that he can bring in so that guests get the pre-arranged gifts.

“It’s really nice to keep the tradition going,” Brandt said.

A Third Generation?

After more than a decade, Santa Shane has no plans to retire, but when he does, he said one of his two sons may take his place.

“They show some interest, so we’ll see,” Shane said.

Grandfather Marty hopes it happens.

“There’s more to it than helping others,” he said. “You get an education out of it.”

An Eclectic Life

When he’s not helping make Christmas magic, Shane keeps busy with what has been an eclectic entrepreneurial career. A former owner of a child care business, he now owns My Friends Thrift Store in Cudahy and rents out a trio of Wisconsin Dells cabins. He connects all of his business interests with dot coms and teaches the art of online selling.

Shane Linskey’s face-to-face skills remain paramount. On a recent crisp November day at his thrift store, he was visited by a father and young daughter who looked through the store’s Christmas items. While the father was about to buy one of them, the girl asked Shane – someone she may only know as a man with an ample mane of white hair and white beard – if she could see a particular bauble that caught her eye in a glass case.

“Sure,” he offered in his kind voice.

He reached into the case and, handing it to her, said “Here, you can take this.”

A Santa moment, indeed.

For more information about Santa Shane, visit www.santasready.com.

16 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

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Of course, it was the night before Christmas and all through the town as midnight was near, there was great calm, except for the swirling snow that practically covered Santa’s sleigh as he was stopped at a four-way traffic signal, the only one in that particular community.

Santa, sometimes in thinking back to other ages when he was much younger, could almost cuss out that St. Nick guy who started all this present giving in his heyday. No wonder was it, that they made this old Middle European gent a revered saint.

The traffic light changed and Santa got the sleigh-pulling reindeer moving again. Santa muttered something like “getting these animals moving at Christmas after almost 12 months of much food and leisurely pursuits is almost like growing hair on a basketball.

Almost impossible.” But Santa did get them moving after checking his GPS to be certain his stops were in order, he realized there was a full night of present delivery just ahead. As he thought about the ordeal, Santa knew it was easy for him to remember last year when the reindeer had not yet been grounded by the Aviation Agency and flew their way from house to house.

It had been on one of the stops as he climbed down the chimney, there were live embers in the fireplace and he had been a fire victim. Why the white ruffles around his now fading red trousers were still scorched with black.

Santa, rather a wise old man in this last year before his retirement and Social Security time, left some notes for greedy older people seeking presents.

He’d relate how tough times were and

it was good that they didn’t spend all their money on presents.

He heard a noise. It sounded like a bird coming from somewhere in the sleigh. He found it. He opened the box and it was an Old Crow, but not the flying type. It was marked for Santa in case the night got too long or too cold.

Now, if only whoever was so kind, had sent along a bottle of eggnog to go with it. With stop after stop, Santa turned enemies into friends and he even left a bit of Old Crow for a growly old gent.

The night seemed to go on forever as the once sleigh full of presents got down to three and Santa sighed, “Yes, I covered all the good little girls and boys.”

He agreed that his work was accomplished and the time ahead was his. He said, “Yes, I’ll do it” when he heard talk of Learning in Retirement at WCTC. It is said that success is mostly via effort and Santa could not give much more. Could Santa learn Santa learn new way of delivery at LIR or maybe teach the others how to say, HO, HO, HO!

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December Poem

Christmas is coming soon. The fowl are ready for the Christmas table.

Aunt Bea, Uncle Ezra, Cousin Mike will be there. But why not Gertie or Mabel?

We eagerly await the arrival of Christmas gifting. Yes, it almost is with us.

For little ones it is a shame to Santa’s toy headquarters there is no bus.

But being so nice, Santa Claus has placed racks of nice toys in many stores.

Now, he’s wrapping the last of gifts and then will sit back enjoying s’mores.

How can we describe the great day that’s Dec. 25th using poetry or prose?

With presents everywhere, this early snooper seems to need a sleuthing nose.

Cousin Jennie, with a beau coming, hangs from the chandelier some mistletoe.

We’ll bet she maneuvers him under it for a bit of kissing and a great ho! ho!

We’ve wrapped gifts for Aunt Isabella and the fellow she’s with, smiling Jerry.

While going over our list, we must not forget the 90 proof rum for Uncle Terry.

Vegetable farmers, with crops harvested, now are tired and at deserved rest.

They mostly hurried to the bank in October placing money there with zest.

Granddaughter wishes a new model of a mostly beloved plastic creature.

Her dad says that he’ll never find another that looks just like her teacher.

And so it goes that the new doll, of course, must have a beautiful gown.

But what money’s left for Cousin Freddie’s eye-winking circus clown?

As we finish this today and for Christmas prepare, I recall cute Goldie Lox. She would dance to many sprightly tunes from that magical music box .

And so as time has arrived to really celebrate and honor our savior, We pray that each and every one of us will be on our best behavior.

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DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017

• 50PLUS • 19

Top scams to watch out for this holiday season ERAs Senior Network of Waukesha County coordinates STOP – an awareness program focusing on frauds and scams aimed at older adults. This month’s focus: Top Senior Scams to Share This Holiday Season In 2014, the Federal Trade Commission created the Pass it ON campaign aimed at encouraging people to share vital information about scams.

The FTC encourages you to not only share gifts and food during the holidays, but also tips about scams targeting older adults.

Since 2016, ERAs Senior Network has given 43 presentations to nearly 1200 seniors and their caregivers about common scams targeting the senior population. Through our research and conversations with seniors who have experienced interactions with scam artists, we’ve collected a list of popular senior scams that we hope you’ll share while passing the turkey and gravy.

Grandparent Scam: A scam artist calls a senior and says “Hi Grandma, it’s me!” Oftentimes the senior assumes they’re speaking to their grandchild and won’t even ask for a name. Sometimes, the scam artist pretends to be crying, which distorts their voice, making it easier for the senior to believe it could be their grandchild.

The scammer will then tell the senior they are in some sort of trouble and will need money wired to them – and begs their “grandparent” not to tell their “parents”. To avoid this scam, ask the caller specific questions like their

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SENIOR ISSUES

By Kathy Gale name, address, or something only your true grandchild would know – and never wire money!

Medicare card will be sent to you automatically at no charge - you DO NOT need to do anything or pay anything for your new Medicare card to be mailed to you.

Sharing what you know about frauds and scams may be the best gift you can give someone this holiday season. If you feel like you have been a victim of a fraud or scam, contact your local police department by calling their non-emergency number.

Kathy Gale is Executive Director, ERAs Senior Network, Inc. and a member of the Wisconsin Attorney General’s Task Force on Elder Abuse. STOP Senior Frauds and Scams is brought to you

by ERAs through a grant from the Wisconsin Consumer Antifraud Fund at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County. More information about ERAs Senior Network, Inc. can be found at www.ERAsWaukesha.org.

Telemarketing “Yes” Scam:

Telemarketing scam artists use a simple response to steal from you. In this scam, a senior will receive a call and be asked if they can hear the caller. The natural response is to say “yes”. Unfortunately, scam artists can record this response and use it to fraudulently authorize charges via the telephone, according to the Federal Communications Commission. The best way to avoid this is by screening your calls and only answering numbers you recognize, or finding another way to answer their question without saying the word “yes.”

Medicare Card Scams: As you may know, new Medicare cards will be mailed out between April 2018 and April 2019. With this comes the risk for Medicare related scams as predicted by the Better Business Bureau.

Scam artists may ask you for your Social Security number or a payment in order to receive your card. Your new

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DECEMBER 2017

Ex-husband still has control

BY ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: I divorced an ex-

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tremely wealthy, abusive and narcissistic man five years ago. My divorce was a horror. He hacked my phone, email and Facebook account and put a tracking device on my car. He put listening devices, maybe even cameras, in my home and had private investigators follow me. (I have witnesses to all this.) He told me he would “ruin” me when we got divorced, and believe me, he has tried. He has taken my mostly adult kids away on almost every holiday (great trips they don’t want to turn down) since the divorce, even flying them all out of town on my 50th birthday. I want to add that I was a faithful wife during our 30-year relationship, while he was a cheater. I left him once in the marriage for having an affair with a friend of mine.

I was a good stay-at-home mother, highly involved in my three kids’ activities. My kids were and are my life. My eldest daughter called me “a dream mom” before the divorce. But since the divorce, that daughter has turned on me, calling me crazy. She’s blocked me from communicating with her in any way. I also have had problems getting ahold of my college-age son. (I found out his dad blocked my number on the cellphone he pays for.)

I believe they learned to abuse me from their father.

I feel that my ex is still controlling my life. And there is nothing I can do, considering his power and money.

How do I get back control of my life?

How do I ever get my daughter back?

I have tried writing her snail-mail letters explaining my hurt, but that has not solved this problem. How do I get through to my kids? Do I ever get my kids on holidays? They are all older than 18, so going to court would not help. -- Ostracized Dear Ostracized: First, I’m so sorry for what you’ve gone through. I understand that you’re extremely focused on getting your children back in your life; any parent would feel the same way. But right now, I’m more worried about you. You were in an emotionally abusive relationship for 30 years. Those psychological scars don’t heal overnight -- especially when your ex-husband is doing everything he can to see that they don’t. Before reconnecting with your adult children, who are still under the spell of their father, you must learn how to love yourself and set boundaries. I strongly encourage you to seek counseling.

Dear Annie: One year ago, I notified my sister about my daughter’s wedding so that she could save the date. She just received the formal invitation, and she called and said that her best friend had asked her to be maid of honor in her second wedding on the day before my daughter’s wedding and that she had decided to accept her friend’s invitation. She still can fly in the next morning and make the late-afternoon wedding. I’m totally

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Tip mortification

• 50PLUS • 21

was out for lunch with a woman I recently became friends with. At the end of the meal, we asked the server to split the check 50-50. He brought us our receipts. I was waiting for my friend to finish using the pen, and I wasn’t trying to peek, but I noticed she’d left the tip line blank. She noticed my noticing and, only a little sheepishly, said, “I’m just not making that much money right now” -- as if that were an acceptable reason to stiff our (very kind) server. I was mortified but said nothing, took the pen and began writing in an extra-big tip to try to make up for her. She saw what I was doing and told me I shouldn’t worry about it -- that I was overreacting. I think she

was being rude. What do you think?

-- Tipped Off Dear Tipped Off: Anyone who can’t afford to leave a tip shouldn’t be eating out in the first place. The next time this friend wants to get together, suggest something free -- though, if you’re the type of person who regards tipping as a sign of character (I do), you might not want to get together again at all.

Dear Annie: You’re going to get a lot of mail about the letter from “Alive and Well,” but I’d like to chime in. The 30-something daughter who admired a piece of furniture and asked for it in her parents’ will was perhaps just being direct, not rude. If they haven’t had any conversations about their end-of-life planning, she may just be

doing the sensible thing by mentioning her desire while they are younger and still healthy.

My husband and I have handled the estates of our parents in recent years and can tell you that this is a multistage process that can quickly escalate if there isn’t a plan. After the legal details and during the grief process, the family will be left with “stuff.” Most of it has little value other than sentiment, but having in writing who gets what may keep the remaining family intact. Family heirlooms should be given to those who plan to keep, not sell them.

Additionally, as you approach retirement, it’s wise to stop collecting “stuff ” and to start downsizing before you are forced into it. Surveys show

that the younger generation values experiences over things, so ask your kids now, “What do you want?” I think this is exactly what the daughter was trying to say; she probably still sees her parents as very capable and meant to be practical, not predatory. -- Jacksonville Reader

EX-HUSBAND continued from page 20

Any suggestions? -- Snubbed by Sister

ant it is to you that she be there -- I say let this one go. Staying angry won’t help. To quote Mark Twain, “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”

To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

BY ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: The other day, I

stunned and deeply hurt. I thought she was a loyal family member. I flew my three children and wife to her daughter’s wedding at quite an expense, so you can see why I’m shocked over this.

Dear Snubbed by Sister:

As long as she still makes it to your daughter’s wedding -- and you should make crystal clear to her how import-

Dear Jacksonville Reader:

Thanks for your letter. Indeed, I’ve heard from several others echoing the same sentiment. In hindsight, I was too quick to validate “Alive and Well’s” feelings of offense. I wish I’d advocated for end-of-life planning and talking to adult children about last wishes -perhaps an uncomfortable subject for some, but an important one.

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DECEMBER 2017

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We are assuming you watched the Thanksgiving Parade on television. The Macy’s Parade dates back to before television as it first stretched for five and one-half miles down the streets of New York in 1924. Last week, the route was only two and onehalf miles. The live animals of earlier parades came from the Central Park Zoo. Hot air balloons, not politicians take their places today. eeeee Is it at all probable (anything is possible) for the Minnesota Vikings to be playing in the NFL Super Bowl when it is held in Minneapolis? My guess is the Kansas City Chiefs versus the New Orleans Saints. eeeee History relates that Cicero, the ancient poet of Greece, practiced his

COPPERZAP continued from page 2

illness after airline travel. It can also be applied to wounds, cuts, and abrasions to fight infections.

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The EPA says tarnish does not reduce copper’s germ-killing power.

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ers. I wonder what Jesus’ followers ate as they celebrated his birth? eeeee As we have heard many times, we are older and wiser. We agree about the older, but the wiser doesn’t always fit the individual. eeeee Speaking of brains and just having finished a large second cup of caffeine, Oops! I meant coffee. In reality, caffeine stimulates the reward center of the brain. The brain wants more of it to keep you from experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Heavy coffee drinkers might experience withdrawal problems in the form of headaches, mood changes, nausea or even fatigue. eeeee

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elocution daily for 30 years. Most of our wives have perfected their words of wisdom to their husbands for many more years that. eeeee Writing about ancient writers of prose and/poetry, Milton supposedly arose every morning at 4 a.m. while writing Paradise Lost. Do you think he may have had to go to the bathroom? eeeee We have heard many times that where there is a Will there is a way. But what if your name is August or Sam? eeeee

• 50PLUS • 23

Try to be optimistic in all that you do. Why? It is tough enough to live these days without having a dour attitude. eeeee Hopefully, these statistics have changed by now. At writing time, the Packers were fifth from the bottom of the NFL in offense and one notch worse in defense. eeeee Sunday is a non-laboring day. But this is not supposed to hold true on the football field.

24 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

Bowling is the ideal competitive sport for seniors The sport of bowling is one of the oldest of athletic games, and among its other attributes is the ideal competitive activity for seniors. As noted in the historical text of the sport, “They Came to Bowl – How Milwaukee Became America’s Tenpin Capitol,” by Doug Schmidt, bowling is an essential part of the fabric of Milwaukee culture. It was a way of life that began with the huge influx of immigrants from Central Europe and especially Germany back in the early and mid 1800s. For as most historians agree, bowling is Germanic in origin.

Consider these points:

• Unlike most other sports, it can be played by all ages, from five to a hundred and five.

• It is a sport in which its competitors can actually improve with age, unlike most other games. Bowlers in their 50s, 60s and 70s are often better than their counterparts in the teens, 20s and 30s.

• Here in Wisconsin, where weather usually calls the shots in most activities, bowling can be conducted at any time of the year.

• It is one of the most affordable of all sports. All one needs is a ball and a pair of bowling shoes. That, and the cost of bowling in a league once a week all through the season, will cost you less than playing a single round of golf at many courses. Only one round, with a caddy, will set you back $400 at Erin Hills, for example, and is even higher at Whistling Straits. Don’t even think of what the costs are at private country clubs.

• It’s a good exercise. Besides that, it encourages its participants to stay in shape. It’s difficult to bowl well when you’re out of condition.

• And finally, it is most assuredly an enjoyable social activity for its participants. Gene Haas, who composed the cartoon artwork for this article, and his wife, Diane, belong to a couples league on Tuesdays at the Bowlero Lanes. They told me they look forward to meeting their bowling friends and the camaraderie as much or more than the bowling itself.

On the second of the points listed above it was noted that bowlers, unlike their counterparts in most sports, actually improve with age rather

SPORTS PLUS

By Jack Pearson than the other way around, which is the norm. I’ll give you an example to prove it. Here are the names of four senior bowlers currently active in Milwaukee USBC leagues. They are Joseph Campbell, 83, Duane DuPay, 83, William Jackson, 82, all of Milwaukee; and Robert Niezwicki, 85, of St. Francis. Each maintained averages between 180 and 189 over the last season. Those averages, whether you know it or not, are top flight, commendable for bowlers of any age.

When I was a young man in my 30s, I formed a bowling team with friends of mine, all in roughly the same age group. We did well, too, winning five league championships over a 11-year period. And the highest average on the team was Jim Petrie, who maintained a 175 average. Aside from that analogy, can you imagine something like what those four octogenarians did happening in sports such as football, basketball, or baseball? Our beloved Green Bay Packers with an 85-yearold running back, gaining more than 100 yards a game? It’s ridiculous even to contemplate; yet it happens all the time in bowling. Note the word above “octogenarians.” It wasn’t so long ago that the word connotated someone like an old geezer in a wheelchair long past the time when he could even get around his house let alone engage in a competitive sport. Funny how times change.

Not just with male bowlers, either.

Note the photograph with this article of two women; one in Ladora (Dodie) Rabon of Milwaukee (right) and the other is Milwaukee USBC Manager Kandy Birmingham. Ladora is a spry 83 and this past season averaged 170 in league play. If I had her on my team back when, we might have won more titles.

By the way, the oldest active bowler in Milwaukee USBC seniors com-

Artwork by Gene Haas.

petition is Aloysius Bercham of Milwaukee, who is 94. The senior lady with the most years under her belt is Dorothy Lucas of Wauwatosa, who is 91 and has an average of 139.

That book listed at the beginning of this article, “They Came to Bowl” –

by Doug Schmidt, is still available and is absolutely the best book on bowling in Wisconsin you’ll ever read.. You can check if Barnes & Noble still have it in stock, or call 414-529-1965. In addition, Schmidt has also edited and published a monthly newspaper on bowling called the Ten Pin Journal for more than 32 years. You can get it, too, at that number. Do you know what a 900 series is? That’s three consecutive 300 games, and it has been done only three times in history in this state. The bowlers are Tony Roventini of Greenfield, Mark Wukoman of Franklin,

and P.J. Giesfeldt of West Milwaukee.

What Milwaukee team recently won the National Traveling League Championship? It was a team made up of six men from Wisconsin: Terry Ball, Mick Beckom, Derrick Cole, James Livingston, John Shirley and Swain Stewart.

Those are just two of the many bowling items you’ll read about in the Ten Pin Journal. On the subject of newspapers, isn’t it odd that you never see anything but a half-inch or so of agate type scores in our daily papers? Or, for that matter, in the leading sports magazine, Sports Illustrated? I’ve been a subscriber for more than 50 years, and do not recall ever seeing a story concerning bowling in SI. After taking the photo of Dodie and Kandy, I sat down with Dodie for a short interview. Besides being a fine bowler, she is quite a lady. A delightful

DECEMBER 2017

character. She is very witty with a dry sense of humor and it is difficult sometimes to determine if she is pulling your leg. When I asked about her family, and how many children she had, she replied, “Oh, just a few.” I asked her to be more definite, and she gave me a look and answered, “ten.” That was a good round number, I replied, and how about the grandkids? How many of them? She thought for a moment, then said, “About 80.” I was astounded and told her so, and she laughed. “Are you kidding me?” I persisted. “Lordy, no, why should I do that? “ she said.

Well then, I went on, do you know all their names? “Of course not,” she said, “No one could.” I scratched my head.

How about great grandkids, I asked?

“Oh, maybe about 20, I can’t tell you for sure.” I didn’t know if she was joshing or serious. When you have a birthday, and they all come to see you, how in the world do you manage, I went on. She laughed again, and poked me in the shoulder. “Well, for one thing, I have to make sure I have a big enough cake.” I started laughing, too. Well, what about your husband? What does he think of all of these kids? He must go absolutely nuts. “Which one?” she said. “I’ve been married three times.”

All I could think of was that she’d have made a terrific guest on the Johnny Carson Tonight Show. She’d have him and the audience in stitches. Kandy Birmingham knows just about all the bowlers in the Milwaukee USBC system, and says that Dodie is one of her favorites. “She is priceless,” Kandy said.

So, as I said earlier, I don’t know if the ladie’s were stringing me along with all those answers, or if they’re really accurate. What I do know for certain is her age and her bowling average. I think it’s safe to say that she’s one of the most remarkable 83-yearold woman bowlers in the country.

Bowling balls and the condition of the lanes have greatly improved over the years, but so have the bowlers themselves. You remember the names of Hall of Fame bowlers such as Hank Marino, Ned Day and Dick Ritger?

Marino and Day were from Milwaukee and Ritger from Hartford, and for decades they were not merely Wisconsin, but national bowling stars. All three maintained seasonal averages of over 200, but not much higher than a pair of Milwaukee, senior league play-

ers today, Peter Van Aacken of New Berlin and Craig Young of Franklin, who both had 209 seasonal averages last year. One difference is that Marino, Day and Ritger maintained those averages while in their prime, while Van Aacken is 72 and Young 65.

Van Aacken recently bowled his 14th perfect 300-game, accomplished, incidentally, under somewhat unusual conditions. He and his wife Gloria were bowling in a couples league at the Bluemound Bowl. The foursome consisted of a man and his wife who were just learning the game, and Pete and Gloria. The man rolled only an 87 and his wife a 60, while Gloria had a 128. Thus Pete’s 300 was a higher total than the other three bowlers combined. I don’t recall ever hearing of something like that. On the subject of perfect games, Van Aacken told me another interesting tale. A friend of his, Jerry Gardner, rolled his first 300 not too long ago, and he’s 86 years old.

That’s true long-term dedication.

Craig Young, on the other hand, says he has rolled only one 300 game, but that doesn’t make a bit of difference to his love of the game. Way back when he was only eight years old and a member of the Cub Scouts one of his merit badge assignments was to learn to bowl. Craig is originally from the San Francisco area, and didn’t move here until after he had retired. “It’s kind of funny, he said. “I really took to the sport and bowled three times a week or more for years. I always wanted that perfect game, but it always eluded me.

Then, like Pete’s friend Jerry, it wasn’t until I’d passed my 60th birthday that it finally came.”

Bowling lanes are open to all ages, of course. But if you’re a senior (50 and older) and would like to bowl in a seniors’ only league, there are four of them. Names and people to call are: Friday Seniors at the Classic Lanes in Greenfield, 1 p.m., Philip Scardina, 414-761-9192; MALC League, Burnham Bowl, Fridays at noon, Claudia Martorano, 414-543-7880; Wednesday Seniors, Bob E Lanes, Wednesdays at noon, James Rydzewski, 414-4820604; Wednesday Afternoon Seniors, Brown Deer Lanes, Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m., Willie (female) Conley, 414-233-2713.

• 50PLUS • 25

Here are two of the leading ladies of the Milwaukee area bowling world; Kandy Birmingham, left, the manager of the Milwaukee USBC (left); and Dodie Rabon, at 83 the oldest female bowler in the local USBC and owner of a 170 average.

Giving proof to the assertion that old bowlers never die, they just get better are these two gentlemen in their lime green bowling shirts, Craig Young of Franklin, with Peter Van Aacken of New Berlin, who is an active 72 and who also has a 209 average.

26 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

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us now, we should turn our thoughts and actions to helping others. This is the period of time during which we have to be thankful for everything we have and to help those others who are among the have nots.

There are many organizations in our community that do their best to help those who need it. Believe me, you only have to take a tour of the Salvation Army, Milwaukee Rescue Mission, St. Ben’s, etc. to know exactly what it means to be poor in money and perhaps also because of being so downtrodden, poor also in spirit.

While I write about this, that and the next thing that enters my active mind, my husband, Henry, is more of a doer than a thinker. He fixes his mind on a conclusion and does not shift his gears in a different direction until he’s satisfied with the results. He generally is not looking for any rapid results. He knows that time won’t pass by any person attempting to do his best for someone else.

Henry tells me every so often that it is what we do that distinguishes us from others. He says he has learned that way too many people talk a good game, but are short on achieving what they focused on. Henry lays out his plan of action for each day shortly after he arises. If there is to be a big challenge on any given day, he writes it down and also scribbles out what he plans to do to accomplish it. He knows, or so he says that he does, that without a definitive plan of accomplishment action, he might spend too much time and effort spinning his wheels. We all should be doing things worth the effort and this is not to be done just at work.

The sun shines on those who deserve it.

For several years, Henry and I have helped out on one of the special fall days at the big and free dinner put on by so many blessed volunteers downtown. To realize that what

APRON STRINGS

By Aunt Emma we are doing is worthwhile is to just see the thanks in the eyes of those we serve and the hands that so eagerly and warmly are wrapped around our own in thanks. Believe me, just viewing that appreciation is worth all the effort we put into serving others on this special day.

Too often, some people believe and express such thoughts that soand-so had the same opportunities that he or she had and should therefore have had the same outcome like a well educated family living in a nice home and wearing stylish - or at the very least -warm clothing.

St. Nick’s Day will have come and gone before you know it. We always look to St. Nick as the kindly soul who started the present giving, although Jesus Christ gave his life for us. Christians should never forget this. The price on his gift to us was way too high. But the Boss Man agreed to it.

Yes, you are correct in thinking that I kind of rambled on today about helping others. But I always keep in mind the preacher who said it is not what we have thought about doing, but what we actually have done that will be marked in the scoring column when we stand at those pearly gates some time in the future. This is one appointment I am never going to be early for, or so I do hope.

Anyway, enjoy the month, the parties, the caroling, the pretty icicles hanging from your gutters, the mistletoe hanging from the rooms’ divider and the friendships you make as you say over and over, Merry Christmas and a Happy New!

DECEMBER 2017

NEMOVITZ continued from page 5

member, this may be their first home and feelings, smells and cosmetics are huge. There are companies now that will stage your home when it is time to sell because professionals know the value of cosmetic upgrades and positioning of furniture, pictures, flooring and paint. Please don’t misunderstand, new windows are well worth the rate on return, but if your budget is limited and you are working with a set amount, spend the dollars wisely and think about the time when you are ready to sell. Keep that young buyer in mind when making choices of paint colors, type and color of flooring, and kitchen and bath upgrades. When considering color selections, you can always go online and check the most popular choices of young homebuyers.

Four mid-range improvements that are cost effective (Excluding major defects repair and replacement) 1) Garage Door and front door replacement 2) Minor kitchen remodel (no more than $20,000) 3) Bath remodel (no more than $7,000 per bath) 4) Flooring and paint where needed All too often we wait until the last minute and put in repairs and upgrades to help sell our homes. Wouldn’t it make more sense to do those repairs and upgrades now so that you can walk into new smells, feelings and colors. This also gives you a chance to take time and get the best value. Look for sales and research today’s young buyer preferences and choose those colors and upgrades that also appeal to you.

The most important point I want to make is take care of any major defects SMALL PETS WELCOME

now. Don’t wait to repair your basement, install a new roof or upgrade the 60amp electrical service. Take care of those items asap as the cost will only go up and the condition will get worse costing even more in the end.

Treat your old friend, your home with the same loving care as you would for yourself. Thankfully, home repairs are significantly cheaper than medical care! The money you spend now will pay off later and by doing it now you get to enjoy your old friend’s new look while spending those years to come in happiness and comfort.

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for 35 years. He has published a book called “Moving in the Right Direction”, A Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. Bruce has just written his second book for the children of seniors, “Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction”, Practical Advice about Seniors Moving from the Home They Love. This book is now available at www.GuidingOurParents.com. Past articles about moving and downsizing and other important information can be found at www.BrucesTeam.com.

Bruce received the 2010 “Realtor of the Year” from the 3,800 membership of the GMAR (Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors). Bruce is a featured speaker at several senior communities in the Milwaukee-Metro area. His discussions center on the challenge of moving from a long time home into a senior apartment or community. He has been listed in Milwaukee Magazine’s 5-Star Agents list for the last three years in a row. As such, he’s one of only a handful of Realtors who are continually includ-

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28 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

EVENTS CALENDAR

NOV. 24 THRU DECEMBER 31, 5 – 9 PM Enchantment in the Park

Regner Park, 800 N Main St., West Bend The Rotary Clubs of West Bend Sunrise, West Bend Noon, Hartford, Slinger/Allenton and Menomonee Falls proudly announce the return of Enchantment

in the Park, interactive holiday light display, for its ninth consecutive year. The display is closed on December 25. The show is comprised of nearly a million lights, staffed by more than 1,500 volunteers and is considered to be one of the biggest light shows in Wisconsin. Admission is a bag of non-perishable food items or suggested $10 cash donation per car.

DECEMBER 2, 5 – 7 PM Spring City Consort

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Delafield History Center, 426 Wells Street, Delafield SummerStage invites the public to an evening of great music with the Spring City Consort. The Spring City Consort is a group of musicians that specialize in playing recorder music. They have a special repertoire of classical, Renaissance and Christmas music. Refreshments will be available prior to the concert and during intermission.

Tickets may be purchased at the venue an hour prior to show, online or at the SummerStage office in Delafield. Call 262-337-1560 for additional information.

DECEMBER 3, 2 PM Marquette University Symphony Orchestra: Home for the Holidays

The Varsity Theatre, 1326 W. Wisconsin Ave.,

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Please call (414) 479-0660 to set up a showing.

11505 W. Greenfield Ave. • West Allis, WI 53214

Milwaukee The Marquette University Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the Marquette University Chorus, Gospel Choir, Jazz Ensembles, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony, presents their annual holiday concert. The symphony, led by Maestro Erik Janners, kicks off the holiday season in style with beloved holiday classics, such as Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” “The Nutcracker” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson, “The Christmas Song” by Mel Tormé & Bob Wells, audience sing-alongs, and all of your favorites! So grab your scarf and jacket, bundle up, bring a friend, and join us for this one-of-a-kind holiday spectacular!

This is a free event and one concert you won’t want to miss!

DECEMBER 5, 10 – 11 AM Coffee Tea & Health Talk Health Care Power of Attorney

Waukesha County Health & Human Services, 514 Riverview Road, Waukesha It is never too late to talk about end-of-life care and your personal wishes. Holiday gatherings are an opportunity to talk about your wishes. Complimentary coffee, tea and treats will be available. Seating is limited and reservations are required, call the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 262-548-7848.

DECEMBER 6, 12:30 Wednesday Movie

Greenfield Public Library, 5310 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield Join fellow seniors on Wednesday afternoon for the great blockbuster movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and enjoy delicious popcorn. Anyone under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult or guardian for any R-rated films. This movie is rated PG-13. For additional information, call 414-321-9595.

DECEMBER 6, 7 PM Vagabond Ski & Social Club

Knights of Columbus Hall, 1800 S. 92nd Street, West Allis This is an active social club for both singles and married couples.

There will be a meeting and dance with great music by Danny Moore & The Boogie-Woogie FLU. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm with dancing to follow at 8:00 pm. There is a $5 admission fee. For additional information about Vagabond Ski & Social Club go to www.vagabondskiclub.com.

DECEMBER 6, 6:30 – 8:00 PM Adult Make & Take

Hartland Public Library, 110 E Park Ave., Hartland Stop in and create a holiday wreath with just a wire hanger, ornaments, and our trusty glue guns! Please register by December 4; the event is limited to the first 12 people.

Call the library at 262-367-3350 or email swanson@hartland.lib.wi.us to register.

DECEMBER 7, 7:30 PM Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party

South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 901 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (BBVD) jazzes up the season with their patented Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party, boasting both original tunes and their own smoking hot versions of Yuletide favorites from their album It Feels Like Christmas Time. Fans in search of toe-tapping, brass-honking, high-energy holiday swing revival need look no further. Dressed to the nines in their trademark zoot suits and brandishing upbeat favorites like Go Daddy-O and Mr. Pinstripe Suit, as well as holiday classics such as Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Merry Christmas Baby, and All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth), be ready to celebrate this holiday in swingin’ style! Get tickets today by calling

DECEMBER 2017

EVENTS CALENDAR 414-766-5049 on online at southmilwaukeepac.org.

DECEMBER 9, 7 – 10 PM A Grown Up Christmas Wish – Concert by City of Festivals Men’s Chorus

Plymouth UCC Church, 2717 Hampshire St., Milwaukee The City of Festivals Men’s Chorus will perform traditional and non-traditional holiday music including songs from around the globe. You will leave filled with the spirit of the holidays and hopeful for the future of our humanity.

There will also be a silent auction, including baked goods - perfect for the holidays! View ticket information at www.cityoffestivalsmenschorus.org.

DECEMBER 10, 10 AM – 3 PM A Very Merry Milwaukee: Picture with Santa Event

Milwaukee County Historical Center, 910 N. Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee All are welcome for a chance to see Santa and his friend, Billie the Brownie. Get your picture taken with Santa, see the Historical Center decorated for the season and enjoy the “Milwaukee Holiday Treasures and Traditions” exhibit. Visitors can also listen to Mrs. Claus as she reads a holiday favor-

VMP Manor Park 3023 S. 84th Street West Allis, WI 53227 Call for information and a tour

(414) 607-4104

ite, participate in a coloring activity or write a letter to Santa so he doesn’t forget any wishes! Cookies, Hot Chocolate, and Snowman Sundaes will be for sale at Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. Museum admission is complimentary. Photos with Santa are $7 each and proceeds will support the Museum.

DECEMBER 11, 6:30 – 8 PM Polish Cooking Class “Kolaczki”

Polish Center of Wisconsin, 6941 S. 68th Street, Milwaukee These buttery filled cookies are perfect for your holiday baking or any time of the year. “Chef ” Anne Wal will show you how to make them. PHA members $14, Non-Members $18. Pre-registration and payment is required by calling 414-529-2140.

DECEMBER 13, 1:30 – 3:30 PM Adult Coloring Club

Brookfield Public Library, 1900 Calhoun Road, Brookfield Not just for kids any more, coloring reduces stress and helps adults relax. Enjoy our coloring pages and supplies or bring your favorites.

This event is for adults only, please.

Call 262-782-4141 with any questions.

• 50PLUS • 29

ready before your loved one needs long-term care. Please enter Luther Spring Creek Church, N35 W22000 Manor at the North Drive and use Capitol Dr., Pewaukee the S-T-U building entrance. This Spring Creek Church is pleased to event is free, but space is limited. feature piano and vocal artist Dan RSVP to 414-434-1768 or lutherForness for this monthly concert manor.org/rsvp. series. It just isn’t Christmas without taking the time for singing and DECEMBER 31, 8 PM (DOORS hearing favorite carols. You’ll love OPEN) 9 PM (CONCERT) the afternoon concert, which in- Rockin’ The New Year! - A cludes a mix of classic pop and sa- Sunset Playhouse Special Event cred Christmas tunes in a relaxed, Sunset Playhouse - Furlan give-and-take atmosphere. Dan is Auditorium, 800 Elm Grove Road, the Worship Pastor at Spring Creek Elm Grove Church and has been performing Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Sunset for more than 20 years. He brings Playhouse! The house band, BtW, his fun spirit and beautiful voice will rock out with the best music that are sure to inspire. The con- of the ’60s, ’70s and ”80s. You’ll cert is a gift to the community and be singing along with these classic there is no charge. Registration is hits! Celebrate the start of the New appreciated. Call 262-695-2211 to Year with an evening of dynamic music followed by raffles, tasty register. hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne DECEMBER 17, 2 – 4 PM toast at midnight in the Studio Live Nativity Scene Theatre. Tickets may be purchased Holy Hill, 1525 Carmel Road, at the Box Office window until Hubertus show time. For additional inforVisit and see live animals, carol- mation call 262-782-4430. ing, and recitations of the “Infancy Narratives” from Holy Scripture.

Enjoy hot chocolate and cider and even a visit from St. Nick!

DECEMBER 15, 12:30 PM Monthly Concert

DECEMBER 19, 6:30 PM What I Wish I Knew Before Mom Fell & Broke Her Hip

Luther Manor’s Linden Room, 4545 N. 92nd St., Wauwatosa Be prepared before a crisis hits and you’re left to scramble! What can you do, who should you talk to and how can you make sure you’re

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30 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2017

We Saw You At . . . . The 50 Plus or Better Expo

BY MARGARET PEARSON

Here are just a few of the happy and interested participants at the 23rd Annual 50 Plus or Better Expo at the Polish Center in Franklin last month. Happy and interested because the Expo provided them with a wealth of information and assistance in medical needs, health screenings, insurance, housing, travel and financial areas, and more.

Arlene Giesseld of Sussex, Rebecca Giesseld of Pewaukee, Alma Angelier of West Allis and Terri Thomas of Brookfield.

Bruce Nemovitz of Realty Executives (right), with Jim and Mary McLoone, of Hartland.

Marge and James Panaszyski of West Allis

NOW HIRING SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS COME JOIN OUR TEAM Offering Paid Training:

For the School Bus location nearest you.

GO to www.goriteway.com Apply online click Employment | or stop into any of our terminals.

An EOE

DECEMBER 2017

Richard and Darlene Stencil of St. Francis.

• 50PLUS • 31

Betty Jorgensen, Robert Scharlat, Valerie Taylor and Jack Harris, all of West Allis.

BUSINESS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY

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United Seniors of Wisconsin Play Bingo Every Day!

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