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VOL. 32 NO. 12

Phase Two of Your Life

A Mature News Magazine for Southeastern Wisconsin

December 2018

INSIDE....

Moving in the Right Direction See Page 3

Be my Lonely See Page 6

Sports Media See Page 16

Events Calendar See Page 26

Holiday Gift Guide Photo by Margaret Pearson

See Page 28

Kelvin and Aubrey of Waukesha visit with Santa Claus at Brookfield Square.

Trust is the coin of the realm

Debate in Congress has always been contentious. I can remember times on Capitol Hill when “debate” was actually more of a screaming match than a civil discussion.

Back then, we had a colleague who stepped forward at these times to remind each side that if we wanted to get anything done — rather than just shout at each other for the cameras — we had to have a measure of trust in one another. He was right.

Representative government depends on trust. It depends on trust among policy-makers in Congress, and on popular trust in the people who make decisions on Capitol Hill

ON

CONGRESS

By Lee Hamilton and in the White House.

It depends on trust in those who are charged with implementing those laws. And it requires trust in the institutions in which those decisions are produced and implemented.

Trust really is the coin of the realm. If there’s nothing but cynicism, deep suspicion, and lack of confidence in the system, it cannot work.

Think about it from the point of view of ordinary citizens. We have to believe that our voices will be heard, listened to, and taken into consideration in the halls of power.

Which is why it is so damaging when government acts in ways that diminish trust. If you feel that government is just helping corporations and rich people, you lose confidence in the system. And government has to be able to deliver the goods, the services, the protections that people expect.

The same with our elected representatives. We have to believe they will in fact level with us rather than present half-truths and distortions, and will act in our interests.

If they can’t show they’re able to function according to the rules, traditions and norms that we expect, if they are unable to acknowledge the facts, if they cannot rise above division and gridlock and negotiate to get things done, then we lose faith.

There is no doubt that my colleague was right. If the various levels of government don’t enjoy the trust HAMILTON continued on page 7

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DECEMBER 2018

Challenging times offer positive solutions!

I live in a two-story home and my kids are gone. I have more space that I can use and am the owner of many items belonging to my children. There are stairs to the basement and to the second floor. The grass seems to keep growing and demands my presence behind the lawn mower. My wife and I have something in common with the home we have loved…we are both getting older and so is the home we love!

Friends have been asking us when we will be downsizing and moving to another location. Our children and their kids love to come over and play with reckless abandon. This is the only home our grandchildren have ever known when visiting. Memories are everywhere as displayed by so many pictures on our walls. Does this sound familiar?

Our parents always told us that as we age time moves faster. That has been theorized by Einstein’s relativity of time. Most of you have had thoughts at one time or another about downsizing and moving from the home you have loved to a one level condo, apartment or senior community. Some of my boomer clients have even purchased a

MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

By Bruce Nemovitz one level ranch single family home on a small lot. When feeling the winter cold and some arthritis, we all think about moving to a warm weather state with low taxes and blue skies. So many thoughts about finding a new location and smaller home pass between our ears and none of them are focused or concrete.

Procrastination is the norm for most of we mortals. Putting off change is natural to most of us. We fear moving from what we know to what we are not sure of. Would we like our new surroundings if we did move? What if we make a mistake and want to move back home? Will we fit in with our neighbors? Are we moving away from our loved ones? Will this move be afford-

able, or will it curtail the lifestyle we currently enjoy? These are just some of the questions we have when daydreaming about changing our address.

We all have a financial plan, a health plan of insurance but how many of us have a housing plan? Most of us wing it. We play it by ear. We wait for a sign that will let us know that it is time to move. So often that sign may come in the way of a health or financial setback. Moving at times of distress is the worst possible experience you can go through. It is already incredibly challenging to move from your long-time home, let alone moving under dire circumstances or after the loss of a life partner.

My best advice is to do some reflection. Start with what is most important to your happiness and well-being.

Do you just hate the winters and have dreamed of waking up to 80 degrees in January? Do you want to be closer to your children and grandchildren? Are you tired of walking up and down the stairs? Is the yard too big to maintain?

What can you truly afford based on actual information as to your net worth?

DECEMBER 2018

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Many of us are putting off a move thinking the real estate market is strong and will provide us with greater security in the future. The fact is that we have just experienced one of the longest housing recoveries with prices rising over the last 9 years. I believe that signs are pointing to a significant slowdown.

We have seen a huge decrease in activity this month with four average price drops per each home for sale, across the country. That is four price changes in the negative. Time of year is one reason, but this slowdown is exceptional. The combination of higher interest rates and buyer uncertainty have contributed to this slowdown. The signs may be here so if you are timing the market, the coming early spring may be the time to make the change.

Now that you have done some soul searching, the next step is to gather facts. Facts never lie. Investigate the cost of housing where you think you may want to go. Meet with a financial advisor to see what you can really afford per month as a housing payment. Talk to your family and trusted advisors. They NEMOVITZ continued on page 8

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! For more info on the real estate market, visit www.SeniorRealtor.com 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.

CONTACT US FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: 262-242-6177 www.SeniorRealtor.com | Bruce@BrucesTeam.com | Jeanne@BrucesTeam.com

INTEGRIT Y

4 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

EDITORIALS Doing something cooperatively brings more than just a sum of the parts.

What is happening to us? Where to live in retirement?

While the majority of senior citizens would prefer to live in the home they now share with a loving spouse in their years of retirement, there always will be a certain number of people who would look for a new and quite different destination. The following are listed as the most popular destinations for the moving seniors. But before we list the most popular areas, think twice about a move. Try the place out for few days. Go back later for a week and then try it out for a month. If you still are

sold on it, move.

The most popular by number of recent movers: Henderson, Nevada; San Antonio, Texas; Scottsdale, Arizona; Mesa, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; Gilbert, Arizona; Surprise, Arizona; Raleigh, North Carolina; Eugene, Oregon; Peoria, Arizona.

To begin with, perhaps you should call the chamber of commerce whenever you wish to visit for information.

Good luck!

We’re told time waits for no one as we travel though life. Many of our roads were filled with potholes and some of them, were not paved especially in our earlier days when we lived in farm country. But who among us would even consider turning back the calendar or even the odometer?

When you look in the mirror, you’ll realize that, yes, you have traveled a good many miles over life’s roads and you’re still at the steering wheel. Isn’t that wonderful? Another way to look at life is when you still have the ball to Would you believe that grumpy ting ashes in the garden to dispose of bounce, but not the ambition to do it. old grandpa was doing the right thing them. Well, old grand dad was right. eeeeee when he took the ashes out of the fire- I recently read in the Old Farmer’s AlThe man is correct about 80 perplace so the wood could burn easier manac about wood ashes being a sort cent of the time when he says that the and then he dumped them in the gar- of fertilizer. However, the same does quickest way to find something you den, telling me that the wood ashes not go for coal ashes even though they have lost is to buy a replacement for it. were a type of fertilizer. I did not be- might help break up heavy soil. eeeeee lieve him and thought he was just putWhen a man wears a smart looking jacket, is he also to be that way? eeeeee It seems to me that drone delivery of packages to be left outside on door SENIOR steps might be like asking for theft. aiding the poor and the elderly. Most ANSWER eeeeee of any donation you make goes to a MAN What will they call the next genergood cause. Further, if you show your ation’s flying cars? How about aero moAARP card at various places, you may biles? This may not occur for another DEAR SAM: receive a discount on your purchase. I 20 to 30 years. We have read that the I get a lot of mail from AARP and know for a fact that showing your card car of the future, excuse me, aeromodon’t really like all the questions about along with your bill at Denny’s is worth bile won’t look much like today’s vehicontributions. Why should I care 15 percent. Using the card will be a cles. about it? quick way to even out what it costs to eeeeee Sam Magrin join the worthwhile organization.

I can hardly believe that you can Have fun and eat well, make drinkable whiskey in the lab, SEAR SAM: Senior Answer Man but scientists are doing it. What’s the AARP is a valuable organization

proof? However, many people today do make their own wine and beer. eeeeee Would you believe “The Future of Everything Festival” is planned for 2019?

The midterm election is past.

This is not about whether you like the election results or not. But let us realize that the eyes of the world are on us. The future is on those we elected.

Their responsibilities are enormous.

They must begin with passage or denial of all the bills awaiting the president’s signature. As this is written in November for our once-a-month publication, feelings of gratitude and relief are prevalent if most of this has been accomplished. Christmas and demonstrations of good fellowship and across-the aisle-handshaking and wishes of good times and pleasant relationships for all will be a must-do in Washington where feelings of hatred now have slipped into an acrimonious atmosphere.

Politicians are almost as great at philosophizing as they are at arguing.

Good leaders need to lead. There’s need to not only know the facts but then to act as though they believe them.

Some of our leaders are great talkers; others may stumble without tele-

It Makes Me

prompters and still others have been great at getting the job done. Look at General Dwight D. Eisenhower. He was a dynamic person, a forceful leader, who was not so hot in front of a microphone, but his accomplishments both as a general in the military and then as president were laudable. Only his golf score wasn’t so good.

The second half of this term of office needs not only new leadership, but people like us to really care about what’s happening and not occurring in Washington. Immigration and Medicare must be faced. Our roads need help badly. What else? Numerous things.

Let us hope that the people we send to Washington not only can get along with each other, but that they will accomplish passing good laws as leaders of this one time promised land that today is so heavily in debt.

But let us hope that as we approach Christmas that great works will be done. But, please, don’t expect miracles.

CRABBY

Killing TIMEWITH JIM McLOONE

KILLING TIME continued on page 25

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DECEMBER 2018

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Where is the plan to ease the pain? Copper VS Cold and Flu - the Verdict treat it. As I have reported in the past,

BY CHUCK NORRIS

Pain can take many forms. There is throbbing pain, stabbing pain, phantom pain, acute pain and chronic pain. Regardless of what we call it, we all know what it feels like. Pain can be both physical and emotional.

It involves elements of learning and memory. It is a tangled, overlapping and complex condition. This is also why modern medicine continues to struggle when trying to accurately interrupt an individual’s pain and to safely alleviate it.

How we communicate pain to doctors speaks to the complexity of the problem. Patients are routinely asked to rate pain on a scale of 0 to 10.

A score of 0 means no pain at all, and 10 indicates the worst pain imaginable. On this pain scale, ratings of 4 to 7 are considered moderate. Mild pain resides around 1 to 3. Anything over 7 is considered severe.

Clinicians are now realizing that this system is just too simplistic. Tolerance to pain varies among individuals. People’s perceptions of their pain can present a big challenge. If someone either under-scores or over-scores their response, a doctor can get the wrong impression of their condition, and this can affect a patient’s comfort and their treatment.

Health care providers are now trying to come up with a system that involves words, not numbers. Dr. William Maixner, of the anesthesiology department at Duke University School of Medicine and the current president of the American Pain Society, recently told NPR that he believes using words to describe pain will bring greater specificity to the measurement of pain.

Many believe that when care providers just look at a number, they are likely to over-treat or prescribe more medication. This is worrisome given the current epidemic of opioid abuse and addiction, and a shift toward de-prescribing with a more integrated approach to pain management.

A recent study shows that approximately one-third of Americans live with chronic pain and far too many of these sufferers continue to become dependent on the opioids prescribed to

drug-free pain management is now considered a top priority among researchers at the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Many clinicians are now coming around to the belief that throwing powerful drugs at chronic pain problems only adds to the problem. It can eventually lead to needing increasingly higher doses to keep the pain at bay.

Since this new direction away from powerful and potentially addictive drugs as the “go-to” choice in pain management, in the 12-month period ending in March 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a decline of 2.8 percent in the number of overdose deaths. As small as this progress is, it is at least moving in the right direction.

Research continues to show the potential power of the mind as a non-pharmacological means of relieving many kinds of chronic or recurrent pain. The placebo effect is a good example of this under-harnessed mind-body connection.

It is well established that placebo treatments can prompt real reductions in symptoms for patients, though scientists struggle to understand exactly how the placebo effect works. A new, small study published in Nature Communications found that when some people with chronic back pain took a placebo sugar pill, their pain was reduced as effectively as it would have been with pain medication. It further demonstrated that people who had certain traits reliably responded better to placebos than others. In the past, it was believed that responses were not predictable. A. Vania Apkarian, Ph. D., a co-author of the study and professor of physiology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, tells Time magazine that he and the other researchers were able to predict who would respond and how much they would respond to the treatment. Certain individual’s brains seemed “primed to respond,” even if they knew they were taking a placebo.

After six years and thousands of users, the verdict is clear – copper stops colds and flu before they start.

People are boasting they haven’t had a cold for years since they started using a CopperZap™.

“I just don’t get Experience supports research, copper stops cold and flu colds anymore the last 5 years,” said Chris in Vermont. Mary Pickrell in CO said, “It opened “I always use my CopperZap at my sinus right up. It clears my conthe first sign of a cold. The copper gestion. No colds since I got it.” works every time,” said Allison, a Elaine in Maryland said, “I’ve had nurse who first tried it 5 years ago. sinus problems most of my life. I “No colds for 2 years,” says Susan felt better right away.” in Arizona, a more recent buyer.

“Best sleep I’ve had in years,” These are just a few of thousands said another gentleman. who don’t get colds any more. Many Cynthia in ID is one of many who say they have also stopped the flu. say it stops cold sores. “My hus“I felt the flu starting, feeling achy band started to get a cold sore on his and all,” said Diane, a Kansas nurse. lip and zap, it was gone.”

“I used it 2 or 3 times that night and Many people are giving Copperwoke up feeling great.”

Zaps as presents.

Scientists recently discovered that Mildred in Pennsylvania said, “I copper kills cold and flu viruses, am buying more for gifts. It stopped and other germs, on contact. my sinus infection and a cold.”

“Viruses and bacteria are rapidly “My husband and I love it, so we killed by copper,” reports the Amer- are giving them as gifts to our famiican Society for Microbiology. ly,” said Lisa in New York.

Copper is anti-microbial, meaning Judy Kirk in OK bought 12 for it kills microbes, including viruses friends. “Some were skeptical, but and bacteria, just by touch, says the none has had a cold or flu since.”

National Institutes of Health.

“I got 3 before Christmas last Tests by the EPA and university year,” said “Brownie” Gruidl. “My scientists all show the same thing. family laughed at me, but tried them “Science confirms copper kills and haven’t had a cold since. So I’m germs,” concluded Doug Cornell, getting 3 more for other folks.”

Ph.D., after studying the research.

“My sister told me she bought one “The science is so strong it gave and it really works,” said Connie in me an idea,” he says. “Copper TX. “So I tried it, and she’s right.” should be able to stop colds.”

“A friend insisted I try it,” said So he made the first CopperZap Kari in CT. “I was a true skeptic. To in 2012. It is all pure copper and my surprise it really does work. It’s shaped to reach the bottom of the far more powerful than I expected.” inner part of the nostril at the first Rosemary in Arizona said, “I don’t sign of cold or flu. know how it does it. It’s amazing. I He tested it on himself. “I used to went back and read your website, get 2 or 3 bad colds a year,” he says, and it’s all true.” The website is “but with a CopperZap I haven’t www.CopperZap.com. had a single cold in 6 years. I have It has a 90-day guarantee, yet less stopped the flu a few times, too.” than half a percent come back from His company, CopperZap LLC, people saying they didn’t work. has sold almost 20,000 so far. Over Some of those people did not read 99% of people who follow the di- the Directions or use it right. rections say the copper completely It costs $69.95 but you get $10 off stops their colds. each one with code FPW12. .

Many also say it stops sinus trou- Go to www.CopperZap.com or call ble, congestion, cold sores, and pre- toll-free 1-888-411-6114. vents colds after airline travel.

It lasts forever. Made in the USA. advertisement

6 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

The health toll of being lonely

BY CHUCK NORRIS

A recent study published in the Health Psychology journal, based on interview responses over a period of years from more than 19,000 married people up to age 90, suggests that married people who rated their unions as “very happy” or “pretty happy” were about 20 percent less likely to die early.

The report seems consistent with other findings suggesting that a supportive marriage helps reinforce a couple’s mutual psychological and physical health.

Speaking with Time magazine study co-author Mark Whisman, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder notes that marriage provides people with meaningful roles and identity, as well as a purpose in life and a sense of security. Such findings underscore our essential need for social support, be if from a spouse or close family and friends. What this recent study shows is that the quality and quantity of those close social relationships are strong indicators of a person’s physical and mental health as they age.

It also highlights the link between so-

social networks.

As I pointed out last March, loneliness is a very powerful trigger. It can trigger stress, depression or a depressive episode. All of these reactions, when drawn out, come with negative health consequences.

Living a long life should be a blessing, not defined by loss of vigor, increasing frailty, rising disease risk, failing cognitive faculties and isolation.

According to a series of reports in Time magazine on the “Secrets of Living Longer,” while the end of life is a nonnegotiable thing, the quality and exact length of that life is something we very much have the power to shape.

Eating well and staying active, staying socially engaged, investing in and placing proper value on our relationships, staying curious and having a lifelong learner are all signposts along the way to a longer, happier and healthier life.

Living life with a sense of purpose is the essential ingredient. Having a sense of purpose is linked to positive health outcomes including better sleep, fewer strokes and heart attacks

cial isolation and poorer physical and mental health.

This is an important point because loneliness continues to be on the rise in the U.S. According to a new report from the AARP Foundation, today more than a third of adults over 45 are lonely. That adds up to nearly 48 million Americans. We need to wake up and start thinking of social isolation as we would a serious but treatable condition -- because it is one. As the study notes, reaching out to others is a healthy habit to get into. When it comes to social contacts, more is better. Those who qualified as lonely tended to have fewer people with whom they said they can “discuss matters of personal importance” or turn to for support. Finding needed social support is the key to recovery.

An unrelated study recently released by the Health Foundation in London also found that people who had consistently high levels of social connectedness were 9 percent less likely to fall behind on preventive services and screenings than those with limited

as well as a lower risk of dementia, disability and premature death.

We all probably know that exercise helps people live longer. A new study

by Cleveland Clinic takes this notion even further: Researchers found that a sedentary lifestyle is worse for your health than smoking, diabetes and heart disease. The study’s biggest revelation is that fitness leads to longer life, with no limit to the benefit of aerobic exercise.

The benefits of exercise were found across all ages and in both men and women who participated in the study -- whether they were in their 40s or their 80s.

The challenge continues not only in finding the discipline to do these things routinely, but to ensure that this pathway is available to everyone.

Write to Chuck Norris (info@creators.com) with your questions about health and fitness. Follow Chuck Norris through his official social media sites, on Twitter @chucknorris and Facebook’s “Official Chuck Norris Page.” He blogs at http://chucknorrisnews.blogspot.com.

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DECEMBER 2018

Less sugar, better carbohydrates

BY CHARLYN FARGO

There’s really no one good way to lose weight. Some people lose weight counting calories, others with a lowfat regime and others with low carbohydrates.

Colette Heimowitz, the vice president of nutrition and education at Atkins Nutritionals, Inc., helps those want to eat a lower-carbohydrate diet.

She is the author of the recently published “Atkins Eat Right, Not Less: Your Guidebook for Living a LowCarb and Low-Sugar Lifestyle.”

Heimowitz is on a mission to educate consumers about excess sugar and carbohydrates -- including dietitians who attended the Food & Nutrition Conference of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, held recently in Washington, D.C. “Consumers are pretty aware of the grams of sugar in products,” said Heimowitz. “But the disconnect is they don’t realize excessive carbohydrates can be just as detrimental.

That huge bagel eventually converts to blood sugar just like regular sugar in a candy bar.”

She defines healthy foods as low-sugar, high-fiber carbohydrates, adequate protein and healthy fats -much like USDA’s My Plate, which encourages more fruits and vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.

Her book, released in January, offers 100 recipes that are low-sugar and have healthy carbs as well as real solutions on how to reduce carbohydrates and sugar -- switching from rice to cauliflower rice or from pasta to spaghetti squash.

“The message is beyond dieting to making common sense choices,” said Heimowitz, who spent 10 years in private practice helping patients with their nutrition, and four years at the HAMILTON continued from page 1

of the people, then representative democracy doesn’t work.

Which is why the low levels of trust we see in the United States today are so worrisome. How far down this road can we go before we lose the ability to function effectively as a democracy?

Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine working for Dr. Robert Atkins. She has worked at Atkins Nutritionals for the past 16 years.

“What I have learned is that not all of us need a program to succeed, but everyone needs a clearer perspective on his or her carbohydrate consumption,” she said.

Q and A

Q

: Can eating nuts help with diabetes health?

A

: Just 2 ounces of tree nuts per day, as a replacement for high-carbohydrate foods, can improve blood sugar control in non-insulin-dependent adults with Type 2 diabetes, researchers say.

For three months, study participants were randomly assigned to one of the three diets, which supplemented them with mixed nuts; whole-wheat muffins; or half mixed nuts and half whole-wheat muffins. The all-nut dieters had the most significant improvement in blood sugar control and reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is associated with cardiovascular heart disease.

Information is courtesy of Environmental Nutrition Newsletter.

1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 pounds flank steak Olive oil spray 1/2 head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 2 cups) Place the parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a blender, and process until a smooth sauce forms. Place the steak in a large zip-close bag with half the sauce and shake well to coat the steak. Transfer to the fridge and marinate at least 1 hour or overnight. Refrigerate the remaining sauce, as well. Bring the steak to room temperature before grilling (about 1 hour) to enhance juiciness.

Coat a large stovetop grill with olive oil spray, place over high heat and

cook 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the steak is no longer red in the center but still pink.

Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. Spear the slices on toothpicks and top each with a broccoli floret. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce. Serves 4.

Per serving: 208 calories, 18.3 grams protein, 2.6 grams carbohydrates, 14.4 grams fat, 1 gram fiber.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian at Hy-Vee in Springfield, Illinois, and the media representative for the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@ aol.com or follow her on Twitter @ NutritionRd.

RECIPE

Here’s a low-carb recipe that’s you Planning a Holiday Event full Are of flavor and antioxidants.

It’s or Attending one? Are you ready? from the “Atkins Eat Right, Not Less” cookbook by Colette Heimowitz.

Chimichurri Steak Bites 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems 4 garlic cloves

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar of the IU Hamilton Lugar 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.

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• 50PLUS • 7

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8 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

The Holidays are Fast Approaching

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Here’s something you don’t find much nowadays – young people who donate their spare time to helping seniors in need. These seven happy faces all are with the Radiation Department at Froedtert Hospital and are also volunteers with Froedtert Partners With United Way program. The two young men in back are Kyle Theine and Luke

Osborne; the ladies in front are Cheyanne Renderman, Maria Lesave, Brittany Beisbier, Leah Field and Kayla Bringman. So if you could use a little help with leaf pickup, cleanup, or whatever and can’t afford an expensive service firm, give them a call at 262-5493348. Their work is entirely free.

NEMOVITZ continued from page 3

match who you are today can be even more challenging. Being proactive as opposed to reactive can lead to many years of happiness and prosperity in so many ways. This is your life; take it seriously with full attention and the future can be as bright as you decide to make it!

may know you better than you think and can share their views and offer positive advice as to your current and future lifestyle demands. Remember to think at least five years ahead. Where do you think you will be financially as well as your physical demands? Have a Senior Real Estate Specialist stop out to help you prepare your home for a future sale. Take care of defects such as basement, roof, electrical and plumber. If paint and flooring are needed, do it now and enjoy the upgrades before selling. Know the value of your home so you can factually understand what you can afford to maintain your lifestyle after selling your home and moving to a new location.

The key to a successful life is knowing thyself. Take some time to really think about what makes you happy.

What changes can offer a continued positive lifestyle. If you have a partner, discuss your true feelings and what may be holding you back. So often, we don’t listen with an open mind. We can color our emotions with fear rather than fact. That is normal. Change is tough, but staying in a situation that does not

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 included in the top 7% in client satisfaction in the Milwaukee Metro area. He’s rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, and was a finalist for Concordia College’s Ethical Business Leadership Award. He works with his wife Jeanne at Realty Executives Integrity.

DECEMBER 2018

DEAR ANNIE

Breaking the gift limit?

BY ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: With the upcoming gift season, I have a question regarding dollar limits set by clubs.

Say an amount is set at $10. Does that mean the gift value or the dollar amount spent on the gift? Recently, I had a coupon for candles that were “buy one, get one free.” This allowed me to purchase the $24 candles for $9.50. My friend said I should not give them at a $10-limit party because I would make other gifts look cheap.

This has come up several times before.

What should I do? The club parties are starting soon! -- Anxious in Florida Dear Anxious: Would your friend like to bring in appraisers on the day of the exchange to inspect every gift and ensure compliance? The fact is that it’s silly to try to stringently regulate the value of gifts in an exchange. As long as you’re respecting the spending limit (and not looking for loopholes, e.g., giving away an expensive possession that technically cost you nothing), you’re fine. Happy gifting.

Dear Annie: This is in re-

sponse to the letter from “A Very Grateful Mom” and your answer to her.

Ten years ago, my 15-year-old son was walking home from school, when he was hit by a car driven by a 91-year-old man. It was a tragic accident, and my son died three days later.

His father and I decided to donate his organs to see something positive come out of this tragedy. My son was generous and loved to give, so we wanted the end of his life to have meaning and have his giving spirit live on by donating his organs.

Several months after my son’s death, I received cards and letters from some of the recipients. The woman who received my son’s heart thanked us and let us know that she was now going to church and that she would now be able to see her own son get married. At that point in time, I wanted to just crawl into my son’s grave

and die. I have never answered that woman, and I do not plan to. She must have forgotten that someone had died for her to live on. It was also a painful reminder that I would never see my own son get married.

I am appalled that “A Very Grateful Mom” was more or less complaining that the donor family had not contacted her. She should remember that in order for her own daughter not to have had to walk through death’s door, someone else’s child did.

There is no getting over the loss of a child. Time does not heal all wounds.

Show some compassion and stop making demands on families. In other countries, contact between donor and recipient families is not permitted within the first year. Sadly, that is not the case in the United States. Please remind your readers to remember that organs come from people young and old, fellow human beings who were loved and belonged to families that will not celebrate another chance at life but will have to come to terms with death, grief and lives forever changed.

-- Grieving Mom

Dear Grieving Mom: I am so incredibly sorry for the loss of your son. It sounds as though he had a beautiful spirit. Your letter brought me to tears.

I do want to note that “A Very Grateful Mom” was not complaining that no one in the organ donor’s family had reached out; she just said that she hopes one day someone will so that she can properly thank the family.

Your letter helps illuminate why that may not happen. Thank you for the insight.

“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

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DECEMBER 2018

Fiber for your brain

BY CHARLYN FARGO

As we age, our brain cells become inflamed and begin to produce chemicals known to impair cognitive and motor function. That’s one explanation for why memory fades and other brain functions decline during old age.

Scientists at the University of Illinois may have a remedy: more dietary fiber. Dietary fiber promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

When those good bacteria digest fiber, they produce short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, as byproducts.

“Butyrate is of interest because it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties on microglia and improves memory in mice when administered pharmacologically,” says Rodney Johnson, a professor and the head of the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, and author of the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.

The new study reveals that butyrate in old mice inhibits the production of damaging chemicals by inflamed microglia. One of those chemicals is interleukin 1B, which has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

Johnson and his team looked at whether the same effects could be obtained simply by feeding the mice more fiber, because gut bacteria naturally convert fiber into butyrate.

“People are not likely to consume sodium butyrate directly, due to its noxious odor,” Johnson said. “A practical way to get elevated butyrate is to consume a diet high in soluble fiber.”

“We know that diet has a major influence on the composition and function of microbes in the gut and that diets high in fiber benefit good microbes, while diets high in fat and protein can have a negative influence on microbial composition and function.

Diet, through altering gut microbes, is one way in which it affects disease,” says Jeff Woods, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois, and co-author on the study.

Butyrate derived from dietary fiber should have the same benefits in the brain as the drug form, but no one had tested it before. The researchers fed low- and high-fiber diets to groups

of young and old mice and then measured the levels of butyrate and other SCFAs in the blood, as well as inflammatory chemicals in the intestine.

“The high-fiber diet elevated butyrate and other SCFAs in the blood both for young and old mice. But only the old mice showed intestinal inflammation on the low-fiber diet,” Johnson says. “It’s interesting that young adults didn’t have that inflammatory response on the same diet. It clearly highlights the vulnerability of being old.”

The next step was looking at signs of inflammation in the brain. The researchers examined about 50 unique genes in microglia and found that the high-fiber diet reduced the inflammatory profile in aged animals.

Although the study was conducted in mice, Johnson is comfortable extending his findings to humans, if only in a general sense. “What you eat matters. We know that older adults consume 40 percent less dietary fiber than is recommended. Not getting enough fiber could have negative consequences for things you don’t even think about, such as connections to brain health and inflammation in general.”

Q and A

Q

: Is oil safe to cook with?

A

: Oil is safe to cook with under usual conditions. The primary concern some people have is oxidation, a natural process that occurs when one molecule gives up an electron to another as part of a chemical reaction.

The process creates free radicals, which can cause damage that could increase risk for problems such as heart attack, stroke and cancer. Oils and oily foods (like nuts and whole grains) can oxidize over time, even without cooking.

Exposure to light, heat and air speed up this process. Keep oils in a cool, dark place and store nuts, whole grain flours and fish, nut and seed oils in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer. Repeatedly heated cooking oil has been found to have more signs of oxidation, so it’s best not to reuse cooking oil. To counteract free radicals, whether they are formed by normal metabolism in the body or in oils, eat plenty of plant foods.

DECEMBER 2018

Present planning

Q

BY DOUG MAYBERRY

: Stores started getting ready for the holidays early this year.

I noticed displays in many stores starting in September. I usually wait until later in the season to buy gifts, but sometimes I don’t find anything good to give.

Should I start looking for presents now, or I should I wait until Black Friday? : You should start looking now, but you don’t have to commit yourself to buying anything right away.

Many stores have started stocking earlier in part because it allows for more flexible financing options for families with many gifts to buy. It also gives us all more time to start looking ahead.

If you find the perfect present and don’t know if it will be available later, buy it. Otherwise, wait and see if you can find it for a better price.

If you like to shop online, there’s also Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving). It removes the stress of shopping in crowded stores.

Thinking ahead will ease your annual January stress. -- Doug

A

INVITE WOES

Q

: My husband and I received an invite to our family’s Christmas celebration, but this year there’s one big difference. The invitation asked the guests to bring cash to attend the party.

They even wrote down the amounts they expect! It’s listed by number of people, by children and adults.

There used to be more of a culture of hosting dinner parties. It’s sad to see how much things have changed, and I’m offended by the cash grab. When we invite our family members out, we always pick up the check.

A

How can I express my irritation? : There’s no getting around it.

Hosting a party is expensive.

In the last decades, there have been a lot of social changes about dinner parties especially, and the rules are being renegotiated.

Cultural changes can be very irritating on both ends -- for those who are used to an old system, and for those who are trying to make change based on issues with the old model.

Your hosts may be frustrated with how things have gone in the past.

There’s also an implicit social contract for guests, and their expectations may not have been met.

Bringing up your frustration directly is very likely to get emotionally charged. However, there may be a way to change the tone of the situation.

Ask your host privately if they might prefer you to bring something for dinner instead of cash. Offer to bring a side dish or a dessert, which will alleviate some of the hosting burden. But make sure the food comes ready to serve, because the kitchen

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In the future, there may not be anyone in your extended family who is up to hosting everybody. The logistics of hosting are complicated and numerous: planning, scheduling, finding a space to fit everyone, cooking, cleaning (before and after!), entertaining guests and finally, paying for the whole thing.

It’s often better to find a way to make things work rather than throwing roadblocks. At the end of the day, you have a powerful tool for communicating your displeasure: Just decline the invite.

But first, ask yourself one question: Is it worth it?

• 50PLUS • 11

On the other hand, you have a great topic to bring up if the party is lacking for conversation. You can guarantee that everyone will have something to say! -- Emma, Doug’s granddaughter Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at deardoug@ msn.com. Emma, Doug’s granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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DECEMBER 2018

RETIREMENT SECTION

Saving for Retirement

As you approach retirement, there are many things to think about. Experts advise that you will need about 80 percent of your pre-retirement income to continue your current quality of life. The exact amount depends on your individual needs. Some import-

ant factors to consider include:

At what age do you plan to retire?

Can you participate in an employer’s retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, or a traditional pension plan?

Will your spouse or partner retire when you do?

Where do you plan to live when you retire? Will you downsize, rent, or own your home?

Do you expect to work part-time?

Will you have the same medical

insurance you had while working?

Will your coverage change?

Do you want to travel or pursue a new hobby that might be costly?

PAY DOWN DEBT

still keep going when life happens.

Dumb things to do with a tax refund

BY MARY HUNT

Tax time: that interesting time of year when ordinarily smart people begin to make really dumb financial decisions. Isn’t it amazing to watch what a little extra cash (well, for some, maybe a lot of extra cash) lining the pockets can do?

Sixty-two percent of taxpayers expect that they’ll receive some sort of refund on their 2019 tax return. While there are many dumb ways to spend it, here are my top five:

ACT LIKE IT’S FREE MONEY The operative word in the term “tax refund” is “refund”! Common

synonyms for refund are “repayment,” “reimbursement” and “return of overpayment.” This means that tax refunds are not free money. The government is not giving you a bonus every year just to thank you for being such a swell person. This is money that you’ve allowed it to borrow from you all year long. And now, unlike most of your friends or family members, it is actually paying you back.

Smart Move: If you routinely get a big tax refund, change your withholding. Your goal is to neither owe nor be owed at the end of the year. If you can come within $100 of that goal, you’re good.

Before you do that -- noble as it may be -- you need an emergency fund. If you are not able to fund your own future emergencies, you’ll never get out of debt because you will keep running back to the credit cards for a bailout.

Smart Move: Keep making your regular debt payments, and use the refund to establish your Contingency Fund. Then, keep adding to it until you reach your goal (enough to live for at least three months without a paycheck, or $10,000). Then you’ll be in a beautiful position to rapidly pay down your debt as you have been, and

MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT

I’m talking about a down payment on a car, television, furniture or any other thing that will turn into new monthly payments, also known as debt.

The burning sensation and feeling of prosperity strong-arms people into putting money down on a new car, boat, Disney vacation or what have you. Here’s the thing to remember: After that down payment, you’re still responsible for the pesky monthly payments that stick around much longer.

DECEMBER 2018

Even though you’re feeling good right now, remember that April 15 comes but once a year. The joy of getting back your tax overpayment can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not careful.

Smart Move: Use the refund to abolish your bills, not create new ones.

Never create ongoing debt with onetime funds.

INDULGE IN A LITTLE RETAIL THERAPY

There’s no doubt that shopping for new clothes, shoes, electronics or other cool stuff is a great anti-depressant, but it’s dumb. Once that shopper’s high wears off, you’ll be right back where you were -- broke but with more stuff.

Smart Move: Go for a brisk walk.

Spend time with your kids, friends and family doing things that won’t cost money. Most every city has a big museum or zoo that’s free on one day each month. Or go on a picnic; take a bike ride; explore your own city by Googling the name of your city plus the word “tourist.” Go to Free-Attractions.com to find all kinds of things to do for free. You’ll be amazed. And you’ll feel a lot better, too.

CRAM IT UNDER THE MATTRESS

It’s an idea but not a very good one. Money under the mattress is not earning any interest, and it’s vulnerable to theft and fire. But most of all, it’s vulnerable to you in a weak moment.

Smart Move: Open an online savings account on SmartyPig.com or Ally.com. Deposit your tax refund, and then sit back and know it’s safe from you while growing at the same time.

If you do lose your job or have a true financial emergency, you’ll be plenty glad you got smart with this year’s tax refund.

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. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of “Debt-Proof Living,” released in 2014.

Senior discounts

BY KRISTEN CASTILLO

No matter whether you’re rich, poor or somewhere in between, a discount is great at any age. These days, many stores, restaurants and brands offer discounts to seniors, especially if you’re a member of this or that group.

From percentage-off savings to buyone-get-one-free deals, discounts are a definite benefit of aging.

“Thousands of dollars of savings” are available to the older generation, including restaurants, travel, groceries and entertainment, says Art Koff, founder of RetiredBrains.com, a Web destination for boomers, retirees, people planning retirement and people caring for older family members.

While all these deals are available, they’re not always used.

“The key is to always ask if there is a senior discount available,” says Koff.

“More than 50 percent of the companies that offer these discounts tell RetiredBrains that those entitled to them do not ask, and in most cases, the discounts are not offered unless they are

requested,” says Koff.

*Money Savers

Getting a deal can be an everyday opportunity.

“We know a large number of AARP members are still in the workforce, so the offers available are designed not just for leisurely activities, but also to make everyday costs a little more affordable and are relevant to members whether they are retired or still working,” says Dave Austin, vice president of marketing services for AARP Services Inc., a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for those over age 50.

You have to be one of AARP’s 37 million members to get their discounts, which include 15 percent off of the whole check at Denny’s restaurants nationwide, 10 percent savings off monthly service charges at AT&T, and 5 percent off domestic and international shipping services at The UPS Store.

SENIOR DISCOUNTS continued on page 14

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Placing these additional burdens on the already heavy shoulders of your loved ones is something that each of us can alleviate by preplanning our own final wishes.

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DECEMBER 2018

SENIOR DISCOUNTS continued from page 13

AARP members can also get savings for financial and health services, such as AARP Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed and AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Catamaran.

Many moneysaving offers don’t require membership. For example, some of the deals listed on RetiredBrains include 15 percent off Amtrak fare for ages 62 and up, 10 percent off Greyhound for adults over 55, at least 10 percent off Best Western’s regular

rates for those over 55, 10 percent off Banana Republic for customers 50 or older, and 30 percent off movie tickets at Regal Entertainment Group if you’re 60 or older.

Restaurants, including Applebee’s, Boston Market, IHOP and Subway, give senior discounts, too. Retail stores like T.J. Maxx, Kohl’s and Kmart offer discounts, typically once a week.

Check with stores near you to see which ones offer senior discounts.

Lots of supermarkets have senior discounts, too. According to The Se-

4 Important Tips for Your Medicare Planning

If you are like most people on Medicare, your mail box is full and so is your voicemail. Tom Qualley, CEO of Sovereign Select LLC in Brookfield, WI suggests getting on the Do Not Call List and recycle all of those advertisements. You may have seen Tom during his regular appearances on TMJ4’s The Morning Blend in Southeastern Wisconsin where you may have heard those exact utterings.

Every day, nationally there are over 12,000 people turning 65 and transitioning to Medicare. With widespread absence of employer or retiree group health insurance options at retirement age or Medicare, and the confusion surrounding Medicare, Sovereign Select is busier than ever!

Since starting Sovereign Select LLC in 2009, Tom has experienced all the changes that have affected those on and becoming eligible for Medicare.

If you are one of these folks on or nearing Medicare age here are a few tips to help make your transition to Medicare or your annual plan review smooth and easy.

1.

Make sure you are working with an independent agent or agency that you like and trust.

2.

If you are new to Medicare attend at least one educational event to learn the basics of the Medicare program.

- Sovereign Select offers educational Medicare 101 classes the last Friday of each month. Visit: www.SovSelect.com/events to register to attend an upcoming class. *These events are educational. No specific plan details are presented and there are no sales activities.

3.

Be sure to review the benefits of your plan cost and coverage each year during the Annual Election Period (October 15th- January 7th).

4.

Keep your agent up to date on changes in your situation such as: - New or changed Doctors - Medication additions or losses - Gain or Loss of Medicaid Eligibility - Address Changes All these items may trigger a need for a plan review and some could put you at risk for losing your current coverage.

Above all else the most important piece of your Medicare planning puzzle is to stay pro-active and educated. If you are working with an agency dedicated to empowering you as a consumer to make educated choices, you are in a good place. That is and has always been the philosophy of Sovereign Select. For more information and to meet our staff and agents feel free to visit www.SovSelect.com and learn more about us.

Hope to empower you soon!

DECEMBER 2018

nior List, grocery deals include Great Valu, Kroger, Publix and Waldbaum’s.

Check with individual stores to find out the specific discount days and savings.

*Finding Discounts

Redeeming discounts can be as easy as clipping a coupon or showing your AARP or AAA card. There’s a modern approach, too: apps, emails

and text or Web deals. AARP, for example, has a free AARP Member Advantages Offer Finder app, which identifies and provides directions to nearby businesses that give senior discounts.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the process. Start small by looking into savings opportunities with your favorite products and services, and sign up on their website. They’ll email you

offers on a regular basis. In most cases, you don’t even need to print the coupon, just show the cashier the offer on your smartphone. Sites like RetailMeNot offer daily coupon codes.

• 50PLUS • 15

Consider signing up for text message deals from retailers and restaurants, too. Be aware you’ll be charged for data and text messaging rates from your cellphone provider.

16 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

Among sports media guides, The GB Packers’ rates high What’s a Sports Media Guide? Not everyone knows. Some might jokingly tell you that it is what a person tells to a sports writer or commentator whose material they did not particularly like, and what to do with it.

In reality, Media Guides are highly important tools for sports writers, print and electronic, in their coverage of sports, especially the major sports of football, baseball, and basketball.

They are fact-filled publications produced by professional sports organizations to provide information about their respective teams. This is information that is not only about their present players and coaches, but is also a complete history of the team and every fact and record imaginable.

This supposedly results in bigger and more comprehensive stories, which, of course, is a direct benefit to those professional franchises.

In this state, Media Guides produced by pro teams such as the Green Bay Packers, and also by the Milwaukee Brewers and the Milwaukee Bucks, are among the best in the entire nation. The Packers Guide is exceptional. It’s my guess that if there ever was a competition involving sports media guides in America, that the Packers Guide would be a favorite to win it.

On the college level, guides have been also put out by schools such as the University of Wisconsin in Madison and Marquette University in Milwaukee, as well as by smaller ones such as Carroll and Lawrence, and

SPORTS PLUS

By Jack Pearson even by some high schools. But note the tense: “have been” not “are.” Unfortunately, media guides are no longer used in schools. The powers that be in our institutions of higher learning have determined that all of the information in those media guides is now available on the Internet. So why go through all the expense and work of putting out those publications? The guides were never sold in bookstores or newsstands, and were thus difficult for anyone in the general public to obtain. In recent years they have been available from the teams, in their own stores, and online. Because of this, early copies, in any sport, have become collector items.

In the ‘50s, when professional teams were beginning to use guides, they were much smaller and very rudimentary. The 1959 Green Bay Packers Guide, for example, was only five by seven inches in size, only 64 pages in length and had only five photos including the one on the cover of the team’s new head coach and general manager, Vince Lombardi. The bios of the players were only a few sen-

Two Green Bay Packers Media Guides separated by 60 years; the 1959 guide only 64 pages, and the 2019 edition, with 644 pages. tences in length; no pictures of them, of course, there were no statistics on attendance and nothing on radio or television times for the games.

One of the other photos was a team shot of the 1958 Packers squad.

There are nearly a dozen errors in the caption. In those days, media guides

were not considered all that important, and the quality of the editing was lax. For example, in the identification of the players and coaches, complete names were given only for head coach Ray “Scooter” McLean and assistant coach Jack Morton. No first names were given for assistant coaches Sko-

DECEMBER 2018

rich and Richards, for, Reid, only his nickname “Breezy,” for equipment manager, Braisher, only “Dad,” and for trainer, Jorgensen - nothing. Nor were the names given anywhere else in the guide. (The correct names were Nick Skorich, Ray Richards, Gerald Reid, Floyd Braisher and Carl Jorgensen.)

Braisher and Jorgensen, by the way, were both with the team for many years and were popular with fans and writers. Jorgensen, in fact, is now in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

Neither the NFL Hall of Fame or the Green Bay Hall were mentioned in that 1959 Packers Guide simply because neither had been created yet.

The NFL Hall, where 26 Packer players, coaches, and administrators are now enshrined, was opened in 1970.

Another flub of sorts in the area where the coaching staff was listed, was Vince Lombardi, head coach. Then where the administrators were named, it was Vincent T. Lombardi, general manager. In the player biography section, it’s amusing to note that the longest bio was that of quarterback Vito “Babe” Parilli, who didn’t even make the team that year. In his first year as the Packers head coach, Lombardi opened the ’59 season with Lamar McHan as quarterback, but then in the eighth game switched to Bart Starr, who kept the job for the next 12 years.

In ’59 and in the early ‘60s, the Packers had not completely recovered financially from the sad and losing years of the ‘40s and early ‘50s. Coming up with enough money to publish those media guides was difficult for them. So over a number years, the cost was subsidized by the Ford Motor Company, which took out full-page ads on the back cover and inside front and back covers. They printed additional copies for their own use, and gave them away in their agency showrooms to prospective car buyers.

Over the years, just as have the fortunes of the team itself, the Packers Media Guide has grown and improved, remarkably so. Comparing those guides from the ‘50s to the current 2019 publication would be like comparing that old cloth and wood plane the Wright Brothers put together in 1903 with today’s huge transcontinental jetliners. It was noted above that the ’59 Guide had 64 pages and contained all of five photos, all in black and white. The 2019 Guide has 464 pages and, incredibly, nearly 700 photos, most of them in full color.

The current 2019 Green Bay Packers Media Guide is the largest and most informative ever. In addition, the “100 Seasons” banner on the cover (the current season is the Packers’ 100th since they were formed by Curly Lambeau in 1919) marks it as a special commemorative issue.

The 2019 Packers Guide has more information about the team than you can possibly find, anywhere. It was pointed out above that the player bios in the 1959 Guide were only a short paragraph in length, even for the stars. In the current 2019 edition, every player has at least a full-page bio, many several pages. Aaron Rodgers would you believe, has a bio of 17 full pages? You wouldn’t think a defensive linebacker such as Clay Matthews would generate much to write about, but his bio fills 11 pages.

Scores and statistics from ever year are included, as well as every record, offensive and defensive. There’s a special section on Packers’ players, coaches and administrators now in the National Football League Hall of Fame. There are 26 of them, now that the Hall has finally gotten around to including Jerry Kramer, an honor long overdue. He and his pal, Fuzzy Thurston, were the two greatest pull-

ing guards in the history of the league.

In that regard, Fuzzy should be in the Hall, too, but that’s another story.

How many times has a Packers back run for 100 or more yards in a single game? Answer: 201. Paul Hornung did it only twice; Jim Taylor 26 times. The most ever was Ahman Green who did it 33 times. What was the Packers’ record in 1968, their 50th year? Answer 6-7-1, and the coach then was Phil Bengtson. How many field goals were made by the Packers in year 2013? Answer: 33. How many were made in 1944? Answer: none.

They didn’t make one in three consecutive years - ’30 through ’32. Those and tens of thousands of trivia facts are there in the 2019 Packers Guide.

• 50PLUS • 17

Communications Manager Tom Fanning and Assistant Communications Manager Sarah Quick serve as editors of the Guide, and they and their staffs do a tremendous job.

If you’d like a copy of the 2019 Green Bay Packers Media Guide, you can purchase one in the Packers’ Pro Shop in Lambeau Field in Green Bay, which is open all through the week, not just during home games. Or you can call them at 920-569-7510, or order online. The cost is $22.95 plus shipping. If there’s a Packer fan in your family, or if you have a close friend who’s one, it would make a great Christmas gift.

18 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

Deepak knows: The Future of wellbeing is Y-O-U

BY MARILYNN PRESTON

Deepak Chopra -- author of over 85 books -- is the head, heart and brains of a well-being, well-meaning empire.

He’s the founder of the Chopra Foundation -- “committed to creating a peaceful, just, sustainable, healthy

and happier world” -- and co-founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, one word, no hyphen, on purpose.

And yes, he’s the integrative M.D. who helped Oprah wake up to the power of her own mind back in 1993, on live TV, as he held a string with a small weight attached. (The replay on

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Dr. Chopra’s books have been translated into over 43 languages. His latest book, “The Healing Self,” written with celebrated neuroscientist Rudolph Tanzi, is about the power we all have to lower our stress, boost our immunity and even alter the expression of our genes. (He loves epigenetics.)

“There’s a new revolution occurring in health today,” Chopra claims, “The revolution is you.” Translation: ultimately, you are responsible for your own wellbeing. Not your doctor, not the drug companies, you.

Last week, I streamed Chopra’s latest presentation, “The Future of Wellbeing,” at a forum presented online by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in collaboration with PRI’s The World and WGBH. Some highlights from a fascinating hour: • SIX PILLARS OF WELLBEING. Your future wellbeing depends

on the choices you make every day, in the present moment. If you want to see huge improvements, pay attention to:

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1. Sleep. It’s crucial. The endocrine and immune systems reset during natural sleep. Get 7 to 8 hours a night.

2. Meditation and stress management. They’re a must. Calm your mind to help regulate and nurture every cell of your body.

3. Movement. All forms of movement are essential for wellbeing, but Chopra singles out yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) for their remarkable ability to regulate and improve every system in the body.

4. Emotions. Negative emotions (anger, hostility, guilt) make us sick.

The health benefits of experiencing love, compassion, joy, equanimity and peace of mind are life-changing, he says. “There are no drugs that have the anti-inflammatory effect that gratitude has.”

5. Nutrition and nourishment.

Take care of your microbiome with a diverse, mainly plant-based diet, says Chopra. You mess with it when you eat food that is manufactured, refined, processed.

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ing. “Your body is alive!” he says, from his deep knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine. When we connect to the earth -- walking barefoot, for instance -- we reset and recharge our body, decreasing inflammatory markers, changing gene expression.

• WELLBEING IS BEYOND WELLNESS. Chopra sees well-

being as a state of consciousness. It comes from getting in touch with our inner selves, when we ask and answer the question, “Am I aware?” (He illustrates this with an audience participation exercise that stops the mind.)

“The more aware you are of your inner self and the more aware you are of your mental activity, your perceptual ability and the more aware you are of your choices, “ he says, “that improves your wellbeing.”

• WE ARE THE PUBLIC IN PUBLIC HEALTH. “Our health care system isn’t healthcare!” says Chopra -- almost losing his legendary cool -- because it’s failed us in so many ways.

“Public health is the No. 1 problem in our society,” he says, referring to the lax regulation of processed foods and the indifference, in so many places, to the level of toxicity in our air and water.

“We’ve regressed 60 years.”

Tomorrow can be different, he believes. He sees a just-now-coming future of connected communities that align to champion the cause of wellbeing.

Chopra wants to use social media, block chain technology and the poorly named cryptocurrency to reward people for healthy behaviors: standing up, walking 10,000 steps a day, getting enough sleep.

“It’s happening now,” he says.

“People are tired of waiting for the government ...They are doing it themselves!”

• WELLBEING IS POLITICAL. The wellbeing of the planet is also on Chopra’s mind. “We need a political movement,” he says. “And it can only come from the Public.” (He means us, the voters.)

Chopra called on young people to get involved, transform politics and use social media as a force for global

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health and happiness rather than destruction or distraction.

“We’re all connected!” he concludes, reminding us why one of his many credits is “spiritual guru.”

“There’s no such thing as a separate self.”

Marilynn Preston is the author of “Energy Express,” America’s longest-running healthy lifestyle column.

• 50PLUS • 19

Her new book “All Is Well: The Art {and Science} of Personal Well-Being” is available now on Amazon and elsewhere. Visit Creators Publishing at creators.com/books/all-is-well to learn more. For more on personal well-being, visit www.MarilynnPreston.com.

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20 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

The secret for a debt-free holiday season in a single word

BY MARY HUNT

It’s not exactly a new word to me.

But I’m pretty sure I’d never actually used the word “pre-determine” in a sentence until my pastor referred to it recently -- and in a way that turned on a bright light in my noggin.

To pre-determine is to make a decision in advance. That describes perfectly what it means to budget. You get your paycheck, and before you do anything with it, you pre-determine where every dollar will go. You give each dollar a job to do -- in advance.

You pre-determine!

Here we are on the cusp of one more glorious, fabulous, exciting and joyful holiday season. How can we do this without going into debt? Pre-determine. That’s it! Decide or establish in advance what we will do, how much you will spend, where you will go, what you will do. Yes, I know that sounds very much like a spending plan, and it is. The way to get to a spending plan is to -- you guessed it -- pre-determine.

Take the gift-giving part of the season. How can we pre-determine in

that area? Two things: COST. Look at your gift list and pre-determine how much money you will spend for each. Decide this fact.

Plant it in your brain. Write it on your heart. Write it down or whatever else it takes to establish it in advance.

GIFT. Here is a foolproof way to select the perfect gift for each of your giftees: Ask yourself, “What does he or she really care about?” By that I mean “What would this person say he or she could never have enough of?”

For my husband, a hobby woodworker, the answer would come without hesitation: He could never have enough clamps. Every year, I make sure there are clamps under the tree for my favorite woodworker, and every year he says that same thing: “Oh, good. I can never have too many clamps!” For me (not that you asked), it would be legion. I could never have too much coffee, fabric, skeins of yarn, knitting needles, coffee stuff, kitchen shears or mixing bowls. When I find any of these things under the tree on Christmas morning, my reaction is

the same. I’m over the moon because, of course, I could never have too much or too many of that special thing.

I find it a lot of fun to figure out the answer to the question for those on my gift list. The challenge, of course, is when the giftees’ passion lies in an area with which I am unfamiliar.

I have to think about it, putting myself in their shoes. What do they really enjoy so much they could never have too much or too many of?

My grandson would say, “Jurassic Park!” I know that not because I know anything about “Jurassic Park” merchandise but because I know him.

My late mother-in-law would say, “Hot pads!” or “Tablecloths!” I can hear her now. If I were to give you hot pads for Christmas, you’d be like ... seriously? But not Gwen. She would be visibly thrilled and delighted.

Gift giving takes on a new dimension of joy once you take the time to know what truly matters to your giftee.

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. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually.

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DECEMBER 2018

American Legion conference The American Legion Mid-Winter Conference will be January 17-19 at Ho-Chunk Casino, Hotel and Con-

vention Center in Baraboo.

Attendees will celebrate 100 years of Legion Proud with a gala banquet

at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Friday evening, after a day of meetings, will find the Hospitality

Housing changes: How about you?

It may be somewhat of a surprise but a recent national survey indicates that about 90 percent of older folks wish to stay in the homes they now are occupying as they head into retirement years. Still, we’re told that 19 million older adults don’t now reside in housing that would meet their necessary standards in old age. Housing is at the heart of wellbeing. Older adults will need home modifications that will

support them as their minds and bodies begin to fail.

Retired couples that wish to age in their home should first of all look at stairways and entrances. Handles at the doorsteps should be a must and stairways definitely should be eliminated where such can occur. Ma and pa can move their bedroom to that little used dining room on the first floor.

AARP is cooperating presently with several other organizations in erecting and furnishing a home adequate for retirees in Washington, D.C. Certainly, you’re perhaps not heading off to view it, but you can go to

Suites ready for visits.

The Chaplain’s Service will be at 8 a.m. Sunday.

aarpfoundation.org/housing to view it. “Making Home” envisions what the senior of the future will wish they had.

The Family’s Irishness This paragraph may seem like Kibosh (nonsense) to you. It is Irish as are the next few words that I learned as a child as my grandparents traveled across what they referred to as the big pond (Atlantic Ocean) in the late 1800’s and ultimately settled in Waseca County, Minnesota, as the five brothers worked their way west along the railroads. A few of the oth-

er Irish words they used that stuck with me were smithereens (small pieces), blather (talk foolishly), slew (a large number), smidgen (a small amount) and glean (to learn). Think backward. Your grandparents perhaps used words from their home country’s languages. I’m told that tuscalaha in Swedish means down the hatch.

Most of all things Almost every day we read how this or that research center has on its staff the brightest, most dedicated investigators and achievers dedicated to helping mankind. How can this be?

Where are all these wonderful people at work?

Each of us, we’re sure, works every day to break new ground. But we don’t spend much of the day patting ourselves on the backs.

A new shrine to honor those who have served in the various military segments has been built in Columbus, Ohio. This follows the vision of John Glenn, then a U.S. Senator, who believed that children needed to learn more about the ethics and community activities. This is the very first of this country’s museums dedicated to the services. The building and its surroundings are magnificent in architecture. The structure cost $75 million.

The opening display is “A Nation Called.” This is followed by “Why We Serve” with many others to follow.

The museum was built by the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation. Its content is powerful, emotional as an overarching narrative about those who served, not the warring itself. It has been described as an extraordinary achievement.

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• 50PLUS • 23

Heading off a problem

BY ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: We would like your advice before there is a problem.

We will be moving later this year to live with our son and his family. They have a duplex, and we will have our own unit. We expect to provide child care to our granddaughter and for the new baby coming soon. We will all be together during the Thanksgiving weekend and have plans to work out some logistics and clarify expectations.

Our question to you is, What are some things that we should consider as we talk about our plans? Currently, we all get along well and would like to keep it that way. We take care of our granddaughter frequently, and of course, we do it free. If we were to be full-time caregivers for the newborn, then neither of us would be able to work. Would it be reasonable to exchange child care for a reduction in rent? How do we set limits on our availability? What else should we discuss prior to the move? -- Two Grandmas Dear Two Grandmas:

It’s fantastic you’re being proactive to head off potential sources of conflict.

Absolutely, I think it’s reasonable to ask for a reduction in rent because you’ll be helping to take care of their children full time. Your child care will most likely save your son and daughter-in-law thousands of dollars a year in baby-sitting or day care fees. You should also discuss how you all would like to handle other living expenses, such as utilities. And beyond finances, you should also discuss your general expectations about living together -how much time you’ll spend together, what things tend to bother you, etc.

Some conflicts will inevitably arise from time to time, but they’ll be much easier to resolve if you’ve established open lines of communication from the start.

For more tips on ensuring a smooth transition to living with adult children, see “Considering Moving Your Loved One into Your Home?” on AARP’s website. It includes a checklist of questions that both the adult children and the parents should take into account.

Dear Annie: A recent col-

umn had a letter from a woman who is a great gift-giver but who questioned not receiving thoughtful gifts herself.

Your response was good. Another possibility follows: Many of us grew up in households where gifts were scarce because of a lack of funds or had parents who focused on being fortunate and primarily gave gifts to those considered less fortunate. Consequently, we never thought about giving gifts to those who did not “need” them. As an adult, I still think primarily about what a person needs. I have difficulty thinking beyond that boundary and tend to give gifts such as gift cards so the recipients can purchase things they “need.” Those are not exciting but do represent an effort to give meaningful gifts by those who are not gifted at gifting. -- Tim

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gripes about gift cards being lazy gifts, and I’ve always thought that is harsh and unfair. If someone gives you a gift that seems generic, it doesn’t mean that the person doesn’t care. For the most part, we’re all trying our best. Thank you for articulating this point so well and for offering some more food for thought to “Gift-Giving Guru.”

“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

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DECEMBER 2018

Occupying handicapped stalls and seats

BY ANNIE LANE

Dear Annie: What is the et-

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iquette with handicapped stalls in restrooms? When I go into a public restroom and there are multiple stalls to choose from, I like to go into the handicapped one because it’s roomier. I imagine that many other people do, too. Is that wrong? If I ever saw someone with a handicap, I would, of course, yield to that person, but that hardly ever happens. Also, when taking the train, if the car is crowded but the seats reserved for disabled people and seniors are open, is it OK to sit there? -- Not Sure in Norfolk Dear Not Sure: Err on the side of courtesy. If there are multiple stalls to choose from, always opt for a non-handicapped stall. You never know when someone who needs the handicapped stall will enter. If the handicapped stall is the only one open, I think it’s reasonable to use it.

However, if someone behind you in line has a disability, let that person cut ahead of you to take that stall.

As for the train, always leave those seats open. Not all disabilities are obvious, and you shouldn’t put someone in the position of having to ask you to move.

Dear Readers: Not long ago, I printed a letter from “Sitting Around,” a woman who had recently lost her job after many years but was unable to find a new one because of a disability. She was experiencing a sense of inertia. I heard from many readers with additional insights for “Sitting Around.” The following letters have practical tips that are worth printing, as they also may help others.

MARGARET B.: “Sitting Around” made reference to being rejected twice for “government help” but not being disabled enough to receive it. She didn’t specify whether she had applied for Social Security Disability Insurance, but even if she isn’t eligible for that, she should look into her state’s vocational rehabilitation program, which falls under her state education department.

Her doctor could provide documentation to show the extent of her disability and prove her eligibility for VR services. If she were to be accepted in the program, a VR counselor would be assigned to work with her to determine her interests, skills and career goals. She might be eligible for job training or other educational services to improve her skills and job prospects.

SHARON: You left out a major component in your answer to “Sitting Around.” She needs to get her doctor to do a complete thyroid blood panel. Women in their 40s may be going through premenopausal symptoms, and antidepressants can sometimes contribute to an alteration of the thyroid. Please tell her immediately to request those tests, or she might continue to suffer, because some doctors don’t look at anything unless you tell them. I suffered for 20 years and don’t want anyone else to.

DEB Q.: Please tell “Sitting Around” to get a full medical checkup -- including a complete blood count and tests for her levels of vitamin D and vitamin B-12 -- along with the mental health checkup. I’d also encourage her to review her diet, to get some fresh air every day and to make a list of a few things to do. And she should do the things on the list before allowing herself a reward. When I get a bit depressed, I clean something. It takes my mind off things while I accomplish stuff. Now would be a great time for “Sitting Around” to declutter, while she is not employed and has some down time. And I also encourage her to help others. I’m retired, but I still help the elderly.

“Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book -- featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette -- is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

DECEMBER 2018

• 50PLUS • 25

KILLING TIME continued from page 4

If you are planning on living into eeeeee your nineties, you perhaps will need We have read that legislation re- more than a nest egg. The recent bear garding marijuana plant use in the market made me switch from $39 a near future could legalize the use of bottle whiskey down to well under $20. the plant’s parts in various ways from You know, that “rot-gut” doesn’t taste stimulants to sleep aids to simple to use too bad. pain relievers. Gosh, they’re already eeeeee here.

The early people on earth had life eeeeee much easier when they went to school.

Evil, horror, gore, you name it. No There was no history to study. we aren’t referring to last Halloween, eeeeee but to what occurs on our streets too The NRDC, an influential envioften. ronmental organization, has numerous eeeeee challenges. It now is warring with Pres.

How harmful is age discrimina- Trump about things such as the Keytion? There is a sense in the work- stone gas line, Arctic drilling, clean air place that age discrimination is not as and clean water. We hope NRDC wins, prevalent as that of sexual and racial but at what great cost as it raises donaproblems. The Supreme Court recently tions? ruled that people filing age discrimieeeeee nation legal actions must be able to I was a guest visitor to the recently prove the age factor. It is a tough prob- opened Fleet-Farm in Oconomowoc. It lem. is so large, you almost need a road map eeeeee to navigate it.

Staying in your home in retireeeeeee ment may require you to look into your There’s a Salt Room in Pewaukee. entryways and bathrooms as needing You don’t go there to fill your tabletop “age” upgrade. shakers, but to sit and enjoy the salt eeeeee therapy. All you need to be able to enAn original gold coin can be joy it is to be able to inhale and exhale. bought for only $265. Who said the eeeeee pirates were the only ones after our A penny is brown in color, has head money? and tail sides and is a lot tougher to lose eeeeee than a 50-cent piece.

Whoever said that a person never eeeeee should bite off more than he can chew Robert Richie proclaims that must never have enjoyed a home- “America Needs Fatima.” Truthfully, I cooked Thanksgiving dinner. believe it needs much more than that. eeeeee eeeeee Christmas is coming. The geese are Might we think that the cold earth getting fat. Please put a penny in the will move into a cocoon or shed till old man’s hat. If you haven’t a penny, a warm weather and blossoming flowhalf-penny will do. If you haven’t this ers? The moon still will shine brightmuch, God had better be blessing you. ly, but Mr. Sun will at least seem to Today, that storied guy would have have lost his warming ways for a few been told to go to the Welfare dept. months. eeeeee eeeeee The tallest of tales sometimes are Do you remember Postal Money told about the smallest of fish.

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Meetinghouse & Prairie Meadows II & III • Exercise Room • Secured Entrance • Cable Ready

Make oneIncluded • PetsMake • Heat OK • one Handicap Accessible of these of these • Professionally Managed

by Dominium properties properties • Income Restrictions your NEW your NEW Apply HOME! HOME!

MEETING HOUSE

414.357.8596

• Exercise Room • Air Conditioned • Secured •Entrance Exercise Room • Air Conditioned • Secured Entrance • Cable • Close to Shopping • Pets Ok • Cable • Close to Shopping • Pets Ok 10901Managed W. Donna Dr., Milwaukee • Handicap Accessible • Professionally

by Dominium • Handicap Accessible • Professionally Managed by Dominium • Income Restrictions Apply • Income Restrictions Apply Meeting House Breezewood Village PRAIRIE MEADOWS 262-367-2868 II & III 414-357-8596

Breezewood Village 262-367-2868

450 Sunnyslope Dr., Hartland

Meeting House 414-357-8596

262.532.0974 Prairie Meadows II & III

450Milwaukee Sunnyslope Dr., Hartland 10901 W. Donna Dr.,

Prairie Meadows II & III 262-532-0974 W168 N11374 Western

W168 N11374 Western Ave., Germantown

10901 W. Donna Dr., Milwaukee

262-532-0974 Ave., Germantown W168 N11374 Western Ave., Germantown

Breezewood Village offers the best in affordable housing for Seniors! Our park like setting offers pathways and patios to enjoy! All of our buildings are equipped with free WiFi, elevators and access controlled entries with intercom. Enjoy a variety of social activities including Bingo, cards, picnics, art classes and more! Our property offers a meal site and professional service coordinator to assist with medical and transportation needs.

Easy access to grocery store, gas stations, bank, beauty shops and restaurants. Monthly rent with heat included! 1BR $685 / 2BR $790. We’re conveniently located off of HWY 16, Hartland/Merton exit.

Call to schedule a tour with our friendly and experienced staff today!

BREEZEWOOD VILLAGE I & II • 450 Sunnyslope Dr Hartland 262-367-2868 www.cardinalcapital.us

26 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

EVENTS CALENDAR January 1 – 30, 9 am – 3 pm Artist at the Garden House Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Drive, Garden House Exhibit Room, Hales Corners Nature-inspired watercolors by Karen Kerans will be on view at the Garden House Exhibit Room of Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Landscapes and other paintings with nature, winter, and holiday themes will be on display. Kerans is a member of the Wauwatosa Artists Workshop and has shown her work in group shows at the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Gallery@the Blue, Milwaukee Central Library, and Plymouth Art Center. Kerans has also shown her work at solo exhibits at Wehr Nature Center.

November 23 – January 24, 5 – 9 pm Enchantment in the Park, Regner Park, West Bend At the entrance you are given a CD to listen to that narrates through the different sections of the park with Christmas stories and Carols.

After driving through the lights display, you can park your car and walk through whatever parts of the park you’d like and go inside the indoor park pavilion for cocoa, snacks, and a visit with Santa. Admission is a bag of non-perishable food items or suggested $10 cash donation per car. Food donations help fill the food pantries of Washington County and Menomonee Falls (no glass containers, please).

November 30 – January 31, 5 – 9 pm Country Christmas The Ingleside Hotel, 2810 Golf Rd., Pewaukee Admission to Wisconsin’s largest drive-through Christmas lights display includes a trip through the Country Christmas Trail and entrance to two buildings located at the end of the trail, Christmas Village and The Streets of Bethlehem.

Debit/Credit cards are not accepted at the door. Visit their website thecountrychristmas.com at for more information.

January 1, 7:00 pm Gracenotes Orchestra Christmas Concert Greenwald Foundation Performing Arts Center, Mukwonago High School, 605 West Veterans Way, Mukwonago This 70-minute free concert features a wide variety of holiday music, sure to put you in the Christmas spirit! Also featured, will be violin soloists Leslie Juckem and Brian Peterson, playing the Largo Movement from the Bach Concerto for Violin in C minor. The concert will conclude with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, with a community based chorus and, of course, audience participation! Seating is first come, first served. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the concert starts at 7:00. For Additional information call 262470-3811 or visit www.gracenotesorchestra.com.

January 2, noon – 3 pm Holiday D.I.Y. Decoration Workshop Grand Hall, 1800 N. Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa The staff of Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool and volunteers will help you create your own evergreen pillar/ door or outdoor light ‘spray’ for the holidays! FOHPP will supply the greens, decorations, ribbon, tools, etc. If you have a personal item to add to your creation, please bring along. A monetary donation is asked to help cover the cost of supplies. Please register so there will be a sufficient amount of supplies by calling 414-302-9160. The Landing counter will be open to purchase beverages and food, including our Bloody Mary bar!

vorite Christmas cookies and other holiday “goodies” for this annual fundraiser, a tradition spanning over 40 years. Cookies are priced at $4 per dozen. Bring your own containers and “pick and choose” your favorites, while enjoying the spirit of the season with CCC! For additional information please call the CCC office at 262-251-1212.

January 5, 6:30 – 7:30 pm It’s a Wonderful Life: The History of America’s Iconic Magazine Muskego Public Library, S73W16663 W Janesville Rd., Muskego Presented by David Stephan, an avid collector of vintage Life magazines and their famous photos, this program will take us on a remarkable tour of some of some of the greatest moments in history as documented by Life Magazine. Focusing on important events from the years 1936-1989, Stephan will bring the past to life as seen through the lens of Life’s photographers. This is a free event.

January 6, 6:30 pm A Very Elvis Christmas Luther Manor’s Faith & Education Center, 4545 N. 9nd St, Wauwatosa Catch Alan Graveen as Elvis Presley as he croons along to the King’s Christmas carols and gospel favorites. This energetic show January 5, 7:30 – until is sure to get you in the holiday cookies are gone Annual Home-Made Christmas spirit! This event is free and space is limited so RSVP to LutherManCookie Sale or.org/rsvp or 414-434-1768. Take Children’s Community Center, the North Drive into Luther Manor N88 W17550 Christman Rd., and follow it to the Faith & EducaMenomonee Falls Parents and friends at Children’s tion Center Entrance.

Community Center bake their fa-

DECEMBER 2018

and Emmanuel Lux, plus a few new surprise arrangements. Admission is free as well as free parking.

January 8, 10:30 am Windy Hill Handbell and Brass Concert Hartland Public Library, 110 E. Park Ave., Hartland Ring in the holiday season with a musical extravaganza! A sextet of musicians from the Windy Hill Handbell Choir will be joined by members of the Windy Hill Brass to perform a family-friendly program of holiday favorites. Music-lovers of all ages are invited to attend this free, festive concert.

January 8, 3-7 pm Traditions to Remember Brinton House, 2590 South Superior Street, Milwaukee This old-fashioned Christmas event is free and open to the public.

There will be beverages and snacks available, tours of this historic site, and folks are encouraged to bring a camera for holiday photos with of kids and grandkids with Father Christmas!!

January 8, 5 – 7 pm Doors open at 4 pm Koiné Christmas Concert Waukesha Expo, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha Sing along to the music of the season as two-time WAMI Award winner, Koiné, presents an evening of their favorite Christmas songs. For over a decade, Koiné has delighted audiences throughout the world sharing their modern arrangements of traditional Christian hymns. Hear your favorite melodies from Koiné’s Christmas albums, Anno Domini

in his annual Christmas Concert at the Mitchell Park Domes since 1980.

January 10, 10 – 11 am Leisure Learners Presentation: Hank Aaron State Trail West Allis Library, 7421 W National Ave., West Allis Join DNR Hank Aaron State Trail Manager Melissa Cook as she discusses the special features of the Hank Aaron State Trail and the unique benefits that it offers to its surrounding communities.

January 15, 1 - 4 pm What’s It Worth?

Brookfield Public Library, 1900 N Calhoun Road, Brookfield Have your family heirloom appraised by Mark F. Moran! Registration is required and limited for this program, and there is a one appraisal per person limit. The registration deadline is Friday, January 7.

January 16, 1 pm “Let There Be Light!”

Christmas Concert Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd, Milwaukee Folksinger and songsmith David HB Drake will present this 38th annual concert. Let There Be light!

Let There Be Light! is a concert of seasonal folk songs, popular tunes, original songs and traditional carols. The program covers the spectrum of seasonal music from little known folksongs to everyone’s favorites, spiced with sing-alongs and good cheer! The program ranges from the first carol sung in North America to English wassails, French carols, memories of Christmas trees and marvelous toys. David performs on a variety of handmade folk instruments including mountain banjo, mountain dulcimer, concertina, Native American flute and guitar. Many of these songs appear on “LET THERE BE LIGHT”, CD with Elizabeth Friedman, who has often performed with David

January 18, 6:30 pm Books & Brew @ St. Francis Brewery: Sponsored by St. Francis Library St. Francis Brewery, 3825 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., St. Francis Join us at the St. Francis Brewery for a new afterhour book club led by intern Emma Fisher, where we’ll be reading books new and old. The January discussion is about “Oryx and Crake” by Margaret Atwood.

Participants are responsible for purchasing their own food and drinks.

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January 21, 12:30 pm A Civil War Christmas Spring Creek Church, N35 W22000 W. Capitol Dr., Pewaukee Imagine what Christmas was like on the battlefield in the midst of the Civil War through letters, stories, Civil War music and Christmas carols. Hear the carols already being sung at the time of the war or written as a result of the war. All of the music is familiar but the audience will experience it differently in this unique setting. The program ends on a hopeful and joyful note. This concert is a gift to the community and there is no charge. Registration is appreciated at Springcreekonline. com. Call Spring Creek Church at 262-695-2211 with questions.

January 27, 10:30 am A Visit from Mark Bodnar, Peace Corps Volunteer Hartland Public Library, 110 E. Park Ave., Hartland Local resident, Mark Bodnar, will be at the library to share stories about his life and work in Panama.

He’s currently serving in the Peace Corps, but will be making time to visit with during his break!

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28 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

Oconomowoc Arts Center Presents Media Sponsor

Eric Mintel Jazz Quartet Featuring Charlie Brown Holiday Jazz

7:30 pm Saturday, Dec 15

HOLIDAYgift guide THE COOL FACTOR: Tips on ageless dressing for the holidays

BY SHARON MOSLEY

OK, so you can’t fit into your granddaughter’s skinny jeans ... You don’t even remember the last time you wore high heels, and those stretchy waistbands just seem to keep expanding with every Thanksgiving turkey.

But this year, you’ve made yourself a promise ... no more holiday pictures with Grandma looking like she got run over by a reindeer.

Your inner spirit is still going strong -- so is the gentleman snoozing (or, let’s face it, snoring) next to you.

But as the years go by, putting ourselves first may slowly slip by us. You know that looking good makes you feel good, even if you are surrounded by all those 20-something college grandkids slinking around in their tight little sheath dresses and stilettos.

Where are their sweaters? Don’t they ever get cold? Hmm ...

So how do you get your fashion groove back and look like you’ve got just as much style attitude as they do?

Here are some tips to put some youthful spark back into your wardrobe: • Start with color! This is one of the fastest ways to transform a drab, dull closet. You may have hidden behind black for years and years, but

why not break out of a rut! Guys, this goes for you, too. The stores and the internet are loaded with options. Sneak a peek at the color authority, Pantone, Inc. (www.pantone.com), for an update on the latest hues. This year, the purples and reds are making waves.

Try a rich burgundy shade, which is flattering on almost everyone.

A quick color tip to update the cool factor: Mix shades of analogous colors (colors that are close to each other on the color wheel). I love mixing turquoise with cobalt or red with orange. Try it for an interesting change of pace.

• Think classics with a twist! Just because you may have a closet full of jewels from the ‘60s doesn’t mean you have to still wear them the way you did when flowers were power dressing. You may have some interesting “collectibles”; think about mixing them in with new pieces to make them a hit once again.

One of my aunts has several gorgeous hand-painted shawls from the ‘70s and ‘80s. She now layers them over turtlenecks or tank tops and wears them with leggings and ankle boots. She is always a hit, even with the young crowd of fashionistas. My

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DECEMBER 2018

dad had a favorite leather jacket from his Air Force days that he loved to toss over black denim jeans and T-shirts.

Don’t discount your favorite “oldies” if they are in good condition. Just make them more modern.

• Watch your form! There is one thing that can make anyone look old fast: sloppy, ill-fitting clothes.

As we age, we have a tendency to go for comfort. The looser the better, right? Not necessarily. Buy clothes that fit and flatter your figure, no matter what size you are. There are lots of ways to camouflage lumps and bumps these days. Don’t be afraid to try a pair of Spanx!

Leggings can be a fun way to update your wardrobe, especially if you team them with a long tunic top or knee-length jacket. They can be a lot more comfortable than jeans. For men, slim-fitting pants (sans pleats) may be an option, too. Low-rise jeans can be hip, too. The only way to know if these newer items will work for

January Poem

It was the week before Christmas and things were getting wild.

The fourth kid in line was wishing that he were an only child.

He heard all the commotion occurring in the spare bedroom.

Why was mother cleaning and sweeping with that new broom?

As ideas of great presents danced through his restless brain, His focus quite naturally zeroed in on what else, but a train.

Fourth kid now with train-glazed eyes sneakily got a surprise.

As he got to the locked door what next for this child so wise.

The keyhole he found gave proof of the toys’ hiding place.

If caught, Fourth Child could get a slap, but not in the face.

Somewhat naughty, his butt had occasionally been spanked.

This mischievous one knew in family that he was out-ranked.

He counted the days until arrival of Dec. 25, Christmas day.

There was not straw covering that big box, that was real hay.

Presents were given; Fourth Child was thrilled with the train.

His promise was that he would never run it outside in the rain.

White sugar cookies and milk for Santa to have were left out.

As Santa went on his way, his Merry Christmas was a lovely shout.

So New Year, 2019, looms just ahead, continuing our trail of life We sincerely hope for each of us there will be little or no strife.

you is to try them on. There’s no excuse not to experiment, with internet shopping at your fingertips now.

Accessories can • change your life. OK, so you’re not going for the leather motorcycle jacket or the jeggings (jeans that fit like leggings). Well, how about some new accessories? They really can make or break a look. If you can pull off wearing a fabulous rhinestone brooch from your grandmother, go for it! Your granddaughters will probably try to borrow it! And, guys, now is the time to slip into something

more comfortable ... perhaps a pair of blue suede loafers?

Stay abreast of a few trends and incorporate them into your wardrobe.

You will be surprised how much you can up the cool factor. Wear colored velvet flats, studded ankle boots, huge cocktail rings, giant colorful scarves, handbags and eyeglasses and animal print anything. And don’t forget, an updated hairstyle can do wonders -as can a new makeup routine.

Always be open to change, even in your closet ... and treat yourself to a new, cool you.

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• 50PLUS • 29

EXP. 12/31/18

30 • 50PLUS •

DECEMBER 2018

Emma: Give life your best shot!

Dear Folks:

APRON STRINGS

By Aunt Emma that for a good while. He arises very early in the day and takes a bit of time on the edge of the bed before he heads to the shower. Henry says

MO

Me n VE ad tion IN for th SP a is EC IA L

Here it is January and the year 2019 is about to end, but have we really made any progress towards being better people? We certainly have had the opportunities, but, too often, we just watch them fly by.

My Henry is a very sincere and sort of, I might say, a dedicated person. He claims that he is aware of what is going on around him even though he often seems to be almost in a trance as he meditates on this or

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The ADRC provides information, assistance, counseling and supportive services for older adults age 60 and above; caregivers; adults with physical or developmental disabilities; and adults with mental health or substance abuse concerns.

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he is meditating, thinking of the day ahead and just how he is going to face it. Many of us would jump right into the shower and allow the day to come as it might. He reflects on the day just past and tries to figure out if what he did was the best he could do to achieve the results he wanted. Now, this may be a lot of thinking for a guy who sits at a machine all day at the factory. Still, Henry says that he can’t just be up to par, but always striving for what golfers might call birdies and eagles. He not only wants to do the right things, but to do them to his absolute best.

Being such a persnickety person, you might think Henry would be difficult to live with. But we learned early in our marriage that there’s always two or more ways to accomplish the same goal. We may go at things differently, but we know that the sun shines on both sides of the fence and the rain doesn’t fall only onto the dining room roof. It pitter-patters the whole roof.

Henry likes oatmeal with raisins one morning and the next with bananas on top. He gulps down a glass full of orange juice, too, and knows by the days of the week what kind of a sandwich will be in is lunchbox. He does not like surprises.

As soon as Henry is out the door, I clean up in the kitchen and prepare to sit at the table and do a bit of gossiping. I do know the good Lord didn’t want us talking about people

Carolyn P. Butler, M.D., F.A.C.S. R. Ted Compton, M.D., F.A.C.S. Jessica M. Schrieber, M.D.

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262-547-3352

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behind their backs, but if you say good things, I do believe that’s satisfactory with heavenly dictates. Sometime three of us get on the line together. That’s fun. I don’t know how to do it, but Elsie does and arranges it.

There are occasions when we get together in the afternoon. This is when Henry has that food he got so to love in service. It is dried beef with white gravy and put over toast. I don’t care much for it, but he loves it. It comes in a box and is ready to heat.

Before I get that dried beef ready today, I’ll tell you that I heard a cute joke. The lady had a broken puppet. I forgot the rest of it.

We’ll be having the big Christmas bash at the club in two weeks. Of course, we both really look forward to seeing all our old friends again. This year, we will be having a brief prayer service, too. Henry couldn’t sleep the other night and counted 39 of fellows he counted as friends who won’t be with us this year. These guys were all a bit older, but good club members and veterans of distinction.

I’ll quit for this month after I tell you that our Italian chef won’t be at the party. Yep! He just plain pasta way.

I hope to be with you again next month.

Emma

Deborah W. Bernstein, M.D., F.A.C.S. Aaron C. Holtebeck, M.D. J. Alexander Jennings, O.D. Mukwonago

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262-363-5333

414-259-1420

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262-542-6669

262-560-0725

262-363-1515

DECEMBER 2018

• 50PLUS • 31

We saw you at....The NARI Home Remodeling Show

BY MARGARET PEARSON

Held again at the State Fair Park in West Allis, this was the group’s 28th Annual Show. There were

Larry and Mary Milton of Cudahy.

more than 100 exhibitors at the event. A few of the show attendees were:

Lisa and Greg Steinberg of Waukesha.

Lynn Lambright and William Reichertz of Watertown.

Jackie and Roy Silverstein of Shorewood.

Margaret Scortz of Milwaukee and Donna Lewandouski of Greenfield.

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Mary of Magdala, Apostle to the Apostles

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Wesley Hall - 1529 Wauwatosa Ave. • Wauwatosa WI 53213 All are welcome to the Eucharist.

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Living by an informed conscience is every Catholic’s responsibility and right.

Pastor Alice Iaquinta, 414-791-9952 Pastor Jim Ryan, 262-492-9093 MaryofMagdala.MKE@gmail.com Website: www.maryofmagdala-mke.org

Antiques & Collectibles

Anything old from attic to basement.

Old advertising signs including automotive & gas station signs, clocks & thermometers.

Old toys-tin & steel cars, trucks & trains.

Old woodworking tools & Stanley Planes.

Old crocks, coffee grinders & kitchen items.

Cash paid please.

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DECEMBER 2018

Can’t Hear on the Phone?

Get a CapTel Captioned Telephone at No-Cost to you!

CapTel 2400i includes Bluetooth® connectivity and Speakerphone

The CapTel® Captioned Telephone shows word-for-word captions of everything a caller says, letting you read anything you cannot hear over the phone. CapTel is a NO-COST, federally funded technology available under the Americans with Disabilities Act. To qualify, users need: • Hearing loss • Internet connection • Landline telephone service

262-409-9370 CapTel.com

Tom Slattery, your local Outreach Educator, works within your community to help anybody who needs this phone gain access to the program.

Tom Slattery, 262-409-9370 • tom.slattery@oeius.org

REQUIREMENTS: Hearing Loss, High Speed Internet, Dial-tone No-Cost Phone with valid third-party certification is subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions may apply. FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. IP Captioned Telephone Service may use a live operator. The operator generates captions of what the other party to the call says. These captions are then sent to your phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. No cost is passed on to the CapTel user for using the service. CapTel captioning service is intended exclusively for individuals with hearing loss. CapTel® is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. (v1.5 7-18)