For today’s active adults august 2016

ALSO INSIDE:

This month’sinspiring seniors...

FHN Volunteers

Travel with AnnNational Parks

Quick Peach Crisp

Recipe Medicare Open

Enrollment

The Book Lady

Judy Barney

To advertise in the next monthly edition of Living 50 Plus, contact your sales representative

Colleen Groves815.232.0191Joyce Truitt815.232.0119Linda Conder815.232.0171

Living 50 Plus is created by GateHouse Media LLC, The Journal-Standard’s parent company, and is distributed with various GateHouse papers across the country. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.©2016 GaTeHOuSe Media aLL RiGHTS ReSeRved

2 | Living 50 Plus august 2016

senior Resource Center SeptemberActivityCalendar JO DAVIESS COuNtyCall 815-777-1316 for more information or to register for the following activities:

LEARN ABOut tHE SRC You are welcome to attend a presentation given by a representative of the Senior Resource Center of Jo daviess and Stephenson Counties. Please come to the Apple Canyon Lake Club House on Wed, Sept. 7, 10:30am. Learn what the SRC has to offer through our eight pillars of service and how the SRC serves the community.

AARP SAFE DRIVING CLASSaaRP Safe driving Class will be held tue, Sept. 20, 9am-5pm. This courses will provide a review of driving skills and techniques, as well as strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related physical changes that may affect your driving ability. By taking this class, you may receive a discount on your auto insurance. Cost is $15 if you are an aaRP member and $20 if non-member. Bring a sack lunch for the all-day class. Class will be held at the Hanover Park District, 500 Fillmore St. Hanover. Call the Senior Resource Center to register at 815-235-9777 OR if you have questions call 815-232-3042. *Illinois has mandated an insurance-premium discount for participants age 55 or older, in a driver safety program.

MEDICARE BASICS CLASSif you are turning 65, have questions or need a refresher about Medicare, this class is for you. There will be a class held on tue, Sept. 27, 10am. This class is taught by Ralph Norman who is a Chartered advisor for Senior Living. He also has 40 years of experience in insurance and financial services. He will present the basics of Medicare, Medicare advantage, Supplements and prescription drug plans. Bring your tough Medicare questions. additional appointments will be offered. Everyone is welcome!

tAKE CHARGE OF yOuR HEALtH WORKSHOPS Learn how to live well and thrive with a chronic disease like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, chronic pain, and anxiety. Come to these workshops for support, ideas on how to deal with pain and fatigue and ideas on nutrition, exercise and treatment choices. Call to register 815-777-1316. Classes run for 6 weeks. thu, Oct. 6-Nov. 10, 2-4:30pm., at the SRC, 500 Fillmore St. Hanover. this event is FREE.

FOOt CARE CLINIC On tue, Oct. 11 the Mobile Foot Care Clinic will be in Hanover. Please call the Mobile Foot doctors

to register at (312) 255-8030. Medicare is accepted. Cost is $45 if you are not on Medicare or if you have a Medicare advantage Plan. There are a limited number of appointments available.

SAVE tHE DAtEthe 2016 “Living Well” Senior Expo; Rocking 50’s and Beyond!Fri, Oct. 28 – Watch for more information!

StEPHENSON COuNtyCall 815-235-9777, ext. 221 for more information or to register for the following activities:

BOOK CLuBCalling all readers: join us for a monthly book club at the Senior Resource Center. Our first date is Sept. 21, 2:30-3:30pm. The book we will be reading is Assassin Town: A Gabby Gordon Mystery (Gabby Gordon Mysteries Book 1) by edward F. Finch. This local author incorporates our home town into his book. You can find this book at the local library. Please read the book and come ready for discussion. Please call to register at 815-235-9777 x221. Refreshments will be provided.

EXERCISE CLASSJoin us Wednesdays 10:30am for forty-five minutes of fun and exercise. No experience is necessary and all fitness levels are welcome. The class, taught by dr. Julie Smith will incorporate stretching, strengthening and aerobic skills. dr. Smith has a bachelor’s degree in physical education with an emphasis in dance and is a doctor of chiropractic medicine and board-certified naturopath. The fee for the class is $5 and will be collected at the start of each session.

SIt AND BE FIt!This 40 minute class, also taught by dr. Julie Smith is designed for those who have mobility challenges. all the exercises will incorporate the use of a chair. We will focus on strengthening, stretching and balance exercises. Class held Wednesdays, 11:30am. There is a $5 charge for each class.

MEDICARE AND MEDICARE FRAuD At GOLDEN MEALSJeff Barnes from the Northwest area agency on aging will be at the Golden Meals Site, 524 W Stephenson St # 4 on Sept. 7, 11:15am-12pm. He will explain the difference between Medicare Fraud and abuse and various ways that they can be used by unethical persons. He will also discuss the importance of being aware of what services you are receiving and what

you are billed for. He will have helpful advice on how to detect abuse and fraud and the importance of reporting errors. FOOt CARE CLINIC On Wed. Sept. 14 the Mobile Foot Care Clinic will be in Freeport. Please call the Mobile Foot doctors at (312) 255-8030 with questions or to make an appointment. Medicare is accepted. Cost is $45 if you are not on Medicare or if you have a Medicare advantage Plan. There are a limited number of appointments available.

PIANO CLASSif you are interested in learning to play piano join the next class starting Wed, Sept 7, 1pm at NICAA Golden Meals site, 524 W. Stephenson. Classes include both individual and group instruction. The cost for the class is $30 for 6 weeks. Please call Mary Heffner at 815-233-1756 for more information or to join.

COLORING FuNCome to the Senior Resource Center for a relaxing social time and to color. This group will be meeting thu, Sept 8 & 22 , 9:30am. Bring your color books, crayons, markers or color pencils if you have them. Supplies and refreshments are provided. Registration is preferred, but walk-ins welcome.

BINGO ANyONE?Come and join us for an afternoon of Bingo, Wed., Sept 21, 1:30-2:30pm. This activity being held at the Freeport Senior Resource Center. Refreshments served.

MEDICARE BASICS CLASSif you are turning 65, have questions or need a refresher about Medicare, this class is for you. There will be 2 classes held on thu, Sept 22, 10am & 6pm. This class is taught by Ralph Norman who is a Chartered advisor for Senior Living. He also has 40 years of experience in insurance and financial services. He will present the basics of Medicare, Medicare advantage, Supplements and prescription drug plans. Bring your tough Medicare questions. additional Appointments will be offered. everyone is welcome.

AARP SAFE DRIVING CLASSThe next aaRP Safe driving Class will be held tue, Sept. 27, 9am-5pm. This course will provide a review of driving skills and techniques, as well as strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related physical changes that may affect your driving ability. By taking this class, you may receive a discount on your auto insurance. Cost is $15 if you are an aaRP member and $20 if non-member.

Bring a sack lunch for the all-day class. The classes will be held at Schwarz Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd., Freeport. Call the Senior Resource Center to register at 815-235-9777 OR if you have questions call 815-232-3042. *Illinois has mandated an insurance-premium discount for participants age 55 or older, in a driver safety program.

GOLDEN MEALS GROCERy BINGOenjoy Bingo followed by lunch tue, Sept 27, 9:30am at the NICAA Golden Meals site in the Crum & Forster Building, 524 W. Stephenson, Lower Level. enter at the rear of the building. Bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the food pantry and join in the fun. if you would like to stay for lunch, please call the Golden Meals site one day prior at 815-232-8896. Sponsored by Oakley Courts, the Senior Resource Center and NiCaa Golden Meals Program.

ADVANCE DIRECtIVE/POA WORKSHOPMonroe Clinic recognizes the right of patients to make health care decisions based on their own beliefs and values. These decisions should be made in advance should an individual become unable to do so due to health issues. Join us for our advance directive/POa workshop at the SRC on tue., Oct. 4, 1:30pm to give you the tools you need to get your papers in order and give the best gift you can to your family, your wishes. Please call to register at 815-235-9777 x221. Walk-ins are also welcome.

CARDS & tABLE GAMESall held at the Golden Meals Center, 524 W. Stephenson St. Come join the fun. Mon 12:45-2:45pm – Cards or table games. Wed 8:45-11am – Hand & Foot. Thu 12:45-2:45pm – Cribbage (will teach).

tABLE tENNISTable tennis at St. John’s uCC, 1010 S. Park Blvd, Freeport on Tuesdays 9-10am

tOuRSWe have an american Classic Tours Book for 2016-2017 available at the Senior Resource Center. Stop in and pick one up to plan your tours for the year.

SAVE tHE DAtEthe 2016 “Living Well” Senior Expo; Rocking 50’s and Beyond!Fri, Oct 14, 8:30am-12:30pm at the eagles Club, 1200 W. Galena, Freeport. exhibits, Blood Mobile, Secretary of State, Open enrollment appointments, Raffle, entertainment, door prizes, screenings and more.Watch for more information!

I always feel like it is my job to make your travel life easier and cheaper for you my readers. So if I can do some of the leg work or investigative work for you - I do. I am sure that most of you are aware that this year is the 100th Anniversary of National Parks in the United States. It seems that all the travel magazines I receive have numerous stories and pictures of places that I have been missing out on. I love Top 10 lists so decided to investigate on the internet to see the top 10 list of National Parks and see how many I had visited. I came up really short but thought I would share that list with you for you to check off your accomplishments. National Geographic had the list of the 10 most visited and most popular parks and they were in no certain order. So here they are. Drum Role Please.

• Grand Canyon• Yosemite• Grand Teton• Great Smoky Mountain• Yellowstone• Rocky Mountain• Zion• Olympic• Acadia• Glacier Wow – I am embarrassed to say I had never heard of one of these. I guess I need to read more stories on parks. When I was a small child my parents drug me to Yellowstone year after year. I begged not to have to go, but they put me in the back seat of the old Ford car without any video games and no A/C and drove for hundreds of miles without stopping. We listened to baseball on the radio of all things Cubs – my mom, Braves my dad. You can tell I was terribly abused. My father did make me a square box to sit on so I was taller and for me to

put my books into. The part I remember most is throwing licorice out the window to the grizzle bears. My mother was about teaching me to share. We did this year after year and I whined the entire trip. My dad loved parks and when they started selling the pass for Senior Citizens he was probably first in line. The pass seems very easy to buy online the cost is $20. If you wait until you are at a park that sells them it is only $10. The pass is lifetime and works at over 2000 Federal recreation sites across the nation. It even allows discounts at some of the parks for camping. This allows your entire car (up to three passengers) to get in free. You must be 62 years of age to buy the pass and provide identification. You can just type in senior pass for National Parks and you will find numerous sites explaining the pass.

So if you are headed to Florida or Arizona this winter you might want to stop on your way and celebrate the 100th anniversary and buy your park pass. If you are an enthusiastic picture taker – National Geographic also tells you where to take the best pictures in each of the best parks. Ann Young has a couple of parks on her list to visit and hike. Sayoung1947@gmail.com

august 2016 Living 50 Plus | 3

travel with Ann

International Travel & Home with Ann Young

National Parks Offer Seniors a Pass!

4 | Living 50 Plus august 2016

The Meadows at WinnPrairie™ off ers quality care and a structured environment for residents with memory or cognitive impairments. The focus of The Meadows program is to

build on residents’ strengths and skills through a variety of therapeutic activities and services. All designed and delivered by an expert staff to preserve self-esteem, maximize

independence, and enhance lifestyle quality for residents and their families.

A Memory Care Community

Easy access to care, stimulating social activities, and fun events deliver both enjoyment and peace of mind...all the things

that turn senior living into a joy-fi lled, senior lifestyle.

off ers quality care and a structured environment for

- Luxury 2-bedroom 900 square foot apartments- Full kitchen outfi tted with stainless steel appliances- Private laundry room with washer/dryer- Full calendar of social, recreational and educational activities to encourage healthy aging- Licensed personnel on-site 24 hours a day- Wellness room for on-site visits- Local ownership and management- Expert clinical staff provided by Monroe Clinic- Beautiful common spaces- On-site chiropractic and massage therapy

- Private patio/balcony- Day trip activities- Secure attached garages- Complementary coff ee bar- Sundry shop - Fitness room - Library - No Buy-In

The perfect blend ofindependence & assistance

COMMUNITY AMENITIES

1545 S. Forest Rd, Freeport IL815.656.4800

info@winnprairie.com

Call to schedule your personal presentation

NOW TAKINGRESERVATIONS

Auto Repair SpecialistsFreeport’s Finest Auto & Truck Repair Facility

(while car being repaired) RS-FJS00

0163

610

By Melissa EricksonMore Content Now

If you just grabbed a snack, you’re not alone. Snackingis an integral partof the American diet, with 94 % of people grabbing a snack at least once a day and more than half of adults snacking two to three times a day, according to a report from global market research company Mintel. While millennials are theshining stars of today’s marketplace, when it comes tosnacking — which is all therage in the food industry — it’sboomers who shine, accordingto a new report from marketresearch firm the NPD Group.Boomers consume ready-toeatsnack food 20 percent moreoften than millennials do.

Why we snack The reasons why each ofthese generational groupssnacks are as different as theirages. Millennials reach forwhat is often a grab-and-gosnack because they’re hungry.Boomers snack because theydon’t want to prepare a bigmeal and eat alone more oftenthan other age groups. Bothgroups choose snacks based ontaste and craving. Although boomers hold thetop score over millennialsin ready-to-eat snack foodconsumption, they don’t comeclose to kids when it comes

Boomers love to nibble. Here are some healthy options

food

PIXABAY.COM

SNACK ATTACK!

200W. Jackson St, Freeport

815-235-3754Toni Rosc • Lic. #058-112723

Call for a FREEESTIMATE today!

We carryKohler, Gerberand Mansfieldlines to fit every

budget. 815-235-3754

RS-FJS00

0158

964_

V3

Discover the truepleasure of safety, luxuryand relaxation with a

Walk-In Tub

august 2016 Living 50 Plus | 5

FLACK SEWINGCENTER

16 East Main, Freeport • (815) 235-4622Mon.-Fri. 9:00-4:00 RS

-FJS00

0162

961

MEET THE NEW FACE OFFLACK SEWING CENTER

David Rogers, owner

Same GreatProducts,

Service & Price!Stop in to see

Dave and Jerry today!

$10 OFFSewing Machine Tune-UpFLACK SEWING CENTER

With this coupon, expires 9/30/16

to the amount of snack foodsconsumed. Ages 2-17 consumean average of 1,500 snack foodsper year, an above-averageamount compared to other agegroups. Boomers are at about1,200, or a total of 90.4 billionsnack eatings, and there areabout 1,000 for each millennial,or a total of 83.1 billion. Fruit, chocolate candy/candy bars and potato chipsrank as the top three snackpicks for both boomers andmillennials, according to thereport.

Making better choices While we may be a nationof nibblers, there are waysto snack better, said DebLowther, co-founder ofBoomer Nutrition (myboomernutrition.com). “Protein is the key to healthysnacking,” Lowther said. “Protein should be the

priorityas it both fills you up and keepsyou feeling full longer as it isslow to digest. Also, protein isimportant for preventing agerelated muscle loss.”Some protein-filled snacksinclude almonds, hard-boiledeggs, Greek yogurt, cottagecheese and berries, hummusand raw vegetables. To avoid mindless eating,“create healthier habits likenot standing up eating in frontof the fridge, pouring a smallbowl of snacks rather thantaking the whole bag, andmaking homemade versionsof crunchy snacks if you wantsomething for a movie night,”Lowther said. Make sure you have thefridge and pantry filled withhealthier snacks that are highin protein and fiber. Choose“snacks like air-poppedpopcorn, berries, almonds

and roasted chickpeas,” saidLowther. Avoid snacks that don’t offerany benefits. “Snacks to avoid at any ageinclude high-sugar, high-fat,processed foods such as chips,cookies, sweets and crackers.As we age getting enoughprotein, fiber and nutrientsis key to health, preservinglean muscle and providingenergy to stay active. High-fatand processed foods will not

only replace healthier choicesbut leave you feeling flat andunmotivated,” Lowther said. “Beverages can make a goodsnack if they are not just sugarand empty calories. A smoothiemade with fruit, a high-qualityprotein powder and milk orwater will provide essentialamino acids and fiber to preserve lean muscle and fill youup,” she said.

6 | Living 50 Plus august 2016

1718 S Dirck Dr • Freeport • 815.297.0900 • statebankfreeport.com

Our Bank Takes You Places!Diane Wurm loves to travel as much as she loves her job asState Bank’s Discover Club director! Discover Club takesmembers age 50 and over to a variety of fun-filleddestinations, near and far.

If you like carefreeadventure like Diane does,join State Bank’s DiscoverClub...and let your banktake you places.

Diane Wurm, Discover Club Director

With sweet, ripe, juicy peaches, less is more. Undoubtedly the best way to eat a ripe peach is standing over the kitchen sink with the juices running down your arms.

But when you have guests and a bit more decorum is in order, slice them, add some cookie crumbs and butter and shower the whole thing with crunchy raw sugar. A quick turn in the oven, and your crisp is done. Gild the lily a bit by adding vanilla ice

Quick Peach CrispNote: Any kind of molasses or ginger cookie will work.• 2 1/2 cups ginger or molasses cookie crumbs (such as Biscoff)• 4 cups sliced fresh, ripe, pitted peaches (not peeled)• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces• 1 tablespoon raw sugar1. Preheat oven to 375º F.2. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs evenly over the bottom of a

shallow gratin dish or 4 small, shallow ramekins. Spoon peaches on top.3. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cookie crumbs evenly over peaches and

scatter bits on butter over all. Sprinkle on sugar and bake about 20 minutes, until peaches are softened and butter is bubbly. Serves 4.

RS-FJS000160246

Call 815-232-8612for more information

1711 W. Church StreetFreeport, IL 61032

www.parkviewhome.orgLIKE US ON FACEBOOK

PARKVIEW

CONTINUUM OF CARERETIREMENT COMMUNITY

providing independent living,assisted living and 24 hour nursing care.

Our new wing to open in 2017 will addprivate memory care and private health center rooms.

Parkview is celebrating 90 years of providing qualityaffordable care to seniors in the Freeport area!

Parkview is locally managed,private pay, not-for-profit community.

recipe Now’s the ripe time to try this crunchy,

scrumptious dessert

MARK BOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY/STYLING BY TERESA BLACKBURN

Just Peachy

THE ISSUE The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period begins in less than 2 months. Medicare recipients are eligible to compare and enroll in one of the plans that will be available in this market in 2017. Mark your calendar- the open enrollment dates are October 15 to December 7. I like to think about this as a “game” where you get the final turn. OK, it’s not really a game, but it works as an analogy! PRE-GAME Insurance companies have been working hard all summer trying to figure out how to price their products, which will allow them to retain and attract customers. Actuaries are involved and pricing agreements with pharmaceutical companies are part of the mix. Pricing is a tricky business. The folks who offer drug plans have to meet strict Medicare standards and still eke out an acceptable profit. Getting this part right is critical to their success in this rapidly growing market. Their task is to have everything in place and Medicare approved by sometime in September. FIRST MOVE 2017 Drug Plan information should be available around October 1. If you are already in a plan, they are required to send you a notice of plan changes before October 1st. Review your change notice carefully as it may contain information on new premiums and deductibles, as well as drug availability and even drug tier changes. All of these changes can impact your bottom line costs. Please note that you will

have this information at least 14 days ahead of Open Enrollment in case you want to go “shopping” for a new plan. The Drug Plan has showed its cards- now it is your move! YOUR TURN In many games, the player who plays last has some advantages- in this case it’s knowledge. You have 14 days (Oct. 1-14) plus 7 1/2 weeks (Open Enrollment) to make your move. Options are staying with your current plan for another year or switching to a new plan that better suits your needs. IMPORTANT- there are no barriers to switching plans during the Open Enrollment period (spoiler alert: we can make this pretty easy at the Senior Resource Center). POSSIBLE OPTIONS1. Phone a friend. I offer this first because it might be the first option to discard. Wise guidance about the best drug plan for you is highly dependent on the prescription drugs you take. One size fits all does not apply here.2. Get on the Medicare.gov site and do it yourself. If you are smart and computer savvy this could be a solid option. Some of the clients I see have already spent time on this website and come in to see if I agreed with their results. (Medicare.gov is not a good option for tentative computer users or those without computer access)3. Enlist the help of your insurance agent or pharmacist. Our local professionals do a great job with Medicare clients. They may be willing and able to assist you, but the Open Enrollment period is also a

very busy time for them and it adds to an already very busy workload. Having worked in insurance for 35 years, I know this isn’t an area of specialty in many offices. As a matter of fact, many insurance agents refer their customers to the Senior Resource Center.4. Perhaps the best option for most people is the Senior Resource Center because we are trained and specialize in Medicare Drug Plans on a year-round basis. This year the Senior Resource Center will have 8 trained and certified SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselors available during Open Enrollment. These specialists are specifically trained to know features and nuances of the Medicare.gov site. We also have insights into other programs that might save you money. The Senior Resource Center Open Enrollment goal is to help you make a good decision whether you stay with your current plan or enroll in a new plan for 2017. We will start taking appointments October 3, 2016. Since October 15 is a Saturday,

the first appointments will be in the following week. Our phone number is (815) 235-9777. As an organization, the Senior Center thinks it is wise for you to compare plans every year. If your drug costs are a big part of your budget, or you have been with same plan for many years, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this free service. Make sure to take “your turn” in the Open Enrollment process. Game on!

august 2016 Living 50 Plus | 7

medicareMedicare Open Enrollment – Game On!

RS-FJS00

0160

115_

V3Over 48 years ofTravel Experience

FOX-HERITAGETRAVEL SVC, INC.

Diana D. Fox, Ownerfoxheritagetvl@aol.com

TheDifference is Experience.

815-232-7159

Alaska 2017Open For Sale

Ralph NoRmaN Ralph is a volunteer at the senior

Resource Center. he is a retired agency Field Executive of the state Farm

Insurance Companies. his credentials include Casl (Chartered advisor for senior living), Clu (Chartered life underwriter) and ChFC (Chartered

Financial Consultant).

RUTH REINDERS has been a volunteer for 11 years. Her husband died after 64 years of marriage and she started filling in as a volunteer and found that she

really enjoyed it and has volunteered for two days a week ever since.

KAY BROOKS is the Director of Volunteer Resources at FHN, and has worked in this position since 2003. She loves the variety and ability to organize these wonderful individuals into ways that allows more time for clinicians with their patients and staff with their customers. There are both men and women volunteers on the team. If you are interested in being a volunteer, there is an interview process and screening involved, because these are very important jobs. These are the things she looks for in a volunteer:• Intelligent • Self-Motivated• Self-Starter • Selfless • A Doer!

8 | Living 50 Plus august 2016

inspiring local seniors

each month we would like to feature inspiring seniors in the community. if you have a story to tell, about yourself or

about someone you know, please submit it tolinda.conder@journalstandard.com

We welcome any suggestions to improve our 50+ issue.We are trying to highlight the many seniors in our

community, and answer senior specific needs.

if you have a business that you would like to advertise inour august issue of 50+ please get in touch with me at

linda.conder@journalstandard.com

Contact Linda Conder815-232-0117linda.conder@journalstandard.com

FHN Volunteers

BARBARA MERTINS has volunteered for 20 years. She likes helping people and after she retired, she started as a volunteer at FHN where she meets lots of people. She is an escort at the hospital and runs errands. She has formed some great relationships and loves the feeling of accomplishment.

SANDY WEIS retired from Faith United Methodist Church, married and did some traveling, but wanted to give back to the community. She’s been a Hospital volunteer for 12 years, but is a snow bird during the winter. She has made some great friends and feels helping people is very rewarding and keeps her active.

JOHN FOx has volunteered for 9 years. A friend suggested he volunteer when he lived in Florida, which he did, and now he volunteers at FHN. Everyone enjoys working with John and they were all there to tell me what a great guy he is!

JOYCE PENTICOFF has volunteered for 18 years. Retired from Honeywell and Trinity United Methodist, a friend suggested that she volunteer her services. She loves her work and the friends she has made.

ED NELSON is a volunteer from Lanark. After his wife passed away six months ago, he found that he needed to do something to keep busy. He was a counselor at the High School before retiring, and wanted to be around people. He finds his work at FHN very fulfilling and the friendships he is forming are just what he needed.

Have you had that delightful experience when a book has been recommended to you and you read it, love it and want to read everything the author has written? Well, that happened with the book, “Lisette’s List” by Susan Vreeland. “Lisette’s List” takes place in Southeastern France or Provence during the Second World War. Main character Lisette moves with her husband from Paris to a small Provencal town, Roussilion, an area known for mining of paint pigments. Her husband’s

grandfather is ill and elderly and they must care for him. Well, Grandpa used to know acclaimed artists, Cezanne and Pissarro and has many of their paintings in his humble home. The book beautifully presents the area while it introduces one to the famous artists. Russian Jewish artist, Marc Chagall also happens to be hiding nearby in Gordes, a picturesque hill town. If you have or have not been to Provence you’ll enjoy this charming book about landscape, interesting people, art and love. The war is in the background and doesn’t play too big of a part in the book. This book prompted me to do research on the author, Susan Vreeland and seek out other

books of hers She is a retired San Diego English teacher who went to the Louvre in Paris and got interested and inspired to learn more about art and artists. A fiend challenged her to turn a short story into a book. So her first book was written! Vreeland wrote “Girl in Hyacinth Blue” about the Flemish artist, Vermeer, and “The Passion of Artemisia” about female Italian artist, Artemisia Gentileschi. I could not get into either of these books. A book I did enjoy is “Luncheon of the Boating Party” which is about the artist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and his difficulties and process of creating and painting, The

Boatmen’s Lunch. It’s a very important Impressionist painting from 1881 which now hangs in Washington D.C. I am currently reading Vreeland’s “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” about the lead artist in Tiffany’s studio in 19th century New York creating the famous Tiffany colored glass lampshades. The women in his studio designed, selected the glass and constructed the lampshades bringing much fame to Louis Comfort Tiffany. The struggles of the people, women in particular, in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s are incredible. This is a very enjoyable read. “Lisette’s List” is the author’s most recent book. The Freeport Public library has both the book and audio. I highly recommend this to you I certainly look forward to her next effort!

booksaugust 2016 Living 50 Plus | 9

THE RIGHT CARE,RIGHT AT H MESLEEP THERAPYHOME OXYGENMOBILITY

POWER CHAIRS

SCOOTERSRAMPSSTAIR LIFTSBATH SAFETY

RS-FJS000158968_V3

5027 Harrison Ave., Rockford, IL 61108Retail Direct Line: (815) 965-9454 • (815) 227-0202 OR (800) 747-6994

Mon.-Fri.9am-5pm • Sat.9am-1pmwww.integratedhc.com

The Book Lady Judy Barney

10 | Living 50 Plus august 2016

And the Winner Is...Linda Nott There is a sign on my bookshelf that says, “I am not retired, I am a professional Grandmother”. Within that sign is a picture of 3 wonderful grandchildren. Tanner lives in Freeport, Beatrice and Greta in Crystal Lake. When the grandchildren were young, I started “Grandma Camp”.

Every summer they individually come to me for a week and we do “fun stuff ”! I try to think of things that interest them. Tanner loves the outdoors and cars, so we have gone to the Volo Car Museum and Bass Pro Shop, Greta likes theatre, so we went to Orangeville for the Snoopy play; and Bea is interested

in history/science, so we went to the Historical Museum, Discovery Center, and Art Museum. We always go to the Union Dairy. Some of our other activities included fishing trips; shopping; Krape Park; and a trip to Grandpa’s work. They are now 15, 10, and

7 years old. They are writing suggestions for the week and Tanner talks me into letting him drive as he has his permit. We have to work around their busy schedules, but it works. We are making memories….wonderful Grandma Camp Memories!

wild, crazy & fungrandparent

By Melissa EricksonMore Content Now

Not surprisingly, people who write down their retirement plan report feeling more prepared for the future.“Studies have shown that many people stop working at an earlier age than they anticipated. Some due to their own choice and some due to circumstances beyond their control. Those that have a plan will be in better shape when determining how to move forward. Sometimes it’s helpful to plan for the worst and hope for the best,” said Keith

McGurrin, a certified financial planner at T. Rowe Price.Life is unpredictable, and no retirement plays out as expected years earlier.“By planning, we find people tend to continually work toward their goal. Without a plan, you your golden yearsmay find that you’re going in several directions in the short-term and not making any progress toward what you’d like to do long-term. Don’t be surprised if your plan changes over time to adjust to unplanned life events,” McGurrin said.Questions to ask

“People are used to planning for events such as a honeymoon or vacation – where they’ll go, what they’ll do and how much they’ll spend. By nature, we prioritize nearer-term things because they are more tangible and visible. Planning for retirement is a similar process, but even more important than planning for a short-term goal, because retirement will last much longer, potentially 20-30 years,” McGurrin said.Crafting a retirement plan can be done in two steps.“Explore questions such as: Would you like to stay where you live now, or relocate closer to family? How will you spend your time? Hobbies, working, caring for grandchildren? Would you like to travel? Answering these types of questions will give you a great head start on what you’ll need to do,” McGurrin said.“The second step is to inventory how much income you may have in retirement and what all the needs and wants may cost. For example, retirees’ largest cost is typically housing. By determining where you may live and if you plan to downsize to less-expensive housing can help with managing on a fixed income,” he said.If you’re married, consider planning as a couple.“This planning process can

help make sure you’re both on the same page and not making assumptions about each other. You could do a first pass separately, then see how you compare,” McGurrin said.“Lastly, add detail and visualize your plan by imagining how you would spend a day in retirement as you write down your goals,” McGurrin said.‘Time on your side’By creating and writing down a plan, a person is able to create a budget for now versus what they may spend in retirement.“Social Security will play a large part in most retirees’ finances, so one step is to explore what you’ll receive in Social Security income (see Social Security’s site ssa.gov). Some more good news is that people typically need only about 75 percent of the income they were earning before retirement to maintain their lifestyle in retirement,” McGurrin said.For those who haven’t started to plan for retirement, McGurrin said it can actually be a fun exercise of thinking of what you might like to do in the future, and then how you’ll get there, including the financial piece.“The quicker you start planning and saving for retirement the more you’ll have time on your side,” he said.

august 2016 Living 50 Plus | 11

retirement

Housing is available forseniors who qualify underthe federal government’s

Department of Housing andUrban Development (HUD)

guidelines.

RS-FJS00

0160

240

Retirement Spending

12 | Living 50 Plus august 2016

puzzles

aNswERs oN pagE 5