50 Plus Magazine - Oct 2011

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THINGS TO DO 2 HEALTH COLUMN: NINE STEPS TO BETTER BRAIN HEALTH DR. GERALYN CARDUCCI 3 FINANCIAL COLUMN: RETIRING OR CHANGING JOBS? TAKE YOUR 401(K) AND ... ROLL IT RANDALL BEHNKE, FINANCIAL ADVISOR 5 FEATURE STORY: THE MANITALKERS GET PEOPLE TALKING 6-8 ADRC: BOND HELPS DISABLED EARN MORE 10 50 plus! October 2011 | The magazine for active, mature lifestyles

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Seniors; 50 Plus

Transcript of 50 Plus Magazine - Oct 2011

Page 1: 50 Plus Magazine - Oct 2011

THINGS TO DO 2

HEALTH COLUMN:NINE STEPS TO BETTER BRAIN HEALTH DR. GERALYN CARDUCCI 3

FINANCIAL COLUMN:RETIRING OR CHANGINGJOBS? TAKE YOUR 401(K) AND ... ROLL ITRANDALL BEHNKE, FINANCIAL ADVISOR 5

FEATURE STORY:

THE MANITALKERS GET PEOPLE TALKING 6-8

ADRC: BOND HELPS DISABLED EARN MORE 10

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Oral Storytelling Preserves History

THINGS TO DO 2

HEALTH COLUMN:Nine Steps to Better Brain Health Dr. Geralyn Carducci 3

FINANCIAL COLUMN:Retiring or ChangingJobs? Take Your 401(K) and ... Roll ItRandall Behnke, Financial Advisor 5

On the Cover: THE MANITALKERS GET PEOPLE TALKING 6-8John Michael DeBartolo speaks during a meeting of the Manitalkers, Manitowoc’s chapter of Toastmasters International. Read more about the organization and some of its participants.

ADRC: BOND Helps Disabled Earn More 10

Sta� Pat Pankratz, 50 Plus! [email protected]

James Maurer,Advertising Manager [email protected]

50 Plus! is published monthly by the Herald Times Reporter. It also is distributed to select businesses in Manitowoc County.

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OCT. 2HAUNTED BARN, Lincoln Park Zoo, This event is customized for ghouls and goblins 5 and up. Also held Oct. 22 and 28. Fee charged, 5-9 p.m.

OCT. 7MARITIME HISTORY GHOST WALK, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, This is a unique Halloween experience. Hear true Lake Michigan tales with an eerie twist. Not for small children. Also on Oct. 14, 21 and 28. Call for reservations, (920) 684-0218

OCT. 8APPLEFEST, Central Park and J. E. Hamilton Community House, Two Rivers, Enjoy fresh apples, caramel apples, apple pie, other foods, music and entertainment, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (920) 755-2775BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP, Pinecrest Historical Village, Fee charged, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (920) 684-4445

OCT. 9THE ART OF TABLE SETTINGS, Rahr West Art Museum. This annual exhibition of table arrangements created by community members is a treasured icon of thematic displays that brings back memories and offers new decorating ideas. Exhibit runs through Oct. 23. (920) 686-3090

OCT. 10BINGO, Manitowoc County Expo, Fee charged, (920) 683-4378

OCT. 14OKTOBERFEST JA! JA! JA!, Palace of Reif Mills Dinner Event Theatre. Also held Oct. 15, 21-23; Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m., (920) 732-3172

OCT. 15OWLFEST, Woodland Dunes, Two Rivers. Celebrate the fall migration of the saw-whet owl. Banding and release demos, kids activities and hikes. Also animal rescue Wildlife of Wisconsin (WOW) with live birds. Fee charged, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (920) 793-4007, [email protected]

MUSIC OF THE MASTERS, Capitol Civic Centre. The Lakeshore Wind Ensemble presents its opening concert featuring Symphony No. IV “Yellowstone Portraits,” by James Barnes Villanelle, by Paul Dukas, featuring Sadie Cisler, guest French horn soloist. 7:30 p.m., (920) 682-2184

FALL FESTIVAL, Point Beach State Forest, Two Rivers. There will not be any trick-or-treating at this year’s event, (920) 794-7480

OCT. 22HUNGRY FOR HISTORY: MANITOWOC’S MURDER MYSTERY, Manitowoc Heritage Center. Follow the story of the city of Manitowoc’s first murder. A catered meal will follow. Fee charged, 5:30 p.m. (920) 684-4445

AN EVENING WITH LIZ CALLAWAY, Capitol Civic Centre, Tony nominee and Emmy Award winner Liz Callaway is one of the top singer-actresses appearing on Broadway today. Her credits include “Cats” and “Jasmine” in Disney’s “Aladdin.” 7:30 p.m. (920) 683-2184

CRIME PREVENTION DAY, Manitowoc County Expo. Booths from Parks and Recreation Dept., 4-H fingerprinting, Fire Department, drug collection, and many more, hands-on activities, entertainment and all free, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (920) 684-4169

Information from www.manitowoc.info/events.html

THINGS TO DOApplefest in Two Rivers will be held Oct. 8 at Central Park and the J.E. Hamilton Community House. It will include apple products of all sorts, including a bake sale, baking contest, crafts and other attractions. 50 Plus fi le photo

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Nine Steps to Better Brain HealthMany of us work on staying physically healthy. If we are going to live a long, healthy life, we want to stay sharp mentally so we can participate and enjoy it. There are many simple things we can do to keep our brains healthy and sharp.

Even for those at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, keeping an active, healthy brain can help delay the onset as well as slow the decline of dementia such as Alzheimer’s.

Simple things we all can do to keep our brains healthy include:

Take Steps to Prevent a Brain Injury Wear a seatbelt.

Never drive while under the in� uence of alcohol or drugs.

Wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorized vehicle, playing a contact sport, skiing etc.

Avoid falls at home.

While most mild brain injuries do not result in problems, sometimes even mild brain injuries can cause serious, long-lasting problems a� ecting thinking, memory and/or behavior.

See Your Physicain Regularly and Follow His or Her Advice

Maintaining your blood p r e s s u r e , choles te ro l and blood sugar are all i m p o r t a n t . What is good for your heart is good for your brain. High blood pressure increases dementia risk up to 50 percent. Diabetes can a� ect your blood vessels to your brain.

Hearing, vision, medications, chronic conditions and vitamin de� ciencies are all issues that may need to be managed to help your brain function better. The better you take care of yourself, the better your brain function is likely to be. Reviewing your medications at your doctor visits is also important as they can cause side e� ects that may impact memory and brain function.

Exercise and Maintain a Healthy WeightPhysically active adults are more likely to stay mentally active, too. Brain cells need oxygen too. According to two studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that those who engaged in regular physical activity scored higher on tests of attention, recall, and other markers of cognition and showed less decline than more sedentary persons. Physical activity increases blood � ow to your whole body, including your brain. It increases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a growth factor that

makes cells multiply and connect.

A big waist boosts your risk of dementia later in life. Belly fat increases in� ammation and plaque buildup in your

blood vessels, limiting blood � ow to your heart and brain. Aim for a waist less than 35 inches for women and 40 for men. Maintaining a healthy weight helps lower your risk for diabetes, hypertension and stroke, which can all a� ect brain health.

Maintain a Healthy DietA heart-healthy diet may be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Choose low-fat protein such as � sh, lean meat and lean, skinless poultry. Eating a Mediterranean style diet of whole grains, fresh produce, olive oil (in moderation), � sh and nuts cuts the risk for early cognitive decline by 28 percent in one study.

Avoid sugar spikes. Your brain needs a steady level of energy from a good diet of whole foods. Processed foods, sweets and simple carbs cause a spike in blood sugar followed by a rapid decrease in blood sugar levels. Learn about healthy food choices and start making them or keep making them, if you already are.

Dr. Geralyn Carducci is a physician who is board certified in psychiatry. She practices in Manitowoc at Lakeview Psychological Associates, 1020 Maritime Dr.

BETTER BRAIN HEALTH continued on page 4

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Manage StressStress decreases BDNF and kills cells and connections in the hippocampal area in the brain. This area is important to learning and memory. If stressed, meditate, relax, exercise or take a break. Coping skills, problem solving skills and resilience are important to keep stress from having deleterious e� ects on your overall and brain health. If you need professional help, get it.

Challenge Your BrainUsing your brain in challenging, di� erent ways helps keep your brain healthy and wards o� memory loss and makes new neuron connections. Keep your brain � t by doing puzzles, board games, reading, learning a new instrument or language. If you do Soduko then switch to crossword puzzles or reading. You want to do di� erent activities to challenge your brain. Take a di� erent route to work, take up a new hobby or take a class. Learn something new.

Stay Connected Make opportunities to get together with loved ones and friends. This is even more important if you live alone. Social connections protect us from stress and depression and are associated with less dementia and a slower onset and decline of dementia.

A study of over 2,700 American men and women ages 65 and older found that social and productive

activities that did little to help � tness played a role in mortality. Those who were least likely to seek outside social activities — church and travel included — were 20 percent more likely to die from all causes than those who socialized the most. Other studies have suggested that social ties might even ward o� dementia and keep you mentally sharp. Fewer social ties were associated with an increased likelihood of cognitive impairment and higher mortality.

Of course, from time to time, we all may decide to decline social events to manage our lives and our stress. In addition, social disengagement can be a sign of mental decline.

Avoid Alcohol, Drugs and TobaccoAlcohol can shrink brain mass and disrupt brain signaling chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, a� ecting memory and cognitive functions. Alcohol is also a CNS depressant.

Some studies have found a link between smoking and brain cell damage. Marijuana use is also linked to cognitive impairment and memory de� cits.

Get Adequate SleepSleep is necessary to help the brain’s ability to store and recall information. Some experts think sleep inhibits stress hormones. Six hours seems to be the minimum needed. However, some studies have shown college students were better able to learn new skills on eight hours of sleep.

If you are unable to get adequate sleep for more than two weeks see your physician. There could be something medical to address. For instance, sleep apnea can interfere with restful sleep and can have long-term consequences to the lungs and heart.

The bottom line is there is much you can do now to keep your brain healthy in the future.

BETTER BRAIN HEALTH continued from page 3

SUDOKU solution on page 11

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Retiring or Changing Jobs? Take Your 401(k) and ... Roll It Randall Behnke is a fi nancial advisor and president of Integrity Investments & Insurance Management Inc., 3121 Calumet Ave., Manitowoc. Visit www.LiveLifeSecure.com for more information. He can also be reached at (920) 686-8222.

If you’ve decided to retire, lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It’s important to understand your options.

If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily), you’ll be entitled to a distribution of your vested balance. Your vested balance always includes your own contributions (pretax, after-tax, and Roth) and typically any investment earnings on those amounts. It also includes employer contributions (and earnings) that have satis� ed your plan’s vesting schedule.

In general, you must be 100 percent vested in your employer’s contributions after three years of service (cli� vesting), or you must vest gradually, 20 percent per year until you’re fully vested after six years (graded vesting). Plans can have faster vesting schedules, and some even have 100 percent immediate vesting. You’ll also be 100 percent vested once you’ve reached your plan’s normal retirement age.

It’s important for you to understand how your particular plan’s vesting schedule works, because you’ll forfeit any employer contributions that haven’t vested by the time you leave your job. Your summary plan description (SPD) will spell out how the vesting schedule for your particular plan works. If you don’t have one, ask your plan administrator for it. If you’re on the cusp of vesting, it may make sense to wait a bit before leaving, if you have that luxury.

Roll ItWhile this pool of dollars may look attractive, don’t spend it unless you absolutely need to. If you take a distribution you’ll be taxed, at ordinary income tax rates, on the entire value of your account except for any after-tax or Roth 401(k) contributions you’ve made. And, if you’re not yet age 55, an additional 10 percent penalty may apply to the taxable portion of your payout. (Special rules may apply if you receive a lump-sum distribution and you were born before 1936, or if the lump-sum includes employer stock.)

If your vested balance is more than $5,000, you can leave your money in your employer’s plan until you reach normal retirement age. But your employer must also allow you to make a direct rollover to an IRA or to another employer’s 401(k) plan. As the name suggests, in a direct rollover the money passes directly from your 401(k) plan account to the IRA or other plan.

This is preferable to a “60-day rollover,” where you get the check and then roll the money over yourself, because your employer has to withhold 20 percent of the taxable portion of a 60-day rollover. You can still roll over the entire amount of your distribution, but you’ll need to come up with the 20 percent that’s been withheld until you recapture that amount when you � le your income tax return.

401(k) or IRA?Assuming both options are available to you, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. There are strong arguments to be made on both sides. You need to weigh all of the factors, and make a decision based on your own needs and priorities. It’s best to have a professional assist you with this, since the decision you make may have signi� cant consequences — now and in the future.

Reasons To Roll Over To An IRA: You generally have more investment choices with

an IRA than with an employer’s 401(k) plan. You typically may freely move your money around to the various investments o� ered by your IRA trustee, and you may divide up your balance among as many of those investments as you want. By contrast, employer-sponsored plans typically give you a limited menu of investments (usually mutual funds) from which to choose.

You can freely allocate your IRA dollars among di� erent IRA trustees/custodians. There’s no limit

TAKE YOUR 401(k) continued on page 9

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STORY BY TARA MEISSNER50 Plus correspondent

Founded in 2010, the club is a local chapter of the Toastmasters International, which promotes con� dence development through learning and practicing the art of public speaking, according to Manitalkers President Bruce Bitter.

“I speak better to people … I don’t say all the ‘ahs.’ When people say the ‘ahs,’ they don’t sound con� dent. I have con� dence now,” said Leah Sturtz, who has been with the organization for about a year.

Juliet Kosarzycki, a national professional speaker, is a strong proponent of the Toastmasters program and said, “When a person practices speaking, the individual gains con� dence and that shows up in every part of life. That person becomes a better leader in the community, at work, at home, and in one’s own life.”

Speaking from personal experience, she continued, “The world opens up for you when you are willing to use your voice to share your unique message and ideas.”

Sturtz owns a massage therapy business, Take Time Therapeutic Massage, and has found the meetings, held twice monthly, have helped her improve her skills talking with customers.

“In school they teach you to talk to doctors. I’m learning to talk in less technical words to customers,” she said. “It’s going well.”

The Toastmasters have a prescribed method for developing public speaking skills. Each member works through a book giving 10 speeches, each about 5 to 7 minutes in length, in front of the local group. There are consecutive curriculums and contests that further develop the members’ skills.

According to its Web site, “For nearly a century, Toastmasters International has been helping women and men of every background, education level and economic standing develop the competency they need to become e� ective communicators and inspired leaders.”

Debby Erdmann said the group meetings, which begin with a social pot luck dinner followed by the scheduled speakers, are comprised of great,

The Manitalkers Get People Talking

From left, Bruce Bitter, Barbara Bellin, Leah Strutz and Debbie Erdmann get together at a recent Toastmasters meeting in Manitowoc. Submitted

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MANITALKERS continued on page 8

friendly people who have patience for those developing their public speaking skills.

“It feels like a family,” she said.

Erdmann has penned a humorous devotional book, “The Inside Scoop on God,” which is in the hands of an agent who recommended she hone some speaking skills to market the book once it sells. She joined

Manitalkers a year ago.

Bitter � nds the Manitalkers group has helped him in his work in the insurance business.

“I am able to think more quickly on my feet,” he said. “The format teaches communication and leadership skills.”

“It builds the person,” Sturtz added.

Veteran Toastmaster member John Michael DeBartolo has been � nding local chapters of the international group for more than 30 years, starting in Michigan in the 1980s. As he traveled for work, he has participated in Nebraska, Connecticut and di� erent places, he said.

“I � nd it exciting,” he said.

Left to Right: Manitalkers President Bruce BitterDebby ErdmannJuliet Kosarzycki John Michael DeBartolo

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Ironically, DeBartolo describes himself as an introvert, who gets nervous before giving a presentation, regardless of whether it’s a small social group like the Manitalkers or a large group for a work-related training session.

“It drains me,” he said, but, “once I did it, I was hooked.”

DeBartolo describes the Toastmasters as a “safe environment” and a “great place to practice.”

At work, he does human performance presentations and has had audiences up to 1,000 people. He credits

his participation in Toastmasters as helping him be able to deliver these speeches.

“I look at the audience and say, this speech is for you,” he said.

“I love watching the audience,” Sturtz added.

The mission of the Manitalkers club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-con� dence and personal growth.

Newcomers are welcome. Toastmasters meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the � rst and third Wednesdays of each

month. The group is open to all who want to improve

communication and leadership skills. Meetings are

held in the Village Hall, St. Mary’s Felician Village,

1635 S. 21st St.

To learn more about Toastmasters International, go to

www.toastmasters.org, visit Manitalkers Toastmasters

Club on Facebook, or attend a meeting as a guest. Call

(920) 682-5015 for additional information.

MANITALKERS continued from page 7

CROSSWORD: SWEET TOOTHACROSS1. LIVELY DANCE IN 2-4 TIME6. *A MAIN INGREDIENT OF

CUSTARD9. BACK TALK13. SINGLE-CELL PROTOZOAN14. SECOND PERSON

PRONOUN15. *TYPE OF FLOUR USED

IN MANY CAKES AND COOKIES

16. SURFACES OR COATS, V.17. CASH GIVER18. “PLAYED” DURING SCHOOL19. HURRIES21. *CHOCOLATE SQUARE23. TO DO THIS IS HUMAN24. *SOME CANDY BAR

WRAPPERS ARE MADE OF THIS

25. CEILING PROP28. IT GOES UP AND DOWN30. RUN OFF35. FLYING SAUCERS37. *TYPE OF CHOCOLATE39. *THE SWEET IN SWEET

TOOTH40. CHILD’S INANIMATE

FRIEND41. PRESS IT TO ACTIVATE43. HINDU PRINCESS44. RUSSIAN PRISON46. ACTRESS LOLLOBRIGIDA47. LEO OR LIBRA, E.G.48. 7-______50. ARIAL, E.G.

52. OFTEN RUSHED IN TENNIS53. SNOOPY55. ___ GOO DOLLS57. *FINAL COURSE61. *REDUCE TO PURE STATE,

AS IN SUGAR64. FRENCHMAN’S LOVE65. TOP SEED67. BEATS WITH A WHIP69. MEXICAN REVOLUTIONARY70. CONTEND71. SUGGESTIVE OF THE

SUPERNATURAL72. POPULAR SCANDINAVIAN

NAME73. BUGLING ANIMAL74. RUB OUT

DOWN1. BETWEEN GENERATIONS2. WET NURSE3. BULGARIAN MONEY4. LIKE ONE WITH HIGH BMI5. *BAKED CONFECTION6. YOUNG HAWK7. ACQUIRED8. SOUTHERN SOUP9. BEST IN ____10. ALSO SPELLED “EON”11. JAPANESE VODKA12. EYE INFECTION15. GREATER THAN SUM OF

PARTS? PL.20. WEAR AWAY22. RELIEVE FROM

24. ADD VITAMIN D TO MILK, E.G.

25. *A JUDY BLUME CHARACTER

26. STATE OF ENTANGLEMENT27. _____ PROSEQUI29. OPPOSITE OF YIN31. MONGRELS32. ONCE MORE33. DISEASE OFTEN

ASSOCIATED WITH DOGS34. “ALL THE NEWS THAT’S FIT

TO _____”36. MEMBER OF EASTERN

EUROPEAN PEOPLE38. BINGO-LIKE GAME42. WHERE DEER AND

ANTELOPE PLAY45. PLURAL OF GENUS49. NEITHER HERE ___ THERE51. *ENGLISH ______54. ONE OF BEN FRANKLIN’S

INVENTIONS56. OIL TANKER57. LETTERMAN, TO HIS

BUDDIES?58. AFRICAN CHIEFTAIN59. SAME AS SOLOS60. POUT61. SMELL BADLY62. NOVELIST ROBERTS63. ARMOR CHEST PLATE66. ZIP OR ZILCH68. EXAMINE OR WATCH

solution on page 11

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on how many direct, trustee-to-trustee IRA transfers you can do in a year. This gives you � exibility to change trustees often if you are dissatis� ed with investment performance or customer service. It can also allow you to have IRA accounts with more than one institution for added diversi� cation. With an employer’s plan, you can’t move the funds to a di� erent trustee unless you leave your job and roll over the funds.

An IRA may give you more � exibility with distributions. Your distribution options in a 401(k) plan depend on the terms of that particular plan, and your options may be limited. However, with an IRA, the timing and amount of distributions is generally at your discretion (until you reach age 70½ and must start taking required minimum distributions in the case of a traditional IRA).

You can convert your 401(k) plan distribution to a Roth IRA. You’ll have to pay taxes on the amount you roll over (minus any after-tax contributions you’ve made), but any quali� ed distributions from the Roth IRA in the future will be tax-free.

Reasons To Roll Over To Your New Employer’s 401(k) Plan:

Many employer-sponsored plans have loan provisions. If you roll over your retirement funds to a new employer’s plan that permits loans, you may be

able to borrow up to 50 percent of the amount you roll over if you need the money. You can’t borrow from an IRA — you can only access the money in an IRA by taking a distribution, which may be subject to income tax and penalties.

A rollover to your new employer’s 401(k) plan may provide greater creditor protection than a rollover to an IRA. Most 401(k) plans receive unlimited protection from your creditors under federal law. Your creditors (with certain exceptions) cannot attach your plan funds to satisfy any of your debts and obligations, regardless of whether you’ve declared bankruptcy. In contrast, any amounts you roll over to a traditional or Roth IRA are generally protected under federal law only if you declare bankruptcy.

You may be able to postpone required minimum distributions. For IRAs, these distributions must begin by April 1 following the year you reach age 70½. However, if you work past that age and are still participating in your employer’s 401(k) plan, you can delay your � rst distribution from that plan until April 1 following the year of your retirement.

If your distribution includes Roth 401(k) contributions and earnings, you can roll those amounts over to either a Roth IRA or your new employer’s Roth 401(k) plan (if it accepts rollovers). If you roll the funds over to a Roth IRA, the Roth IRA holding period will determine when you can begin receiving tax-free quali� ed distributions from the IRA. So if you’re establishing a Roth IRA for the � rst time, your

Roth 401(k) dollars will be subject to a brand new 5-year holding period.

On the other hand, if you roll the dollars over to your new employer’s Roth 401 (k) plan, your existing 5-year holding period will carry over to the new plan. This may enable you to receive tax-free quali� ed distributions sooner. When evaluating whether to initiate a rollover always be sure to (1) ask about possible surrender charges that may be imposed by your employer plan, or new surrender charges that your IRA may impose, (2) compare investment fees and expenses charged by your IRA (and investment funds) with those charged by your employer plan (if any), and (3) understand any accumulated rights or guarantees that you may be giving up by transferring funds out of your employer plan.

Outstanding LoansIn general, if you have an outstanding plan loan, you’ll need to pay it back, or the outstanding balance will be taxed as if it had been distributed to you in cash. If you can’t pay the loan back before you leave, you’ll still have 60 days to roll over the amount that’s been treated as a distribution to your IRA. Of course, you’ll need to come up with the dollars from other sources.

Securities and investment advice o� ered through Capital Financial Svcs.,Inc. Broker Dealer~Investment Advisor~Member FINRA~SIPC 3121 Calumet Ave. Manitowoc, WI 54220

TAKE YOUR 401(k) continued from page 5

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ADRC: BOND Helps Disabled Earn MoreJUDY RANK | for 50 Plus!

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the beginning of the Bene� t O� set National Demonstration (BOND) project. Wisconsin is one of 10 sites around the country that SSA has asked to test policy changes to encourage workers with disabilities to return to gainful employment. BOND will allow SSDI bene� ciaries to earn more and keep more of their bene� ts than currently possible.

SSA will randomly select SSDI bene� ciaries to participate in the BOND test. SSA will continue to provide Medicare coverage to BOND participants earning over the limit of $12,000 per year. Individual participants can only participate in the BOND for � ve years. The test will run from 2011 until September of 2017.

If you are an SSDI bene� ciary who receives a BOND notice in a letter or a phone call, be sure to contact BOND. If someone in your family or a friend receives a notice or call, encourage that person to respond. You can call toll-free: voice 1-877-726-6309; TTY: 1-877-726-6390.

‘Powerful Tools’The next “Powerful Tools for Caregiving” six-week program is set to start on Friday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 a.m. until noon at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers. This is a program for the family caregiver that teaches techniques to reduce personal stress and improve communication skills that can help the caregiver communicate more e� ectively with medical professionals and family members.

The focus of the program is on the caregiver to help them provide good care for themselves so that they can be a good caregiver. Prior registration is necessary and can be done by contacting the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at (920) 683-4180.

‘Parade of Homes’The public in invited to attend a “Parade of Homes” o� ered by the county’s nursing and rehabilitation centers on Saturday, Oct. 8. The event will be an opportunity to learn about the delivery of long-term care options in the county. You will learn what is available if you run out of money and need care, how one becomes eligible for long-term care resources, and what are the di� erent options in the county. Judy Rank, director of the ADRC, will explain the state’s 2011-13 budget cap on Family Care and IRIS programs and the options it does present.

The “Parade of Homes” will start at 10 a.m. at the Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center with Rank’s presentation. Lynn Seidl Babcock will also be available to talk about the Personal Care Workers (PCW) program as a long-term care option. This will be followed by a presentation on the nursing home’s role as a rehabilitation center and the future rehabilitation centers provide for long-term care. Individuals will then be able to tour the rehabilitation center of most nursing homes in the county from 11:30 to 3 p.m. A bus will provide transportation

from the Health Center to the other facilities.

Medicare EnrollmentA reminder that Medicare Part D annual enrollment begins earlier this year on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 6. It is important that everyone in a Part D plan or advantage plan review their current plan to be sure they are enrolled in the most cost e� ective alternative for 2012. Most plans change either their monthly premium, deductible, co-payment or all three. A visit to the ADRC last year resulted in a Part D enrollee saving $6,000 by doing a review and switching to a di� erent plan.

Nine volunteers have taken training with the bene� t specialist at the ADRC through Medicare to assist with the Part D reviews this year. Appointments should be made for the review. These appointments can be made at the Manitowoc or Two Rivers Senior Centers and at the ADRC. You are asked to bring a listing of your medications, your Medicare card and proof of income if you think you may qualify for assistance in paying for the plan or drugs, or if you are on medications that may put you in the gap during the year so that options can be explored to assist with paying for the medications while in the gap.

Voter IDVoters will be required to have a photo ID beginning with the Spring elections in 2012. This ID can be obtained through the local Wisconsin Deparrtment of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicle Dept (DMV). The DMV is required to provide free ID cards to any U.S. citizen who will be at least 18 years of age on the date of the next election, but you must request that the identi� cation card be provided without charge for the purpose of voting.

Other forms of ID that can be used include a Wisconsin DOT issued driver’s license, an ID card

issued by a U.S. uniformed service, a U.S. passport, a certi� cate of naturalization that was issued not earlier than two years before the election date at which it is being used, an unexpired driving receipt issued by the DOT, an unexpired ID card issued by a Wisconsin accredited university or college that contains date of issuance, signature of student and an expiration date not later than two years after date of issuance.

Individuals with questions about the ID can contact the ADRC at (920) 683-4180.

Judy Rank is executive director of the Manitowoc County Aging and Disability Resource Center.

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Autumn in the Air

APPLESCOOLWEATHERFOLIAGEFOOTBALLFURNACEJACKETLEAVESPUMPKINSRAKINGREDSTORMWINDOWYELLOW

Autumn in the Air

G T P Z T V T F Z W X G F E A

G A N U G X O G K O R L O M Q

V U J X M L A G L L X V O U U

K J A L I P N G Y L R A T B A

X K A A F I K N I E E U B T V

M Y G C K H N I H Y O Y A Y Q

I E D A K M A T N A P P L E S

M S R V A E A P P S Q T L I U

Y D E L W E T E C A N R U F S

E N J V W F R X Y M B F Q S Q

V Z G L A P E P B D S Y B D Z

T B O I Z E D F W Q G G I U K

Y O S I B K L K H D P Z K M T

C S T O R M W I N D O W G N R

X V D E N S K P Q L H G C A V

APPLES

COOLWEATHER

FOLIAGE

FOOTBALL

FURNACE

JACKET

LEAVES

PUMPKINS

RAKING

RED

STORMWINDOW

YELLOW

50 plus! . October 2011 . 11

Page 12: 50 Plus Magazine - Oct 2011

12 . October 2011 . 50 plus!