Silver - Jamestown | Post-Journal

Silver
A 55+ Magazine For
WNY and Northern PA
JULY 2012
VOLUME VII ISSUE VII
THE BRASS RING OF AGING
plus
THE NEVER ENDING SAGA OF ROCKY
THE LOST ART OF SPELLING
DON’T INVEST TOO HEAVILY IN COMPANY STOCK
FREE

contents
Silver
JULY 2012 • Vol VII Issue VII
SILVER
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9
11
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FROM OUT OF THE WEST
“The Never Ending Saga of Rocky”
WATERPROOF HEARING AIDS ALLOW
AMERICANS TO GET OUT AND PLAY
DON’T INVEST TOO HEAVILY
IN COMPANY STOCK
FIVE MONEY-SAVING TIPS FOR
BOOMERS AND SENIORS
“Easy Ways to Reduce Costs Without
Sacrificing Quality of Life”
THE LOST ART OF SPELLING
A generation that has lost its need for spelling.
DISABILITY RISK
“How Boomers Can Prepare Financially”
THE BRASS RING OF AGING
A life broken down by decades.
RID THE PANTRY OF
UNHEALTHY TEMPTATIONS
Things to cut out to help shed pounds.
JUNE 2012 3

intro
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Debra Brunner
716. 487.1111 ext 222
dbrunner@post-journal.com
EDITOR
Kirsten Johnson
716.487.1111 ext 295
kjohnson@post-journal.com
ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER
Heather Felton
716. 487.1111 ext 305
hfelton@post-journal.com
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CALL
Jamestown Office 716.487.1111 ext. 222
Warren, PA Office 814.723.8200 ext. 612
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FROM THE EDITOR:
Healthy living seems so much easier when it’s warm out. It’s easier to get outside to
exercise, there are an abundance of fruits and vegetables readily available and the
Vitamin D is finally being soaked into our skin once again! The one drawback
might be that the ice cream shops are open again. We can walk to one from our
house. It’s not good.
Seriously though the snack situation tends to bring us down around the Johnson
house. We are healthy meal eaters and include our several helpings of fruits and
veggies each day but we LOVE cookies, chips and ice cream!! According to one of
our articles this month, “Rid the Pantry of Unhealthy Temptations,” the best idea is
to keep the temptations out of sight.
For each of us, overweight or not, healthy eating and living does not include
overindulgence. It’s so hard to not scoop myself a bowl of ice cream every time I
open the freezer because I enjoy it that much. I honestly use the excuse of going for
a walk to sneak in a trip for ice cream. Talk about counterproductive!
We all have our weakness in this area. It might be chocolate or alcohol or even
excessive carbohydrates. Summer is the perfect time to take back control of our
unhealthy cravings by being outdoors and avoiding the snack cabinet or grabbing
some fruit to go!
15 West Second Street Jamestown, NY 14701
716.487.1111
www.post-journal.com
As you read this article, I hope you find its suggestions for helping maintain a
healthy outlook on the temptations in our pantries useful and affective. I know they
challenged me a bit and I have already put a few into practice.
Have a happy and healthy summer!
Kirsten L. Johnson
Editor
4 SILVER

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FROM OUT OF
THE WEST
“THE NEVER ENDING
SAGA OF ROCKY”
my wife and I chose to live in the country. With
it comes many great pleasures and treasures. Quiet days.
Little traffic. Beautiful sunsets and the sound of birds during
the nice seasons and the hoot of owls in the winter
evenings. A serendipitous at-one-ment with nature.
Then there is Rocky.
I can’t say for sure if I am writing about just one Rocky or
his descendents. I’m not even sure if it’s Rocky or Raquel,
I just know that my little friend and I have had an ongoing
relationship that spans now over 11 years. Let’s presume
that it’s Rocky.
The story begins around May of 2001. We had our wonderful
German exchange student, Juli, living with us at
the time. Like all of our children, she had a curfew to be
mindful of. On this particular evening Barb and I were
laying in bed with one ear listening for the door to open
and close as all parents do until their children are home
from a date or outing. I remember hearing Juli come in
and the usual sounds of someone getting ready for bed.
Shortly after that there was a period of silence. All kids
home and accounted for. Then there was a bit of rustling.
By DOC HAMELS
CONSULTANT, RIPLEY, NY
A noise that was blurred due to my sudden onset of slumber.
I figured it was Juli maybe getting a snack or a drink
of ice water. She loved our fridge with the ice maker. They
are not common in Germany.
The sounds seemed to change and I heard what sounded
like something hitting against glass. We have a big
apothecary glass jar and it was always filled with candy or
snack on the kitchen counters. “Juli must be getting a
snack.” Back to sleep.
Then a crash of sorts. Barb looks at me and I thought I
better investigate. No Juli in sight. Dog barking like
crazy. I half groggily look toward the kitchen area and
there is Rocky. His expression was “Huh?!?!?” and my
thoughts were “I must be seeing things!” In our kitchen
sink sat a full grown raccoon looking at me as if to say,
“What’s up, Doc?” He had popped the screen out of our
kitchen window and entered our house! Fortunately, he
got the message from my body language and decided to
make a slow but deliberate exit. So the start of a beautiful
relationship, Rocky.
The crash was the screen hitting the floor. The glass sound
continued on page 6
JUNE 2012 5

FROM OUT OF THE WEST
silvercontinued
was Rocky trying to flip the rather large and heavy lid to
the jar to get to the snacks. Somehow he had scaled the
vinyl siding and managed to beat the screen in. The dog
was in a frantic and ready to go to war and the whole
household was in an uproar. After assessing the situation no
harm was done and I went about putting things right. As I
put the screen back I looked out the window. He was down
on the ground with his associate in crime. They looked like
Abbott and Costello. One long and thin and the other
short and stout! Of course, I had to make a manly yell
which did little or nothing to deter them from their present
location.
I closed the window to about 3” wide. No way Rocky
would be back. Off to bed everyone and back to pleasant
dreamland. About 20 minutes later, I heard, you guessed
it, another clamor. “What
the @#@#$^(**?”
This time I spared nothing
and I was out the bedroom
door and flicked on
the light.
There in the kitchen was
Rocky looking a bit
embarrassed. This time he
wasn’t after the cookie jar.
He had a full sized banana
in his mouth going horizontally.
Dog going crazy.
Barb concerned and worried
about a rabid wild
animal in the house and 3
teenagers lumbering into the room to see what the commotion
was about this time! I, armed with a broom, was prepared
to help Rocky out the window. But there was a bit of
a problem. Somehow he had squeezed through the 3”
opening. Upon his attempt for a speedy exit he couldn’t
leave with the banana in his mouth. Tried as he might, we
had a bit of a standoff. Rocky banging into the window
with his yellow bounty; and I standing there trying to figure
out how I would extricate Rocky if he decided to head
into the house for an alternative escape route.
At last with verbal support from me, Rocky dropped the
banana and exited for a second time. What do you do with a
banana with raccoon drool on it? Nothing! I pitched it into
the woods for him to eat later. This time I CLOSED the
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window completely shut. A flea couldn’t get through now.
No, the story doesn’t end. Back to bed once again and
feeling the adrenalin subsiding, I tried to get back to
sleep. Off our bedroom is a deck with the usual sliding
glass door. It was a warm balmy night and the door was
open and screen allowing the evening breeze in. Twenty
minutes later or so, I hear the pitter patter of little claws.
I must be dreaming…I sat up and looked out the screen
door. There is Rocky and his sidekick pawing at the
screen trying to get to that banana again!!! I closed up
the whole house, put on the ceiling fans and that was the
end of that night’s diversion.
As the weeks went by we secured the windows before going
to bed. No more late night visits. But then there was a
noise. Good lord, Rocky was
on top of our bird feeder which
hangs from a pole near our
dining room window. There
was Rocky knocking out the
bird seed down to his chubbiness
below. After about 6
makeovers I finally arranged
the bird feeder so that it hung
over the water garden and that
was the last time I saw Rocky
eye to eye.
Fast forward to May 2012. We
now are empty nesters with a
new dog. Crrrr-ash. Pottery
breaking, things falling to the
floor. It must be the wind blowing something off the window
sill. This time I move a little slower. Max is half asleep
and indicates no alarm. Barb reports that a pot had fallen
off the window sill and a small dish had been damaged. I
look at the window. “What’s wrong with this scene?” The
screen was gone. We automatically looked on the floor.
There it was. Rocky’s returned!
Yes, there were bananas hanging by the open window.
When will those people ever learn… ■
Dr. John Hamels is a familiar face in Chautauqua County. He is a well known
educator, having been a Special Education Teacher, Training Specialist, Principal
and now a retired School Superintendent. He has a wide range of interests,
serves on a variety of boards of directors in the region, consults and presents as an
Adjunct at JCC. He may be contacted at hamels@fairpoint.net.

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WATERPROOF HEARING
AIDS ALLOW AMERICANS
TO GET OUT AND PLAY
not too long ago Susan Kladitis felt like quitting life.
Kladitis is not alone.
The young grandmother and native of the Florida gulf
coast is an avid kayaker and boater. Kladitis lives for
the time she spends on the water with her family. But
her old hearing aids placed far too many limitations on
her lifestyle.
"My hearing got so bad that when I would go out and
socialize, I couldn't understand what people were saying to
me," Kladitis says. "I didn't know how to respond. My kids
got tired of me asking them to repeat themselves. I got
tired of worrying about water damage to my old hearing
aids while boating or kayaking. I just wanted to give up
and stay home all the time."
Hearing loss is viewed as one of the most overlooked
health concerns in America, affecting more than 34 million
people in the USA, most of whom are below retirement
age.
Today, nearly 10 million Americans wear hearing aids.
One in six of those Americans - almost 1.6 million people -
restrict their daily activities because of the limitations of
their hearing devices, according to a June 2011 survey
conducted by Applied Research.
The survey reveals that hearing aids are a key factor in
continued on page 8
JUNE 2012 7

WATERPROOF HEARING AIDS
silver continued
choosing not to participate in everyday activities, like water
aerobics, swimming, woodworking and jogging. Even a
rainy day can change a hearing aid wearer's daily living,
with 29 percent of survey respondents stating that
inclement weather affects their daily decisions and use of
hearing aids.
"Modern hearing aids can greatly improve the quality of life
for a wearer," says Dr. Eric Branda, senior manager of product
management for Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.
"However, quality of life means so much more than basic
sensory capabilities. Americans today desire an active, onthe-go
lifestyle-regardless of age. Unfortunately, the world
around us imposes many restrictions on hearing aid wearers.
The main culprits are moisture and dust.
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"Refraining from activities you love because your hearing
aids aren't waterproof or dustproof isn't merely an inconvenience,"
Branda adds. "This altered lifestyle can have much
deeper consequences leading to social isolation, increased
anger, anxiety, cognitive decline and depression. According
to the Better Hearing Institute, adults suffering from hearing
loss may even face a greater risk of heart disease, dementia
and Alzheimer's disease."
More than 63 percent of adults - nearly two out of three - in
the United States will contend with significant hearing loss
by the time they're 70 years of age, a recent study in the
Journals of Gerontology reports. With the first of 78 million
baby boomers reaching their mid-60s this year, there
may be more Americans facing these life-altering, serious
health risks than ever.
"With the baby boomer generation growing older, there is
mounting concern from consumers and professionals alike
about how modern hearing aids can keep up with today's
active lifestyles," says Dean Easterwood, hearing aid specialist
for Ears 2 Hear. "Within the hearing care industry,
there's even more of a focus now on how hearing instruments
can help promote better, healthier living overall. It's
become far more than just treating hearing loss."
During the past decade, hearing aid manufacturers have
recognized the apparent need for more robust solutions and
have introduced water-resistant hearing instruments to the
market. Moving beyond just water resistance, the most
recent development in hearing aid technology is a completely
waterproof and dust proof hearing aid.
Kladitis enjoys the benefits of the hearing industry's innovations
with her recent purchase of Aquaris, the first digital
waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant hearing instrument
from Siemens.
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"The moment I put on my new Aquaris hearing aids, life
around me felt more complete," Kladitis says. "I now enjoy
kayaking, swimming and boating without worry. I'm able
to soak in the nature around me and every little moment
spent with my family. I now even get to join in on the
impromptu water fights with my grandkids."
Sweat, dirt and dust can make it difficult for traditional
hearing aid wearers to enjoy daily activities, like gardening,
woodworking, swimming, biking, hiking and team sports.
But with waterproof, dustproof and shock resistant capabilities
in place, today's modern hearing aids can keep pace with
active America - and the millions of Americans with hearing
loss are much closer to living the seamless, active lifestyles
they desire. ■
Courtesy of ARAcontent

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DON’T INVEST TOO HEAVILY
IN COMPANY STOCK
enron Corporation’s bankruptcy focused the country’s
attention on the peril of investing too heavily in company
stock. Approximately 58% of Enron employees’
401(k) assets were invested in Enron stock when it plunged
almost 99% nearly eleven years ago. Surprisingly, employees
at many companies still maintain large positions in
company stock.
Recently, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(FINRA) issued an Investor Alert, titled “Putting Too
Much Stock in Your Company – A 401(k) Problem.”
FINRA issued the Alert out of concern that many people
are concentrating too much of their retirement savings in a
single security. Of particular concern to FINRA are
employees who have all or most of their 401(k) assets in
their employer’s stock. The Alert can be found on FINRA’s
website at www.finra.org.
Currently, there are no restrictions on the percentage of
assets that can be held in company stock within a 401(k)
plan account. Therefore, an employee, if he or she chooses,
can invest up to 100% of his or her 401(k) plan account
balance in company stock. Also, employer-matched 401(k)
plan contributions often come in the form of company
stock, further increasing the employee’s concentration in
company stock.
By MICHAEL B. ENGDAHL
JD, CFP®
According to FINRA, a recent study found that almost
seven percent of employees, who have an opportunity to
invest in company stock, have more than 80% of their
401(k) plan account assets invested in company stock. The
same study found that almost 15% of employees in their
sixties, who have an opportunity to invest in company
stock, have more than 50% of their 401(k) plan account
assets invested in company stock.
A portfolio is under-diversified if the portfolio has an overly
concentrated position in a particular investment. Underdiversification
exposes an investor to significant risk and
can cause the portfolio’s value to decline significantly if the
value of the security creating the overly concentrated position
plummets.
According to the Alert, “the general consensus among
financial experts is that an adequately diversified portfolio
should have no more than 10 to 20 percent of the total
investments in company stock.” Holding more than 10 to
20 percent of one’s portfolio in company stock may expose
an investor to more risk than he or she should bear. ■
Michael B. Engdahl, JD, CFP® is an Assistant Professor of Financial Services
at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a “fee-only” CERTIFIED FINAN-
CIAL PLANNER practitioner, and an attorney with offices in Jamestown.
He can be reached at (716) 485-6913 or mbengdahl@netsync.net.
JUNE 2012 9

Senior Citizen Discount Day
Every Tuesday 5% off all
groceries for customers
62 and over.
10 SILVER
Brevillier Village Housing and Health
Care sits on the shores of Lake Erie on
East Lake Road (Route 5), in
Harborcreek Township just minutes from
the New York/Pennsylvania border.
Brevillier Village Housing and Heathcare is a
multi-level campus:
• Short Term Rehabilitation • Long-term Nursing Care
• Independent Living • Licensed Personal Care
5416 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511
(814) 899-8600
www.brevillier.org
When Quality of Life Matters!

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FIVE MONEY-SAVING TIPS
FOR BOOMERS AND SENIORS
EASY WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS
WITHOUT SACRIFICING QUALITY OF LIFE
many Americans are in the process of reassessing
their spending patterns, and boomers and seniors are no
exception. Seventy-three percent of adults over age 50
started saving more or cutting back on spending last year,
compared to 2010, according to a November 2011 report
by the AARP.
In many cases, the new spirit of frugality is not necessarily
born out of financial necessity, but also out of a desire to
simplify life, avoid excessive consumption and focus on
what's really important - family, friends and community.
If you're an adult over 50, maybe you're exploring the hidden
treasures of your own region instead of taking exotic
vacations. Maybe you're barbecuing with friends in the
backyard instead of going out to eat. Maybe you're spending
more time playing with your grandkids instead of buying
them the latest electronic gadgets.
In short, you're trying to cut back on spending without sacrificing
quality of life. Here are five tips to help.
Examine recurring expenses. It's easy to overpay for utilities
and other recurring expenses if you don't periodically
review your options and make sure you're getting the best
deal. Many utility companies offer senior discounts, for
example, but you have to ask. Also consider a lower-cost
no-contract cellphone plan. Consumer Cellular, for example,
offers a variety of affordable no-contract voice and data
plans that can be changed without penalty at any time.
You're never locked into a plan that forces you to pay for
more service than you need, and complementary usage
alerts mean you don't have to worry about accidentally
exceeding your maximum allowance. Flexible family plans
where couples and families share minutes can save an additional
$20 to $30 per month.
continued on page 12
JUNE 2012 11

silverFIVE MONEY SAVING TIPS
continued
Increase energy efficiency. Another way to reduce your
bills is by increasing the energy efficiency of your home.
You can unplug battery chargers when not in use, turn off
appliances rather than leaving them in standby mode, use
energy-efficient light bulbs and turn off the lights when
you leave a room. If you're able to invest a little to ensure
longer-term savings - whether through weatherproofing
or upgrading aging appliances - you can schedule an energy
audit to find out how to get the biggest bang for your
home-improvement buck.
Be a smart shopper. If you're not into clipping coupons,
that's OK. There are other ways to save. For example, try
store-brand products rather than automatically reaching
for the brands you've always purchased - in many cases,
you won't be able to tell the difference. Buy in bulk if you
use large quantities of something. Watch for sales on
items you purchase regularly, but don't buy something
just because it's on sale - if you wouldn't have bought it
otherwise, you're not saving money. For bigger-ticket
items, be sure to comparison shop to make sure you're
getting the best price. Websites such as pricegrabber.com
Call Steve Sischo,
Dennis Bechmann
or Tammy Melice at
569-3095 or email
dennis@frewsburgresthome.com
12 SILVER
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Make friends, have fun and go places
with the Frewsburg Rest Home
Visit Our Website at:
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or find us on Facebook
allow you to research numerous retailers without leaving
your home.
Take advantage of free entertainment. Wondering what
to do this weekend? Low-cost, or sometimes free, options
are abundant. Check the events sections of local newspapers
and websites to see what's happening in the area -
festivals, exhibits and other special events are often free,
and high schools and colleges frequently host sporting
events, plays, concerts and lectures that are open to the
public. Libraries are also an excellent source of free entertainment
- you can try out new authors, artists and genres
with no risk by borrowing books, audiobooks, DVDs and
CDs instead of purchasing them. You might even meet
some interesting people while you're out and about in the
community.
Reassess your gift-giving habits. If you've ever found
yourself rushing to the mall to buy a last-minute gift for
a loved one's birthday, chances are you've spent more
than you originally planned, settled for something you
suspected the recipient might end up exchanging, or
avoided the decision by purchasing a safe but impersonal
gift card. However, most of us don't really need more
things. Instead, consider giving your loved ones the gift
of a shared experience. If your grandson loves animals,
take him to the zoo. If your sister is into jazz, take her
out for an evening at a jazz club. Of course, you might
not end up spending less money this way - experiences
come in all price ranges - so do keep your budget in
mind. The point is that instead of wasting money on
something that might just sit in the garage for years,
you'll enjoy a meaningful experience together. And
that's what quality of life is all about. ■
Courtesy of ARAContent
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The Lost Art
of Spelling
about a dozen years ago, the YMCA in Warren
sponsored a “Business to Business Challenge,” in
which local industries and businesses formed teams to
compete against one another in contests such as volleyball,
“frisbee soccer,” swimming, running and other
athletic pursuits. The team coordinators at the hospital
I was working at took one look at my physical condition,
and entered me in the competition
they felt I could handle; the
Spelling Bee. It turned
out to be a lot of fun,
but I lost out to the
eventual champion
when I messed up on
“humidostat.” (If you
must know, I substituted an
“i” for the “o”). My buddy
Johnnyboy never lets me forget
that one.
News stories surface a couple times a year
about an 8 year-old kid winning the national
spelling contest correctly spelling some word with
about twenty syllables, like “cymotrichous.” It's
always a word no one in this country has ever even
seen before, no less spelled. The winning contestant
usually is of an international heritage, so maybe it's a
word they use everyday over there. Maybe something
like “Good morning, would you like cymotrichous in
your coffee?”
Winning a national spelling contest is a tremendous
feat for those youngsters after studying long and hard.
By JOE ULRICH
AUTHOR, SUGAR GROVE, PA
In today's world, it's like finding hen's teeth, because
it appears as if we are producing a generation of
young folk who not only cannot spell correctly, but
don't feel any particular need to do so.
A lot of us graybeards haven't gotten involved with
texting and tweeting, which involves sending electronic
messages Dick Tracy-like on phones or wrist radios
or what have you. Proper spelling is not even a consideration,
and that's OK, I'm seeing. Contractions like
“u” or “lol” are the norm. What would have happened
if we used those terms back in 4th
grade in Mrs. Lockwood's class? Yup, you
guessed it.
I can't just put the blame on
today's young folks. It's
adults, too. And,
right here in our
little part of
the world. For
example, we
live on a road
that begins in
Pennsylvania,
and changes names
when it enters New
York. Our street sign names
are spelled incorrectly at each end. In New York, we
have “Colemen” when it should be “Coleman,” and in
Pennsylvania “Darylmple” when it should be “Dalrymple.”
Maybe I'm too much of a stickler on what
continued on page 14
JUNE 2012 13

THE LOST ART OF SPELLING
silver continued
spelling should be, as
probably no one else
who has traveled our
road hundreds of times
has even noticed. Or
cared. Maybe I need
to get a new hobby.
keep wanting to cause a
scene just to get that
darned apostrophe
removed, but if I do, I'm
afraid they won't let me
back in to make next
week's purchase.
I have a clipping
stashed away that my
brother-in-law, Al,
sent me. It's of a college
scene in New Jersey,
where they erected
a fancy welcome
sign at the entry of the
campus. The sign said
“College of New Jerserey.”
There had to
be some red faces
about that one. I'm
sure you've seen other
such goofs that have
made the news.
It seems that hardly
anyone is despairing
over today's ho-hum
attitude toward spelling
miscues. At last look it
doesn't appear to be an
issue between the
Democrats and Republicans
in this election
year. Maybe in tomorrow's
world correct
spelling won't matter.
Sort of like studying
Latin, or learning how
to use a Slide Rule. Or
taking Calculus (whatever that is, or was).
And don't even get me started about apostrophes.
Whenever I travel down Rt. 27 south of Youngsville, I
have to close my eyes when I pass a big sign on a barn
that says “Vietnam M.I.A.s-Your Not Forgotten.” I
agree strongly with the message, but some night I'm
going to sneak down there with a can of paint and add
an apostrophe after the “u” and an “e” after the “r.”
Another sign that really bothers me is on a store in
Jamestown where I go with some frequency to purchase
libation. The sign reads “Now Open Sunday's.” I
But I hope they continue holding national Spelling
Bees, because it reminds us of a lost art that someone
somewhere still thinks is important. And if you ask me,
the kid who studies hard and wins it deserves national
attention. Even if the papers spell their name wrong. ■
Joe Ulrich is retired, living in Warren County, and has had a book published
in 2004 entitled "The Dust of Angels," a WWII memoir. In addition,
he has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Red
Cross Chapter in Warren County.
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DISABILITY RISK:
HOW BOOMERS CAN
PREPARE FINANCIALLY
most people don't think they'll ever suffer a lifealtering
disability. However, a 20-year-old worker has
about a three in 10 chance of suffering a disability before
reaching retirement age, according to the Social Security
Administration. As people's age increases, so does the likelihood
of a disability forcing them out of the labor market.
The average age of people receiving Social Security disability
benefits is 53.
Whether a severe disability progresses slowly or occurs
suddenly, most people are not financially prepared for a
health crisis that forces them to stop working. The results
can be financially devastating, both to sidelined workers
and their families.
"Many people underestimate the financial severity of a disability,"
says Tricia Blazier, senior disability life planning
specialist for Allsup. Allsup is a nationwide provider of
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation
and Medicare plan selection services.
An important step Blazier advises workers to take while
they are still employed is to consider long-term disability
coverage. These policies generally replace 50 percent or
more of a worker's salary and can coordinate with any
Social Security disability benefits he may receive. Because
the average SSDI monthly income is only $1,111, and can
take two or more years to secure, private long-term disability
insurance can be an important source of income.
However, few employers offer private long-term disability
insurance as an employee benefit, or they ask employees to
pitch in to cover premiums.
Workers who have advance warning of a disability should
take steps immediately to secure their finances. "If you are
diagnosed with a chronic condition that will likely require
you to stop working, you need to start planning for that
day as soon as possible," Blazier says.
Once someone is forced to stop working because of their
disability, there are still things they can do to protect and
manage their immediate and long-term financial situation.
Fast action is required, though.
"You need to focus on conducting immediate and ongoing
continued on page 16
JUNE 2012 15

DISABILITY RISK
silver continued
financial damage control," Blazier says. "This includes having
the mindset that every dollar you spend is a dollar you
can't recoup by working harder or longer because your disability
means you're no longer working."
Among the steps to take quickly when a serious health condition
occurs are:
DEVELOP A FINANCIAL PLAN
Establish a budget, prioritize expenses and identify how to
spend down assets in the least harmful way. For example,
avoid using retirement income, which may trigger tax
penalties, and minimize credit card use to avoid high interest
charges.
CUT COSTS AND IDENTIFY SOURCES OF ASSIS-
TANCE FOR LIVING EXPENSES
People need to cut discretionary spending and look at how
they can reduce costs for necessary expenses, such as food,
housing and health care. For example, many resources are
available nationally and locally to help people, if they know
where to look. This includes neighborhood food pantries,
federal energy assistance, housing programs to help avoid
foreclosure and provide rent assistance, and pharmaceutical
assistance to cover all or part of medication costs. Nonprofit
associations also offer support, such as the National Family
Caregivers Association and condition-specific groups such
as the National Stroke Association. Allsup provides links to
local and national resources on its website.
PURSUE INCOME SOURCES
People with private long-term disability coverage generally
begin receiving benefits three to six months after the onset
of a disability, though this can vary based on the policy.
Additionally, nearly 153 million workers are insured by the
Social Security Disability Insurance program through FICA
taxes they have paid.
"Bankruptcies, foreclosures and other devastating financial
hazards are too common among people with disabilities,"
Blazier says. "To help minimize these hardships, it's important
to apply for SSDI benefits as soon as possible and to
seek representation to help navigate the SSDI process from
the outset."
DON'T LET HEALTH CARE COVERAGE LAPSE
Individuals who don't have coverage through a spouse's
plan may be able to secure COBRA coverage through their
former employer or purchase private insurance. Both are
costly, however, and private plans can still deny coverage to
people with pre-existing conditions. Pre-Existing Condition
Insurance Plans (PCIPs) may be an option. However, a person
needs to have been uninsured for at least six months
before qualifying for a PCIP and these plans can be expensive.
Individuals aren't eligible for Medicare until 24
months after they begin receiving cash SSDI benefits.
"Unfortunately, people with disabilities don't have many
good options for affordable health care coverage while waiting
for Medicare eligibility," Blazier says. "However, to the
extent possible, keeping health care coverage should be a
priority so they can continue to get the medical care they
need."
More information on financial assistance is available at
www.Allsup.com or 800-678-3276. ■
Courtesy of ARAcontent
16 SILVER
Service Locations
31 Sherman St.
207 Foote Ave.
15 South Main St.
PO Box 788
Jamestown, NY 14702-0788
jrpc@windstream.net
Board Certified Radiologists
• Ronald D. Klizek, MD
• Lyndon S. Gritters, MD
• James G. Dahlie, MD
Business Office
333 East Fifth St.
Phone: 716-664-9731
Fax: 716-664-9160
• Brian D. Meagher, MD
• Bruce H. Rockwell, MD
• Dallen B. Ashby, MD
EYE CARE
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATES
P ERSONAL E YE
C ARE Y OU
W ON ’ T F IND
E LSEWHERE .
Too often, preventable or
manageable conditions go
undetected. A yearly eye exam is
key to maintaining good health.
For your convenience,
we accept Medicare, medical assistance
and most insurance plans.
Call Dr. Landy at 726-1104 to
schedule your appointment!
- Conveniently Located -
60 Hatch Run Rd.
(next to Warren Mall)
104510

silver
The Brass
Ring of Aging
the cliché ‘too soon old and too late smart’ rings a bell.
I rode life’s merry go round and caught a brass ring. One
method of writing a memoir is to divide your life into
decades from birth to ages ten, twenty, thirty, and
beyond. My decades are: school days, wanna be, novice,
rush hour, helper and observer.
School days were a mix of fun and fright. I liked school
from the very first day I sat at my desk with a big fat pencil
and my name on a manila strip. Dick and Jane led me
to a lifetime of reading. Recess was time for jumping rope
to ‘Blue belles and cockle shells’. I skipped rope for hours.
To this day I feel like it contributed to a healthy heart.
Penny candy at the corner store on the walk home was a
daily occurrence. The dark side was a kid named Eugene
who tormented me by blocking my way home with his
bicycle. I walked nine blocks four times a day including
the lunch hour. There was no television and no superhero
By PAT WEBDALE
AUTHOR, FREDONIA, NY
to help me. I wish I had a Power Ranger to send that
bully home to his mama. Another energetic boy threw a
piece of coal at me, hitting me in the face and chipping
my front teeth. There was no such thing as an orthodontist
in my world, just a tattling to this boy’s mother.
I became a wanna be. I wanted dates and friends and
clothes. I did fun things in high school. I belonged to a
sorority, marched in a drum core and attended formal
dances. My grades were good because I still liked school.
There were cloudy times of teenage angst that I know my
own kids suffered through and my grandkids are headed
for. There was no such thing as college for girls in my
family. I slept in exactly one day after graduation when
my mom woke me up to go job hunting. I took the first
job offered; a mediocre office position in a department
store. The starting pay was one dollar an hour with 20%
continued on page 18
JUNE 2012 17

18 SILVER
silver
THE BRASS RING OF AGING
continued
off all purchases. I loved coming in the employee entrance to
the quiet empty store and walking through the departments
to admire the interior designs and displays, especially during
the holiday season. I can see that at age seventeen I was still
lacking self confidence and awareness. I realized I was bored
and soon took a position in the downtown office of a Buffalo
bank where I worked until I got married.
The novice. I was a wife. Our honeymoon was a road trip
to California where we planned to settle.
This Western New York
girl was back
home in three
weeks. I cooked
and sewed and
fixed up our apartment.
It was the
‘olden days’. I stayed
home and my husband
went to work. I
soon became a novice
mom. Help. How do
you bathe a new baby?
I loved this new baby
but she was crimping my
lifestyle. A favorite story
is how I sat down to
bacon and eggs cooked by
my husband and this baby
started to howl. I started to
cry. ‘She’s ruining my breakfast’ I bawled. This decade
merged into rush hour and lasted for a quarter of a century.
Six babies, countless trips to the emergency room, three
apartments, and three homes owned. Four dogs, cats, rabbits
and pigs. Three cars, three convertibles, one station
wagon, three boats. A tent, a camper, a trailer. Kids sports
and concerts. I was no longer a novice. Getting older. A bit
smarter.
The helper decade consisted of guiding my children toward
independence. Orthodontist appointments and driving
lessons morphed into college visits and dorm or apartment
furnishing. I helped how and when I could. As parents we
supplied cash, the couch, and the comfort of home when
things got rough for our aspiring adult children. Kids
moved away. Kids came back. Kids earned degrees, hunted
or jobs and moved away permanently. Grandchildren
appeared. My helper role expanded. The baby girl who
ruined my breakfast had a baby boy. ‘Help, how do you
give a baby a bath?’ she asked. Ahem, I will tell you how.
And how to feed and diaper the baby. Past experience
became endless advice. It was mostly welcome, until the
parent had garnered personal experience. I moved from center
ring to side arena. I babysat for parents to get respite or
for parents who had to work. I did laundry
and read stories to help busy parents.
I imitated my own parents and
sister who did so much to help me
raise my children. My own kids grew
into roles of breadwinners, parents
and teachers.
It’s time to move to the back of
the bus. To become the observer.
It is time for my kids to live in
their generation; to raise their
children according to their own
rules. I try to respect the various
lifestyles my kids have
chosen. I believe each human
being follows a unique path,
with accompanying drumbeat.
Life is a series of building
blocks. I am still learning
as I did as a schoolgirl. I am learning from
those who came after me also. It works both ways.
Yet to come is old age. We are pursuing new hobbies and
are blessed with decent health. It takes work to age gracefully.
My mom lived to be ninety two. She was well cared
for by my sister who lived down the street. Ma played the
lottery, did housework and cooked meals until two weeks
before she died. I am grateful for each decade of my own
life. I hold tight to the brass ring in my pocket. ■
Pat Webdale is a freelance writer who lives in Fredonia N.Y. where she raised six
children. She is now known to nine grandchildren as MaPatty. Pat has retired
after twenty years as a payroll clerk at Brooks Memorial. Pat won a Woman’s
Day and American Library Association writing award in 2003. She has had
numerous articles published and has appeared as a public speaker on a range of
issues.
After her daughter Kendra was killed in 1999, Pat and her family were instrumental
in passing an Assisted Outpatient Treatment law in New York State
designed to bring treatment to those who suffer from a mental illness. She is a former
board member of NAMI New York State. Email: themap@netsync.net.

MEDICARE
NOW
Learn about Medicare now.
So you’ll be prepared later.
“A few years ago, I started
looking ahead to retirement.
And I realized I’d better start
getting up to speed on Medicare.”
Randy
Independent Health
Medicare Advantage plan member
If you’re beginning to think about retirement, you have a lot to consider, including Medicare.
Since the decisions you make will affect your future health care coverage, it’s important to start
your research early, so you can make the right choice for you.
That’s why we created WNYMedicare.com,
where you can:
– Watch short, informative videos
– Learn about the different parts of Medicare
– Download or order a complimentary copy
of “Medicare Now: A Step-By-Step Guide”
For more information, call (716) 635-4900 or 1-800-958-4405 (TTY users call 1-888-357-9167),
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
4.5 Medicare Star Rating
for 2012*
A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. *Plan performance summary star ratings are
assessed each year and may change from one year to the next.
Y0042_C2651 File Use 05082012
© 2012 Independent Health Association, Inc.
JUNE 2012 19

The journey for cancer patients
should be to greater health,
not far-away treatment.
20 SILVER
Fighting cancer is tough enough. Gaining access to care shouldn’t be.
Radiation Oncology Group has always believed that modern cancer treatment should be easily accessibl e
to all patients, and not just to those living in larger metro areas. Rural patients deserve the same level of
care that’s available to urban patients, and that’s why we have worked diligently to offer leading r adiation
therapies in The Cancer Center at Brooks Memorial Hospital.
I was glad to know that you were there.
That’s what we often hear from our Dunkirk/Fredonia area patients. And many times, we also hear that “I
wish that I had known that you were there.” Radiation therapy can often require a treatment regiment that’s
as long as 8 to 13 weeks, five days a week. Rather than require patients to travel long, tiring dist ances for
treatment, we’ve brought the care out into the communities where patients live and work.
Is it really the same quality of care as urban areas?
That’s an emphatic yes. Radiation Oncology Group has established the same high standard of care at a ll of
our facilities, regardless of location. All facilities are fully accredited by the American College of Radiation
Oncology. Our physicians, medical physicists and therapists are board-certified, and have been caref ully
selected for their expertise, experience and strong compassion for others.
For more information, Call 363-3940
Visit our website, www.radoncgroup.com
Williamsville • Hamburg • Niagara Falls • Dunkirk
External Beam • IMRT • 3 Conformal • HDR Brachytherapy • MammoSite

N
iagara
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Niagara Village
“Independent Retirement Living”
V illage is one of over 300 H oliday
R etirem ent Senior L iving C om m unities.
O u r goal is to m ake su re every sen ior is livin g
the hap p iest, healthiest, m ost fulfilling lifestyle
p ossible.
L et us help guide you through the process
from d eterm in in g w h ich lifestyle op tion is
right for you or a loved one to discovering
w hat op p ortunities and choices aw ait our
seniors today.
T he associates at N iagara V illage hear, from
our residents all the tim e how they w ish they’d
made the move years earlier. T here is
som ething very sp ecial about life at N iagara it
is u n like an y oth er p lace. It’s w arm , accep tin g
com m unity of neighbors w ho feel like fam ily.
T he devoted staff sees this m ore as a calling
an d n ot a job, p rovid in g u n rivaled service,
com p assion and care to our extended fam ily.
T he team of m anager’s live in the com m unity
and offer trem endous safety and security by
m onitoring the em ergency system s 24/7.
B ecause they live w ithin the com m unity, they
interact w ith the residents day and night and
get to know you p ersonally, including your
routines, likes, dislikes, etc.
T he ap artm ents, dining room s and com m on
areas at N iagara are all designed w ith seniors in
mind. T hey feature easy to m aneuver floor
p lans w ith w ide hallw ays, hand rails, and
strategically p laced furniture to m ake life easier.
O ur chef p rep ared m eals are served three tim es
daily in our restaurant- style dining room . If
our residents w ould like to host a fam ily
gathering or p rivate p arty they are free to
reserve the p rivate dining room .
W e h ave a fu ll calen d ar of even ts, activities,
outings and p lenty of op p ortunity w ith our
senior’s serving seniors p rogram s for our
residents to give back to the com m unity.
O ur one-of-a-kind travel p rogram allow s
residents to exp erience the sam e senior living
lifestyle they receive at their ow n com m unity
at the m ajority of the 300 other H oliday
R etirem ent com m unities across the U nited
S tates and C anada at no additional exp ense.
W hile traveling, residents can stay in a
com fortable guest suite, enjoy the chefp
rep ared m eals at no cost, and p articip ate in all
com m unity activities. W ith H oliday, you’ll
alw ays feel at hom e, w herever you m ay be.
Today’s seniors are all unique and that requires
a flexible, caring com m unity w ho has the
ability to m eet m any needs, this defines w hat
w e do every day at N iagara V illage!
On behalf of our staff and residents,
we warmly welcome you to ...
A Holiday Retirement and Village
It’s time to simplify your life and start living at the fullest now
We simplify your retirement
lifestyle by taking care of cooking,
shopping and cleaning. This leaves
time for you to focus on things that
are truly important to you; new
friends, sharing laughter and a
wide variety of stimulating &
engaging activities.
What sets us apart?
• No buy-in fees or long-lease terms
• Around the clock, live-in managers
• Pets warmly welcomed
• Exceptional cuisine
• Exclusive travel program
• A true sense of community
2380 Village Commons Drive, Erie, PA
www.niagaravillage.net • 814-838-1699
More Than A Holiday...It’s a Way of Life
JUNE 2012 21

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22 SILVER
RID THE PANTRY OF
UNHEALTHY TEMPTATIONS
for many, the pantry is that valued storage spot
housing dry and nonperishable foods ready to create
delicious meals and treats. For some trying to lose
weight and develop healthier habits, however, the
pantry can hold a world of temptation.
Weight Watchers Leader Liz Josefsberg says the pantry
can actually complement your efforts to develop a
healthy lifestyle. She shares her top five pantry pointers
that helped her lose 50 pounds.
1. SHOP WITH A LIST
Plan out all meals and
snacks for the week, so
that your health goals
are always in mind.
And when you're
walking down the
grocery store
aisles, stick to
the list to help
keep temptations
out of your
home.
2. WATCH THE SIGHT LINES
The eye-level pantry space is prime real estate. This is
the area of your pantry where you want to store those
healthy options, such as almonds, whole grain pasta and
canned fruit and veggies without added sugar or oil.
Store more tempting items, like chips and cookies, out
of reach such as on your highest shelf, which you might
even need to climb on a chair to access.
3. STOCK UP ON SINGLE SERVINGS
From pudding and cookies to soups and cereals, buying
foods with a built-in portion control can help prevent
overindulgence.
4. SHOP FOR SHORTCUTS
Time is typically one of the biggest challenges at mealtime,
so stock up on healthy ingredients that can be
used to create quick healthy meals, or even supplement
frozen meals, such as beans, broth, canned vegetables
and whole grain rice and pasta.
5. LOAD UP ON LIQUIDS
Sometimes hunger can be
confused with
thirst, so stock
up on calorie-free
drinks
such as
seltzer
waters, diet
sodas as well
as sugar-free hot
chocolate and cappuccino
with non-fat milk.
The time is always right to establish healthy goals and
form good habits that will benefit the entire family and
set you up for long term success. Remember, successful
weight loss is about moderation, not deprivation. ■
Courtesy of ARAContent

60 Hatch Run Rd, Warren, Pa • (Next To Warren Mall)
(814) 723-4401 • (800) 475-9192
Accepting Most Insurance • Financing Available