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Articles by Denise DiStephan
The Vehicle Modifications That Help Seniors Drive Safer Longer
Senior citizens who develop arthritis or stiffness in their neck or joints, or problems with their legs or other physical challenges, can sometimes extend the length of time they can drive safely through vehicle modifications. Installing certain types of rear and side view mirrors or hand controls for the gas and brake pedals are among options that can be considered, says Scott A. Trudeau, PhD, director of practice engagement for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Music Student in Tune with Life at Retirement Community
When Beth Christensen, a 25-year-old pianist pursuing two master’s degrees in music, finishes a piano concert, the applause isn’t from strangers. It’s from her friends. The audience is not packed with college buddies, dorm mates or kids she’s known since junior high. It consists of her new friends and neighbors at Claridge Court, a Lifespace retirement community in Prairie Village, Kansas, just outside Kansas City, that hosts Christensen as a musician-in-residence.
FPA Honoree: ‘Budget is a Dirty Word’ To Some Advisors
Financial planner Virginia Asher’s peers are often shocked when she tells them one of the most important pieces of advice that she gives to her paying and pro bono clients and to financial-literacy students is to have a budget. “In both types of work, I see people who don’t budget. People with money think they don’t have to budget. I’ve had planners even say that to me,” she says, laughing. “They say, ‘Oh, my clients are wealthy. They don’t need a budget. I would never even suggest that.
Adult Day Centers Can Make Aging in Place Possible
CaregivingHealthHighlightsInsuranceLongevityLTC Besides socialization, more than 50% offer healthcare services. Some provide transportation. Adult day centers offer an option to senior citizens who want to stay in their homes, but need additional socialization, emotional support or medical attention during the day. The centers typically operate from the morning until late afternoon or early evening on weekdays and offer a place for seniors to socialize and engage in various activities.
Help LGBTQ Seniors Find Safe Housing
Two online databases in particular may help older LGBTQ clients find senior living that is welcoming and safe. SAGE, which stands for “Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders,” offers tools to help LGBTQ seniors find the best medical care and facilities that have staff trained on better serving them, says Tim R. Johnston, a SAGE care trainer.
Getting From $0 to $100 Million In AUM
Mindy McCubbin, founder of Truman Wealth Advisors, grew her assets under management from zero to $100 million in less than five years by focusing on finding new clients, hiring staff and delegating all but the tasks she excels at most. McCubbin, CFP, ChFC, also uses newsletters and social media to engage her current and potential client base on a variety of topics.
The Secrets to Avoiding Post-Retirement Loneliness
HealthHighlightsLongevityWork Life An “epidemic” of loneliness is impacting physical and mental health, warns the U.S. Surgeon General In 1966, The Beatles asked us two questions that haunt us to this day. “Ah, look at all the lonely people,” they sang plaintively in “Eleanor Rigby.” “Where do they all come from? Where do they all belong?” Humanity still has no simple answers to the questions in the song written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
How Exercise Benefits Parkinson’s Patients
Exercises custom tailored for Parkinson’s patients are benefitting them physically, mentally and emotionally, according to experts in the field. “Evidence is really mounting that exercise is helping Parkinson’s patients,” says Pritha Ghosh, a physician, neurologist, volunteer chairperson of the Medical Advisory Board of The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA) and a PFNCA board member.
Occupational Therapy Can Help Seniors Age in Place
Occupational therapy should be used a lot more often to empower senior citizens to more fully participate in and enjoy their lives, according to an industry organization promoting Occupational Therapy Month, celebrated each April. Healthcare professionals supervising treatment of senior citizens who could benefit from occupational therapy sometimes fail to include it in a healthcare plan, according to Varleisha D.
Munnell: Raising Social Security Age to 70 is Unwarranted
A Congressional proposal to raise the minimum eligibility age to 70 to start collecting full Social Security payments would be an unfair and unwarranted benefits cut, says a national expert on retirement benefits. “I don’t want to see benefits cut and increasing the age to 70 is a benefits cut,” says Alicia H. Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College and the Peter F. Drucker Professor of Management Sciences at Boston College’s School of Management.
7 easy ways to save on takeout
Going out to eat is expensive — and while ordering in may seem like a more affordable — and convenient — alternative, the costs can really add up, especially if you get takeout often. But, some easy ordering hacks can save you some extra cash in the long run. Here are seven tips that take a bite out of takeout costs. 1.
What to do with damaged cash
Since most of us don’t have money to burn, it’s good to know that charred, mutilated or even chemically altered cash can often be redeemed at full value by the federal government. If the damage is minor, try spending it or getting it exchanged at a bank. Failing that, file a claim with the U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing to get it replaced. It’s a free service, but will take three to 36 months. Don't let your friends miss the Money Gossip. Refer them to our Easy Money newsletter.
The big list of free services you can get from health insurance
Most health insurance plans offer free, preventive wellness visits, screenings, counseling and other services through in-network providers. The Affordable Care Act mandates that private individual and group health insurance plans provide certain preventive coverage. Most cover blood pressure and breast cancer screenings, mammography, immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (including flu shots) and wellness visits.
A Long Journey: Forgotten Korean War Vet’s Sad End Featured in Film
A Long Journey: Forgotten Korean War Vet’s Sad End Featured in Film July 10, 2019 By Rick Geffken Holmdel filmmaker and director Tom Phillips, right, and director of photography Brian Sarkinen prepared to film a story about a Korean War vet at the Hazlet VFW Hall. Photo by Rick Geffken After an evening of drink and camaraderie at the Hazlet Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hall in February 1978, Donald Sutton decided he’d walk to his girlfriend’s house nearby.
How to rent your house for the summer in 8 steps
Going away this summer? One of the best (and easiest) ways to earn passive income while you’re gone is to rent out your home for the summer. Renting out your house seasonally can be lucrative, but first you have to do your research and learn how to best advertise, price and prepare. Here’s how. 1. Big Brother (or at least the neighbors) could be watching Research all local and state regulations regarding short-term leasing.
How to say no to a wedding invitation
It arrives innocently enough in the mail. Then you notice the heavy envelope, the calligraphy and, upon opening, the multi-colored confetti wafting to the floor screaming, “I will not be ignored.” You only wish you could. It’s an invitation to a wedding you don’t wish to attend because: You don’t feel close to either of the betrotheds; you have other priorities for spending your money rather than a wedding; it’s too far away; you don’t like weddings … the list goes on.
Monmouth Beach Tanks Balloon Releases
By Denise DiStephan Monmouth Beach is the latest municipality to ban the release of helium-filled balloons, a threat to the environment and marine and wildlife. MONMOUTH BEACH – The borough just took the air out of a common source of pollution that can kill creatures on land and sea. The mayor and two commissioners voted Tuesday night to adopt an ordinance to ban the release of helium-filled balloons. The ordinance had passed on first reading at the Feb.
Music, Crafts and More to Delight Families
Raku vessel B. Venanzini of B&C Ceramics is just a sample of the wares available at the Monmouth County Park System’s Creative Arts & Music Festival May 4. Courtesy MCPS By Mary Ann Bourbeau MIDDLETOWN – Dozens of fine artists, artisans and musicians will descend on Thompson Park in the Lincroft section of town Saturday, May 4 for the Creative Arts & Music Festival.
Grocery store reward programs that are actually worth it
While it’s typically less expensive to go grocery shopping over eating out for every meal, it isn’t cheap, especially if you are buying for more than one. Besides using coupons, it pays to check out the rewards programs at your favorite grocery stores for more savings. Here’s a list of some of the grocery reward programs that are actually worth your time.
‘Vietnam Aftermath’: Holmdel Filmmaker Explores PTSD in Aging Veterans
Holmdel filmmaker Tom Phillips spent almost two years editing and producing “Vietnam Aftermath,” his look at several local veterans and their struggles with PTSD. Courtesy Tom Phillips By Rick Geffken A new film about the hidden effects of a war most Americans would like to forget is garnering a host of awards in film festivals around the world.
Inadequate Fire Coverage in Southern Holmdel
Inadequate Fire Coverage in Southern Holmdel March 6, 2019 Opinion contributed by Regina Criscione, Holmdel Southern Holmdel has experienced its fourth major fire since 2014 when the Holmdel Township Committee abruptly disbanded Fire Company #1 and closed its firehouse on Main Street. The Township claimed it had decreased response times by adding two firehouses and round-the-clock coverage. But this never happened. The new firehouse on Crawfords Corner Road was often unmanned.
Local Activist Urges Women to Be ‘Fearless’ to Achieve Equality
Gilda Rogers greets guests after her talk on Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Lincroft. Photo by Denise DiStephan By Denise DiStephan LINCROFT – When Gilda Rogers spoke at a local church about how women’s rights activists inspired her, she made it clear why it matters to women’s continuing struggles today.
Henry Hudson Trail to Extend Into Downtown Freehold
The Henry Hudson trail and its southern extension stretches from Highlands to Freehold. Image courtesy Monmouth County Parks System By Chris Rotolo | crotolo@tworivertimes.com FREEHOLD – It could soon be possible for bikers and hikers to travel along the Henry Hudson Trail right up to the county’s landmark Hall of Records, in the heart of Freehold. At a Jan.
Hartshorne Woods Park To Expand
By Chris Rotolo The Monmouth County Park System announced the purchase of more than 14 acres of Henry Hudson Regional High School property for additions to Hartshorne Woods Park and the construction of a walking trail that will connect the historic Battery Lewis with the Twin Lights Museum.
Get One, Give One: Christmas Tree Farm Supplies Holiday Cheer for Troops
By Chris Rotolo Fir Farm owners Bob and Mickey Clark and community volunteer Trish Walsh collected nearly 200 Balsam firs for the Trees for Troops program, an initiative that distributes publicly donated Christmas trees to troops and their families stationed at domestic military bases and around the world.
Art Created by Survivors of Domestic Violence Adds New Exhibit Locations in Monmouth County
RED BANK– Art created by women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, with the guidance of Middletown-based art therapists, will soon be on display at two Brookdale Community College campuses. The artwork, created at the Amanda’s Easel Creative Arts therapy program, will be on display at Brookdale’s Hazlet site from Dec. 3-13 and at the college’s Wall location from Jan. 22- Feb. 1, according to Cindi Westendorf, Amanda’s Easel program coordinator.
Be Wary of Holiday Scams, Officials Warn
Georgian Court University Director of Security, Thomas Zambrano, led a Nov. 28 seminar at the Colts Neck Library about senior citizen safety, including how to avoid holiday scams. Photo by Chris Rotolo By Chris Rotolo | COLTS NECK – This time of year brings out the best in people. And sometimes the worst. At a presentation at the public library Wednesday, security expert Thomas Zambrano advised a group of 15 seniors how to recognize and defend against holiday scams.
Hit the Lights, It’s Holiday Time
Magic of Lights at the PNC Bank Arts Center features 1 mile of sparkling light displays and animations for drivers and passengers looking to celebrate the season. By Mary Ann Bourbeau | HOLMDEL – Pack up the family and head on over to PNC Arts Center for the Magic of Lights display, where admission is charged by the carload.
Bayshore Flood Control Project Progressing in Port Monmouth
One major aspect of the Port Monmouth Flood Control Project is a retaining wall with a mechanized road closure gate at the entrance to the Monmouth Cove Marina designed to seal and contain storm surge waters and establish a barrier between potentially dangerous areas and residential traffic.
Colts Neck Family Reheats ‘The Crockpot Cook-off’
So Dowd dragged out her giant tub of outlet extenders and boosters and started planning. Over the years she’s blown so many fuses she’s lost count. This year’s party almost didn’t happen thanks to a faulty GFI on the back patio where she sets up all the tables and less than stellar weather. “Every year I set up tents,” said Dowd, “and every year the weather was beautiful. This year I didn’t bother and it was threatening rain all day.” But that certainly didn’t dampen the fun.
Woods Hollow Race: Over The Hills, Through The Woods
This slideshow requires JavaScript. By Chris Rotolo | MIDDLETOWN – For 11 years straight, Bob Kennelly has been the fastest mountain bike rider to cross the open fields, trails and woodlands of Tatum Park, finishing first at the annual Woods Hollow Mountain Bike Race. But on Saturday, his winning streak was broken. This past year had been a hard one, Kennelly explained, straining him both physically and mentally, and regular riding had to take a back seat.
In Survey, Residents Want Parks to Preserve Open Space
Like Bing Crosby sang, Monmouth County residents want “land, lots of land” in their county parks, along with preservation of forests, historic sites and landscapes. Those were among the strongest sentiments expressed in a county parks survey last year, where respondents made it clear they want open land staying that way, want more acquired, and they prefer their park trails unpaved, thank you very much. The results of the survey were recently summarized in a county park newsletter.
Voter Registration Up Slightly in Monmouth County
The number of Monmouth County residents who have registered to vote during the past year, compared to the number who registered a year earlier, is up slightly, with that increase reflected in 13 municipalities in northern Monmouth covered by The Two River Times. Between Nov. 1, 2016 and Nov. 1, 2017, there were 23,263 Monmouth County residents registered to vote; between Nov. 1, 2017 and Oct.
‘Living Shoreline’ Replaces Bulkhead on River’s Edge
The three Lee children grew up in the 1960s and ’70s in a house overlooking the Navesink River just east of Riverview Hospital. “When we were very young we would see mossbunker fish runs and snappers, egrets, cormorants and ducks,” Nancy Lee said. “We very much appreciated nature and how beautiful it was. “That experience was formative for all of us,” she added. “We were near the ocean. We loved boat rides. We fished, sailed, skied.” As they grew older, though, they noticed changes in the river.
Weekend Nor’easter Pummels Two River Area
Some low lying locations in the Two River area saw some of their worst flooding since Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Irene during last weekend’s nor’easter, and heavy sea conditions claimed the life of a man off the coast of Sandy Hook. On Sunday the Coast Guard announced that it had suspended its search for a man who tumbled overboard from a container ship near Sandy Hook Saturday.
It’s Deer Hunting Season In Some County Parks
It’s deer hunting season in New Jersey and that means there will be some hopeful hunters staking out spots in certain wooded Monmouth County parks in Holmdel, Middletown and Colts Neck during permitted hours. Since Oct. 1, bowhunters have been permitted to hunt in Tatum Park in Middletown and Holmdel Park’s Ramanessin section. Starting in November, bowhunting is allowed at Holmdel Park’s North section on six scheduled mornings, while the park is closed to the public. Beginning Dec.
Freeholder Hopefuls Meet at Forum
Monmouth County freeholder candidates running for two available seats expressed views on taxes and shared services at a forum Oct. 24 at the county library in Manalapan. In the Nov. 6 general election there are four candidates running for one, three-year seat on the Board of Freeholders, which is currently all Republican. John P. Curley, who was elected as a Republican but is now running as an independent, is the only incumbent running for the full term. Democrat Amber Gesslein, Republican Susan M.
Handlin Forgoing Re-election Run To Pursue New Career Venues
Amy Handlin, a Republican who was reelected to her District 13 Assembly seat in 2017, is not running for re-election in 2019 when her two-year term expires. Handlin, 62, who has represented the northern Monmouth County district since 2006, retired from her teaching position at Monmouth University at the end of the spring semester and decided, after 30 years in politics, that it was also time to retire from the public sector to have more time for family, travel and new career interests.
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