December 2016 | Vol

Nicholas Gage Acclaimed author

calls Central MA home PHOTO/ANDY WEIGL/WEIGL PHOTOGRAPHY page 4

Author Nicholas Gage in his North Grafton writing studio.

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&ŽƌDŽƌĞ/ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶŽŶƚĂĐƚdƌĂĐĞǇ<ŝŶŐĂƚϱϬϴ-ϴϲϴ-Ϭϵϲϳ www.goddardhomestead.orgǁǁǁ͘ŐŽĚĚĂƌĚŚŽŵĞƐƚĞĂĚ͘ŽƌŐ • Worcester MA 2 • ﬁ f t y plus advocate + December 2016 + www.ﬁ ftyplusadvocate.com AARP offers Tax-Aide program

By Mike Festa, State Director and deductions they’ve earned AARP Massachusetts because they can’t aff ord to pay for professional tax prepara- ax fi ling season will soon tion. However, AARP Founda- be upon us, and AARP tion Tax-Aide volunteers can Tcan help! Retirement or help eligible residents apply for other life changes may mean credits such as the Massachu- your taxes setts Senior Circuit Breaker Tax are a little Credit, which, under certain cir- more com- cumstances, can be applied ret- plicated now. roactively for up to three years. Th e AARP Th e program runs from Foundation Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, Tax-Aide through early April. A new Mike Festa program of- software program is being used fers free tax this year, and as such, some re- preparation and fi ling help to turns may take up to 90 minutes those in need, especially adults to complete. Clients are asked 50 and older, during tax season. to bring last year’s tax returns, Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP. You do not have to be an AARP Social Security card, photo ID, member nor be retired to use and documents related to in- this free service. come, expenses, deductions, and With the help of our team healthcare coverage documenta- TAKING ON THE tion to their appointment. ISSUES THAT To fi nd an The AARP Foundation AARP Founda- Tax-Aide program offers tion Tax-Aide MATTER TO YOU site in your com- AND YOUR FAMILY. free tax preparation and munity during the fi ling help to those in need, tax season, call the toll-free number especially adults 50 and at 888-AARP- older, during tax season. NOW (888-227- 7669) or visit You’re working hard to realize the American AARP.org/find- dream, and AARP is here to help you achieve taxhelp. your goals. AARP takes on the issues that are AARP Foun- most important to you and your family, from of IRS-certifi ed volunteers, Tax- dation Tax-Aide has grown re- caregiving and community improvements to Aide makes it easier for you. markably since its inaugural health and w nancial security. If you don’t think AARP Foundation Tax-Aide team of just four volunteers in ,i>*ÃÃLÌiÃ when you think AARP, then volunteers receive complete tax 1968. Th e program now involves you don’t know “aarp.” preparation training and IRS nearly 35,000 volunteers and certifi cation prior to working serves 2.7 million taxpayers an- You have a lifetime of experience to offer. with taxpayers. Last year, 675 nually at more than 5,000 sites If you’re looking for a place to share it, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide nationwide with free tax help. AARP can help. Call us at 1-866-448-3621 or volunteers helped more than Taxpayers who used AARP visit aarp.org/ma 44,865 Massachusetts residents Foundation Tax-Aide received fi le their federal and state tax re- $1.41 billion in income tax returns. funds and more than $240 mil- Th e program is off ered at ap- lion in Earned Income Tax proximately 220 sites in Mas- Credits (EITCs). sachusetts (and over 5,000 lo- AARP Foundation operates cations nationwide) including the AARP Tax-Aide program Massachusetts senior centers, libraries and oth- under a cooperative agreement er convenient locations. with the IRS. To help you com- Many older, low-income tax- plete your tax forms, AARP’s payers miss out on the credits AARP page 3 www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com + December 2016 + fi f t y plus advocate • 3 Regulations revised for smoke alarms when selling older homes No expired alarms; replacement alarms must have 10-year batteries Submitted by Jennifer Mieth every 10 years,” State Fire Mar- Public Information Officer, shal Peter J. Ostroskey said in a Last winter too many people died in Department of Fire Services press release. “Major manufac- turers of smoke alarms indicate homes without working smoke alarms. REGION - Starting Th ursday, they have a service life of about No one thinks fi re will happen to them, Dec. 1, older one- and two-fam- 10 years and recommend re- ily homes cannot be sold with placement after that because the but a majority of fi re deaths occur expired or out-of-date smoke sensing technology deteriorates in homes without working alarms. alarms. Th e Board of Fire Pre- over time. vention Regulations has revised Smoke alarms page 10 State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey the State Fire Code to require that one- and two-family homes built before 1975 must have working smoke alarms that have AARP offers Tax-Aide program not expired. Working smoke alarms installed prior to that AARP AARP is a nonprofi t, non- community-based long term Continued from page 2 date (that met previous require- partisan membership organi- services and supports, strength- ments) can continue to be used trained and IRS-certifi ed vol- zation for people 50 and over. ening the fi nancial security of until they are 10 years old or unteers will see personal infor- We have approximately 825,000 50+ residents, improving health have exceeded the manufactur- mation that you give them about members in Massachusetts and care access and quality, and mak- er’s recommended life, which- you and your fi nances. Th is in- nearly 38 million nationwide. ing health care more aff ordable. ever occurs fi rst. formation is strictly confi den- Our state legislative priorities “Most people know they tial. We will not share your in- are consistent with AARP’s all Mike Festa is the state director for should have working smoke formation with anyone except as volunteer national Board of Di- AARP Massachusetts. Archives of alarms. Th e one thing many peo- necessary to accurately fi le your rectors and focus on removing articles from previous issues can ple don’t realize is that smoke tax returns or as otherwise re- barriers for caregivers, protect- be read at www.fi ftyplusadvocate. alarms need to be replaced about quired by law. ing and improving in-home and com.

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BY JANE KELLER GORDON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

unlight pours through the windows of Nicholas S Gage’s writing studio in North Grafton. A book- shelf with ionic columns runs along one wall. Behind his cluttered desk, photos are dis- played on another. In one, from

1963, President John F. Ken- PHOTO/ANDY WEIGL/WEIGL PHOTOGRAPHY nedy stands next to a youthful Gage, who had won the Hearst Award for the best published article by a college student. “I came to America from a remote Greek village. I hadn’t seen an automobile, electric lights or an ocean,” Gage re- called. “I came to the U.S. not knowing a word of English. Twelve years later, I got an award from the president. In what other country can that happen?” A lot more has happened. Gage has written seven books, I came to America from a remote Greek village. I hadn’t seen an been a highly successful investigative reporter for the New automobile, electric lights or an ocean. I came to the U.S. not York Times and the Wall Street Journal, a foreign correspon- knowing a word of English. Twelve years later, I got an award dent for the New York Times, and was an executive producer from the president. In what other country can that happen? and contributor to the script of the movie, “Godfather, Part III.” Worcester, hoping to lay the rillas tortured and executed his earned a reputation as an excel- This afternoon, Gage stands, groundwork for a better life for mother, who they had called lent writer for his school news- and sometimes sits in his office, his family. He left behind his “Americana.” He later discov- papers, and eventually, before reflecting on his life and his wife, Eleni, and children, who ered that her last words were, college, the Worcester Gazette. work ahead. He is now 77 and faced intense hardship. Things “My children.” Gage earned a partial schol- married for many years to his grew worse when communist Gage and his sisters arrived arship to Boston University’s wife, Joan, also a writer, with guerillas overtook their village, in Worcester in 1949, to join School of Communications, whom he has three children. kidnapping children; turning their father. It was the first time and full graduate school schol- Today, he chooses not to speak them into soldiers or sending Gage and his father met each arship to Columbia University’s about his difficult early years in them to Communist indoc- other. School of Journalism, where he Greece. They have been docu- trination camps in the Soviet “Something that looks like a met his wife. mented in his international Union. tragic setback turns out to be a “I was the first Greek person best-selling book, “Eleni.” Planned in part by their blessing,” he commented. who she ever met,” he said. Before Gage’s birth in 1939, mother, Gage, then 9, escaped Initially placed in a class With regard to his career at the between World War II and the village with three of his for learning-disabled students, New York Times and the Wall the Greek civil war, Gage’s fa- four sisters and many other Gage quickly mastered English, Street Journal, Gage reflected, ther, Christos, immigrated to children. Soon after, the guer- both spoken and written. He Gage page 7 www.ﬁ ftyplusadvocate.com + December 2016 + ﬁ f t y plus advocate • 5 Index of Services

Adult Day Care Junk Removal Adult Day Club at Dodge Park...12 ATC Services ...... 13 Affordable Housing Medical Research Studies dec. Bigelow Village ...... 3 Beth Israel Hospital...... 16 Coes Pond Village...... 8 Harvard University...... 16 Sherwood Village, Natick ...... 10 Clinical Pharmacology...... 16 Sitkowski Apartments ...... 6 Mortgage Financing Inside this issue Ambulance Service Direct Finance ...... 23 K’s Ambulance ...... 3 Recreation/ Transportation Attorneys, Elder Law Fuller RV ...... 13 Woodworkers Durbin & Veglia, Attorneys ...... 17 Rehabilitation of all skill levels Automotive Services Athol Hospital ...... 24C* Haddad Auto Detail ...... 11 encouraged Senior Services AARP of MA ...... 2 to join club Banking Services Avidia Bank ...... 14 Rest Homes Goddard Homestead ...... 1 Cemetery/ Mausoleum Oasis at Dodge Park ...... 14 St. John’s Cemetery & Mausoleum ...... 13C* Subsidized Housing Bixby/Brockton Centre ...... 13E* Crafts/Gifts Colony Retirement Homes.....15 6 Craftworks ...... 21 Congregational Retirement page Homes, Melrose ...... 13E* Dentists Emanuel Village ...... 17 Dental Solutions ...... 11 Green Hill Towers ...... 11 Hudson resident Hawthorne Hill ...... 8 Illyrian Gardens ...... 21 participates in Entertainment Lamplighter Village, Canton ...13E* Plainridge Park Casino ...... 24E* Mt. Pleasant Apartments, Jimmy Fund Fitness Somerville ...... 13E* Walk for 21st YMCA of Westborough ...... 22 Walk-in Medical Doctors AFC Urgent Care, year Funeral Homes North Andover, Burlington, Shaw Majercik Funeral Home..22 Saugus, Malden, Waltham, Natick, Watertown, Dedham, Home Care Services Braintree, Marlborough, New Around the Clock Bedford, Worcester ...... 13 page 8 Home Healthcare ...... 9 Care Solutions...... 7 Century Home Care ...... 15 If you use any services listed Departments Intercity Home Care ...... 3 above, please mention you saw Old Colony Elder Services ...... 18 their ad in the Fifty Plus Advocate. Hospice & Primary Care Caregiving Tips ...... 18 Viewpoint ...... 20 Hope Health Hospice ...... 14 *E = Eastern edition *C = Central edition Money Matters ...... 19 Housing Options ...... 21

Publisher: David Bagdon Advertising Sales: fi f t y plus Publisher Emeritus: Philip Davis Sales Coordinator : Barbara Clifford, ext. 19 Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz: ext. 17 Managing Editor: Bonnie Adams ext. 14 Diane Sabatini: ext. 12 Bob Cofske: ext. 21 advocate Creative Director: Tina Berthiaume Cindy Merchant: ext. 15 Pam Pollan: ext. 16 Fifty Plus Advocate is published monthly, 12 times annually by Bagdon Advertising, 32 South Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Serving the fifty-plus community since 1975 Fifty Plus Advocate accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or materials and does not return them to sender. Retractions for any inaccuracies will be printed when necessary. Unsolicited letters to the editor become the property of this newspaper and can be reprinted in part or in whole unless otherwise stated. Fifty Plus Advocate columnists writing under a www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com byline are expressing their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the newspaper. Contact us: 508.366.5500 • 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581 fi f t y plus + December 2016 + www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com 6 • pursue advocate your passion Woodworkers of all skill levels encouraged to join club

BY JANE KELLER GORDON Left: Bowl made the group’s brochure, “Whether CONTRIBUTING WRITER from colored you’re a beginner or a more ex- pencils perienced turner ... club mentors LEXINGTON – Th e Associa- are here to help you.” tion of Revolutionary Turners’ Below: Commenting on the work, 85 members have at least one Decorative Flynn said, “We use a variety pieces thing in common - they use a of types of wood. I like spalted lathe. ART President John Fly- apple, which is fi lled with critter nn explained that wood turning holes.” He added that if some- is, “Using chisels with a variety one’s reports that their of points to shape wood that is hardwood tree has fallen spinning on a lathe, secured at down, members might two points.” show up with chainsaws. ART members run the gamut Finish work is an im- from beginners to experienced portant part of creating a wood turners, creating simple piece. bowls to complex decorative “We might use an oil- pieces. based or polyurethane, Founded in 2002 in Lexing- beeswax or mineral oil ton, the club is a chapter of the on the wood,” Flynn said. American Association of Wood “Sometimes we do a little Turners. In spite of its name, bit, put it aside, and then there is no connection with the do more.” American Revolution. Derrick TePaske, one Flynn said that about one- of ART’s most experi- third of the members are re- enced wood-turners, has tirees; the average age is 45 to a piece in the highly re- 50. Members, male and female, spected Montalto Bohlen Wood Art Collection, which has been exhib- ited at the Peabody Es- sex Museum. TePaske, a professor at Framingham PHOTOS/SUBMITTED State University, said, PHOTO/JANE KELLER GORDON “Part of the pleasure (of come from diverse backgrounds: turning) is that it makes engineers, trades people, teach- me feel connected with ers, and others. ancient artisans - across Th e club holds a monthly cultures and throughout meeting, distributes a monthly the world - who rou- newsletter, maintains a library, tinely made useful things John Flynn, president of ART and off ers woodworking demon- strations, discounts from certain which were more carefully craft- woodworking stores, and direct ed and beautiful than they really Heat & Hot Water Included in the Rent sale of some woodworking sup- needed to be.” Hardwood Floors plies that they buy in bulk. Membership in ART is $30 Ceiling Fans ART meets at a store, Wood- per year. Th e club is one of three Laundry Room on Each Floor craft, (185 New Boston St., Wo- in Massachusetts that belong Lounge Areas burn) on the third Wednesday to the American Association of Smoke Free Community Sitkowski School Apartments is a 66 unit, 55+ affordable rental community that of the month. Woodcraft do- Wood Turners. Th ere is also the offers a safe convenient location in the historic Sitkowski School in the commercial nates it space, and allows ART Central New England Turners center of Webster. The new Webster Senior Center is located in the former members to use their lathes. An in Worcester, and the Massachu- gymnasium which will provide an active, vibrant place for seniors to enjoy. hour before their monthly meet- setts South Shore Woodturners To request an application please call ing, ART holds a “Learn and in Abington. 508.943.3406 TDD 800.439.2370 Turn” event. Th ose looking to Must Meet Income Requirements develop and expand their skills For more information about ART, Rents Starting at $650 • Section 8 Accepted can take advantage of the ART contact Flynn at President@ Mentor Program. According to revolutionary-turners.com. www.ﬁ ftyplusadvocate.com + December 2016 + ﬁ f t y plus advocate • 7 Acclaimed author Nicholas Gage calls North Grafton home

Gage has written seven came the main selection of the chronicled his life as an immi- books, been Book-of-the-Month Club, and grant, much of it in Worcester. a highly it took off. The day after, an ex- Now Gage and his wife are successful cerpt appeared in the New York trying to find a movie producer investigative Times Magazine, I received 20 for his book, “Greek Fire: The reporter for movie offers.” Story of Maria Callas and Aris- the New York “Eleni” was made into a fea- totle Onassis.” They are collab- Times and the ture film starring Kate Nelligan orating on a magazine article. Wall Street and John Malkovich. He is writing his memoir. Journal, a foreign His next book, “A Place for Us,” Th ere is more work to be done. correspondent for the New York Times, and was an executive producer and contributor to the script PROVIDING QUALITY CARE IN YOUR HOME of the movie, Proud to be your locally owned and privately held home “Godfather, health care provider in Westboro since 1997 Part III.” First Time Clients 10% Mention This Ad Ask about our & Receive 10% Off “Home But Not Alone” Off!!! Your First Invoice! Program

Gage and “Mafia U.S.A.” Gage trav- Specialty Continued from page 4 elled through Latin America, Services Include: “When you are a reporter, you exposing drug lords and deals. • Home Health Aides, don’t have subpoena power, “My stories brought down Homemakers, Companions you can’t pay for information, ministers and governments,” he you can’t threaten, you are only said. • 2 to 24 Hour Care armed with your wits.” In the back of his mind, there • Live-In Care In his reporting, he exposed was always his mother, Eleni - • Individualized Wellness Plan bribery charges against Vice her untold story, the unwritten President Spiro Agnew, who book. • Dementia Care ultimately resigned in 1973. In 1980, Gage left the New • 24 Hour On-call Gage was the first to hear some York Times and travelled to Stay home with quality care of the Nixon tapes during the Greece and Europe to find her • In-Home, On-site, On-going Supervisions customized to meet your needs. killers and witnesses. Watergate scandal. His inves- Please call our Care Coordinator at tigations of the Mafia led to About his book, “Eleni,” Gage • Licensed, Insured 508-366-5689 to learn more. front-page scoops, and his two said, “I thought I’d sell 5,000 and Bonded books: “The Mafia Is Not an copies to my relatives and the Equal Opportunity Employer,” Greek community. Then it be- www.care-solutions.net • email: [email protected]

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Please contact me regarding the housing CITY opportunities I’ve checked off below. fiftyplus STATE ZIP CODE SEND THIS COMPLETED FORM TO: ATTN: FREE FIFTY PLUS HOUSING INFORMATION PHONE *( ) 32 SOUTH STREET, WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581 *Your phone number is required to process your request. It will be used only in regard to the properties that you have marked. EASTERN MA: SUBSIDIZED APARTMENTS CENTRAL MA: AFFORDABLE HOUSING CENTRAL MA: REST HOMES FBigelow Village - Rutland FDodge Park - Worcester Bixby/Brockton Centre - Brockton F FCoes Pond Village - Worcester FGoddard Homestead - Worcester Hawthorne Hill - Rutland FCongregational Retirement Homes - Melrose F Sitkowski School Apartments - Webster CENTRAL MA: SUBSIDIZED APARTMENTS Lamplighter Village - Canton F F CENTRAL MA: ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES FColony Retirement - Worcester Mt. Pleasant Apartments - Somerville Emanuel Village - Worcester F FDodge Park Oasis - Worcester F Green Hill Towers - Worcester FSherwood Village - Natick FGoddard Homestead - Worcester F 8 • fi f t y plus advocate + December 2016 + www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com Hudson resident participates in Jimmy Fund Walk for 21st year

DAKOTA ANTELMAN Each year, he sets out early why I do it. To see CONTRIBUTING WRITER in the morning near Hopkinton an infant with can- center and walks for roughly six cer is disgusting. It HUDSON – Every fall for the hours to Copley Square in Bos- breaks my heart.” past 21 years, Hudson native ton. He participates in the Jim- Blanchard regu- Kevin Blanchard has walked my Fund’s annual Boston Mara- larly receives be- from Hopkinton to Boston to thon walk and collects donations tween $70-$80 in raise money for cancer research. in advance from friends, family, donations per year Blanchard said that, as long as coworkers, and students at Hud- from students and there is a need for funding, he son High School where he works friends, and then will keep walking. as a janitor. donates another

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN $220 of his own money to the cause. Enjoy home delivery! Siobhan Richards, ﬁftyplus a Hudson High ju- You can enjoy the convenience of having your Fifty Plus nior who donated Advocate delivered to you at home, and never miss an issue. Just ﬁll out the coupon below and enclose payment. to Blanchard this Name Kevin Blanchard year after her uncle Mail your passed away from Address subscription Blanchard’s motivation, in cancer, noted how request and walking and in fundraising, roots donating to him in particular payment to: City in his own desire for a cure. was an easy decision. State Zipcode Fifty Plus “When I see pictures of in- “My uncle meant a lot to me so Yes! I want the most comprehensive information on living over 50 in Advocate fants and young kids that have I wanted to do a little something Massachusetts delivered to my home for the duration chosen below. 32 South St., cancer, it’s not right,” he said. “If to help with cancer research,” 1 YEAR - $18.00 2 YEARS - $34.00 3 YEARS - $48.00 Westborough, MA I can do anything to help to fi nd Our best price! Richards said. “What better way I’m a current subscriber, please change my address as listed above. 01581 a cure, then I’ll do that. Th at’s Blanchard page 9

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“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer” 39 First Street, Worcester, MA 01602 www.ﬁ ftyplusadvocate.com + December 2016 + ﬁ f t y plus advocate • 9 Hudson resident participates in Jimmy Fund Walk for 21st year

Blanchard “Everyone’s nice to you,” Continued from page 8 Blanchard explained. “All the than to support someone that I If I can do anything to help to ﬁ nd people that volunteer along the already have a good connection a cure, then I’ll do that. That’s why I way are amazing.” with?” Over two decades of partici- Blanchard has seen cancer do it. To see an infant with cancer is pating in the walk, Blanchard has touch his own life as well. In disgusting. It breaks my heart. continued to witness the eff ects December of last year, he lost of cancer on those in his life. one of his close friends to the Kevin Blanchard “He was only 55 and I have disease. In 1983, his mother- other family members have had in-law, whom he was never able young children who had it,” to meet, also passed away from Th ough he said that the walk Blanchard explained. “She grad- Blanchard said of his friend who cancer. itself has undergone few chang- uated in 1988. You meet diff er- died in December. “I hate to say Blanchard said he still sees es since he started, Blanchard ent people every year. It’s fun it but every family has an expe- the grief his wife feels over her noted that every year his experi- and it’s for a great cause.” rience with it. It’s not prejudiced mother’s death. He sees partici- ence of it is diff erent as well. A year earlier, Blanchard met a by any means.” pating in the walk as a way of He has met new people every Bolton native who, like him, was Blanchard walks every year, supporting and recognizing his time he walks, not once seeing an avid motorcyclist. At the end rarely stopping but still meeting late mother-in-law. them again, but remembering of that walk, he also met Bos- people along the way. He said he “Th ings are getting better; their brief interaction nonethe- ton Marathon bombing survivor will continue participating every they’re curing more of it but less. Carlos Arredondo, who rose to year for as long as he can. He we’re not done yet,” Blanchard Th is year, he came across a fame in 2013 as the “Man in the hopes, however, that one day his said. “[Because of ] the way I see Hudson resident who recog- Cowboy Hat.” funds will no longer be needed. it aff ect my wife, I know that nized his Hudson High back- Overall, Blanchard embraces “I don’t mind doing the walk,” if there is anything I can do to pack. the communal feeling of the Blanchard said. “But I hope that, help out, I do it. I know she ap- “She said ‘Are you from walk, commending the volunteers at some point, we don’t have to preciates it.” Hudson?’ and I said ‘Yeah!’” that dot the road to Boston. do it anymore.”

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Serving Metrowest, Worcester County, and surrounding towns 10 • ﬁ f t y plus advocate + December 2016 + www.ﬁ ftyplusadvocate.com Regulations revised for smoke alarms when selling older homes No expired alarms; replacement alarms must have 10-year batteries

Smoke alarms The one thing How to ﬁ nd out how old Continued from page 3 many people smoke or CO alarms are: New requirements when don’t realize Check the manufacture date replacing alarms is that smoke stamped on the back of the When replacing expired alarms, alarms need alarm to see how old it is. If it the regulations require the new to be replaced doesn’t have one, then it is al- about every alarms be photoelectric with a ready more than 10 years old 10 years hush button feature to silence and needs to be replaced. nuisance alarms. Intensifying smoke will override the hush fea- No working smoke alarms in 55 percent of ture. Alarms can be photoelectric last winter’s deaths alone, or in combination with “Last winter too many people ionization technology. Th ey may died in homes without working also provide smoke and carbon smoke alarms,” said Ostroskey. monoxide (CO) detection in the “No one thinks fi re will happen

same device. Th e biggest change PHOTO/SUBMITTED to them, but a majority of fi re is that replacement battery pow- deaths occur in homes without ered alarms will have to have a working alarms.” 10-year, sealed, non-replaceable, Last winter (December 2015 non-rechargeable battery. Th ese – March 2016), there were 31 batteries won’t ever have to be fi re deaths in homes and in more changed for the life of the smoke an end-of-life warning. really need them. Alarms that are Every home should have work- easier to keep in good working than 1/2, 55 percent, there were alarm. Th e entire unit, the smoke no working smoke alarms. One- alarm and the battery, will need ing smoke and CO alarms order, should reduce the reasons “Th e goal is to have working people disable them,” said Ostro- third of those who died in fi res to be replaced at the end of 10 were seniors – people over 65. years, and the alarm will give you smoke and CO alarms when you skey.

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BY VICTOR BLOCK owering mountains overlook dense forests T and broad plains that are home to a wealth of wildlife. Th at safari-like setting is reason enough to visit the northwest- ern corner of Montana. Add a choice of enticing towns, Indian reservations and vestiges of au- thentic cowboy culture and it’s no wonder that the area attracts a steady stream of visitors. Th is is a region that clings proudly and stubbornly to touches of its frontier past. Rustic roadside signs advertise equally rustic establishments like the Bison Inn Café and Hungry Horse Saloon. Communities and geographic places are named after former Native American chiefs (Charlo, Arlee), wildlife (Hungry Horse PHOTO/SUBMITTED and Whitefi sh) and natural ele- The Mission Mountains ments (West Glacier, Columbia Falls). Many residents of the region, as well as curious visi- topped by ham, eggs and melted of their employer, “Robert Cattle Th e Flathead Reservation runs tors, drown their thirst by quaff - cheese, all buried beneath a pool Services – Bull Semen Collec- about 60 miles north to south, ing a locally brewed beer named of thick beef gravy. tion.” from Flathead Lake to just above Moose Drool. Diners themselves provide an Th e down-home western Missoula. Th e Salish and Koo- Th e area’s overall ambience introduction to the region’s life- fl avor is evident everywhere. tenai who live there are among may be encountered at hang- style. During my visit, two Na- Ubiquitous boots, cowboy hats 11 tribes that share reservations outs like the Old Timer Café, a tive Americans wearing ornately and country dancing are among in Montana, making up about 9 nondescript eatery in St. Igna- beaded shirts shared a table with touches that hint at a Marlboro percent of the state’s population. tius. Its breakfast menu features a cowboy, resplendent in 10-gal- Man machismo. Adding to the Th is strong infl uence adds to the the unfortunately named “cow lon hat, leather vest and chaps. interest is that this western set- feeling of having been transport- patty,” which in reality is artery- Two bearded young men wore ting melds comfortably with a ed back in America’s past. clogging hash brown potatoes red jackets that sported the logo strong Indian culture. Travel page 16

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Travel tanks and jeeps share space with Continued from page 12 antique motorcycles, presidential Museums large and small re- election memorabilia and early create and retell the history of dishwashing machines. Native Americans who roamed As much as any such collec- the region and still make it tion, the majestic mountain set- their home. Th e People’s Cen- ting of western Montana itself is ter exhibits clothing, beadwork, a kind of outdoor museum. Th e cooking implements and other town of Bigfork, is a community artifacts from the daily lives of of resorts and galleries. Th e win- the Salish, Pend d’Orielle and dows of art studios that line the Kootenai tribes. At times, there quiet streets display traditional are presentations of drumming, PHOTO/SUBMITTED Western cowboy art along with dance and other native tradi- more contemporary creations. tions. Kalispell got its name from Other interesting collections the Native American words for are tucked away in restaurants, Miracle of America Museum “grassy land above the lake.” It’s the back of stores and hidden re- home to close to three dozen cesses of hotels. For example, old life and lore – pre-Columbian items that greet visitors to what artists. photographs of Indians grace the arrowheads, an eagle-handled has been called the “Smithson- Life of a diff erent kind makes lobby walls of the Kwa’TaqNuk dance stick, a bird feather fan – ian of the West.” Glacier National Park a must- Best Western Resort on Flathead are among displays at the aptly Among the eclectic collection see part of any visit, and provides Lake, and a diorama on the lower named Miracle of America Mu- of Americana are an old service proof for the claim that Mon- level depicts a teepee village. seum. Th ey share space with station and 19th-century sod- tana has more wildlife and fewer Touches of Native American a jumble of more than 10,000 roof log cabin. World War II Travel page 17

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Travel resident Jesuits and Providence Continued from page 17 nuns. Fifty-eight murals on the people than anywhere else in the church walls and ceilings depict 48 states. Th e refuge is home saints and scenes from the Old to an array of what a ranger re- and New Testaments. ferred to as “watchable wildlife,” Unique touches like a small and it didn’t take long to under- tepee perched on a side alter stand why. I spotted a bear cub cavorting in a meadow, digging, scraping and rolling about. Two snow- white mountain goats appeared, preening as if posing for pictures. Several prong-horned antelope played a spirited game of tag, and a small herd of elk grazed in the distance. Man-made attractions also vie for attention. For example, Antelope and mountain goats in Glacier National Park the town of St. Ignatius (population about 900) is the site of a and hymns sung by a tribal chorus are reminders that mission which was founded by this is Indian country. It’s a place where visitors have Jesuits in 1854 for the Flathead opportunities to immerse themselves in both history Indians. Visitors may view the and present-day life, not to mention some of Mother mission church, which was built Nature’s most magnifi cent handiwork. in 1891, and two small cabins For more information, call 800-847-4868 or log that were the original homes of onto visitmt.com.

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By Micha Shalev termine what you are willing and 2. Planning ahead 3. Help yourself MHA CDP CDCM able to do and also what you feel We are all told to plan ahead If you are dealing with major limited in doing. In this way, you - for our kids’ education, for our depression you must take time to 1. What family caregivers can will exercise what control is avail- own retirement. As a family care- think about yourself, your future do to prevent depression able to you and be less likely to giver, you also need to plan for the and your personal life goals in or- feel helpless and depressed. In possibility that at some point you der to move forward. Social support is essential. other words, planning is a way of may not be able to provide care, • Talk to your doctor to get a As a family caregiver you should preventing yourself from becom- whether it be for a short time or diagnosis and discuss treatment reach out for both logistical help ing overwhelmed and depressed. the long term. options and emotional support from If you don’t already have a • Consider medication; re- the outset of caregiving and not Handling sacriﬁ ce: “What If I Can’t Provide Care” search the pros and cons on the wait until When you develop positive emergency plan, now is the time internet you are feel- meanings about the caregiving to create one. If your depression • Consider individual or group ing strained. you’re doing, you are less likely becomes debilitating, someone therapy Th at means to become depressed. Positive else will have to assume some or • Set personal goals - both trying to meanings include wanting to give all of your caregiving duties. As short term (take a walk every day) involve the something back, wanting to do family caregivers, of course, we and long term (develop more of whole family God’s work, or wanting to make don’t believe anything serious will an on-going support network) in care plan- a diff erence in a loved one’s life. happen to us. We are the caregiv- • Th ink of things that will Caregiving ning (and Spiritual beliefs, in particular, ers after all, not the ones needing make you feel better and do at care giving) have been shown to make people care. Th e reality is, however, we least one of them Tips from the more impervious to depression. are more prone to illness than are • Talk to other family care- outset. You non-caregivers, and any one of givers who have suff ered from may not be Protecting intimacy: us could get hit by the proverbial depression; fi nd out what they able to, but your life will be so Caregiving often takes us away bus. learned from their experience, but much easier if you can. from our most important and re- Recognize that caregiving, like remember everyone is diff erent Seek out help through your plenishing relationships. By fi nd- any job, is made up of many indi- faith and secular communities. ing ways of protecting the inti- vidual tasks, not all of which are 4. What to do if another family Find a caregiving buddy or a mate connections you have, with of the same importance. Some caregiver you know shows caregiver support group, whether others and your care-recipient, tasks take a few minutes, while symptoms you meet online or in person. Th e you can help prevent depression. some take a few hours. Some • Approach the family care- more connected you feel to other If you think you are suff ering tasks are easy, and others require giver, gently, and recommend like-minded, supportive people, from major depression, step one skills and fortitude. Create a list of that they go for an evaluation the less likely you are to become is to go see your doctor. Major tasks for any given week. Group with their primary care physician isolated, depleted, and depressed. depression is a serious illness that your tasks into categories such as • Immediately pitch in and Additional ways to prevent ma- can be treated with talk therapy personal care for your loved one, help them with their family care- jor depression include: and/or medication. Left un- transportation, household chores, giving responsibilities checked it can impact the care • Help the family caregiver Determining commitments: etc. Th en prioritize the diff erent you give to your loved one as well tasks, and see if any can be passed fi nd resources and support groups You will be less likely to become as your own wellbeing. on to someone else to do. that will ease their stress and depressed if you proactively de- Ever thought about what sense of isolation would happen if you got hurt and • Send the family caregiver couldn’t speak? Who would know a card every day to demonstrate they are loved Are you an elderly or disabled person who: to go help your loved one?

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Qneeds companionship? Qis not able to live on his/her own? Micha Shalev MHA CDP CDCM CADDCT is the owner of Dodge Park Our Adult Family Care Program could be for you! Rest Home and The Adult Day Club at Dodge Park, 101 Randolph Road, To find out more, contact OCES. Worcester, as well as the new state-of-the-art Oasis at Dodge Park. He Proudly serving greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. is a graduate of the National Council of Certifi ed Dementia Practitioners program, and well-known speaker covering Alzheimer’s and Dementia training topics. The programs at Dodge Park Rest Home specialize in providing care for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The 144 Main Street Brockton, MA 02301 facility holds a FREE monthly support group meeting on the second Tuesday of each month for spouses and children of individuals with dementia and/ 508- 584-1561 or Alzheimer’s disease. TTY: 508- 587-0280 • Fax: 508-897-0031 Shalev can be reached at 508-853-8180 or by e-mail at m.shalev@ [email protected] • www.ocesma.org Providing services to the community since 1974 dodgepark.com. For more information, visit www.dodgepark.com. Archives of articles from previous issues can be read at www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com. www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com + December 2016 + fi f t y plus money matters advocate • 19 Reverse mortgage: regained hope?

By Alain Valles, CRMP have to be debt- free.) President, • Amount of income and as- Direct Finance Corp. Everyone has heard the words ‘reverse sets? (Th e reverse mortgage pro- ceeds count towards off setting veryone has heard the mortgage.’ But few people really any shortfall) words “reverse mort- know how one works. • Credit history? (Have you Egage.” But few people re- paid your real estate taxes and ally know how one works. property insurance on time?) However, most of us know the • If a household has lack of challenge, income or challenged credit, towards learning if you qualify. uncertain- A reverse mortgage is not a don’t give up hope. Under the But where does one start? ty, worry, magic wand for homeowners new and improved reverse mort- Just a few answers will help financial over 62. It is not free. It is not gage guidelines, options exist to determine if you meet the re- stress and simple. And it surely does not help people that need the most verse mortgage guidelines: struggle that guarantee life’s problems will assistance. • What is your fi nancial goal comes with disappear. But a reverse mort- Th e next step is to get more in- or challenge? increas- gage can provide a level of hope. formation: • How long do you plan on ing health- Th e Webster’s Dictionary defi - • Th e National Council on Reverse living in your home? care costs, nition of hope encapsulates the Aging’s 36-page booklet “Use • What is your age? (One shortage emotions of a reverse mortgage: Your Home to Stay at Home” Mortgage person must be at least 62 years of monthly the feeling of wanting some- is the offi cial reverse mortgage old.) cash fl ow, thing good to happen and think- consumer publication approved • What is the value of your urgent home repairs, rising real ing that it could happen. by the U.S Department of Hous- home? (Zillow.com is a good estate taxes, divorce, credit card Th e challenge with hope is it ing and Urban Development. start.) interest rates over 20 percent must be accompanied by taking Call or email me to receive your action. Just thinking about it will • Balance of any current and insuffi cient savings to retire- Reverse mortgage page 20 ment. not help you take a proactive step mortgage? (Your home does not

“Starting SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE Sound-Alikes” (answers on page 20) 20 • ﬁ f t y plus advocate + December 2016 + www.ﬁ ftyplusadvocate.com viewpoint Programs for the elderly should be ‘untouchable’

By Al Norman tells the governor that budgeted whole bunch of areas and pro- fallen by 37 percent, a drop of revenues will be insuffi cient to grams that are funded by the 4,850,000 patient days. Th e tax- hen state budget meet expenditures authorized, commonwealth are not going payers - state and federal - have projections turn the governor has 15 days to re- to be part of this [cutting] ex- saved roughly $941 million by Wsouth, money for the duce spending. Th e governor ercise.” reducing nursing facility days elderly and disabled should be can also submit to the legisla- Baker’s “bunch of areas” pro- - despite the growing elderly protected from cuts. ture “specifi c proposals to raise tected from 9c cuts includes population. Th is is proof of what Usually in the fall, state of- additional revenues by a total local aid to cities and towns, Brewer was talking about. fi cials do an amount equal to such defi cien- spending at the department of “We’re going to make those analysis of cy.” Th ere is also a third choice: children and families, higher decisions over the course of the how revenues the governor “may recommend education, and the court system. next several weeks,” Baker told are coming an appropriation equal to such Added to the list of “untouch- the State House News. “I don’t into state cof- defi ciency from the Common- ables” was the Department of want to wait until January.” fers. If funds wealth Stabilization Fund.” Mental Health, state pensions, But legislative leaders were appear to be In late October, the admin- debt service, and the budgets for not ready to leap. Push trending low, istration warned of a “probable constitutional offi ces, like the “My feeling is until we have a the governor defi ciency” that was just shy of secretary of state. better feel in terms of the bud- Back has the power $300 million. As Gov. Charlie But programs for the elderly get ahead that 9c cuts probably to impound Baker grappled with this pro- and disabled are not on the “un- should be held off , and I’m not money, in jected shortfall, he gave the me- touchable” list. saying for an exceptionally long what is called “9c” cuts, referring dia a list of items that he would Th ree years ago, Senate Ways period of time,” House Speaker to Section 9c of Chapter 29, shelter from the storm. and Means Chair Steve Brewer Robert DeLeo said. which says that if the secretary “Th e important thing for peo- released a budget with this ad- Senate President Stan Rosen- of administration and fi nance ple to know,” he said, “is that a vice: “Our [fi scal year] 2014 rec- berg agreed: “I concur with the ommendations are once again speaker’s view on this that we’re built on the belief that in order moving too fast and cutting too to meet the needs of our citizens deep at this point…so I think Reverse mortgage: regained hope? going forward, we must fi rst ful- we should slow this down a little fi ll the promises we have made bit because it’s going to cause a in the past. In the last fi ve years, lot of dislocation.” Reverse mortgage dent non-profi t reverse mort- Continued from page 19 the commonwealth has lost One thing all three leaders gage counseling is also an excel- ground when it comes to sup- should agree on: home care for free copy. lent source to learn more. Th ere porting the elderly, providing the elderly is sound fi scal policy, • Meet with someone who is typically a charge of $175 to assistance for childcare and sus- a smart investment, and should is experienced and passionate $275. Th is is a requirement to tainable housing, and meeting be on the “untouchables” list. about educating people about obtain a reverse mortgage and our local aid obligations to cit- the pros and cons of a reverse most people tend to schedule ies and towns….Restoring these Al Norman is the executive director of mortgage. Th e National Reverse counseling after doing initial Mass Home Care. He can be reached core services is not just a mat- at [email protected] or at 978- Mortgage Lender’s Association research and meeting with a li- ter of getting back to where we 502-3794. Archives of articles from has granted less than 200 people censed reverse mortgage loan of- previous issues can be read at www. were before the recession - it is nationwide with the Certifi ed fi cer. fi ftyplusadvocate.com. a matter of smart public policy. Reverse Mortgage Professional Not everyone should get a By eliminating the elder home (CRMP) designation. Th ese are reverse mortgage. But for many care waitlist, we will keep more individuals who have demon- qualifi ed homeowners it is an ex- Answers to Super senior citizens safely in their strated reverse mortgage knowl- cellent way to access the equity Crossword homes, improving quality of edge and competency as well as a that has built up in your home (puzzle on page 19) life and reducing costly nursing dedication to uphold high stan- without taking on additional home placements.” dards of ethical and professional monthly debt payments. Take Th is same argument holds true behavior. I happen to be the fi rst the fi rst steps to learn if you today. Protecting home care for person in New England to be- qualify and get the facts from a the elderly is smart public pol- come a CRMP. trustworthy and experienced re- icy. Home care programs have • HUD-approved indepen- verse mortgage professional. played a major role in pushing down the number of people in Alain Valles, CRMP and president of Direct Finance Corp. NMLS 1535, was the nursing facilities. Between 2000 fi rst designated Certifi ed Reverse Mortgage Professional in New England. Loan and 2016, the number of nurs- offi cer license NMLS 7946. He can be reached at 781-724-6221 or by email at [email protected]. Archives of previous articles may be found at www. ing facility patient days per year fi ftyplusadvocate.com. paid for by MassHealth has www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com + December 2016 + fi f t y plus advocate • 21 Home is where the heart is

By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. siding, form itself into a box If it could have talked, that and be buried with the man, house would have told the man staying near him and protect- that the embrace of home would “Never make your home in a place. ing him forever. travel with him. At first, it may But that was not to happen. seem unfamiliar, but with time, Make a home for yourself inside your Its job was not done. A young the new walls would feel warm couple had come to look at the and snug. His memories would own head… Th at way it will go with house. The delight and energy settle like dust on the window- of this couple would certainly sills. The house would have you wherever you journey.” be hard to get used to, but it reassured the man that mov- would have to try. ing on was not an insult. It was - American writer Tad Williams The old man walked around the period at the end of a long the house saying goodbye. He and beautiful sentence that the apologized, telling it how he house would forever carry in its he house creaked and that was left was small yards would be going to live in a bones. Over time, each family shuttered and sighed. It and little flower beds. Where building better suited to older left a sentence until the house was hard to let go, but it once children played in fields, T people. He thanked the house had glorious stories piled up to was time. Ninety years was not now they played in the streets, for the years of shelter, the the rafters. The house was hap- so old for a house. There were moving to the side when cars years of peace. He talked about py for the man’s sentence and many hous- came by. an elevator and being with oth- embraced the man with one fi- es that had Neighbors came and went. er people like him. He told the nal shudder as the man turned been around Each house on this little side house he would miss the layout, the key in the lock and walked longer. But street held its own character, the wallpaper, and its smell. away. 90 years its own family, its own history. was old for One house had a fire. Another Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. is the executive director of Colony Retirement Homes. She a man, and had taken on water a time or can be reached at 508-755-0444 or [email protected] and www. this man two. They had all done what colonyretirementhomes.com. Archives of articles from previous issues can be read Housing needed to they could to protect their fam- at www.ﬁ ftyplusadvocate.com move on. ilies. Options The old The man was old now. The house stood house tried to straighten it- where there self up as best it could, but the once was a farm. The man’s fa- front stairs had sunk a bit and “Country Living in the City.” ther had gathered rocks from were pitched wrong. The snow the farm to build the founda- did not melt off them like they tion. Wood for the frame had should. The railings were a been taken from nearby trees. bit loose and try as the house The father had raised his family might, it worried that it could here and when he died, the son not keep the man safe. stayed and made it his home. A The house complained as lit- city had grown up around the tle as it had to. More than once, house. The farmland gave way the house wished when it was to houses, lot by lot, until all time it could pull off its own

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Open Daily at 10 a.m. Sunday at 12 p.m. 243 WEST MAIN STREET, NORTHBOROUGH Illyrian Garden Apts. ~ 545 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA (508) 393-9435 • CRAFTWORKSCOOP.COM 22 • fi f t y plus advocate + December 2016 + www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com Couldn’t we just snooze through it all? By Janice Lindsay ed to commemorate it when the dominant culture, the Romans, oodchucks do it. Bats were already celebrating, during do it. Chipmunks and Saturnalia, a harvest-related fes- Wjumping mice do it. tival of feasting and merriment. Bears do it. Th ose Romans knew what they I want to do it, too. I want to were doing. And their winters hibernate. weren’t even that cold.) We mammals known as Homo Our bodies sense winter coming sapiens are sometimes not all that - the gathering cold, the increas- sapient. In ing darkness. Th ey know that we the autumn, should feel extra hungry as winter Mother Na- beings. ture informs “Eat that fat!” they plead. “Send all mammals us down some sugar! We need of northern those extra calories in case you get climes that the fl u! Or something.” it’s time to Personally, I am listening to my Inklings consider going body. I just took a break from writ- into that inac- ing to eat a bite of a whoopie pie. tive, sleep-like Usually we don’t listen to our state that is hibernation. Eat a lot, bodies. We listen to our brains. build up fat, and go to sleep. In Our addlepated brains say: “If this drowsy condition, we might you’re going to a holiday party sometimes awaken to nibble on where you’ll be tempted to over- food we’ve stored during the fall. eat, eat a low-calorie snack before Th en we would go back to sleep, you go.” (Gosh, if I wanted to eat passing the cold winter months in my own cooking, I wouldn’t go to cozy slumber. a party in the fi rst place! Even a Th at sounds fi ne to me, espe- raw carrot tastes better if some- Preserving cially around New Year’s Day, body else peels it, especially if, as when the warm fuzzy holidays are a friend points out, that somebody behind us and the long, icy win- else makes some dip to dunk it in.) Memories ter stretches ahead. Why not just And if we do manage to build up snooze through the whole thing? a little extra personal insulation by with Dignity Fools that we are, we do not lis- early January, what do our brains ten to Mother Nature. Our mod- say? “New Year’s Resolution time. ern brains insist on clinging to the Exercise! Diet! Lose weight!” But CREMATION AND AFFORDABLE FUNERAL OPTIONS perverse notion that we must stay while we’re sweating and straining awake all winter and rush around and eating celery, our bodies are ?PMVQ\KWUM[\WaW]ZÅVITIZZIVOMUMV\[ doing stuff . fi ghting to hang on to every single Our brains are delusional. Shouldn’t you make the decisions? The arrangements ounce. Here’s what your brain says: Th e dead of winter is no time for WMSK?ICUGJJPCdCARWMSPCV?ARUGQFCQ?LBBCQGPCQ “You gain weight at this time of self-improvement. By the end of PP?LECKCLRQA?L@CK?BCGLRFCAMKDMPRMDWMSPMULFMKC year because it’s the holidays. December, your whole being, ex- Holidays create the opportunity cept for your brain, is saying “Hun- The Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home provides affordable Complete for you to eat too much. You are ker down! Cocoon! Let things be!” cremation and traditional funeral services. We are the $ weak and have no willpower. So When the weather is warmer, largest cremation provider in Worcester County. 1375 Direct Cremation you overeat.” when the days are longer, when Here’s what your body says: “Th e the world is new, that’s the time to Shaw-Majercik holidays come now precisely be- create the new improved you. cause this is the time of year when I suppose I could be wrong RICHARD D. MAJERCIK you’re supposed to eat a lot. You’re Funeral Home Director about all this but I doubt it. Ask ESTABLISHED 1910 a mammal, for goodness sake. You your body. Your brain will chime Over 100 Years of Continuous Service need to store up some energy for in. Ignore it. 48 School Street, Webster, MA 01570 the winter.” As for me, I’m going to eat the rest (It’s worth nothing that the ear- of that whoopie pie and take a nap. Serving 508-943-6278 • www.shaw-majercik.com Veteran All Owned & ly Christians didn’t know the exact Faiths 1(800)279-7429 Operated date of Jesus’ birth, so they decid- Contact [email protected] www.fi ftyplusadvocate.com + December 2016 + fi f t y plus advocate • 23 Share the gift of security A Reverse Mortgage is not for everyone.

PHOTO/SUBMITTED The official reverse mortgage consumer booklet approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Give the gift of peace of mind this holiday season. Development

By Kristen Alberino • You never received Social Social Security Public Security benefi ts, Supplemental Affairs Specialist, Boston Security Income (SSI) or Medi- care; or e have all received • You received benefi ts in the gifts we’ve wanted to past, but do not currently receive Wreturn: ugly socks or them. Th e letter will include the sweaters that look exactly like the date your benefi ts stopped and one you got (or gave!) last year. how much you received that Sometimes, just letting loved year; or ones know that you’re there for • You applied for benefi ts but them, no matter what, is the best haven’t received an answer yet. gift of all. And you avoid the em- Some of us might need ex- barrassment of giving an awk- tra help because of a disability. ward gift! Social Security is also We’ve made it easy to apply for there for you and your family — disability benefi ts at www.so- all year long. cialsecurity.gov/applyfordisabil- For this holiday season, give ity. your loved ones some peace Additionally, we have re- of mind by introducing them sources for family members in to Social Security’s many pro- the military who have been in- grams. While creating new holi- jured while serving, or are now day memories, help your family disabled veterans. Th ey can fi nd members create a safe and secure out about benefi ts they may be my Social Security account at eligible for at www.socialsecu- www.socialsecurity.gov/myac- rity.gov/people/veterans. count. It’s the gift that keeps on Your loved ones will also ap- giving all year long, with features preciate the gift of convenience! that let you: Social Security has many online

Get your Social Security State- services that can fi t their diverse ment, to review: needs at www.socialsecurity.gov/ • Estimates of your future re- onlineservices tirement, disability, and survivors Receiving support and friend- benefi ts; ship often means more than ma- • Your earnings once a year to terial gifts. As you’re exchanging verify the amounts that we post- presents this holiday season, re- NMLS 1535 ed are correct; and member to also exchange some Massachusetts Mortgage Broker License MB1535 • Th e estimated Social Securi- knowledge, and pass on the ef- We arrange but do not make loans. ty and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. fectiveness of my Social Secu- www.dfcreversemortgage.com Get a benefi t verifi cation letter rity and our online services. Your 40 Accord Park Drive - Suite 208 - Norwell, MA 02061 stating that: loved ones will appreciate it. 24 • ﬁ f t y plus advocate + December 2016 + www.ﬁ ftyplusadvocate.com

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DISCONTINUED Route - As of Nov. 1, 2016 New Route - Available Nov. 1, 2016 REVERE MALDEN DOWNTOWN BOSTON SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY*SUNDAY SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY*THURSDAY* NOWMONDAYMO NDAYOPERATING THROUGHTHRO U7G DAYSH FRIDAY* A WEEK PICK-UP LOCATION ARRIVE DEPART PICK-UP LOCATION ARRIVE DEPART PICK-UPTIME LOCATION CASINOARRIVE DEPARTCASINO PICK-UP LOCATION ARRIVE DEPART TIME CASINO CASINO TIME CASINO CASINO TIME CASINO CASINO 8:00am Charger Street 9:30am 2:30pm 8:30am Corner of Ferry & Broadway 9:45am 3:00pm 8:00am Nor Clippershipthgate Mall Drive, next to 9:30am 2:30pm 8:00am 85 Bedford Street 9:00am 2:00pm Everett – Walgreens (nextMedford to Price Senior Rite), Citizen Revere Drop-In Center, Medford 8:15am Shawmut and 8:40am Charger Street, Revere 8:15am Centre Street Marginal Street Northgate Mall 8:15am MBTA Centre bus Street stop MBTA bus stop Mass Pike Towers (next (next to to Stop Stop & & Shop) Shop), Malden (next to Price Rite) Malden 8:45am Speedway Gas Station 8:55am Border Street, East Boston 8:30am SpeedwayMBTA bus Gas stop Station Liberty Plaza (McDonald’s) MBTA(Near bus Sullivan stop Square (Near Sullivan Square train station) Washingtontrain station) Street SomervilleWashington Street, Sommerville FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM NEW BEDFORD AND FALL RIVER ALSO AVAILABLE

FIRST TIME VISITORS MUST SIGN UP FOR CONTACT BUS MARKETING AT 508-576-4417 A FREE MARQUEE REWARDS® CARD TO BE FOR MORE INFORMATION ELIGIBLE FOR $20 FREE SLOTPLAY * Days and times are subject to change or cancellation. Must have a valid photo ID to ride. Plainridge Park Casino nor the bus company are responsible for guests that miss Valid for Free SLOTPLAY only. Free SLOTPLAY valid for day of trip only. Offers are their return trip. Must be 21 or older to gamble and to qualify for transportation. Space non-cashable and non-transferable. This offer is subject to change or cancellation is limited and based on availability. No eating or drinking on the motor coach. Plainridge per the discretion of Plainridge Park Casino management. Valid only at Plainridge Park Park Casino nor the bus company are responsible for vehicles left unattended at or near Casino. Plainridge Park Casino is not responsible for lost, damaged or misplaced mail designated stops. Management may refuse service at any time without notiﬁcation or or email. Must be 21 or older to redeem this offer. reason. Handicapped accommodations must be made with 48 hours notice.

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