Greater Lynchburg’s 2011 - ‘12 Edition!

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The Best Decision We’ve Ever MadeMaintenance free living. Financial peace of mind. Twenty-four hour security. Healthcarefor life. Time for family and friends.

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6 |

Volume 10 10,000 Circulation

Another production of

All-American Publications, LLCPublisher of Guidebooks, Maps, & Websites, for eight Virginia communities.

To advertise in next year’s edition of Greater Lynchburg’s Golden Years Guide, please contact the publisher, Dan Curran:

Dan Curran: Phone: 434-455-2726 E-mail: Dan@AllAmericanPub.com

Copyright 2011, All-American Publications LLC, Lynchburg, VA. All rights reserved. The reproduction of this Guide in any form is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. The information herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, there is no warranty, expressed or implied, made by the publisher regarding its accuracy.

ContentsFeatures

Departments

8

1722424451

16

2924

303136

39

The Dazzlers Still Do Six Local Lads, Since the 50's!

News & Notes

Hawaii For Seniors

Clubs & Organizations

Social Security Questions & AnswersImportant Phone Numbers

BINGO! Just Saying It Feels Good… Play Locally!

Choosing an Assisted Living Residence

Choosing the Best In-Home Care

Golden Lives

Choosing A Nursing/Rehab Facility

Reverse Mortgage Q&A You Could Make Your Home Work for You

Funeral Planning Planning Beforehand can Make a Difficult Time That Much Easier

Publisher & Editor Dan Curran

Contributing Writer Bonnie Dawson Emily Williams

Graphic Designer Andrew Osborne

Graphics Assistant Beth Moore

Greater Lynchburg’s 2011 - ‘12 Edition

Reference For the Active 55+ Generationswww.Golden-Years-Guide.com

8

16

22

A Note From the Publisher"News you can use" has been a mantra of mine for many years. But information

alone can get boring.All but a few reader respondents (listed on page 48), who participated in our

second Golden Years Guide Reader Survey, said they found GYG to be useful and worth saving for reference.

Great! But almost half of those, who found GYG useful, wrote-in comments about topics and articles they would like to see more of. So… more pages and articles have been added, and I hope you will enjoy them and still find the information worth saving.

As GYG gets older, we're planning to get better (like I hope everyone is trying to do) and getting more "techy", too. Although dragged in, kicking and screaming, you can find this edition online at www.Golden-Years-Guide.com

But keep those cards and letters coming in anyway… and thanks for your time and attention!

Dan Curran

24

| 7

In the mid-1950s, rockabilly was a revolution in music . Fueled by

Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and others, this energetic fusion of blues, spirituals and hillbilly or country music evolved into rock ‘n’ roll.

In Central Virginia, a few talented teenagers formed The Dazzlers, a rockabilly band which was just as good as any nationally known band.

Today, most of the members are now in their “golden years,” still rockin’ out, and, as of 2011, are the only known first generation Virginia band performing with most of the original members from the ‘50s.

The core group formed when Kenny Coates, Talmadge Harper, Jimmie Donald and Dave Rainey from Brookneal, VA were joined by Alfred Wilson and Harvey Hamilton from Lynchburg. Taking their name from a Bill Haley & the Comets’ tune “Razzle Dazzle,” The Dazzlers’ first publicly performed at the Brookneal Movie Theatre. They eventually

went on to perform in venues with notables such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. They often appeared on local Central and Southwest Virginia television shows, cut several records in Lynchburg and Nashville, and worked briefly with Hank Williams’ ex-wife Audrey.

After being on the road for a few years, many of them lean, penniless and often homesick, The Dazzlers disbanded around 1961. All successfully pursued other careers, but each of them continued to use and perfect their musical talents, joining other bands for a while.

Days of

by Amy Martin Wilson…Are Still Here!

Performing in Roanoke in 1958.

8 |

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Kenny Coates - Lead singer and guitarist. He came from a musical family; his dad played guitar and harmonica, his mother played guitar, piano and sang, and his grandmother (who lived to be 103) played banjo, harmonica, piano and sang. His parents gave him a

Stella guitar for Christmas in 1947, showed him some

chords, and he has been playing, singing and writing songs (over 100) ever since. He was influenced by African American spirituals and some old-time bluegrass pickers. Today he practices vocals in the shower, gets together with some of The Dazzlers to stay sharp, pickin’ on his 900ce Taylor guitar. He is officially retired, but currently stays busy re-building his 300 foot fishing pier, and is an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper. He reports “I’m sure The Dazzlers will be back with that ole time rockabilly before long. I’ve always loved music.” He is 71.

Jim (Jimmie) Donald - Bass guitarist and vocalist. He learned to play sitting around a tobacco barn where he worked to earn $15 to purchase his first guitar when he was only 9 or 10. He continued writing songs and playing in other bands after The Dazzlers, retiring from Sears, and eventually playing with “The Reflections Band of North Carolina” which included his sons and daughter. He still performs with them occasionally. His three grandsons are also musicians who play with The Reflections whenever possible, joining other members of the Donald clan. It will be very exciting when three generations get together in September, 2011, to play at the wedding reception for Jim’s oldest grandson! Jim, along with his wife of 50 years, Linda, currently owns a couple of music stores in North Carolina. He reports “I am still under 40 in my mind, playing music and singing with my kids and grandsons, although I just turned 72.”

Alfred (Al) Wilson - Keyboardist. He is a self-taught piano player from age four. His first paying gig with The Dazzlers earned him $5.00. After The Dazzlers’ years, he played keyboards with a number of bands ranging from country to pop. He still gets together frequently with other area musicians to practice and just have fun. He is enjoying retirement from the construction business, with his wife of 47 years, Kaye. He reports “Music will always be a big part of my life.” This is evidenced by the music room in his basement which features the actual piano he played on many times with The Dazzlers. A little worse for wear, it still has that honky tonk ring, which fills the air with a boogie woogie, rockabilly beat, sitting alongside his new electronic keyboard. He is 71.

Harvey Hamilton - Lead guitarist. Only 14 when asked by Al Wilson to join the band, he was already a very talented and

Who were The Dazzlers, and who are they today?

Left to right: Mike Donald (Jim’s son), Al Wilson, Gene Davis, Sonny Harp, Kenny Coates, Talmadge Harper, Harvey Hamilton, & Jim Donald. Hidden behind drum set: Chris Isley

10 |

Welcome Home toTHOMAS ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH

MINISTRIES

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Call Joann Willis, Activities Director, at 832-2010,for more information,

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accomplished, but shy musician. He had to get permission from his parents, who protectively oversaw his involvement in the band. A few years after The Dazzlers, a friend who was playing bass for Wanda Jackson’s band (The Party Timers, named after one of her huge hit songs “Let’s Have a Party”) asked Harvey to join that group. Wanda

Jackson, dubbed the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” is considered to be the first woman to record a rock song, at the urging of Elvis, launching a 50-plus year career which took her around the world. Harvey reports “I salivated at the opportunity. We traveled from coast to coast, playing small and large engagements, sometimes with the likes of Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and others. Wanda was a marvelous entertainer and boss - she required discipline and neat dress among her band members. We enjoyed entertaining and travel but not the drugs and degenerate behavior.” Among Harvey’s hobbies is aviation. He has owned two planes and accumulated 3000 hours of pilot time. Married to Violet, his wife of

48 years, whom he met at a sock hop at Brookville High School, Harvey is the youngster at 68.

Talmadge (T.C.) Harper - He has been a loyal supporter of The Dazzlers for over five decades, encouraging and promoting them, even appearing on stage plugged in after he learned to play the necessary four or five chords on his

guitar. He is semi-retired, living in Forest and remains their most faithful and ever present fan and mascot.

Since the early years, there have been several changes in the make-up of the band members as some moved and others filled in. Besides the core group mentioned, today they are:

Gene Davis - Saxophonist. He studied music while a student in Roanoke. Prior to the rock and roll revolution, he was playing big band and show music as well as classical. He has played with a variety of dance bands, performing rock, soul, country, pop, jazz, Latin and swing music. When The Dazzlers needed a sax player, he was invited to join. He has been favorably compared to

the legendary saxaphonist, Boots Randolph, who was a major player in creating the famous “Nashville Sound.” Gene is retired and lives in Lynchburg.

Chris Isley - Drummer. Following several other drummers, Chris joined The Dazzlers in 2002 at their request prior to the Brookneal reunion, and has been a

valuable member since. He started professionally in 1959 with a band called The Galaxies. He reports “I grew up loving music, especially the drums. The Dazzlers enjoy each others company and are good friends away from the bandstand. We just want to enjoy the ride as long as we are able to stay on the horse.” He is 66.

Sonny Harp - Bass guitarist. A native of Syracuse, New York, he moved to this area 30 years ago, but has been playing bass guitar for 40+ years. He can play several other instruments as well. He reports “I had known several of the guys and therefore happily accepted an invitation to join the band. The joy of playing music is what brings musicians together.” He is 59.

Main stage at the Richmond Folk Festival. Photo Credit: Martha Tweedy Johnson

12 |

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| 13

In October, 2002, The Dazzlers were reunited for the first time in 40 years. To the delight of the hometown audience, they headlined the Brookneal Bicentennial Celebration, sounding as if they had never missed a beat, even though they had not played together as a band in quite a while.

After playing several area benefits, in early 2009, The Dazzlers were featured in the History of Rockabilly in Virginia exhibit at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum of Ferrum College and were asked to perform at the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival there. They also released a new CD entitled “The Dazzlers -- Now and Then.”

In October, 2010, they were invited to perform on the main stage at the Richmond Folk Festival, where they wowed an enthusiastic crowd of thousands who gave them a standing ovation. That same month, they played at the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond as part of “Virginia Rocks! The History of Rockabilly in the Commonwealth” to standing room only. “The Virginia Rocks” CD cover features Kenny’s picture as a teenager. Pretty impressive!

In early 1957, Brookville High School coach “Bunker” Hill asked Al Wilson, a student there, if The Dazzlers would be interested in

playing for some Saturday night sock hops to raise money for the Athletic Boosters Club so they could buy uniforms for the football team. The band was looking for places to perform, so they agreed to play every Saturday night for the rest of that year for $40 per dance, helping the football team achieve their goal and also helping launch The Dazzlers’ career by giving them exposure.

On August 4, 2011 at 4 p.m. The Dazzlers will take the stage in Abingdon, Virginia, playing for a dance, as part of the famed Virginia Highlands Festival. This concert will highlight the opening of the Virginia Rocks! The History of Rockabilly in the Commonwealth exhibit at the William King Museum.

To Perform at August Benefit for Brookville High School

On August 6, 2011, The Dazzlers will once again play a benefit at Brookville High School; all proceeds will go to the Jim Whorley Field House project, which is named in honor of the coach who was killed in a

boating accident in 2008.

Hopefully Coach John W. “Bunker” Hill will be in attendance where he will be recognized as being

responsible for helping the fledgling Dazzlers get started. Ironically, in his mid-80s, Mr. Hill is still active in the community where he teaches teenagers how to drive in his Driver’s Education class in Campbell County.

Rockabilly music is enjoying a revival by a new generation of young musicians who love the rough-edged, countrified rock sound, proving the paradox the more things change the more they

stay the same. Wanda Jackson at 73 is enjoying a renaissance as well, which she sums up in the title of her newly released album “The Party Ain’t Over.”

The party ain't over for

The Dazzlers!

What are The Dazzlers up to now?

From left Harvey Hamilton, Jim Donald, Al Wilson, Dr. Paul Levengood, President and CEO of Virginia Historical Society, Kenny Coates, Gene Davis, Sonny Harp, Absent: Chris Isley & Talmadge Harper.

Photo courtesy of Virginia Historical Society

14 |

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Driving around the Hill city, it is hard not to notice a Lodge

or a community hall advertising a weekly Bingo game. Unless you’re already an avid Bingo player or a society member, the gaming world may feel a bit intimidating and mysterious. If you venture through those doors, however, you are in for a friendly welcome from a group that is as devoted to the fun of winning as they are to raising money for charity.

The Moose Lodge 1727 on Waterlick Road in Campbell County boasts a Monday night Bingo game with a weekly draw of over 50 people. Being a non-profit organization, proceeds from the games go towards a vast array of causes that the Moose members support. At the top of the giving list is the Mooseheart Child City and School in Chicago, which provides education and support to children and teens in need. In addition to their own charities, the Moose

lodge contributes to a long list of others including the Salvation Army, St Jude Children’s Hospital and Miriam’s House.

The Monday night Bingo game is one of the largest fundraisers for the lodge and regularly draws

in thousands of dollars. With admission packs ranging from $20 to $50, there are a number of options for every type of spender. The game is progressive, which means that when no one wins a jackpot, it carries over to the next week resulting in huge payoffs.

The traditional game of Bingo involves a player with a paper board who uses a dauber, an ink tube with a sponge tip applicator, to mark off numbers as they are called. Technology has progressed and Bingo was not a game to be left behind. In addition to the old paper and ink method, players at the Lodge and many other halls have the opportunity to borrow small laptop-like devices to play electronically. The electronic games automatically update as the numbers are read, and often surprise the winner when they call out Bingo and play celebratory music.

Doors to the Monday night Moose

BINGO!Alive and Charitable in Lynchburg

by Emily Williams

Bingo! …at Moose Lodge 1727

16 |

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Celebrating 10 Years of Caring

Living well means living here!Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk

Sat., October 1...2011 in Lynchburg’s Miller Park

Hundred are expected from the Lynchburg area to participate in this years’ event to raise awareness and funds to fight this disease. The 2 mile walk will take place, rain or shine!

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, this all age, all-ability walk has mobilized millions to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, raising more than $347 million for the cause. Events are held annually in the fall in nearly 600 communities nationwide.

To start a team, volunteer, or make a donation, call or Email Katie Winters at 434-973-6122 or katie.winters@alz.org, or simply visit www.alz.org.

NEWS & NOTES

Continued on page 41

| 17

Lodge game open at 5:30 p.m. with warm-up rounds. When the regular games start at 7:00 p.m., the room goes silent save the sound of jumbling Bingo balls and the dabbing of boards. Volunteers canvas the rows of players peddling instant win games with names like “Pluckers” and “Smokin’ Hot.” Players at the Lodge can also treat themselves to an impressive array of offerings at the snack bar. Those wishing to dodge cigarette smoke will be happy to find the first two rows of the hall are non-smoking, and the entire large room is armed with smoke-capturing fans.

In addition to the Monday night game at Lodge 1727, the female members of the lodge, who function separately from the men, recently applied for a Bingo license of their own. If the application is approved, the Women of the Moose plan to offer a midnight bingo game on the

first Friday of each month. Doors will open at 10:15 p.m. and the games will start at 12:00 a.m.

Jean and Earl Saunders, who give their ages as 65 plus, are members of the Moose lodge and active participants in the Lynchburg Bingo scene. On Monday night, however, the two can be found volunteering instead of playing. Earl is known to call numbers for the first half of the night while Jean sells boards.

“The players like us because we play Bingo ourselves, so we know what’s going on,” says Mrs. Saunders.

On the more quirky side of Bingo are the superstitions. Some in the Bingo community hold certain beliefs that they think effect their luck. Rituals of superstitious players range from keeping trinkets and tokens alongside their boards, to which color dauber they use. Mr. Saunders will never bring a $50 bill to a Bingo hall for fear that he will ruin his luck, an issue he takes

very seriously. Perhaps the most common superstition, however, is the simple fear of jinxing a round.

“She’s our big winner, but

she’d kill me if she heard me say that… lots of superstitious people here,” says Rachael, a Women of the Moose volunteer, of one of the players.

While the crowd at Bingo games boasts a vast array of ages, Saunders says she is pleased to see the amount of seniors that come week to week.

“Lots of seniors come out every week… Bingo’s great because it gives them something to do,” says Saunders.

Mrs. Saunders is also proud of Lynchburg’s thriving Bingo scene

that provides thrills for both new and seasoned players.

“You can play Bingo every night of the week in Lynchburg… I didn’t know if you knew that,” says Saunders.

In addition to local games, Mr. and Mrs. Saunders travel as far away as South Carolina to play Bingo. Mrs. Saunders describes a bus that takes seniors and other players to West Virginia each month for a big game.

“They can just get on the bus so they don’t have to worry about driving there themselves,” says Saunders.

One of those avid bus riding Bingo fans is Shirley Waensly, 62. Waensly explains that the game in West

Shirley Waensley dabs away.

Marge Brandt, 66, happy about her $100 winnings.

Earl Saunders calling the bingo balls.

18 |

A growing number of senior adults are opting for living

at home and are discarding the notion to live in a rest home for their golden years. In addition, adult children are adamantly seeking ways to keep the promises they made to their parents to abstain from the nursing home option.

Infinity Care Management is an RN run geriatric care management agency that has experience in helping senior adults gain the independence to live out their years

with dignity in the comfort of their own homes. A locally owned and operated business, Infinity Care Management is the only geriatric care management agency serving the Greater Lynchburg area and surrounding counties. The President of Infinity Care, Linda Recinos, RN, BSN, has served the Lynchburg area since 2009. She has 24 years of experience as a registered nurse with 19 of

those years specializing in geriatric patient care. Linda is a member of the National Gerontological

Nurses Association and the nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau, and is currently working on her graduate degree in Health Communications with Boston University.

Clients can gain peace of mind by receiving important

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Linda Recinos

LocaL Geriatric care ManaGeMent aGency ProMotes indePendence

…Continued on page 41

| 19

Virginia is huge and one of its many perks is a large non-smoking room. The bus itself is operated by Victory Coachways in Danville. Tickets cost $20 and can be reserved over the phone.

Waensly had nothing but good things to say about the bus. On the first Saturday of every month, it leaves from the Sam’s parking lot on Wards Road at 5:20 a.m. and returns around 10:00 p.m. One perk, according to Waensly, is that food is offered for sale on the ride.

“They have a nice time on the bus, a real nice time,” says Waensly.

Once you’ve been bitten by the Bingo bug, your go-to guide for Lynchburg area Bingo is the Blue Ridge Bingo Bugle newspaper. Published by Lynchburg resident Jack Einreinhof, this monthly publication covers the games in Lynchburg, Roanoke and the surrounding areas. If you’re lucky at Bingo, you might just be lucky enough to get your picture in the winner’s circle section of this paper.

In addition to information about local games and winners, the Bingo Bugle also includes a variety of general interest articles and word games to peruse between rounds. Available at many local halls and at Exxon on Timberlake Rd., Shell on Timberlake and Exxon on Langhorne Rd, the Blue Ridge Bingo Bugle is a great starting point for anyone looking to get into the Bingo scene.

Perhaps the ultimate Bingo lover’s getaway is the Bingo Bugle’s Caribbean Bingo Tournament and Gaming Cruise. The ship leaves from Fort Lauderdale , Florida and visits the islands of Grand Turk, Curacao and Aruba to name a few. Complete with a pool, piano bar and spa, passengers will have plenty to keep them busy between Bingo rounds.

This year’s cruise, from November 10 through November 18, is host to the 23rd annual World Championship Bingo Tournament. The tournament will offer $80,000 in prizes. The lucky individual that takes home the most winnings will also receive two free tickets to the 2012 cruise, giving them an opportunity to defend their title.

In addition to Bingo, passengers can compete in Blackjack, Slots and Texas Hold’em tournaments. Cruise packages start at $1,570 and include all meals and a 60-game buy-in to the Bingo tournament.

For those looking to stay a little closer to home, however, Lynchburg’s Bingo community certainly has much to offer. So grab your Bingo tote bag and lucky daubers and head to a hall near you. Local charities, and maybe even your pocket book, will thank you.

Bingo Games in the Lynchburg Area

MondayMoose Lodge # 1727 Waterlick Road (Rt. 622), Lynchburg 7pm 237-4360Lynchburg Elk’s Club #321 6235 Old Mill Rd., Lynchburg 6:30pm 237-2963

TuesdayRuritan Club Rt. 460, Spout Spring 7pm 993-3889Lynchburg Elk’s Club #321 6235 Old Mill Rd., Lynchburg 6:30pm 237-2963

WednesdayGretna Youth Sports Bingo 203 Northside Drive, Gretna 6:30pmMoose Lodge #1897 Rt. 460, Bedford 7:00pm

FridayRuritan Club Spout Spring 7pm 993-3889Lynchburg Elk’s Club #321 6235 Old Mill Rd., Lynchburg 6:30pm 237-2963

SaturdayJefferson Forest Band Boosters Seminole Shopping Center Rt. 29 North, Madison Heights 6:30pm 846-6310

20 |

After many years of cooking, are you ready to turn that job

over to someone else? At Home Gourmet, located in Wyndhurst, wants to be your “someone else”. They have been cooking up delicious, nutritious meals for eight years. For about what you would spend in the grocery store yourself, you can have Susan Dolinar and her staff shop for you, prepare the meals for you, and bring them to you!!

Susan and her sister, Angela, started the business 8 years ago. Working in the Tidewater area of Virginia for 14 years in the corporate world, Susan would pay a good friend to

cook for her. “I was always trying to eat healthier and lose weight. The only way I could do it was with help in the kitchen.” That’s how the concept for At Home Gourmet came to be.

Meals are available Monday through Friday, with the menus for the month published in advance. They have a tremendous amount of variety. In fact, the menu repeats only twice a year. You select the frequency and amount of meals that suit your needs.

The Simpson’s , a retired Campbell County couple, say they are more

than pleased.

“Susan and her staff are a pleasure to work with, very friendly and accommodating. The meals are delicious and the presentation is excellent. Flexibility is such a plus. At Home Gourmet saves not only my energy, but also saves energy usage with electricity and water. I run my dishwasher half as often as I used to. We knew about At Home Gourmet for several years, and one day I just went in to see them. We think Susan and her sister are geniuses!

Grocery Shopping & Cooking Getting Old?

…Continued on page 41

| 21

For seniors who have

never been to Hawaii (or those returning), the place is an eye-opener offering memorable vacations of a

lifetime. Many of the tourists in Hawaii are senior citizens who have spent most of their lives saving and waiting for the day when they can finally savor their Hawaiian vacation.

As a matter of fact, Hawaii is a leader in tourism for seniors, and the majority of hotels and landmarks have provisions for individuals who are handicapped or are in wheelchairs. The “Aloha State” can be visited anytime of year, but the summer months are ideal. And, due to the slow economy, the islands have been seeing a shortage of tourists lately, so there are plenty of discount packages available for seniors. The beaches are generally not crowded, excellent food has become slightly cheaper, and luxury hotel accommodations are more affordable.

Hawaii is usually best visited by seniors on tour packages, which are all inclusive. Many travel agencies today offer a variety of tour packages and good deals for senior vacations, most including airfare, hotel accommodation, food, tours, and transportation. And there are even numerous packages for those who want more freedom and to travel independently.

Besides the fabulous Hawaiian beaches to enjoy, there are many other activities available to seniors, including playing golf, art festivals, fishing or sightseeing.

Island cruises on cruise ships are a favorite among seniors touring the islands of Hawaii. Travelers can get to the different islands and destinations throughout Hawaii in a faster and more convenient way, and offer perfect venue to meet and make new friends while enjoying good food.

Forest trails are popular for hiking and trips to the famed

rainforests. Gentle and mildly challenging routes are available anyone, especially wildlife enthusiasts who will enjoy the estimated 10,000 endemic species of flora and fauna in these islands. Jeeps and SUV rentals, at discounts, are available to those seniors who would rather ride through trails and forests.

Other spectacular natural formations include the sea cliffs, where the ocean below can expose humpback whales and frolicking dolphins. Seniors can get a slight workout and a whiff of fresh air when going on treks to the sea cliffs in the Na Pali Coast. The Wiamea Canyon is a famous landmark with a colorful rock basin that rival those of Arizona.

Senior travelers can also get a taste of the geological history of the Hawaiian archipelago by visiting the Hawaiian Volcano National Park on the island of Hawaii (The Big Island; see below). You can trek over the gently sloping sides of the shield volcano of Mauna Loa and observe lava and magma up close, as Mauna Loa comprises about 50% of the island.

Hawaii is also famous for its tropical fruit plantations, where seniors can book excursions and informative trips to coffee and pineapple plantations where delicious tropical fruits such as pineapples, lychees, and bananas can be bought economically.

Some Sights to SeeThere are eight main islands, the largest being Hawaii (commonly called The Big Island,

so it isn’t confused as being the entire state). The Big Island is larger than all of the other islands combined, and is about one-tenth the size of Virginia.

Hawaiian Vacations For Seniors

22 |

On OahuThe world’s first passenger submarine was launched in 1985, and the world’s largest submersible has been operating here since 1994. The Atlantis 2000 spans 92 ft., carries 64 passengers and displaces 150 tons.

The highlight of the tour off Waikiki is a sunken World War 11 oil tanker, which rests on the ocean floor and serves as a giant condo for schools of fish. The Atlants is also available on Maui and the Big Island.

Tours of varying lengths are available of point sof interests including downtown Honolulu, the Arizona Memorial, or the entire island.

A complete selection of ocean cruises are available, complete with Hawaiian hospitality, that offer smooth and steady rides of the shoreline from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor.

The USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center is at Pearl Harbor, where a ferry shuttles back and forth between the visitor center and the USS Arizona Memorial, where you can stand directly above the Arizona.

Also, next to the Visitor Center is the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. You can go below the deck of the Bowfin, an actual World War 11 sub.

On The Big IslandEcologically varied and thinly inhabited, the Big Island is appropriately the largest of the Hawaiian islands. Take a walk through the rain forest at Akaka Falls to view one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Hawaii. Ginger, heliconia, giant stands of bamboo, and orchids line the trail to the waterfalls.

Daily helicopter flights leave Hilo Airport to visit current lava activity at the Pu’u O’o Vent where passengers can see the fiery home of Madame Pele.

The Kona Coast can be visited on a state-of-the-art, unsinkable, 27-ft. catamaran, which is geared for sailing enthusiasts and reef snorkelers.

On KauaiCatamaran tours are available where the crew hosts share their extensive knowledge of the history, legends and marine environment along the coastline. See majestic cliffs, waterfalls, ancient fishing villages and sea caves.

Kayaks are available in the gentle waters of Kauai for navigating rivers and streams.

On MauiA glassbottom catamaran is available for spectacular underwater viewing without getting wet, although one can have fun on their waterslide. The island can be viewed by a large,

luxurious touring helicopter in air-conditioned comfort, and a CD sound system can record your flight with the pilot’s live narration, music and your cabin conversation.

As you can see, there are many opportunities and options for enjoyment on the islands of Hawaii. For more information, contact your professional, local travel agent.

from Staff Reports

Call Today To Book!

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departure dates: February 23rd, 2012, or February 7th, 2013.

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Email: Melissa@MyTBugs.com*per person, double occupancy. Air taxes additional.CST#2006766-20 UBN#601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

Mention You Saw This Ad in Golden Years Guide For Discount if booked by aug. 31st! (prior year of trip.)

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Highlights: Pearl Harbor ● USS Arizona Memorial ● Plantation Railway ● Waimea Canyon ● Kauai Coffee Company ● Iao Needle ● Polynesian Luau Dinner and Show

● Visit Pearl Harbor and travel by Naval launch to the USS Arizona Memorial before touring the USS Missouri and the Pacific Aviation Museum

● Ride on an authentic narrow gauge railway through a historic plantation● Experience a traditional Polynesian luau featuring tropical drinks, dinner, music

and a hula show

incTravelbugsTravelbugs

| 23

Lewis Driskill, born in 1925, is now 85 years young and has lived and worked in Lynchburg his entire life. His wife of almost ten years Joretta, (pronounced Jo-Rita), is from Parkersburg, WV. Their Pastor, Jack Karpenske, of Church of the Brethren, thought that Lewis would be a great example of a retired, active senior.

“You have to stay young to keep living,” said Driskill, when I asked him about getting older.

“Age is not really in your mind. In my mind, I never think I am old. You just know, when you get this age, your life span is much shorter. You might not be able to do it all, but you can think young.”

Lewis worked for the wholesale parts company Barker-Jennings and retired at age 67. “You should always have some monies to fall back on; Social Security just doesn’t cut it as you get older,” said Lewis.

Besides staying active in church, he is also a member of the Lynchburg Host Lion’s Club. The group was inspired by Helen Keller to put an emphasis on preventing blindness through vision screenings for both children and adults. They also provide support groups for seniors.

Lewis married Doris Hickok, (seventh cousin of Wild Bill Hickok), when he was 18 and she was 16.

“We were childhood sweethearts. We ran away and got married in SC.”

After they married, he joined the Navy in 1944 during WWII. He was a medic

for the Marines and was in the battle of Okinawa. He was released from the Navy in 1946 and moved in with his Doris’s family.

“Families were close back then out of necessity, and you didn’t have the money like you have now. We built our own home later.”

Lewis also played softball, “I liked the fast pitch softball best. When the games went to the slow pitch, I stopped playing. I still like going to the games, but I don’t take in the ball games as

much as I would like too. TV is taking over people’s lives. People don’t interact with each other as much as they used too.”

In 1998, Doris, died of congestive heart failure.

“My wife’s death was unexpected. It was a terrible time in my life. We had been married for 55 years.

You only have one true love, when you think about it, and there is a big void,” Lewis said. He went through this part of his life not remembering much of anything.

Several years later, his sister, Nancy, in a ruse to get him out of the house, asked him to drive her to Florida to visit her friend Joretta. Nancy’s husband and Joretta’s husband had been in the Marines together.

Lewis told Nancy, “I am not looking for a woman.” His sister told him, her friend was not looking for a man, (Joretta’s husband had died in 1995).

“We had a lot of fun together on that trip to Florida,” said Lewis. After that

trip, Lewis flew to San Diego, to a Lions Convention, and Joretta went to Hawaii with a friend.

“When I came home from Hawaii he was at my door,” laughed Joretta.

They married in Sept. 2002 at his church, nothing elaborate, just their children, and friends totaling 120 people. “We walked down the aisle arm in arm,” said Joretta.

The Driskills drive regularly to Parkersburg, WV, to tend to Joretta’s house and visit her two daughters, two grandchildren and friends. They stay up late nights playing games.

In 2007, while Lewis was traveling with Joretta and her two widowed girlfriends, he had a heart attack. While in the hospital he jokingly said, “vacationing with three women is enough to give anyone a heart attack. I think those people at that hospital will never forget me.”

When the Driskills are in Lynchburg they visit with his family. He has three children, 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grand children. Most of Lewis’s kids live around Lynchburg.

“Whenever his family gets together we need to meet somewhere big, like church,” says Joretta, “but whenever my family is together you can all meet in one house.”

Joretta is used to moving around. She was married for 45 years to a Marine. “If you’re happy where you are, you never miss where you’ve been.”

When I asked about their marriage together, Joretta explained, “The second marriage is different from when you are young. So far, we have 109 years of marriage experience, and it has been fun.”

lewiS DriSkill... by Bonnie Dawson

Lewis & Joretta

Golden Lives

24 |

One key phrase in the Meals on Wheels mission is “more than just a meal.” Armed with a new director, enthusiastic volunteers and some active seniors, the Lynchburg branch of this non-profit is ready to not just battle hunger, but provide community members in need with the option to live at home.

“I love the mission of Meals on Wheels,” said Kris Shabestar who began work as director in May .

Since 1974, Meals on Wheels Inc. of the Greater Lynchburg Area has worked to provide nutritious hot meals to those elderly or disabled within the community that are no longer able to shop or cook for themselves. The program is neither income nor age based, and strives to serve not only food, but also a sense of security and companionship.

“It’s not really just a meal, it’s also that human connection,” said Shabestar.

Hunger affects both individuals and the community. Mal-nutrition can lead to health problems which strain the health care system and emergency response professionals. According to Shabestar, the group most at risk are seniors age 65 through 69 due to rapid changes in their lives such as age-related health and loss of employment due to the economy.

“Nationally, one in nine seniors struggles with hunger issues, which just blew me away,” said Shabestar.

The driving force behind the charity are the droves of community members that donate their time to manning the routes. In 2010, over 900 volunteers delivered 76,806 meals to the Greater Lynchburg area. While most of the program’s volunteers get involved

through local churches, it is also possible to simply contact the Meals on Wheels office and ask to be put to work.

“All they have to do is call,” said Shabestar on how to get involved (their number is 847-0796).

Local businesses have also played a role in raising funds for the charity. The Meals on Wheels 4th annual golf tournament was held in May at the Boonsboro Country Club. The event, whose largest sponsors were Areva and Ford Mays Wealth management, netted almost $20,000.

“It was a little windy, that was the only complaint,” joked Shabestar.

Kris Shabestar touts an education that seems tailor-made for her new position as Meals on Wheels director. With a Masters in Non-Profit Management and a Bachelors in Hotel and Restaurant Administration, Shabestar is already familiar with many of the nuts and bolts that go into putting the meals on the tables of those in need.

“Feeding people is something special...to be able to combine my passion for nonprofit missions and activities with the background of the food and hospitality portion… it has just been fabulous,” said Shabestar.

Shabestar works hand in hand with the Meals on Wheels Board to accomplish the program’s mission. The 18-member board meets monthly and is made up of community members

with backgrounds ranging from law to catering. The board’s president elect, Naomi Caldwell, is one active senior that is dedicated to volunteer service.

Naomi moved to Lynchburg after retiring in 1989 and has since volunteered with a number of groups in the area. Before working with Meals on Wheels, Caldwell served on the board for the Community Concert Association. While her work there was fun, said Caldwell, it couldn’t compare to impact of Meals on Wheels.

“This is very special because it’s touching people,” said Caldwell of her three years working with Meals on Wheels.

While many seniors benefit from the food the Meals on Wheels provides, the charity also receives volunteer hours from active seniors wishing to lend a hand. Caldwell

embraces the activity that working with meals on wheels has brought to life as a retiree.

In addition to volunteering, Caldwell goes on regular outings with a group called the Happy Hikers.

“It’s a wonderful thing to be doing rather than just sitting in a rocking chair. It keeps you alert and involved,” said Caldwell.

As Meals on Wheels moves ahead in 2011, those close to the program reminded the Greater Lynchburg community that support, either financial or volunteer, is more important than ever.

“We need (your) help, as we have in the past, during these tough economic times,” said Caldwell.

kriS ShabeStar anD naomi CalDwell... by Emily Williams

Editor’s Note: Do you know of an active senior that you think deserves recognition in this Golden Lives feature? If so, please indicate who it is and why you think this person is worthy of recognition, along with your name and phone # and e-mail address, to Golden Years Guide, P.O. Box 4781, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or e-mail Dan@AllAmericanPub.net.

Kris Shabestar and Naomi Caldwell ready to feed Lynchburg from the Meals on Wheels office.

| 25

Golden 50 Guide

26

The Central Virginia region around Lynchburg has become a popular area for people of retire-ment age to live. A moderate climate and close proximity to popular destinations such as

Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach, Smith Mountain Lake, Leesville Lake, Buggs Island Lake, themountains to the west and famous historical sites help explain why people from all over the

Central Virginia Area Independent...

Valley ViewThe Summit

Community Name Type of Year 1st Unit Existing # PotentialLocation & Phone Dwelling/Unit Size of Units Price Range Completed of Units # of Units

Apartments N/R

McGurk House Apartments 235 to Variable-30% 1985 88 N/RLynchburg 846-2425 349 sq. ft. adjust. gross

The Summit Apart., Garden Homes, 732 to Call for info. August 2003 85 NRLynchburg 582-1500 & Continuing Care 1624 sq. ft.

Valley View Independent. & Assist. Various sizes Month to 1988 109 N/RLynchburg 237-3009 Living Apartments month rental

Westminster Life Care; 432 to $1150 to 1980 246 N/RCanterbury Apartments, cottages, 2100 sq. ft. $3800Lynchburg 386-3500 asst. living, nursing care

Valley View

Community Name Location & Phone

Type of Dwelling/Unit Size of Units Price Range Year 1st Unit

CompletedExisting # of Units

Potential # of Units

Bentley Commons Lynchburg 509-0036 Apartments Various sizes Call for

pricing details 2008 N/R N/R

The Summit Lynchburg 582-1500

Apart., Garden Homes, & Continuing Care

732 to 1624 sq. ft. Call for info. August 2003 85 N/R

Valley View Lynchburg 237-3009

Independent & Assist. Living Apartments Various sizes Month to

month rental 1988 109 N/R

Westminster CanterburyLynchburg 509-0036

Life Care; Apartments, cottages,

asst. living, nursing care432 to

2100 sq. ft.$1150 to $3800

monthly1980 246 N/R

The Summit

26 |

Golden 50 Guide

27

...Retirement-Living CommunitiesUnited States are attracted here. The communities and developments listed below offer a wide

diversity of lifestyles, but are all committed to sharing their knowledge and answering any questions you may have, without obligation.

N/R means No Report - Please Call for More Information

McGurk HouseBentley Commons

Population Age If Yes, Free Inside or Outsideas of /1/ Restrictions What Age? Maintenance Available? Miscellaneous Comments

About Yes 62 and up Yes Affordable Housing90 unless handicap. For Elderly - HUD (Section 8/202)

113 NR NR Main. included in fees Sponsored by Centra Healthand The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About 120 Yes Designed for Main. included in fees Month-to-month rental. No entrance fee. Retire. Living Tours available. www.valleyviewretirement.com

288 Yes 62 and up Yes An accredited CCRC. Entrance fees

Health Care available for Direct Admission

6 10

range from $ 0 - $ 0 ,000. Asst. Living &4 5Westminster Canterbury Bentley Commons

Population as of 5/1/11

Age Restrictions

If Yes, What Age?

Free Inside or Outside Maintenance Available? Miscellaneous Comments

N/R Yes 55 and up Main. included in fees Monthly rental, All inclusive, three meals daily, Pets welcome.

About 115 NR NR Main. included in fees Sponsored by Centra Health and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

About 120 Yes Designed for Retire. Living Main. included in fees Month-tomonth rental. No entrance fee. Tours

available. www.valleyviewretirement.com

About 300 Yes 62 and up YesAn accredited CCRC. Entrance fees range from $0–$405,000. Asst. Living & Health Care available for Direct Admission

| 27

SENIOR INDEPENDENCESENIOR INDEPENDENCESafe And Confident At Home

Knowing your older loved one is in good hands—safe and surrounded by people and things they love—is so important toyou and your family. Senior Independence is an affordable, comprehensive program that gives older adults the help they need and the confidence to stay at home living the life they want.

Assure your peace of mind by calling Senior Independence at

(434) 386-3800 or go to www.wclynchburg.org.

PERSONAL HOME CARE� Personal Care Assistance

� Meal Preparation

� Companionship

� Grocery Shopping

� Transportation

� Laundry

HOME HEALTH CARE� Skilled Nursing

� Physical Therapy

� Occupational Therapy

� Speech Therapy

� Social Work

Our mission is to be an accredited, non-profit provider

of quality senior services which promote independence

and dignity, operated in a fiscally responsible manner,

and guided by Christian ideals.

2025 TATE SPRINGS ROAD • LYNCHBURG, VA 24501

PHONE: (434) 386-3800 • FAX: (434) 455-4905

TOLL FREE: 1 (877) 380-9507

28 |

What Exactly Is Home Care, Anyway?Homecare is a general term that represents a wide range

of community-based services that support someone recu-perating from an acute situation, such as a hip fracture, or services needed by persons with on-going chronic condi-tions, such as stroke or cerebral palsy. The skills and du-ties of home care personnel vary, but all have one thing in common-they make it possible for care recipients to remain at home in a safe, environment and in some cases have more independence than they did before. In the process, they also provide family caregivers with a chance to replenish their depleted physical and emotional reserves. Homecare person-nel include:• Registered nurses (RNs)-that provide skilled medical

care, including giving medications, monitoring vital signs, dressing wounds, and teaching family caregivers how to use complicated equipment at home.

•Therapists-that work with patients to restore or main-tain their motor, speech and cognitive skills.

•Homecare aides-who provide personal services such as bathing, dressing, toileting, making meals, light clean-ing, and transporting patients to the doctor.

• Companion/homemakers-who help with chores around the house but usually do not perform personal duties for the care recipient.

Getting Started with Homecare1. The first step is to make sure you and your loved

one are comfortable with the idea of someone else taking on some of the tasks that you’ve been doing by yourself.

2. Define the tasks that need to be done by the homec-are worker to determine exactly what type of homecare is most appropriate in your situation.

Who to ChooseIf you’re like the majority of family caregivers, you

need the most help with personal care tasks-the very type of care that is not typically covered by private health insur-ance programs or Medicare. So unless your loved one had the foresight and the funds to purchase long-term-care insurance prior to becoming ill, your access to homecare will be limited by what you can afford. You may be able to get some help from state programs that take into account your ability to pay, and the age or extent of disability of your care recipient, but the reality is that typically the costs of homecare services will have to come out of your own pocket.

Home Care Agencies are companies in the business of meeting homecare needs. Not all home care agencies provide the same variety and level of service however, so make sure the agency you are considering can provide all the services you need. The issue isn’t bigger or smaller but rather which one meets your criteria.

If your care recipient is approved for skilled care that Medicare will pay for, it’s vital that the agency be Medicare certified. This ensures that the agency has met federal mini-mum requirements. If your loved one only requires personal care or companion/homemaker care, Medicare certification need not be a factor in your decision. Some companies actu-ally have two agencies that are legally separate but work to-gether, one that is Medicare certified and one that is strictly private pay.

Some agencies are accredited in addition to being certi-fied. Well-known accrediting organizations are the National League for Nursing, the Joint Committee for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the National Foundation of Hospice and Home Care. This type of certification tells you that the agency conforms to national industry standards, and there is always comfort in knowing you are dealing with an organization that has proven its worth to its peers.

What do home care services cost through an agency?

Many agencies have a minimum two or four-hour fee. The actual hourly rate will vary depending on the services you require, but don’t be surprised to find rates ranging any-where from $13 to $25 per hour.

Privately Employed Home Caregivers can be hired on your own, especially if you are not looking for skilled medical care, but rather for someone to act as a companion or per-sonal aide on a regular, long-term basis. You can start your search by putting the word out to friends and neighbors that may know of a homecare worker. Also check with the nurs-ing staff in your doctor’s office, a hospital discharge plan-ner, or community-based social service agencies for reliable candidates.

Choosing the Best In-Home Care

| 29

The aging of America, together with extended life expec-tancy, is resulting in an unprecedented demand for all kinds of long-term care services. Among these services are assisted living residences. The philosophy of assisted living is to provide supervision, assistance, and personal care services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities as needed. The goal is to maintain maximum independence in a home-like setting, while providing individualized care and assistance. Assisted living offers a unique mix of security and indepen-dence, privacy, companionship, care and services. Choosing the appropriate assisted living residence can make all the differ-ence in an individual’s mental, physical, and social well being.

Assisted Living TodayAssisted living services can be provided in freestanding

residences, near or integrated with skilled nursing homes or hospitals, as components of continuing care retirement com-munities, or at independent housing complexes.

Assisted living residences offer a multi-faceted residential setting that provides personal care services, 24-hour super-vision and assistance, activities and health-related services, designed to:

•Minimize the need to relocate; • Accommodate individual residents’ changing needs and

preferences; •Maximize residents’ dignity, autonomy, privacy, indepen-

dence, choice and safety; and • Encourage family and community involvement.

Accommodations and options may vary greatly from one assisted living residence to the next (e.g. private rooms, pri-vate baths, kitchenettes, etc.). Personal needs and preferences are important criteria for selecting a residence and the ameni-ties it offers.

Services & ActivitiesIt is important to remember that assisted living residenc-

es are a bridge between living at home and living in a nurs-ing home. Assisted living residences do not typically provide the level of continuous skilled nursing care found in nursing homes and hospitals.

The services and activities provided or arranged for in as-sisted living residences generally include:• 24-hour supervision; • Three meals a day in a group dining room; and • A range of services that promote the quality of life and

independence of the individual; such as: • Personal care services (help with bathing, dressing, toi-

leting, etc.) •Medication management, or assistance with self-adminis-

tration of medicine; • Social services; • Supervision and assistance for persons with Alzheimer’s

or other dementias and disabilities; • Recreational and spiritual activities; • Exercise and wellness programs; • Laundry and linen service; •Housekeeping and maintenance; and, • Arrangements for transportation.

In Virginia, as in most states, assisted living residences are registered, licensed or certified by an appropriate depart-ment or agency of the state that has a process for issuance of initial licenses and for renewing existing licenses.

Each resident receives individualized services to help him/her function within the residence and within the com-munity. Upon admission, a service plan is usually developed to coordinate the delivery of services to each resident. The agreement, which includes an assessment or evaluation of the resident’s physical and psychosocial needs, is reviewed and updated regularly by the staff, and as the resident’s condition indicates. The resident and family, or responsible party are encouraged to play an active role in the development of the service plan.

A resident care or wellness coordinator is usually desig-nated to oversee the process of developing, implementing, and evaluating the progress of the service plan. A copy of the service plan is provided to the resident, family, or responsible party upon request, and often include personal care and health services.

ChooSing an aSSiSteD living reSiDenCe

ADULT DAY CARE SERVICESAdult day care centers are a popular long-term care op-

tion for many families, as they offer solutions to problems facing both senior adults and their caregivers. Adult day care centers provide socialization and activities in a safe, secure environment by offering older, infirm or disabled adults an opportunity to participate in a day program designed to maintain or improve their functioning. Caregivers benefit by having respite from caring for a dependent adult, and some free time supervision or assistance with activities of daily living, and educational and resource materials for the com-munity. Other adult day care services can include medical and rehabilitative therapies (occupational, physical, speech) and social services to adults with physical or mental impairments.

Adult Care Center of Central VA.. . . . . . . . . . . .847-8111 621 Court St., Lynchburg

RESPITE CAREThis is care for patients who need nursing supervision

for short periods of time.

Avante’ at Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .846-8437 2081 Langhorne Rd. Lynchburg www.avantegroup.com

Daybreak at Heritage Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-5102 200 Lillian Lane, Lynchburg www.heritagegreenal.com

Guggenheimer Health & Rehab . . . . . . . . .(434) 200-3088 Grace St., Lynchburg

Runk & Pratt Residential Care . . . . . . . . . . . 237-7809 20212 Leesville Rd., Lynchburg

30 |

Nursing homes cater to elderly indi-viduals who, due to a variety of in-

capacitating physical or emotional health conditions, can no longer properly care for themselves, and whose care requires round-the-clock attention. They may be discharged directly from a hospital to a nursing home with the expectation of re-turning home after rehabilitation,or they may enter one because their ability to manage their daily activities has almost fully deteriorated.

Because the need for these facilities can sometimes arrive at a moment’s notice, it is recommended that research into nurs-ing homes begin before such an emer-gency arises in order to avoid making split-second and often emotional deci-sions that later, one might wish to have back.

Nursing homes are not a one-size-fits-all; rather, they tend to fall into three general categories, each of which addresses the needs of the patient:

Skilled nursing care:Skilled nursing care is for conditions which demand round-the-clock, 24-hour medical attention by trained nurses, therapists or other health care profes-sionals. It may only be temporary, such as post-operative or following an illness, or it could last indefinitely. Treatment plans are intensive and generally dictated by one’s regular physician and carried out by the home’s staff.

Intermediate nursing care:Intermediate nursing care treats indi-viduals whose condition is stable and does not demand 24-hour attention, but who nonetheless need daily care. One’s regular physician dictates treatment plans but since they are not as intensive, the care is not as specialized and can of-ten amount to skilled nurses supervising certified nurse’s assistants, who manage the patient in daily issues, such as bath-ing and eating.

Custodial care:Custodial care is fairly fundamental care, in that it is designed to help patients

who can no longer bathe, eat or dress without assistance. Because it does not require concentrated medical care, those performing custodial care are generally without medical skills.

Along with these three general catego-ries, keep in mind that many nursing homes offer services to treat patients whose conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, demand specialized treatment.

Costs, Medicare and MedicaidNursing home care can be very expen-sive. A major insurance company says the average daily cost of a private room in a nursing home in the United States is $70,080 per year, or $192 per day.

The average length of stay in a nursing home for current residents was 2.4 years (in 2004), which makes the average cost of a nursing home stay approximately $168,192. The data is contained in the 2004 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home and Home Care Costs.

Naturally, nursing homes will accept any resident who can pay outright, and about a third of all expenses wind up being paid for by the patient and/or their fami-lies. In many cases, contractual agree-ments with a variety of organizations, such as the Veterans Administration (VA), the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS), HMOs and private insur-ance companies, help this enormously.

For most families financial issues, more than any other factor, often determine which nursing home is chosen. Thus a substantial bit of financial planning is necessary for every family, even those with nursing home insurance, since it may not cover every expense. What-ever method you choose, you must meet with the nursing home’s administration beforehand and be clear on every expense and regulation before you sign a single document.

Nursing Homes: MedicarePayments from Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and over, are typically accepted provided

the resident is under the auspices of Medicare and the facility has beds avail-able for this program. However, Medi-care generally will cover only the 20 days of approved nursing care.

Nursing Homes: MedicaidPayments for Medicaid, the federal-state program for low-income Americans, are typically accepted provided the resident is under the auspices of the Medicaid program and the facility has beds avail-able. It is believed that roughly half of all nursing home care in the US is paid for by Medicaid.

In the event your personal funds will be depleted after a couple of years and you believe you will be applying for Medicaid, you can avoid the possibility of having to switch homes at that time by checking first to see if the current home accepts Medicaid. The reason not every home accepts Medicaid is simple: the amount paid by individuals is higher than what Medicaid pays. At the moment Medicaid-certified homes must meet federal regula-tions for care, but this may change if Congress deregulates the industry.

Medicaid eligibility is determined by each state, but it is typically bounded by one’s assets.

Spending DownSome people employ a strategy known as spending down: having set aside enough money to cover the costs of a nursing home for approximately one year, they go through those funds then apply for Medicaid. The added benefit is that they typically are able to enter the home of their choice.

Comparing Nursing Homes in the Lynchburg AreaIf you follow the same instructions above to get to the Nursing Home segment on the Medicare.gov home page, you can also find all of the nursing homes within the area you requested, listed and rated with a 5 star system, including health inspections, staffing and Quality measure.

You will notice that there is a surpris-ingly wide variety of ratings.

Choosing a nursing FaCility

| 31

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CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer residents a variety of services ranging from independent living in a cottage setting to skilled nursing care. The types of services offered may be all-inclusive, modified to meet the needs of the resident, or may be a fee-for-service arrange-ment where the resident pays for each service they elect to receive. CCRCs should not be confused with retirement com-munities that frequently offer limited services but do not offer life care contracts.

CCRCs are designed to promote wellness, independence and socialization in a residential environment. The programs and services offered by these facilities are limited only by your imagination.

The Summit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 582-1500 1400 Enterprise Dr., Lynchburg www.summitlynchburg.com

Westminster Canterbury, Lynchburg . . . . . 386-3305 501 V.E.S. Rd., Lynchburg www.wclynchburg.org

CONTINUING CARE HOSPICESCommunity non-profit hospices serve the needs of termi-

nally ill patients and loved ones with skilled nurses, spiritual counselors and bereavement volunteers. Some have their own facilities; others will come to residences.

Centra Health Hospice & Home Care . . . . . 200-3204 for more information please see page 4

Lynchburg Gentle Shepherd Hospice . . . . . 846-6270 please see ad on page 33

Seven Hills Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-6400 please see ad on page 15

WHAT HOSPICE CAN DOHospice tailors its services to an individual’s needs.

Among the services are:• 24-hoursupportbyphoneorpersonalvisit•Directpatientnursingcare•Medicalappliancesandsupplies•Prescriptiondrugs•Servicesof amedicalsocialworkerwhocancoordinate

community resources and provide family counseling•Chaplainservices•Counseling(includingdietary,pastoral,andother)•Homecareaideforbathingandotherpersonal

assistance•Homemakerservices(forlighthousekeepingormeal

preparation)•Short-termin-homecare(8-to24-hourcoverage)when

the family cannot provide it•Short-terminpatientcare(if caregiversrequirea

respite or for procedures necessary for pain control or other symptom management)

•Physical,occupationalandspeechtherapies•Bereavementserviceforfamilyupto13monthsfollow

ing a patient’s death

Some hospices provide additional services including...•Musicandanimaltherapy•Trainedvolunteerswhoprovidecompassionate

support, companionship and assistance with tasks such as transportation, shopping, babysitting, and some personal care services.

For more information:The Hospice Foundation of America offers an excellent,

searchable consumer-oriented website with extensive online information such as insurance coverage, books, brochures and links for caregivers, and a free monthly email newsletter.

Visit http://www.hospicefoundation.org

We’re There

When You Need Us Most.

You are not alone in hospice and our experienced and loving staff will care for you as family. Our comprehensive care provides a full range of services including:

Long term employees with experience in palliative pain & symptom management, emotional support and grief counseling

Spiritual care from a Christian perspective that brings encouragement and inspires hope

Grief support groups for adults and children

Roanoke: 540.989.6265 | Lynchburg: 434.846.6270 | Charlottesville: 434-220-6002

| 33

Protect Your Retirement!

Financial Solutionswill teach you how to

■ Achieve Market Growth Without Market Risk■ Protect Your Estate From Nursing Home Costs■ Leave Assets For Your Children

Mark Chafin317 Brook Park PlaceForest, VA 24551(434) 455-2132EMarkChafin@aol.com

FIXED ANNUITIES • LIFE INSURANCELONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

Call or e-mail TodayFor Information AboutLocal Free Seminars

tipS For ConSiDering long-term Care inSuranCe

Studies have estimated that nearly two-thirds of people over age 65 will need long-term care in some form, whether it be at home, adult group care, or care in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Women have a greater chance of needing long-term care services because they generally live longer than men and are more likely to live alone when they are very old.

The 2010 Genworth Cost of Care Survey estimated the median cost of care in a private room at a nursing home to be nearly $85,000 per year. These sizable figures have prompted many to investigate long-term care policies to protect their assets and ensure proper care should the need arise. Here are ten tips for those considering a long-term care policy.

LTC (Long-Term-Care) Insurance:

Protects Retirement AssetsWith per-person figures for one year of care approaching six-figures, even those with sizable assets are in danger of

wiping our their entire nest egg. For many, long-term-care policies provide peace of mind in knowing that their hard-earned savings will go towards their intended purposes rather than for care.

Don't Count On Medicare... and Medicaid Only Pays For the Indigent Medicaid only pays for the indigent, and won't help middle-class health care consumers. Some people are banking on the idea of spending down their assets to a level where they would be eligible for Medicaid. This is not a sound plan as there are significant penalty periods and sanctions in place that make this strategy very arduous. Medicare is designed to only provide care for a very short term; its intended design is to pay for care relating to a short recovery period for people stricken by illness or injury and is not a long-term solution.

Think Beyond YourselfConsider the impact on those around you in the event you were no longer able to care for yourself. Some people are very comfortable with the idea of their family paying for care or personally administering the care they need. Others want to ensure that those closest to them are never put in the role of caregiver or financier. There is no right or wrong answer, but you should give conscious thought to what life will be like in the event that you lose your independence. For those looking to help ensure they never need to rely on their family, there is no better tool than a long-term care policy.

Buy It Sooner...Not LaterToday, the average age of a long-term-care insurance buyer is 56. Fifteen years ago, the average age of the buyer was 69. The younger you are when you apply for a policy, the more likely it is you will be approved--57% of those who apply for long-term-care insurance at age 80 or older are declined by insurers, while only 11% of those who apply between the ages of 50 and 59 are turned down. Most experts agree that one should start thinking about long-term-care insurance in your early 50's.

34 |

Pools of MoneyThink of a long-term-care policy as buying a pool of money for future use. For example, if you buy a policy that pays benefits for 10 years (or total benefits of $600,000), but in the first year, you only use $30,000 in benefits, you will have $570,000 left to use. If, after 10 years, you haven't used all of the money available to you, the policy's life will be extended until the pool of money available to you is gone.

Plan for InflationIf the daily benefit is $200 and you opt for the 5% inflation protection, the benefit in 15 years will be $400 and the daily benefit in 30 years will be $800. When thinking about pur-chasing these policies it is highly advised that you select one that offers inflation protection.

Get A Comprehensive Plan That Is FlexibleDepending on your level of need, you may be able to receive care while in the comfort of your own home. A comprehen-sive policy pays for care at a facility but also offers the option of receiving care in your own home or community. Make sure any policy you are considering affords payment for care regardless of the setting you are in.

Paying For ItConsider getting a "10 pay" option. It costs more in the short term, but may be less expensive over the long run. This option requires premiums be paid for 10 years, after which you will have a paid-up policy which protects you from rate increases that might occur down the road (although you are exposed to rate increases during the 10-year payment period).

Getting Paid For Using It When you buy a long-term-care policy, you will choose be-tween a reimbursement and an indemnity option. The reim-bursement option is for actual expenses up to a daily limit. The indemnity option, which is more expensive, pays a daily benefit of a specific amount, regardless of how much you spend.

Uncle Sam Will Reward You For Buying It There are some tax incentives for those who buy long-term-care insurance. No taxes are owed on benefits paid out, and there are 35 states that offer a tax credit to long-term-care policyholders.

| 35

Reverse Mortgage Loan Questions & AnswersPut your home to work for you

100125 - 6/09

What is a reverse mortgage?• It’s a special type of loan that enables borrowers who are at least

62 years of age to convert some of their home equity into loanproceeds that are typically tax-freeloan proceeds (Borrowersshould consult their tax advisor)

Who is eligible?• Borrower(s) who are at least 62 years of age and occupy the

property as their principal residence• Eligible properties include single-family homes,

condominiums and townhomes, or a 2- to 4-unit dwelling• The home must be owned free and clear or they can refinance an

existing mortgage balance into a reverse mortgage without therequired monthly mortgage payments of a traditional mortgage.Repayment is required if the borrowers no longer reside at theproperty, taxes and insurance on the property are not keptcurrent, the property is not maintained to FHA standards, orother program requirements are not satisfied.

• No income, employment or credit score requirements arerequired. Borrowers are required to obtain an eligibilitycertificate by receiving counseling from a HUD-approvedagency. Family members and financial advisors are also stronglyencouraged to to participate in these informative sessions

What are some of the borrower responsibilities?• Borrowers are required to live in the home as their primary

residence • Borrowers are required to keep property taxes and insurance on

the home current• Borrowers are responsible for maintaining the property to FHA

standards and comply with all other program requirements.

What are some of the benefits?• The reverse mortgage customer retains ownership and lives in

their home, as long as the taxes and insurance premiums on theproperty are paid and all other program requirements are met

• Loan proceeds can be used for any purpose, including, meetingdaily and monthly expenses, or covering health care expenses

• Loan proceeds are not considered income and will not affectSocial Security or Medicare benefits.1

What type of interest rate options are there?• Wells Fargo provides both fixed- and variable-rate reverse

mortgages.

What are the distribution options?Borrowers can schedule the way they receive their reversemortgage loan proceeds based on their available equity, the typeof reverse mortgage they choose and their needs. With a variable-rate reverse mortgage, they can choose any one --or a combination -- of these flexible payout options:• A lump sum to cover large expenses • Monthly advances to supplement income• A line of credit to draw on as neededAnd, with a variable rate reverse mortgage, they can even changehow they receive your reverse mortgage proceeds as often as theirneeds or their situation changes over time.With a fixed-rate reverse mortgage, a lump sum distribution isrequired.

What are the costs involved with a reverse mortgage?• A deposit for the appraisal is an out-of-pocket expense• There are additional closing costs, title insurance, a mortgage

insurance premium and attorney fees.

Call me today for a complimentary consultation.

Reverse mortgage loanPut their home to work for them

A quick Q & A guide on how to obtain access to funds without selling their home

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100125 -

What is a reverse mortgage?• It’s a special type of loan that enables individuals aged 62or older to convert some of their home’s equity into tax-freefunds1

• Unlike traditional equity loans, borrowers receivepayments instead of making them

Who is eligible?• Homeowner(s) who are at least 62 years of age or olderand occupy the property as their principal residence

• Eligible properties include single-family homes,condominiums and townhomes, or a 2- to 4-unit dwelling

• The homemust be owned free and clear or have anexisting balance that can be paid off with the reversemortgage proceeds

• No income, employment or credit requirements arerequired2

Howmuch can someone borrow?• The amount that can be borrowed is based on a HUDformula that factors in the age of the youngesthomeowner, the interest rate, the lesser of the appraisedhome value and the FHA lending limit, and the amount ofany existing liens on the home

What are some of the benefits?• The reverse mortgage customer retains ownership andlives in their home, as long as all program requirementsare met

• Loan proceeds can be used for any purpose, includingeliminating an existing mortgage, meeting daily andmonthly expenses, or covering health care expenses

• Loan proceeds are not considered income and will notaffect Social Security or Medicare benefits.3

What type of interest rate options are there?• Wells Fargo offers both fixed- and variable-rate reversemortgages.

What are the tax-free distribution options?• Lump sum advances make funds immediately available• Tenure plans provide fixed, monthly advances• Line of Credit makes money available upon request• Or any combination of the above options

What are the costs involved with a reverse mortgage?• A deposit for the appraisal is required to be paid at thetime of application.

• There are additional closing costs, such as an originationfee, title insurance, a mortgage insurance premium andattorney fees.

• The homeowner is expected to continue maintaining theproperty, paying the real estate taxes and hazard insurancepremiums

How is the loan repaid?• Borrowers do not need to repay the loan as long as theycontinue to live in the house, keep the taxes and insurancecurrent, and maintain the property to FHA standards

• Borrowers should contact their reverse mortgageconsultant for details about when repayment may be due

Reverse mortgagePut their home to work for them

A quick Q & A guide on how seniors can optimize retirement funds without selling their home

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What is a reverse mortgage?• It’saspecialtypeof loanthatenablesborrowerswhoareatleast62yearsof agetoconvertsomeof theirhomeequityintoloanproceeds(Borrowersshouldconsulttheirtaxadvisor)

Who is eligible?• Borrower(s)whoareatleast62yearsof ageandoccupythepropertyastheirprincipalresidence• Eligiblepropertiesincludesingle-familyhomes,condominiumsandtownhomes,ora2-to4-unitdwelling• Thehomemustbeownedfreeandclearortheycanrefinanceanexistingmortgagebalanceintoareversemortgagewithouttherequiredmonthlymortgagepaymentsof atraditionalmortgage.Repaymentisrequiredif theborrowersnolongerresideattheproperty,taxesandinsuranceonthepropertyarenotkeptcurrent,thepropertyisnotmaintainedtoFHAstandards,orotherprogramrequirementsarenotsatisfied.

• Noincome,employmentorcreditscorerequirementsarerequired.BorrowersarerequiredtoobtainaneligibilitycertificatebyreceivingcounselingfromaHUD-approvedagency.Familymembersandfinancialadvisorsarealsostronglyencouragedtoparticipateintheseinformativesessions.

What are some of the borrower responsibilities?• Borrowersarerequiredtoliveinthehomeastheirprimaryresidence• Borrowersarerequiredtokeeppropertytaxesandinsuranceonthehomecurrent• BorrowersareresponsibleformaintainingthepropertytoFHAstandardsandcomplywithallotherprogramrequirements.

What are some of the benefits?• Thereversemortgagecustomerretainsownershipandlivesintheirhome,aslongasthetaxesandinsurancepremiumsonthepropertyarepaidandallotherprogramrequirementsaremet

• Loanproceedscanbeusedforanypurpose,includingmeetingdailyandmonthlyexpenses,orcoveringhealthcareexpenses

• LoanproceedsarenotconsideredincomeandwillnotaffectSocialSecurityorMedicarebenefits.1

What type of interest rate options are there?• Mostlendersprovidebothfixed-andvariable-ratereversemortgages.

What are the distribution options?Borrowerscanschedulethewaytheyreceivetheirreversmortgageloanproceedsbasedontheiravailableequity,thetypeof reversemortgagetheychooseandtheirneeds.

Withavariable-ratereversemortgage,theycanchooseanyone—oracombination—of theseflexiblepayoutoptions.

• Alumpsumtocoverlargeexpenses• Monthlyadvancestosupplementincome• Alineof credittodrawonasneeded

And,withavariableratereversemortgage,theycanchangehowtheyreceiveyourreversemortgageproceedsasoftenastheirneedsortheirsituationchangesovertime.

Withafixed-ratereversemortgage,alumpsumdistributionisrequired.

What are the costs involved with a reverse mortgage?• Adepositfortheappraisalisanout-of-pocketexpense• Thereareadditionalclosingcosts,titleinsurance,amortgageinsurancepremiumandattorneyfees.

For more information, see the next page

36 |

Manage your expense andease financial burdensYour home is likely one of the most importantinvestments you’ve made. If you are a homeowner,and at least 62 years of age, who either owns yourhome outright or could refinance your remainingmortgage with your reverse mortgage proceeds, areverse mortgage loan from Wells Fargo HomeMortgage may serve as a financial resource to helpyou:

• Meet your daily and monthly expenses• Remodel or repair your home• Cover your health care expenses• Consolidate your credit card debt

Refinance your existing mortgage to a reversemortgage, without the monthly mortgagepayments of a traditional mortgage1

Count on the experience of thenation’s leading retail originator ofreverse mortgages to help you makethe most of your retirement.

Call a Wells Fargo reverse mortgage consultant today.

| 37

NEW Columbarium Currently Under Construction

38 |

• Local Family Ownership

• Area’s LowestCost Complere Funeral Plans

• Voted “Lynchburg’sBest” Funeral Home

• On-Site CremationFacility

• Veterans’ Discount

• Winner of “Family Friendly” Business of the Year

• Serving Bedford, Lynchburg, SmithMt. Lake, and coming soon...

Madison Heights and Amherst

• Local Family Ownership

• Area’s LowestCost Complere Funeral Plans

• Voted “Lynchburg’sBest” Funeral Home

• On-Site CremationFacility

• Veterans’ Discount

• Winner of “Family Friendly” Business of the Year

• Serving Lynchburg, Bedford, SmithMt. Lake, and now Amherst County from

our newest location in Madison Heights

Planning a funeral can be a very difficult task, especially considering the circumstances. When something as tragic as a family member or friend passes away, the last thing you want to deal with is planning the funeral. For this reason, we have compiled a list of things to remember when planning a funeral. Although this will not help with the emotional stress you are experiencing, it may take off some of the pressure you are experiencing in such a difficult time.

When planning a funeral, consider the following:01. Collect personal information and compile to form an

obituary. 02. Choose a funeral home 03. Choose whether the deceased will be buried or cremat-

ed. 04. Select a casket or cremation container. 05. Choose the funeral location and type of funeral service. 06. Decide when and where the visitations will take place

(attend visitations as well).

07. Decide what the deceased will wear (if buried). 08. Select the music for the funeral service. 09. Choose literature to be read at the funeral service. 10. Arrange for funeral transportation (funeral coach, lim-

ousine, clergy car, etc. )11. Choose the clergy or the officiator. 12. Select who you want to be the pallbearers. 13. Select which family member or friend is going to per-

form the eulogy.14. Choose a cemetery (if not already chosen by the de-

ceased). 15. Select a burial or cremation plot (if not already chosen

by the deceased). 16. Submit the obituary to the appropriate newspapers, etc.

Depending on whether or not the death was expected, many of these considerations may have already been planned by the deceased. If the death was sudden, chances are there will be more planning on your part.

Funeral Planning Planning BeForehand Can Make a diFFiCult tiMe that MuCh easier

| 39

Because

Lynchburg Deserves MoreThe Whitten family has been serving this

community for three generations. We’ve been there foryour family, providing compassionate, caring servicewhen you’ve needed it most.

Over the years, though, things have changed.Families have spread out, moving out of the area andsometimes across the country. We realize that thesechanges and others have made it difficult for funeral

homes to offer the services our community needed –services that allow us to reach across America, and theworld, to keep you connected to loved ones in yourtime of need.

That’s why we proudly joined the Dignity Memorialnetwork in 1993. We now bring more world-class services toLynchburg – many of which are only available through theDignity Memorial network and Whitten Funeral Homes.

Away From Home Protection®

24-Hour Comassion Helpline®National Transferability

Bereavement TravelPersonal Planning Services

Grief Support

Veterans BenefitsChild & Grandchild Protection

Paul C. Whitten, President

Call today to learn what we can do for you.

www.whittenfuneralhome.com

In LynchburgWHITTEN PARK AVENUE CHAPEL

(434) 845-4521WHITTEN TIMBERLAKE CHAPEL

(434) 239-0331

In Madison HeightsWHITTEN MONELISON CHAPEL

(434) 929-5712

You will need to come together and support each other and make sure you each contribute your part to the planning process. Don’t put the burden on just one person; it’s too much to deal with at a time which is already very stressful.

Preplanned Funerals Give Older Adults ControlThough families may find the topic difficult to discuss,

the preplanning of funeral arrangements helps to ensure that an older person’s wishes are met and reduces the survivors vulnerability to sales pressure during a period of emotional stress.

Pre-planning can begin at any time, most often in con-junction with the establishment of other financial and legal documents such as wills or powers of attorney.

“Some families have long-established patterns for funer-als and burials,” says James 0. Pinkerton, CFSP, a funeral director at Orion C. Pinkerton Funeral home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a member of the executive board of the National Funeral Directors Association in Milwaukee, Wis-consin. “If a family always uses the same funeral home and has a large family plot in a certain cemetery, an individual really doesn’t need much preplanning.”

Upon request funeral directors are obligated to provide a general price list with the cost of each individual funeral item and service offered. The price list also should disclose legal rights and requirements about funeral arrangements. For example, embalming is not required by law except under special circumstances, but it can become a required purchase with certain arrangements, such as a funeral with a viewing.

Individuals who wish to be cremated can deal directly with a state cremation society, says Jack Springer, executive director of the Cremation Association of North America, based in Chicago. Nationwide (as of 2006), about 20 percent of all individuals now select cremation over burial, and states with large concentrations of older adults have cremation rates as high as 40 percent, Springer says. Preplanning is essential, since most states require a deceased person’s next of kin to sign an authorization form permitting cremation. “An individual who wants this option must make his or her wishes known to family members,” Springer points out.

From Funeral Service Consumer Assistance Program, Nation-al Research & Information Center, and National Funeral Directors Association.

40 |

At Home Gourmet Article…Continued from page 21

Infinity Care Article…Continued from page 19

Each day after preparing the meals, At Home Gourmet runs a delivery route around the city. Pickup at their commercial kitchen in Wyndhurst is also available each day between 4 and 6pm. Over the years Susan has worked with many customers to develop the perfect solution to providing the freshest meals daily. Some customers can’t be home for delivery, so they use a cooler and ice pack system. Customers arrive

home to their meal waiting in the cooler. They warm it up and are ready to eat a delicious meal in minutes.

The Gloudemans, another retired couple, in Lynchburg, say they got started when they became temporarily unable to prepare their meals.

“We tried AHG a few times to see if we liked it, and we were hooked!

The food is tasty and nutritious, the menu has lots of diversity, and the prices are reasonable…even delivered to our door. We are grateful that AHG is available and we enthusiastically recommend it.”

If you are tired of cooking, don’t like grocery shopping or need some variety, check out their website www.AtHomeGourmet.net, or their ad on page 21, to get a menu.

use, personal emergency voice response systems, TeleCare phone outreach services, several many different RN screenings and assessments, personalized care plans, MD appointment escort, and much more.

A computerized pill dispenser is a safe and convenient solution that organizes, reminds and gives pills on-time with email and texting report features alerting family and/or the nurse of any problems right away, eliminating missed doses.

Visual and sound alarms alert the patient to take their pills.

TeleCare phone outreach is a perfect service for those just needing additional monitoring. A patient is called on designated days and asked key questions to assess their safety and well-being. Red flags are investigated to see if a home visit is needed. These proactive calls can potentially eliminate a preventable ER visit or hospitalization.

In addition, families can request

nursing care such as injections, dressings, and blood pressure monitoring as well as screening/arranging/monitoring in-home help of all kinds. Stress relief is available by requesting home budget management and bill paying, diet management and grocery shopping, and running various errands for the patient. Visit www.InfinityCare.org and click on “Common Issues Resolved” for a full list of issues undertaken successfully.

BB&T, Area Veterans Work Together With CVAAA to Renovate Building for New

Altavista Nutrition Site The Central Virginia Area

Agency on Aging, Inc. (CVAAA) is working with volunteers from BB&T and local Veterans groups (VFW and American Legion) to renovate a building to be used for area seniors and veterans. Employ-ees from 13 local BB&T branches

volunteered four hours of their time for three days in May to help replace siding, install gutters, landscaping and gravel to the exterior of the building.

“The generous contribution of BB & T’s Lighthouse Grant has made it possible to complete the outside renovation of our new Alta-vista Senior Center that will be used for area seniors and veterans” said RoseAnn Richards, of CVAAA. “We

are grateful for all the community support we have received and look forward to finishing our renovation and having an open house early this summer (2011).”

CVAAA , BB&T, VFW and the American Legion invite other mem-bers of the community to join them as they work to rebuild the commu-nity. To volunteer or for more infor-mation, contact RoseAnn Richards, CVAAA (434) 385-9070 ext120.

News & Notes…Continued from page 17

Continued on page 47

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CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONSSOCIAL SERVICEAmerican Cancer Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-0973American Red Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-1233Amherst Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 946-9000 Contact Bob Langstaff

Amherst-Monroe Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . 929-9868Amherst Rotary Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 946-7277 Contact Frank Burks Jr.

Appomattox Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352-8905 Contact Herbert Chambers

Bedford Host Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-1772 Contact Nelson Leftwich

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central VA, Inc. . 528-0400Boonsboro Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384-3914Brookneal Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376-2325 Contact Dr. Bill Jones

Brookville Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-7782 Contact Charles Beckwith

Campbell County Sr Volunteer Prog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592-9572C.A.S.A. of Central VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-2552CENTRA Health Virginia Baptist Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200-4696CENTRA Lynchburg General Hospital Volunteer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200-3094Central VA. Area Agency On Aging . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Citizens For Adult Literacy & Learning Inc. (C.A.L.L.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 929-2630Concord Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 993-2828 Contact Peggy Dana

Crisis Line of Central VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947-5921Evington Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821-1344Family Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-5944Forest Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384-2148 Contact Mrs. Richard Chaffin

Forest Rotary Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-8600 Contact Marie Martin

Gleaning For the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 993-3600Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity . . . . 528-3774Knights of Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-8609LynDan Heights Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821-1311Lynchburg Chums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384-2321 Contact Shirley Smith

The Lynchburg Humane Society . . . . . . . . . . . . 846-1438

Lynchburg Literacy Council Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-9329Lynchburg Morning Rotary Club . . . . . . . . . . . 846-1361 Contact Carl Beisbmeir

Lynchburg Newcomers Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-5443 Contact Elaine Jackson

Lynchburg Rotary Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-2797 Contact Burton Gearheart

Madison Heights Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 929-2014 Contact Virgil Coleman

Meals On Wheels (Greater Lynchburg Area) . . 847-0796New Land Samaritan Inns Inc.-The Gateway . 846-3311Optimist Club of Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384-3583 Contact Joe Seiffert

Rustburg Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332-7781 Contact William Moore

The Salvation Army . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-5939Spout Spring Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 993-3889Twelve and One Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 846-8532 Contact Jackie Early

Women in Community Service . . . . . . . 929-4081 x.132

CONSERVATIONIzaak Walton League of Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . 929-2602 Contact Paul Gorman

James River Basin Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947-1901 Contact Al Nichols

Citizens For a Clean Lynchburg, Inc. . . . . . . . . 528-2366

GARDENINGCentral Virginia Bonsai Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384-7951 Contact Julian Adams

There are about 20 Garden Clubs in the Central Virginia area. Listed below are some from various areas.Garden Club, Jefferson’s Poplar Forest . . . . . . 525-3355 Contact Greta Hammer

Garden Club, Sarah Henry (Amherst) . . . . . . . 946-2460 Contact Debbie Turpin

HISTORICALAppomattox County Hist. Museum . . . . . . . . . 352-3910Bedford Historical Society, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-8188Friends of Anne Spencer Memorial Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237-6458Lynchburg Civil War Round Table . . . . . . . . . . 832-0162Lynchburg Historical Foundation . . . . . . . . . . 528-5353

MILITARYBlue Ridge Airborne Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239-4206 Contact Arthur Lee

42 |

MISCELLANEOUS CLUBS / HOBBIESAntique Automobile Club of America (Lynchburg region) Contact Will Heinemeyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384-3221Book Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Central Virginia Photography Club . . . . . . . . . 525-7067 Contact Don Roakes

Couples Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Hill City Magicos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384-8360 Contact William Harris

Lynchburg Art Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-9434Lynchburg Bird Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 821-1136 Contact Thelma Dalmas

Lynchburg Chess Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239-8004 Contact Frank Vincent

Lynchburg Duplicate Bridge Club . . . . . . . . . . 385-8852 Contact Elizabeth Alford

Photography Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000

WOMENS CLUBSAmerican Asso. of University Women . . . . . . . 525-1726 Contact Peggy Spraker

Amherst Women’s Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384-7917 Contact Carol Charles

Bedford Women’s Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-4894 Contact Nancy TomsicBronze Women’s Club of Lynchburg . . . . . . . . 846-0858 Contact Patricia Dabney

Timbrook Woman’s Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239-3560 Contact Margaret Parks

VETERAN GROUPSAmerican Legion-Lynchburg Post 16 . . . . . . . . 239-0316American Legion Post 274 Madison Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-3282Veterans of Foreign Wars-Post 8184 . . . . . . . . 237-2144

If You Would Like to Have Your Organization Listed Like Those Above in the Next Golden Years Guide, please see page 6 for e-mail addresses and phone numbers.

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

YMCA’SLynchburgDowntown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-5597Jamerson Branch at Wyndhurst . . . . . . . . . . . . 582-1900

Altavista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(434) 369-9622Bedford Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(540) 586-3483

COUNTY/CITY PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENTS

Amherst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 946-9371Appomattox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352-5996Bedford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586-7682Campbell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592-9571Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-5858

BOWLING LANESAMF Lynchburg, 4643 Murray Pl. . . . . . . . . . . 528-2695Fort Hill Bowling Center, Lynchburg. . . . . . . . 239-9261

PUBLIC GOLF COURSESCedar Hills, Rt. 29 S., Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . 239-1512Colonial Hills, Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-3954Ivy Hill Golf Club, Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525-2680London Downs Golf Course, Forest . . . . . . . . 525-4653Mariner’s LandingSmith Mtn. Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(540) 297-7888Peak’s Par 3 Course, Rt. 501 Lynchburg . . . . . 528-3458Poplar Forest Golf Course, Forest . . . . . . . . . . 525-0473Poplar Grove Golf Club, Amherst . . . . . . . . . . 946-9933Winton Country Club, Amherst . . . . . . . . . . . . 946-5134

SENIOR/50 PLUS CENTERSAMHERST COUNTYAscension Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 946-5498Madison Heights, Braxton Ctr . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-0957Madison Heights, Ruritan Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-2451

BEDFORD COUNTYBellevue Community Center,Goode . . . . . . . . . 586-1528Huddleston Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . .(540) 297-4467 Moneta Southside Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .(540) 297-7934 Montvale Recreation Center . . . . . . . . . .(540) 947-5063Senior Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297-1435

CAMPBELL COUNTYAltavista . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592-9571Brookneal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592-9571Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592-9571Rustburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592-9571Timbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592-9571

LYNCHBURGCollege Hill Ctr.(Tues.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-1418Fairview Ctr. (Mon.,Wed.,Fri.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-1751Templeton Senior Center (Mon.-Fri.) . . . . . . . . 455-4115

| 43

| Golden YEARS Guide

These days, everyone is taking a new look at their finances — and no one is looking more closely than

the millions of baby boomers who are nearing retirement age. While some boomers expected to retire at one of the traditional milestones, such as age 62, the current economy is forcing many of them to re-evaluate their plans. Many are wondering if they should work longer, or how their Social Security benefit – or their spouse’s benefit – would be affected if they continued working.

To help them find answers, Social Security has published a fact sheet called When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits. You can read it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

As most workers know, your choice of a retirement age — from 62 to 70 — can dramatically affect your monthly Social Security benefit amount.

If you choose to start receiving benefits early, the monthly payments will be reduced based on the number of months you receive benefits before you reach your full retirement age. The rate of reduction will depend on the year you were born. The maximum reduction at age 62 will be:

• 25% for people born between 1943 and 1954.

• 30% for people born after 1959.

If you wait until your full retirement age, your benefits will not be reduced. And if you should choose to delay retirement, your benefit will increase up to eight percent a

year from your full retirement age until age 70. However, there is no additional benefit increase after you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.

Social Security also has created several retirement planners to help you make an informed decision. Social Security has an online calculator that can provide immediate retirement benefit estimates to help you plan for your retirement. The online Retirement Estimator uses information from your own earnings record, and lets you create “what if” scenarios. You can, for example, change your “stop work” date or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options.

To use the Retirement Estimator, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Read When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

And for general information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Retirement decisions are unique to everyone. Make sure you are up to date with the important information you will need to make the choice that’s right for you.

Divorced? You’re Not Separated From Social Security

If you are divorced, there are several things you should know about Social Security.

Golden 50 Guide

42

Retirement Questions:Someone told me that Social Security has toolsto help with financial planning. Does it?

Answer: Yes. Social Security understands theneed for all workers to do a better job of planning fortheir retirement. To help workers do this, SocialSecurity created some very useful financial planningtools.

About two to three months before your birthday,we will send you a Social Security Statement, as longas you are a worker age 25 or older and not alreadyreceiving benefits. The Statement lists your earningsand the amounts of Social Security taxes you havepaid over the years. It also gives estimates of theSocial Security benefits you (and dependent familymembers) may be eligible to receive now and in thefuture. The Statement is intended to help workersplan for their financial future.

Another useful tool is Social Security's onlineretirement planner. It will let you compute estimatesof your future Social Security retirement benefits. Italso provides important information on factorsaffecting retirement benefits, such as military service, household earnings and federal employ-ment. You can access our retirement planner atwww.socialsecurity.gov/retire2. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov orcall us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

How long does a person need to work to becomeeligible for retirement benefits?

Answer: Everyone born in 1929 or later needs 40Social Security “credits” to be eligible for retirementbenefits. You can earn up to four credits per year.So, you need at least 10 years to become eligible.During your working years, earnings covered bySocial Security are posted to your record. You earncredits based on those earnings. Each year theamount of earnings needed for a credit rises asaverage earnings levels rise. In 2008, you receiveone credit for each $1,050 of earnings, up to the maximum of four credits per year. You should keep in mind, though, that the amount of your Social Security benefit is determined by the level of your earnings over a 35-year period. For more information, visit our website atwww.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If both my spouse and I are entitled to SocialSecurity benefits, will we each get our own fullretirement amounts, or is there a reduction?

Answer: When each member of a married coupleworks and earns enough credits to be eligible forSocial Security retirement benefits, their lifetimeearnings are calculated independently to determinetheir Social Security benefit amounts. Each of youwill receive a monthly benefit amount based on yourown individual earnings; there is no “marriagepenalty.” In fact, it’s quite the opposite, because ifone member of a couple earns lower wages or didn’t

Social Security: Questions and Answers

By James HortonSocial Security District Manager in Lynchburg

About your

$

30864-AAP-Golden50Guide:Text 6/11/2008 9:48 AM Page 42

Golden 50 Guide

42

Retirement Questions:Someone told me that Social Security has toolsto help with financial planning. Does it?

Answer: Yes. Social Security understands theneed for all workers to do a better job of planning fortheir retirement. To help workers do this, SocialSecurity created some very useful financial planningtools.

About two to three months before your birthday,we will send you a Social Security Statement, as longas you are a worker age 25 or older and not alreadyreceiving benefits. The Statement lists your earningsand the amounts of Social Security taxes you havepaid over the years. It also gives estimates of theSocial Security benefits you (and dependent familymembers) may be eligible to receive now and in thefuture. The Statement is intended to help workersplan for their financial future.

Another useful tool is Social Security's onlineretirement planner. It will let you compute estimatesof your future Social Security retirement benefits. Italso provides important information on factorsaffecting retirement benefits, such as military service, household earnings and federal employ-ment. You can access our retirement planner atwww.socialsecurity.gov/retire2. For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov orcall us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

How long does a person need to work to becomeeligible for retirement benefits?

Answer: Everyone born in 1929 or later needs 40Social Security “credits” to be eligible for retirementbenefits. You can earn up to four credits per year.So, you need at least 10 years to become eligible.During your working years, earnings covered bySocial Security are posted to your record. You earncredits based on those earnings. Each year theamount of earnings needed for a credit rises asaverage earnings levels rise. In 2008, you receiveone credit for each $1,050 of earnings, up to the maximum of four credits per year. You should keep in mind, though, that the amount of your Social Security benefit is determined by the level of your earnings over a 35-year period. For more information, visit our website atwww.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

If both my spouse and I are entitled to SocialSecurity benefits, will we each get our own fullretirement amounts, or is there a reduction?

Answer: When each member of a married coupleworks and earns enough credits to be eligible forSocial Security retirement benefits, their lifetimeearnings are calculated independently to determinetheir Social Security benefit amounts. Each of youwill receive a monthly benefit amount based on yourown individual earnings; there is no “marriagepenalty.” In fact, it’s quite the opposite, because ifone member of a couple earns lower wages or didn’t

Social Security: Questions and Answers

By James HortonSocial Security District Manager in Lynchburg

About your

$

30864-AAP-Golden50Guide:Text 6/11/2008 9:48 AM Page 42

Tools To Help You Decide When To Retire:

44 |

| Golden YEARS Guide

A divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits on more than one work record — such as one’s own record and an ex-spouse’s record. This applies to both divorced men and women. If you have never asked Social Security about receiving benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work, you should consider it.

Some divorced people may get a higher benefit based on their ex’s work.

If your ex-spouse is living, you can receive benefits based on his or her work if —

• Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer;

• You are unmarried;

• You are age 62 or older;

• The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefits you would receive on your ex’s work; and

• Your ex is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

If your ex-spouse is deceased, you can receive benefits —

• At age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years, and you are not entitled to a higher benefit on your own record; or

• At any age if you are caring for your ex-spouse’s child who also is your natural or legally adopted child and younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to benefits. Your benefits will continue until the child reaches age 16 or is no longer disabled. In this case, you can receive this benefit even though you were not married to your ex-spouse for 10 years.

When you apply, you will need to give your ex’s Social Security number. If you do not know his or her number, you will need to provide your ex’s date and place of birth, and parents’ names. When you apply for benefits, Social Security will be happy to figure out if you are due a higher amount based on your ex-spouse’s record.

Once again, these same rules apply for both ex-husbands and ex-wives.

For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. You may want to take a look at our online Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2.

You Can Rely On Electronic PaymentsYou probably don’t need a reminder that natural disasters

lurk around the corner when we least expect it.

Many natural disasters force people to leave their homes. The last thing a person who falls victim to this kind of devastation needs to worry about is how they’re going to get their next Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment.

Here’s a solution. Make sure that you’re receiving your benefit payments electronically. Electronic payments are the best way to receive your benefit payments. Here’s why.

Electronic payments are safe. Your money is deposited directly into your account each month. Because it’s transferred electronically, there’s never a risk of your check being lost or stolen.

Electronic payments are quick. You’ll get your payment faster when it’s made electronically. Your money is immediately available to you once it’s deposited; no waiting by the mailbox for the check to arrive.

Electronic payments are convenient. No more need to stand in line at the bank to cash your check or to leave your house when the weather is bad. It’s also nice to know your payment is in your account instead of your mailbox when you’re on vacation or away from home.

Perhaps we also should mention that electronic payments are now mandatory. People who apply for Social Security benefits on or after May 1, 2011, must receive payments electronically. Nearly everyone currently receiving benefits who has not signed up for electronic payments must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. Electronic payments may be made by direct deposit, the Direct Express card program, or an Electronic Transfer Account. You can learn more about all three at www.godirect.org.

If you’re ever faced with a devastating event, there will be no question about where you’ll find your money when you receive electronic payments. The same cannot be said for paper checks being sent to mailboxes that may no longer exist.

Learn more by reading our online fact sheet, Get Your Payments Electronically at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10073.html. Or go directly to the source, where you can learn more and sign up for electronic payments: www.godirect.org.

| 45

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46 |

From left, Brenda Dixon, “Outstanding Contribution to Positive Aging” Award Recipient Lynn Fox of Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, and Victoria Johnson.

From left, Beverly Craft, Cheryl Staples, and “Outstanding Geriatric Nursing Professional” Award Recipient Sandy Bradshaw, of Gentle Shepherd Hospice.

“Professional Caregiver of the Year” Award Recipient Sandy Simpson, left, of Centra Pace, with nominees Barbara Gardner and Miranda Payne (not pictured; Judy Alexander, Jennifer Smith and Jennifer Wells).

Author Jenny Herrick, RN (left) with event organizer Denise Scruggs.

Exhibits attracted many.

Three awards were presented at the luncheon:

May 24th was the date for the annual Conference on Aging, held at Lynchburg College. It is presented by the Beard Center on Aging.

About 360 attendees enjoyed free health screenings, dozens of ex-hibits, a silent auction, buffet luncheon and 18 diverse sessions that ad-dressed a variety of age-related topics.

Keynote speakers included Rosemary Bakker, environmental geron-tologist, about “Revitalizing Your Home: Beautiful Living For the Second Half of Life”: and Jenny Herrick, RN, author of “You Laugh, I’ll Drive”, about developing and maintaining a positive attitude.

2011 ConFerenCe on aging helD

| 47

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Golden Years Guide Reader Survey

Thank You For Your Feedback!Please mail to Golden Years Guide, P.O. Box 4781, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Lovingston Woman Wins Gift CertificateLois Duff, a former Lynchburg resident who recalls winning $1,000 in 1966 at the old Colonial Grocery at

Pittman Plaza (now the Plaza), filled out a Reader Survey (see below) and won a Dinner-For-4 Gift Certificate from Golden Corral at a random drawing. On her survey she indicated that she wasn’t a first-time reader, and keeps her Golden Years Guide for reference.

Coincidentally, she had picked up her copy at the Golden Corral on Wards Rd. Congratulations Lois!.

Harriet Whitten, LynchburgBessie Karnes, LynchburgBarbara Spradlin, Lynch StationMary Banks, DanvilleLouise Angel, LynchburgLois Duff, LovingstonJimmy Davis, LynchburgSuzanne Wilson, LynchburgJanet Cofer, LynchburgAurbon Wilson, LynchburgMarian Kelly, Big IslandBarbara H.-Booty, LynchburgKevin Davis, Forest

Gwynn & Betty Ramsey, ForestC.C. Plunkett, ForestLinda Dailey, LynchburgGloria Martin, RustburgLenora Dane, LynchburgBarbara Wood, Madison HeightsEllie McLaughlin, AppomattoxShirley Brooks, LynchburgElias Teklemariam, LynchburgJoyce Rush, RustburgHenry Fry III, LynchburgElsie Wood, Long IslandWendle Murphy, Lynchburg

Mindy Weinstock, AppomattoxWanda Turner, LynchburgMary Schrader, LynchburgDorothy Foster, PhenixAngela Avery, ForestCarolyn Shaner, LynchburgL. Moore, ForestLetha Noble, LynchburgPeggy Slagter, LynchburgAurbon Wilson, LynchburgSuzanne Wilson, LynchburgLeigh McIvor, BedfordDorothy Smith, Lynchburg

A Big Thank-You Goes Out to All of Those Below For Sharing Their Thoughts About How This Magazine Can Be the Most Reader-Friendly…

Fill-out and return this form and be entered into a drawing for a Gift Certificate from Golden Corral

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERSA.G. Jefferson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15At Home Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Bentley Commons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Blue Ridge E.N.T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Centra Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4CVAAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Elite Home Heath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Financial Solutions/Mark Chafin . . . . . . . . . . .34Gastroenterology Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32GME Medical Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Gentle Shepherd Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Golden Corral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Heritage Green Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . .17Independent Lifestyles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Infinity Care Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19D. Mason’s Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Piedmont Medicare Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Piedmont Eye Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Presbyterian Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Richardson-West Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Runk & Pratt Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Senior Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Seven Hills Home Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Spring Hill Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Tharpe Funeral Home & Crematory . . . . . . . .39The Summit Assisted Living . . . . . . . back coverThomas Roads 50Plus Ministries . . . . . . . . . .11Travelbugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Tropical Heating & Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Valley View Retirement Community . . . . . . . . .11Wells-Fargo Reverse Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . .37Westminster Canterbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Whitten Funeral Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Lynchburg - the main City library; the Lynchburg Community Market; All Kroger stores; most Food Lions; Lynchburg Senior Cen-ters; Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Dept.; Lynchburg Regional Social Security office; Thomas Rd. Senior Saints; Central VA Area

Agency on Aging; Golden Corral and participating advertisers. Amherst County - both libraries; Amherst and Madison Heights Food Lions; Country Cookin’;. Appomattox County - the main library; Bedford County - Forest Krogers, Forest Post Office; Food Lions

at Graves Mill & Perrowville Rd.; Campbell County - Food Lion on Timberlake Rd.; all 4 libraries (Timbrook branch next to Food Lion on Timberlake Rd., Rustburg, Altavista & Brookneal), and reception areas of 50 Greater Lynchburg physician offices.

Call 455-2726 for extra copies for your church or place of business while supplies last!

Central Virginia’s Golden Years Guide DISTRIBUTORS INCLUDE-

Laughter Beats Drugs!If you live to be one hundred, you’ve got it made. Very few people die past that age. – George Burns You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake. – Bob HopeYou can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred. – Woody AllenIf I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself. – Eubie Blake When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick. – George BurnsThe best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they’re too old to do it. – Anne Bancroft Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours. – Yogi Berra

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$6.69Senior Early Bird BuffetMon.–Fri. 1–4PM

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Golden 50 Guide

ATHLETICS FOR 55+Bowling, Softball, Volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Virginia Senior Games . . . . . 455-4000 or (804) 730-9447

DINING CENTERS & HOME DELIVERED MEALSCongregate Meal Sites, . . . . . . . . . . . Altavista-369-7141; Appomattox Co.- . . . . . . . 352-7820; Bedford- 586-4108; Lynchburg- . . . . . 846-5752; MadisonHeights- 929-6443; Moneta- . . . (540) 297-5028; Montvale- (540) 297-5028.Home Delivered Meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Meals On Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-0796Shepherd's Table, Bedford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-6820

DISEASE / HEALTH INFORMATIONAlzheimer Asso. of Central VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-8540American Asso. of Kidney Patients . . . . . 1-800-749-2257American Board of Medical Specialties . . 1-866-275-2267American Diabetes Asso . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-342-2383American Heart Asso. of VA . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-277-8009American Kidney Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-638-8299American Lung Asso. of VA . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-586-4872Arthritis Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-456-4687Easter Seal Society of VA Inc. . . . . . . . . . 1-800-365-1656Leukemia Society of America/VA Chap . . 1-800-866-4483Multiple Sclerosis Society/Cent. VA . . . . . 1-800-451-0373Muscular Dystrophy Asso. Main Office. . . 1-800-572-1717Myasthenia Gravis Found./VA Chap. . . . . 1-800-728-4405National Cancer Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-422-6237National Eye Care Project . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-222-3937Virginia Department for the Aging. . . . . . . 1-800-552-3402Virginia Health Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-844-4636

FINANCING CARE & BASIC NEEDSBill Doyle Memorial Wheelchair Program . . . . . . 947-4696Career Connect, Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Fan Care Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Home Repair from C.V.A.A.A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Homemaker Service from C.V.A.A.A. . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Insurance Counseling from C.V.A.A.A. . . . . . . . . 385-9070Medication Management/ Prescription Assist. . . 385-9070 Senior Employment from L.O.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-5940Social Security Administration . . . . . . 1-800-772-1213Virginia Dept. of Social Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-1551

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Information & Referral of Central VA . . . . 1-800-230-6977Volunteer Services Available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070

HOSPICE CARECarilion Hospice Services, Bedford . . . . . . . . . . 587-6592Gentle Shepherd Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 846-6270Hospice of the Hills, Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947-3204

LEGAL, TAX & RELATED RESOURCESCenter for Elder Rights/Aging Services . . 1-800-552-3402Legal Aid by Central VA Area Agency Aging . . . . 385-9070Legal Aid Society of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-4722Legal Information Network for Cancer . . . . . . . . 528-4722Ombudsman/Elder Abuse Program . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENTSAmherst Co.-946-9371; Appomattox Co.- 352-7125;

Bedford City-587-6061; Bedford Co.- 586-7682; CampbellCo.-332-9570; Lynchburg-455-5858 SENIOR ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Amherst Co.-946-9330; Appomattox Co.-352-7125;Bedford Co. -586-7750; Campbell Co. -592-9585

SENIOR ORGANIZATIONSAgeless Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erma Styles 821-0528Amer. Asso. of Retired People (AARP) . . (800) 523-5800Ceramic Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Couples' Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Golden Merrymakers. . . . . . . . . . . . Vivian Lazo 821-5924Lynchburg College Beard Center on Aging. . . . . 544-8456Photography Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000New Chapter Book Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-400055 Plus @ Thomas Rd. Bapt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-2010National Asso. of Retired Federal Employees. . . 525-0115

SUPPORT GROUPSAlzheimer's Support Group, Lynchburg . . . . . . . 845-8540Breast Cancer Support Group, Lynchburg . . . . . 947-5127"I Can Cope" by American Cancer Society . . . . . 845-0973Singles Mingle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Telecare (Crisis Line) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947-5921Widow to Widow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-8900

TRANSPORTATION SERVICESAmherst (JAUNT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-365-2868 Appomattox (CVAAA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Bedford Ride Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-3315Dial-A-Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Greater Lynchburg Transit Co. GLTC . . . . . . . . . 847-7771Lynchburg Senior Adult Programs . . . . . . 455-5860 ext. 5

Important Phone Numbers

30864-AAP-Golden50Guide:Text 6/11/2008 9:58 AM Page 51

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Golden 50 Guide

ATHLETICS FOR 55+Bowling, Softball, Volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Virginia Senior Games . . . . . 455-4000 or (804) 730-9447

DINING CENTERS & HOME DELIVERED MEALSCongregate Meal Sites, . . . . . . . . . . . Altavista-369-7141; Appomattox Co.- . . . . . . . 352-7820; Bedford- 586-4108; Lynchburg- . . . . . 846-5752; MadisonHeights- 929-6443; Moneta- . . . (540) 297-5028; Montvale- (540) 297-5028.Home Delivered Meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Meals On Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-0796Shepherd's Table, Bedford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-6820

DISEASE / HEALTH INFORMATIONAlzheimer Asso. of Central VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 845-8540American Asso. of Kidney Patients . . . . . 1-800-749-2257American Board of Medical Specialties . . 1-866-275-2267American Diabetes Asso . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-342-2383American Heart Asso. of VA . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-277-8009American Kidney Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-638-8299American Lung Asso. of VA . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-586-4872Arthritis Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-456-4687Easter Seal Society of VA Inc. . . . . . . . . . 1-800-365-1656Leukemia Society of America/VA Chap . . 1-800-866-4483Multiple Sclerosis Society/Cent. VA . . . . . 1-800-451-0373Muscular Dystrophy Asso. Main Office. . . 1-800-572-1717Myasthenia Gravis Found./VA Chap. . . . . 1-800-728-4405National Cancer Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-422-6237National Eye Care Project . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-222-3937Virginia Department for the Aging. . . . . . . 1-800-552-3402Virginia Health Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-877-844-4636

FINANCING CARE & BASIC NEEDSBill Doyle Memorial Wheelchair Program . . . . . . 947-4696Career Connect, Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Fan Care Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Home Repair from C.V.A.A.A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Homemaker Service from C.V.A.A.A. . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Insurance Counseling from C.V.A.A.A. . . . . . . . . 385-9070Medication Management/ Prescription Assist. . . 385-9070 Senior Employment from L.O.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-5940Social Security Administration . . . . . . 1-800-772-1213Virginia Dept. of Social Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 847-1551

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Information & Referral of Central VA . . . . 1-800-230-6977Volunteer Services Available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070

HOSPICE CARECarilion Hospice Services, Bedford . . . . . . . . . . 587-6592Gentle Shepherd Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 846-6270Hospice of the Hills, Lynchburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947-3204

LEGAL, TAX & RELATED RESOURCESCenter for Elder Rights/Aging Services . . 1-800-552-3402Legal Aid by Central VA Area Agency Aging . . . . 385-9070Legal Aid Society of Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528-4722Legal Information Network for Cancer . . . . . . . . 528-4722Ombudsman/Elder Abuse Program . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENTSAmherst Co.-946-9371; Appomattox Co.- 352-7125;

Bedford City-587-6061; Bedford Co.- 586-7682; CampbellCo.-332-9570; Lynchburg-455-5858 SENIOR ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Amherst Co.-946-9330; Appomattox Co.-352-7125;Bedford Co. -586-7750; Campbell Co. -592-9585

SENIOR ORGANIZATIONSAgeless Wonders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erma Styles 821-0528Amer. Asso. of Retired People (AARP) . . (800) 523-5800Ceramic Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Couples' Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Golden Merrymakers. . . . . . . . . . . . Vivian Lazo 821-5924Lynchburg College Beard Center on Aging. . . . . 544-8456Photography Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000New Chapter Book Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-400055 Plus @ Thomas Rd. Bapt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-2010National Asso. of Retired Federal Employees. . . 525-0115

SUPPORT GROUPSAlzheimer's Support Group, Lynchburg . . . . . . . 845-8540Breast Cancer Support Group, Lynchburg . . . . . 947-5127"I Can Cope" by American Cancer Society . . . . . 845-0973Singles Mingle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-4000Telecare (Crisis Line) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 947-5921Widow to Widow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-8900

TRANSPORTATION SERVICESAmherst (JAUNT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-365-2868 Appomattox (CVAAA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Bedford Ride Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-3315Dial-A-Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385-9070Greater Lynchburg Transit Co. GLTC . . . . . . . . . 847-7771Lynchburg Senior Adult Programs . . . . . . 455-5860 ext. 5

Important Phone Numbers

30864-AAP-Golden50Guide:Text 6/11/2008 9:58 AM Page 51

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