Seniors

Paula and Mel Blum

Mel and Paula Blum celebrated their 55th anniversary with a wedding vow renewal ceremony at Fountaingate Gardens in Commack on July 11. Both are New York City natives. While Mel spent his early years in Colorado until the age of 12, he frequently visited family in Brooklyn. Paula, on the other hand, grew up in Brooklyn, solidifying her roots in the bustling borough.

Paula and Mel Blum

Their paths converged in Manhattan, in a serendipitous street encounter involving a mutual acquaintance. This acquaintance, having dated Paula a few times and knowing Mel, failed to introduce the two. Paula took the initiative, prompting Mel to introduce himself, and from that moment, a connection was forged.

Their life together includes raising a daughter and building impressive careers. Mel was a chemical executive, while Paula’s professional journey spanned from teaching and college admissions counseling to serving as a field coordinator with the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs. Later, Paula joined Mel’s companies, where she adeptly handled advertising, marketing, and personnel management.

Now, as founding members of the Fountaingate Gardens Independent Life Plan Community in Commack, where they moved in September 2022, they chose this perfect location to renew their vows. The ceremony was officiated by long-time friend Barbara Epstein and featured beautiful decorations and delicious treats. Following this special ceremony with their Fountaingate Gardens family, Mel and Paula will celebrate at a small gathering of family and friends in August.

Reflecting on their journey together, Mel and Paula offer this advice for a long and happy marriage: “Do not sweat the small stuff; it isn’t worth it. And make sure the bedroom is always the DMZ (demilitarized zone).”

Their story is a testament to love, resilience and the importance of making connections, no matter how unexpected the circumstances.

Photo courtesy of Long Island Game Farm

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability continues the second season of its Senior Social Club at the Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville on Fridays, July 26, August 9 and August 23 at 10:30 a.m. 

“We’re excited to bring back our Senior Social Club for another season,” shares Long Island Game Farm president Melinda Novak. “We introduced this program last year and it was a hit! Now working with our new nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, we can expand our educational programming across the game farm. It’s very special to have a social club for our senior community and offer ways for them to connect with nature, animals, and each other.”

Senior citizens (65 years+) will begin the morning exploring the grounds, visiting animals, and learning more about the various species at the game farm. A presentation in Woodland Hall will follow, with topics varying each week from rescued animals to wonders of wool, birding to nature photography, and more.

Seniors will enjoy a discounted admission of $10 to Long Island Game Farm on Senior Social Club days. For reservations, call 631-878-6644. 

There are many reasons why estate planning is important.

Join Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. for an Estate Planning seminar titled Protecting Assets: Should I Put My Home in a Trust? at Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Road, Holbrook on Tuesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. The program will cover how to protect assets, including property and second homes, the ways to reduce and eliminate taxes, and the importance of having a sound estate plan in place. To register visit burnerlaw.com/seminars-webinars/ or call 631-646-2733.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta was the guest speaker at the Smithtown Senior Center’s Garden Club in May. After speaking about his vegetable garden and blackberry and raspberry plants, he was invited to come back this month.

Legislator Trotta invited Bonnie and Andrew Steinmuller, owners of ARS Landscape & Design and Podcat Farms located at 527 West Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown to join him. Bonnie was able to attend, but Andrew had a previous commitment. The young couple are raising their family in Smithtown while fulfilling their dream of having a farm, nursery, and local landscape/design business.

Bonnie gave a brief overview of her background and how she and her husband started their business. Then, gardening tips where shared by all. Such as, if you grow strawberries as they do at the Senior Center, they paint little rocks red with black dots to deter the birds from pecking at the real strawberries. Did you know that a mixture of water, coffee grounds, eggshells and a banana peel – simmered and strained – makes a healthy solution for watering plants and vegetables? Some people recommended shaving Irish Spring soap to keep the bugs and deer away from plants and others recommended tying some human hair on a plant to discourage the deer. Bonnie noted from her experience that if deer are hungry, they will eat anything, but they do tend to dislike plants with a strong odor. According to Patty Bornhoft, Senior Citizen Assistant at the Senior Center, if your fence is solid, the deer won’t jump over it as they cannot see what is beyond it and don’t want to take the chance of being injured.

Both Legislator Trotta and Bonnie shared some of their vegetable plants with the seniors and, in addition, Bonnie gave them a summer plant for all to enjoy at the Smithtown Senior Center.

METRO photo

By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou
Michael Christodoulou

Once you’re retired, you will likely need to draw on several types of income for your living expenses. You’ll need to know where these funds are coming from and how much you can count on, but you should also be aware of how this money is taxed — because this knowledge can help you plan and budget for your retirement years.  

Here’s the basic tax information on some key sources of retirement income:

Social Security:  Many people don’t realize they may have to pay taxes on their Social Security benefits. Whether your benefits will be taxed depends on how much other taxable income you receive from various sources, such as self-employment, stock dividends and interest payments. You’ll want to check with your tax advisor to determine whether your income reaches the threshold where your Social Security benefits will be taxed. The lower your total taxable income, the lower the taxes will be on your benefits. The Social Security Administration will not automatically take out taxes from your monthly checks — to have taxes withheld, you will need to fill out Form W-4V (Voluntary Withholding Request). Again, your tax advisor can help you determine the percentage of your benefits you should withhold. 

Retirement accounts: During your working years, you may have contributed to two basic retirement accounts: an IRA and a 401(k) or similar plan (such as a 457(b) plan for state and local government employees or a 403(b) plan for educators and employees of some nonprofits). If you invested in a “traditional” IRA or 401(k) or similar plan, your contributions may have been partially or completely deductible and your earnings grew on a tax-deferred basis. But when you start taking withdrawals from your traditional IRA or 401(k), the money is considered taxable at your normal income tax rate. However, if you chose the “Roth” option (when available), your contributions were not deductible, but your earnings and withdrawals are tax-free, provided you meet certain conditions. 

Annuities: Many investors use annuities to supplement their retirement income. An annuity is essentially a contract between you and an insurance company in which the insurer pays you an income stream for a given number of years, or for life, in exchange for the premiums you paid. You typically purchase a “qualified” annuity with pre-tax dollars, possibly within a traditional IRA or 401(k), so your premiums may be deductible, and your earnings can grow tax deferred. Once you start taking payouts, the entire amount — your contributions and earnings — are taxable at your individual tax rate. 

On the other hand, you purchase “non-qualified” annuities with after-tax dollars, so your premiums aren’t deductible, but just like qualified annuities, your earnings grow on a tax-deferred basis. When you take payments, you won’t pay taxes on the principal amounts you invested but the earnings will be taxed as ordinary income. 

We’ve looked at some general rules governing different sources of income, but you should consult your tax professional about your specific situation. 

Ultimately, factors such as your goals, lifestyle and time horizon should drive the decisions you make for your retirement income. Nonetheless, you may want to look for ways to control the taxes that result from your various income pools. And the more you know about how your income is taxed, the fewer unpleasant surprises you may experience. 

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook, Member SIP

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

 

As the ribbon was cut on the “soft opening” of the new Memory Support Neighborhood and Assisted Living upgrades at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community in South Setauket on May 29, the packed house of spectators burst into spontaneous applause. Representative of the latest innovations in memory support living, “The Grove,” was welcomed by community residents, family members, supporters, and Jefferson’s Ferry board trustees. 

“This is a very special day for us as we open the doors to this beautiful, welcoming, and secure space,” said Jefferson’s Ferry President and CEO Bob Caulfield. “The Grove will help us accommodate the increased demand for memory support services within Jefferson’s Ferry and in the larger Long Island community in a state-of-the-art and homelike environment. The number of people experiencing memory loss has increased and is expected to continue to rise as more people live into their 90s and even 100s. Jefferson’s Ferry strives to provide a community where every resident is able to live their best life, no matter what challenges they may be facing.” 

The Grove will be home to 20 residents inhabiting private studio apartments. A variety of community spaces include an activities room, den, dining room and outdoor porch and garden, creating an inviting living space where residents, family members, and friends can spend time together socializing and pursuing meaningful and purposeful activities. Its circular layout is specially designed to allow for residents to wander within the safety of their environment with more choice and control of their daily activities. 

“There are abundant opportunities for socializing and activities for every resident to enjoy, ranging from soothing aromatherapy treatments to awe-inspiring virtual reality programming,” explained Dawn Flowers-Leib, director of admissions for The Grove. “Through virtual reality tools, our residents can travel to any place on Earth, from Paris to their old neighborhoods (using Google Maps and Street View). They can also ‘meet’ with family and friends to look at photos, play games, watch movies or simply enjoy each others’ company.” 

Grove activities will be specifically tailored to the interests and abilities of the residents, including smaller, more intimate activities that encourage greater opportunities for meaningful and engaged participation. Pet therapy, music and art therapy and other programs will also be available to residents.

Caulfield thanked the residents and staff for their enthusiasm and support throughout the entire multi-year Journey Toward Renewal initiative that includes the opening of The Grove and renovations to the dining options in Assisted Living. Journey Toward Renewal also added 60 new studio and one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments, some with a den, six distinct dining venues, expanded the Healthy Living Center, the Fitness Center, and its state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Therapy Center.

“Since Jefferson’s Ferry opened in 2001 as the first not for profit Life Plan community on Long Island, we have endeavored to set the standard for continuing care for older adults, providing a vibrant, caring, community and peace of mind to our residents,” concluded Caulfield. “Over our more than 20 years in operation, Jefferson’s Ferry has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the people who call Jefferson’s Ferry home. The opening of The Grove and our overall Journey Toward Renewal is evidence of this unswerving and ongoing commitment to excellence.”

On Wednesday May 1st, the Town of Smithtown Senior Citizens Department honored over 100 unsung heroes who dedicate their time and energy to helping others. Department Director; Doreen Perrino, together with Smithtown Councilwoman Lynn Nowick and Senior Citizens Center staff presented each volunteer with an official Certificate of Appreciation from the Town of Smithtown.

“It was an absolute pleasure celebrating the volunteers for their generous commitment and dedication to our Senior Citizen Center. Their kindness and support make a world of difference and we are truly grateful for all they do. Selflessly lending their time and talents to enrich the lives of their neighbors embodies the very best of what a community is about.” – Councilwoman Lynn Norwick

The Volunteers at the Senior Citizens Department have devoted their time, skill set and altruistic spirit, within the community in a variety of ways, including delivering meals, donating quilts and other handmade gifts to veterans, hospitals, nursing homes and homeless shelters. In addition to aiding the center staff with a vast number of services, clubs and other amenities, volunteers have donated handcrafted projects to organizations such as: Brooksite MultiCare, Luxor Mills Pond Nursing and Rehabilitation, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, St. James Rehabilitation and Healthcare, St. Johnland Nursing Center, The Hamlet Nursing and Rehabilitation, Long Island Veterans Home – Stony Brook, Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Northport American Legion.

Additionally, the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center Volunteers assist in facilitating on site activities such as the Garden Club, Video Exercise and operating the boutique. The Center Committee volunteers work to support the Senior Citizens Department through fundraising and with the annual Tender Years Treasury event.

“Volunteers are the lifeline of this department. Whether you’re a home delivered meals volunteer driver, a crocheter, knitter or quilter creating works of art to be donated to local nursing home residents and veterans, a member of our Creative Club, designing handmade cards for the community, a volunteer teaching others to play Canasta, or you play piano for all to enjoy – your efforts are appreciated more than you know. You all matter. You all make a difference and your generosity of time and spirit has a profound, lasting impact on our community. Volunteers make a commitment to share their time, and in doing so, makes life better for those in need. While I know you volunteer without expectation, we are proud to host this luncheon each year to let you know we are forever grateful for your contributions to the community through the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department. Giving selflessly to help others speaks to your character and strength. We are proud of all our volunteers and look forward to many more years together, making a difference” – Doreen Perrino, Smithtown Senior Citizen Center Director

Bill Maynard, a navy veteran and retired Lieutenant for the FDNY, was highlighted during the luncheon ceremony, for his 30 years of service in delivering for themeals on wheels program at the Senior Center. Maynard and his wife have been married 32 years, are blessed with four children, and eight grandchildren. Bill Maynard is also a member of the Smithtown American Legion and Board member for the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce.

Also recognized for longevity, was Serafina Marolla who has been a volunteer at the center for 29 years. Marolla currently volunteers for the Senior Center’s Creative Club, dedicating her time to creating beautiful handmade cards, each one personalized with a heartfelt sentiment of encouragement, support and inspiration. The cards are then distributed to local nursing home residents. When the Senior Center hosts celebrations Serafina is famous for her “chicken dance” skills. Serafina Marolla recently celebrated her 90th Birthday!

For further information regarding the programs available at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center or to learn more about becoming a volunteer, call the Senior Center at 631-360-7616.

There was a party going on recently at Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation’s 19th Annual Gala in support of its Resident Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to Jefferson’s Ferry residents who outlive their assets or experience a shortfall through no fault of their own. Reflective of this year’s “New York State of Mind” theme, partygoers posed with “NYC taxi cabs” to kick off the event. Pictured here: (L to R:) Jefferson’s Ferry residents Ruth Weinreb, Rose Modica, Josephine Pheffer, Jean Grunwald and Dolores Dellova. (Photo by resident Martin Cohen)

Popular Fundraiser Benefits the Foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund 

Every spring for nearly 20 years, Jefferson’s Ferry residents, donors, and vendors have joined Jefferson’s Ferry management, staff and board members to support the Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation at its annual gala fundraiser on April 18. This year was no exception. The party, held at Flowerfield in St. James, celebrated the vibrant community, active lifestyle, and peace of mind that can be found in abundance at Jefferson’s Ferry. 

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund, which was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to Jefferson’s Ferry residents who outlive their assets or experience a shortfall through no fault of their own. Over the years, the Resident Assistance Fund has played a role in upholding the Life Plan Community Promise of peace of mind and health care for Jefferson’s Ferry residents by subsidizing the monthly fees of residents in need.

This year, the gala gave a nod to New York City nightlife with “A New York State of Mind” theme. Party-goers enjoyed live music by the Jazz Loft, dancing, New York-style hor d’oeuvres, casino-style gaming and hand-rolled cigars. 

With Jefferson’s Ferry’s “Journey Towards Renewal” renovation and expansion project a hair shy of completion–the new Memory Support Neighborhood is due to open in the coming weeks — the gala honored the two architectural and design firms critical to the project, KDA Architects and Merlino Design Partnership (MDP). Principal architect and KDA Partner David Fowles and principal designer and MDP President Bruce Hurowitz were on hand to accept their honors. 

“The outpouring of generosity in support of the Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation and the Resident Assistance Fund is deeply gratifying and demonstrative of the strong community bond we enjoy here at Jefferson’s Ferry,” said President and CEO Bob Caulfield. “We have neighbors helping neighbors through the Resident Assistant Fund and in so many other less tangible but no less important ways. It’s one of the many reasons Jefferson’s Ferry is such a singular community.”  

Photo Caption:  There was a party going on recently at Jefferson’s Ferry Foundation’s 19th Annual Gala in support of its Resident Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to Jefferson’s Ferry residents who outlive their assets or experience a shortfall through no fault of their own. Reflective of this year’s “New York State of Mind” theme, partygoers posed with “NYC taxi cabs” to kick off the event.  Pictured here: (L to R:) Jefferson’s Ferry residents Ruth Weinreb, Rose Modica, Josephine Pheffer, Jean Grunwald and Dolores Dellova.  (Photo by resident Martin Cohen)

About Jefferson’s Ferry   www.jeffersonsferry.org

Jefferson’s Ferry is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community for active adults aged 62 and above, with Independent Living cottages and apartments, assisted living apartments, and a quality health care center all on one site.  A multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation project, “The Journey Toward Renewal,” is part of a larger strategic initiative launched in 2018 to create a life-enriching environment for all new and current residents at every stage of their life. Journey to Renewal has added 60 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments, provided six distinct dining venues, an expanded Healthy Living Center, Fitness Center, and its state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Therapy Center. A new Memory Support Neighborhood will provide a high quality of life and care for people diagnosed and living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Common areas in Assisted Living and the Health Care Center will be renovated.

Jefferson’s Ferry offers exceptional living and amenities, including indoor pool, computer center, library, recreational areas, gardens, and gazebos.  A mix of cultural excursions, civic activities, and a community of residents who help shape Jefferson’s Ferry’s future ensures a spirited and engaged lifestyle.  

The Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry enjoys a 5-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and was named a “Best Of” nursing home by U.S. News & World Report.  Jefferson’s Ferry has repeatedly earned the industrywide Community Choice Award for resident satisfaction and engagement and has been recognized with the Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award for five years running. FitchRatings has assigned Jefferson’s Ferry a BBB bond rating.  Jefferson’s Ferry has consistently been voted Best Retirement Community, Best Nursing Home and Best Assisted Living on Long Island by The Long Island Press and has been recognized for Excellence by the Hauppauge Industrial Association’s Business Achievement Awards program.  

For more information visit www.jeffersonsferry.org

Photo courtesy of LI Game Farm

The Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability will kick off a new season of the Senior Social Club at Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd. in Manorville on Friday April 12.  Senior citizens (65 years+) can visit the animals, explore the trails, attend a presentation in Woodland Hall, and enjoy a beverage and snacks with fellow seniors. This event will take place on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

“We’re excited to bring back our Senior Social Club for another season,” shares Long Island Game Farm
president Melinda Novak. “We introduced this program last year and it was a hit! Now working with our new
nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, we can expand our educational programming across
the game farm. It’s very special to have a social club for our senior community and offer ways for them to
connect with nature, animals, and each other.”

Each week guests will begin by exploring the grounds, visiting animals, and learning more about the various
species at the game farm. A presentation in Woodland Hall will follow, with topics varying each week from
rescued animals to wonders of wool, birding to nature photography, and more.

Tickets are $10 per person and for seniors only. Please do not bring grandchildren. Pets are not allowed. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 631-878-6644. Learn more at wildlifesustainability.org/events.

The Town of Smithtown Senior Citizen Center will celebrate 35 years of providing nutritious meals to senior residents this Spring. To mark the occasion, Senior Center members, volunteers and staff will commemorate the anniversary with a pre-lunch soiree on April 26 at 11 a.m.. Members who RSVP will enjoy light fare and celebrations prior to sitting down for a nutritional lunch.

Preparations are currently underway as staff members mark the 35th anniversary of providing nutritious meals to local senior citizen residents. The Smithtown Senior Citizen Center will also recognize its caterer; Zan’s Kosher Deli in Lake Grove for dedicating 20 years of service to the program.

“They say nothing brings people together quite like a good meal. That especially rings true for the nutrition programs… For nearly 45 years the senior center has been a gathering place where friendships are forged and our wisest generation can find the support, resources and tools they need to maintain their independence at home longer. None of this would be remotely possible or successful without the magnificent staff and volunteers who treat our members like family. This program is invaluable to our community and I look forward to celebrating the milestone together with our center community in April,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

Smithtown Senior Citizens Department will acknowledge four and a half decades in operation, fostering a positive environment of friendship, support and independence since the opening of the center.  The primary emphasis of the day’s festivities will celebrate 35 years of the nutrition program, promoting vital social interactions to enrich senior residents’ lives, encouraging health and well-being. Recognition will also be paid to a remarkable staff and dedicated volunteers, who ensure the growth and effectiveness of nutrition programming at the center.

“What a pleasure it is to be an integral part of the lives of our extraordinary seniors. Our senior community possesses a wealth of wisdom and life experience, not to mention a sense of humor! I am very proud of the profound impact the programs we offer here at the senior center have had on the lives of our seniors. These wonderful nutrition programs would not exist and be as successful without the outstanding efforts made by invaluable staff, volunteers, and of course, Zan’s! It is a great joy to celebrate these milestones together and take time to reflect on all the good work that’s been done throughout the years. We look forward to many more years of success and continuing to find new and productive ways to service the senior community of Smithtown,” said Doreen Perrino, Program Director, Senior Citizens Department.

The nutrition program known as the Congregate Lunch Program (weekday lunch) presently serves approximately 175 seniors weekly. Aside from essential nutritional benefits, this service offers a special habitat for residents to engage in conversation, camaraderie and laughter over a nourishing meal daily. Residents ages 60 and over are invited to participate in this social setting.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday 11:45 a.m. Registration for this program is on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in person at 9:30 a.m.

Another amenity available to center members is the grab and go lunch, which serves approximately 125 seniors. Typically, these residents are either participating in other activities the center offers during lunch or simply stop in with confidence that each meal provided at the Smithtown Senior Citizen Center is carefully selected and consists of one third the current recommended dietary allowance for the 60 plus age group.

Additionally the Smithtown Senior Center is in its 25th year of serving Home Delivered Meals, also referred to as Meals on Wheels. This program currently serves approximately 60 to 70 qualifying senior citizens, some disabled, frail or have little to no support. There are 65 devoted volunteers who deliver meals to these residents person to person, which in addition to serving meals, lends as a comforting and consistent friendly face on a daily basis.

Additional Information About the Nutrition Program: Persons with self-declared incomes at or above 185% of the federal poverty level are encouraged to make a contribution equal to the actual cost of the meal. A suggested meal contribution of $2.25 is recommended. Any contributions made are confidential. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the New York State Office for the Aging, Suffolk County Office for the Aging, and the Town of Smithtown. The monthly lunch menu can be found in print at the Senior Center or on the town website athttps://www.smithtownny.gov/193/Senior-Citizens-Department

How To Join the Smithtown Senior Center: Smithtown residents, ages 60 years and older can join (no fee is required) by filling out a brief application on-site, along with proof of residency such as a driver’s license. A membership card and welcome packet will be provided, along with a tour of the facility by a Senior Center Club Leader. The welcome packet includes a current calendar of activities, classes, and events, as well as brochures for services and amenities available exclusively for members.

The Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center offers a wide array of activities, clubs and programming geared towards improving quality of life for residents, ages 60 years or older. Every day, the center offers a full schedule of arts, fitness, and wellness programming. Members can choose to join a variety of clubs, from gardening, quilting and book clubs to one of seven social clubs, featuring Casino & Theater outings, luncheons, parties, community advocacy and volunteer opportunities. In addition to a wealth of entertaining programming, the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department offers a variety of at home maintenance and repairs services.

The Senior Center is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (July & August Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Lunch is served daily. Transportation is also available for members. For questions or additional information, please call  (631) 360-7616 or for Transportation: (631) 265-8811.

Eugene Cannataro Senior Center is located at 420 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787