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Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On September 4, Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined elected officials at the historic Longwood Estate in Ridge to welcome residents to the annual Brookhaven Town Senior Picnic. The free, two-day event was attended by more than 2000 senior guests who enjoyed food, dancing and good conversation with friends and fellow seniors. 

Councilwoman Bonner said, “The Senior Picnic is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. It’s so nice to be welcomed by friends from my council district and catch up on what’s happening in their lives.  Thanks to the Town’s Senior Division for organizing this special event every year.”  

Pictured at left are (left to right) Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney; Councilman/Deputy Town Supervisor Neil Foley; Town Clerk Kevin LaValle; New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio; New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood and Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio.

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Author Fern Pessin (right) poses with her mother, Hedda, a Gurwin Assisted Living resident. Photo courtesy of Gurwin Healthcare System

Author Provides Insightful Talk on Caregiving and Family Dynamics

Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences Assisted Living Community  in Commack recently hosted and local family caregivers were treated to an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion with distinguished author Fern Pessin. Known for her insightful works, Can We Talk?, I’ll Be Right There and The Caregiver Gap Year, Pessin offered valuable perspectives on the complexities of caregiving and family dynamics.

Pessin’s talk captivated the audience as she delved into the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving, drawing from her personal experiences and research. Her books, which have resonated with readers nationwide, explore the challenges and rewards of caring for loved ones, and she shared key insights with the attendees, many of whom have navigated or are currently navigating similar journeys.

“We were honored to have Fern Pessin speak at our community,” said Joel Gali, Vice-President & Administrator of Gurwin Assisted Living. “Her understanding of the caregiver’s role and the importance of communication within families certainly struck a chord. It was a meaningful experience for everyone involved.”

The event provided an opportunity for residents and family caregivers to engage in a lively Q&A session, where they questioned Pessin about her experiences, discussed their own and gained new perspectives on managing the caregiver relationship. The conversation highlighted the importance of communication, self-care and finding balance in caregiving roles, and attendees left feeling inspired and better equipped to manage the challenges of caregiving. Pessin’s books have been praised for their relatable, compassionate approach to topics that affect so many families. 

For more information about upcoming events at Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences, please visit the Events page at www.gurwin.org/events.

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The author with his granddaughter at West Meadow Beach.

By Thomas M. Cassidy

Thomas M. Cassidy

According to a new CNBC poll, Social Security is a top issue for most American voters, so let’s strengthen this vital program rather than water it down. 

Social Security has provided essential economic support for Americans for almost 100 years. The program, which provides workers with inflation-protected retirement, disability and survivorship benefits, is a model for the world: It’s such an effective, efficient and easy-to-understand program that its principal features have been adopted by more than 170 countries.   

Social Security is not a welfare program; it’s paid for by workers. For 2024, workers are taxed 12.4% on their income up to $168,600. If you work for someone, a 6.2% tax is taken out of your paycheck and your employer pays the other 6.2%. If you are self-employed, you pay the full 12.4% when you file your taxes. The more years you work, the more tax you pay and the higher your benefit.

However, the trustees of the Social Security trust fund estimate that Social Security will be able to pay 100% of scheduled benefits only until 2033, and “at that time, the fund’s reserves will become depleted and continuing program income will be sufficient to pay 79 percent of scheduled benefits.” 

One proposed solution has been raising the full retirement age from 67 to 70. But that would hurt millennials and Gen Z workers and gain us only a few more years of solvency. Twenty-five or 30 years from now, monthly Social Security checks might be the only lifeline to keep retired workers from poverty. Keep in mind: People can’t work into their older years if artificial intelligence takes their jobs, and Goldman Sachs estimates that 25% of current work tasks could be automated by AI. 

There is another solution.

Medicare and Medicaid programs have wasted trillions of taxpayer dollars since the beginning of this century, money that could have been used to fully fund the Social Security Trust Fund. For example, the Government Accountability Office estimates the combined Medicare and Medicaid programs paid out more than $100 billion in improper payments in 2023 alone.

As a former senior investigator for the New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, it’s disheartening to see that every year hundreds of billions of dollars are stolen from government health programs, especially knowing that the taxpayer money stolen from these essential, but dysfunctional, programs could keep Social Security on track.

President John F. Kennedy said, “One true measure of a nation is its success in fulfilling the promise of a better life for each of its members.” Fully funding Social Security will help us keep our promise for a better life for millennials, Gen Z and future generations of Americans.

Thomas M. Cassidy, an economist, is the creator of the TV series, Manhattan South, which is in development. (ktpgproductions.com)

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Susan Klein’s Park Lane Jewelry was a popular booth at last year's fair.
One of the many classes at the 2023 Over 50 Fair
Yoga class at the 2023 Over 50 Fair
MTN Matchmaking will once again run the Singles Lounge.
Attendees have many choices of classes to attend every hour (photo from 2023)
Joanne Amante, one of the performers in the acoustic music showcase at the Over 50 Fair in 2023

The Over 50 Fair, in its 15th year, returns to the Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville on Sunday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Each year, Baby Boomers, seniors, and those a bit younger meet with over 80 exhibitors and attend 25 classes geared toward them. The Over 50 Fair annually entertains and educates hundreds of Long Islanders.

Businesses and non-profits promote local products and services, including health and wellness, education, travel, and financial services, plus some less expected, such as several book authors and psychics.

Over 50 Fair is the brainchild of East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, who also coordinates the very successful All Kids Fair each April. She said the Over 50 Fair is “Overflowing with Opportunities for Age 50+.” She emphasized that “this is NOT your typical ‘senior fair.’ It is an opportunity for people to learn, interact, and have fun. Our guests can meet with many experts in their fields all in one place,” she added.  

Some of this year’s “draws” will be a singles lounge, compliments of MTN Matchmaking, and a live acoustic music showcase, presented by Carrie Creative Concepts.

This year’s classes include “Downsizing your Home” with Realtor® Anna Beigelman; “How to Improve Your Dating and Sex Life After 50” with Maureen Tara Nelson, “Adventures of a Ghost Hunter,” with Joe Giaquinto; and a “Soft Landing in Retirement” financial talk with Fortis Lux. Additional classes will include a comedy show, foot care for people with diabetes, and a fitness and self-defense class.

Free health screenings will include hearing screenings from Anywhere Audiology.  There will be free energy wellness scans and reiki healings available.

This event has built a loyal following due to its consistent presentation of various classes, products, and services they find appealing. 

Feedback from the attendees and exhibitors after the 2023 event was very positive. Exhibitor Joe Satriano of the Susan Satriano Foundation shared that the Over 50 Fair “runs smoothly because of her [Barbara Kaplan’s] organizational skills, her kind demeanor, and her willingness to assure that those who attend have a great experience.”

The Over 50 Fair was just voted 2024’s Best of Nassau County in the Best Annual Event/Festival – Live or Virtual category for the 10th consecutive year in Blank Slate Media’s contest.  

The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be in attendance collecting non-perishable food and funds. Those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win terrific donated prizes.

Tickets are $5 in advance at www.Over50Fair.com, which includes all classes, exhibits, singles lounge, music performances, health screenings, and more. Those who purchase tickets online will receive a raffle ticket at the event for a special door prize raffle. Tickets are also available at the door for $7, and it is free for Veterans to attend with ID.

This year’s event sponsors include Acupuncture Wellness Services, Men on the Move, Blank Slate Media, The Garden City News, Herald Community Newspapers, and 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.

For more information about this and future events, visit www.Over50Fair.com. For more information, call 516-621-1446.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, who came straight from working in his garden, talks with several seniors who are active in the Garden Club and maintain gardens at home.
Members of the Garden Club admire the summer plant donated to the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center by Bonnie Steinmuller (standing, right) of ARS Landscape & Design and Podcat Farms.

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.

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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.

 

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From left, James Danowski, board Vice Chair; Gloria Snyder, board Chair; BrookhavenCouncilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Bob Caulfield, President and CEO; Jefferson’s Ferry resident June Lapp; Anthony Comerford, VP of Health Services; and board trustees Kenneth Roberts and Debra Englehardt. Photo courtesy of Jefferson's Ferry
Visitor's got a sneak peak of 'The Grove' on May 29. Photo courtesy of Jefferson's Ferry
Visitor's got a sneak peak of 'The Grove' on May 29. Photo courtesy of Jefferson's Ferry

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.”

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