mature arkansas, jan 19, 2012

MATURE ARKANSAS JANUARY 19, 2012 1

Maturearkansas

ALSO iNThiS iSSUE

january 19, 2012

Lower Heart Attack RiskpAgE 7

Ideas for Caregivers pAgE 6 & 11

Time forTaxespAgES 12-13

Phyllis WatkinsGives BackWiTh dETERMiNATiON ANd A SMiLE

pAgE 8

2 JANUARY 19, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

health Insurance Exchanges are required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Each state must participate

in a health insurance exchange — a marketplace where individuals and small employers can shop for insurance coverage with the same clout as large businesses. These exchanges will create insurance pools that lower costs and premiums, and provide more choices to consumers. These exchanges are required to be in place and func-tional by January 1, 2014.

Federal Exchange partnershipRather than running our own state-based exchange, Arkansas has decided to participate in a Federal Exchange Partnership. Governor Mike Beebe announced his endorsement of this hybrid plan in late December. It would give Arkansas some voice in the federally facili-tated exchange partnership. As the Governor pointed out in a news release, this partnership allows Arkansas to apply for federal money that would permit the state to meet its legal requirements using as little state funding as possible. It also helps ensure that, as more Arkansans enroll in health insurance programs, the premium taxes collected on those policies remain in Arkansas.

Arkansas has now submitted a grant application requesting funds that would allow Arkansas to plan for meeting the benchmarks the federal government requires. These funds will let Arkansas provide greater local input into this federally run exchange.

Cost ControlOne of the core elements we want to maintain control over is Insurance Plan Management, which is critical to consumer protec-tion and cost control. Plan Management functions include insurance plan selection, rating, monitoring and oversight, thus providing local control over the insurance marketplace.

A portion of the grant request is for public outreach and educational services. This will help Arkansans understand the exchange purchasing process and help them make informed choices as they shop for health insur-ance.

Another portion of the grant request is for technology to pay for the costly process of getting various governmental technology systems to communicate with each other. While the federal government will be responsible for developing and operating the website and the eligibility and enrollment portal for the exchange, there are certain aspects required by the Affordable Care Act that the state must do-- with or without these grant funds.

planning to comply with ppACALet me emphasize that this grant request is for planning so Arkansas can deter-mine if it can perform certain core functions available to the states under the Federal Exchange Partnership Model. Should the state receive this funding, appropriation requests will go through the regular legislative process in order to obtain the authorization to spend the funds.

As I have said before, insurance options are best regulated by the states and participation in this federal partnership puts us in a better position to perform these vital functions.

MATURE ARKANSAS is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203, phone (501) 375-2985. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the written consent of the publishers is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned or acknowledged un-less sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. All materials are handled with due care, however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for care and safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters sent to Mature Arkansas will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to Mature Arkansas’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially.

MATURE ARKANSASPublisher Alan Leveritteditor Anne WassonArt director Mike SpainAssistAnt to the editor paige parhamPhotogrAPher Brian Chilsondirector of sAles Katherine danielsAccount executive Erin hollandProduction MAnAger Weldon WilsonProduction AssistAnt Tracy Whitaker

Ad coordinAtors Roland gladdenKelly Schlachter

grAPhic Artists Bryan MoatsKatie Cook

controller Weldon Wilsonoffice MAnAger Angie Fambroughit director Robert Curfmanbilling And collections Linda phillipscirculAtion director Anitra hickman

We Want To Hear From YOUMATURE ARKANSAS welcomes letters or emails from readers on any subject of interest to older Arkansans. Letters to columnists are also welcome. Email your letters to [email protected] and include “letter” on the subject line.

phONE 501-375-2985

Health insurance exchange—a

marketplace where

individuals and

small employers

can shop for

insurance coverage

with the same clout

as large businesses.

Subscriptions AvailableAnnual subscriptions to MATURE ARKANSAS are $60 per year, via the U.S. Postal Service. Send your check to: Mature Arkansas, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203-4010. Allow three weeks for processing. Expect mail delivery to take about a week.

AdVOCACY

Update On Federal insurance Exchange Required by healthcare reform

By Jay Bradford, Arkansas Insurance Commissioner

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EdiTORiAL

growing up in a family where political debate was as important as football or tennis, I’ve been itching to talk politics with Mature

Arkansas’ readers. A survey of likely Republican voters recently caught my eye.

The gist of the survey is retirees highly value Social Security and Medicare—just as they are. They don’t want either program changed, or privatized, or reduced in any way. And these sentiments come from Republicans who are likely to vote in the early caucus states. We can assume older Democratic voters are at least as strongly committed to a “hands off” approach.

By nearly three to one, Republican voters oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare as part of any attempt to balance the budget or reduce the nation’s deficit, according to the survey. The more frequently they attended church, the stronger survey respondents opposed any reductions in Social Security and Medicare.

Likely Republican voters say they’ve earned these benefits, paid into these programs all their working lives and 90% say the programs are essential for their secure retirement.

Respondents say they prefer cuts be made in other areas such as closing tax loopholes and the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

More than 93% of Arkansans over 65 receive Medicare and Social Security benefits. Arkansans receive $437 million a month in Social Security;

the average retiree receives $888 a month. For many it is their chief source of income.

The average age—64.7—is a few months shy of getting Medicare benefits at 65. Most are not yet receiving Social Security bene-fits. That level of commitment to govern-ment programs they don’t receive yet—by Republicans—is hard to believe if we only listen to Republican leaders.

Why the strong commitment? These two programs are respected, even cherished, by most Americans. Everyone has a loved one who relies on these programs. We’ve paid taxes to support them and have a strong expectation of receiving benefits when we retire. And, for most of us, these programs will guarantee a minimum level of retirement security.

Why does Washington no longer mirror their constituents’ near total endorsement of these two lifelines? Why do Republican leaders continue to push for cuts to Medicare and radical changes to Social Security?

I can’t help but think the disconnect lies with whom they’ are repre-senting—us or the super-PACs? Are the pleas of Wall Street investment firms, who stand to gain mightily by privatizing Social Security, more compelling than the needs of “the greatest generation?”

You’re the voter, you decide.

Whom do They Represent?By Anne Howard Wasson

By nearly

three to one,

Republican voters oppose cuts

to Social Security

and Medicare as part

of any attempt to

balance the budget.


Some cities are breakfast towns and others aren’t. Portland, Oregon, is (Milo’s City

Café, 1325 NE Broadway--my all-time favorite). So are Minneapolis and Seattle. Little Rock isn’t.

And, I don’t know why that is. I’ve had wonderful breakfasts in hot places like Santa Fe, New Mexico, so a good breakfast city isn’t necessarily dependent on a cold climate. All I know is that trying to find a tasty, affordable breakfast in Little Rock can be problematic.

Sure, you can always go to a Waffle House, and sometimes (read: hung over) their break-fasts can be extremely satisfying. All the hotels offer breakfasts, but those are usually over-priced, steam-table buffets. As Bessie Smith once observed, “It’s a botheration.”

Years ago, there was a wonderful place in Clinton called The Clinton Café. For around $6, I could get ham and eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy AND grits, plus coffee and juice. Really. And, it was delicious. No wonder they went out of business.

Little Rock does have the Frontier Diner. I’ve

been there several times and have yet to be disappointed. This morning, I had “The Hog Wild,” (below) which consisted of all the stuff I used to drive to Clinton for. The ham slices were thick and flavorful. They make their own biscuits. The gravy was typical Southern sausage gravy, which means, if done correctly, it is delicious when mooshed up (a culinary term) with the biscuits. The hash browns were of the Waffle House variety, which suggests to me they came out of a bag. But, I could be wrong. Grits were fine. All for $8.

For $7.59, I could have had “Miss Kitty’s Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast.” Frankly, I don’t recall the Long Branch Saloon specializing in that, but I was pretty young then. (Is THAT why all those cowboys and oddly-dressed young women were in there?) Or, for $8 the wonder-

fully-named, “Trail Riders Pork Chop Platter.” Part of me (no doubt my waistline) really likes a place that serves pork chops for breakfast. I get the same warm feeling whenever I drive through Alabama, stop at a Shoney’s, and notice the fried baloney (not the highfalutin, Eastern liberal “bologna”) on the breakfast buffet. Then I know all is right in the world.

My dining companion chose a short stack of flapjacks, and they weren’t for the faint-of-heart. Two, large buttermilk pancakes lopped over the sides of the plate. They looked good, and she “Hoovered” them up in a dainty sort of way.

The Frontier Diner serves breakfast week-days from 6:00 until 10:30 AM. After that, it’s lunch only until they close at 2:00 PM. On Saturdays, they serve breakfast until closing time at 1:00 PM. Closed on Sundays. It’s also a one-level place with no steps, so easily acces-sible for everyone.

Since they have this “Frontier” theme going, forget the Eggs Benedict. But, for a hearty, basic, satisfying breakfast, the Frontier Diner is always dependable.

Getting to the Frontier Diner, 10424 Interstate 30, Little Rock, (phone 565-6414) the first time can be a little tricky, so Google the location and plan your route.

Mr. Wood, a writer and designer in Little Rock, is often hungry.

The Frontier diner for Breakfast

RESTAURANT gUidE n BY BOB WOOd

“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” — John Gunther

Frontier Diner is the best location for a tasty, affordable and satisfying breakfast.


For A Tour CAll 501-372-3610 AppliCATions For residenCy AvAilAble during oFFiCe Hours

Secure

AffordAble

efficient

convenient

sTArTing AT $320 A MonTH

ApArTMenT HoMes For seniors

EdiTORiALCALENdAR piCKS

jan. 20-22, Bald EaglE B o n a n z a o n l a k E CathErinE, Hot Springs. Join a park interpreter for festivities centered on eagles including lake tours, guided bird walks, guest speakers and live bird demonstrations. Contact the park at 501-844-4176 for a detailed schedule.

For Lovers of history, Art, Eagles and BoatsBy Paige Parham

jan. 21, 25, 27, 29-- FrEE CruisEs to sEE amEriCan Bald EaglEs on Lake Dardanelle in Russellville. Dress warmly because temperatures and winds can be more severe on the lake. Reservations can be made by calling the State Park Visitor Center at 479-967-5516. Boarding begins 15 minutes before the tour at the boat dock near the fishing tournament weigh-in facility, Lake Dardanelle State Park.

jan. 23 - PrEsErvation ConvErsations - Historic Schools of Little Rock, Curran Hall, 615 E. Capitol Ave., Little Rock, 5:00 - 6:30 PM. At 5:00 PM, Curran Hall will be open and serving wine; programs start at 5:30 -6:30. After 6:30, everyone is invited to keep the conversation going and enjoy a discounted dinner (Dutch treat) at nearby Copper Grill, 300 East Third Street. Free admission. For more information, visit www.quapaw.com, call 501-371-0075 or e-mail [email protected].

jan. 23 – Pianist kuok-Wai lio at Woodlands auditorium, 1101 DeSoto Blvd., Hot Springs Village, 7:30 PM. Tickets are $15 for open seating. For more information, call the box office 501- 922-4231, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

jan. 25 - WinE dinnEr at starving artist CaFE, 411 Main Street, North Little Rock, 7:00 PM. Wine dinners are held monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month. Each dinner has a theme with three courses and three wines; $50 per person, all inclusive. RSVP required, call 501- 372-7976 or visit www.StarvingArtistCafe.net

jan. 20 - harlEm gloBEtrottErs at vErizon arEna, north littlE roCk, 7:00 PM. The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters have entertained fans all over the world with their antics on the court. Tickets are $18 - $105; available at the Verizon Arena Box Office, any Ticketmaster location, or call toll free 800-745-3000.

jan. 20 – argEnta art Walk, argEnta arts distriCt, north littlE roCk, 5:00-8:00 PM. Argenta ArtWalk features more than 20 local artists who display and sell their work “in unexpected places”-- under tents and inside shops on Main Street from Broadway to 8th Street and at the Presbyterian Church on 4th and Maple in North Little Rock. For more infor-mation, contact Margaret Powell, 501-340-5305.

jan. 20 – 22 - arkansas marinE ExPo at thE statEhousE ConvEntion CEntEr, littlE roCk, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM -8:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM -6:00 PM. Look for special low “boat show pricing” on hundreds of boats...bass boats, ski boats, deck boats, party barges; discounts on fishing tackle and other boating-related displays. Tickets: adults, $5; chil-dren 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.dgattractions.com or call 501-765-1423.

For low-income persons 62 and older, or mobility impaired (Hot Springs, Monette, North Little Rock, Palestine, Strong, and The Cottages at Delta Acres only for persons 62 and older). Rent based on 30% of adjusted income. Call the local complex for low-income limits that apply.

Augusta............... (870) 347-2388Brinkley ............... (870) 734-2201Camden ............... (870) 837-1911Clarendon............ (870) 747-5441DeQueen ............. (870) 642-6211DeValls Blu� ........ (870) 998-7280Elaine .................. (870) 827-3705El Dorado............. (870) 862-9711Forrest City .......... (870) 633-4804Horatio ................ (870) 832-4014Jonesboro............ (870) 931-9575Marianna ............ (870) 295-6345Paragould............ (870) 239-8609

Parkin .................. (870) 755-2939Searcy ................. (501) 268-7804West Helena ........ (870) 572-9433Wynne ................ (870) 238-3388Hot Springs ......... (501) 318-1317Monette .............. (870) 486-2748North Little Rock . (501) 758-8582Palestine ............. (870) 581-2023Strong ................. (870) 797-7525The Cottages at Delta Acres .......... (870) 747-5150

HUD SUBSIDIZED HOUSING

CONTACT LITTLE ROCK OFFICE TOLL FREE (866) 486-2136 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CHRISTOPHERHOMESOFARKANSAS.ORG

Excellence Within Reach!Our mission is to provide a quality, affordable living experience to the elderly in a

faith-based community committed to the dignity of our residents.

Call Today For More Information! 501-224-7200

Good Shepherd sits on a 145-acre campus located off Aldersgate Road in the heart of West Little Rock and provides convenient access to West Little Rock’s

medical, financial and retail business districts.

Over four hundred elderly residents live in four apartment buildings surrounded by tree-covered landscape that includes an 8-acre lake.

• Affordable housing with no sacrifice to service

• Four living facilities - the Moore, the Rhinehart and Shepherd’s Cove, which

caters to independent living, and the Roberts Building, a Residential Care Facility • 24-hour Security and/or Staff on duty • On-site exercise facilities• On-site beauty salons• Personal emergency alert pendant systems • Three full-service dining rooms offering home-cooked meals • Transportation with fully equipped wheelchair lift vans • An award-winning wellness program • A family atmosphere in a faith-based community


people rely on routine to give life structure. Habits and rituals that become our daily routine offer comfort when life throws us a curve-

ball. As we age, there are frequently more significant disruptions to our routine such as a major health concern.

Many of us imagine retirement being a glorious time free of schedules. Time will be fluid and we can stop keeping a calendar or watching a clock. Most of us enjoy vacations and retirement may be envisioned as an endless vacation. But can vacation time be as enjoyable if there is no routine to break from? Frequently it’s not, and this is why retirees without a plan describe their retirement as an unexpectedly lackluster period filled with uncertainty.

Establish a routineStudies indicate retirees are much happier and more satisfied when

they have some semblance of routine or schedule. An empty calendar is a recipe for boredom, loneliness and even feelings of worthlessness. While enjoying some downtime is fine, aging experts advise having a plan to fill at least some of the time. Those who retire with specific plans to travel, babysit grandchildren or volunteer at the animal shelter report more satisfaction with their retirement years.

Older women who have not worked outside the home, who functioned as stay-at-home mothers and homemakers, have much less struggle with retirement than their male counterparts. They have identified and participated in fulfilling activities inside and outside the home for many years before retirement. Stress in the home can occur when the husband

retires without a plan but sees his wife enjoying her book club, lunch with friends and gardening in the backyard. Many older wives say their satisfaction with retirement declined when their husband retired because they worried about him being bored and reported he “got in the way.”

Maximize abililtiesMeaningful activity is the key to keeping retirement interesting and inde-pendent. But such activity is even more important when an older adult becomes more dependent or requires a caregiver. Those who become disabled or experience health or mental declines need enjoyable activities as part of their treatment plan.

Caregivers looking for therapeutic activities should focus on maxi-mizing the skills and abilities their loved ones still possess. Try activi-ties that stimulate the senses, increase socialization, decrease isolation and improve any skills and abilities that can be rehabilitated. Activities should be based on interests and pursuits the individual previously enjoyed.

Enter any nursing home, adult day care center or senior center and you’ll likely see a game of bingo in action. While bingo falls into a certain negative senior stereotype, it continues to be popular and can be benefi-cial. It stimulates three senses: hearing, sight and touch. It also offers socialization, mental stimulation and promotes hand-eye coordination.

For those who used to enjoy a book club but are struggling with vision, a book on CD is a good option. Former runners who now struggle with gait, may enjoy the structure of a daily nature walk with family members.

individualize activitiesBefore adding therapeutic activities into a loved one’s daily routine, consider these points:

What were their hobbies? If they enjoyed going to the movies, the caregiver could borrow free movies from the library. If the senior is still

mobile, going out to a movie may still be an option.What was life like before retirement? If she was a homemaker and

would like to still help out around the house, folding laundry might be a better choice than baking cookies for a woman with advanced dementia.

What are their religious or spiritual beliefs? Integrate spiritual beliefs into a home routine, such as Bible reading, prayers, listening to hymns or recorded sermons.

Routine and structure provides consistency at all stages of life, for a vibrant retiree as well as a homebound patient with dementia. It is important for all of us to have a routine that promotes contentment and to reassess that routine as health issues arise.

Ms. FitzPatrick is an author, speaker and educator.

CAREgiVER TipS

What do We do Now?Retirees happier with some structure and routineBy Jennifer FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C

HEALTHY ADVICE: The health promotion information in MATURE ARKANSAS is intended to inform our readers. Do not consider it as medical advice about your personal health. This should be obtained directly from your doctor. No medication or therapeutic device should be started or stopped without clearance from your doctor.

An empty calendar is a recipe for boredom,

loneliness and even feelings of worthlessness.


MEdiCARE MATTERS n BY SALLY JOhNSON

If you’ve shied away from being screened for colorectal cancer in the past, consider this: About

32,000 deaths every year in the U.S. could be prevented if everyone over 50 was screened for the disease regularly.

Colorectal cancer leaves signs in the large intes-tine long before the disease itself arrives. You can’t feel these signs--small growths called polyps--but doctors can use screening tests like colonoscopy to find them, and then can remove them before they turn into cancer.

Colonoscopy is the best way to screen for colorectal cancer, but it is not the only way. There are several other tests that are less expensive and less invasive. These need to be done more often and might not be as accurate.

Medicare covers four types of screening tests:• Fecal occult blood test looks for signs of blood

in a stool sample that you can collect at home.

Medicare covers this test once every 12 months.• Flexible sigmoidoscopy requires the doctor to

insert a tiny camera into the rectum and lower part of the colon. Medicare covers it once every four years.

• Screening colonoscopy also uses a tiny camera but the test examines the entire colon. Medicare covers it once every 10 years for most people; every two years for anyone at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

• Barium enema is covered by Medicare once every four years for most people; once every two years for people at high risk.

Generally, you will have to pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost of these tests, with no Part B deductible.

Mrs. Johnson is the manager of beneficiary relations with the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care.

professional tooth scaling is associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes, according to a new

study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2011. This finding again reinforces what we know to be so important: Your oral health affects your general health.

Teeth cleanings are essentialProfessional tooth scaling reduces inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease or stroke.

More than 100,000 people who had their teeth scraped and cleaned (tooth scaling) by a dentist or dental hygienist had a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke, compared to those who had never had a dental cleaning. The study partici-pants were followed for an average of seven years.

For most adults without gum disease, a twice-a-year cleaning is the usual recommendation, but not a hard-and-fast rule. Protection from heart disease and stroke was more evident in participants who got their teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year.

gum disease predicts heart healthIn a separate study of 8,000 people, researchers found that gum disease predicts heart attack, congestive heart failure, and stroke in different ways and to different degrees. This study found the following:• People with fewer than 21 teeth had a 69% increased

risk of heart attack compared to those with the most teeth.

• Those with lots of deepened periodontal pockets (infection of the gum around the base of the tooth) had a 53% increased risk of heart attack, compared to those with the fewest infections.

• People with the least amount of teeth had a 2.5 increased risk of congestive heart failure compared to those with the most teeth.

• Those with the highest incidence of gum bleeding had a 2.1 increased risk of stroke, compared to those with little or no gum bleeding.

Regular professional care is an important part of staying healthy. Neglecting your dental health has far-reaching consequences that can be fatal.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

For more information...Bicycle Advocacy of Arkansas

www.bacar.orgLeague of American Bicyclists

www.bikeleague.org/programs/education

Share the RoadFor Cyclists

Tips for SAFE cycling on the road.• Bicycles are vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27-49-111 • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side of the road and yield to traffic normally. Code #27-51-301/403• Bicycles must have a white headlight and a red tail light visible from 500 feet and have a bell or warning device for pedestrians. Code #27-36-220• Make eye contact with motorists. Be vis-ible. Be predictable. Head up, think ahead.• On the Big Dam Bridge... go slow.Represent!• As you pass, say “On your left... thank you.”• On the River Trail... use a safe speed, don’t intimidate or scare others. Watch for dogs and leashes.

For more information...Bicycle Advocacy of Arkansas

www.bacar.orgLeague of American Bicyclists

www.bikeleague.org/programs/education

Share the RoadFor Cyclists

Tips for SAFE cycling on the road.• Bicycles are vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27-49-111 • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side of the road and yield to traffic normally. Code #27-51-301/403• Bicycles must have a white headlight and a red tail light visible from 500 feet and have a bell or warning device for pedestrians. Code #27-36-220• Make eye contact with motorists. Be vis-ible. Be predictable. Head up, think ahead.• On the Big Dam Bridge... go slow.Represent!• As you pass, say “On your left... thank you.”• On the River Trail... use a safe speed, don’t intimidate or scare others. Watch for dogs and leashes.

Share the road

Tips for PREVENTINGinjury or death.

Bicycles are vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles. Cyclist should obey all traffic laws. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27-49-111

Cyclists should signal, ride on the right side of the road, and yield to traffic normally like any other road vehicle. Code #27-51-301/403

Give 3 feet of clear space when passing (up to a $1000 fine!)Code #27-51-311

Cyclist by law can not ride on the sidewalk in some areas, some bikes can only handle smooth roads(no cracks, potholes, trolley tracks).LR Ord.#32-494

Make eye contact with cyclists.

Drive predictably.

Please prevent ghost bikes.www.ghostbikes.org

For more information:Bicycle Advocacy of Arkansas

www.bacar.org

League of American Bicyclistswww.bikeleague.org/programs/

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ARKANSAS are $60 per year, via the U.S. Postal Service. Send your check to: Mature Arkansas, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, AR 72203-4010. Allow three weeks for processing. Expect mail delivery to take about a week.

dENTAL NEWS n BY dON dEEMS, ddS, FAgd

Lower Your heart Attack and Stroke RiskGet regular teeth cleanings.

Dr. Deems is a speaker, author and dentist in Little Rock.


As head of Alzheimer’s Arkansas, an independent nonprofit organization, Watkins does everything from administra-tive tasks, to attending meetings, to giving presentations to educate the public about the disease. Because the organization is independent of the national Alzheimer’s Association, Watkins spends a lot of time raising money to continue the group’s mission of providing information and assis-tance to Arkansans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“We are an Arkansas organization,” she says. “All the funds raised in Arkansas stay in Arkansas.”

Alzheimer’s Arkansas provides support to families and caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This includes about 40 support groups around the state, providing financial assistance to these families and promoting community awareness. All the group’s programs and services are free. The organization collects donations and holds fundraising events throughout the year, including several walks, usually held in the fall, and other events like “Art to Remember” and “Amp Out Alz,” both in March.

In December, Watkins says one of her

dreams for the organiza-tion came true when they held the ribbon-cutting for their new building, at 201 Markham Center Drive in west Little Rock. Watkins says she had

always wanted an office space that felt like home and offered a cozy place for care-givers. The new office, which was donated, is also a pet-friendly environment. Watkins brings her own “pound puppy,” Ozzie, to work. Other co-workers bring their dogs, a dachshund and German shepherd.

“Ozzie is the sweetest little dog,” she said. Even though Ozzie does not directly interact with patients or caregivers, he is “so willing to let people pet him. He loves the love,” Watkins says.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas was formed in 1984 with an all-volunteer staff. Watkins became the organization’s first executive

director 18 years ago. She says she is proud to have led the organization to where it is today, something that she could not have done without the help of her staff of six and the hundreds of volunteers that make carrying out the organization’s mission possible.

Watkins has always enjoyed volunteering and has volunteered at a hospice organiza-tion for 13 years. “Giving back is a win-win for everyone,” she says.

She is also part of the Governor’s Alzheimer’s Advisory Council, estab-lished last summer, to focus on meeting

Alzheimer’s disease needs in Arkansas. The council will focus on the impact of the disease and other types of dementia, care quality and availability, cost considerations and other issues.

Watkins says Arkansas is an aging state and Alzheimer’s and dementia will affect the state in huge ways in the near future. She says Alzheimer’s or dementia affects one out of eight 65-year-olds and one of every two 85-year-olds. People are being diagnosed earlier than ever, some still in their 50s. Because of this, Watkins says the capacity to care for the families affected can be stretched.

“I admire their spirit and determination. They have the ability to look over the bumps in the road,” she says. “I try to see what these folks do and move that into my own life.”

In 2002, Watkins was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a bilateral mastec-

tomy, radiation, chemotherapy and took anti-estrogen medication. About a year and a half ago, her cancer came back and is now in her lymph nodes. She has treatments once a month. Watkins says that though she’s sometimes very tired, she feels fortu-nate that she isn’t sick and can keep going.

“You have a choice when you have a diagnosis,” she says. “You can curl up in a corner with a blanket and teddy bear and suck your thumb. Or, you can keep going. It’s more like me to keep going.”

Watkins grew up in Benton and lived in California for many years. When her

BY ERicA SWEEnEYpHOTOgRApHY BY BRiAn cHiLSOn

Phyllis WatkinsGives BackPhyllis Watkins has a lot going on. She is executive director of

Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services. She helps care for

her mother, who has dementia. She takes care of her daughter,

who has Down syndrome. And, once a month, she receives treat-

ments for breast cancer. n Determination is what carries her through

her busy life of ups and downs. That, and keeping a smile on her face.

“We are an Arkansas organization. All the funds raised in Arkansas stay in Arkansas.”


daughter, Erin, now 39, was born with Down syndrome, Watkins began volunteering for the programs that involved her daughter.

“I felt a personal responsibility to make her the best person with Down syndrome who ever lived,” Watkins says.

When Erin got a little older, Watkins went back to school and got a degree in gerontology. She says she has always enjoyed older adults, so choosing her career path was easy.

“We have a lot to learn from our elders,” she says. “I’ve always gravitated to older adults. When I first started studying, I knew I wanted to make a difference in some older adult’s life.”

She got the chance to make that difference when she moved back to Arkansas and to work for Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Though clichéd, Watkins says knowing that she has helped someone is a “warm and fuzzy” feeling.

“Working for a nonprofit in this economy where you have to struggle for every dollar is not easy,” she says. “There has to be something else. But, when you get that thank-you from a family, it’s the feeling of making a difference, even if it’s only that one time. It just makes you feel good.”

Watkins calls caregivers her heroes. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia has a significant physical, emotion and financial impact. “Some go to extraordinary lengths, but few go through the journey alone,” she says. “Alzheimer’s Arkansas provides as much help as we can.”

Often caregivers at support groups develop what Watkins calls “bobble head disease,” because they continuously nod their heads when listening to other group members speak as if to say, “this is what I’m dealing with,” she says. “People just need to know they’re not by themselves.”

ALzHEiMER’S ARkAnSAS pROgRAMS And SERvicESAlzheimer’s Arkansas provides many programs, services and supports for individuals with

Alzheimer’s and dementia, their caregivers and their families:

• Family support groups and education• Early stage patient support groups• Training for professional caregivers

• Community awareness presentations• Financial assistance for caregivers

FoR MoRE INFoRMATIoN, VISIT THEIR wEbSITE AT www.ALzARK.oRgoR CALL THE 24/7 CAREgIVER HELpLINE AT 501-913-1878.

Phyllis Watkins has grown Alzheimer’s

Arkansas Programs and Services from a small all-volunteer group into a major Arkansas resource

for the treatment of dementia and a vital resource for families

caring for a loved one with dementia. She faces each day

with determination, a smile and frequent

hugs for Ozzie, her pound puppy.


Despite assisting families in caring for loved ones with dementia for so many years, when Watkins’ mother was diag-nosed with dementia, she says, “everything you learn goes out the window.”

“It’s a lot easier taking care of someone else’s mom (with dementia),” she says. “You begin to miss what that person was to you. You can’t carry on the same conversa-tions and the compan-ionship is different. Parents and grand-parents are always supposed to take care of you, so it’s a different role in care-giving.”

Watkins and her sister take care of their mother, who lives in an assisted living facility. Watkins says her mom’s condition has declined over the past few months.

Faith tops Watkins’ list of ways of staying positive through it all. “I don’t know how people go through tragedy without faith,” she says. “Prayer is a wonderful thing.”

“I want to stay hea l thy enough to take care of my daughter and work in a job I love. And, for the organization to continue to raise money to reach out to more people,” she says.

A t 6 5 , w i t h “Medicare card in hand,” Watkins says she admires many older adults for their tenacity and positive outlook on life. “A lot of us strive to adopt that outlook,” she says.

About once a month, Watkins gets together with some of her high school friends and says over the years their

conversations have changed. “Now it’s who’s having a hip replacement, who had heart surgery and various illnesses,” she said. “But, we still have fun.”

Watkins says her job is not the kind you can leave at the front door step when the day is over. She says finding outside interests and

forcing yourself to think about something different is the key to a healthy work-life balance, though, she admits she isn’t the best at it. Spending time with her daughter and reading are ways she relaxes. Watkins and Erin share a love of mystery novels and go to the library together every few weeks.

Watkins is very proud of Erin, who works at Easter Seals and volunteers at Alzheimer’s Arkansas.

“Erin has grown into an intelligent, accom-pl i shed woman,” Watkins says. “I feel good about what she’s accomplished.”

Wa t k i n s h a s been part of the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association, which worked to establish a clinic for adults with Down syndrome at UAMS about three years ago. Watkins says individuals with Down syndrome are prone to certain illnesses like celiac disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia, if they live long enough. And, nowadays, she

says, these individ-uals are living longer.

Wi th a l l tha t Watkins has going on in her life, she says she tries to stay posi-tive, something she says she’s been criti-cized for in the past. “I truly believe, if I smile, I feel better,” she says. “People have said that I’m bottling it up, but that’s my way of coping. I laugh when things go wrong. I’m not hiding.”

Watkins says if she didn’t laugh and keep her spirits up, she’d “go deeper into a hole.”

“Somet imes I whine, but under-neath, I’m deter-mined to do it all,” she says.

UpcOMing FUndRAiSERS And EvEnTS The following fundraisers benefit Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services. For more

information about these events, visit www.alzark.org or call 501-224-0021 or toll free 800- 689-6090.

February 18 - 7th annual ChIlIrhea Cook-oFF at Pratt PlaCe barn on MarkhaM In FayettevIlle. Doors open at noon. The cost is $20 for a day’s worth of chili and $10 extra for a beer wristband. Children age 13 and younger eat free. There will also be live music from TJ Scarlett and The Uncrowned Kings, silent auctions, raffles and ice cream.

MarCh 16, 7:30 aM-4:00 PM - 10th annual alzheIMer’s CaregIver syMPosIuM, Hope for the Future, at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, Little Rock. The symposium is free to family caregivers and $60 for professionals. CEUs are available.

MarCh 27, 6:30 to 9:00 PM – “art to reMeMber” at PavIlIon In the Park, lIttle roCk. This annual event features art in many different mediums donated by Arkansas artists. The proceeds fund Alzheimer’s Arkansas’ Family Assistance Program.

MarCh 31, 7:00 PM – “aMP out alz” at the rev rooM In downtown lIttle roCk. This is a rock ’n’ roll fundraising event featuring the live band, Geezer, as well as a DJ and door prizes. Individual tickets are $25. Reserved tables and sponsorships are available--contact Stephenie Cooke at 501-224-6363 or www.supportmemorykeepers.com.


dEMEnTiA diAgnOSiS:OpTiOnS FOR cAREgivERS

By Carol BradlEy BursaCk

MATURE ARKANSAS decemBeR 29, 2011 1

Maturearkansas

ALSO iNThiS iSSUE Try Social

Media pAgE 14

Dance Your WaY to HealtHDANciNg'S gOOD fORbODy AND SOULpage 8

Live Long and HealthypAgE 12

The Gold Standard of BBQpAgE 4

DECEMBER 29, 2011

Maturearkansas

If you have inspirational or informative ideas benefiting our seniors, we welcome your input. please [email protected] or call 501-375-2985 for our editor Anne wasson.

shop localsupport our community

If you are a caregiver of someone with dementia, what should you do if you, too, are showing signs of the disease? This is a

fairly common occurrence since three factors that increase one’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are at play here. Many caregivers take care of spouses and likely fall into the same age group. Age is a big risk factor for dementia.

The second factor is the genetic connection with early on-set AD. If you are caring for a parents with AD, there is a chance you too carry a higher genetic risk.

A third factor is stress. While stress can cause dementia-like symptoms without being dementia, studies show that stress hormones can actually contribute to the disease.

If you find yourself exhibiting disturbing symptoms that you notice yourself, or friends and family mention symptoms they’ve noticed you have, don’t assume you have dementia. Other issues that can result in dementia symptoms include medication side effects, infections, dehydration and lack of sleep. Visit your doctor and perhaps get a referral to a specialist who diagnoses dementia daily, since some of the symptoms are tricky.

If you are diagnosed with dementia, it’s important to take these steps while you can still think clearly:

• Make sure that adult children or other trusted parties have the ability to help you. This means signing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) forms that allow certain people to see your medical records and those of the loved one you are caring for. Get other legal documents updated as well, such as your will, Advance Directives and a power of attorney for healthcare.

• Sign a durable power of attorney that designates the person you want to handle your finances. Talk with that person about taking over the checkbook and paying your bills when that becomes necessary.

• Begin making lists. Write notes of all the important information other should know. These can be for your own use and for those who may be caring for you and the other person with dementia.

• Contact Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services (toll free 800-689-6090) to ask about resources in your community, as well as specifics about the disease.

• Prepare to hire in-home help. This can reduce your stress load, especially if the person you are caring for lives with you. Help can include housekeeping and cooking, but also should include help with your loved one so you can take care of yourself.

• With family members, tour assisted living facilities. Many have memory units where you could move your loved one while you live in a regular apartment in the same facility, until you need memory care. This is a proactive move and can be difficult, but may be the best thing for you both.

Reprinted from Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services Newsletter, September 2011.

CElEBratEs your achievements and inspirational stories

advoCatEs for you and your concerns—social, financial, political

EntErtains by featuring the best in events, dining, culture, volunteering, so you can live life to the fullest

EduCatEs with health and consumer news to stay healthy, independent, and ready to embrace new beginnings and opportunities


Every year it rolls around and catches us off-guard: Income tax season. While filing taxes is a have-to chore, it’s hard to keep up with changes

in tax law and any benefits for which we may be eligible. There are several programs that provide free tax assistance to

seniors, disabled people and members of the military. Using one of these resources could help you minimize the taxes you owe, get you a bigger refund, and eliminate tax preparation fees. • AARP’s Tax-Aide program, a service of AARP Foundation, is a free

program that helps seniors and low-to-moderate income families file their taxes. This nation-wide program is staffed by around 35,000 volunteers, trained by AARP and certified by the IRS. As the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation service, AARP Tax-Aide has helped nearly 50 million people nationwide prepare and file their income tax returns. In Arkansas, there are 34 Tax Aide locations—go to the following site to find a location near you: www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/

• Free return preparation and filing assistance is offered by the IRS through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs. Generally, taxpayers who make under $49,000 annually are eligible for help filing federal and state tax returns through

the VITA program. Trained volunteers offer help and advice about available tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. VITA sites are located across Arkansas, often at community centers, libraries and schools. To locate the nearest VITA site, call toll free 800-906-9887 or visit the IRS website, www.irs.gov.

• Free tax-return help is available for those 60 and older through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. As part of that program, the AARP provides its Tax-Aide counseling services at locations across the state. To find the nearest AARP Tax-Aide location, call toll free 888-227-7669 or go to www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/ on the Internet.

• For members of the military, the Armed Forces Taxes Council provides free VITA program help to service members and their families.

• In addition, taxpayers with incomes of $58,000 or less can use the “Free File” service from the IRS to prepare and file their federal tax returns electronically. The IRS partners with several tax-preparation companies to offer the free electronic filing service.

• For more information about tax-filing options or other consumer issues, visit the Attorney General’s website at www.arkansasag.gov or call the Office’s consumer hotline at 501-682-2341 or toll free 800-482-8982.

FREE TAx pREpARATiOn By PaigE Parham

Taxes on your Social Security benefits depend on how much income you earn in retirement and your marital status. Up to 85% of your

Social Security benefits may be taxable. But just as it’s possible to reduce taxes on other income, it’s possible to reduce taxes on Social Security benefits.

Currently, there are two ways to reduce taxes on Social Security benefits: Reduce the amount of other income you receive, or change the type of investments you have that pay divi-dends or interest.

Let’s look at a hypothetical Social Security recipient named John Doe. John has decided to begin receiving benefits at age 62. John still works and will have his benefits reduced by $1 for every $2 he earns over $14,640 per year. That income can be from any source--wages, pensions, dividends or interest. If John also has income from selling stock he owns, those proceeds will also count against his taxable limit. But if he can defer income, he will lessen the taxes paid on his benefits. Increasing pretax retirement contributions (to an Individual Retirement Account—IRA—or 401 (K) accounts, for example) are good ways to accomplish this.

John has a mortgage on his house and eliminating this debt can

also help. If John pays off his mortgage with cash he can preserve his Social Security benefits from tax. John’s mortgage interest deduction will not lower his modified adjusted gross income. But, if he pays off

his mortgage using cash, he will lower his taxable income.Like many early retirees, John has money in a traditional

IRA that he wants to convert to a Roth IRA. When he does this, his Social Security benefits are subject to increased tax when the conversion adds to his taxable income. John could convert smaller amounts, spacing them out over several years to keep him under the threshold. Or, he could take a one-time tax hit, converting everything in one year. Since Roth IRA income isn’t counted in Social Security tax calculations, converting in one year would eliminate or reduce his tax liability on Social Security benefits for the future.

Social Security adds a new and complicated dimension to personal finance. Talk with a financial advisor who is

familiar with current tax law and Social Security regulations. It pays to research Social Security thoroughly before making any decisions. It’s one area where proper planning and diligence really pay off.

Mr. Garrison is president of Asset Protection Wealth Management and specializes in assisting those approaching or now in retirement.

MONEY n BY gARY gARRiSON

Reduce Your Taxes on Social Security

Social Security adds a new and

complicated dimension

to personal finance. Talk with

a financial advisor who

is familiar with Social

Security regulations.


Arkansas residents who own their homes may receive up to $350 as a property tax credit on their homesteads. To be eligible, the

home must qualify as the homeowner’s principle place of residence. Homeowner means the owner of record, by deed or by recorded sales contract, or the beneficiary of a revocable trust that owns the homestead.

Nursing home or retirement center residents are also eligible for the credit; as are people who have deeded their homes to others while retaining the right to live in it until they die (which is called a Life Estate.) Only one homestead per property owner is eligible to receive the tax credit.

Freeze value of real estateTaxpayers aged 65 and older and those who are disabled can also

qualify for a “value freeze” on their property, which will prevent the value of the home from increasing after a sale is made, and therefore raising the homeowners’ taxes. When a disabled owner or an owner that is 65 or older sells his or her real estate property, the purchaser cannot claim any reduction to the property’s assessed value. On or after

January 1 of the year following the date of sale, the County Assessor will assess the real property at its full market value, unadjusted for assessment limitations. This benefit is not available if there have been substantial improvements to the property.

Simple applicationYou can apply for both of these credits with one simple application. To get an application, contact your local County Assessor’s office. The application only asks five questions:

Is this home your principle place of residence? If you own two or more homes or rental houses, you may only receive the tax credit on the one home where you live during most of the year.

List the name as it appears on the property deed.Are you buying this property on a land contract? If buying it

with a loan from a bank or other financial institution, do not check this item.

Are you 100% disabled? Documentation required such as a “Notification of Entitlement”

from the Social Security Administration.Are you age 65 or older? A driver’s

license or other photo identification is required to prove your age.

Taxes won't increaseAfter you complete the application and return it to your local County Assessor’s office, your County Treasurer’s office will calculate your tax bill and apply the credit to your bill every year.

The “value freeze” establishes the tax value of your home in the year you become 65 or are disabled (or at the rate when you first apply, if you’re already over age 65.) Your taxes will not increase as long as you own the home and live in it. The only exceptions to this are if there is a millage increase or you make improvements in the home that increase its value. Also, your taxes could decrease if there is a tax reappraisal done that lowers the value of your property.

homestead Tax Credit — Are You Eligible?

Every year it

rolls around

and catches

us off-guard: income tax season.

Taxpayers aged

65 and older can

also qualify for a

“value freeze”

on their property,

which will prevent real estate taxes

from increasing

as long as you own the home.


Because of the nature of my business, I am often asked, “Is this even worth learning,

or is something new coming in another month?” My answer always will be, “YES and YES!”

No matter what the trend, technology is always growing and changing, and that’s a good thing. From cell phones to medical equip-ment, advancements are changing lives.

Every new device has something its prede-cessor did not have. However, current tech-nology is such that certain basics are mostly unchanging. But new applications, techniques and ideas are changing almost by the hour.

The iPhone revolutionized the cell phone industry. Since its launch in 2007, it has

become a leader in handheld cell phone and computer technology. It can do anything a full-sized computer can do, takes photos (up to eight megapixels in size; comparable to a small digital camera), has GPS (global positioning system) ability, gaming and was the first to have “an app for that.”

People who purchased one of the earlier versions of the iPhone easily adjusted to its various upgrades because the basics were the same. Each new upgrade required a slight learning curve, but those who had already taken the leap to learn an earlier version were ahead of the game.

I think my iPhone is truly smarter than I

am sometimes. It even reminds me when to take medicine. The new Droid phones (which are Microsoft W i n d o w s -based) baffle me, as I am a Mac computer user. I try to pick them up and work through them when given the opportunity, so I can learn how they work. They are the newest trend and from

Across1 Company’s

numero uno7 Bit of dance

attire for FredAstaire

10 Elite14 Toyota sedan15 Recipient of

threeconsecutive HartTrophies

16 About17 Arsenal, so to

speak19 Opening word of

many an Italianletter

20 Kind of coach:Abbr.

21 Reveled in23 Bypass26 Bitter and sweet28 Key ___29 & 30 They

started in 196934 Some shot

targets

36 User of nightvision

37 One-named popstar

38 Oil source39 Midnight to 4

a.m., at sea41 In the 40s?42 Whups44 Debt doc45 Harriet Beecher

Stowe novel46 ___ verte (green

earth pigment)47 Early 26th-

century year48 Certain joint49 Wrigley product51 Certain gifts in

“The 12 Days ofChristmas”

53 Trademarkedsanitary wipes

56 Word with belt ortape

58 Michigan college

59 Boom-causing,perhaps

64 Fabulist65 ___-pitch66 What Cowboy

legend TomLandry sported

67 Often-floodedlocale

68 Hit a low point69 Starfish or sea

cucumber, e.g.

Down1 Writing in a box2 Many a

Monopolyproperty: Abbr.

3 Pile4 Following ___5 Like the origin of

the names forsome days ofthe week

6 Pantry problem7 ___ polloi8 Check9 Nottingham’s

river10 Dish often

served in a shell11 “My word!”12 To be, at the

Louvre13 Way less

traveled18 Capital whose

name comesfrom anAlgonquin wordfor “to trade”

22 Jump on a stage23 Drug drawback24 1958 hit that

won the first-ever Grammy forSong of the Year

25 Rehab candidate

27 Like the highesthigh

29 Disseminates31 Fictional

plantation owner32 Kowtows, say33 One way to ride

a horse35 Port alternative37 Feng ___40 Overindulge

43 Words aftercount or let

47 “Star Trek”helmsman

50 Painter’spreparation

51 “Check it out”52 Lyric poem53 Tire part54 “The South-Sea

House” essayist

55 No friend of thebootlegger

57 “CarminaBurana”composer

60 What a big handoften grabs?

61 Make a littlemistake

62 Source of heat63 Brandy cocktail

Puzzle by Jim Hilger

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a creditcard, 1-800-814-5554.Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sundaycrosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS.AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visitnytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 pastpuzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

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M A N B A G M E H O R O SA M A R N A O B I L A T HR E P O T S J O T E Z R AT R A D I T I O N A L I R A Q

Y G O R S A CB E L U N E V E N B A R Q SR I O J A A N A C O U PO E N O P A N D G I S E EN I G H H E Y A D E L AC O U N T Y F A Q I R S L R

M A S U N O SQ A T A R I C O M P U T E R ST R O Y Q E D O S P R E YI N R E U N D R E A G A NP O O R E T S T S T O P S

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation500 Seventh Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018

For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Thursday, January 19, 2012

Edited by Will Shortz No. 1215Note: Parts of 15 answers in this puzzle are missing, in a mannerfor you to discover.

what I have experienced, have a lot to offer. Once I figure out the basic screens and locations of all the contacts, pictures and applications for calendar and email programs, the rest will come easier.

That’s true for most anyone. When it comes to something new, just learn one aspect of it at a time. Figure out the feature you need the most, master that and move on to the next. Eventually, all the basics will be covered and you’ll be ready just in time for the upgrade!

Think back to when you first figured out how to set up an email account and send your first email. You then learned to attach a docu-ment or photo and use the “reply” and “forward” features. Once you were comfortable, you could send an email from any other email program because you had the basics.

Here’s something I tell people all the time because it’s true: If you can send an email, you can use anything that’s popular now. Technology is moving fast, yes, but the best part is, it’s getting easier to use.

If something interests you and you think it might help you, take the leap. What you learn will be a good foundation for the next trend or gadget that comes along.

Ms. Ferguson is the Social and Digital Media Director for the Arkansas Times.

Learn The BasicsThE AgE OF TEChNOLOgY n BY KELLY FERgUSON

Across1 Mussel morsel

5 Observes, with“of”

14 Roll up

15 It might tax alevee

16 Lots of stadiumshave them

18 Somethingsoaked up

19 Super Bowl of2029

20 Hoboken-to-FortLee dir.

21 When to beginan operation

23 Grp. advising thepresident

25 1940s-’50sWhite Housename

26 Way out: Abbr.

27 Topkapi title

29 BaltimoreOrioles’ springtraining site

38 His inventoryhas gone manymiles

39 “Amazing Grace”melody basis

40 Naive optimism

41 Time of day,briefly

42 Start to stick?

43 17-Down part

46 Campaignmanager: Abbr.

49 When manyballots are cast:Abbr.

51 Blood-typingsyst.

52 Subject of the2007 biographysubtitled “TheMan WhoBecame a Book”

54 Old wiring org.

57 Get smitten hard

62 Workersassociated withding-dongs

63 “Chicago”husband ___Hart

64 Reason to“interrupt thisprogram”

65 It happens bydefault

Down1 Times of day,

briefly2 Island do3 Tedious work4 See 44-Down5 Star of “Mon

Oncle”6 Didn’t take out?7 French military

wear8 Tudor ___9 Canonflex, e.g.10 Take in11 Like a wool

supplier12 Period of rapid

growth13 No one ___

business15 Cerecloth

feature17 Bell jar relative22 Hard-copy24 Where

“operators arestanding by”

25 Backdrop formany singlesmatches?

28 Declines29 Takes evening

courses?30 At ___ time

(prearranged)31 Sofer of soaps32 Beta follower

33 ___ other(uniquely)

34 Gladly, old-style

35 Wishy-washyresponse

36 Land in adepression

37 Hydrocarbonendings

43 Like some rites

44 With 4-Down,first andforemost

45 “Ain’t gonnahappen!”

47 Opposite of buildup

48 Girlfriend, inGranada

50 Dismissive retort53 Circus performer

55 Soundassociated withripples

56 “That ___ you!”

58 Napkin edges?

59 Adriatic repub.

60 “God, home andcountry” org.

61 Place to put aplug

Puzzle by Joe Krozel



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15

16 17

18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28

29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

38

39

40

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62 63

64 65

S R I S B A B A A H A BC A S H A L I A S S O R EA R E A F O R T H E G O L DR E E N A C T E R A S E RA L I G N T P S I R E N EB Y T H E B O O K E D G E S

A N O T E E O S TW I T H T H E F L O W

U G H R O O G I LP R O O F T O T H E D O G SC O S M O E K E G S U I TL O N E R S S P E C T R EO V E R T H E T O P O L L AS E X T I G O R S R A I LE S T A N O G O E W E S


For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Friday, December 30, 2011

Edited by Will Shortz No. 1125

Across1 Visigoth king

who sackedRome

7 Play book?15 Black, yellow

and white, say16 One that’s in

your field?17 Crabtree & ___,

purveyor of skincare products

18 Bug out19 Bring into the

business20 “The worst is

upon us”mentality

22 Income sourceon a 1040: Abbr.

23 Pig of children’slit

24 Sighed word25 “CSI” forensic

scientistGrissom

26 Yiddish for“connoisseur”

27 Went down, in away

28 Summer ailment30 Parent company

of Reebok31 Hoppy

beverages32 Poet ___

Wheeler Wilcox33 Wedding

reception groups36 Pop singer born

Ellen NaomiCohen

40 Discharge41 Think of, to

some surprise42 1.0 is not a good

one43 Musica, e.g.44 Window holder45 “Awesome!”46 Longest-serving

French president48 “Twin Peaks”

actress Sherilyn49 Join in one place

50 #1 Dolly Partoncountry hit withthe lyric “I’mbeggin’ of you,please don’t takemy man”

52 Forced to leavehome

53 Supplies anaddress

54 Versatileopeners

55 “Oh me, oh my!”

Down1 First-rate2 Second wife of

Aeneas3 With eyes wide

open4 Rub the wrong

way5 Dangerous to

drive on, say6 Private meetings7 McGovern’s

1972 runningmate

8 “The Country___” (1936Oscar-winningDisney short)

9 In ___ paratus10 Hand signal

users11 Number one

fan?12 Removed from

the can?13 Queen who

becomes asenator in the“Star Wars” saga

14 Has no love forat all

21 Tears apart23 Egg foo yung,

essentially

27 1992 Grammywinner for“ConstantCraving”

29 Femaleimpersonatorsuse them

30 Product oncepitched with theline “Sometimesyou feel like anut”

32 Have a home-cooked meal

33 Joins (with)34 Victorious fleet

commander atActium

35 Racetrackregulars

36 Screws uptotally?

37 Go along with

38 Reached across39 Depression41 Heavy cycle44 El Greco’s

birthplace

47 Furry denizen ofEndor

48 Standard

51 Sudbury Basinexport

Puzzle by Patrick Berry



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20 21

22 23 24

25 26 27

28 29 30

31 32

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40 41 42

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52 53

54 55

P R A N C E E V E N O N EL E M O N Y A V E M A R I AA D O R E E L A R A I D E RI T E M T O R E C Y C L EN A B S P O X S R T AE P I H E Y M P H L I TR E C K O N P A R O X Y S M

G R E E N V I C EB A R B A R I C Z U R I C HE W E S S N W E S C O OG L A D C A F S E R T

C O M M E R C I A L C O WG O T W O R S E G U Y A N AP R O S T A T E H E L P E RA B R E E Z E T R Y S T S


For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Friday, January 13, 2012

Edited by Will Shortz No. 1209

if you can

send an email, you

can use anything

that’s

popular now.

Upgrades will be easier to learn.


RESTAURANT gUidE

dAiLYCiCi’s Pizza Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet • Hot Springs: 3321 Central Avenue, 321-2400 • Jacksonville: 120 John Harden Dr, , 241-2224 • North Little Rock: 2815 Lakewood Village Dr,

753-1182

dEnny’s rEstaurant4:00-10:00 pM ages 10 and under• Benton: 16732 Interstate 30, 315-9367 • Little Rock: 4300 S University, 562-5651;310 S Shackelford Rd., 224-8264

goldEn Corral Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet. Discounted prices for kids on Tuesday• North Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, 771-4605

larry’s PizzaAges 4 and under • Bryant: 4500 Hwy. 5 North, 847-5003 • Little Rock: 12th & Center St., 372-6004; 12911

Cantrell Rd., 224-8804

san FranCisCo BrEad ComPanyone FREE Kid’s Meal with the purchase of Adult Meal, after 5:00 pM• Hot Springs: 261 Cornerstone Blvd., 525-7322

zaxBy’s 5:00 pM-close, dine-in only• Jacksonville: 209 Marshall Rd., 241-0546 • Maumelle: 104 Carnahan Dr., 851-9777 • Sherwood: 208 Brookswood Rd., 833-9777

SATURdAYBoston’s gourmEt Pizza rEstaurant • Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Dr., 235-2000

SATURdAY and SUNdAYluBy’s CaFEtEria• Little Rock: 12501 West Markham, 219-1567

SUNdAY Corky’s 4:00 pM-close • Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Dr., 954-7427

El Porton • North Little Rock: 5021 Warden Rd., 753-4630

If you would like to add your Kids Eat Free informa-tion to this list, contact Paige Parham at MATURE ARKANSAS, 501-375-2985.

grandkids Eat FREESneakers in the corners, sippy cups in the sink…it must mean a visit from the grandkids. If you’re thinking of a night out as a family, try one

of these local restaurants that offer kids-eat-free options for kids under 12, with purchase of an adult entrée (unless otherwise specified.)

CElEBratEs your achievements and inspirational stories

advoCatEs for you and your concerns—social, financial, political

EntErtains by featuring the best in events, dining, culture, volunteering, so you can live life to the fullest

EduCatEs with health and consumer news to stay healthy, independent, and ready to embrace new beginnings and opportunities

If you would like your event, classes or volunteer opportunities included in our Calendar,email [email protected] call paige parham at 501-375-2985.

MATURE ARKANSAS DECEMBER 22, 2011 7

CALENDAR PICKSBy Paige Parham

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31 (CLOSED DEC. 23-26)-ALL ABOARD: LIONELS AT

LAMAN! The Arkansas Chapter of the Lionel Collectors Club of America presents a hands-on

model train display that is fun for all ages. In Laman Library Exhibit Hall, Main Library’s 2nd

floor, 2801 Orange Street, North Little Rock, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Fri. and

Sat.; 1:00 – 5:00 PM. Sun. Contact Debra Wood at 501-771-1995, extension 105. Free Admission.

➧

DECEMBER 22 – A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SHOW

FEATURING KEN GOODMAN AND THE ENTIRE

FAMILY, 7:30 PM, The Vienna Theatre, 424 Central

Avenue, Hot Springs, 501-463-2799 for reservations.

The Goodman family will sweep you away with their

musical stylings of your holiday favorites like “The

Christmas Song,” “White Christmas,” “Have a Holly,

Jolly Christmas,” and more. Don’t miss the holiday

game with prizes.

D E C. 26- M O N DAY N I G H T J A Z Z AT T H E

AFTERTHOUGHT, 8:00 PM, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd.,

Little Rock, $5; includes Steve Struthers on guitar,

Brian Wolverton on bass and Dave Rogers on drums.

DEC. 26-BEGINNER KUNDALINI YOGA, 5:30 - 6:30

PM, Elevate Arkansas, 323 S. Cross Street, Little Rock.

Join Caren Shantz in an introduction to one of the

oldest and most powerful forms of yoga and one of

the oldest spiritual practices on the planet. In Kundalini

Yoga, taught by a master of kundalini Yogi Bhajan, you

will learn powerful movement, breathing and more in

this simple introductory course. $5 for members, $7

non-members; yogi tea and cookies after the lesson. A

portion of the proceeds are donated to Ark. Coalition

Against Domestic Violence. Call 888-749-6949 or visit

www.elevatearkansas.org

DECEMBER 24-HIKE THE WEST SUMMIT TRAIL, 10:00 AM to noon, West

Summit Trailhead, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock. Release some

holiday stress and enjoy an interpreter-guided hike up the west side of Pinnacle

Mountain. This will be a moderately strenuous hike; sturdy shoes and water are

required. Dress appropriately for colder weather and wind. Admission is free;

call 501-868-5806 or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/PinnacleMountain for

more information.

➧

DECEMBER 25A CHOICE OF

CHRISTMAS DAY

FEASTS

BRUNCH AT THE PEABODY HOTEL,

10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, The Peabody Hotel,

3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock. Christmas

Day Brunch in Capriccio Grill Italian

Steakhouse includes a wide selection of

dishes from prime rib of beef to honey-

glazed ham and roasted pork loin.

Breakfast items, seafood and desserts

also available. Brunch is $39.95 for adults;

$14.95 for children ages 6 to 11; children

5 and under eat free. Complimentary

valet parking will be provided. Call

501-399-8062 for reservations or visit

www.peabodylittlerock.com

CHRISTMAS DAY FEAST AT THE

ARLINGTON HOTEL, 11:00 AM – 3:00

PM, The Venetian Dining Room at the

Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, includes a

festive buffet of gourmet and traditional

favorites, set amidst beautiful holiday

decorations. Cost is $33 for adults; $15

for ages 6-12; children 5 and under eat

free. 501-609-2575 for reservations.

Maturearkansas

MATURE ARKANSAS DECEMBER 8, 2011 1

MATURE

ARKANSAS

ALSO IN

THIS ISSUE

Choosing a

Desktop or Laptop

PAGE 14

SENIOR PETS

ENHANCE SENIORS’ HEALTHPage 8

A NovelIdeaPAGE 11

DECEMBER 8, 2011

LITTLE ROCK CITY

DIRECTOR JOAN ADCOCK

WITH RAIN, ANIMAL

VILLAGE DOG OF THE YEAR.

PHOTO BY BRIAN CHILSON

A Gift Only You

Can Give

PAGE 7


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