March/April 2017 |
Volume 25, Issue 3-4
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A Special Note to Our Readers
River Forest Directories Are Coming Out
It is that time of year again. The River Forest Directories are coming out and you will see a few changes. All residents of River Forest will receive a directory even if your contact information is not in it. This year it will have a blue cover and going forward we will be issuing it shortly after the River Forest Community Association (RIFCA) board of directors is selected.
As a reminder, the directories are prepared by and paid for by the members of RIFCA. This is one of the many benefits that comes to you from RIFCA, which also includes the security cameras in the front and care for the foundation at our entrance.
This year’s directory includes a welcome letter from our RIFCA president Jan Croson that gives a brief overview on the benefits of becoming a RIFCA member. We also provide a helpful list of important phone numbers in our community as well as the RIFCA Board of Directors. The Street Directors are also provided and are a helpful source of information related to RIFCA. The directory then provides a short history of RIFCA and an application to join.
One of the great benefits of joining RIFCA is the use of the clubhouse for your personal events. The private use agreement and clubhouse guidelines are also provided. For RIFCA members, the Calendar of Events is a must to put on the inside of your kitchen cabinet as a reminder of upcoming events. One of the largest events of the year is our annual Rummage Sale in November. A reminder for that event is also included.
The names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses are sorted in one group alphabetically and the second group by street address. The directory is updated yearly, so let us know if any changes are needed. Finally, our wonderful sponsors are included in the back of the directory.
If you would like your information included or correct/update data in the directory, call Bruce Squillante at 616-460-1614. The directory is update every year.
As a reminder, the directories are prepared by and paid for by the members of RIFCA. This is one of the many benefits that comes to you from RIFCA, which also includes the security cameras in the front and care for the foundation at our entrance.
This year’s directory includes a welcome letter from our RIFCA president Jan Croson that gives a brief overview on the benefits of becoming a RIFCA member. We also provide a helpful list of important phone numbers in our community as well as the RIFCA Board of Directors. The Street Directors are also provided and are a helpful source of information related to RIFCA. The directory then provides a short history of RIFCA and an application to join.
One of the great benefits of joining RIFCA is the use of the clubhouse for your personal events. The private use agreement and clubhouse guidelines are also provided. For RIFCA members, the Calendar of Events is a must to put on the inside of your kitchen cabinet as a reminder of upcoming events. One of the largest events of the year is our annual Rummage Sale in November. A reminder for that event is also included.
The names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses are sorted in one group alphabetically and the second group by street address. The directory is updated yearly, so let us know if any changes are needed. Finally, our wonderful sponsors are included in the back of the directory.
If you would like your information included or correct/update data in the directory, call Bruce Squillante at 616-460-1614. The directory is update every year.
Taking the Worry out of Travel
Taking a vacation is supposed to be the ultimate in relaxation; right? Of course proper planning takes 95% of the worry out of any vacation, but what about when mom is hospitalized a week before your trip, or if your wet flip flop sends you flying down a step with a sprained ankle. Or perhaps you are like some of my friends who believe it is just too hard to move around to complete those items on your bucket list.
There are two solutions which can help make you 100% worry free on your next vacation. First of all everyone needs to know that there is community of travel professionals who help deliver an accessible world! They are called Certified Accessible Travel Advocates. Those advocates can help provide mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs, oxygen equipment and accessories and even hospital beds, recliner chairs, hearing-impaired kids and bed and bath safety equipment. If you are cruising, those Accessible Advocates can advise on all accessibility available on your ship and have any equipment you need delivered to your room. In addition, you have already found that accessible staterooms are in short supply in foreign countries and on some cruise ships. However, most mobility scooters can fit through a regular stateroom doors with the exceptions of the heavy duty scooters for individuals over 350 pounds.
Also, for those with mobility challenges, I do suggest cruising as so many river cruising options have become available in all parts of the world. Plus newer ships are being built with so many balconies that you can take in so many of nature’s splendors without ever leaving your room. I know I have a group going to Alaska in May who ranges age 1-80 and each guest has a balcony room so they can take in the sights 24/7. With the number of balconies available now, the price difference is minimal and often made up for with amenities.
My final advice is insurance, and not necessarily the insurance provided by the tour operator. I often recommend using a large insurance carrier like Allianz or perhaps TravelGuard. Those carriers will pay your claim in cash, not in a credit for a future trip. They also provide much higher levels of coverage, and they allow you to combine different vendors (like airfare, excursions, and even airport parking). I have a friend last week who told me he was traveling using points and didn’t need insurance. Even if you are traveling for free, or if you are doing a last minute cruise for $400, I still encourage everyone to at least get coverage for out of network medical. For a cost of $28 for your trip you can get a $50,000 medical benefit and a $500,000 emergency medical transportation.
So my advice is don’t allow your health challenges or your family and friends challenges change you from an adventurer to a worrier. With a little planning, you can stay out there, connect to other people and cultures and help make the work a little smaller.
Feel free to follow my page Executive Excursions on Facebook for more ideas on travel destinations.
Cindy Baerman
Executive Connection and Adventure Advisor
SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate
Allianz Global Assistance Specialist
There are two solutions which can help make you 100% worry free on your next vacation. First of all everyone needs to know that there is community of travel professionals who help deliver an accessible world! They are called Certified Accessible Travel Advocates. Those advocates can help provide mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs, oxygen equipment and accessories and even hospital beds, recliner chairs, hearing-impaired kids and bed and bath safety equipment. If you are cruising, those Accessible Advocates can advise on all accessibility available on your ship and have any equipment you need delivered to your room. In addition, you have already found that accessible staterooms are in short supply in foreign countries and on some cruise ships. However, most mobility scooters can fit through a regular stateroom doors with the exceptions of the heavy duty scooters for individuals over 350 pounds.
Also, for those with mobility challenges, I do suggest cruising as so many river cruising options have become available in all parts of the world. Plus newer ships are being built with so many balconies that you can take in so many of nature’s splendors without ever leaving your room. I know I have a group going to Alaska in May who ranges age 1-80 and each guest has a balcony room so they can take in the sights 24/7. With the number of balconies available now, the price difference is minimal and often made up for with amenities.
My final advice is insurance, and not necessarily the insurance provided by the tour operator. I often recommend using a large insurance carrier like Allianz or perhaps TravelGuard. Those carriers will pay your claim in cash, not in a credit for a future trip. They also provide much higher levels of coverage, and they allow you to combine different vendors (like airfare, excursions, and even airport parking). I have a friend last week who told me he was traveling using points and didn’t need insurance. Even if you are traveling for free, or if you are doing a last minute cruise for $400, I still encourage everyone to at least get coverage for out of network medical. For a cost of $28 for your trip you can get a $50,000 medical benefit and a $500,000 emergency medical transportation.
So my advice is don’t allow your health challenges or your family and friends challenges change you from an adventurer to a worrier. With a little planning, you can stay out there, connect to other people and cultures and help make the work a little smaller.
Feel free to follow my page Executive Excursions on Facebook for more ideas on travel destinations.
Cindy Baerman
Executive Connection and Adventure Advisor
SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate
Allianz Global Assistance Specialist
Pig Roast is Around the Corner!
Dick & Carol's Corner
ARE YOU A PARENT? A GRANDPARENT? AN AUNT OR UNCLE? CHECK THIS OUT!
This true story is an all time favorite from Dr. Carol’s book, A Taste of Chocolate for the Soul. Enjoy….
The Granmum Bag
It started as a last minute grab of the handiest tote bag in sight – the old silver one will do just fine! This bag was the beginning of a new tradition. It will carry a few more things that my grandson can’t do without. I soon learned this Granmum Bag would hold unimaginable moments and hours of grandmother fun.
That first day, I stuffed the bag with books and toys I thought my five month old grandson might love. Today, that five month old is nearly three years old and I wouldn’t think of walking into his house without that old silver, mid-size tote bag. Jonathon had to name the bag- it’s the Granmum Bag. It’s a special, magic bag to Jonathon and me, creating unforgettable moments. It holds Jonathon’s favorite books of the month, crayons, paints, little cars, and tiny, little boy flashlights.
As Jonathon grows, so does the Granmum Bag. We moved from his first books like, The B Book and Dr. Seuss to Veggie Tales and The Cookie Tree, Baby Goofy and Toy Story books. My eyes glisten as his eyes sparkle and whole body shakes when he spots the Granmum Bag. As my husband, Deeda, and I would enter, he’d exclaim, “Hi Meema and Deeda. Where’s the Granmum Bag?’
It became so heavy I had trouble carrying it across the room due to my carpal tunnel issues, but Jonathon didn’t mind. He grabs it, picks it right up and drags it across the room. He’s strong– at two he was three feet tall and weighed 36 pounds. Once I realized it wasn’t going to hurt him, I let him carry the Granmum Bag for me. He loves to help people, especially the ladies! He even has a special grandma wink as he crinkles up his nose. Grandmas will say, “Hey, he’s flirting with me!”
Jonathon claims his favorite books with each visit and it keeps Granmum on her toes. As a reading specialist, you can imagine my joy as he grabs a book. I have to remember which book was his favorite last week, and which new one I might need fto add. He picks favorites and memorizes the story line, picks out words and phrases, objects and numbers. So, each trip Granmum freshens up the Granmum Bag with some of the old, and some of the new books and toys. We can’t forget stickers. He was peeling and placing stickers before he was a year old. People would say, “He’s too young. He can’t pull the stickers off yet.” And Granmum’s reply? “You want to make a bet?”
I watched Jonathan advance from identifying colors, shapes, letters, and numbers to words. Prior to our visits I’d scurry to book stores, garage sales and Dollar stores. I’d look for just the right book to put in the new book spot in the Granmum Bag. I found the most special gems at discount stores or garage sales, like one of his favorites about a blue monster and a special tree. He loved that one so much that he wore the cover thin and Granmum had to fix it with her magic scotch tape. He exclaimed, “Oh Granmum, you fixeded it!”
I’d try to find little books that matched what he was interested in, like baseball. That’s when the book about the baseball team fit perfect into his little world. His little world was fast becoming my little world. My first plan of attack at the stores was no longer a little something for Granmum like a purse or pair of shoes. No, I’d rush to the Jonathon department, in search a new Granmum Bag item.
Always hiding at the bottom of the Granmum Bag is my old cell phone. It isn’t connected, but it still lights up, takes pictures and will dial numbers such as 911. He’ll power it up and pretend to make a call, and then he begins to do the cell phone dance. I never realized we had certain moves when we answer a cell phone. For instance, we tilt our head a bit towards the phone; then lower it in that direction and begin moving our right hand and gesturing. Suddenly, Jonathon begins to do that, and I’m thinking, “Oh my, do I do that?’” And sure enough when I answer my cell phone I do that little dance step. What a reminder of how our kids and grandkids model exactly what we do.
Jonathon even held the Granmum Bag hostage once. Deeda and I would arrive early in the morning and plan to babysit the entire day. When mom or dad would arrive home, he would be so happy and hug them, saying, ‘oh Mommy’s home, or Daddy’s home’ and kiss on them for a while. He understood that the down side of their arrival was the departure of Meema and Deeda. So, while I was in the bathroom, he dragged the Granmum Bag into his bedroom and hid it behind the door. As we are scurrying to leave, he says, “Granmum, why don’t you read one more story in my big boy room.” I said, okay, and I start searching for the Granmum bag. Jonathan says, “No Granmum, let’s read one of Jonathon’s books.” Eagerly I mutter, “okay,” wondering where my silver bag might be.
He points to the white wooden rocker, our favorite reading chair, and says, “Please sit here Granmum, and Jonathon will sit on your lap.” And so we did, and he’d scoot back into my belly and we’d read his favorite book about a funny dog or the big blue fuzzy monster. Hugs and kisses are exchanged as we turn each page. Oh, how I love to squeeze him and hug him. I finish the book and he doesn’t want to leave my lap, which is fine with me. Deeda yells, “Come on. We have a two hour drive.” I kiss his cheeks again—and he’s holding on tighter. Like, I’m going to let go of him?
His Mommy calls out, “Jonathon it’s time for Granmum to drive to her house.” It’s then I spot the Granmum Bag slumped behind his bedroom door. I grin from ear to ear, and ask him if he could help me drag the heavy bag so Deeda could load it into the van. He complied with an “Okay Granmum, Jonathon will help you.” I’m guessing the hiding had served its purpose and he got two more stories out of me. What a special place that old silver bag holds in both of our lives and hearts. There are more than mere books and toys in it. There are pieces of me and pieces of my grandson, intermingling, becoming one.
Jonathon is all-boy, smart and well-rounded. He loves baseball, throwing stones with Deeda, and finding special treats in the Granmum Bag. I know he loves to be active, and I am trying to prepare myself for the day when he will no longer ask for the Granmum Bag. Maybe there will be a time when Granmum and Deeda don’t have to carry the old silver bag up the stairs. I hope that day is a long way away. I don’t even mind it when our grandson hides that old silver bag, just so Granmum will stay a little bit longer.
To date, grandson and I have changed the front cover of the Granmum Bag a few times to match his interests. Super Heroes seem to be the popular design now. I have asked him on a few occasions what kind of books he would like me to put in the bag now that he is 8 and he just says, ‘oh, you know the ones that are like story books….’ I had to think about that one, so I asked, ‘well, aren’t they all story books?’ He reminds me, ‘well, chapter books are just too long for me to read before I go to sleep….’ Oh, I get it now, the shorter ones that can be finished in a few minutes before sleep. I double checked with his mom, and she said, ‘yes, he likes to complete something once he starts it.’
I am so pleased with the special place the Granmum Bag has held in his heart. He is in the top of his class in his reading skills too! The bag has a special place in Granmum’s heart too.
Dr. Carol and Dick have lived at 13754 River Forest Dr since 1985.
To contact Carol about her books and her upcoming Second Chocolate book,
Call 239.898.8363 or dracrol@drcarolkennedy.com. View photos at www.drcarolkennedy.com
This true story is an all time favorite from Dr. Carol’s book, A Taste of Chocolate for the Soul. Enjoy….
The Granmum Bag
It started as a last minute grab of the handiest tote bag in sight – the old silver one will do just fine! This bag was the beginning of a new tradition. It will carry a few more things that my grandson can’t do without. I soon learned this Granmum Bag would hold unimaginable moments and hours of grandmother fun.
That first day, I stuffed the bag with books and toys I thought my five month old grandson might love. Today, that five month old is nearly three years old and I wouldn’t think of walking into his house without that old silver, mid-size tote bag. Jonathon had to name the bag- it’s the Granmum Bag. It’s a special, magic bag to Jonathon and me, creating unforgettable moments. It holds Jonathon’s favorite books of the month, crayons, paints, little cars, and tiny, little boy flashlights.
As Jonathon grows, so does the Granmum Bag. We moved from his first books like, The B Book and Dr. Seuss to Veggie Tales and The Cookie Tree, Baby Goofy and Toy Story books. My eyes glisten as his eyes sparkle and whole body shakes when he spots the Granmum Bag. As my husband, Deeda, and I would enter, he’d exclaim, “Hi Meema and Deeda. Where’s the Granmum Bag?’
It became so heavy I had trouble carrying it across the room due to my carpal tunnel issues, but Jonathon didn’t mind. He grabs it, picks it right up and drags it across the room. He’s strong– at two he was three feet tall and weighed 36 pounds. Once I realized it wasn’t going to hurt him, I let him carry the Granmum Bag for me. He loves to help people, especially the ladies! He even has a special grandma wink as he crinkles up his nose. Grandmas will say, “Hey, he’s flirting with me!”
Jonathon claims his favorite books with each visit and it keeps Granmum on her toes. As a reading specialist, you can imagine my joy as he grabs a book. I have to remember which book was his favorite last week, and which new one I might need fto add. He picks favorites and memorizes the story line, picks out words and phrases, objects and numbers. So, each trip Granmum freshens up the Granmum Bag with some of the old, and some of the new books and toys. We can’t forget stickers. He was peeling and placing stickers before he was a year old. People would say, “He’s too young. He can’t pull the stickers off yet.” And Granmum’s reply? “You want to make a bet?”
I watched Jonathan advance from identifying colors, shapes, letters, and numbers to words. Prior to our visits I’d scurry to book stores, garage sales and Dollar stores. I’d look for just the right book to put in the new book spot in the Granmum Bag. I found the most special gems at discount stores or garage sales, like one of his favorites about a blue monster and a special tree. He loved that one so much that he wore the cover thin and Granmum had to fix it with her magic scotch tape. He exclaimed, “Oh Granmum, you fixeded it!”
I’d try to find little books that matched what he was interested in, like baseball. That’s when the book about the baseball team fit perfect into his little world. His little world was fast becoming my little world. My first plan of attack at the stores was no longer a little something for Granmum like a purse or pair of shoes. No, I’d rush to the Jonathon department, in search a new Granmum Bag item.
Always hiding at the bottom of the Granmum Bag is my old cell phone. It isn’t connected, but it still lights up, takes pictures and will dial numbers such as 911. He’ll power it up and pretend to make a call, and then he begins to do the cell phone dance. I never realized we had certain moves when we answer a cell phone. For instance, we tilt our head a bit towards the phone; then lower it in that direction and begin moving our right hand and gesturing. Suddenly, Jonathon begins to do that, and I’m thinking, “Oh my, do I do that?’” And sure enough when I answer my cell phone I do that little dance step. What a reminder of how our kids and grandkids model exactly what we do.
Jonathon even held the Granmum Bag hostage once. Deeda and I would arrive early in the morning and plan to babysit the entire day. When mom or dad would arrive home, he would be so happy and hug them, saying, ‘oh Mommy’s home, or Daddy’s home’ and kiss on them for a while. He understood that the down side of their arrival was the departure of Meema and Deeda. So, while I was in the bathroom, he dragged the Granmum Bag into his bedroom and hid it behind the door. As we are scurrying to leave, he says, “Granmum, why don’t you read one more story in my big boy room.” I said, okay, and I start searching for the Granmum bag. Jonathan says, “No Granmum, let’s read one of Jonathon’s books.” Eagerly I mutter, “okay,” wondering where my silver bag might be.
He points to the white wooden rocker, our favorite reading chair, and says, “Please sit here Granmum, and Jonathon will sit on your lap.” And so we did, and he’d scoot back into my belly and we’d read his favorite book about a funny dog or the big blue fuzzy monster. Hugs and kisses are exchanged as we turn each page. Oh, how I love to squeeze him and hug him. I finish the book and he doesn’t want to leave my lap, which is fine with me. Deeda yells, “Come on. We have a two hour drive.” I kiss his cheeks again—and he’s holding on tighter. Like, I’m going to let go of him?
His Mommy calls out, “Jonathon it’s time for Granmum to drive to her house.” It’s then I spot the Granmum Bag slumped behind his bedroom door. I grin from ear to ear, and ask him if he could help me drag the heavy bag so Deeda could load it into the van. He complied with an “Okay Granmum, Jonathon will help you.” I’m guessing the hiding had served its purpose and he got two more stories out of me. What a special place that old silver bag holds in both of our lives and hearts. There are more than mere books and toys in it. There are pieces of me and pieces of my grandson, intermingling, becoming one.
Jonathon is all-boy, smart and well-rounded. He loves baseball, throwing stones with Deeda, and finding special treats in the Granmum Bag. I know he loves to be active, and I am trying to prepare myself for the day when he will no longer ask for the Granmum Bag. Maybe there will be a time when Granmum and Deeda don’t have to carry the old silver bag up the stairs. I hope that day is a long way away. I don’t even mind it when our grandson hides that old silver bag, just so Granmum will stay a little bit longer.
To date, grandson and I have changed the front cover of the Granmum Bag a few times to match his interests. Super Heroes seem to be the popular design now. I have asked him on a few occasions what kind of books he would like me to put in the bag now that he is 8 and he just says, ‘oh, you know the ones that are like story books….’ I had to think about that one, so I asked, ‘well, aren’t they all story books?’ He reminds me, ‘well, chapter books are just too long for me to read before I go to sleep….’ Oh, I get it now, the shorter ones that can be finished in a few minutes before sleep. I double checked with his mom, and she said, ‘yes, he likes to complete something once he starts it.’
I am so pleased with the special place the Granmum Bag has held in his heart. He is in the top of his class in his reading skills too! The bag has a special place in Granmum’s heart too.
Dr. Carol and Dick have lived at 13754 River Forest Dr since 1985.
To contact Carol about her books and her upcoming Second Chocolate book,
Call 239.898.8363 or dracrol@drcarolkennedy.com. View photos at www.drcarolkennedy.com
Pay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?
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You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid. But like many people, you may be torn between paying off debt and the need to save for retirement. Both are important; both can help give you a more secure future. If you're not sure you can afford to tackle both at the same time, which should you choose?
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