First out of the gate –

Decide. Create. Share

AARP has just launched Decide.Create.Share., their newly launched public education campaign, meant to increase awareness among women of the importance of assessing future needs and planning for their unique lifestyles and goals with long-term care. I’ve addressed [...]]]> Lots of goodies to share with you today. 

First out of the gate –

Decide. Create. Share

AARP has just launched Decide.Create.Share., their newly launched public education campaign, meant to increase awareness among women of the importance of assessing future needs and planning for their unique lifestyles and goals with long-term care. I’ve addressed this issue in the past, and I thought you might find the campaign and information worthwhile.

There are several long-term care planning resources featured at http://www.aarp.org/decide. They include a quiz to determine how ready one is for the future, and easy, free, and practical tips that women can use to stay on track. You’ll also find video clips of boomer women Patricia, Jeannie and Mary Ann, who share their personal stories of why and how they’re planning for their futures. I hope you’ll consider embedding or linking to them to share with Gen Plus readers.

Many women associate long-term care with insurance and nursing homes, but in actuality, that’s just one small part of it. Future planning is really all about women living life on their own terms (and staying in charge). True long-term care planning includes assessing future needs across home, community, health, legal and finances, which is why this campaign hopes to encourage boomer women to take the steps toward planning for their needs, especially as according to a recent AARP survey, 59% of women ages 45 to 64 haven’t determined how they’ll pay for their long-term care needs. More information on why long-term care is a women’s issue can be found here.

Delicious and Deliciouser

 I’ve found my Italian boyfriend…at least from afar.  A few seconds of listening to the magnificent voice of Vittorio Grigolo will have you booking your next vacation to Tuscany.  From the Sony press release:

 Hailed as one of the finest tenors in recent times, Grigolo’s debut album (click link for samples), The Italian Tenor,  was released by Sony Classical on October 5th,  and features famous arias and lesser known discoveries.  Also, on October 16, Grigolo makes his highly anticipated debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Rodolfo in La Bohème. [note:…sadly I won’t be there…]

 Grigolo purposely waited to record his first operatic solo album until he had something unique to communicate in the repertoire.  According to Grigolo, “I chose arias representing the culture I come from.”

 Born in Tuscany, Grigolo began his career as a young boy performing as a soloist in the celebrated Sistine Chapel Choir.  His distinctive voice attracted the praise of the great Luciano Pavarotti when, at age thirteen, he starred alongside him as the Pastorello in Tosca at the Rome Opera. He went on to be the youngest tenor ever to debut at the legendary La Scala, Milan and has conquered many of the world’s great opera houses since, appearing with the finest artists and conductors of our day. Grigolo made his Chicago debut in 2008 starring in a tribute to Pavarotti in front of thousands at Grant Park.  He made his Washington, D.C. debut in 2009 sharing the stage with Renée Fleming in a lauded production of Lucrezia Borgia conducted by Plácido Domingo.  Recently, he triumphed in his debut at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in Massenet’s Manon.

The Italian Tenor presents arias from three great operatic composers – Gaetano Donizetti, Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.  These include Donizetti’s “Una furtiva lagrima” (L’Elisir d’Amore) which was made famous by Enrico Caruso, whose famous performance of the aria paved the way for the opera’s return to the repertoire after years of neglect. 

The Italian Tenor was recorded in the Teatro, Regio di Parma, a venue particularly associated with Verdi. It was recorded with the resident orchestra and conductor Pier Giorgio Morandi, with whom Grigolo shares a personal musical connection and admires greatly. Grigolo makes special mention of Plácido Domingo for having offered him guidance and unwavering support throughout Grigolo’s career. 

Winter Songs

Well in time for Christmas party prep, or just to put you in the right mood, Sony has a new compilation release (of previously released tracks – click the link to listen to song samples)  “Winter Songs: A Windham Hill Christmas.”  The album is in stores now, and features such popular Windham Hill artists as LIZ STORY, ALEX DE GRASSI, PHILIP AABERG and JIM BRICKMAN.  From the tracks I listened to, these are just lovely, diverse acoustic arrangements of true Christmas classics (Joy to the World, Circle of Joy, Greensleeves, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, just to mention a few).

John Edward (medium)

What can I say?  He intrigues me.  This year, as John celebrates his 25th anniversary as a practicing medium, he shares his tips for developing your own psychic intuition in his new book Infinite Quest (October 2010; ISBN 9781402778933; Sterling Publishing).   In it, John enables readers to learn how to own their power, take a chance to go outside the norm, and make more empowered choices-to use intuition to better help them take charge of their life.  Thought you might enjoy this short article with some of his positive action tips.

Trouble seeing these words?

 Staying healthy and active at every stage throughout one’s life is very important, but sometimes eye health is often overlooked. EyeCare America, is a national non-profit organization that provides eye exams at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible patients.

Perhaps you have heard some of these common eye health myths:

-          Using computers or reading or sewing in dim light can cause damage to your eyes. False. The truth is none of these actions will actually harm your eyes.

-          Eye exams are only needed if you notice a change in your vision. False again! Did you know that there are actually a bunch of vision conditions and diseases that lack clear warning signs?

Would you like to see if you or your loved ones qualify for sight-saving eye exams and care at no out-of-pocket cost?  Visit the online referral center at: www.EyeCareAmerica.org to find out!  And to learn more about those who have benefited from EyeCare America, check out this special video PSA: www.westglen.com/online/saveyoursight.htm

Tons ‘o’stuff to share.  In no particular order:

For years, in our family, we opened our doors to [...]]]> Did you all notice that yesterday (my sister’s birthday, by the way) was August 9th, 2010…or 8,9,10?  I realize today is 9,9,10, but I liked yesterdays numerology…hence that date added to the Gen Plus List!

Tons ‘o’stuff to share.  In no particular order:

For years, in our family, we opened our doors to international students and created friendships with these wonderful kids…many that have lasted for many, many years.  There is a great host family program that might interest you, whether your kids are out of the house, or still living with you.   Welcoming a high school foreign exchange student into your home is a great way to increase global awareness for your family, your schools and even across your community. Learning more about the EF Foundation for Foreign Study may encourage you, your family, or friends to learn more about becoming a host family!

The deadline for this year is coming up quickly and the EF Foundation for Foreign Study is looking right now for host families for the 2010-2011 school year.

EF Foundation has:

• Connected over 100,000 talented, enthusiastic students from 30 countries with caring host families across America 
  • Been facilitating foreign exchange for more than 30 years.   
  • Connected more students with American host families than any other program of its kind! 

 This is a PSA which showcases some of the young people and families that have benefited: EF Foundation  Definitely worth your consideration.

AND…

…a new article Women Will Steer the Fate of Health Care Reform written by author Dora Calott Want, M.D.  The article discusses the role of women and the fact they have a large role in steering the health care choices of their family. Now with the new Affordable Care Act, the actions of women on behalf of their families will collectively shape the future of health care in America.

Releasing August 24th.

AND….

As you may know by now, I’m really big into good, healthy eating.  Well, author Judith J. Wurtman has just released  The Serotonin Power Diet (Rodale Inc.; December 2009, ISBN: 978-1-59486-972-3, $15.99, Paperback).  This book shows readers how to eat in order to maximize their bodies’ serotonin production.   I’m ALL for that.  Born with the most sluggish of metabolisms (yes, I could withstand cold Siberian winters subsisting on pototo soup) and exercise copiously just to be able to eat a home-baked chocolate- chip muffin, I, for one, can’t wait to read this book and see what I can do to give me some of that full pleasure that seratonin provides (vs. eating more chocolate!)

Based on over 30 years of pioneering research on the connections between food, mood, brain, and appetite, Dr. Wurtman and her colleague, Nina T. Frusztajer MD devised and clinically tested this groundbreaking program.  The program was developed at a Harvard University affiliated hospital weight loss clinic to help people on antidepressants lose weight. The diet continues to work for those who have a few pounds to lose or more.  

Literally…goodies from Cheerios:

I’ve obviously become very label-conscious and Cheerios has made me aware of their new campaign, focused on encouraging Americans to make heart health a priority, so they can do more of what they love.  The campaign will be using real stories from active people and [...]]]> Lots of goodies to share with you.

Literally…goodies from Cheerios:

I’ve obviously become very label-conscious and Cheerios has made me aware of their new campaign, focused on encouraging Americans to make heart health a priority, so they can do more of what they love.  The campaign will be using real stories from active people and you get to film yourself participating in your passion or hobby.  There are Cheerios story kits available (HD video camera, two memory cards, batteries and a Cheerios cereal sample) to a small number of potential storytellers!  If you want to bring your personal story to life and have the chance to be featured on the new Cheerios website, then head to www.Cheerios.com/love  and request your own Cheerios Story Kit .

And get ready to swoon:

Remember these?  “I Say a Little Prayer”,  ”I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”, “It’ Our Little Secret”…

Bacharach’s brilliant score is the epitome of the pop-Broadway hybrid, and this revival adds two of his best songs (“Say A Little Prayer” and “A House is Not a Home”) to nuggets such as “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.”     - Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Post

MASTERWORKS BROADWAY proudly announces the upcoming release of the New Broadway Cast Recording of PROMISES, PROMISES.  The recording is available nationwide physically and digitally on June 22, 2010 and is produced by Grammy Award winners David Caddick and David Lai.  For the first time in over forty years PROMISES, PROMISES returns to the stage starring Emmy Award winner Sean Hayes and Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth.  Directed and choreographed by Tony and Emmy Award winner Rob Ashford, this new production of PROMISES, PROMISES, with Neil Simon’s funny and touching book and Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s hit-packed score, opened at the Broadway Theatre on Sunday, April 25, 2010.

PROMISES, PROMISES stars Sean Hayes as Chuck Baxter, Kristin Chenoweth as Fran Kubelik, Tony Goldwyn as J.D. Sheldrake, Tony Award winner Katie Finneran as Marge MacDougall and Tony Award winner Dick Latessa as Dr. Dreyfuss.  They lead a cast of 27 including Brooks Ashmanskas as Mr. Dobitch, Peter Benson as Mr. Kirkeby, Seán Martin Hingston as Mr. Eichelberger and Ken Land as Jesse Vanderhof.

Based on the 1960 Academy Award-winning Billy Wilder film The Apartment that starred Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, PROMISES, PROMISES tells the story of the Consolidated Life Insurance Company and Chuck Baxter, one of its charming young employees. In an effort to advance his career, Chuck lends executives his apartment for their extramarital romantic trysts. But things become slightly complicated when Chuck discovers Fran Kubelik, the object of his affection, is involved with one of the executives. 

PROMISES, PROMISES earned 4 Tony Award nominations including: Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Sean Hayes), Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical (Katie Finneran), Best Orchestrations (Jonathan Tunick), and Best Choreography (Rob Ashford) and features orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, with music direction by Phil Reno and dance music arrangements by David Chase.

Masterworks Broadway is a label of Sony Masterworks.  For email updates and information on Masterworks Broadway please visit www.masterworksbroadway.com.

From 2Young2Retire:

Candy Spitz, LCSW, ACC, Certified Life and Career Coach, has signed on as Director of Training and Facilitator Relations.  An experienced 2young2retire facilitator, Candy will be conducting the next facilitator training starting July 21, 2010, and running five consecutive Wednesdays from 5-6:30 pm Eastern via teleclass. 

If you are a coach, social worker, career counselor or have professional experience in team building or leadership development, the 2young2retire facilitator certification is a credential that prepares you to work with people 50 and older in designing a meaningful second act.  Graduates of the training  – 270 at last count – are bringing the 2young2retire course into their places of work, community and senior centers and community colleges.  The 2young2retire program helped the City of Glendale, Arizona, win the 2009 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 award, the first for a city. 

For more about Candy and the training and to sign up, visit: http://www.2young2retire.com/facilitatorform.html  and http://www.candyspitz.com/tablegen3.html  Questions about your qualifications or other matters?  Contact Howard@2young2retire.com or 401-523-0953. Registration closes July 13 and enrollment is limited. 

From Berret-Koehler:

And I’m anxiously awaiting Wander Woman: How High- Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction (Berrett-Koehler;  
1605093513; June 14, 2010) by organizational psychologist and Master  Certified Coach Marcia Reynolds. In the book, Reynolds provides a wealth of exercises and practices so  women can better understand the needs that drive decisions, discover  
new ways of finding direction, and thoughtfully choose and plan the  future — whether climbing the corporate ladder, finding satisfaction  below the glass ceiling, or setting out on their own.  For more information please visit www.wanderwomanbook.com and follow the  author on Facebook and Twitter.  I’m interested in the “setting out on their own” section!

The number of three-generation households has increased as a result of the recession. Have you and your spouse and/or kids moved into your parents’ home? Or have [...]]]> Are you trying to figure out next steps in dealing with the recession?  A major national publication is LOOKING FOR THREE GENERATIONS LIVING UNDER ONE ROOF!

The number of three-generation households has increased as a result of the recession. Have you and your spouse and/or kids moved into your parents’ home? Or have your kids recently moved back into your house?  

A national magazine is looking to talk to three generations who have recently decided to live together for a story on coping with this kind of arrangement. You will have to disclose some financials that relate to the situation (how mortgage costs are shared, etc.), but you will also get targeted financial advice from one of the country’s top financial planners about making this kind of transition work. If you’ve recently moved in with parents, had parents move in with you, or have been thinking about such a transition, send an email to Lauren_Kelleher@moneymail.com, telling us why it happened and how it’s been working.

Include a recent photo of all three generations, along with your names, ages, occupations and household income.

Please let me know if you connect with Lauren.  If you get published, I’ll be happy to post a link to the article here on Gen Plus, too!

Have an event, product or service that you want Gen Plussers to know about?  To promote activities of interest to Boomers and 50 Plussers, send an email to Janet at  wspiegel@genplususa.com and we’ll include you on the Gen Plus List.  Not all submissions will be included.  Please allow 3-5 days for your listing to appear.

If you are in LA, some cool happenings today, pulled from LA Weekly:  http://www.laweekly.com/calendar

Date/Time:     [...]]]> Sunday,  January 17, 2010

If you are in LA, some cool happenings today, pulled from LA Weekly:  http://www.laweekly.com/calendar

• From Mose Allison, to the 19th Annual International Los Angeles Photographic Art Exposition  at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, tons of great events to get you out and about.  Don’t forget Target Sundays at CAAM

Date/Time:     Sun., January 17, 1:00pm
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Price: free

As part of Target Sundays at CAAM, Jeffrey Anderson Gunter and Harlem Lee co-host this Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration featuring live music, performances and film screenings.

CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
600 State Dr.
L.A., CA
(213) 744-7432
http://www.caam.ca.gov

If you are in NY and want to catch a last minute show, head over for your 1/2 price tickets before you pay full retail:  http://www.nyc.com/arts__attractions/tkts_halfprice_tickets_theatre_development_fund.2012/editorial_review.aspx

And in Chicago, same idea — find some great prices on last minute theater tickets:  http://www.hottix.org/

Let me know what cities you want info on and I’ll try to get it for you! 

Have an event, product or service that you want Gen Plussers to know about?  To promote activities of interest to Boomers and 50 Plussers, send an email to wspiegel@genplususa.com and we’ll include you on the Gen Plus List.  Not all submissions will be included.  Please allow 3-5 days for your listing to appear.