Bye, Bye Summer.......

It's hard to believe Labor Day is upon us--the unofficial END of summer.  The long weekend will bring about holiday parties, picnics and family gatherings.  If you don't already have your weekend booked up solid--like I do, here are a few things to consider to round out your end of summer plans.
Typically Geneva-on-the-Lake closes down for the summer after this weekend.  However with the various bars and eateris located there, the evenings and weekends will continue to have activity after Labor Day comes and goes.  This weekend, enjoy, Eddies Grill, putt-putt, arcade games, Capo's pizza, various shops, bars, wineries and restaurants.....watch the sunset over Lake Erie, while you take a ferris wheel ride and stroll along the Strip to feel that last blast of summer before it fades off into that sunset.

Sunday brings back community fun to Madison:

Sunday Event--Light up the Park
Madison Twp Park 6717 Lake Rd, Madison Oh

The Madison Township Event Planning Committee is bringing the fun back! FIREWORKS, yes, fireworks are coming back to the Township Park. Come bring the family to the 1st Annual, “Light up the Park” & Family Fun Day Celebration. Sunday, September 2nd starting at 3:00PM, the park will be filled with Crafters, Vendors, Games for the kids, a chance to get your 2012 Chevy Cruze Raffle Ticket. Cornhole tournament with cash prizes, Punt, Pass & Kick contest for boys & girls of all ages, Face Painting, Putt-Putt Golf, Live music from “The Burning River Ramblers”, Dancing….and many more activities.

You’ll also enjoy a “Family Crawl” purchase any item from each of the participating restaurants/bars, get your “Crawl” tee-shirt signed, purchase your Chevy Cruze raffle ticket and get entered into a 5 day / 4 night Cruise, the winner will be drawn just before the fireworks.

And, for the main event…FIREWORKS will be starting at 9:00PM.

Come down to see our Beautiful,Newly Renovated Madison Township Beach

Don’t miss out on this Fun Filled family Day. It’s a great way to say good bye to summer and welcome in the cooler days of Autumn!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

3:00 - Kids games
Pass, Punt & Kick contest
Face painting
Crafts at the Girl Scout Booth
Puyt-Putt
Crafter / Vendor booths open

4:00 - Cornhole Tournament

5:00 - Corner Crawl

6:00 - 8:00 - Live Music "Burning River Ramblers"

9:00 - Fireworks
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS/BARS

The Wagon Wheel
Roman's IV
Lake Effectz
Compadres
Asa Cox Home's tent

 

The nice weather should allow for a few more rounds of golf, with several courses to choose from, and with fall rates coming soon, that will help to stretch your entertainment dollars.

 

However you choose to spend your last weekend of summer, have fun and be safe.

 

 

It's Fair Time!

It's hard to believe it's August already.  And, after wrapping up the first of two weeks of the Olympics, it's time to not only cheer on our favorite USA Olympians, but our local kids and communities at the county fairs.  The fairs all have their own history and various events, games, rides, shows and contests to enjoy.  Local youth spend the week exhibiting animals they have raised and/or trained within their various 4-H groups.  There are also exhibits for sewing and baking, and auctions for livestock.  Each day features exhibitor shows--horse shows, showmanship...etc, various free entertainment shows, rides, food, games and entertainment at the Grandstand:  Truck and Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derbies, Motocross and Musical Acts.
Several days during the week offer free admission, such as Kids Day or Veteran Appreciation/Seniors Day.
Check out the websites for schedules, rates and special day offers.

Ashtabula County Fair, located in Jefferson Ohio starts this week, Tuesday August 7-Sunday August 12th. 
Friday night at the Grandstand, Jake Owen is the featured entertainment.
www.ashtabulafair.com


156th Lake County Fair celebrates it's 100th Anniversary at the Painesville Fairgrounds location.  Lake County Fair runs Tuesday, August 14th-Sunday August 19th.  Saturday, August 18th, An Evening with Abbey Road--Beatles tribute band, will be featured in the Grandstand.
www.lakecountyfair.org

Rounding out the summer, the Great Geauga County Fair runs Thursday August 30th-Monday September 3rd, Labor Day Weekend, in Burton Ohio.
www.geaugafair.com

The county fair takes me back to being a teenager....showing my horse, spending time with friends, riding the rides, eating yummy fair food, all while enjoying a hobby that taught me responsibility and discipline.
Support our local youth and their accomplishments as well as our communities. Visit the County Fair!

H.O.M.E.S.

Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.....Our 5 Great Lakes.
My boyfriend, Jay, recently returned from a business trip he took to North Carolina.  Saturday, as we were swimming at the Genev-on-the-Lake township beach, Jay said he was asked about the "Big Lakes" while he was down there.  Someone wanted to know what they looked like.  He told them, it's like looking at the ocean....you can't see across them or where they end.  I sometimes forget how lucky we are to have this opportunity right in our "back yard". 
The 5 lakes form the largest group of fresh water lakes on Earth and they comprise 21% of the world's surface fresh water.  They are sometimes referred to as the North Coast or the "Third Coast" by some U.S. Citizens. 
Some people have mixed opinions when it comes to swimming in our lake, Lake Erie, but I for one love to enjoy a relaxing day of hanging out at the beach, swimming, picnicking, playing volleyball and enjoying our long awaited summer weather. We typically visit Fairport Harbor's beach or Mentor Headlands or Geneva on the Lake. (Unfortunately, even though I live in Eastlake--which has the name "lake" in it....I do not have easy access to the beaches.) Walking/Jogging on the beach is a great calorie burner as well as kayaking and swimming.  Jet skiing, boating and skiing are also well loved lake activities, as long as you have access to that type of equipment--or know someone who does.  Fishing can be enjoyed from the shore--the "Eastlake Wall" is a popular spot or from a boat or charter  One of my classmates told us his fishing charters are booked well through August--Jay and some buddies quickly grabbed one of his last open dates for the middle of August. 
The lake can also be a peaceful time to just sit and enjoy it's beauty.  I have seen plenty of gorgeous sunsets right on our little Lake Erie, that can take your breath away.  If it's been awhile since you've enjoyed a day at the beach or watched a beautiful sunset, go enjoy our natural resource that we are privileged to have easy access to.
If you would like more information on fishing charters, you can contact Captain Rick Hildebrand at DB Sport Fishing Charters, Madison Oh, 1-800-769-1750.
Enjoy!
Aimee

Madison Senior Center Luau--Wed 7/11/12

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love our local senior centers and the activities they have to offer.
This Wednesday the Madison Senior Center, located at 2938 Hubbard Rd will be having a Luau Luncheon--cost is $8, from 12-2:00 pm.  The Tri-County Senior Consortium will be there along with 104.7 WKKY broadcasting from 11:00-1:00.  Come out and join in the Island Spirit and enjoy some lunch! 
And if you see mee--come say HI!!

Also, if you are a member of the Mentor Senior Center, be sure to join me the last Wed. of every month for Bingo!

ALOHA!!!!

The Mini-town of Holiday Campland

Last weekend my boyfriend Jay and I spent the weekend at our friend JB's trailer, out in Andover, OH, at Holiday Campland.  I had been there before many years ago (another friend's mom, comes up from Florida and spends the summer at her place there) and one thing I did remember: just how large it is.  For those of you who are looking for a summer retreat to buy into, Holiday sits on 650 acres.  It is a private, members camping community located next to Pymatuning which is an area well known for it's beautiful state park system, Walleye and Crappie fishing, hunting, sailing and other natural recreation.  The Campground itself features a Clubhouse, Recreation Center, a Par-3 golf course, mini golf, 2 pools, a lake, mini mart, ice-cream and laundry.  When you arrive at the gate, you can ask for a "Smoke Signal".  This is an agenda of events going on for the weekend and upcoming week.  Last weekend while we were there, we cheered our buddy on to 3rd place in a corn-hole tournament, then we cooked out, went up to the fair that was going on for the weekend, complete with rides and funnel cakes. There was also a dance at the Recreation Center--which I believe they have every weekend. 
Earlier during the day we ran into some old co-workers.  They invited us over to their campsite to hang out and meet some of their friends.  We met up with them later--via golf cart (almost everyone drives around in their golf cart) played more cornhole and socialized.  It was a fun relaxing weekend with a "camping feel" to it.  Even though there was running water, showers, airconditioning and electricity....you still feel like you are away from it all, out in this mini camping city.
If you would like to learn more about Holiday Campland visit their website at http://www.holidaycamplands.com/
I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!

Senior Health Fair, 6/27/12

Wednesday, June 27th, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., there will be a Senior Health Fair at the Mentor Senior Center.  Please come and check us out.  My table will be the S&S Benefits table--information on Medicare plans and part D prescription, Long-term Care and the Tri-County Senior Consortium.

I'm back.....What's the Tri-County Senior Consortium?

My apologies for being away for so long.  I have been contemplating some different directions for the blog, and I want to share with you a group I have recently become a part of, The Tri-County Senior Consortium.  We are a non-profit organization that advocates for the needs of mature adults in Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga counties. 
What we do....
In our continuing efforts to serve the tri-county area 55+ population, TCSC offers referrals and consultations for individuals seeking information, advocacy and problem resolution.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Elder Care Attorney, Home Health Care, Rehab & Long Term Care, Assisted Living, Medicare Plans and Part D Prescription plans, Long-term Care Insurance, Financial & Retirement Income, Grant Assistance with Home Renovations, Home Sales/Purchase, Downsize/Right size, and durable medical equipment.
Our services are uniquely tailored to the needs of seniors.  Not only do we offer complete referral resources, but our panel of Specialists also travel throughout all 3 communities to provide education on an array of topics.....ALL FREE!
Our goal is to be a ONE-STOP-SHOP to our mature adults, as well as caregivers, adult children of seniors, and businesses who need resources for their Retirees and Baby Boomers.

We invite all of you to join us next Sunday, July 1st from 1p.m.- 7p.m. at Grand River Cellars in Madison for the Old Vine Community Celebration/Meet the Consortium Day.
There will be games, prizes, food, wine, music, a raffle to purchase a chance to win a 2012 Chevy Cruz and support local charities, live radio broadcast, and of course the opportunity to meet the members of the Tri-County Senior Consortium and ask questions.
You can continue to learn about us from local live broadcasts, on WKKY 104.7, 97.1, 102.5 and WELW 1330 am., and upcoming events. 
Our website is still under construction,  http://www.tri-county-seniors.com/, by phone 1-800-960-5368 or contact me directly through my blog and I can get you in touch with the professional you'd like to speak with.
We look forward to meeting everyone, and providing this wonderful service to our communities.
See you soon!

Aimee

Burn Baby Burn

I was out running errands today, when a jogger almost came running out in front of me.  He was on the jogging path and was just turning around to go back up the path.  He was probably in his early to mid-70's, bundled up to run on a cool, dreary April 1st day......Now that's dedication and I say more power to him. 
I try to be pro-active and get a work-out in a few times a week, but with 2 jobs and a busy schedule, that doesn't always happen.  Sometimes it's too easy to say....well, I don't have time to get dressed, then drive to the gym, come back home, shower....blah blah blah.  I say, why does a work out have to be so much WORK?  I enjoy a workout video, and I enjoy a workout class--motivates me when I work out with other people, but I also like to be active.  If you have activities you like to do, then by all means get up and do them.  Shopping at the mall, planting flowers, golf, even going to Bingo, burns calories.  I found a website where you can calculate how much you activity burns.  Check this out....you go on, put in your weight, the minutes you performed your designated activity, then click calculate and it will tell you.  I burned 115 calories unloading the car and putting groceries away....not too bad.  I didn't even count walking around the store shopping.
Give it a try to see what you're burning.
http://www.healthstatus.com/
I just burned 26 calories, writing this blog.

TRI-C's Kickoff Class to Turning 65

This week Cuyahoga Community College kicked off their "Happy Birthday, So You're turning 65" class at their Westshore campus in Westlake.  I was the co-teacher, along with my associate, Kathy Hirko.  The class will be offered at 4 locations over the next couple of weeks, with both day and evening times.  This gives Babyboomers and Retirees the chance to come into a classroom setting to learn the basics of Medicare--Parts A, B, C and D, the difference between Medicare Supplements and Advantage plans, Part D prescription plans and some basics about Long-term care.  We are available to answer questions throughout the presentation as well as to answer individual questions afterward. 
The first class on Tuesday consisted of 2 students, both having different scenarios for their retirement and different questions.  Although small, we felt our class was a success, and that as word spreads, we will continue to grow. 
If you have questions and enjoy a class like environment, we encourage you to join us at one of our Tri-C classes, or contact us to host your own.
Happy Learning!!

Bucket List

I am sitting outside on this BEAUTIFUL Sunday afternoon in March....one of my friends said it could be snowing or sunny this time of year.  I say Hooray for the sunshine.  It's very easy to get a case of Spring fever on a day like today....but that's ok, because it gives me a chance to start planning for warmer days. 
This morning I was reading posts from one of my LinkedIn groups and someone was talking about how they had always wanted to take horseback riding lessons and realized they were 42.  No more waiting. She signed up and loved it.
I'm curious as to what people have on their bucket list--maybe a Safari or visiting the 7 wonders of the world....????  This year, I would like to have 2 bucket lists--a small bucket, local, easy to achieve events and a big bucket, future plans that may require more time and/or money.
So what are some small bucket items?  Well, here are a few I have:

*meet with a group of friends/classmates at our local wineries--too many times the only time people have the chance to all get together like this, is when something tragic happens.

*Visit local Museums
*Attend training camp for my favorite football team
*visit the football hall of fame
*take golf lessons (again) and play golf at least 12-15 times this year
*learn another language

These may not be big DREAMY plans but they are things that I wish I would take the time to do.....
I encourage all of you to make a "small" bucket list ot things to do, and I would appreciate hearing from you about what they are and the results if you achieve them.  For some it may be planting flowers, another learning to use the computer, someone else, riding a motorcycle, but no matter what it is, go try it!  You know what they say--There's no time like the present.  Be active, have fun and don't look back and say, "I wish I would have tried ______"  Go ride the rollercoaster or take the dance class, whatever it may be and ENJOY!!

Not Your Grandma's Senior Center

I'm not sure why, but for some reason when I thought of Senior Centers, I pictured lunches, Bingo and groups of people sitting around talking.  Over the last year, I've had the good fortune of doing seminars and health fairs at several local senior centers, and I'm here to say--SIGN ME UP!
Unfortunatly, I'm not age eligible to join because most centers you have to be 55. But here's what's going on and why joining a Senior Center is on my bucket list:
I have seen these centers range from small community buildings to large, beautiful facilities.....but the goal is the same, no matter which one you attend, activity and community support.  As I browse through a monthly newsletter from a local center, here are just a few things they have going on.....
Educational seminars (taxes, health care, attorney...etc) Veterans groups, Singles groups, Movie night,
Local Shopping trips, Bingo, Cornhole, various card, game and hobbie groups, Arts & Crafts, Dances, Cultural Groups, Fitness Classes: Yoga, Zumba, Personal training, fitness classes for all levels, Line Dance classes, Computer classes, and the TRIPS.....these range from day trips to Casinos or fairs/festivals or Outlet shopping, overnight trips to theater productions, and some week long trips (all total, this particular Center has 73 trips planned for 2012).  And of course don't forget the food.  They have wonderful lunches served daily at very affordable prices.  In addition to all that goes on, there is also a weight room and billiards room.  And amongst all this activity you see people socializing and enjoying life.  If you haven't had a chance or you never thought to check into your local senior center I encourage you to do so.  Join a group, make some friends and get involved. 
Do you know the old saying, "If you can't beat em', join em'?"  Well, I figure if they won't let me in as a member, maybe they'll let me in as a volunteer; somebody's got to call those numbers...... 
I-17, B-5, O-72.......BINGO!!!!

Hello, this Aimee

That's how I answer my cell phone when a client calls me directly.
Just to build on the personal service and trusted agent point I made last time, I wanted to share a day I had this week.  Twice in one day I had a call from 3 different clients--a couple in southern Ohio and a client in NE Ohio, both experiencing a rate increase from their supplement plan and not sure what to do.  Because we work together and I know their needs, we were able to review how the plan worked for them overall and then check for another plan.  In both cases we found a plan that met their needs, they qualified for and they were able to save money. 
Too many times people see these increases and do one of two things:  Accept it--"Oh that's just what happens.  I'm sure all companies do that."  OR, begin doing research, having to contact multiple companies on their own for eligibility and pricing.  My clients were confirmed for price, eligibility and had forms filled out in a matter of a couple of days. 
How does that make me feel as their agent?  WONDERFUL!  There is nothing so rewarding as knowing you helped someone. 
I meet wonderful people all the time and I look forward to sharing their stories with all of you.

Who Will Help Me When I Turn 65?

Baby Boomers are turning 65 at a rate of approximately 10,000 people a day in the U.S.  As people are turning 65, they are being bombarded with information from insurance companies and agents.....stacks of mail, phone calls....etc.  How do you know who to trust and where to turn?  Obvioulsy there are a lot of options for you....many people take the advice from a friend or relative, attend a seminar or research online.  Here are a few things to consider: 
You should not have to pay to meet with someone to discuss your options (unless it's a class or seminar--there may be a fee for the facility where it is being held) 
One-size does NOT fit all.  The plan that works for your friend or sister may not be right for you.
Compare your options from different carriers, pricing, networks, facilities, area....these could all be a factor in the plan you choose.
Be comfortable with the agent you work with--choose someone who will answer your questions and concerns.  The right agent is someone you will work with for years to come.  Unfortunately, many people think once they turn 65 and put their plan in place, they are DONE.  Your plan is an ongoing plan, it should be reviewed, and possibly updated or replaced in the future.  If you work with someone who knows your needs, they become someone you trust to help make decisions based on your best interests.