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!!!!