June 2016 - The Senior Voice

Serving Dallas, Denton, Collin, Rockwall and Tarrant Counties
a paper with a purpose
Bob Schieffer
www.theseniorvoice.com
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June 2016
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Dearest Community,
Editor, Carol Butler
I know that I cannot introduce Bob
Schieffer any better than what has
already been said and written of
him. As you all know, Bob spent
over half a century as a journalist.
This Texan was born in Austin,
raised in Fort Worth and attended
TCU, where the journalism school
was named after him in 2013. He
spent the past 46 years with CBS
news. Bob retired back in May
2015; and in February 2016 was
asked to return to CBS to provide
commentary on the presidential
race and election.
The dichotomy between what
Bob Schieffer stands for and
the climate and character of our
current political race is staggering.
It is as though his white hat is
gleaming in the sun surrounded by
the unscrupulous black clouds of
our political system.
As I watch and listen to the
news each day, I am shocked
that crude, belligerent voices are
being accepted as a new wave for
democratic change. I understand
the frustrations - our government
has been in gridlock the past
eight years– and nothing seems
to be getting accomplished on
either side of the aisle. However,
this does not make acceptable –
unacceptable behavior. This does
not mean we throw values under
the bus.
And then there is Bob Schieffer.
A political commentator who is
the poster child for journalistic
excellence; genteel manners;
funny, thoughtful and mindful
story telling; kind and collected.
And, with this as his grounding,
he still asks the tough questions.
You ever hear of the saying,
we can disagree without being
disagreeable?
When Bob announced his
retirement, Charlie Rose from
“CBS Morning News”, said the
following, “We are so proud
to have called you a colleague,
everyone that is in the business
would like to have the life and
impact you have had and the
values you have brought to
broadcasting.”
And who better to write this great
interview than Tommy Thomason,
professor of journalism at TCU and
director of the Texas Center for
Community Journalism at TCU?
Bob is an alumnus of the school,
which since 2013 bears the name:
The Bob Schieffer College of
Communications.
My personal opinions on Bob
Schieffer are collected from
watching the “CBS Evening
News” as well as “Face the
Nation.”
This interview not only shines a
light on all the great known facts
of Bob’s life — it also includes
many from his personal life. Until
this interview — I had no idea that
Bob was a lover of country music,
or a painter. I have been watching
You Tube videos of Bob on stage
— raising his hand high in the air
— crooning with a southern drawl,
“Cause I’ve got friends in low
places, where the whiskey drowns
and the beer chases my blues
away, and I’ll be okay…”
For an enlightening interview by
Tommy Thomason, please turn to
pages 10 and 11.
Cheers!
Carol
4 | www.theseniorvoice.com
June 2016
features
contents
COVER>
Bob Schieffer:
Bob Schieffer retired from
CBS news at the end of 2015
after a tremendous career in
broadcasting. Bob is revered by
his contemporaries; so much
so, that he was brought back
by CBS at the beginning of
2016 to provide commentary
on the upcoming election. In
2013, TCU, his alma mater,
named the school of journalism
after him. Who better than
Tommy Thomason, professor
of journalism at TCU and
director of the Texas Center for
Community Journalism to write
this story?
Publisher & Founder>
Carol Butler
[email protected]
Copy Editor>
Harriet Blake
Marketing & Business
Development>
Heidi Frankel
[email protected]
Production & Graphic Design>
Leigh Ellis
[email protected]
www.EllisGS.com
Website Editor>
Andra Dunn
[email protected]
By Tommy Thomason
Contributing Writers
Harriet Blake
Pamela Conner
Heidi Frankel
Debra Goldie Jones
Harriet P. Gross
Kassira McKee
Melinda Myers
Nick Thomas
Tommy Thomason
COLUMNS
15> EnGROSSing
Experiences
by Harriet P. Gross
OUT AND ABOUT
16> June Events
17> Grand Times:
Activities to Enjoy with
Your Grandkids
by Heidi Frankel
17> Grand Times:
Cooking with Your
Grandkids
by Chef Travis
Page 8-9> Father’s Day Gadgets:
Father’s Day is on June 19th, and we are
celebrating the men in our lives. Turn to pages
8 and 9 where you will find tips on Sex after
60, cool gadgets and unique gifts. You won’t
want to miss the top-ten list on what to do
after retirement by author Phillip Taylor.
By Phillip Taylor
Contact Us!>
We value your feedback.
[email protected]
972-862-2668
The Senior Voice is published monthly
and single copies are available free
in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall
and Tarrant counties. Entire contents
of The Senior Voice, unless noted,
all rights reserved. Material may
not be reproduced without written
permission. Opinions expressed in
articles appearing in this magazine do
not necessarily reflect the views of the
publisher. Publisher is not responsible
for errors in advertising.
Page 17> Grand Kids Events:
Heidi Frankel has compiled a variety of events
to enjoy with your grandchildren. From the
Geo-Deck at Reunion Tower
to the ultimate
LEGO Lover’s paradise at BrickUniverse in
Plano, there are plenty of places to go and
explore.
By Heidi Frankel
Page 18> Peter Mark Richman:
Recognized for hundreds of television roles
dating back to the 1950s, Peter Mark Richman
broke into film alongside Gary Cooper in the
1956 civil war western, “Friendly Persuasion.”
Find out how Richman almost lost out on his
acting career by becoming a pharmacist.
By Nick Thomas
Get the most out of the
senior voice!
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with resources, dig into past issues and
more!
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in the news
Local Groups Commemorate
World Elder Abuse Awareness
Local effort to raise awareness about elder
abuse and neglect in our community
The Senior Source and the Elder Financial Safety Center, along with nine
other community organizations, are commemorating World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day by sponsoring a free symposium on Wednesday, June 15
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 6121 E. Lovers Lane,
Dallas. “No Excuse for Elder Abuse!” will present information about the
types of elder abuse, red flags and warning signs and how to report and stop
abuse. The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. with time to visit resource tables
and enjoy refreshments before and after.
Every day, 10,000 people turn 65 in the U.S. alone. That trend is going to
continue for nearly the next 20 years. As demographics are shift, we will
soon have more elder people in our country than ever before. At the same
time that the population is growing, we know that a startling number of
elders face abusive conditions. Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in
10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And
that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder
abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15,
2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the
World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose is to provide
an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better
understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness
of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder
abuse and neglect.
“Elder abuse is a huge and growing problem that every community needs
to address,” says Lynda Ender, director of Advocacy Group for Elders (AGE)
at The Senior Source. “We are pleased that key organizations in Dallas
have come together to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
by educating the public about elder abuse — from how to spot it to how to
report it.”
Other organizations that will be represented at the event include AARP, Adult
Protective Services, AGE Elder Justice Committee, APS Community Board,
Bridge Building Network, City of Dallas Senior Services, Community Council
of Greater Dallas — Area Agency on Aging, Dallas Area Gerontological
Society and Dallas County HHS.
To register and for more information, please contact Julie Krawczyk at
214.823.5700 or email at [email protected].
Charles Smith to Head Texas Health
& Human Services Commission
Charles Smith, a longtime ally of Gov. Greg Abbott,
will be the next executive commissioner of the Texas
Health and Human Services Commission.
Smith, the chief deputy executive commissioner at
the massive agency, will start his new position on
June 1.
“Charles Smith is a proven leader ready for the challenge to take the helm at
Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission,” Abbott said in a prepared
statement.
The Health and Human Services Commission is a five-agency enterprise that
operates a $35 billion annual budget with roughly 60,000 employees. Their
duties include overseeing the Medicaid public insurance program, running
institutions such as state-supported living centers and regulating private
facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. They also enforce restrictions
on abortion clinics, oversee Child Protective Services and manage the state’s
foster care system.
Smith is a former deputy for child support in the state attorney general’s
office. He was appointed to that position by Abbott, who was then the
attorney general. Governor Abbott also announced Cecile Young, the agency’s chief of staff,
would be promoted to Chief Deputy Executive Commissioner. Abbott said
Smith and Young “will continue to improve the agency’s efficiency and
accountability to Texas citizens.”
Chris Traylor, the outgoing commissioner, announced his retirement in April.
Raising The Next Generation
Grandparents raising grandchildren work hard
to provide for everyone’s needs. The Dallas Area
Agency on Aging’s Caregiver Support provides a
wide variety of services for grandparents or other
relatives over 55 years of age raising relative
minor children or a child with disabilities of any
age. Call for information on applying, 214-871-5065.
6 | www.theseniorvoice.com
June 2016
VOICES choices
Getting Reel
By Larry Ratliff
The grandkids are coming for a visit and you’d like to share
the wonders of true cinematic joy by treating your favorite
little ones to an afternoon at the movies. There’s just one
looming problem. Have you noticed what’s lighting up many of the screens
at your local cineplex these days? If you answered violence to the Nth degree,
F-bomb comedies or paranormal spookiness, you’re on the right track for the
most part.
There’s good news in June, however, especially if the word “sequel” doesn’t
spoil your cinematic party. Dory, the cinema’s favorite Pacific Regal Blue
Tang, is back with Ellen DeGeneres providing the voice for the lovable-yetforgetful blue fish.
It may have taken 13 years for the Finding Nemo animated comic-adventure
sequel to spawn, but Finding Dory, opening June 17, shows all the signs of
being a real gem for fans of the original and for a new generation of wideeyed movie fans. The good news is that all the key elements are in place
for repeat success. There’s DeGeneres as the title character. In this new
adventure, it’s a year later and Dory suddenly remembers that she has a
family and they may be looking for her. So off she goes, with her pals Marlin
(Albert Brooks) and Nemo (Hayden Rolence, taking over from Alexander
Gould) to find them. I can’t wait to see what Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy
bring to Dory’s long-lost parents.
Independence Day, the 1996 space alien invasion action flick, gets a reboot 20
years after the original. Roland Emmerich returns to the director’s chair.
Independence Day: Resurgence opens June 24. But don’t expect to see
Will Smith. The filmmakers have said in published reports that Smith is too
expensive and too much of a distraction to recast. Bill Pullman will be back
as fighter pilot U.S. president, Thomas J. Whitmore, however. It seems
the nations of Mother Earth have gotten together to protect the planet from
invading aliens. Unfortunately, the unwelcome visitors from deep space have
updated their invasion software as well.
And, to continue the “everything old is new again” theme, those kung-fu
fighting perennial teenage turtles are back. They return to save the city from
yet another potentially catastrophic threat in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:
Out of the Shadows on June 3.
Top 5 Movies About D-Day to
Remember June 6, 1944
www.usatoday.com
Saving Private Ryan, 1998; Director: Steven Spielberg
The Longest Day, 1962; Directors: Ken Annakin, Andrew Maron,
Bernhard Wicki, Gerd Oswald, Daryl F. Zanuck
Where Eagles Dare, 1968; Director: Brian G. Hutton
Eye of the Needle, 1981; Director: Richard Marquand
The Americanization of Emily, 1964; Director: Arthur Hiller
Museums: Bringing
Dementia And Art Together
by Pamela Conner
For individuals living with dementia or a traumatic brain injury, area museums
have created interactive programs that allow participants a way to connect
with art and each other. Here is a list of programs for those living with
dementia and their caregivers.
Dallas Museum of Art
Meaningful Moments
A free monthly program for early stage dementia patients and their
caregivers. The program includes a gallery discussion, an interactive
component, along with an art-making activity in DMA’s art studio. The
program gives dementia patients and their caregivers time to enjoy art in the
galleries, the opportunity to share stories, and a dose of inspiration. There’s
a new theme each month. Reservation is required and space is limited. For
more information call 214-922-1251 or email: [email protected]. DMA is
located at 1717 North Harwood Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201.
Kimbell Art Museum
Viewpoints
Designed for Alzheimer patients, this program offers individuals an interactive
experience featuring group discussions and hands-on activities with
inspiration from museum masterpieces. The program is free with limited
space. To find out more about the Viewpoints, upcoming programs and
special arrangements for individuals and caregivers call 817-332-8451 ext.
713 or email: [email protected]. KMA is located at 3333 Camp
Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
Meadows Museum
Connections
Located on the SMU campus, the three-day program is offered to individuals
with early stage dementia, traumatic brain injuries and their caretakers.
Participants explore the galleries through interactive activities, investigate
various material to create individual and group projects, explore works of
art through music, dance, literature, role play, and storytelling. Connections
is offered twice a semester featuring a Wednesday or Friday series that
take place over three consecutive weeks. To learn more about Connections,
upcoming dates and registration contact Carmen Smith at 214-768-4677
or email: [email protected]. The museum is located at 5900 Bishop
Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Sharing the Past Through Art
Offered on the second Thursday of each month the program allows individuals
with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers an opportunity to explore and discuss
artists, exhibitions and themes while connecting their past through artwork.
The program is free and no registration is required. For additional information
call 817-989-5030 or email: [email protected]. ACMAA is located at
3501 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
for the guys
Sex After 60:
It’s All About Intimacy!
Gary G. Kindley, D.Min., LPC, CSAT
Human sexuality is a beautiful gift of the human
condition. It is expressed in various ways over
one’s lifespan, and most major religions (including
Christianity, Judaism and Islam) view sexuality as
precious and holy. So how is it that the two most
commonly held misconceptions that people have
about human sexuality are that sex is shameful and
that older adults are not sexual beings?
Medically speaking, sex is for both procreation
and recreation — think health and renewal. My
primary physician actually inquired about my sexual
life as a routine part of my annual physical exam.
Psychologically, it is most deeply about intimacy. One of the reasons that the
Red Cross works to provide privacy for couples and families living in shelters
following a disaster is to allow them intimacy for emotional bonding and
security.
As we age, physical factors may impact our sexual health. Medication may
interfere with climax for men and women, while cardiovascular issues may
lead to erectile dysfunction in men, or an inability for both men and women
to engage in more vigorous sexual activity. As our bodies age and change,
this is a good time for couples to talk about their needs and concerns, reexamine their sexual practices and make adjustments.
Healthy sex in older adults may move from focusing on intercourse to
cuddling, physical touch and emotional bonding. Start with a hand massage:
gently, slowly and lovingly rubbing lotion or oil onto the hands of your
beloved while gazing into their eyes and focusing on your breathing. A fullbody massage or other act of physical touch and intimacy can become as
lovingly and beautifully sexual as any intercourse or other sexual expression.
Above all, be patient and willing to talk about each other’s likes and dislikes,
needs and desires. Be open to seeking the help of a licensed sex therapist
who can help couples get past issues of communication, fears, and emotional
roadblocks without shame or embarrassment. Lighten up! If moralistic
thinking is holding you back, visit with a counselor to help you unpack your
emotional baggage.
Life is a journey and a process, not merely a destination. Ultimately, life
is always about relationships and intimacy in all the ways that it manifests
itself—spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical.
Dr. Kindley is a Licensed Professional Counselor, the founder of CCIA Dallas,
and author of “Growing Older Without Fear: The 9 Qualities of Successful
Aging.”
8 | www.theseniorvoice.com
June 2016
A few gift ideas
• Amazon Echo • $179.99
amazon.com
Allows hands-free convenience with voice-control. Answers
questions, plays all your music, reads audiobooks and the news,
reports traffic and weather, provides sports scores and schedules.
Controls lights, switches, and thermostats with compatible smart
home devices.
• Waterproof Shower Radio • $99.99
sharperimage.com
Enjoy your favorite music station, or catch up on the day’s
headlines, news, financial reports, ball games — or even the
weather report. Take this radio to the pool, beach, lake or even on
the boat. Features 10 digital presets and push button controls. It
also has LED flashlight, battery level indicator, timer, and built-in
AM/FM antenna.
• Razor and Brush with Stand • $157
naturaldesignswoodturning.com
Take the gentleman’s vanity to new heights.
WEBSITES FOR COOL GADGETS AND
Computer GEEKS
thegadgetflow.com
Features luxury cool gadgets which include more than 10,000
products within over 140 categories. From bags, backpacks
and BBQ equipment to car accessories, creative clocks and
pet accessories, you will find the perfect gift for any occasion.
gizmag.com
Gizmag is the place to spy on invention and innovation. While
we all know about the new iPad or Windows 8, we don’t
always get to hear about the slightly zany, out-there gadgets
in development. That is where Gizmag comes in. We’re
talking flying cars and suction-cup shoes. Things that we may or may not all
be using in the years to come but which are already out there now. This is
geekdom for those who love gadgets.
howtogeek.com
How-To Geek is completely dedicated to computers and how
they work. There is a constant stream of articles related to
the topic, as well as forums with sections dedicated to all
the major operating systems and specialized topics such as
building your own PC. This is the place for those who know a
little but want to know more.
What To Do After
Retirement
After decades in the workforce, retirees finally get complete control
over how they spend their time. Here are some of the many terrific
things you can do with your time and energy in retirement.
1. Live within your means. You earned your retirement, now
make it last. If you have a fixed income each month from a pension,
make sure you create and stick to a budget to stay within your limits.
If you are spending down your nest egg, be sure to research your
appropriate withdrawal rate and the tax rules that might apply.
2. Travel. Now that you don’t have to worry about the limits of
vacation time, take extended vacations. Go live in a foreign country
for a while or take a long cruise.
3. Start a business. Now that your career is over, start that business
you’ve always wanted. Consider using your career experience to start
a consulting firm or take your existing part-time business and expand
it into a full-time enterprise.
4. Get a part-time job. Do you still want a place to go everyday?
Find a fun part-time job with a company you love. Having this job will
not only bring in a little extra income, but it will give you a place to
socialize each day. If you still need insurance, you can find a part-time
job with benefits.
5. Teach. Use your hard-earned wisdom and experience to teach
others. Start a free course at your local library or community center.
You could even possibly teach at a local community college or
university.
6. Volunteer. Use your time in retirement to give back. Contact
your local church or other charitable organization to find volunteer
opportunities that suit your skills. Don’t forget to consider overseas
opportunities as well.
7. Babysit. Use your free time to help your family or local families in
need of a babysitting service. This could even be a way to bring in a
little extra cash if needed.
The Importance of a
Yearly Check-Up
Guys, That Means You
By Dr. Shounak Das
I know… you’re a guy. You are invincible. Little
aches and pains do not affect you. You do not
need to go to the doctor!
Well, I’m here to tell you that it is worth your time
and effort to visit your doctor at least once a year.
Why, you ask? Let me try my best to convince
you.
Even if you feel fine and think you are completely healthy, there are
some things that need to be checked at least once a year.
Have you gained weight? Have you had your flu shot? Is your energy
level tanking? These are questions your doctor will want to know about.
Many serious diseases are asymptomatic, meaning that you do
not know you have them unless your doctor checks for them. High
blood pressure; sometimes people don’t know their blood pressure
is high until they are in the hospital after a stroke. Diabetes can
be asymptomatic— until it gets really bad. High cholesterol has no
symptoms but can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.
After you are 50, and in some cases at an earlier age, you should be
screened for colon cancer. Ask your doctor for the different ways to
screen for the disease. Just know colon cancer screening has been
proven to save lives.
Prostate cancer screening is also important and is recommended if you
are at high risk or have symptoms.
Lung cancer screening is the new kid on the block when it comes to
cancer screening and should be done in certain high-risk populations.
8. Be a mentor. Find a young person to mentor. Many young people
would love the chance to learn from the experienced and successful.
Take time out of your week to change the life of someone else.
Establish a relationship with your Primary Care Provider. Even if you
are the picture of health, are up to date with your screening tests, and
are not on any prescription medications, no one is invulnerable. Your
doctor will advocate for you if and when you get sick, need a referral to
a specialist, or end up in the hospital.
9. Get educated. Go back to school. Finish your diploma or get a
graduate degree. You could even just take classes for fun to learn a
subject of interest. Many colleges offer discounts to retirees above
certain ages.
Men often put themselves on the bottom of their own to-do lists. Work
and family come before taking care of themselves.
10. Nothing. You earned your retirement. Go do whatever you want,
including nothing.
Philip Taylor is the author of 104 Ways to Save Extra Money. Read his
popular blog, PT Money: Personal Finance for more insightful money
tips, like his recent suggestions for the best online checking accounts.
Visit your doctor for your annual checkup. Do it for you. Do it for your
loved ones.
It will do your body good.
Dr. Shounak Das
Texas Health Adult and Senior Clinic — Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas
8210 Walnut Lane, Suite 718, Dallas — 214.345.7377
June 2016
www.theseniorvoice.com
| 9
For
Bob
Schieffer
retirement is just a
different kind of busy
By Tommy Thomason
Bob Schieffer
thinks most
people retire too
soon.
“We are all living longer now,” the 79-yearold newsman said. “We are in better shape
physically, we eat better, and most people
are really trying to live healthy. We need to
exercise not only our bodies, but also our
minds — and working can be an important part
of that.”
Schieffer’s career is an example of his
commitment to staying active at work and at
home. When he first considered retiring at age
67 in 2004, he was already one of the nation’s
best-known and most-honored journalists. But
Schieffer delayed his retirement when CBS
convinced him to stay on through the 2004
elections.
That delay continued through three more
presidential elections and ended up giving
10 | www.theseniorvoice.com
Schieffer the most productive
years of his half-century in
journalism.
Last year, Schieffer surprised
an audience at his alma
mater, Texas Christian
University, by announcing
that he was ending a career
that had made him one of the
most recognized faces and
voices in TV journalism.
His retirement lasted about six months.
Schieffer is now appearing again on CBS as an
election analyst. But he doesn’t keep regular
office hours, so the Fort Worth native still says
he’s retired, though you might not be able to
tell it from his schedule.
“I told someone I was pretty lucky,” Schieffer
said, “because I don’t have to get up so early
on Sunday mornings.”
Schieffer rose at 4:30 a.m. on Sundays for 24
years to moderate “Face the Nation,” one of
the longest-running news programs in the
history of television. When he retired, “Face
the Nation” had been the highest-rated Sunday
talk show for four consecutive years.
June 2016
Making “Face the Nation” the top Sunday
morning talk show was only one of Schieffer’s
accomplishments in the 11 years of his career
that came after he first considered retiring.
“Lots of the things I am best known for
happened after an age when most people
retire,” he said.
Those post-retirement age achievements have
included:
nBeing named interim anchor for the “CBS
Evening News” after Dan Rather’s ouster
and reversing the news broadcast’s ratings
decline.
n Writing three books on his life and career in
journalism.
n Winning numerous awards, including
induction into the National Academy of Arts
and Sciences Hall of Fame and being named
a living legend by the Library of Congress.
And that’s only the beginning: Schieffer
won several of his Emmys — along with
awards from the Radio Television Digital
News Association, the Cronkite School
of Journalism and the TV News Directors
Association — after his 67th birthday.
spill oils, it’s permanent”) in his studio, which
doubles as a laundry room in his home in
Washington, D.C.
He also does a lot of work with colored pencils
now because he’s on the road so much and
they are easy to pack and take along.
And one reason Schieffer is sometimes on
the road has nothing to do with politics or
guest lecturing before journalism groups or
universities – he is also the featured soloist for
Honky Tonk Confidential, a retro/alt country
band. Bob has called his gigs with the band
“the most fun I’ve ever had in my life.”
n TCU’s naming of the Bob Schieffer College
of Communication for him in 2013.
n Moderating three presidential debates —
Bush-Kerry in 2004, Obama-McCain in 2008
and Obama-Romney in 2012.
“I think she actually wants me at home less,”
he laughs. “When I decided to retire, she said,
“’You’re not going to be around here all day,
are you?’”
And now, in retirement, Schieffer has lots to
keep him busy besides his work as an election
analyst with the network. He travels back
to Fort Worth each semester to work with
journalism undergraduates at TCU, and he also
lectures at Harvard in the Shorenstein Center
on Media, Politics and Public Policy.
Plus there’s travel for speaking engagements
and for pleasure with his wife of 49 years, Pat.
The Schieffers have two daughters and three
granddaughters – identical 15-year-old twins
and an 11-year-old. And making time for them
is definitely a priority in Bob and Pat’s still-busy
schedule.
To unwind, Schieffer engages in a hobby that
he first began developing when he sat on his
grandmother’s porch outside of Austin and
drew the cows grazing in nearby fields – he’s
an inveterate sketcher. He has drawn on pads
in meetings and even now while he’s watching
TV.
But when he was in New York anchoring the
“CBS Morning News” in 1979, he walked down
the street from his studio one morning to check
out the renowned Art Students League and
ended up taking a life drawing class.
“I pretty much went there full-time for two
years,” Schieffer remembers.
He’s now a painter who works mainly in
acrylics (“I did oils for a long time, but if you
“Pat and I have a great partnership,” he said. “I
certainly would not have gone this far without
her. When I was traveling so much for CBS, she
basically raised our kids.”
Schieffer, a singer-songwriter, has performed
with Honky Tonk Confidential in venues from
the Waldorf Astoria to the Grand Ole Opry in
Nashville.
His signature tune, which
he wrote and performs
with the band, is “TV
Anchorman,” about a gas
station attendant who is
vaulted onto “Eyewitness
News” after a highly paid
consultant spots him
pumping gas at Stuckey’s.
Schieffer’s fans include
Brad Paisley, who
performed with him at the Grand Ole Opry.
When Bob retired from CBS last year, Paisley
tweeted that for his next career, Bob should try
being a country singer/songwriter.
Schieffer thinks retirement is not so much the
time to develop new interests as it is to develop
the interests you already have.
“You have more time to do the things you
were already doing,” he explained, “and
maybe even to get better at them.”
Anyone looking at Schieffer’s post-retirement
schedule might dispute the fact that he has
“more time,” but only if they weren’t aware
of his schedule as a broadcast journalist and
“Face the Nation” host. Now, his days still
include regular TV appearances, but he looks
forward to travel with Pat, singing, painting and
enjoying his grandchildren.
In other words, Schieffer’s retirement isn’t a
time for leisure – it’s just a different kind of
busy.
Pat wasn’t exactly looking forward to having
Bob hanging around the house all day after
retirement.
Tommy Thomason is a professor of journalism
at TCU and director of the Texas Center for
Community Journalism.
June 2016
www.theseniorvoice.com
| 11
The Truth
about Hot
Peppers
The Cautions of
Exposing Your Pet to
Excessive Heat
By Melinda Myers
By Kassira McKee
Don’t be afraid to add a little spicy
heat to your meals this season by
growing a few hot peppers in the
garden or containers. It’s easier
than you think and many of the
hot pepper myths floating around
the garden are simply not true.
Rain, sleet, snow or heat, when they gotta’ go, they gotta’ go. Dogs and
cats are homeotherms, which means they typically maintain a constant
body temperature of 101° to 102°. If their body temperature rises above
106°, brain, tissue and organ swelling can occur as well as abnormal blood
clotting, which can damage the kidneys, heart, lungs and the brain. This
leads to the physical collapse of the animal, a coma, seizures and respiratory
arrest.
Don’t worry about your hot
peppers heating up your sweet
peppers. Peppers are normally
self-pollinated. If an insect
happens to move the pollen
from a hot to sweet pepper, it will not affect the flavor or heat of this year’s
harvest. If you save the seeds from a cross-pollinated pepper and plant them
in next year’s garden, the plants they produce may have hot or sweet fruit
(or a little of both), but only time will tell.
When dogs pant, the evaporation dissipates heat from within their bodies,
but prolonged panting without a cooling element will lead to dehydration.
And if you think the hot pavement burns your feet, imagine how it feels to
your dog! Even though our dogs have thicker pads on their paws than we
have on our feet, they can still get thirddegree burns from prolonged contact
with hot terrain.
Do not assume all green peppers are sweet or you will be in for a surprise.
Jalapenos are typically harvested when green and others, like Habanero,
Anaheim and Poblano are hot, whether harvested when green or red. You’ll also find that hot peppers can be yellow, orange, brown and of course
red.
You can turn down the heat when preparing your favorite recipes, too.
Contrary to popular belief, all the heat in hot peppers does not come from
the seeds. While partially true, the majority of the capsaicin that gives hot
peppers their heat is in the white membrane that houses the seeds. So
remove the white membrane and the seeds, just to be safe, if you want to
turn down the heat.
The spicy heat of hot peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units. The
Scoville heat unit ratings vary from one type of hot pepper to another, with
Poblano rating between 1000 to 2000, Jalapenos 2500 to 6000, and one of
the hottest, the Ghost Pepper, at 1,000,000 to 2,200,000 Scoville heat units. Also, consider wearing rubber gloves and avoid touching your face and
eyes when working with hot peppers, as they can burn. Wash your hands,
utensils and cutting boards when finished to avoid any future issues.
If you are having a bad day when planting your hot peppers, never fear.
Contrary to some old adages, planting hot peppers when you’re angry won’t
make the peppers hotter, but unknowingly taking a bite of a hot pepper may
very well change your mood.
Melinda Myers has over 30 years of gardening experience has written
over 20 gardening books, including “Small Space Gardening” and “The
Midwest Gardener’s Handbook.” She hosts “The Great Courses ‘How to
Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone’” DVD set and the nationally
syndicated “Melinda’s Garden Moment” TV & radio segments.
12 | www.theseniorvoice.com
June 2016
It is best to keep cats inside with a litter
box. Bring your outdoor cats in for the
summer or at least provide them with
a cooler shelter and plenty of water for
them to drink.
Helpful tips:
nWalk dogs in the morning or late evening in the shade just long enough
to do their business.
nTake a bottle of cold water for the both of you for hydration.
nAt an outdoor event, take your dog to watering areas often and stay in
the shade.
nAvoid taking your dog with you on runs or long walks.
nNever leave your pet in a parked car on a warm day.
nWatch for excessive panting or drooling, tender paws, shaking,
sluggishness and red, gray or purple tongue and gums — that is
dehydration.
nOnce back inside, lead your dog to water and encourage it to rest on cool
tile, wood or cement floor to regulate their temperature and avoid overexertion until it has cooled off.
n Do not shave your dog’s fur down in hot months — they shed their
undercoat naturally, but their outer coat needs to remain as a thermal
regulator.
n If you’re outside with your pet in hot weather and your pet begins to pant
heavily, take it into cooler temperatures, hose it down or run tepid water
over its body, especially the head, neck, chest and groin, or wrap it in a
cool, wet towel to start the cooling process.
What’s the plan?
Do You Even Have One?
Part 1: No place like home
By Harriet L. Blake
Let’s face it. We all need a plan. Some of us are pro-active and may
have something set up. As we age, it’s good to have some sort of idea
of where you want to be. Are you in good health and able to remain
in your own home, perhaps with some help? Or does an assisted living
set-up sound appealing - a place that takes care of you but still gives
you the freedom to come and go? Don’t wait until your health fails and
your kids have to make a quick decision on your life. Remember, it’s
your life and if you want to keep control of it, it is smart to have a plan.
How do you determine whether living at home is an option? You may
have lost a spouse but yet the thought of any further change in your
life is unimaginable. Be honest with yourself. Not everyone ages the
same. If you are still in good physical shape, can still drive, maintain
your yard and home, go for it. Your body will tell you when it’s time to
move on. Finances may also be a determining factor. Is living at home
affordable?
Make sure your home is hazard-free. Install bars around the toilets
and in the shower to keep the bathroom safe. Remove area or scatter
rugs that can easily cause a slip or fall. Wear a Life Alert pendant that
can be pressed to summon help in an emergency. If the house is two
stories, consider installing an electric rail chair if stairs have become
too cumbersome.
Interestingly enough, people who live in what National Geographic
has dubbed “the Blue Zones,” seem to age well at home. There are
five such areas in the world: Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya
Peninsula, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, Ca.; and Okinawa, Japan. These
folks often live into their 100s, without suffering the common ailments
many seniors do today. The reason? They tend to live in less-stressed
environments, exercise naturally (walking, no gyms), have a purpose
in life, eat a mostly plant-based diet, drink moderately, attend weekly
faith-based services and continue to live with or near their families.
So remaining at home makes some sense, especially if family is near.
Being part of a community gives one a sense of well-being. It lends
itself to a healthier lifestyle that includes natural exercise and good
eating. Diane Kochilas writes in her cookbook Ikaria: Lessons on Food,
Life and Longevity from the Greek Island Where People Forget to Die,
that “Older Ikarians are not just mentally and emotionally healthier than
their counterparts…they also seem to be physically healthier…there
was virtually no depression and no dementia, whereas almost half of
Americans over the age of 85 show signs of Alzheimer’s.”
Consult with family members, but remember, the choice should be
your own.
[Next month: What’s the plan? Part II — Choosing Assisted Living]
Are You Wearing The
Correct Size Bra?
Most Women Are Not!
By Maria E. Valencia
Founder and President, Fresh Comfort, Inc.,
“Adaptive Intimate Apparel for a Better Life.”
Do you know that 8 out of 10 women are
wearing the wrong size bra?
There are several ways to learn if you are
wearing the correct size bra. You can go
online at intimate apparel websites to get
a good sense of what to look for in a great
fitting bra. A few of the websites even have
size calculators to enter your measurements
for the correct size in the style you want.
www.freshcomfortinc.com
(214) 705-0408
When your weight fluctuates between 5 and 10 pounds it is highly
recommended when you get re- fitted for a new bra. Yes, ladies, this can
make a difference between having a bra that is supportive and comfortable to
one that is either too tight or too loose.
An easy way to find out if you are wearing the correct cup and band size is
to lift your arms then bring your right hand down and feel under the cup. Is
your breast tissue still in the cup or is it exposed? If it is the latter, then you
need to be fitted by an expert.
As we age we want comfortable support. Enough of the digging and
irritating bras with an underwire!
Fresh Comfort, Inc., a new local Internet company in Frisco, offers an
alternative — comfortable well fitting bras. A “how to” video on the best way
to correctly measure yourself can be found on their website.
The products are geared towards women with mobility challenges, arthritis,
fibromyalgia, diabetes and those recovering from a stroke. But the bras are
also perfect for yoga and Pilates as well!
Maria E. Valencia, Fresh Comfort, Inc., Founder and President, offers FREE
bra fitting sessions for a group of 4-6 women. Grab a few friends, call for an
appointment and finally get the best fit your breasts deserve.
Protecting Your Future
By: Lori A. Leu
As the Baby Boomer generation gets older, many are not prepared for the
hardships of aging. These days, getting old seems to be harder because
families live farther apart and aren’t able to care for each other the way
they did in the past. And, many of us in the “sandwich generation” are
trying to juggle raising children and taking care of parents at the same
time. Protecting your future and providing quality care for seniors is getting
tougher and more expensive, but the following will make it a little easier.
n Fraud Awareness: Too many seniors are manipulated by someone
they thought they could trust: a family member or friend, a teller at
a bank, or even a caregiver. Unfortunately, our elderly population is
vulnerable to deception and fraud. Many times, people in trustworthy
roles abuse their position to befriend and exploit elderly persons for
financial or material gain. Take time to talk with your elderly loved
ones and listen carefully for hints of struggles to manage on their own
or indications someone may be taking advantage of them. Make sure
they know you’re available to help set up protections to ensure they are
safeguarded from wrongdoers.
n Know Your Health Care Options: Get the facts on health care
coverage. People are often shocked to find out that Medicare will not
pay for assisted living or long-term nursing home care, which can cost
thousands of dollars a month. Although there are some government
benefits available, such as Medicaid or Veterans’ benefits, not everyone
qualifies for these programs. Look into long-term care insurance, or
its equivalent, for yourself and your loved ones — it can make all the
difference.
n Guardianships: When persons no longer have the capacity to care for
or protect themselves, and don’t have proper estate planning protections
in place, a judge can appoint a legal guardian to oversee personal affairs
and finances. Guardianships can be a difficult but necessary way to
protect a loved one from exploitation. Signing a Declaration of Guardian
now allows you to choose who you do and do not want appointed as
your guardian later. A proper estate plan, including a Durable Power
of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and Declaration of Guardian
stating your wishes ahead of time can prevent family heartache and
fighting.
n Find Trusted Advisors: Don’t face these challenges alone — seek
qualified professional advice on health care, insurance, legal documents,
and financial planning. There are many trust-worthy professionals in our
community — take time to build relationships with people you trust to
help plan for your future. You’re doing your family a huge favor when
you put a plan in place well before you need it.
Lori A. Leu, Erin W. Peirce, Lauren Olson, and Laura Chavero are Elder Law
attorneys with Lori A. Leu & Associates in Plano, Texas. They help clients
sort through these issues every day and can be reached at 972-996-2540.
What will you do to
FIGHT ALZHEIMER’S
on June 20?
Put your passion to good work
on The Longest Day.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
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14 | www.theseniorvoice.com
June 2016
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EnGROSSing
Experiences
Makes Cents
to Me
By Harriet P. Gross
I always turn the radio on when
I’m in my car – good old-fashioned
AM radio. News on one station,
vintage music on another. But
lately, on both, I’m getting more
and more financial advice.
Everybody seems to want to tell
seniors how to handle our money
to assure a comfortable retirement,
the importance of writing wills
and other advance directives, the
dangers of credit cards, etc. etc.
etc.
I’m most interested in this latter.
Somehow, no one seems to have
caught onto my virtually foolproof
system for making money much
easier to handle: DO NOT CHARGE
ANYTHING THAT WILL BE GONE
BEFORE YOU RECEIVE THE BILL!
Your Community Leader in Post-Acute and
Long-Term Care
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214-358-3131
I started following this simple rule
many years ago, when my son was
six. I’d just bought new jeans for
him at our local Sears, and charged
the purchase. After we got home,
he put on his new pants and went
outside to play with his friends. He
climbed a tree, promptly shredded
the jeans on his way down, and
came home to show me the
damage. No fix was possible. I
realized then that if I’d paid cash,
I’d cry quickly for the waste, but get
over it just as quickly. However, I
would cry again, and more bitterly,
when the bill came in much later,
and I was forced to remember,
and worse, to pay after the fact
for something that had gone into
the ragbag weeks before. A cash
sale would have closed the matter;
there would have been no later
painful reminder.
My son will turn 60 this-coming
summer, ten times the age at
which I learned the lesson I’m
still following. Yes, I do charge
my own clothing; I do not climb
trees. But I do not charge food
or household cleaning supplies
(cash only in the supermarket)
or restaurant treats (whether
fast food or the occasional more
“glamorous” dinner out) or lattes
at Starbucks. (Full disclosure here:
I don’t drink lattes at Starbucks. I
make my own coffee at home,
grinding beans I paid cash for.)
The charge bills that arrive monthly
do not contain any surprises; I
don’t have to look back and review
the ancient history of what I used
the cards for, and when, and why.
Are you concerned about losing
“points” if you don’t charge
everything? Believe me, you’ll
still be charging enough to rack up
substantial points. And if you’re
smart and careful, you’ll be paying
off those smaller bills in full each
month, thus accumulating none
of the interest charges that can
quickly wipe out the value of any
accrued points.
My son is now the grandfather of
two young boys. When I buy jeans
for my great-grandsons, I always
pay cash!
E vents
of
C alendar
June
DALLAS: Taste of Dallas
Taste of Dallas celebrates its 30th annual
festival of all things food, art, music, family
and fun this summer at Fair Park. Restaurants
from across the region offer up tastes of
their best dishes for only $1-$4. Also enjoy
Dallas’ best food trucks in attendance, along
with live cooking demos on the chef stage,
shopping, local and regional artists showing
their inspired works, work in progress by
more than 50 street-chalk artists, live music
and children’s activities.
Where: Dallas Fair Park
When: June 3-4
Phone: (972) 587-6090
GRAPEVINE: Friday Fun Trains
This one-hour train ride is great for families
with young children looking for a quick
adventure.
Where: Cotton Belt Depot
When: June 3, 10, 17, 24
Phone: (817) 410-3185
Website: www.GVRR.com
ROCKWALL: Rockwall Country
Fair
The Rockwall Soroptimists present the third
annual Rockwall Country Fair from 10am to
8pm. Admission is free. Enjoy a full day of
live music, dancing, food trucks, beverages,
vendors, live auction, car show, games and
rides. Tickets will be sold for the vintage kid
games and rides. A fun-filled family day to
kick off summer so put on your boots, get
your shindig on and come to the fair!
Where: Rockwall County Courhouse
When: June 4
Phone: (972) 722-1646
Website: www.rockwallcountryfair.com
GREENVILLE: Cotton Boll Artfest
This arts & crafts festival features handmade jewelry, pottery, artwork & more on
the grounds of the Audie Murphy/American
Cotton Museum.
Where: Audie Murphy/American
Cotton Museum
When: June 4–5
Phone: (903) 450-4502
Website: www.amacmuseum.com
16 | www.theseniorvoice.com
ARLINGTON: Texas Rangers
Baseball
Texas Chili Company Dollar Hot Dog Night as
well as Dr Pepper Autographs (for kids
13 and under).
Where: Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way
When: June 8 and 22
Phone: (817) 273-5000
Website: www.texas.rangers.mlb.com
McKINNEY: Killis Melton Ice
Cream Crank-Off
Taste a variety of homemade ice creams and
vote for your favorites.
Where: Chestnut Square Historic Village
When: June 11
Phone: (972) 562-8790
Website: www.chestnutsquare.org
GARLAND: Urban Flea
Organized by Resurrected Designs in
Downtown Garland, this outdoor market
features vintage and homemade vendors, live
music and food trucks on select Saturdays
from 9am to 4pm.
Where: Outdoor Market Garland
When: June 11
Phone: (469) 398-0042
Website: www.resurrecteddesigns.com
GARLAND: “Fiddler on the Roof”
Presented by Garland Summer Musicals.
Where: Granville Arts Center’s
Brownlee Auditorium
When: June 17-19, 24-26
Phone: (972) 205-2790
Website: www.GarlandArtsBoxOffice.com
DENTON: Denton Airshow
The Denton Airshow features fly-ins, an
aerial show and open house. See World War
II antique aircraft, aerobatic maneuvers,
parachute drop and experimental and vintage
aircraft on display.
Where: Denton Enterprise Airport
When: June 18
Website: www.denton.schultzairshows.com
June 2016
LEWISVILLE: Best Little Brewfest
in Texas
This craft-beer festival offers guests the
opportunity to sample and learn about a
variety of brews from Texas. More than
50 craft breweries from all over Texas are
present with more than 100 handcrafted
beers to serve thousands of beer lovers.
Where: Old Town Lewisville
When: June 18
Phone: (972) 219-3710
Website: www.BestLittleBrewfestInTexas.com
MANSFIELD: Downsizing Made
Easy Seminar
Join us for a special seminar to find out how
you can upgrade your lifestyle simply by
downsizing your home. In this seminar you
will learn about practical solutions for hosting
an effective estate sale, how to de-clutter
and deal with your possessions. You’ll also
gain insight into the local real estate market
and how to prepare your home for a possible
sales promotion. Guest Speakers include
experts in real estate, estate sales, moving,
packing, de-cluttering, and home repairs.
Complimentary Admission – Reserve your
seat today! Lunch will be served.
Where: 106 S. Wisterian, Mansfield, TX.
When: June 23
Phone: (817) 728-3680
Web: www.dallasfortworthseniorliving.
com/events
PLANO: Holistic Festival of Life
and Wellness
In one day, in one space, you’ll be able to
learn about and sample a huge variety of
life-enhancing modalities from highly skilled
teachers and practitioners.
Where: Plano Centre
When: June 26
Phone: (972) 750-1419
Website: www.holisticfestivaloflife.com
GRAND TIMES
Activities To Enjoy With Your GrandKids
By Heidi Frankel
BrickUniverse, Plano
Bring your grandkids and release
the inner builder in both of you at
BrickUniverse, Plano, the ultimate
LEGO lover’s paradise. Experience
hands-on LEGO attractions and
activities built to inspire, educate
and entertain. This family-friendly
event will have tons of amazing LEGO
creations, building zones, guest speakers and vendors. Buy your tickets in
advance to avoid long lines and sellouts.
Where: Plano Centre, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano
When: Saturday, June 11 – Sunday, June 12
Time: 10am–6pm
Phone: 972-941-5857
Cost: $15.00; Children 2 and younger are FREE
Web: www.brickuniverse.org/event
Texas Heritage
Festival
Heard Natural Science Museum
& Wildlife Sanctuary invites you
to mosey on over to the Texas
Heritage Festival. Enjoy toe-tappin’
Western music, local artisans, historical demonstrations, and interactive
children’s activities. Rustle up some tasty Texas grub and meet the friendly
wildlife ambassadors.
Where: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife
1 Nature Place, McKinney
When: Saturday, June 4 • 10am–3pm
Cost: Adults $9; Senior’s 60+ and Children ages 3-12 are $6;
Children 3 and under are FREE
Phone: 972.562.5566
Web: www.heardmuseum.org
Elements of (Non)
Fiction: Paintings by
Gale Gibbs and Diane
Walker-Gladney
Your grandkids will be tickled Pink… for Pinkalicious at Dallas Children’s
Theatre. When Pinkalicious doesn’t heed her parent’s advice and indulges in
too many pink goodies, she has to make some healthy choices to fight off a
bad case of Pinkitis. This popular book pops off the stage in this high-energy
musical treat.
Where: Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman St., Dallas
When: June 16 – July 17
Cost: Tickets start at $15
Phone: 214-740-0051
Web: www.dct.org
Experience the artwork of Gale Gibbs and
Diane Walker-Gladney as they explore
memory, dreams and storytelling through
figurative and abstract imagery.
Where: Irving Arts Center
3333 North MacArthur Blvd.,
Irving
When: Through June 26
Phone: 972.252.7558
Cost: FREE
Web: www.irvingartscenter.com for gallery hours
Reunion Tower –
GeO-Deck & Big D Trolley
Tours
Path To The
Presidency
Take your grandkids to the George
Bush Presidential Center and step into
a candidate’s shoes at this special
exhibit that gives you a fun, interactive
peek into past presidential campaigns. Pose for your own campaign poster
and deliver your acceptance speech using a teleprompter. This entertaining
exhibit brings historic campaigns to life with artifacts, documents, photos and
videos.
Where: George W. Bush Presidential Center , 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas
When: Through Oct. 9
Phone: 214-200-4300
Cost: Adults $17; ages 13-17 are $15; ages 5-12 are, $11
Web: www.bush43library.org
Where: When: Cost: Phone: Web:
Treat yourself and your grandkids to an exciting day in
Big D! Enjoy the view on the GeO-Deck and a trolley
ride. Start at the TOP and then explore the city of Dallas.
Trolley tickets must be used on the same day as your
visit to the GeO-Deck.
Reunion Tower
300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas
Any day the weather is appealing
$27-$35 per person. Cost determined by trolley tour.
Purchase your tickets at Reunion Tower ticket booth or online.
214-712-7040
www.reuniontower.com
GRAND TIMES
Cooking With Your GrandKids
By Chef Travis Wick
Ahhh! Peanut Butter and Jelly
Does any combo in history even come close to peanut
butter and jelly?
Peas and carrots? Chocolate and peanut butter? Ok,
maybe so. But neither has been around as long or
invokes the feeling of childhood, family and home as
much as a PB&J.
You might have learned in school that
George Washington Carver invented
peanut butter, but it has actually been
around for much longer than that. Mr.
Carver was instrumental in peanut
farming and therefore made it easier for
the masses to get it at home. Recipes
have been around forever using peanut
flour mixed with other ingredients to form
a paste or what we now call butter. Several countries
around the word call it a peanut paste because they
have laws in place that do not allow it to be called butter
because there is no dairy in it.
Peanut butter is a great source of vitamins and minerals
as well as protein and fiber. And when paired with fruit
it has even more nutritional value for you. Try buying
both peanut butter and jelly that are low in sugar to
ensure you are getting the healthiest meal.
Ever wonder what differentiates jams
and jellies? Jams and preserves are
usually interchangeable terms and
they will have the most fruit content.
Jellies are just the thickened juices of
fruit. So when you can get a jam.
Tempt your taste buds with these combinations:
• Tropical – peanut butter, sliced banana, shredded
coconut and pineapple jam.
• Elvis – peanut butter, banana and bacon toasted.
• Southern Belle – peanut butter, whiskey soaked
craisins, peach jam on cinnamon buttered toast.
• Rocky Road – Peanut Butter, mini chocolate chips,
pecans and marshmallow fluff.
• Classic revisited – peanut butter, banana, mashed
strawberries and apricot jam on cinnamon raisin bread.
• Floridian – peanut butter, banana, orange marmalade
and mini chocolate chips.
• PB&J French Toast – peanut butter, cream cheese and
blackberry jam between two slices of French bread
dipped in batter and griddled.
Enjoy,
Chef Travis
Peter Mark Richman:
The Pharmacist-Turned-Actor
By Nick Thomas
Recognized for hundreds of television
roles dating back to the 1950s,
Peter Mark Richman broke into
film alongside Gary Cooper in the
1956 civil war western, “Friendly
Persuasion.”
“But I’m not only an actor, I’m also
a playwright,” noted Richman, who
turned 89 in April, from his home in
Los Angeles. “’A Medal for Murray’
just finished a two-year run in Israel and it toured Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and
Haifa.”
Richman was doing a scene from his play in Los Angeles several years ago
with Sean Penn’s mother, Eileen Ryan. Afterwards, he was approached by
noted Israeli actress Efrat Lavie during her visit to the U.S.
“She loved the play but was heading back to Israel and wanted to take a
copy of the script back home with her,” said Richman. “The next thing I
knew, it was translated into Hebrew and became a smash hit over there.”
But years before he entered the world of arts and entertainment, a family
member almost pressed young Mark down a different career path.
“My father died when I was 16 and my brother was kind of a surrogate
father,” recalled Richman. “He was a pharmacist and I worked in his
store as a teenager. He thought I should get a real education so I ended
up reluctantly going to pharmacy school. I expected to flunk out after 6
weeks but stuck it out, graduated, and became a licensed pharmacist in two
states.”
New England when my agent called to say producer/director William Wyler
wanted me to do a screen test for ‘Friendly Persuasion.’ I caught a private
plane out west and got the role.”
Richman says working with Cooper, a living legend in 1956, was a joy.
“He was just terrific, a hell of a guy, and very learned – far from the ‘yup’
character he is often depicted as in some films. When exchanging dialogue,
he really digested what you said before replying – there was a thinking
process going on rather than just reciting lines.”
In addition to acting and writing plays, novels and short stories, Richman is
also a prolific artist (see www.petermarkrichman.com) and enjoys painting
figurative expressionist portraits, holding numerous one-man shows over
the years.
“I’m a real painter, not a celebrity artist,” he stresses. “I began painting in
oils when I was 12 and have a good background in the mechanics of faces
and figures.”
Richman has a major writing project in the works, too. “I also finished my
autobiography and have high hopes for its publication – it’s called ‘I Saw a
Molten White Light.’”
But he continues to be visible
as a frequent character on cable
TV through reruns of dozens
of classic TV shows such as
“Matlock,” “Murder She Wrote,”
and “Three’s Company.”
However, the attraction of the stage proved more enticing than dispensing
penicillin.
“I appeared in over 500 TV
episodes,” he said, “I played a lot
of doctors, but never did play a
pharmacist!”
“I managed a drugstore for a year, but always wanted to act,” said
Richman, who studied at New York’s Actors Studio before finding his way
onto the East Coast stages in the early 1950s.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has
written features, columns, and interviews for over 600 magazines and
newspapers.
“I was touring in a play called ‘The Rainmaker’ with Eva Marie Saint in