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Computer. This four-week, eighthour course uses Windows 7 and WordPad to introduce the student to computer use. The emphasis is always on developing skill with the mouse and keyboard. Since operation of the mouse is so important to operating a PC there are several Mouse Exercises to help students master this vital piece of hardware. In fact, students registered for SRN101 are strongly encouraged to attend a separate Mousing Skills work-shop at no additional charge prior to taking the course. Students can learn the techniques of double-clicking, and click and drag in class and then practice at home, with or without an internet connection. The follow-on basic course is SRN102: Computer Basics, an 8 week course. This course also uses WordPad for word processing for three lessons and builds on the skills introduced in SRN101.
Boomer Briefings
Q. I attended a family reunion recently and some of my aunts and uncles were talking about our heirs property. It appears I have some interest in an old house and tract of land, what should I do? A. Heirs property occurs when an estate that contains real property is not probated.1 Since real property passes as of the date of death, interests are created subject to divestment by provisions of a will or creditor claims. In South Carolina a will and an estate cannot be probated if more than 10 years has passed since someone died. Often a surviving spouse or sibling(s) who were co-tenants just keep paying the taxes and years pass with nothing being done to transfer title to the legal owners. People die and an entire generation may pass away before someone steps up to clean up the mess. I have found this happens due to a lack of understanding concerning the consequences on a chain of title if real property is not probated, a lack of knowledge of intestate law or simply a lack of money to deal with the problem. Once heirs property is created it can be expensive to resolve. The legal matter is referred to as an action to quiet title and usually the person bringing the action will also seek contribution and reimbursement for maintaining the property, paying taxes and insurance and contribution to their attorney fees and costs. Sometimes all the owners cant be found and service by publication is necessary. Ultimately the Circuit Court has to determine who the legal heirs are and this is where probate records, deeds, family genealogists, death certificates, marriage, birth and divorce records come into play. Division in-kind into physically distinct and separate titled parcels is not always possible and therefore an auction by sealed bid or public sale may be ordered. Some years back heirs
property was a significant legal concern in South Carolina as many black families were losing their land inheritance along the coasts and recreational areas of the state. Families that are able to work together for a common good are often able to provide affordable housing for a senior or disabled family member. Others have created family businesses to cultivate and harvest timber so each generation has a source of income. Others have improved their communities by honoring a forefather with a charitable foundation and lasting family gathering place. Depending on the location your family might protect hunting rights or help conserve nature, wetlands or our forests. I recommend you speak with an attorney that handles this kind of matter to determine your goals, the value of your interest and your options.
1 The same kind of thing happens with personal property but it is generally referred to as undivided fractional interests. An unusual
case arose in the Estate of James A. Elkins, Jr. deceased et al. v. Commissioner, 140 T.C. No. 5 (March 11, 2013). The beneficiaries owned interests in 64 valuable works of art, including a Henry Moore sculpture, Picasso drawing and Jack Pollack painting. Eventually an art expert determined that the paints were devaluated between 80-95% because no one would want to buy a fractional share, even a museum. S.C. Code Ann. 15-61-25 provides a right of first refusal and process for co-tenants with at least a 20% interest to buy out family property.
Kitchings Mill, out 302 toward Wagener, where he was born and lived until he joined the Navy. There was 250 acres, but a fire destroyed the family home. This caused Tims beloved mother to want to sell much of the land, fearful of too many trees and the risk of another fire, when the home was re-built. Now, son Brant and his wife Kristy live there on 19 acres, with their two children. Grandson Levi bears his grandfathers middle name; and, granddaughter Maegan honors her great grandmother Mae, with her uniquely-spelled first name. Tim was among the 17 boys who were part of his high school class of Wagener High School, 1942. In December, 1941, patriotism soared after Pearl Harbor. 15 of these boys were already in the military by the time their graduation day arrived. Three were killed in action: 20% of the class. Tims three sisters husbands were all in the Army then, too. In fact, Tim believes it would be good if every person served one year these days, after high school, to learn the discipline of a military life. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Tim had an opportunity to become a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines. He was very impressed by Eddie Rickenbacker and his bravery in combat, as well as his association with Eastern. Eddie would take the time at any Eastern location he visited to shake hands with every employee. Back then, men and women divided the in-air duties. The male attendants typically made announcements, took tickets, and handled paperwork; and, the female attendants served
the passengers. Once, Ace Rickenbacker was in a crash of an Eastern plane. He survived, wanting to get even with an observer who taunted him that he was just too d--- mean to die! Tim took flight assignments to various locations, enjoying the chance to explore different areas to which they flew. This stood him in great stead when he began his travel business, this time in Beaumont, Texas. Beaumont was booming, with the first Texas oil gusher Spindletop leading to the presence of five refineries, multiple corporations, and thriving opportunities to provide travel assistance in this quickly industrialized city. From this phase of the business, Tim could see the encroachment of automation of ticketing, and gradually moved to an emphasis on tours. He was well suited for leading them, because of the years with Eastern Airlines. He led 20-25 tours a year, overseas and all around America. Tours went by ships, boats, planes, and on land, to popular locales like Alaska, Las Vegas, up the Coast of California to San Francisco, Oregon, Canada, and through Yellowstone, to name just a few. One particular tour to Hawaii was booked by a most special traveler, Margaret, who was enjoying her vacation from her job in the County Clerks office in Texas. The souvenir they brought back from this Hawaiian tour was an attraction which led to their now 41-year marriage. Tims travelers were of caliber that he remembers in Williamsburg the Inn there invited only Tims and one other tour group to actually stay
at the famed Williamsburg Inn. He loved the thank yous received from families of travelers, and was glad to be able to give his tourists something to look forward to each year. Many stayed friends with this gregarious tour guide. When Margaret and Tim began to think of retirement, Tim knew they would want to move out of the city of Beaumont. They had another place in Texas on a lake, but surprisingly, Margaret wanted to come to Aiken. Over the many visits to Tims family here, Margaret came to love this area. 27 years ago, they moved here. No, they do not travel now. As a matter of fact, they do not even prefer leaving the comforts of their home much, except for the many hours Tim spends volunteering and helping other. For about ten years, Margaret and their treasured toy poodle Boo stick close to home, after a broken hip began a series of misfortunes which left Margaret confined mostly to a wheelchair. But, Tim is proud of her, and tells how she has kept her attitude positive too, even adapting chores of cooking, and vacuuming. They still enjoy the company of family, and would just as soon have a sandwich and some good vegetables or fruit right at home! In 1992, Margaret had a womens committee come to their home, where they saw the magnificent roses grown in the abundant gardens of Master Gardener Tim. With St. Thaddeus 150 anniversary approaching then, they really were hoping to get assistance from Tim.
because other people forgot they even knew you!!! ~You realize youre never going to be really good at anything.... especially golf. ~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you dont care to do them anymore. ~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. Its called pre-sleep. ~You miss the days when everything worked with just an ON and OFF switch.. ~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... what?...when?... ??? ~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, you dont go anywhere to wear it. ~You notice everything they sell in stores is sleeveless?!!! ~What used to be freckles are now liver spots and it seems everybody whispers. ~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear. ~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!! Its Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.
Camellia Daze
The Samurai, an ancient Japanese warrior class from Higo province, Japan, when not fighting also raised distinctive camellias called Higos. These are not a different species, but just a different looking Camellia japonica. Instead of having a column of yellow stamens in the center of the bloom, Higos have stamens that flare out like a starburst with some varieties having up to 250 stamens in the center of the flower. There are about 70 different varieties of Higos. Most are single blooms with no more than nine uneven shaped petals which give the bloom a lopsided look. Size can range from small (2 inches) to large (more than 5 inches), colors from white to pink, to red and variegated and some even have a scent. Most have large, very thick, shiny leaves and bloom time is from early to late season. Higos make excellent landscape plants because of their profuse and distinctive single blooms. They are easy to clean up because unlike sasanquas and some other Japonicas the blooms dont shatter, but fall whole. They dont require any special care and are frequently used as Bonsai specimens in Japan. Heres the main problem, Higos have Japanese names that are hard to translate or even spell, so consequently they are not easily found in American Nurseries. Nuccios Nursery in California has a nice selection of Higos. So this year make it
a point to notice these japonicas when you attend camellia Shows. You just may be captivated by these unusual
camellias. Heres hoping to see you along the Camellia Trail. Rio Grande Dave
An ornamental favorite of many Aiken gardeners is salvia guaranitica, a plant that grows up to 5 feet in an upright habit.
Considering this definition of LOCAL: of or relating to a city, town, or district, rather than a larger area or region. This is the question David Harper, with the University of South Carolina and Eat Smart Move More South Carolina, opened his presentation recently at the Aiken Local Food Summit. Attendees gave questioning glances at each other, quick shrugs of the shoulders, and sad affirming nods when someone mumbled, Less than 1%? The correct answer was never revealed, but the question certainly got people thinking. Mr. Harper went on to ask what it would take to get Aikens people growing/eating at least 1% of its foods, and in time, move that number toward 2%, 3%, or even 10%? These are important questions, not just for Aiken, but for every community. Much to our advantage, Aiken
Consider purchasing your kitchen basics local: milk, bread, butter, eggs
Another way of eating local could be by planting a little garden for yourself or starting a community garden. Never gardened before? Sam Stevens at Palmetto Nursery and Florist can help you with a simple little garden box. He holds FREE classes on Saturdays (in the fall and spring) and all but does the garden box for you! He wants you to succeed and much as you do. Displacing just the lettuce we import into Aiken from other places could make a huge step toward getting to that 1% goal of eating locally raised foods. Lettuce grows well in containers if space is a problem.
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in your garden. In doing research for this article, I came across the wonderful web page "A Gardener's Guide to Salvias": http://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/guide-tosalvias/#page=1. It includes photos of many favorite salvias, including perennials 'Wendy's Wish' and 'Lady in Red,' and the annual 'Red Salvia.' I am motivated by the article to try a new salvia, 'S. Pachyphylla,' because of its outstanding, frilly red bloom. I'm sure many of you have your own favorite salvias, and I hope this article will encourage you to try a new one as well. Where to Buy Salvias Nurseries sell ornamental plants when they are blooming. Therefore, you will find salvias for sale at local nurseries in the spring and summer, and you can buy late blooming salvias in the fall. If you are interested in surveying and/or buying underutilized varieties of salvia, check out the website worldofsalvias.com. A local source of unusual salvias is Woodlanders,
an Aiken mail order plant nursery that sells 13 varieties of salvia, and is open to the public one week every year in the spring. Keep your eyes open for that special event. If you're interested in a particular salvia, ask your local nursery to order it for you, but be prepared to find the plant online if necessary.
Planting Instructions Place salvias in an area with full sun (a minimum of 6 hours daily) and very well-drained soil. Mix a 2-4 inch layer of compost into the top 6 inches of soil to aid drainage. Plant salvias 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on variety, in spring. Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the pot the plant is in, and at the same depth which the Wendys Wish plant sits in the pot's soil. Carefully established (a period of a few weeks remove the plant from the pot and for salvias). Adding a two- to threetease the roots free with your fingers inch layer of mulch to your if they have been circling the pot. ornamental garden is beneficial Place the plant in the hole, fill with because it will aid in moderating the amended soil, and firm the soil soil temperature, retaining soil gently. Water thoroughly at the time moisture, and controlling weeds. of planting. And although salvias are drought tolerant, like all plants they require watering until See Garden page 11
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beginning September 23rd. Topics include photo editing with Picasa or with Photoshop Elements, Word Processing, Windows 7 Operating System, Downloading and Using Free Software, Computer Skills for the Senior Job Hunter, and Windows 8 Operating System. In addition to these classes we are offering 8 workshops on various topics. These workshops meet on a Friday morning and last from 2-3 hours. Look for our insert in the Aiken Standard in August that lists all our course offerings. In addition we have our other course offerings which will be described in future articles in the Mature Times. You are also invited to visit us at our web site www.aikenseniornet.com any time for more news about our courses and workshops. the storms, but this year I've particularly enjoyed the salvias that friends have been so generous in sharing. I will take some cuttings from these new plants and share them with all of you at next spring's Master Gardener plant sale. Happy gardening! Pam Glogowski is an Aiken Master Gardener. If you have questions for Pam, please send an email to pamg85@gmail.com
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ornamental peppers in the church gardens. It was fantastic and beautiful. Another outreach Tim has done for 26 years is with VITA an organization of informed volunteers who do income tax for those who need a hand. Larry Chandler was very involved, and needed some help years ago from neighbor Garvin. Eventually, Tims role got larger. In fact, in this past tax year, Tim helped 151 people get their forms completed! VITA offers help at Odell Weeks on Mondays and Tuesdays during tax season. This year, the demand is so great that these volunteers are adding Wednesdays as well, during February, 2014. Bill Collins, Lamar Keisler, and many others have been helping neighbors complete their tax returns, in such a generous way. Tim says he does this because no one really looks forward to doing their taxes, and it is not difficult for him. In fact, Tim often goes to area assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and personal homes to help those who are not as able to drive and get around. Linda Christines 92-year-old mom has been a recipient of Tims tax prep generosity for many years. He is willing to help those who need it, and he even has been known to bring some fruit or cookies along with him! This gentleman is a pleasure to know, and certainly gives octogenarians a good name. Theron Levi Garvin: Master Gardener, US Navy veteran, hometown farm boy, successful entrepreneur, and most of all, fabulous neighbor!
Are you age 65 or over? If so, contact GRU. Were partnering in an international study on healthy aging and independence and you can help. As long as youre a healthy person and at least 65 years old, you may qualify. Please note that ASPREE has reached its goal for Caucasian volunteers in the US. To find out more, call GRU at (706) 721-2535 and ask about the ASPREE study, or visit www.aspree.org.
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Chrissa Matthews, MA, CCC/ SLP, is an Aiken resident and the Chrissa Matthews, MA, CCC/SLP, is a owner of DayBreak Adult Care native CSRA resident and the owner Service, Inc, Aiken, SC
of DayBreak Adult Care Services, Inc., Aiken, SC.
gently reminds me It isnt about numbers, Chrissa, it is about finding the right people. After all, we are in the people business. She is right, of course. And she always comes through. With a degree from Southern Wesleyan University and another one soon from Liberty University, Deborah W has been treating people lovingly all of her life. She is a great reason our caregiver retention rate is just unheard of in our industry and why we have such a quality team. Entrusting mom or dad to in-home caring hands is a big step. Who you select makes a difference. Call us and let us jump hoops through for you. Experience the DayBreak difference.
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Food gifts are gifts people appreciate, and contribute towards eating local.
Another easy grower is onions. For the cost of 1 or 2 bunches of grocery store green onions, you can purchase a bag full of planting onions from Palmetto Nursery or Weeks Farm and Garden Supply. Onions are so easy. All they require is dirt, sunlight, and water. You can have your own fresh onions for salads and stir fries in about 3 to 4 weeks. You just pull them when you want them. Incredible cost difference, and the added joy of growing yourself. They wait for you in your garden until you need them, getting bigger and more tasty all the while. You become your own farmer, and nothing could be finer than to
(come from) Carolina. By raising your own produce, you can then better afford the locally raised meats which are often more expensive. You might wonder why are locally raised meats more expensive? Locally raised meats are not subsidized by the government. The price you pay for local meats are more accurate in terms of cost when farmed biologically as opposed to large scale operations often inside barns and houses and then imported into Aiken from other places. What about getting locally raised foods into the school system where our most valuable resources learn and grow? What are we teaching our children in the cafeterias and dining halls? More locally grown foods in the schools could add an easy percentage or two increase in local food use. But sadly, for every great idea the Food Summit group posed for getting local foods into the school system, there are unbelievable rules and rules and regulations preventing local foods from getting into the system. Regulations of school food rules must be reviewed. Schools should be raising their own foods and at the same time modeling this information to students right there on
school campuses where the children can see, touch, smell, taste, and feel the benefits. Regulations of school food rules must be reviewed. Same could be true for nursing homes. Aiken is abundant in its nursing homes. Residents want fresh foods, and are willing to help in raising it. Volunteer groups are willing go in and help them set up these gardens for the tenants to tend thereafter. Prisons could benefit from these models as well. Dentist Weston A Price said, Life in all its fullness is Mother Nature obeyed. With some simple shifts in meal planning, everyone benefits by eating more locally produced foods. Done well, the farmer wins, the consumer wins, the community of Aiken wins, and most of all, Mother Nature wins. Life in all its fullness is Mother Nature obeyed. I invite you to notice how much local food you are already eating. Move toward eating 1% of your food from local sources. In time move toward 2%, 3%, and 10%. Aiken offers an incredible local food bounty.
It is exciting to see people discover it. How can YOU do more to eat more local foods? Start a little backyard garden. Give food gifts on gift giving occasions. Purchasing local kitchen basics: milk, bread, butter, and eggs. Shop at the Aiken County Farmers Market for your grocery needs. Look for natural markets who sell foods grown local to Aiken. Support school and nursing home gardening projects. Start a community garden. Get gardening help when you need it. Rebecca S Winans and her husband John own Noble Breads and Grocer and are chapter leaders for the Weston A Price Foundation. They lead classes in farming and nutrition, and are advocators of local foods in and around Aiken County. For more information, you can contact Rebecca at noblebreads. com or visit her at Noble Breads and Grocer at 1625 Richland Avenue EAST.
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Did You Know? Yogurt is a NutrientRich Food Choice For Your Diet
Todays dietary guidelines recommend that Americans consume more nutrient-rich foods that are low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol. Yet, few are meeting these goals. Nutrient-dense foods provide plentiful nutrients with relatively few calories. Such foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, lean meats and seafood. Eating too few of these important foods can leave the body without enough valuable nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, potassium, or dietary fiber. One food group in which Americans are falling short is low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume three servings daily. Unfortunately, most people only get about half that amount, according to USDA data. So why should we consume nutrient-dense foods like yogurt? The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) in collaboration with the Danone Institute International and The Nutrition Society in the United Kingdom is working with international nutrition and health experts to study the health effects of yogurt through a global initiative called Yogurt in Nutrition Initiative for a balanced diet. As part of this effort, the initiative will examine new and emerging data around the health effects of yogurt, spark research and share key scientific information with both the health care community and the public. Rich in protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium and healthy bacteria, the already proven benefits of yogurt consumption include: A better diet Easy digestion Weight management Overall health From curries to parfaits, there are plenty of delicious ways to incorporate this nutrient-rich food into meals and snacks. For more information on the health effects of yogurt, visit www.nutrition.org/yogurt.
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Inflation has been fairly steady for years with an annual rate of about 2.1%. But, most of us remember the 1980s when inflation topped 13%. When inflation outstrips the growth of your portfolio, even the best retirement plans cannot provide the necessary income to maintain a lifestyle that is somewhat equivalent. The US Department of Labor estimates the average retiree will still need to earn 80% of their current income during retirement. An average 65 year old female retiree is expected to live 20 years. Lets say before retirement, she earns $50,000 annually. In order to maintain a normal existence, she would need $40,000 annually in retirement. But unless that $40,000
Remedies - Fortunately, today there are many safe strategies available to help ensure a comfortable retirement. For example, many insurance products, like Fixed Indexed Annuities, have Inflation Riders available. These riders ensure the funds available keep up with inflation. Diversity is a critical component of investing. Spreading risk can reduce the potential pitfalls of having all your eggs in one basket. Proper estate planning can also ensure a smoother transition and can provide an income stream for a surviving spouse.
* *Financial Planning and Investment Advisory services are offered through C2P Capital Advisory Groups LLC D/B/A Prosperity Capital Advisors (PCA) an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Ohio.Carl Smith is registered as an Investment Advisor Representative of PCA in the state of South Carolina. PCA and its representatives are in compliance with the current registration requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which PCA maintains clients. PCA may only transact business in those states in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements.
President of The Smith Group, is an Investment Advisor Representative. He has been a member in good standing with MDRT since 2007 in the Ed Slott IRA Advisor Group. See Income page 17
Carl Smith
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The Purple Martin tour was held on Monday July 22nd, several Aiken County Seniors cruised on the Southern Patriot and enjoyed dinner aboard the boat. There were 17 people in the group, the group was accompanied by Aiken Countys PRT staff Carolyn Rushton & Tandra Cooks! The next trip is planned for December contact Aiken County PRT at 564-5211 or 663-6142 for more info. Dont miss out come & travel with us!
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worth that we worship the buffet line. When we show up to a buffet line hungry, every single thing on the table looks, smells and becomes what we want to eat. It is almost impossible not to choose a food that we see and smell (let alone touch) when we are hungry. There are chemical changes that take place in the brain that dont let us go until we have satisfied ourselves with that food. It is a far healthier habit to order restaurant food from a menu. I highly recommend Dr. Wansinks book Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. Its an eye opener.
For more help with controlling overeating, Cyndi may be reached at cattfood2@gmail.com or at 803-642-9360. You can also follow her advice on Facebook at www. facebook.com/cynthiafcattsrd. Her website is www.cynthiafcattsrd.com
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Protect Yourself Safety goggles and gloves shield your eyes and skin from chemicals and pesticides and protect you from sharp or motorized equipment. Spending hours in the sun each day can lead to sunburn and can increase your chance of skin cancer. Sport a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Take frequent shady breaks, especially between
Natural Remedies Did you get scraped or cut out there? Treat minor injuries with clove oil or aloe. Aloe also helps relieve sunburn and blisters. Before pain gets in your way, treat it at the first sign with a homeopathic medicine that works with your body to relieve pain rather than mask symptoms, says Dr. Grossman. She recommends a natural pain reliever like Arnicare Gel. Try it for neck, back, shoulder and leg muscle pain and stiffness, swelling from injuries, and bruising. Arnicare Gel is unscented, nongreasy and quickly absorbed by the skin, so its convenient to apply and easy to use anywhere on your body.
More information about muscle pain treatment and a $1 coupon for Arnicare can be found by visiting www.Arnicare.com. For stings and bug bites, apply honey, baking soda, toothpaste or ice. By following a few precautions, you can make this gardening season a safe and pleasant one.
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