Fifty Plus Advocate

By Alain Valles, CRMP, CSA, MS, MBA Too many ads and TV commercials only highlight the benefits of reverse mortgages, and are silent about the cost and risks. As Managing Director of Helping Hands Community Partners, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to educate people about senior housing options and, when appropriate, arrange a reverse mortgage for qualified individuals. Get...

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Culture Editor Holden – After many years of working, as well as volunteering, as an English as a second language (ESL) teacher, Jennifer L. Freed of Holden began concentering more on her lifelong interest in writing poetry and short fiction in 2012. Now a published author, she also teaches craft of writing workshops for adults and...

By Bob Pano Matthew Pano of Westborough was only 18 years old when he passed away of bacterial menigitins in 1989. Shortly after his passing, his father Bob wrote this article where he shared how his family came to believe their beloved Matt was still with them, looking over and protecting them. Westborough - Matt was 18 when he died, one...

By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor As a young man, Dan McGrath loved music, playing guitar as well as singing and writing songs. But as he got older and family responsibilities took up more of his time, it became just a hobby that he could indulge in now and then. But now that his children are grown, McGrath is ready, at age 60, to really...

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Culture Editor Marlborough – Instrumental music educator Gary Piazza created countless memories for his students and himself while working a 34-year career, 28 of which were at Marlborough High School (MHS). Concluding the 2017-2018 academic year, he viewed a video given to him as a retirement gift during the annual awards banquet of the Marlborough Public Schools...

By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts The Massachusetts House and Senate wrapped up formal legislative sessions on July 31. AARP Massachusetts fought for the passage of two top priorities in this two-year legislative session: HB4806 - An Act Relative to Consumer Protection from Security Breaches; and HB3911 – the Family Caregiver Tax Credit. We thank the Legislature for passing HB4806...

Today’s portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) offer a whole new level of flexibility and freedom that have never before been available to oxygen users. Instead of waiting for tank deliveries and having to lug around heavy tanks in carts, POC users can charge their batteries to get up to 10 hours of oxygen therapy with a concentrator weighing as little...

By Ed Karvoski Jr., Culture Editor East Boston – After performing as a solo act in the 1970s, Pat Benti entertained New Englanders as lead vocalist of the Sha Boom Band from 1979 into the 2000s. In addition to working their club and concert gigs, the band became a popular opening act for music legends including his longtime idol, Roy...

By Jane Keller Gordon, Assistant Editor Southborough – As a young man in 1948, Pete DePina volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. The Southborough resident, reflecting back on his years in the service, noted his surprise that discrimination was prevalent in the military. “Growing up , my schools weren’t segregated but the Army was and I hated it,” he said. After...

By Fyllis Hockman Admittedly, I’ve never heard of Lo-Wei, a unique exercise class that combines yoga, strength training and flexibility that stretched my body in ways my mind never thought possible. But it is only one of almost three dozen fitness classes, all part of the dawn-to-dusk workout, weight loss and education focus of the one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive Deerfield Health Retreat...