The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a day of service

By Rita R. Robison

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The holiday is a good opportunity for Americans to honor King’s legacy through service. The MLK Day of Service offers people a way they contribute to their community.

After a long struggle, legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal holiday marking the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The federal holiday was first observed in 1986, making 2012 the 26th anniversary of the King federal holiday.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading the effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a "day on, not a day off." It’s a part of United We Serve, the president's national call to service initiative. The MLK Day of Service calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.

King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all and encouraged all citizens to live up to the purpose and potential of America by applying the principles of nonviolence to make this country a better place to live.

People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can get involved. Put your zip code in the Find a Project box to locate a volunteer opportunity in your community or plan your own project.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Celebrating Thanksgiving in the Empty Nest

By Kate Forgach, Consumer Writer, Kinoli Inc.

Guest Blogger

Have your children all flown the coop with nary a look backwards?

For some, Thanksgiving is pretty lonely when your own flesh and blood can't make it home for even a brief visit. On the other hand, you might delight in your freedom from turkey tyranny.

Either way, if you're baby boomers lacking nestlings for the first time, you'll likely need to adjust holiday plans to better suit your new lifestyle.

After experiencing Thanksgiving without family several years, I came up with several ways to celebrate the holiday without feeling abandoned. Read on for six new Turkey Day traditions that might suit your needs. And Happy Thanksgiving.

1. Host an Orphan's Dinner

It really helps to remember you're not alone in this boat. There are plenty of people who'd greatly appreciate an invitation to socialize while enjoying a touch of turkey.

I threw such a party last year and asked everyone to bring a dish to pass. The only thing I had to buy and prepare was the turkey, which made it even easier than being a parental unit in this scenario.

2. Retire to a restaurant

Celebrate kicking the turkey habit by dining out at one of the many eateries that do all the work for you. You'll enjoy the football games much more if you don't have to leap up every 15 minutes to baste a bird. And, you can take advantage of cheap gift cards at such sites as GiftCardGranny to reduce your bill up to 30 percent.

3. Shop

Black Friday has lately seceded space to Gray Thursday. More stores are offering door buster sales on Thanksgiving, according to an article on FOXBusiness.com, so you could get some shopping done without facing the mass stampede to follow.

Or, you might hit the Internet and do some early cyber shopping. You can run price comparisons with a few mouse clicks and have gifts delivered directly to those ungrateful wretches to whom you gave life.

4. Spend the day at a shelter

One of my favorite Thanksgiving activities is cooking dinner at our local homeless shelter. Actually, I don't cook the turkey dinner itself, as there are plenty of people willing to do that.

Instead, I use the leftovers to create future meals for the shelter. It just seems a huge waste to throw away all those bird bones when the makings for broth and casseroles are readily available. Visit HomelessShelterDirectory.org for a list of volunteer opportunities.

5. Brighten someone else's day

The homeless aren't the only ones who could use your volunteer services. Many nursing homes and hospitals would greatly appreciate a visitor who will bring some friendship into what patients may otherwise find a lonely day. 

It's a win/win situation and you just might make some new friends. Check out this excellent blog post for some do's and don'ts when visiting hospitals and nursing homes during the holidays.

6. Get out of town

A childless couple I know make a point of leaving home for the holidays; usually preferring to spend the long weekend scuba diving. While part of the reason they skip town is to avoid miserable family gatherings, they also miss bad weather and crowds of shoppers.

Not all of us can afford a sunny beach vacation, but you might team up with another singleton or couple and rent a cabin, or simply go for a long drive.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Have a Happy 2011 Halloween

By Rita R. Robison

Are you ready for Halloween?

Today Americans will don $ 2.12 billion worth of costumes. Adult costumes account for just more than half of that amount at $1.12 billion.

Another $5.74 will be spent on decorations, candy, pumpkins, and other Halloween items.

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of too much Halloween candy, see “Leftover Halloween Candy: What to Do With It” for suggestions, such as dole it out or donate it to a food bank.

Another idea is to donate it to a dentist participating in a Halloween Candy Buy Back program. The idea is to reduce the amount of candy kids will eat after Halloween to help prevent cavities. The candy is sent members of the U.S. military.

Happy Halloween. I hope you have a fantastic celebration.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Don’t let rip-off Halloween stores and websites ruin your celebration

By Rita R. Robison

More consumers are expected to celebrate Halloween this year than ever before and spending is estimated to reach $6.86 billion, reports the National Retail Federation.

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to use caution when shopping with seasonal stores and fly-by-night websites for costumes and other merchandise. Complaints about late delivery, poor quality, and difficulty obtaining refunds are common at the BBB.

“A costume may look great, but it pays to check into a store’s reputation and consider return policies and shipping schedules before making a purchase,” said Dale Mingilton, president and CEO of the BBB Serving Denver/Boulder. “Otherwise, you could find yourself waiting for your order when it’s too late or stuck with something you can’t return.”

The BBB advises consumers to avoid costume troubles by considering the following:

• Complaints. Get the store’s BBB Business Review by visiting www.bbb.org.
• Customer satisfaction policy. Determine the company's refund and return policies before you buy. It’s best to be able to try on the costume and accessories first and have enough time to return or exchange them if they don’t work out.
• How long the store will be in business. If you’re buying from a seasonal store, ask them whether they’ll be open after the holiday in case you need to make a return or exchange or come across a billing issue.
• Leave nothing to chance. Be sure you have a thorough understanding of everything involved before making an order online. Be clear on the price and any shipping and handling charges. Know the terms of any product or service guarantees. Find out how long it will be before you receive your order. Federal law requires that goods and services be delivered within 30 days, unless a different delivery period is specifically stated by the merchant.
• Guard your personal information. Only provide your credit card number online in a secure environment. Look for the prefix “https://” in the URL box which lists the website’s address to be sure that the site you’re using is secure.

Following these tips will help you be consumer savvy so your Halloween won't be spoiled.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Weather bright for Harbor Days this year

By Rita R. Robison

The Labor Day weekend was beautiful in Olympia, Wash., this year.

Its Harbor Days, the annual festival where tugboats return to the southernmost tip of Puget Sound for tug boat races, was bathed in sunshine.

I enjoyed walking along the newly renovated Percival Landing and taking photos in the beautiful weather.

Last year's Harbor Days were cloudy and stormy. Fortunately, the weather cleared enough for me to take photos

I hope your Labor Day was enjoyable.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best: Enjoying an updated waterside walkway

On Thursday, I joined 300 others in the Olympia, Wash., area to attend the rededication of Percival Landing after a $3 million renovation.

The newly refurbished waterfront walkway on Budd Inlet is wonderful. The boardwalk area is expanded, and a meeting place called Harbor House and two shelters have been added.

Irene Christy, a friend of mine and fellow member of the Thurston County League of Women Voters, got the idea for a way to have public access at the end of Budd Inlet, the southern most tip of Puget Sound.

Irene convinced then Olympia City Commissioner Tom Allen to consider the project if state funding could be obtained. She also encouraged Washington State Land Commissioner Bert Cole to have the state buy waterfront properties with aging warehouses at the site and allow the City of Olympia to build the walkway.

It’s great when different levels of government and citizens can work together to create such an excellent public facility. We don’t have much waterfront access in our state, so this project is appreciated.

My worst: Dealing with Comcast about my monthly charges

Without notice, my Comcast bill went up substantially. I have been paying $99 a month, a bundled charge; $33 for my landline phone service, $33 for Internet access, and $33 for cable television.

The last time Comcast jacked up the price, I signed a two-year so I could get the bundled service again.

I had to call twice before I could get the monthly charge reduced. And, I had to “sign” another two-year contract, which I did over the phone. Strange.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Procession of the Species marchers, crowd celebrate earth’s riches

By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

On one of the first beautiful days of spring recently in Olympia, Wash., 30,000 people gathered to watch marchers dressed as eagles, crabs, bumblebees, flamingoes, parrots, fish, peacocks, frogs, turkeys, bats, butterflies, owls, turtles, the sun, and more.

Others walked with floats they’d made, whales and fish among the favorites.

Drill teams, some dressed as their favorite species, performed. Samba bands played, and native Americans dressed in striking feathered headdresses danced.

Tall poles carried brightly colored flowers, silver, pink, and black-and-white birds, spiders, a mallard duck, fish, and jelly fish.

Brightly decorated windsocks, some with flowers, were another favorite.

Parents pulled costumed children in wagons, one "eagle" mom smiling widely as she pulled her baby birdie behind her in a "nest." Others pushed their little ones in strollers. Kids also rode tricycles, bicycles, and scooters.

It was the  17th annual Procession of the Species, and a good time was had by all. Before the parade, scores of children used free colored caulk to decorate the streets, some tracing outlines of themselves or their shadows. 

A group of citizens in Olympia was looking for a way to recognize Earth Day’s 25th Anniversary and to mark action in Congress to renew the Endangered Species Act in 1995. They created a community celebration now attended by thousands of people every year.

More than 100 volunteers take on the different jobs needed to make the procession happen.

A studio opens before the parade where people can make huge puppets, floats, masks, headdresses, and banners. Recycled materials and arts and crafts supplies are available. Workshops are offered.

The Procession of the Species has grown from 800 people taking part in the parade to more than 3,000.

See The Olympian’s "Warmest Day of 2011 Good Time for Procession of the Species" for more information on this year’s parade.

For details on the event, see Procession of the Species Celebration.

If you'd like to plan a Procession of the Species celebration in your community, see Start a New Procession. 

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

 

On Martin Luther King Day, let’s make a commitment to eliminate poverty

It’s been 43 years since Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and 25 years since a holiday was created in his honor.

Two years ago, I wrote about King last book, in which he called for the elimination of poverty by adoption of a guaranteed annual income for all. King said poverty stands in the way of achieving racial equality.

 In 2009, the U.S. poverty rate was 14.3 percent, with about 43.6 million people living in poverty. It increased 1.1 percent or 3.7 million people over 2008. The number of people in poverty is the largest number in the 51 years that the government has collected the data.

Some estimates indicate the poverty level is more likely to be about 17.1 percent.

From 1980 to 2005, more than four-fifths of the increase in Americans’ income went to the top 1 percent of earners. Productivity among low and middle-income American workers increased, but their incomes didn’t.

What can citizens do to help eliminate poverty in the United States? Here are some suggestions:

• Make donations to your local food banks and homeless shelters.

• Volunteer at a Head Start program.

• Join organizations that help the poor such as Hungry in America.

• Donate to a local scholarship fund for low-income students.

• Join efforts to revitalize low-income areas of your community.

• Run for your local city council or school board, and be a voice for programs to help poor people

• Support organizations that help bring economic development to the poor in environmentally sensitive ways.

• Help children and teens in need.

• Donate to and volunteer at libraries.

• Support health care reform so more people can get coverage.

 Do you have other ideas? Let me know.

Copyright 2011, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Photo fun: My photos appear in county voters’ pamphlet

To mark the 100th anniversary of women being granted the right to vote in Washington state, about 50 people marched in Olympia’s Lakefair Parade on July 17 dressed as suffragettes and enlightened men of the Golden West.

Some rode in antique cars provided by the Olympia Region of the Horseless Carriage Club of America.

I had a great time taking photos. I took about 650 photos of the participants before and during the parade.

It was nice to learn that my photos are appearing as artwork on the front and back covers of the Thurston County Voters’ Pamphlet and on page 13 where a summary of the struggle for suffrage is given. The pamphlet provides information on candidates and a school levy to county voters for the general election Nov. 2

To see my best photos, along with starbursts, go to “Community Celebrates ‘Voter for Women’ at Annual Parade.”

I love taking photos. It’s great when they turn out well and appear where a lot of people can see them.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Olympia Food Co-op Harvest Dinner a fall delight

Yesterday, the Olympia Food Coop celebrated the fall harvest with its Sixth Annual Harvest Dinner.

It was great fun. The co-op provided main dishes and halibut burgers. Co-op members brought salads and vegetable dishes. The nice thing was there were few desserts.

Another great thing; There were no paper plates or plastic silverware. Co-op staff washed dishes throughout, real dishes and silverware.

Kids bobbed for apples and played other games. A band played. And the best thing, the sun came out after I’d been there about an hour.

I hope you enjoy my photos.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist