March/April 2019

Come See Our CIFF Movie
Well, it’s Not Ours Exactly…

Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond is in the movie business.
Full disclosure: we don’t know any movie stars and we’ve not actually made any movies. But we like movies and to prove it, we’re media partners for the 43rd Cleveland International Film Festival, which runs March 27-April 7.
Our film is “Very Senior – Attitude is Everything.” Showtimes are Thursday, April 4 at 4:25 p.m., (Tower City), Friday, April 5 at 11:40 a.m. (Tower City) and Saturday, April 6 at 12:40 p.m. (Cleveland Museum of Art).
The film is one of 212 feature films and 237 shorts that will be screened throughout the festival at Tower City Cinemas downtown and at satellite locations.
“Very Senior – Attitude is Everything” is a documentary film about Sun City, Ariz., a 55+ community and the residents who live there. Directed by Susan Gluth, the film is described as “a bright look at the process of aging gracefully and honestly while making one’s own choices.”
See you at the movies – see you at our movie.




Pentameter Envy
A Month Made for Poetry

If it’s been decades since you’ve worked on your iambic pentameters, or you ’ve forgotten what the heck that is, you’re in luck. April is National Poetry Month and Northeast Ohio is crazy full of poets.

One of them is nationally recognized poet George Bilgere, who describes himself as the poet of aging. Several of his poems have been broadcast on Garrison Keillor’s “The Writer’s Almanac.” His latest poetry collection, “Blood Pages,” was published last year.

We figured he’d be the perfect person to ask about poetry, specifically some of his favorites, for Boomer readers.

“(Some) I’d highly recommend to older readers are, of course, the great Billy Collin, a wonderful poet named Tony Hoagland, (and) everybody loves Mary Oliver.

As we age, it becomes even more important to pay attention to our dental health. After all, all of our nutrition comes from what we take in through our mouth, whether we are drinking or eating – even swallowing vitamins. As AARP Magazine recently noted, without Medicare and limited benefits for dentistry, getting dental work done while being relatively healthy and before retirement can be a lifesaver, both physically and financially.

Early Care Matters

Having practiced dentistry for nearly 40, following three years serving as a captain and dental resident in the United States Air Force, I have followed and cared for many patients and their families. Some of these patients were seen by my late father, Dr. Sam Marsh, and continued in the practice when he retired and when I took over following my military service.

Thankfully, many of these people and their families have remained with us and are dedicated to taking care of their teeth, having them examined, cleaned, and radiographed (x-rayed) on a regular basis, along with routine checks for oral cancer. They not only have beautiful smiles with a full complement of teeth, but also remark that compared to many of their friends and peers, they have had little to no pain with their teeth and can chew quite well – not avoiding any foods because of issues with dentures or partial dentures.  

This consistent care also has saved them money; most have had very few major or expensive procedures. Though dentistry does have a number of options to replace missing teeth, such as implants and bridges, the techniques and materials take time and are costly.  

There also is an emotional component. Many times, I have sat across from a new patient whose chief complaint is that they won’t smile for pictures or when they meet someone because they are ashamed of their smile.

Under Construction

The Montrose area near state Route 18 and Interstate 77 is the site of a new senior living complex now under construction by Omni Senior Living.

The continuum care facility in Copley Township will include independent living, assisted living and memory care apartments, along with independent living villas.

The VITALIA Senior Residences of Montrose will open later this summer.

New Logo and Website

Ohio Masonic Home, a non-profit, 55-plus living community and healthcare provider that owns and operates three campuses in Ohio, including one in Medina, has refreshed its corporate branding with a new logo and the launch of its newly designed website, ohiomasonichome.org

Originally founded by the Masonic Fraternity to care for Ohio Masons, their families and children, Ohio Masonic Home evolved over time into a senior living provider. While still serving Ohio Freemasons and their families, Ohio Masonic Home, and its subsidiaries, opened its doors to the public over 20 years ago.

Learn More

Hilltop Senior Living in Euclid has started College Course Fridays by joining Cuyahoga Community College’s Encore 55 program. Every Friday, residents can take as many courses as they choose from 9 a.m-3 p.m. Encore 55 is available to others, too. Check it out at tri-c.edu.

Hispanic Senior Help

Catholic Charities through the Diocese of Cleveland operates the Hispanic Senior Center at St. Augustine Towers, 7800 Detroit Ave. The program is free and open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:40 p.m. The Hispanic Senior Center serves seniors in the Greater Cleveland area with an emphasis on the culture and linguistic needs of the older adults of the Hispanic community.

Funding is provided in part by the City of Cleveland Community Development Block Grant, Community West Foundation, Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, and Catholic Charities donors. To learn more, go to ccdocle.org.