August 2nd, 2010
For some reason, I didn’t realize ‘til I got out to the MPTF Campus to help celebrate Ruthie Thompson’s 100th birthday on July 22nd that Ruthie was born in the same month and year as my mom.
My mom, Sarah Sutton, would have been 100 on today’s date, July 26, as I write this little essay for our Blog.
Ruthie Tompson’s 100th – Ruthie pictured here with Jo.
Ruthie is sunshine to me, just as my mom was. When I told Ruth about the closeness of Ruth’s birthday to my mom’s her eyes lit up with a beautiful sparkle. Ruthie was one of the first residents I interviewed for our Channel 22’s “Behind the Silver Screen.” Ruthie was 96 or 97 I believe, the only thing she asked of me was to get her out of the studio on time; she couldn’t be late for her volunteer work at our Hospital.
I have never seen Ruthie without a beautiful smile on her gorgeous face or a twinkle in her eye. I never asked her about the secret to her longevity, I already know. Ruthie Thompson is one of those magic gals who through her thoughtfulness of others, satisfaction with her own full and quite marvelous life and positive outlook and continued active involvement in the life that surrounds her, makes the years come and go with the ease with which they should: Happy, healthy, enjoying and giving.
– Joe
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July 26th, 2010
Did you know that CA has the highest number of individual complaints for internet crime? According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – a partnership between the (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) – 34.2% of complaints filed in 2009 were reported by those age 50 and over.
Age of Complaint Filer – 2009 Internet Crime Complaint Center 2009 Annual Report
Fortunately, there are many precautionary steps you can take to avoid falling victim to Internet scams and other dangers. As a senior, you can safely take advantage of all the benefits of broadband and the Internet.
- If a site tells you to change your browser settings for a “better experience” – ignore it and use a different web site.
- Do not respond to unsolicited advertisements.
- Buy all the safety software you need and use good filtering tools. Keep them current and use them unfailingly.
- Be selective about who you interact with online and what information you make public. The risks are relatively low when you stick with people you know—your family, and friends, but sensitive information, including birth date, gender, town, e-mail address, school name, and photos can be used to help someone find you or steal your identity. Use e-mail addresses, IM names, chat nicknames, and other such names that don’t give away too much personal information.
- Pay attention to the risks of e-mail. Think twice before you open attachments or click links in e-mail-even if you know the sender-as these can be used to transmit spam and viruses to your computer. Never respond to e-mail asking you to provide personal information, especially your account number or password, even if it seems to be from a business you trust. Reputable businesses will not ask you for this information in e-mail.
- Never, ever meet in person someone you’ve met online without taking somebody else along. Remember, people are not always who they say they are.
- Find out how and where to report abuse. Acting as a responsible Internet citizen can help stop the illegal activity and harassment. Additional references on reporting online crimes are listed below, Read the rest of this entry »
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July 16th, 2010
Each quarter, MPTF offers an array of health classes to MPI members through the Wellness Program. We encourage you to check out our Wellness Calendar on a quarterly basis to see what new classes are being offered.
This third quarter, MPTF will be offering Comprehensive Health Management classes, in areas such as diabetes, cholesterol management and even an online weight management class!
The Lifestyle Enhancement Series, offers some new classes this quarter featuring a variety of topics on stress and time management. The series also offers other favorites such as Relaxation & Meditation, Qi Gong, and Self-esteem – Boosting Your Emotional and Physical Health.
Healthy Family Services classes offers Adult CPR, for those with job responsibilities or regulatory requirement to respond to cardiac emergencies, CPR for Family and Friends for those that do not need the certification and a communications class, “What Your Pre-Teen and Teen Want You to Know.”
We also provide the Picture Quitting program in conjunction with EIF and MPI, which offers approximately six weeks of individual, group, or telephone counseling on how to quit smoking and follow-up and support for a full year.
To learn more about eligibility, program offerings, and coverage limitations, contact the Wellness Program toll-free at 1 (800) 654-WELL.
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July 14th, 2010
The Motion Picture & Television fund recently launched their Innovation Series with an event featuring world-renowned author Gail Sheehy discussing her new book, “Passages in Caregiving.”
MPTF Innovation Series Presents Gail Sheehy
Gail Sheehy is known for her 1976 book “Passages,” which changed the way millions of people looked at their different stages of life. Her new book details how one who is taking care of a family member with a chronic health problem can navigate the complicated, emotional odyssey of caregiving.
Ken Scherer, CEO of MPTF, kicked off the event with a thoughtful and heartfelt introduction on how Gail has become the national voice for elderly care. Ken discussed his personal connection to this tumultuous world, noting “It’s about the emotional toll that caregiving takes on us.”
Gail then walked out to a warm round of applause, beginning her speech with a clear statement she made in “Passages,” and continues to reiterate in “Passages in Caregiving”: There are many stages of growth and change after 50. Those who have had to deal with the process of caregiving, between figuring out palliative care and how a social worker can help you, can very intimately identify with this statement.
Gail is not just a lecturer, but a storyteller. Not only did she share about families whom she’s assisted in their journey through caregiving, but Gail also told her own personal story of caring for her husband for seventeen years.
There was an excellent turnout at the event. Gail continues to be an inspiring speaker, and we all can’t wait to see what she does next.
To learn more about how you can get assistance through your journey of caregiving, call MPTF at (818) 876-1050.
Like MPTF on Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming events!
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July 7th, 2010
Ed Limato, a senior agent at WME Entertainment who had spent four decades in the entertainment industry guiding the screen careers of some of its biggest stars has passed away but the memories he created and his fondness of the Industry continues on at the Motion Picture & Television Fund.
Ed Limato in 2004 with MPTF Residents at the ICM Barbeque
The former International Creative Management, Inc. (ICM) President and Vice Chair had originated an idea of an annual barbeque for the Motion Picture & Television Fund residents and brought it to life . Ed was instrumental in bringing together this intergenerational group of Hollywood agents and retirees, not only to mingle, but also as a way for ICM agents to get involved in supporting MPTF and to raise their awareness and interest in becoming involved with the Fund.
The ICM Barbeque provided the opportunity for many agents to see first-hand the charitable work of the Fund, many of which have developed a deep appreciation for the work that is being done. The contributions of industry members such as Ed have helped to raise awareness in the industry and continue to create memorable experiences for MPTF residents.
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