Home

Membership
Directory
Apply & Renew
Make Changes to Membership
LSN Board, Committee Chairs & Officers
Current Member List
Member Support
Monthly Meeting Information
     Board Minutes
Membership Events
LSN Happy Hours
Outreach
LSN Member News
Employment
In The Know
Links to Community Resources
Sponsorship
Monthly Meetings
INPO Sponsorship

To Contact Us:
Lowcountry Senior Network
1000 Johnnie Dodds Blvd
Suite 103 - 306
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

or email
info@lowcountrysn.com

Email your Member news here
Happy New Year! As a fellow LSN member, I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that our firm is offering deeply discounted income tax prep this year as a way to introduce folks to our additional services. All taxes are done by my staff CPA who has been practicing for 20 years. Please also feel free to pass this offer on to your friends, clients, and co-workers, especially those over the age of 50. $59 covers 1040, Schedules A, B, & D. If someone needs a business return or Schedule C done, that is extra. However, you will find our prices far more reasonable than most all CPA firms as we do not have their overhead or staffing levels to pay for. Also for every referral someone sends us, we reduce the cost of their return by $10.

I also invite you to check out our website when you get a moment as well. It offers more detail on the services we provide, which range from conservative investment management, life insurance, long term care insurance, medicare supplement insurance, retirement and financial planning, college funding, etc.

I look forward to seeing you at LSN events this year and hope to sit down for a visit with you as well.

Warm regards,
Paul

Paul C. MacDonald, CLU, ChFC
The MacDonald Tax & Financial Group, Inc.
1127 Queensborough Blvd. Suite 105
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 284-0370 (Local)
(866) 535-7298 (Toll-free)
(843) 284-0372 (Fax)
www.macdonaldtaxfg.com
E-mail: pmacdonald@capitalsynergypartners.com
Registered representative of and securities offered through Capital Synergy Partners. Member FINRA/SIPC. 18551 Von Karman Ave., #160, Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 442-7413. The MacDonald Tax & Financial Group, Inc. and Capital Synergy Partners are unaffiliated entities.


For Immediate Release:
Jan. 17, 2012 For more information, contact:
Holly Fisher, HAF Creative
843-991-1689
holly@hafcreative.com
Twitter: @hollyannfisher

Reverse Mortgage Specialist First in State to Earn Professional Certification

CHARLESTON, S.C. – David Heilman, vice president of Franklin Funding Reverse Mortgages, is the first in South Carolina to earn the Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) designation. Only 32 people in the country have this designation awarded by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.

To become certified, an individual must demonstrate knowledge and competency in the area of reverse mortgages and a dedication to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. Heilman’s certification also was based on his experience in the industry and continuing education.

“Obtaining this designation was a goal of mine because it shows a clear level of commitment to the industry and, most importantly, to the seniors we serve,” Heilman said. “And with more than 10,000 people turning 65 each day, there is no doubt the use of home equity will be needed more than ever as seniors try to maintain their lifestyle, continue funding retirement or pay for healthcare.

Heilman, a resident of Summerville, has been with Franklin Funding since 2007. He currently serves president-elect of the Mortgage Lenders Association of Greater Charleston and will take on the role of president next year.

Reverse mortgages are available to seniors age 62 and older who have home equity. They allow senior homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes without having to make monthly payments as is required with a traditional mortgage. With a reverse mortgage, funds are advanced to the borrower and interest accrues, but the outstanding balance isn’t due until the last borrower leaves the home, sells the home or dies.

About Franklin Funding Reserve Mortgages
Franklin Funding Reverse Mortgages is a licensed FHA mortgage banking firm specializing in reverse mortgages for senior homeowners in South Carolina. Franklin Funding has been helping individuals and families since 1999. For more information, call 843-762-2218 or visit www.franklin-funding.com

The Palms of Mt. Pleasant, a full service retirement community, will be holding a networking oyster roast and lowcountry boil with drinks Thursday, February 23, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Live music will be provided to entertain our guests! The event will take place in our courtyard and lounge area. Please RSVP to Marisa Ferguson at 843-884-6949. The Palms is located at 937 Bowman Road in Mt. Pleasant.

January 7, 2012

6296 Rivers Avenue
N. Charleston, SC 29406

Editor
Post and Courier
134 Columbus Street
Charleston, SC 29401

Dear Editor,

After recently reaching the milestone of 30,000 rides, ITNCharlestonTrident would like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers who drive your neighbors and friends to the places they need or want to go in our service area.

ITNCharlestonTrident offers rides 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any purpose to people over 60 and those with visual impairments. The generosity of our volunteer drivers makes possible a service few communities offer –dignified transportation that is door to door in personal automobiles. No matter our ages, we all still have the same needs to see friends, family, go to medical appointments and buy groceries but we may no longer be able to drive safely.

Our volunteers improve public safety for all of us and support ITN’s ability to provide an average of 500 rides per month. They bring customers to your stores and help adult children who might otherwise have to leave work to drive parents to an appointment.

If you would like to join these special people, please call ITN as 225-2715.
Thank you.

Barbara Franklin
Volunteer Committee Chairman
(709-1939 – cell)
Senior Realtor specialist immerses herself in elder care, aging in place issues

A midlife career change got Debra Whitfield into real estate. Approaching age 50 led her to her niche: assessing the housing needs of older people.

She earned a Seniors Real Estate Specialist certification five years ago and hasn’t stopped delving into matters facing homeowners who have reached the half-century mark.

“I help baby boomers, retirees and seniors,” says Whitfield, broker with Coldwell Banker United, Realtors at its office not far from Johnnie Dodds Boulevard.
Click here to read the Post & Courier Article


BURGER COLUMN: Caring for our aging parents
Read the Post & Courier Article Here

Realtor group honors Whitfield

A broker who focuses her business on helping senior home shoppers find attractive, affordable places to live has earned top awards from her peers.

Debra Whitfield was named 2010 Realtor of Distinction by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors. She also was included among the East Cooper Top Producers for 2010.

Whitfield, who is with the Mount Pleasant office of Coldwell Banker United, Realtors, is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, or SRES. She markets to the 50-year-old-plus community as they transition in their real estate needs.
See Article Here

lsn

Barbara Franklin - Long-term-care specialist works to help seniors - November 26, 2010
Click here to read original article

Q: You work with the elderly in both your business (Franklin & Associates) and as a volunteer. What do you like about that demographic?
A: Seniors are interesting -- I find that they have wonderful life adventures and stories to share! At the same time, I enjoy being of service to seniors and their family members when they are confronted with some of the complex and confusing issues related to retirement living, health care and long-term-care planning.

Q: Before you became a long-term-care specialist, you worked in human resources. What attracted you to your current field?
A: My own vulnerability, not having children, attracted me to the field initially, but my father's lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's disease gave me an "up-close and personal" view of the costs of care and how it can affect seniors and their family members on a day-to-day basis.

Q: You and your husband started the nonprofit S.C. Aging in Place Coalition. In a nutshell, what does the organization do?
A: The coalition is unique in that it brings the private sector together with nonprofit and government agencies for a common mission. The 85 member organizations are dedicated to providing education, resources and outreach that can help an individual stay safely, comfortably and independently in their own residence for as long as possible. (www.scaipc.org).

Q: Tell us about the transportation problem that led you and others to start the Independent Transportation Network.
A: Seniors ask over and over, "How will I get to the places I need or want to go when I can no longer drive?" Safe, reliable and efficient transportation becomes one of the key elements in the aging-in-place equation. ITNCharlestonTrident provides dignified, door-through-door transportation 24 hours a day, seven days a week for seniors -- 65 and up -- and the visually impaired. It started in November 2006 and has completed close to 25,000 rides. (www.itncharlestontrident.org)

Q: What would you like to tell potential volunteer drivers?
A: It's not just a ride, it's a relationship with an individual who will be extremely grateful for the service you provide. Unlike many volunteer opportunities, ITN is flexible. You can provide a ride when and where it is most convenient for you.

Q: November is National Long-Term Care Awareness Month. Why do you think it's important for women in particular to plan for long-term care?
A: Women live five years longer than men and make up 74 percent of the residents in long-term-care facilities (according to the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance). Women are called upon more frequently as caregivers in the family and as a result often turn down promotions or leave the work force altogether. As a result, their finances may suffer, leaving them vulnerable to the financial risk of a future long-term-care need.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
A: Like my mother -- volunteering, engaged, active and using my iPad or whatever technology is available at the time, to keep in touch with family and friends around the world.

Q: What books are currently on your nightstand?
A: "The Reluctant Empress," a biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. My mother was born in Vienna, and I am fascinated by the history of that region.

Q: What was your best vacation, and where are you still hoping to go?
A: Galapagos Islands and Antarctica top the list, but I still hope to go to Hudson Bay, Canada, to see polar bears!

Q: Will you be doing any shopping today, Black Friday?
A: I'll be strolling with friends on King Street -- shopping is a distinct possibility!

Compiled by Kristen Hankla

Member of the Month
Mary Kay Taylor
January 2012
Click Here
 
Member of the Month
Chad Swiler
Member of the Month
Lyn Iseman
August 2011
Click Here
 
Member of the Month
Jean Nisbet
July 2011
Click Here
Jean Nisbet
Member of the Month
Pam Chambers
June 2011
Click Here
 
Member of the Month
Rebecca Band
May 2011
Click Here
 
Rebecca Band 
Member of the Month
Alyson Fudge
March 2011
Click Here
Member of the Month
Rebecca Imholtz
January 2011
Click Here
 
Back To Top

Photos

LSN Meeting 09-2011
   
   
 

Photos from A Day of Caring

   
   
   
   
   
   
 



LSN night at the Riverdogs




 
Nick Gregory speaker for August
Photos from July Meeting 2011
   
 
Bowling 2011 
 
 

LSN Casserole Luncheon for the seniors and foster grandparents at the Charleston Area Senior Center on Friday, March 25th
   
   
   
   
   
   
LSN October 12, 2010 meeting
Dr Can Horn, Lighthouse Care Center of Conway
speaking on "The Aging Brain"

meeting

INPO 2010 - a "Tweet" Success

Inpo 2010


LSN Members help Operation Home and Heat Relief Project


Tom Sweeney. Paul Franklin, Cheri Williams and Marie McGuirk are gloved and ready to serve dessert.


Jeanette Blankenship, Mary Ross McQuage and Stephanie Merrell.


Serving Salads and Smiles are Barbie Dugan, Rebecca Imholz, Stacey Pierce, and Annelle Orr


Ashton and Laura serve up soup


Bill Eaton and senior listen to soup options


Rebecca are all smiles as they serve up delicious soup


Karin and Nell Early, This reminds me of sitting at my mother's kitchen table eating soup


Ashton, Robyn, Marissa, Maureen, David


 

Barbara Franklin of Franklin and Associates was among 12 influential Charleston area women recently honored during a luncheon hosted by the Charleston Regional Business Journal. The women were selected for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to service in the community.


Bowen's Island

Back To Top


Social Events

LSN at Bowens 2010

 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens
 Bowens  Bowens

LSN at the Riverdogs Game

Back To Top


 

 

 

Website Design by VWP Web Solutions