The Foreign Service Journal, May 2004

MAY 2004 • AFSA NEWS 7 ADVICE FROM FS MEMBERS Where to Retire? A bout two years ago, Roy and Imoved into a brand newcot- tage at Collington in Mitchellville, Md., midway between Washington and Annapolis. We chose Collington for sev- eral reasons. First, although sponsored by the Episcopal Church, it is ecumenical. Second, it is close toWashington, with a shut- tle bus to and from the NewCarrolltonMetro stop almost every hour during the day and early evening. Third, it is home tomany retired Foreign Service employees as well as retired journalists who have served overseas. After a long and satisfying career in the Foreign Service, it was a delight to find a retirement com- munity filled with kindred spirits. And finally, Collington is a life-care community with a well-staffed clinic and a comprehen- sive care nursing unit. There are all of the usual amenities, and some that are unique, such as a florist shop that is run by the residents and provides fresh floral arrangements throughout the community. The local community college teaches many courses here, including auto- biographical writing, philosophy and Tai Chi, as well as exercise classes. Outside speakers frequently give lectures on a variety of timely subjects, while themusic committee provides instrumen- tal and vocal concerts. My only regret is that Roy was unable to enjoy all of the amenities, as he died only a fewmonths after we moved toCollington. His passing has beenmore bearable because of the many friends, old and new, that I have found here. BettyW. Atherton Mitchellville, Md. T he following might be useful for the “Where to Retire” slot, but if so, please ask readers not toblab it around: there could be a stampede. Theplace isUzes, in theMidi regionof France, near Nimes. Uzes is a medieval/Renaissance cathedral and mar- ket townof 8,000, full of history andhandsomely restored andpro- tected architecture. In someways,Uzes is a typicalMidi town: a tunnel of plane trees over the main street during the hot dry summer, plenty of side- walk cafés, charming crooked streets full of visual treats and trendy boutiques and a bustling Saturday market. Four real seasons, but not exaggerated. In other ways, it is atypical: a remarkable public library in a restored 17th-century seminary; an annual summer baroquemusic festival; year-round classicalmusic concerts of sur- prising quality; a sizeable resident community of cultured and dis- creetly well-heeled Dutch, Swiss, Germans, English and Scandinavians; andamoderately-priced“universitepopulaire” (com- munity adult education facility) offering informal non-credit cul- tural and recreational courses. The peaceful surrounding countryside ismarkedly broken and undulating, green, smiling and prosperous: vineyards, orchards, farms, olive groves, lavender fields, and forests of pine and cypress. Despite at least 25,000 years of human habitation, the country 10 minutes away by car is a real boondocks, where you should watch out forwildboar. Muchof it couldbeTuscany, butmuch less built- up than the now-chic Provence of Pagnol or Peter Mayle. Practical info: Most shopping and services are available, includ- ing themainmedical specialties, withina 10-minutewalk. The cost of living is moderate to high. Opportunities for employment: vir- tually nil. Richard S. Dawson Uzes, France ▫ PLANNED GIVING Give Back to the Service & AFSA I nApril,AFSAkickedoff anewyear-long initiative to increase the number of “planned gifts” to the association. Planned giving is a popular way to have a lasting impact on a favorite institution. It involves the bequest of a major gift to an organization, usually through a trust or a will. These gifts can be set up to continue in perpetuity. A planned gift to AFSA provides a uniqueopportunity to leave a legacyof sup- port for the Foreign Service. There are many potential tax advantages in making planned gifts, and it is never too early to consider this option. AFSAhas established relationships with financial and legal pro- fessionals who can assist members with estate planning to determine what type of investment fits their needs, whether it be a bequest or an investment that generates income for the donor. AFSAencourages employees and fam- ily members to consider planned gifts to either or both of two crit- icalAFSAfunds: theAFSA ScholarshipFund and the Fund forAmericanDiplo- macy. The scholarship fund supports childrenof Foreign Service families with college education expenses. Financial aid and merit awards are bestowed in the name of the donor or loved one. The Fund for American Diplomacy supports a variety of public programs to raise awareness of the importance of diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service. The FAD activities help educate the Americanpublic throughprograms includ- ing the AFSASpeakers Program, the pop- ular High School Essay Contest and the Foreign Service Elderhostel program. If you want to explore how a planned gift to AFSA can aug- ment your trust or will, contact Planned Giving DirectorLoriDec. She can help you determine whether this option for giving back to the career that served you well or leaving your mark on AFSA is appropriate for you. She’s reachablebyphone: (202) 944-5504, or toll- free: 1(800) 704-2372, ext. 504; orby e-mail: dec@afsa.org. ▫ Planned giving is a popular way to have a lasting impact on a favorite institution.