Village News Magazine January 2021 by Peter Cousin

2404 Castleton Commerce Way, Suite 501 P:877-842-5478 X 200 E: Peter@Omybathandbody.com www.omybathandbody.com

Dear Village News Readers, WELCOME to the New Year! 2021. Who would have thought we would get here? Also the start of Village News’ 18th year of production. We’re so pleased to present you with this award winning publication every month. We hope you enjoy it as well. So let’s look at this new year with positive thoughts and hope for a complete return to normalcy. Keep the masks on and social distancing. The new shot is not the magic bullet unless we all get the shot. Those that reject it may be the cause of this pandemic lasting longer than necessary. Do your part! Let’s look at what January brings. The 4th is National Spaghetti Day. Love me some pasta! The 5th is National Bird Day. How many birds can you name on sight? I know maybe 3. Thursday, January 7th is Orthodox Christmas. For Christians, it is a is a 12-day season that begins on December 25th and ends on January 5th. Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar which places the day on January 7. The 15th National Hat Day. I favor the wearing of hats. Keeps my bald head (by choice) warm during the cold days. The 18th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Martin Luther King Day celebrates life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 20th is Inauguration Day. Marks the installation of our new President, Joe Biden. Like him or don’t, we wish him all the best.

Celebrating 17 Years Village News Staff Peter Cousin Editor-in-Chief Peter@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 Tara Perrone Lead Graphic Designer Tara@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 Sherry Wood Marketing Director Sherry@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 LaRay Cooper Business Development LaRay@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 Sarah Messinger Business Development Sarah@InsitePublishing.com 757-641-3784 David Cando IT Department Dcando@Gmail.com 757-497-1620

On the 31st we will be glued to our TV sets for the Grammy Awards. That’s what my kids used to call my mother when they were young. Wonder if there is any connection? At whatever you do this new year, we hope you enjoy the read of Village News.

Golf Golf Tips Tips 5 Golf Tips

Education Education 4 6 6 19 25 19 30

Fashion Trend VBSPCA - Safe Pet Toys European Wax New Location Computer Mandate THE ART CORNER - Blue Boy Your January 2021 Horoscop Making the call of 5G

Culture Culture 7 Gourmet SELECTS 15 On The House: New Year’s Sparkler 11 Top Seafood Trends at home

Humor 5 Golf Humor

FEATURE FEATURE 12 14 23

Santa Interview Relaxing OMy! Special Offer OMy! The Story behind

Fashion Month showcased a brave new world of digital enterprises, from Insta releases, to livestreamed shows, artful videos, titans of the industry in conversation on YouTube, and socially distanced in-person runways. It was designers adapting to the moment, and that idea translated directly to the collections—where 12 trends sum up the current mood. Are you ready for post-quarantine belted looks? Want to stand out in statement coats? Keep things cool in oversized denim? Swap sweatpants for chinos? Ease into 2021 in something pretty and pastel? The old rules no longer apply. See what you’ll be wearing for the revolution.

Good Trench spring 2021 fashion trends Distilling down to the basics is one approach to our current fashion conundrum, which comes down to a simple question: What do we want to wear right now? The innovative trenches on offer for spring may be based in the idea of a classic, but they’re hardly your typical belted fare. From dramatic lapels to interesting slits, drop waists, and bold sleeves, it seems that you can have your trench and your statement piece all at once. Pictured from top to bottom: Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Nina Ricci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Marni, Y: Project, Victoria Beckham, Altuzarra, and Rokh.

Petal to the Metal spring 2021 fashion trends How does your garden grow? The bolder, the brighter, and the more impactful seems to be the only way forward for spring. Designers certainly aren’t here for wilting daisies; instead, they’re bringing the floral motifs in sunny yellows, on neon tulip dresses, and on gala-worthy ball gowns in shades of pink so incandescent you’ll need shades to look straight at them. Pictured from top to bottom: Tom Ford, Valentino, Marni, Carolina Herrera, Duro Olowu, Kwaidan Editions, Molly Goddard, and Christopher John Rogers.a Beckham, Altuzarra, and Rokh.

How to Practice More Effectively 1) Try to do something golf related every day In this article we talked about a player who took a 30-day challenge with a great training aid called the Orange Whip. Sometimes it’s better to do something for 5-10 minutes each day, rather than one long session per week. It will keep your game fresh, and prevent more rust from building up. 2) Play games It’s been proven that the brain can’t learn unless you are challenging it with random tasks. Showing up to the range and hitting your driver for 20 minutes won’t do much to improve your golf game. This is exactly why practice games are so effective. They simulate real pressure that you will feel on the course and encourage you to practice like you play.

3) Establish your feel first Jack Nicklaus was a huge proponent of making sure he dialed in his feel on shorter shots before he moved into his full swings, and this is one of the greatest golf tips that has been making its way around for years. Establishing your feel on shots from 15-45 yards is a great way to warm up and get your swing in sync before you move on to your longer clubs. Try this in your next practice session, or before a round. 4) Never Give Up Every round of golf is an opportunity to learn about your game. If things aren’t going your way, and you pack it in for the day by the 8th hole, a very bad habit might start to form (this article explains why).

About European Wax Center As the largest waxing company in the U.S., European Wax Center believes that revealing beautiful skin is the first step toward revealing the best version of yourself. The brand's mission is to inspire women to be authentic and unapologetically confident in everything they do. As a lifestyle beauty brand admired by millions for our all-natural COMFORT WAX (R) , our exclusive 4 Steps to Gorgeous (R) process, and propriety collection of services and brow, body and skincare products enable everyone to feel pampered, confident and beautiful in their own skin. EWC is so confident that it will be love at first wax, the first wax is always complimentary. "We are thrilled to be expanding the European Wax Center experience throughout the Hampton Roads/Southeast Virginia area" says Laura Wertling, Franchisee of our newest European Wax Center location at Town Center, 4485 Virginia Beach Blvd, VB (757 538-7002). "We believe what we offer is about helping everyone find their own version of Gorgeous that can be incorporated into a regular beauty routine." Please join us at our new Town Center location or at our Hilltop Plaza location at 1725 Laskin Road, #9, Virginia Beach (757) 938-3555 soon so you can experience first-hand why we are one of the fastest growing companies in the beauty lifestyle services category.

Ingredients For the eggs: 6 large eggs, at room temperature Kosher salt 1 cup all-purpose flour Freshly ground pepper 1 cup breadcrumbs Vegetable oil, for frying 4 large biscuits, split and warmed For the gravy: 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 8 ounces fresh breakfast sausage, casings removed 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper Directions Prepare the eggs: Bring a large saucepan of water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add 4 eggs and simmer 5 minutes for very runny yolks, or 6 minutes for yolks that are slightly set around the edges. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water with a slotted spoon; drain, peel carefully and pat dry. Season with salt. Put the flour in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Put the breadcrumbs in another dish; season with salt and pepper. Beat the remaining 2 eggs in a third dish; season with salt and pepper. One at a time, carefully dredge the cooked eggs in flour, then roll in the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, and roll in the breadcrumbs. Roll in the beaten eggs again and reroll in the breadcrumbs. Put the eggs on a parchment-lined plate; refrigerate while you make the gravy. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour. Make the gravy: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the thyme and the reserved 2 tablespoons seasoned flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and cream and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper. Add more cream or water if the gravy is too thick. Keep warm. Deep-fry the eggs: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower the breaded eggs into the hot oil and fry, turning, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve the gravy and fried eggs on the biscuits.

Dinner Good Enough to EAT! Not sure how to make it or what goes in it? No problem!

Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat.

Here, Village News Shows You How.

Don't miss these top seafood trends you can easily try at home Are you spending more time cooking at home due to quarantine and social distancing? Perhaps you're indulging your inner foodie by trying new foods and recipes. These days, many people are flexing their culinary muscles and testing out different trends as a way to brighten up their every day. For your next meal or snack, consider adding these must-try seafood styles and flavors to your menu.

Everything bagel seasoning seafood It all started with the bagel, and now the popular seasoning that mixes poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion and garlic is being used in new and inventive ways. You can buy the seasoning to sprinkle on favorite dishes, but perhaps where these flavors really shine is when they're combined with delicious seafood such as Everything Bagel Butterfly Shrimp from SeaPak. These crispy butterfly shrimp are covered in everything bagel seasoning and paired with a cool cream cheese chive dipping sauce. It's specially designed for conventional ovens, toaster ovens and air fryers, so you get to indulge in a delicious new food craze without extensive kitchen time. Whether it's a savory snack or a scrumptious main course, Everything Bagel Butterfly Shrimp are versatile and delicious.

Creative "sea-cuterie" boards

make at home. Thanks to their low-maintenance nature, casseroles, lasagnas and oven-to-table recipes are getting the seafood treatment from home cooks everywhere. Many types of fish bake well and are incredible paired with breading or spices and sauce. Salmon with ginger? Stuffed sole with breadcrumbs? Seafood and pasta are an unforgettable dynamic duo. Baked seafood recipes, like this fan-favorite parmesan shrimp ziti bake, are typically simple, so why not make extra? Leftovers tend to reheat well, and one baking session can provide you with lunches all week long.

Traditional charcuterie boards have been around for centuries, featuring classics such as cured meats, olives, pickled vegetables, crackers and nuts. However, being at home has inspired people to take their charcuterie to new heights and many seafood lovers are designing platters around their favorite protein: seafood.

Seafood remixes

Known by some as "sea-cuterie," this new take on the classic shared appetizer can feature shrimp and cocktail sauce for dipping or smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese with sliced baguettes for a classy date night. You can take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean by complementing a spread of olives, artichokes and cherry tomatoes with deliciously salty sardines or anchovies - or even a smoked fish dip. It's tons of fun to customize your offering in unconventional ways particularly when it involves adding seafood to the mix.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can recreate an entire land-based dish by reimagining it. Tired: Bacon-wrapped sausage bites. Wired: Seaweed-wrapped cod nuggets.

We've all had to get a little more creative in the kitchen this year. For a twist on the traditional, try swapping the protein in your favorite dishes for salmon, shrimp or your favorite kind of seafood.

What sea-inspired cuisine will you whip up tonight?

Baked seafood dishes Want a satisfying crowd-pleaser for dinner? Baked seafood dishes are surging in popularity and are easy to 11

Da te l ine Ki n g st o n , Ja m a ica T h e “Fat -Ma n ” w a s spott e d th is we ek e nj oy ing som e t i me al one a fte r hi s l ong j our n e y th is p as t De ce mbe r. F o r a m an t h at o n ly w or ks o ne ni ght a y ea r, we fo u n d h i s jol l y de me anor r efr es hi n g. Wh en as ke d wh a t h e pla ns t o do the f or t he n e xt 11 mo n ths he r ep li e d, “ I pl an to ca tc h so m e r ay s a nd enj oy l ife . H ow a b o u t y o u ? Bei ng Na ug ht y o r Ni ce ? Be s t of l u ck S a n ta !

JANUARY 2021

www.OmyBathandBody.com Goat Milk is very beneficial to the health of our skin due to the similar PH Balance, as well as the natural Vitamins and Minerals found within! O My! Goat Milk Soaps have been known to moisturize dry skin, help to heal sensitive skin conditions, and exfoliate dead skin cells,

Where can I find O My! You can now find O My! products in over 3,000 retail locations nationally, at your favorite spas & pharmacies, at hospitals, general stores, natural grocery stores, hallmarks, retail gift stores, garden centers, hardware stores, gourmet stores, fabric stores, bookstores, college campuses, private schools, as well as military commissaries and exchanges. But WAIT!!! You can now find "O My!" products by going directly to their website: OMYBathandBody.com. You will LOVE this site! Take a look at the page on the right. OMy! is now located at 2404 Castleton Commerce Way in Suite 501 here is Virginia Beach. New location with same great products and YOU can buy them right from the manufacture.

877-842-5478 Come by and visit the new DIGS!

What you need to know before scheduling a well-child visit Over the past several months, families have been helping stop the spread of COVID-19 and keeping their loved ones safe by staying home as much as possible. As communities across the country begin to reopen, you can help your child stay healthy by keeping any scheduled appointments for well-child visits and rescheduling appointments that may have been missed. At these essential appointments, you have an opportunity to: * Track your child's growth and developmental milestones * Discuss any concerns about your child's health * Get your child vaccinated to protect them from 14 serious diseases In recent years, some of these diseases - particularly measles and whooping cough - have caused outbreaks. These contagious illnesses can pose serious risks and complications for infants and young children. For this reason, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that every child continue to receive routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are some answers to questions you may have about wellvisits during this time: Can I take my child to the doctor safely? Talk to your child's doctor to see what measures they have in place during the COVID-19 outbreak. Offices and clinics across the country are taking proactive, protective measures to help

you and your child stay safe during your visit. These steps may include scheduling sick visits and well-child visits at different times and in different locations, and reducing crowds in waiting rooms by asking patients to wait outside until called. Which vaccines does my child need? Check out CDC's easy-to-read childhood immunization schedule to see the vaccines recommended for each age and the diseases they prevent. What if I can't pay for my child's vaccines? The Vaccines for Children program provides free vaccines for children who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian/Alaska Native. If you need help paying for vaccines, ask your child's doctor for more information about the program. During these challenging times, remember that you have the power to keep your child healthy by seeing their doctor and getting routine vaccines.

Ingredients 1 ounce berry-flavored vodka 1 1/2 ounces pomegranate juice 3 1/2 ounces Champagne Garnish: skewered raspberries

Start the year off right with this amazing New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cocktail.

New survey: How do Americans feel about traveling now? The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of Americans in many ways, including making families from coast to coast cancel or postpone their vacation plans. However, a new survey reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults are planning to get out and take a trip again soon and a road trip is the way to get there. The survey, conducted on behalf of Toyota, also shows how attitudes about travel - from destinations to modes of transportation - have changed since the pandemic began. How do Americans feel about traveling now? While 4 in 10 (42%) U.S. adults said that they are likely to go on a vacation or travel by the end of this year, over half (56%) of them reported that they are less likely to venture beyond their home state. Another effect of the pandemic, not surprisingly, is that the majority of respondents (69%) said they would prefer to only travel with their immediate family members (such as their spouse/partner and children) from their household. The results confirmed a strong preference for outdoor vacation experiences such as trips to the beach/swimming, state parks/hiking and camping. Most respondents anticipate driving 4-6 hours to reach their vacation destinations. How are Americans planning to get there? Perhaps the most striking difference compared to pre-COVID days was revealed when the survey asked about preferred modes of travel since the start of the pandemic. Nearly 3 out of 4 (72%) said they would much rather take a vehicle than a plane to get to their destination. The reason for this choice makes sense: Over half (56%) said they felt their vehicle was a "safe haven" from the coronavirus. And what features help make a road trip a better choice for traveling? Drivers revealed that the three most important features are fuel economy, ride comfort and advanced safety features. The top three choices for what type of vehicles respondents believed would result in the most comfortable road trip are:

* 56% SUV * 34% Sedan * 17% Minivan From the eco-friendly and fuel efficient Toyota hybrid family, to Toyota Safety Sense standard on many new models, Toyota's diverse vehicle line-up offers an option for every road tripper. More road trips mean more interest in upgrading vehicles Perhaps because over half (54%) of the survey respondents said that their vehicle has become more important to them due to the pandemic, interest in buying a new vehicle is strong. Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. adults reported some interest in purchasing a new vehicle within the next year, and 31% reported that they were likely to purchase a vehicle in the next year. Respondents were also asked about their perception of some popular vehicle brands (allowing them to choose more than one), with 66% choosing Toyota as the top rated. Interestingly, positive perception of the brand was slightly stronger among millennials and members of Gen X (67% for each of those groups) as compared to Baby Boomers (64%). If you and your family are planning a road trip vacation this year and need a new vehicle, find more information at Toyota.com.

The Computer Mandate www.ExecTechVA.net

Dear Village News Readers, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We hope for each Village News reader a substantially better year than 2020. We are excited about the prospects of the virus being sent to the wood shed. It’s time that all of us get back to some kind of normalcy. Whatever that may be. So for Christmas and Hanukkah did you get a new computer? Is it what you wanted or needed? Let’s get the new year 2021 off to a good start by getting your new computer into optimum shape. Be prepared for anything and everything this year can bring.

that would feel they have to benefit on the misery of others. Once way is to hack into your computer. BUT that won’t happen if you invite us into your computer area and we setup an infection-proof software system. This is your year. After 2020, this will be an outstanding year. We look forward to working with you, your system and protecting your future computer use. Best Regard! David David always say: We're always available to Village News readers for a quick analysis of your equipment. Just give us a call at 497-1620. Remember our motto: David “Can-Do!”

It is a sad state of affairs that there are people out there

Capricorn

If you were you born in January

Capricorn – the Goat of Fear A goat with the tail of a fish is created to face fear and create panic. It is the sign of decisions made to be protected from monsters in our minds, lives, and immediate physical surrounding. Always ready to transform into something that scares those scary things off, Capricorn speaks of each natural chain reaction of fear, where one scary thing leads to many others, rising up as defensive mechanisms that only make things worse. Immersed in their secrecy, they face the world just as they are – brave enough to never run away, but constantly afraid of their inner monsters. 19

The OMy! Story O My! was born from an expression of utter joy after bathing with a bar of natural handmade goat milk soap. In 2011, Vicki, our product formulation extraordinaire and President, was selling her goat milk soap at a local farmers market in Virginia Beach when Heather, our CEO, came by her booth and decided to give one of her bars a try. Later that evening Heather bathed with the Goat Milk Soap and the first words out of her mouth were “O My”!? Heather found out the home-grown Goat Milk Soap recipe had been perfected over the course of 10 years on Vicki's goat farm. She started researching the benefits of Goat Milk Soap and found goat milk is greatly beneficial to the health of our skin due to the similar PH Balance, as well as the natural vitamins and minerals found within! The ability to moisturize dry skin, help to heal sensitive skin conditions, and exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving a healthy glow that is noticeable by others lead Heather to form a partnership with Vicki and O My! was quickly born.

Hand sanitizers too expensive at the grocery store? Don’t know how good they are? O My! has the answer. Let us keep you safe.

Healthy, Soft Lips... the All Natural Way!" Made in USA, 100% natural Say "NO" to unhealthy SPF additives found in other lip balms, lip salves and lip glosses and say "YES" to Natural O My! Goat Milk Lip Balms.

www.OMyBathandBody.com 2404 Castleton Commerce Way, Suite 501, Virginia Beach 23

Thomas Gainsborough : The Blue Boy (1770) Perhaps Gainsborough's most famous work, it is thought to be a portrait of Jonathan Buttle (1752â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1805), the son of a wealthy hardware merchant, although this has never been proven. It is a historical costume study as well as a portrait: the youth in his seventeenth-century apparel is regarded as Gainsborough's homage to Anthony van Dyck, and in particular is very close to Van Dyck's portraits of Charles II as a boy. Do you have a favorite painting you would like to exhibit here next month? Send us the name with the artist to ARTCORNER@VillageNewsVA.com. We will do our best to present to our fellow readers and art enthusiasts.

From Beginning to End... Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re with you! Village News Magazine

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Expert tips and tricks you need to know to make every brunch your best brunch For many, regular brunch gatherings may have fallen by the wayside in recent months. With the changing of seasons, it's time to bring brunch back to create warm memories as the weather cools. If your go-to brunch plans are no longer possible, start thinking about creating a new routine and hosting a fabulous brunch in the safety and comfort of your home, outdoor living space or virtually. Whether entertaining a small group of family or friends in your bubble or gathering the whole gang online, pro tips and tricks can help make any brunch your best brunch. From creating a beautiful tablescape and ambiance to pairing Insta-worthy drinks and dishes, insights from expert entertainers will help you create the ultimate elevated brunch experience. Do your prep work To avoid a last-minute time crunch, make a plan. Nail down your menu and shop for the essentials a few days in advance of your soiree; make a quick shopping trip or online grocery order the day before for items that are best purchased super fresh. Also the day before, take care of as much slicing, chopping and assembling as you can, and start laying the foundation for your gorgeous table by setting out your linens, china and glassware. Pull out any other kitchen tools, serving ware and essentials you may need. The more you can do ahead of time, the more energy you'll have to welcome and attend to your brunch guests, whether virtually or in person from a safe distance. Create fun and functional centerpieces Creating a chic table doesn't need to be complicated or break the bank. You can create a stunning look with flavors you'll be featuring in your menu. Fill small vases with overflowing aromatics and herbs that accent dishes or garnish cocktails - think fresh mint, thyme or lavender. Use glass pitchers to showcase other key accouterments, such as sliced or whole lemons, limes, oranges and berries. This hack adds bursts of vibrant

color indoors or out, while getting your guests involved in crafting and customizing their own drinks. Plus, budget-minded entertainers can make use of these fresh ingredients later in the week. Keep it light Nothing says brunch like a pretty, sparkling cocktail. Whether guests are joining in person or virtually, an elegant and effervescent drink helps elevate the occasion. For your next 21-and-older get-together*, the Lillet Spritz is a simple and ideal accompaniment to any brunch menu. With low alcohol by volume, this light and refreshing concoction is perfect for sipping during daytime festivities. Just mix three ounces of Lillet (Blanc or RosĂŠ) with three ounces of tonic water over large ice cubes in a tall wine glass, and garnish with cucumber, mint and a strawberry. Pay attention to pairings When deciding on a menu, think about how each dish will work with your accompanying beverages. Look for combinations that will complement one another, provide balance or highlight nuances you want to bring out in your culinary creations. For instance, the classic Lillet can draw attention to the hint of citrus and aromatics in baked doughnuts topped with a Lillet RosĂŠ glaze - even better, these easy-to-make show-stoppers from Vallery Lomas, cookbook author and Great American Baking Show winner, can be prepared in advance. When keeping these expert tips in mind, hosting a simple yet chic brunch experience in your home, on your deck or in your garden is within easy reach. Especially with one final pro tip: Fill your guest list - online or in person, when safe to do so - with fun family and friends who are hungry for connecting through special moments and making lasting memories. *Please drink responsibly. 29

Making the call of 5G: Is it time to switch? After seemingly years of breathless hype, 5G network technology has finally arrived across much of the country. Delivering increased connection speeds and improved call quality, 5G is the new state-of-the-art for wireless users, and both cellular providers and device manufacturers are rushing to convince customers to hop aboard this new "superfast" train. But for the average cellphone user, how important is it to make the switch to a 5G compatible device right now? Here are the key things to consider when making that decision.

How do you use your device? For most users, the faster speeds provided by 5G networks will be noticeable primarily when performing data-heavy tasks with your phone, like streaming high definition video or downloading large files. If these are important to you, upgrading to a 5G device will be a definite benefit. However, if you are satisfied with the performance of your current phone using 4G networks, this standard will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Who's your carrier?

What does 5G mean? First, it's important to understand what 5G means. The "G" stands for "Generation" - meaning, simply, this is the fifth generation of mobile networks since the industry started. It is a new global wireless standard, following 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G networks that preceded it. The technological advancements of 5G (providing higher data speeds during peak usage times, reducing lag time, etc.) were driven by the need to keep pace with the explosive growth of wireless use since the last standard (4G) was rolled out in 2010. What will 5G replace? Mobile networks have a limited amount of bandwidth to operate on. This means that when a new "Generation" of technology is rolled out, an older one has to be turned off to make room for it on the network. In the case of 5G, it will be replacing the oldest "Generation" which was still in use, 3G. 3G networks have been in use since 2001, and providers expect them to be out of service by the end of 2021. What does your current device use? Whether or not you need to act quickly to replace your wireless device depends entirely on how old it is. If you are still using a flip phone or smartphone that connects to wireless networks using 3G technology, you can expect a year or less of use before you will be unable to make or receive calls, or connect to mobile data, with it. If you have a phone purchased in the last few years that uses 4G, you won't need to make a change anytime soon. As we see from 3G, the lifespan of each "Generation" of wireless technology lasts for around 20 years, so you'll likely be able to stay connected using 4G for at least another 10 years (though your phone itself may not perform satisfactorily for that long). 30

Wireless carriers have taken a variety of approaches to the arrival of 5G, with many offering incentives for customers to upgrade to newer devices. Their customer service is key to helping you understand your needs and what they have available. For instance, Consumer Cellular, which J.D. Power has named #1 for customer service among non-contract carriers nine times in a row, has begun offering 5G compatible phones in a variety of price ranges. The company focuses largely on customers ages 50 and up, and has helped successfully steer them through technology transitions for 25 years. As with any new technology, an informed consumer is a happy consumer. By understanding what 5G means, and what benefits it can provide, you'll be able to make a decision that will ensure you have the wireless service that's right for you.