55 Plus CNY, #114: December - January 2024

Issue 114 December - January 2024 For Active Adults in Central New York

cny55.com

RETIREMENT

High-powered men drive school buses in Skaneateles.

RUNNING

Kathleen Rathbun

A LIFE DEVOTED TO BALLET.

Meet the women of 261 Fearless Club of Syracuse.

PETS

Things you need to consider before you adopt.

WEIGHT

How I lost 25 lbs. in eight weeks.

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WE CARE WE CARE LIKE FAMILY LIKE FAMILY Become a part of WE CARE Become a p Our Family!

Our Fam LIKE FAMILY JOIN OUR FAMILY

We are growing and have exciting career opportunities in the health care industry.

We are growing and have exciting career To join our talented, professional team, please LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER? opportunities in the visit one of our care facilities career pages forhealth care industry. available positions. To join our talented, professional team, please visit one of our care facilities career pages for available positions.

We are growing and have exciting career We are growing and have exciting career Life in balance. opportunities in the health care industry. health careprocess industry.

Aopportunities company philosophyin thatthe speaks to a continual of individual To join our talented, professional team, please Life in balance.

17 Sunrise Drive Oswego, NY 13126 and development to improve our well-being, quality please of life Tocollective join our talented, professional team, visit one of our care facilities career pages for 315-342-4790 | www.morningstarcares.com A company philosophy that speaks to a continual process of individual and personal visit onerelationships. of our care facilities career pages for 17 Sunrise Drive Oswego, N available positions. and collective development to improve our well-being, quality of life available positions.

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Family!

and personal relationships.

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A company philosophy that speaks toToaprovide continual process of individual people inquality our community 13126 R E17 S ISunrise D E N T Drive I A L Oswego, C A R E CNY EN TER and collective development to improve our well-being, of life with healthcare, customer services, 17 Sunrise|Drive Oswego, NY 13126 and collective development to improve our well-being, quality of life their individual best quality of315-342-4790 www.morningstarcares.com support & employment to achieve life. and personal relationships.

Our Vision.

220 Tower Street, Waterville, NY 13480 315-342-4790 | www.morningstarcares.com and personal relationships.

RESIDENTIAL CARE C 315-841-4156 | www.watervillecares.com To redefine skilled nursing care through successful team development, use 220 Tower Street, Waterville, ofOur technology, progressive service andOur being aVision. strong community partner.

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Assisted Living Community Registered RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTER Our Team.

RESIDENTIAL CARE CENTER Licensed Nurses 132 Ellen Street, Oswego, NY 13126 Our Vision.

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220 Tower Street, Waterville, NY 13480 A s s i s t e d L i v i n g C o m Physical Therapists 315-841-4156 | www.watervillecares.com To redefine skilled nursing care through successful team development, use 315-841-4156 | www.watervillecares.com Licensed Nurses 132 Ellen Street, Oswego, N To redefine skilled nursing care through successful team development, use Occupational of technology,Therapists progressive service andPhysical being aTherapists strong community partner.

315-343-0880 | www.thegardensby of technology, progressive service and being a strong community partner.

Speech Therapists Occupational Therapists Social Workers Our Team.

Aaron Manor Speech Therapists Our Team.

Recreational Therapists u enni tt ey r Registered Nurses R eA h asbsi il si ttaet d i o nL iavni dn gN uCros m i n gmC Assisted Living Community Registered Nurses Social Workers Dieticians M Licensed Nurses Ellen Street, 100132 St. Camillus Way,Oswego, Fairport,NYNY13126 14450 Aaron Licensed Nurses Recreational Therapists 132 Ellen Street, Oswego, NY 13126 315-343-0880 | www.thegardensbymorningstar.com Nurse Aides 585-377-4000 | www.aaronmanor.com R e h a b i l i t a t i o n a n d N u r s i Physical Therapists 315-343-0880 | www.thegardensbymorningstar.com Physical Therapists Dieticians 100 St. Camillus Way, Fairport Occupational Therapists Occupational Therapists Nurse Aides 585-377-4000 | www.aaronm Speech Therapists Speech Therapists Social Workers Aaron Manor Social Workers

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CONTE N TS

Features 18 Retirement

34 Running

High-powered men drive school buses in Skaneateles.

Meet the women of 261 Fearless Club of Syracuse.

Running group is more about camaraderie..

22 Holidays

37 Pets

Shortage of nurses, doctors … santas?

Things you need to consider before you adopt.

26 Gifts

38 Cover

Last-minute gifts that don’t look last-minute.

28 Books

A life devoted to ballet: Kathleen Rathbun continues to share her passion.

Independent bookstore, owned by two educators, thrives in Marcellus.

42 Travel

30 Milestone

46 Weight

We’re 25 years into the 21st century this New Year’s Eve. What has changed.

6

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

Deals abound for those who want to travel this time of the year. Just ask local travel agents.

How I lost 25 lbs. in eight weeks.

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Columns

More Contents 49 Vintage Social media sensation: Albion chubby vintage nana spreads her message of kindness and acceptance and love for vintage things.

10 Savvy Senior How to write a living will yourself.

12 Gardening Figuring it out.

51 Essay Are people calling you the C-word behind your back? Many unflattering words that people use to describe an older person, start with a C.

14 Dining Out

14

52 Finances The cost of solo aging: Married people tend to build wealth and avoid poverty better in old age than unmarried people, a new study finds.

44 Aging Life in Florida: Two hurricanes in two weeks.

Almost one third of retirees in the U.S. are considering temporary work, says study.

61 Your Health Understanding Parkinson’s disease.

54 Money

58 Life After 55

Smart money moves you should make now.

Meg Van Patten looks back at an ‘awesome 45 years’ as a librarian.

On the Cover

43 Social Security Q&A Answers to readers’ questions.

54 Retirement

59 Books

The Cider Mill: Syracuse eatery finds success in featuring seasonal dishes.

34

Remembering life on the farm.

64 Druger’s Zoo On being human.

48

66 Last Page Melanie Littlejohn, 60.

New president of CNY Community Foundation talks about plans for the nonprofit.

Story ideas? Email editor@cny55.com or call 315-342-1182.

To subscribe to the magazine, look for coupon inside.

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savvy senior

By Jim Miller

How to Write a Living Will Yourself

P

reparing a living will now is a smart decision that gives you say in how you want to be treated at the end of your life. Here are some resources to help you write one.

To adequately spell out your wishes regarding your end-of-life medical treatment you need two legal documents: A “living will” which tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you become incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney” (or health care proxy), which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to. These two documents are known as an “advance directive,” and will only be utilized if you are too ill to make medical decisions yourself. You can also change or update it whenever you please.

It isn’t necessary to hire a lawyer to prepare an advance directive. There are a number of free or low-cost do-ityourself resources available today to help you create one, and it takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Some top options include: • CaringInfo.org: This is a program created by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that provides free state-specific living will forms that you can download, print and fill out. Or you can call 800-6588898 and they will mail them to you and answer any questions you may have.

• MyDirectives.com: If you’d rather create a digital (online only) advance directive, MyDirectives is an online tool and mobile app that will help you create, store and share a detailed, customized digital advance directive.

• FiveWishes.org: This is another top-rated resource for creating a comprehensive paper or digital advance directive. They charge $5 for 10

the paper form and $15 for the digital version, which is stored on the website that you or your family can access anytime.

• VA Advance Directive: If you’re a veteran, the VA also provides a free advance directive form specifically for you at VA.gov/find-forms/aboutform-10-0137.

Other Options — If you’re interested in making an entire estate plan that will include your will and trust, power of attorney and advance directive, there are many do-it-yourself online services that typically run between $100 and $250. Some top services include Quicken WillMaker & Trust software (WillMaker.com), Trust & Will (TrustandWill.com), and Legal Zoom (LegalZoom.com), which also makes basic living wills for only $39.

O r, i f y o u ’ d r a t h e r h a v e a professional do it for you, contact an estate planning attorney. See NAELA. org or NAEPC.org to help you locate someone in your area. Costs will vary depending on where you live, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $500 and $2,000 for a basic estate plan.

• Add-ons: You should also consider getting a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) as part of your advance directive, since advanced directives do little to protect you from unwanted emergency care like CPR. To create a DNR, ask your doctor to fill out a state appropriate form and sign it.

Another tool you should know about that will complement your advance directive is the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, or POLST (sometimes called Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, or MOLST). A POLST form translates your end-of-life wishes into medical orders to be honored by your doctors.

To learn more about your state’s program or set one up, see POLST.org.

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

cny55.com Editor and Publisher Wagner Dotto Associate Editor Stefan Yablonski Writers & Contributors Deborah J. Sergeant, Mary Beth Roach, David Figura, John Addyman, Joe Sarnicola, Norah Machia, Grace Scism, Tim Bennett, Tara Law, Jolene Cleaver Columnists Marilyn Pinsky, Jim Sollecito Marvin Druger, Michelle Reed, Jim Miller, Julie McMahon Eva Briggs (M.D.) Advertising Amy Gagliano Pamela Roe Office Manager Allison Lockwood Layout & Design Angel Campos-Toro Cover Photo Chuck Wainwright 55 Plus: A Magazine for Active Adults in Central New York is published six times a year by Local News, Inc. at 185 E. Seneca St. P.O. Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126.

Subscription: $30 a year; $40 for two years © 2024 by 55 Plus: A Magazine for Active Adults in Central New York.

No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher.

How to Reach Us P.O. Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126

Phone: 315-342-1182 Fax: 315-342-7776 Email: editor@cny55.com Editor@cnyhealth.com

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gardening

By Jim Sollecito

Figuring It Out

M

to Amsterdam where they had relatives.

Otherwise, paternal life as a grandfather, young nonFilippo, Englishgrew up speaking dirt poor w i d o w in Italy’s could be Basilicata challenging. region on a Once in small olive Amsterdam, oil farm q u i c k l y re w h e re t h e i r figuring their animals stabled life plan, he downstairs and got a job with people lived Mohawk Mills upstairs.

Carpets, never After decorated returning to NYC. service in the WWI He eventually made Italian Army enough to fighting in the Sollecito family: Gaetana, Emanuele, Filippo, move on from ice and snow of Vincenzo and Giuseppe, 1928. his cousin’s the Alps, he left hospitality. He Europe for a better life in America. bought a house in the neighborhood, Having landed on Ellis Island in right up the street from Kirk Douglas the 1920s, he secured a manual labor where, as a lad, my father sold used job in the New York City Italian ghetto. newspapers and other recyclables After earning enough, he sent for to Kirk’s father, a Russian Jewish my teenaged grandmother and they immigrant known as the Amsterdam married. Walking home one Friday ragman. My aunts were mentioned in payday, a local mafia representative Kirk’s book, “The Ragman’s Son.” stopped him and demanded 25% on Fast forward. After his naval stint the spot and every week thereafter for in the Pacific, the WWII GI bill allowed his “safety.” My grandfather refused, my father, Emanuele, to complete his pulled a knife on the guy and told him electrical engineering graduate work to never bother him again. at MIT. He married, had children Arriving home, he told my and a nice job at the Schenectady grandmother what happened. My GE. He bought a home and we lived grandmother, imagining the probable in Schenectady until 1963 when we outcome, decided right then and there moved to Syracuse where he ran the to pack their belongings, take the Electronics Park E-Lab. night train that very evening upstate We periodically visited my 12

y

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

grandparents in Amsterdam for overnight stays. On one trip my father drove only me for an overnight with my grandparents, my father leaving early the next morning for a business trip. Since my grandfather did not drive, we all had the understanding that I’d take a bus to Scotia and spend two days at my uncle’s home.

Good plan. But I had never taken a bus except for school and my grandfather didn’t really ever learn English. I had no idea what a city bus stop looked like, let alone where or what the Greyhound terminal was.

After we ate breakfast, my grandfather walked me to what he thought was a city-to-city bus stop. But it wasn’t.

After standing by the city bus sign in front of the Olender Furniture Store for an hour watching Greyhound busses whiz by, we realized something had to be done. My grandfather stepped into traffic, waving down cars and trucks to ask in Italian if they would drive his grandson to Scotia. As they repeatedly sped away, I surmised that was pointless.

And so it began. At age 12, I hitchhiked to another city 17 miles away. I learned I could garner more attention with an improvised limp but it still took me three to four rides and walking maybe three miles. In about five hours I arrived at my uncle’s.

Lessons were learned.

The first that when Plan A does not work out, be ready to figure Plan B. My father never asked how the bus ride was. He had assumed that one way or the other, I’d got there.

My grandfather worked hard and barely ever smiled except for this photo (in rented clothes). But he taught me how to manually cultivate soil, sow seeds and grow a great garden.

Also how to select the best tasting watermelon. And how to make wine that tasted better than that yellowish Mohawk River water that came out of the tap. And when things went wrong, to not let it slow me down. Basically, figure it out. Let us remember to give thanks for the gifts of our youth that keep giving.

Grazie, Nonno.

Jim Sollecito is the first lifetime senior certified landscape professional in New York State. He operates Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in Syracuse. Contact him at 315-468-1142 or jim@sollecito.com.

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Dining Out - RESTAURANT GUIDE

THE CIDER MILL

Syracuse eatery finds success in featuring seasonal dishes

By Julie McMahon

The dim and natural lighting as well as several large plants gave the whole room at The Cider Mill a natural feel. The wooden walls give a little bit of a feeling like you’re in an actual cider mill.

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55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

T

o enjoy a meal at The Cider Mill on Fay Road in Syracuse is to experience the chef’s interpretation of bountiful, seasonal ingredients.

The menu really highlights seasonal dishes and ingredients and succeeds at incorporating them into every aspect of a meal.

We o p t e d t o g o w i t h a pumpkin cream ale ($6) and an orchard sangria ($12) for our beverages. Both tasted exactly how you’d want or expect, abundant with fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

Next quickly came the fresh bread with spicy tomato oil to warm up our appetites. The oil had a good spicy kick to it. The sauce was something a bit thicker than Pastabilities’ with a similar flavor profile. The bread was delicious — soft and luscious — and made for a very good start to a very good meal.

We started with the Cider Mill salad ($11) and sprouts ($16). The salad was a blend of greens, pickled apples, candied walnuts and dried cranberries.

It came perfectly dressed with ciderdijon vinaigrette. The salad had just the right amount of everything, including the walnuts, apples and cranberries that came mixed in.

The sprouts — wow! We both exclaimed at how good they were after our first bite. These fried Brussels came tossed in a maple chipotle sauce and were served with a side of house-made blue cheese.

They were so delicious, the glaze a zingy and sweet delight, that they surely did not need to be dipped in a house-made dressing — but also, why

TOP: The sweet potato gnocchi was as soft and fresh as you’d hope, with a strong sweet flavor that balanced the creamy walnut and sage pesto. The dish was served with root vegetables and Swiss chard.

MIDDLE: Fresh bread with spicy tomato oil to warm up our appetites.

The oil had a good spicy kick to it.

BOTTOM: The sprouts — wow! We both exclaimed at how good they were after our first bite. These fried Brussels came tossed in a maple chipotle sauce and were served with a side of housemade blue cheese.

not? The dressing was delectable.

And these sprouts were more like wings. The blue cheese was a helpful cooling addition. With the charred, smoky flavor, and with as hearty and satisfying these sprouts were, they reminded us of chicken wings a lot – and were a successful imitation.

These were so good I found myself wanting to go back just for them.

Our server was friendly and checked on us but didn’t bother us unnecessarily. The appetizers came out very quickly, but by dinner the dining room had filled and dimmed, and the food took a bit longer. Our server kept our drinks full.

The environment is a busy joint, but still quiet and relaxing. Very light music was playing. The dim and natural lighting as well as several large plants gave the whole room a natural feel. The wooden walls give a little bit of a feeling like you’re in an actual cider mill. A small bar at the entrance has four or five seats.

For our main entrees, we ordered pasta and pork loin, with Cider Mill’s seasonal twist on each: sweet potato gnocchi ($27) and the roasted pork loin ravioli that was on special ($30).

The sweet potato gnocchi was as soft and fresh as you’d hope, with a strong sweet flavor that balanced the creamy walnut and sage pesto. The dish was served with root vegetables and Swiss chard. The freshly cut and roasted root vegetables, which had a nice crunch to them, provided a good contrast to the sweet potato in the gnocchi itself. The Swiss chard was mostly a garnish, but all mixed together into a buttery sauce, the dish came together nicely.

The pork loin on special was advertised as three slices but when the dish came out it appeared as though three flanks of steak had been cut for us. They topped a sweet pumpkin ravioli and roasted root vegetables.

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 – 55 PLUS

15

The Cider Mill salad ($11) was a blend of greens, pickled apples, candied walnuts and dried cranberries. It came perfectly dressed with cider-dijon vinaigrette.

Pumpkin cream ale ($6) and an orchard sangria ($12).

We w e re i m p re s s e d b y t h e generous portion. The meat was gently sprinkled with herbs, making it fully flavorful. The herbs and sauce cut the richness of the meat. When served altogether, the meat was just perfect, juicy and tender with right amount of moisture. The meat also had just the right amount of fat to add flavor without making it difficult to eat.

Again, with our meals, we remarked on the very hearty portions.

Though prices aren’t cheap here, you certainly get your money’s worth.

It’s an interesting menu with lots of options, something for everyone whether you’re vegetarian or glutenfree. By the end of the meal, we got the sense you could try anything here, and it would be tasty and well thought-out.

We didn’t need the appetizers or dessert, but oh, did we want them because they were all so good.

The desserts sounded too tempting to pass up. We went for a chocolate pot de crème — rich chocolate, soft whipped cream and sweet cherries.

How could you go wrong? They didn’t here — this dessert was a homerun.

We also tried the special, called Lovin’ Bloom pie, which featured a graham cracker crust, strawberry cheesecake filling and cherry compote.

This was a delicious blend. Every sweet decadent bite was the cherry on top of an excellent meal.

We were impressed by The Cider Mill. Our total bill came to $134 with appetizers, entrees, drinks, desserts and tax. The restaurant served us a huge autumnal meal, big on the seasonal aspects, and succeeded in every regard.

The Cider Mill 315-487-0647 thecidermill.us@gmail.com www.thecidermill.us Tuesday through Saturday: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

4221 Fay Road, Syracuse 16

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

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17

retirement

Enjoying their retirement years: from left, Duane Wiedor, 66, former head of research and development at Welch Allyn (currently Baxter) and Ed Keller, 56, creator and former owner of EarQ, a national hearing aid supply and service company, drive school buses at Skaneateles Central School District.

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55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

HIGH-POWERED MEN DRIVE SCHOOL BUSES IN SKANEATELES

Creator and former owner of EarQ and the former head of research and development at Welch Allyn get behind the wheels of school buses in Skaneateles every week

By David Figura

T

wo former high-powered C e n t r a l N e w Yo r k businessmen who took early retirements are driven to have a lasting impact on their community and beyond.

Duane Wiedor, 66, former head of research and development at Welch Allyn (currently Baxter) and Ed Keller, 56, creator and former owner of EarQ, a national hearing aid supply and service company, have been enjoying their retirement years by driving school buses.

In addition, the two, both car enthusiasts, have created Skaneateles Cares Car Club, a social-oriented LLC that gets others with similar interests together for monthly events. The club has the long-term goal of raising $1 million to donate to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse.

The money would be used to build a playground that could be used for therapeutic purposes.

Both men live in Skaneateles.

At the end of his full-time work career Wiedor oversaw more than 800 employees and an annual $75 million budget. He said he retired at 62, a couple of months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He added his father died of cancer at age 56.

“I was born with birth defects in my heart. When I was 62, I had the opportunity to take an early retirement and enjoy the next phase of life,” he said.

Back then, he said, he didn’t have a game plan of what to do in retirement — only a list of hobbies.

“A plan is a well thought-out sequence that leads to an outcome. If that’s the case, I wasn’t that person. I restore vintage cars for a hobby. I love to golf. I’m a boater. We live on the lake and use it quite a bit,” he said. “We’re really family-oriented. We have four children and 11 grandchildren.”

His children and their spouses, many in the field of education, encouraged him to try teaching.

Instead, Wiedor stopped by the Skaneateles Central School District bus garage and asked if they needed any help.

Several months later, Wiedor was trained and driving a school bus for First Student, the private company that supplies the school bus fleet and drivers for the district.

It turns out there’s a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, he said.

“It’s not for everyone,” he said.

“As a retiree, I can split two and a half hours in the morning and two and a half hours in the afternoon. I’m not doing it for the income, health insurance, whatever. I just thought I’d help out in the community.”

Wiedor said he fell in love with the kids who rode his bus.

“I have a responsibility to these kids. I can set them up [for school each day] and help them get home, mentally. I get them to open up and they talk to me — snippets about what’s going in their lives,” he said.

He said he makes a point every morning of speaking to each kid as they board his bus with a cheery “Good morning.”

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Duane Wiedor and Ed Keller are passionate about vintage cars and own several of them. In 2021 they created Skaneateles Cares Car Club, a social-oriented LLC that gets others with similar interests together for monthly events. The club has the long-term goal of raising $1 million to donate to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse.

“I’m teaching them it’s OK to look an adult in the face and say good morning,” he said. “Sometimes a kid will get on the bus and have a down face on. I say, ‘Hey, what’s happening?

Did you spill your cereal on yourself?’

Or if I don’t get a response, I’ll quietly follow up with an ‘I’m sorry, howzitgoin’ this morning?’”

At times when the younger kids are waiting to be unloaded in front of the school, Wiedor said he’ll grab his microphone and loudspeaker on the bus and do a little teaching.

“During my work career I was fortunate enough to learn greetings and salutations in more than a dozen different languages,” he said. “I’ll ask the kids, ‘How would you like to greet your teacher today? In Hebrew?

German? Hungarian? Italian?’”

Wiedor added, “And here’s the joke. I’m the only school bus driver who’s legally allowed to kiss a kid every morning on the bus.”

“How is that possible? I get to pick up my granddaughter every morning on my route,” he explained. “She’s the first on and the last off each day. And 20

next year, her little sister is starting kindergarten. I’ll get to see [two] of my grandchildren every day. What a treat!”

Wiedor noted training to be a school bus driver “is educational and the hours are great — especially for retirees.”

“And between the morning and afternoon rides, if the weather is good, I can still get nine or 18 holes of golf in if no one is in front of me on the course,” he said.

Keller began his work career in sales and eventually started his own business, EarQ, which expanded across the country and eventually included a partnership with the NFL Players Association. In 2019, he sold the business to a long-time friend.

He retired at the age of 50. But what was next? He said he tried “a lot of different things” including the Big Brother program and joining the volunteer fire department. “Some things worked out, others didn’t,” he said.

“I liked driving stuff. I like cars. I liked to drive something cool. I liked to

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be important but invisible and I didn’t want to worry if it was going to pay my bills,” he said. “I wanted to drive a school bus.”

He applied for a job with First Student to drive for the Skaneateles School District and was hired. What followed was more than four years of driving for the district.

However, this fall, he decided to take a break from the job to travel more with his wife and family and to visit his mother. He’s currently considering returning to school bus driving in 2025, possibly as a substitute driver.

While driving for Skaneateles, Keller said he tried to have a positive impact on his riders and, like Wiedor, enjoyed making connections with his riders.

“You hear about their successes, their failures, their concerns, how they did on tests, in the Little League game the past weekend, where they’re considering going to college,” he said.

“And sometimes, they’ll ask your advice and you get to share with them 10 seconds of wisdom.”

He added that he tried to “create

Ed Keller has become known to his riders as the “Crazy Shirt Guy.” He said he wanted to “create an experience” for the kids. He ended up buying 60 shirts that he wore on a rotating basis.

Duane Wiedor sits behind the wheels at his school bus. “I’m the only school bus driver who’s legally allowed to kiss a kid every morning on the bus,” he said as he referred to his granddaughter, who is a passenger on his bus. an experience” for his riders. Among his efforts was his decision to become the “Crazy Shirt Guy.” He started off by Googling “crazy shirts.” He purchased a few, wore them while driving his bus and started taking suggestions from the kids of things they’d like to see on his shirts.

He ended up buying 60 shirts that he wore on a rotating basis.

“I told the kids they could call me Ed, Bus Driver or Crazy Shirt Guy. I didn’t care,” he said.

The latter name stuck.

His collection of crazy shirts included one for every holiday, dancing bananas, cats and pizza, a cowboy kitten and a pirate sloth riding through space and spitting out a rainbow.

The car club The idea for a car club originated with Keller and was developed as the two men were getting trained as school bus drivers.

“One day Duane drove one of his cars [to work] while we were both in

training and I shared with him that I was a car nut, too. We soon became best friends,” Keller said. “I told him I’d like to do something with cars, but I’d like it to be something for charity.”

Wiedor has restored and owns more than a half dozen cars including a ’31 Ford Model A Tudor; a 1932 Ford Model B hotrod; a 1941 DeSoto Custom; a 1954 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe, a 1960 Corvette Convertible; a 1964 Ford Mustang Convertible and a 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible.

Keller’s holdings include a 1970 Mustang, a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire, a 2010 Ferrari 458, a 2021 Porsche 718 Boxster — and a 1927 Whippet school bus converted into a hotrod that he occasionally drives in local parades.

Wiedor said he took Keller’s idea, “gave him my twists and turns and we went with it.”

“Duane and I decided to set up a nonprofit and ended up calling it Skaneateles Cares Car Club,” Keller said.

“We wanted to create something to give people a reason to get their cars out and drive them,” he said. “We plan

out really nice driving routes to unique destinations all over CNY. “Our driving events typically have around 30 cars with two people in each car,” Keller said. “One time we all went to the Million Air Syracuse hanger at Hancock International Airport. We had all these beautiful cars from all different eras parked inside the hanger with all these private jets and we enjoyed a gourmet meal.”

Other destinations have included day trips to historic Fort Ontario in Oswego, wineries, noteworthy restaurants and various “cute stops” along the way. “Once we had mimosas behind the roller coaster at Sylvan Beach,” Keller said.

Wiedor said the final destination of a club outing often involves a meal, at times catered, with each member covering their costs.

Members of the club, which has been in existence since 2021, donate $1,000 annually, with all the money going to the club’s Golisano Hospital fund.

To date, more than $100,000 has been raised, Wiedor said.

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holidays

Santas like cookies and milk, but on a cold night, they also appreciate a hot cup of tea. (Courtesy HireSanta LLC) 22

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

SHORTAGE OF NURSES, DOCTORS … SANTAS?

‘There are more opportunities to be Santa but fewer candidates,’ say experts, as they explain that being Santa is no longer a case of sitting in a chair in a mall or retail store

By John Addyman

T

he job requirements are pretty simple.

You have to be nice, someone who likes people.

You’re expected to show up for work with a round belly, a hearty laugh, plump cheeks and a full beard — the whiter the better.

And jolly…you have to be jolly and like cookies.

Put on the red suit, remember your knowledge of reindeer and Saint Nicholas legends and you’re ready to step into the world of being Santa Claus.

And this Christmas season, there won’t be enough of you.

“We recruit all year trying to find Santa Clauses,” said Mitch Allen, the head elf of Hire Santa, a company with close to 5,000 Santas from all over the world in its database. “By the time we got to October, we were sold out of Santa Clauses for weekends. There’s a great need for Santa Claus entertainers, someone who appears as Santa Claus professionally.”

As an example, Allen said he was walking through the Los Angeles airport “and there was a guy sitting there. He had the belly, the full beard and he seemed jolly. I told him who we are and now he’s on the road, with the right training, to be a great Santa.”

That road toward being a successful Santa doesn’t have to be long, but it’s important to make the journey.

Because being Santa isn’t so simple anymore.

More opportunities “There are more opportunities to be Santa but fewer candidates,” said Ed Taylor, founder and head Santa at the Worldwide Santa Claus Network that trains guys to put on the suit and embody the beloved symbol of the season.

It’s no longer a case of sitting in a chair in a mall or retail store.

“Santas are going to preschools, for example. It happens all the time,” Taylor said. “They’ll invite Santa in.

He’ll read some stories and answer questions. I don’t think that was common 10 years ago.

“Now we have breakfasts with Santa at country clubs. We’re seeing this awareness that Santa can show up at people’s events, at home parties, homeowner associations, country clubs.

“We have many photographers around the country who set up what they call ‘mini-sessions’ where children come in and visit with Santa for 10-20 minutes, then kids go to different stations to get photos with Santa in different environments — baking cookies with Santa or reading mail with Santa. These things just didn’t exist a few years ago. There’s this whole evolution of events that Santa can now be a part of. I think that has had a large part in the increase in demand.”

Allen agreed.

“We’ve never not needed Santas and this year there’s more need than ever — more companies, corporations and organizations are using Santa to

associate their brand with, more than ever before,” he said.

Seventy-year-old Taylor, the founder of Santa at the Worldwide Santa Claus Network, was a much younger man when he first donned the mantle of Santa. “I got a call from a friend of mine who was sick. Would I fill in for him as Santa? ‘Santa Claus?

Me? Really?’

“I walked out of there after being Santa for two hours and told my wife when I got home, ‘I loved that. That was so much fun! I’m going to do that every chance I get!’ And here we are, 21 years later.”

The average age of most Santas is 65-70, Taylor said.

“Retired guys, guys who are looking forward to having a little fun and doing new things,” he said. “My first paid Santa Claus appearance was in Los Angeles, where all the kids working in the mall were aspiring actors and actresses. They all said, ‘Hey, you need an agent. You need to get on TV.’ I’d never given that a minute’s thought. The next year I got an agent and I’ve now been in dozens of commercials and television shows and a couple of movies and music videos. Who knew? It was something that came up in my life that I never would have imagined. It’s been a ton of fun and financially, it’s been rewarding as well.”

Allen and Taylor both point out that a Santa “entertainer” can make a living modeling, appearing in music videos, commercials, movies and on stage at corporate functions (to help hand out bonuses or awards). “A lot

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23

of company parties invite Santa Claus to come in and very often, there are no children attending.”

Professional Santas generally need some educating before reaching that status and success, and the person responsible for getting all that started was Charles Howard, a farmer from Albion in Orleans County. He decided, in 1937, that the Santa Clauses he saw were damaging the image of the true spirit. Howard saw tattered uniforms and uninformed Santa Clauses wearing them and took it upon himself to upgrade everything.

Howard started the Santa Claus School in Albion, which was taken over

by Nate Doan in 1960 and moved to Michigan in 1968.

Tom and Holly Valent run it now, welcoming more than 300 prospective Santas for a three-day October weekend each year.

The CWH Santa Claus School subjects mirror in person what the Worldwide Santa Claus Network does online: • History of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus • Proper dress and use of make-up • Radio and TV interviews • Voice and presentation skills • Visits with children • Business tips • Marketing advice • Reindeer • Keeping Santa in shape The Michigan course also covers practice Santa flight lessons, Mrs. Claus, making toys in person, baking cookies and the year’s newest toys and gadgets.

Worldwide Santa Claus Network teaches its certificate curriculum through nine 90-minute videos and one of those sessions is specific to participating in videos and video messaging, which Taylor said are becoming more and more popular.

Coursework specifically covers community events (tree lightings, parades), how to work a corporate Santa appearance, story-telling, welcoming special needs children and promoting local events on TV. Beyond those nine “core session” video trainings, Worldwide has more than 300 specific on-demand videos that include training for the entertainment industry, social media (“This has become a very big thing,” said Taylor. “Some Santas have more than a million followers on social 24

media; they’ve become influencers.”)

“Some of our Santas are brand ambassadors,” Taylor said, “where we represent brands or not-for-profit organizations in making their social media videos.”

“A lot of what we do is online,” said Allen. “There is a Santa Claus community; these guys identify as Santa Claus, wear red, the vehicles they drive are red and they have a full beard year-round.”

“The guys who have the heart for it, they’ll just love it,” added Taylor.

“They are, for their communities, just the best thing ever to help portray Santa. I think it means a lot to people to be able to do this. And the demand — I hate to have to tell someone, we reached out to everyone we know and we just couldn’t find a Santa for you.

That happens every year.

“I’ve gotten several letters from the wives of our Santas saying, “Thanks so much for giving my husband something to do. He made enough money to take us on a cruise or put a new roof on the house.”

Getting training Getting the training and the uniform isn’t expensive. The weekend class at the CWH Santa Claus School on Midland, Michigan, should set you back less than $2,000 including fees and hotel. But take a look at some of the photos from years past and it’s clear this is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Worldwide, on the other hand, offers its certificate program for $247 and you don’t have to fly to Michigan.

“We get hundreds each year who go through our classes,” said Taylor.

“We get a pretty significant number of people who go through our ondemand videos every day. That’s the beauty of online. I had a guy tell me his wife was in the store shopping and he was in the truck watching one of our videos.”

Looking like Santa is an investment.

You can get a simple off-the shelf suit for less than $300, but the suits that will be offered to the professionals at the Santa School are more than $1,000, plus boots and gloves, etc. Taylor noted that in the right dress, “a Santa can be extraordinary.”

Hire Santa is in the business of doing just that. Your profile, photo and background check are put in the

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

company’s database, which has 5,000 Santas in it and you get matched to job opportunities.

“On Facebook, we have dozens and dozens of Santas and Mrs. Claus,” he said. “It’s a community where people can ask questions and learn from other Santas.”

“Through our marketing efforts, we find out there’s a Santa needed for a holiday parade in Rochester on Dec. 6,” Allen explained. “They want a real-bearded, real belly, jolly Santa.

We reach out to perspective Santas in the area; explain the opportunity and the pay. We send the client your information, they decide you’re the right one and a week after the job, you get paid.”

Worldwide Santa has weekly programs available to people who have signed up for the certificate programs. “ We a l s o b o o k S a n t a s f o r appearances, primarily in the U.S. and Canada and occasionally overseas,” Taylor said. “We don’t hire directly, we’re a liaison between the people who do the hiring and the Santas. What we do if someone needs a Santa at a certain location, day and time, we let the community know that opportunity is available and they can make a bid for it, a proposal for it.”

“Being a Santa is an ongoing process,” Santa Taylor summed up.

“It’s a great community to be part of. Our Santas learn so much from one another and, of course, there are always new things — like how artificial intelligence is developing and all these things that are new every year.

“So many of us, like me, got roped into being Santa and found themselves just falling in love with being Santa.”

Want to Become a Santa?

Here are some companies that offer training and placement: • Hire Santa LLC: www. hiresanta.com • Worldwide Santa Claus Network: www.worldwide-santaclaus-network.com • C h a r l e s W. H o w a r d S a n t a C l a u s S c h o o l : w w w. santaclausschool.com

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25

gifts Last-minute Gifts that Don’t Look Last-Minute Cookie-cutter gifts won’t cut it if you’re picking presents close to the holiday

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

M of.

aybe your adult daughter b ro u g h t h o m e a n e w boyfriend — who brought his son you’ve never heard

Or the neighbor you never met pops in on Christmas Eve with a gift.

As much as you try to plan and make lists, surprises like these can make you feel unprepared. It’s uncomfortable giving gifts but finding yourself one present short.

Shelly Mahoney, owner of Cashel House, in Syracuse, said that her mom has a “gift room” in her home where she has items stashed for such emergencies.

“You could just go up and grab something,” Mahoney said.

26

Perhaps you have just a couple of shelves in a closet for such items.

During the holiday season, it may be good to have a few extra items tucked away.

Mahoney recommended specialty coffees and teas, along with some shortbread or chocolates. Nestle a few treats in a basket with a candle and you have a pretty nice gift.

“We sell a lot of scarves, hats, mittens and gloves for men, ladies and children,” Mahoney said. “They’re not overly expensive but everyone could use an extra. We have some beautiful wooden boxes made in Poland of Celtic designs. I could see those being good for a man or woman.”

Glassware, trinket dishes and

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

perfume or cologne also represent good gifts for last-minute giving, as do pottery, soap and lotion sets or handcrafted wooden boxes. A lot of the shoppers at her Irish-themed store like “worry stones,” bits of polished marble that have a small dent on one side. They’re meant to be carried in the pocket as a stress reliever to rub during anxious moments.

“You’re not making a huge investment, especially for someone you’re not expecting,” she said.

If you’re attending a party, pick up a “host gift,” an old-fashioned tradition that ought to come back.

Mahoney recommended a set of tea towels, a table runner or coasters.

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or a ‘lucky’ horseshoe, good gifts for anyone,” she added.

Locally made farm goods are always a pleasing host gift.

Linda Eldred, owner of Strawberry Fields Hydroponic Farm and Florist in Auburn, carries many of these such as dressing, barbecue sauce, mustard and the farm’s own jam and honey.

“They’re all made locally and they make great last minute gifts because everyone likes to eat,” Eldred said.

Tuck a few favorites into a basket with a tea towel and you’ll have a pleasing gift to offer.

“There are a lot of unique gifts here,” Eldred added. “We also have a flower shop. We do arrangements so there are centerpieces for the holiday table. They’re very nice for gift giving as well.”

Flowers make an excellent gift for whoever’s hosting your family’s celebration.

At Metro Home Style in Syracuse, owner Linda O’Boyle also recommends gourmet gift baskets, such as chocolate, coffee and sauces.

“A basket of these items is always a hit,” she said. “As an example, we sell a gift set called “Breakfast in the 315” with local pancake mix, local coffee and local syrup that makes a great gift for individuals or families.”

A themed gift such a movie night bundle with a popcorn popper, popcorn kernels, popcorn seasoning, candy and beverage napkins “are fun for the whole family,” she added.

“Make a gift card look special and personalized by pairing it with a small coordinating gift item: a coffee shop gift card with a mug, movie gift card with popcorn and candy, salon gift card with lotion, or fancy soaps,” O’Boyle said.

Anyone would enjoy what O’Boyle calls “little luxuries” such as shower steamers (a kind of bath bomb for showers), candle or cozy throw. These kinds of gifts “feel personalized and indulgent, yet are universal,” O’Boyle said.

Pair up a reusable tumbler with specialty coffee, fancy hot cocoa, coffee or tea.

Ideally, everyone should shop in advance with a list and a budget.

However, if a few “surprise” gifts happen, you’ll be ready if you have a few ready at home to pop in a gift bag.

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27

second act books

Sue Keegan and Crystal Ponto opened That’s What She Read bookstore in Marcellus in June of 2023.

Façade of That’s What She Read bookstore on 16 E. Main St., Marcellus.

Independent Bookstore Thrives in Marcellus Educators happy with their decision to open a bookstore in 2023

By Joe Sarnicola

A

lthough Amazon and big box bookstores have the inventory and buying power to control a large share of the book sale market, smaller independent bookstores can survive and even thrive by offering services and experiences the giants cannot.

That’s What She Read in Marcellus is one of those smaller independent bookstores.

Crystal Ponto, 54, and her partner, Sue Keegan, 55, opened the shop in June of 2023. The two friends would often seek out independent bookstores when they traveled together and they had talked about someday opening one of their own.

“I was planning to retire soon and 28

I wanted to open a bookstore,” said Ponto. “We told our families about the idea and they were very supportive.

We just needed a location.”

Both women live in Camillus, but no locations there worked out.

Someone on social media suggested they try looking in Marcellus.

Kate Kershaw, who owns a small business and several properties in the village, heard the women were looking for a storefront. She asked them to view one of her properties.

The previous tenant, Finders Keepers Mining Company, had recently moved to a new location across the street. As soon as Ponto and Keegan saw the property, they knew they had found the right place for their bookstore.

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

“Kate is our biggest advocate; and the champion of the village of Marcellus. She is a force to be reckoned with,” Ponto said.

Even though it was going to make a tight timeframe, the women wanted opening day to be June 3 because that was the start of Olde Home Days in Marcellus, a big celebration weekend for the village.

This date was also three weeks before Ponto’s retirement as a teacher with Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES. The move involved purchasing enough inventory, painting, decorating and cleaning.

But they met the deadline.

Ponto’s love of books and education has also been the driving force of her career working in an alternative education program.

“You don’t sign up for this job and take it lightly,” she said.

The program she worked in is now called Compass and is for students who struggle in regular school settings.

“The Compass program is all about teamwork,” she said. “We support and encourage each other.”

During her tenure with the program, she worked with her

The fiction room at That’s What She Read colleagues to develop several new components, such as the lift backpack program, which sends backpacks filled with food home with the students, the Fairy Tale Festival, the Academic Fair and the Compass Christmas Store.

She still works as an adjunct professor at Le Moyne College. She has given a presentation at the National Council of Teachers of English Convention and even at several Harry Potter Education Foundation conventions which, prior to its closing in 2018, “served as an educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to producing academic symposia on the Harry Potter books and cultural phenomenon” since 2002, according to the group’s website.

Keegan is the director of education for Big I New York, a company that provides continuing education and licensing requirements for insurance agents. Although she is still working in this position, she covers the evening hours of the store and alternates weekends with Ponto.

“This is something I had always been interested in, compared to a 9 to 5 job. Everything just fell into place,” she said.

Now only into their second year

The back room of That’s What She Read contains vintage and gently used clothing. of operation, That’s What She Read has been welcomed by the Marcellus business community. Speaking about the risk of opening any new business, especially a bookstore in a small village, Ponto said, “We didn’t know what to expect. The people here are fantastic and very supportive of local businesses. We have regulars that come all the time. On Independent Bookstore Day this year, the line was out the door.”

In addition to being supported by the local community, the store supports the community in return and it has also partnered on projects with the Marcellus and Westhill school districts.

The site of the business is in the center of the village, in a white building with blue shutters that was originally built in 1895. On the front portion of the porch is a small table with chairs that invites guests to sit and read or just relax. Each room of the store has its own categories of books. The front room is fiction and other rooms contain nonfiction, mysteries and young adult and children’s books. The back room even contains vintage and gently used clothing from Keegan’s collection that she used to sell online.

“The clothing room has been a big

hit,” Ponto said. “People come in to buy a book and they may leave with a sweater and a pair of shoes.”

Keegan and Ponto both are familiar with many types of books and authors, as well as the inventory of their store. “ We w o r k w i t h t w o s m a l l distributors for our books,” Ponto explained. She added that 60% of their books are used, but in very good condition.

“We try to keep our new book prices reasonable. As an English teacher, I have a good knowledge of literature and people like our recommendations. We listen to our customers and we follow our own instincts. We have customers who appreciate what we do. I love historical fiction; Sue likes murders and horror.”

Any book purchased at That’s What She Read is wrapped in brown paper, tied with a decorative ribbon, stamped with the store logo and given a sprig of lavender.

The store is located at 16 E. Main St., Marcellus. The hours of operation are Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s closed Monday and Tuesday.

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milestone

SO LITTLE TIME, SO MUCH CHANGE

By John Addyman

T

hink about it: 25 years have passed since the last time you wrote 1999 on a check.

Wait…who uses checks anymore?

In fact, how often do you pay for anything with coins and bills?

Today your grandchildren have their own phones. Your grandkids.

And they don’t call anybody on those phones — kids only text and look at 30

social media on their phones. If you want to tell them you love them and hear the sound of their voices, listen to the voicemail announcement on their phones, then leave them a text.

The internet and computers run more and more of our lives.

Nobody smokes in a restaurant.

Access to abortion was a right in 1999. How that landscape has changed.

When you fly, you now have to

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

take off your shoes.

A bright young woman named Taylor Swift made more money this year than many huge corporations did in 1999.

In church this weekend, you may well be sitting in the pew alone.

And according to professor Timothy Kneeland at Nazareth University, these are just some of the signs that a lot has happened in the

last 25 years.

Kneeland has been teaching for 26 years, arriving at Nazareth in 2000.

He is the director of the Center for Public History and the Public History Program in History, Politics and Law. He put the question to his bright young students in September: “What have been the big changes in the last 25 years?”

“My students thought, clearly, that the number one thing was technology,” he said. “The development of the smart phone and social media — those were the biggest ways, they felt, that the first 25 years of the century are changed and different.”

“Another interesting thing,” he added, “they focused in on LBGTQ+ rights, how they have rapidly been secured and recognized in things such as Obergefell v. Hodges, the court case in 2013 when the Supreme Court recognized the right of gay marriage. They thought that was pretty significant.”

He said they talked a little about climate change, an issue they see as “pretty significant.”

“They also thought race had become significant in America, both in Obama’s election but also Black Lives Matter. He said his students recognize the existence of structural racism — “they don’t bat an eye, they see this as something that exists and therefore needs to be dealt with and they need to dismantle that structure.”

Interestingly, students didn’t mention 9/11.

“They weren’t even born when 9/11 happened,” Kneeland said.

“But 9/11 explains so much of what happened in the first 25 years in terms of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and some of the problems we had globally in terms of our presence in various countries and how we have probably lost allies and increased distrust in areas of the world where we used to have more solid relationships. I’m thinking in particular of Turkey, where our relationships have been declining steadily for the last 10-15 years.”

Healthcare Kneeland said the development of healthcare “as a right” in this century was very important.

“We bandied that about in the 20th century. We debated it, but no one now, seriously, on the right or the left, will

We’re 25 years into the 21st century this New Year’s Eve. What has changed say anything but healthcare is a right.

That raising of your consciousness and the development of Obamacare, even as Republicans talk about dismantling it, you know they’re not going to take out the most popular parts of it.

“In other healthcare areas, think about trying to control the price of insulin as well as Medicare Part D, the so-called ‘doughnut hole.’ These are imperfect policies, but notice how they’re addressing a new sense of what the government has to take on as a responsible government. That’s huge.

“People in the 20th century were like, ‘Yeah, you’re healthy or you’re not.’ It seemed to be an individualized lifestyle, but now, government has a role to play and that explains, to a large extent, the whole government shutdown and the response to COVID-19. Although it varied state to state, people took it seriously, even though some red states didn’t keep the shutdowns very long. Then the development of a rapid new kind of mRNA vaccine to deal with it. And now, the government just announced in September that it’s giving us free COVID-19 tests again. Think about that.”

Kneeland, who has written four books and teaches about the presidency, natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics and public history, sees a rise — or you could consider it a deepening — of “American individualism.”

He referred to Robert Putnam’s

book “Bowling Alone” in the 1990s, which saw that community organizations were no longer being revitalized.

How many people were in your church in 1999? How many were there last week?

“The idea of anomie or a sense of isolation has grown with the development of social media,” he said.

“We are creating artificial relationships online, and trying to get meaning through ‘likes’ from other sources.

“It’s probably tied to the rise of anxiety in the younger generation, which is the most anxious generation, we’ve been told. We’ve certainly seen the decline for institutions.”

Hyper-individualized He said the number of people who are not even interested in a spiritual pursuit are termed as “NONES” in politics. And the number is increasing.

“If you look at presidential speeches, going back the last couple hundred years, people had no problem evoking God in a sort of generic way — the blessing,” he said. “As the importance of institutions declined, people became ‘hyper-individualized.’

“My students touched on this.

We’ve had a breakdown in society — the mass shootings in our schools, which began at Columbine in 1999.

This generation was raised doing preparedness for lock-downs or someone getting in the building. I suppose there could be some parallels with the generation that did drills because they thought atomic bombs were going to land on them. It certainly says something about the kind of society where we’re worried about prevalence of gun violence, not just on our streets, but in our schools.”

He also mentioned the 2008 financial crisis.

“That event helped explain the rise of both Obama and Trump. Both were experts in using social media to engage people but had very different visions of how to respond and meet the needs of society where economic growth continues to be unequally distributed,” he said. “Even if you’re sort of making it now, that low-grade anxiety in working-class America has led certainly to the rise of Trump.”

He cited a continuing decline in people’s political and social trust in institutions “because we never found

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 – 55 PLUS

31

Professor Timothy Kneeland, Nazareth University. He put the question to his young students in September: “What have been the big changes in the last 25 years?” weapons of mass destruction after going into Iraq, which only further eroded confidence in our government leaders.”

Students had first-hand experience with the pandemic. “Coming 100 years after the last pandemic, the shutdowns, the dislocations in education, the differentiation between people who could stay at home and work online, the white-collar workers versus those workers who had to be in person, the retailers, the essential workers like healthcare providers.”

People lost their lives in service of others in that differentiation.

“And it fits in with this rise of resistance to structural racism — Black Lives Matter, George Floyd, the death of Daniel Prude in police custody here in Rochester, Breonna Taylor and throughout the US. The pandemic was an accelerant, a catalyst for changes that were already happening. Those events were only a couple of years ago and we act like they don’t exist anymore, but the aftereffects are going to be with us for a while to come,” he said.

And there was more.

62 home runs go into the record book with an asterisk because of a longer season than Babe Ruth enjoyed…other asterisks shade recognition for players who set records but used performanceenhancing products in doing so, and will probably never see the Hall of Fame.

Women’s sports has burst out in soccer, the Olympics and basketball.

And there were scandals in women’s gymnastics.

Kneeland mentioned another head-shaker: “I’m fourth-generation Irish-American and three generations before me were all cops. My family spent an awful long time putting people away for vices that are today not only not criminalized but recognized and encouraged. Sports betting…talk about societal change.”

And there’s marijuana for sale in towns and villages.

Driving a car: “The younger generation doesn’t necessarily go out as soon as it can to get licenses. It’s very common for me to have a 20-year-old student who doesn’t have a license or has a license but doesn’t like to drive,” Kneeland pointed out.

Sports

Curating Your Own Reality

Kneeland talked about the “rise of the asterisk in baseball.” Aaron Judge’s

Finally, he talked about the social divide so evident in today’s America.

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“It seems to be growing and growing. We know social media drives some of that and people are curating their own reality using social media,” he said. “We used to have limited places to get information. Back in the 20th century you had the major TV networks. Today, younger people are turning to places like YouTube or TikTok or Instagram or other places, the so-called ‘influencers.’

“They’re not watching television anymore, but watching snippets of television on their laptops. They curate. They decide what they’re going to watch, not necessarily broadcasting, but narrowcasting. So, people can go and decide, ‘I really like this one person that I listen to on a podcast,’ and they listen to that person and an algorithm suggests other people similar to that.

“Instead of getting a broad array of information and be challenged in any way, people can reduce the information and curate it so they only hear things they already agree with.

That was harder in the 20th century.

Now that the younger generation won’t even listen to radio, but they will listen to podcasts.”

Yes, things have changed.

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33

running

A few of the members of the 261 Fearless Club of Syracuse.

Meet the Women of 261 Fearless Club of Syracuse

Running group is more about camaraderie, not competition

By Norah Machia If you’re a woman of any age who wants to run, but feels slightly intimidated about getting started, a special running club in Central New York could be your answer.

The 261 Fearless Club of Syracuse is a noncompetitive running group for women aged 18 and older (several members are in their 50s, 60s and 70s). The club is for those who enjoy the camaraderie of running with 34

other women in a noncompetitive environment — which often results in a feeling of empowerment in many different aspects of their lives.

“It’s about running to find something inside yourself that you didn’t know you had,” said Debbie Sindone, 56, a certified 261 Fearless lead coach. “We don’t care about your speed or if you do races. We’re not here to teach you to run faster, but to

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

give you the opportunity to bond with other women.”

Members meet weekly in Liverpool and Cazenovia and run for an average of 30 minutes. The meetups include warm-up activities and sometimes even a game. “We can be goofballs at times,” said Sindone.

(Although the club is not competitive, a few members have decided to take on additional training to participate in

MAIN: The 261 Fearless organization is a worldwide nonprofit program started in 2015 by Kathrine Switzer, a Syracuse University graduate and the first woman to officially run in the Boston Marathon. Photos show how she was confronted by race official in 1967 Boston Marathon. At that point, only men participated in the race.

INSET: Kathrine Switzer continues to run after being confronted by race official in the 1967 Boston Marathon. other racing events).

The 261 Fearless organization is a worldwide nonprofit program started in 2015 by Kathrine Switzer, a Syracuse University graduate and the first woman to officially run in the Boston Marathon, and Edith Zuschmann, a nationally ranked swimmer-turneddistance runner in her native Austria.

Switzer, 77, who still runs daily, said the organization was started to help empower women through running.

“I discovered early that running always made me feel powerful, free and fearless,” Switzer said in a phone interview in mid-September from her Hudson Valley home. “The longer I ran, the stronger I felt, so the 26.2-mile distance intrigued me.”

At the time, “I wasn’t trying to break any barriers; I was just a kid who wanted to run,” added Switzer, who completed the 1967 Boston Marathon.

“It wasn’t until a race official attacked me during the run that I became determined to finish and speak out on behalf of all women.”

The year before her Boston

Marathon run, another woman, Roberta Gibb, jumped out from behind a bush and unofficially ran the event.

The next year, Switzer registered for the marathon under her initials “K.V. Switzer” (she had always signed her name this way). “There was nothing in the rulebook or on the entry form saying the marathon was a men’s-only event,” she said.

The 1967 marathon got off to a good start for Switzer, who was welcomed by several other male runners. But a short time later, she was spotted by race organizer Jock Semple. He chased after her and tried to rip off her 261 bib number, yelling that women were not allowed in the marathon.

“I was very frightened and just trying to get away from him,” she said.

Switzer’s boyfriend at the time was running alongside her and shoved the race official away.

Her trainer, Arnie Briggs, told Switzer to keep going and she became even more determined to finish the marathon as a show of strength for all

women.

“I was serious about my running and I could not let fear stop me,” Switzer said. Although she crossed the finish line, it was the iconic photos taken of the race official trying to push her out that captured headlines and became a symbol for the women’s movement, particularly in sports.

“It was very bad timing for the official, but good timing for women’s rights,” Switzer said.

It wasn’t until 1972 that the Boston Marathon was officially open to women, but only if they met the men’s qualifying time of 3 hours and 30 minutes. Eight women ran that day, including Switzer, who finished at 3:29:51. She went on to run the Boston Marathon five more times and had a personal best of 2:51:37 in 1975.

Switzer was a leader in establishing the women’s marathon as an official event at the 1984 Olympics and has done television commentary at numerous Olympic Games, along with the Boston Marathon and several others, retiring in 2018. Switzer was

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Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham met with Kathrine Switzer in 2023 during a visit to Syracuse. inducted in the USA National Women’s Hall of Fame for creating positive social change.

Today, there are 261 Fearless groups in 12 countries. ‘My bib number from the first Boston Marathon, 261, has become a number meaning fearless in the face of adversity,” Switzer said.

“Women from around the world are rallying to embrace its spirit.”

The Central New York club was energized last year by a visit from Switzer herself, who made the trip to meet with several area running organizations. “Kathrine told her story, which was so inspiring,” said Sindone.

Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham, 59, founder of Women TIES (Women Together Inspiring Entrepreneurial Success) in Syracuse, ran the 2017 Boston Marathon with Switzer and a group of women worldwide raising money to support expanding the 261 Fearless organization.

Before the marathon, Higginbotham had been running about two miles a day. She met Switzer when looking for a motivational speaker to help promote a statewide event for female entrepreneurs. When she typed the word “Fearless” into a Google search, Kathrine’s name was the first to appear, said Higginbotham.

Switzer later invited Higgenbotham to a meeting in New York City with other 261 Fearless supporters. That experience led Higginbotham to participate in the 36

marathon, which marked the 50th anniversary of Switzer’s historic run.

“I would have never run the marathon if it hadn’t been for Kathrine and the other women at that meeting,” Higginbotham said. “We were a diverse group of women from different backgrounds and ages, but we formed a nice bond with each other. That’s what 261 Fearless clubs are all about.”

Members of the 261 Fearless Club of Syracuse meet year-round although they adjust meeting times for daylight savings to avoid running in the dark. Meetups are held on weekday evenings during the warmer months and change to weekends when the colder weather arrives.

They run outside in all types of weather, including rain and snow.

Sindone said that the upcoming winter months should not discourage people from joining. “We run year-round, but we won’t run on ice,” she said.

Sindone said it’s a good idea to have a headlamp and reflective vest if you are going for an afternoon run on your own during the winter months, just in case you get caught in the dark.

Special breathable neck garments can be pulled up to cover the nose and mouth for those who may have trouble breathing in the cold air.

“There is no bad weather for running, just bad clothing,” said Sindone. “If you wear the proper attire, you should be able to run in any weather.”

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

Hydration is also important, even when running in the cold months, she added.

Switzer recalls training for the Boston Marathon “during one of the worst winters in Syracuse,” she said. “There was so much snow; we didn’t see bare ground until May. But while it was a challenge to train in the winter months, “it made me a tougher runner,” she added. In fact, the weather during the 1967 Boston Marathon was “snowing, sleeting and freezing rain, but it didn’t phase me at all,” Switzer said.

“Once you get the right clothing, you’re warm as toast,” she said.

Layering is essential and a combination of tights, sweatpants, long-sleeved T-shirts, windbreakers, hats, gloves and long neck wraps usually works well. “I would also start with a gloved hand over my nose and breathe through it to get used to the cold,” she said. “You could even wear one of those masks that so many people wore during COVID-19.”

It’s never too late to start running, regardless of age. “Women should realize the body will always improve if you exercise,” Switzer said. “If you want to lift up a woman, show her how to run.”

One of the oldest members of the local Syracuse club is Bonnie Misch, who decided to take up running in her early 60s. Misch had always been active but wanted to try something new after retiring.

Now 77, she continues to run almost daily. “My doctor says I’m in better shape than him,” Misch said. “I really have no limitations and my only medical issue is arthritis.”

She has also participated in several races, including 5Ks and halfmarathons.

“I’m glad to have joined the 261 Fearless Club,” she added. “It’s been something fun to put on my calendar and I enjoy meeting up with the other women in the group.”

More on 261 Fearless Club?

For more information about the 261 Fearless Club, visit www.261fearless.org. To contact the Syracuse organization, send an email to 216fearlessclubsyr@gmail.com.

pets

Andrea Giordano is a dog trainer and the owner of Dogs Among Us in Oswego.

Pet Considerations Think before you adopt

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

P kid.

erhaps you spotted a cute kitten in a shelter ad. Or maybe you’d like a puppy similar to one you had as a

Before you let soft fur and sweet expressions get the best of you, consider how a pet would fit into your changing lifestyle. At this stage, you have more going on than you may think.

Many 55-plussers plan to travel in retirement. Cicero’s Cari Thompson, owner of Rock The Cat Spa, cautions people on the cusp of retirement to consider how they plan to spend their time.

“Now that you’re retired, you may want to visit your kids,” she said. “You have to plan on who or where your cat will be when you’re not around during a vacation.”

She added that some pets enjoy traveling — especially if exposed to it early on. To increase the chances, don’t take your cat along only when going to the vets and do leave the carrier out all the time with a bed and toys in it to build a positive association.

Many places of lodging do not accept pets. Most cats would rather stay at home than at someone else’s place. It’s easier to have a pet sitter care for felines.

“When adopting a cat, consider health issues coming up,” Thompson said. “If the pet is older, there could be diabetes or kidney issues. There’re medications. Especially if it’s a diabetic cat, not a lot of boarders do it. You have to do medical boarding. If the cat is overweight, they’re more likely to have diabetes or health issues.”

Choosing the right pet matters for its compatibility. Most dog and cat breeds have a baseline of energy expenditure. For example, the Maine

Coon cat remains playful and kittenlike for years. Greyhounds are said to be couch potatoes with lower exercise needs. Australian shepherds are energetic dogs that enjoy plenty of activity.

“I’ve had some customers get a certain breed and thought their pet would be the exception, like Bengals not destroying their house,” Thompson said. “Or Persians that won’t need brushing every day.”

The size of a dog also matters. A tiny dog may be a tripping hazard to someone prone to falls. A large dog can knock down or pull down its owner.

However, proper training can mitigate this effect. Lighter color fur may help make your pet more visible in dim lighting, although a reflective collar can help also.

“Are you physically able to hold the dog?” said Dave Wilbert, dog trainer and owner of Sit Means Sit in Syracuse. “Are you ready to make the commitment to the energy the dog has? Consider the age. Are you ready for a puppy? They require a lot more energy up front for training. There’s housebreaking and chewing. Would an adult rescue make more sense? They’re out of the puppy phase of life.”

Planning for a pet means considering one’s mortality.

Planning who will take your pets when you pass — preferably someone your pets know and trust — can ensure that the animals won’t go to a shelter and suffer.

If your teens at home now help with pet care, they’ll leave home eventually and it will all be up to you. As you age, will you be capable of keeping up with Fido and Fluffy if you need surgery or become less physically robust? Walking a dog is

tougher than changing cat litter — but in either case, a little help and the right products make a difference. A fenced yard, clean-up service and for exercise a dog walker can make caring for a pooch simpler. For cats, lightweight cat litter takes the heavy lifting out of cat care (some cats dislike this type of litter, so introduce it slowly).

Andrea Giordano, dog trainer and owner of Dogs Among Us in Oswego, stressed planning for unexpected pet health expenses, along with fixed expenses like grooming, food and litter, can help pet care stay within the budget.

“What type of support do you have from family and friends?” she said. “Can someone assist them with the care of the pet should they fall ill or another member of the household fall ill? Can someone assist with daily walks or take in the pet should they become hospitalized?”

She encourages pet owners to create a succession plan for pet care for both short-term and long-term care. Many people believe that their adult children will take in their pet.

However, Giordano said that often, this doesn’t happen.

In case of emergencies like car accidents, it’s important to provide contact information for whoever is designated to care for the pets at home (or in the car).

“It could be part of their ICE information or with the registration in the glovebox,” Giordano said.

As a retired state trooper, Giordano said that she almost never saw such a note. However, it can make the difference between a pet suffering neglect or receiving prompter care after an accident.

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 – 55 PLUS

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cover KATHLEEN RATHBUN CONTINUES TO SHARE HER PASSION FOR BALLET

By Mary Beth Roach | Photos by Chuck Wainwright

W

hen Kathleen Abbey Rathbun was a young girl, growing up in Syracuse’s Valley area, she wanted to take tap dance lessons and meet the legendary Gene Kelly.

Her mother had other plans.

She decided her daughter should take ballet instead.

“My neighbor took ballet, so my mom thought that was probably the next best thing,” she said.

That decision some 50-plus years ago would help change ballet in the Central New York area in the decades to follow.

“The minute I entered the dance studio I knew I was where I was supposed to be,” Rathbun said.

She knew it was something she wanted to do for the rest of her life. “ B a l l e t p re s e n t s n u m e ro u s challenges and rewards. Achieving perfection is elusive,” she explained.

“Ballet requires flexibility and intelligence to learn and remember choreography. Dancers must also possess athleticism, artistic sensibility and a strong commitment to rigorous training. We are trained for years to make incredibly difficult steps look effortless, yet exciting, at the same time. The goal is to transport the audience through movement, acting and exposing our souls to portray and promote a feeling — whether it’s love, joy or hate, sorrow, etc.”

Today, Rathbun, 64, is the owner and artistic director of Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY, which will celebrate its 30th year anniversary in 2025.

She has developed a curriculum to guide her students to reach their full potential.

“My goal is to do my best to make sure those students with professional drive and potential get the 38

opportunities they need,” she said.

She oversees and organizes various stage productions, which include, among other things, auditioning dancers, developing c h o r e o g r a p h y, c h o o s i n g costumes and sets and running rehearsals — all while juggling the administrative tasks of running the school.

“We have an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate teaching staff,” she said, adding that many were and are professional dancers who, she said, know what it takes to succeed in this industry.

She joked that as a ballerina, she only had to worry about herself; now, she has to worry about everything else.

“Now I am helping other dancers fulfill their dreams as a ballerina or a male ballet dancer by taking care of everything else,” she said.

Her starting ‘Pointe’ When Rathbun was a young teen, her family moved from the Valley to LaFayette and after graduating from LaFayette High School in the late 1970s, she attended Julliard on scholarship and then became a ballet dancer with the Princeton Ballet Society of New Jersey.

A back injury about 18 months later caused her to leave the company.

She returned to Syracuse. She met the love of her life, Marty Rathbun. He comes from a family of five boys who lived across the street from her cousin, who has a family of six girls.

“I told my cousin the night I met

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Marty that I would marry him,” she said.

The couple has been together for 40-plus years and lives in Onondaga Hill.

She returned to dance, running the dance department at the Metropolitan School of the Arts in Syracuse and Syracuse University. But she still wanted to run her own school in order to, she said, share her passion for ballet and “cultivate future artists.”

In the late 1990s, she was able to realize two of her dreams.

In 1995 she opened the school. A year later, she founded the Syracuse City Ballet and became its artistic director, allowing her to re-introduce this art form to Central New York audiences.

“I wanted to reinvigorate audiences to ballet performances.

From balletomanes [ballet enthusiasts] to people who had never attended a ballet before, I wanted to share my passion for this art form,” she said. “I want to open a new world for audiences to experience incredible athleticism, combined with artistry. I wanted them to experience the beautiful dramatic century-old historical stories, as well as present new works. I wanted to create a magical experience that the audience would never forget.”

To do that, she brought in guest artists while she trained her corps of local student dancers, giving them the opportunity to dance alongside professionals, she explained.

“Whether it was a flying carpet or a large spider climbing down a web in “Aladdin,” or audiences helping to bring Tinkerbell alive through magical flashlights in “Peter Pan,” we created something very special,” she said.

Shows were sold out; they earned rave reviews; and the company’s Nutcracker became a holiday tradition for decades. She attributes success in large part to volunteers who help chaperone and make costumes “and everything in between; her husband and other family members; and students’ families and friends.”

She recalled that in the beginning, the new company couldn’t afford a guest artist, so she danced the role of Wendy in Peter Pan. She recalled that in one scene in that production, Wendy flies in, is hit with an arrow and falls. As Rathbun was lying there, she 40

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said she heard her youngest, Claire, a toddler at the time, sobbing “Mommy” from the audience.

Fast forward to 2016, as the company marked its 20th anniversary with that classic, Claire played Wendy.

While at her mother’s studio, Rathbun said she sometimes instructed Claire, but often would have other teachers work with her.

Claire went on to dance professionally with Washington Ballet and performed at The Kennedy Center, played White Cat in Broadway’s “Cats” and the touring Broadway show “Anastasia.

However, she has returned to Syracuse to marry, start a family and continue to promote classical ballet.

She continues in her mother’s legacy as a dancer with CNY Ballet and a teacher-coach at Ballet and Dance of Upstate NY. In 2021, the leadership of the Syracuse City Ballet wanted to change artistic direction and it would create significant upheaval for Rathbun and the local ballet community. A year later, a new artistic director was named and Rathbun was out of the company she helped to build.

Then over the winter of 2023-24, controversy rocked the company again. Several of its dancers went out on strike, citing unsafe working conditions. They were fired by the company, and went on to form a new company, CNY Ballet. Rathbun has opted not to comment on the situation and focus on her school at 932 Spencer St. With about eight teachers and more than 100 students, ranging in age from 3 to 60-plus, the school offers classes in strengthening; contemporary, modern, tap and jazz dance; and of course, ballet.

Over the years, many of her students have advanced from the program and pursued professional careers in dance with ballet companies across the country and in Broadway shows.

To see her students achieve these accomplishments, she said, “it’s really, really an amazing blessing to cultivate and nurture students and to help bring their inner artist to life.”

“The discipline, resilience and dedication learned in ballet are transferable to many areas of life, from academics to personal relationships, helping individuals succeed in

various domains,” she pointed out.

“Ultimately, ballet is a holistic art form that promotes physical health, mental resilience, emotional expression and creativity. Whether pursued professionally or recreationally, the discipline of ballet offers lifelong skills and perspectives that enrich personal growth.”

And while she may no longer be performing on stage, the mother of three and grandmother of five needs to remain in shape to teach the classes and oversee the school’s operations.

“I think just doing it keeps you in shape. I also practice Pilates; then run around a lot with my grandchildren,” she said, with a laugh.

When asked about her favorite ballet to dance and teach, she said that while every ballet has its own incredible qualities, “Swan Lake” has a special place in her heart.

“It is an incredibly difficult ballet for everyone involved. The corps de ballet must be so precise while performing technically difficult steps.

The lead ballerina plays two roles both of which demand impeccable technique and because the two characters are complete opposites she must be a world class actress,” she said.

Rathbun will continue to bring joy to her dancers and audiences. The school is taking part in a holiday show by singer-songwriter Jessica Lynn at The Palace Theatre in Syracuse on Dec. 10.

As for the future, she said she wants to focus on her students, bringing all these kids to the next level, designing programs, further enhancing the teaching staff and helping those of her students who are interested to train for the Youth America Grand Prix, which she compared to the Olympics of ballet. YAGP is an internationallyrespected organization that develops world-class dancers.

And she aspires to create a residential ballet program in which students could attend from all over, be housed in the community, spend part of the mornings in school and then use the balance of the day for dance instruction, training, practice and outreach into the community.

“I believe ballet and dance should be available to everyone. The effects that the arts have on our youth is truly life changing and priceless,” she said.

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 – 55 PLUS

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travel

Beautiful tropical palm trees at popular touristic Condado beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It’s a great option for a wintertime vacation.

Plan Your Winter Vacation Catch these winter travel deals

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

B

eat the wintertime blahs with a vacation. Plenty of winter hotspots can help you defrost this year. Timing represents a key strategy for value travel.

Jane Biem, travel agent at Pulaski Tickets & Tours, Inc. in Pulaski, said that traveling in early December, before Christmas or in late January offers “some of the lowest rates of the season. Those are the times to travel.”

She also said that Caribbean cruises, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Australia and New Zealand offer travel deals in the winter.

“There’s always bargain travel in Europe in winter,” Biem said. “It’s less crowded and less expensive. It’s a great time to go to Europe if you don’t mind wearing a coat. It’s definitely off-season. Peak season in summer can be so hot.”

October and April represent what agents call the “shoulder seasons,” which Biem said can help save money 42

of destination travel. If your children have left home, April can be an ideal time to escape the cold and enjoy a vacation.

It’s vital to check what’s going on at your chosen venue.

“If any popular events are going on when you want to travel, then you’ll likely pay more,” Biem said.

Check your local school district calendar for more guidance on timing your winter vacation.

“During school breaks, travel on the day of the holiday and be flexible so you can get the best air rate,” said Patty Bean, owner of Bean Cruises and Travel in Rochester.

She said that Mexico is tops for all-inclusive resorts, followed by the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. She warned that it’s important to obtain that passport sooner rather than later.

Otherwise, one is limited to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

“Those places have a higher

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

cost,” Bean said. “Now we can renew passports online and the turnaround is quick. If your passport is going to expire within six months within your return date in the US, you have to have it renewed in advance. Otherwise, the airline or country could deny entry.”

Unfortunately, travel insurance would not cover that reason for canceling the trip.

For people interested in cruising, Bean advises booking as double occupancy with a friend or loved one with whom you can split the cost.

“Otherwise, you’re paying for another person whether they’re sailing or not,” she said. “Request the beds be separated and go on a great trip with a friend.”

She’s wary of booking trips to Italy from the holidays through Jan. 6, 2025, as this is the Catholic Jubilee in Italy and during this time span, officials expect an extra 35 million people pilgrimaging to Vatican City.

“I am encouraging people to put off those trips for a year,” Bean said.

She encourages people planning trips online to see if a travel agent can match the prices.

“Many of our suppliers will price match,” Bean said. “I’m a big proponent of keeping your business local. That’s one way to do it.”

SOCIAL SECURITY

Q.: I will rely on Medicare when I retire. Can you explain the different parts of Medicare?

A.: The different parts of Medicare cover your specific needs. There are 4 parts, all of which work in tandem to deliver healthcare services: • Part A (hospital insurance): This helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care, and hospice care.

• Part B (medical insurance): This helps pay for doctors’ and other health care providers services, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and many preventative services (such as screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly wellness visits).

• Part C (Medicare Advantage plans): If you have Medicare Parts A and B, you can join a Medicare Advantage plan. Private companies offer Medicare Advantage plans, which are approved by Medicare.

These plans generally help you pay the medical costs not covered

by Medicare Part A and B. • Part D (prescription drug coverage): This helps pay for prescription drugs (including many recommended shots and vaccines).

Q.: I worked for the last 10 years, and I now have my 40 credits. Does this mean that I can get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?

A.: The 40 credits are the minimum number you need to be eligible for retirement benefits.

However, we do not base your benefit amount on those credits, but on your earnings over a lifetime of work. To learn more about how you earn Social Security credits and how they work, read, or listen to our publication How You Earn Credits, available at www.ssa. gov/pubs/EN-05-10072.pdf.

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Ways to Get All A’s at the

University of Adversity Be Brave, Don’t Cave Ditch Fear, Persevere

A New Book by S.U. Emeritus Prof.

Marvin Druger The poems in this book reflect on our everyday experiences and our environments.

Each poem carries a thoughtful message for children and adults about life and the world around us.

Newman Springs Publishing GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT. ONLY $13.95 On Amazon.com or your favorite bookstore.

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 – 55 PLUS

43

aging

By Marilyn L. Pinsky

Life in Florida: Two Hurricanes in Two Weeks

The view outside my apartment just before hurricane Helene hit Florida Sept. 26.

I

debated writing this article about my personal hurricane experience because I was very lucky when so many were left homeless or struggling with horrendous damage.

Even if the homes were left standing, often water got through and created mold in walls and floors.

People lost prized possessions they worked a lifetime to acquire and for some, they lost loved ones.

So please take that into consideration with this light-hearted view of two lucky old ladies.

In one of the last planes to land right before airports closed for hurricane Helene, I was returning from 3 1/2 weeks of traveling. Though having seen news reports that there was going to be a hurricane, I just wanted to be back in Florida so that I could pack and turn around and leave for an important family wedding; therefore I decided to chance it. Luckily Helene wasn’t a direct hit on my part of Sarasota, though it was extremely destructive elsewhere, and the airports reopened 44

in time for the flight to Massachusetts.

I flew back from the wedding Sunday night with my daughter and son-in-law who live nearby, just in time to have a day to decide on turning right around and leaving Sarasota again, given that a “once in a 100-years” hurricane was heading our way.

Many of the residents in my building felt we should be safe as the windows were built for 145 mph winds, we were 18 feet above sea level and were located in Zone C, so I decided to stay put. Not one of my better decisions.

I raced to the grocery and grabbed what I could, though supplies were low as the weather reports were getting more dire. As I was walking into the building with my groceries, I ran into people with suitcases who were driving and flying to various locations, which did give me pause about staying.

All day Monday the news reported that the storm kept changing strength and direction, going back and forth

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

between categories 3, 4 and 5 and projections that it would directly hit either Tampa or Sarasota, but it was still fairly far away. My friend Bev and her dog Figgie moved in with me as her building was in Zone A, meaning they were closer to the water, and were ordered to evacuate.

In hurricane Helene two weeks before, the lower level of her building flooded from the surge, shutting down the elevators and meaning Figgie couldn’t get down 15 floors to do what dogs need to do.

We worked on filling containers with water and baggies with ice cubes, charging our phones, cooking food and walking around pulling out plugs that would be affected when power surged back on.

Tuesday we were glued to the weather station on TV and drove ourselves a little batty trying to decide when we should have dinner in case it hit tonight and when we should be prepared to head for the hallway, which I thought would be a safer place to be. Nothing happened.

At 2 p.m. on Wednesday the wind started and we were notified that our building was being locked down — meaning metal mesh was being put around the lower part of the building and the elevators would be turned off.

Bev ran out to give Figgie one last shot at grass.

When Milton finally arrived the noise of the wind and rain pounding on the windows got to be too much.

Around 5 p.m. I notified our neighbors that we would be sleeping outside their door on a blow up mattress as it is an area without windows and though I didn’t think we snored, told them to feel free to kick us if we did.

At 6:30 lights started flickering and the wind picked up. We ended up not sleeping in the hall as the noise of the storm there was worse. We came back into the condo and hid in the den. Then we tried to sleep and not worry about windows breaking. The horrific wind and rain finally died down around two a.m. and we went back to our bedrooms and slept for a couple of hours before everyone started texting and calling to check on us. At that point we were without power and water.

So we didn’t have air conditioning, couldn’t flush the toilet, and I didn’t want to open the fridge until we were really starving.

After two days we couldn’t live with spoiled food and toilets that we were using our water up on to flush and realized how isolated we would be when our cell phones died shortly.

We decided to leave and go to my daughter and son-in-law’s house about 20 minutes away. They didn’t have power but their neighbor ran a line from his generator to their refrigerator and we could all charge phones.

I called my son in Syracuse to ask what papers I should bring with me and, and as a person involved in emergency services who had been telling me to leave for days, he first gave me a lecture on “when emergency personnel say evacuate, you evacuate!!!! They’re telling you we’re not going to be able to rescue you!!!”

At that point it was late in the afternoon with the light starting to fade. So there we were: two women, that in media terms would be called elderly, and one dog, struggling down a totally blacked out stairway with five heavy bags of necessities (including dog food, bowl and bed.) If not for Bev’s flashlight, as mine was useless, we wouldn’t have made it. We would go down one flight and then run back up for more bags, taking turns shining the light on each other. When we finally got to the car and drove out through a pitch black garage, the outside was a mess of tree limbs but drivable if we went slowly.

Lessons Learned: 1. Always fill the car with gas whenever you first hear the word “hurricane.” Three days later I still couldn’t get gas.

2. Give thought in advance what to take when you know you may have to carry it. For me it was my engagement ring, medicines, money and clothes. (Maybe makeup next time.) I took pictures with my phone of framed pictures that were important to me and then hid the pictures away in drawers and hoped for the best.

3. Test your flashlights in pitch black areas. I was surprised how weak a light my large flashlight threw off.

4. And, as my son said, “when they say evacuate, they mean it.” When they finally said, “evacuate Zone C,” as there could be an 18-25 mile surge, we should have been prepared and left.

Probably should have before they even got to Zone C.

ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES AND PRODUCTS in 55 PLUS Connect with the fastest growing and most influential consumer group in CNY Published bi-monthly, 55 Plus Magazine is the most effective media for reaching the 55-plus market.

Call 315-342-1182 or email editor@cny55.com for advertising informaiton.

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 – 55 PLUS

45

weight

How I Lost 25 Lbs. in 8 Weeks Fats: The good, the bad and the very bad

T

his is an article about fats. Not fat, as in getting fat, although I was steadily expanding in that direction, but the different types of fats.

Once I understood that concept and applied my knowledge to how and what I ate, over the course of about eight weeks, I lost 25 pounds, mostly around my waist. And I have kept it off.

It seemed every time I weighed myself, the number kept going up.

I didn’t need a scale to tell me I was getting heavier; all I had to do was look down at my stomach and see the bulging out to the front and on both sides. I knew I had to do something.

But I didn’t know what.

I tried a couple different diets in the past, but I never really had any positive results. I was either hungry all the time, which affected my mood or I just did not enjoy the meals I was expected to eat. And a little online research told me that is one of the reasons most diets either don’t work or they don’t work for very long. I wanted to lose weight for the sake of my health, but I didn’t know where to look for answers.

46

By Joe Sarnicola Well, the answer came when I was looking through the cook book section of a local thrift store, which often also has dieting books in their collections.

I saw a book that had a blurb on the cover that said, “A flat belly is about food and attitude.” So I bought it.

I learned that in order to lose weight I had to change my mind set and change the way I think about food.

And I learned about the three main types of fats: unsaturated, saturated and trans. Oh and one other thing: there are good (healthy) fats and bad (unhealthy) fats. We need fat to survive. So those diets that recommend low fat everything can actually be harmful because they force the body to retain a certain amount of unhealthy fats and they deprive the body of healthy fats.

Back to the types of fats. Saturated fat is one of the unhealthy fats. It becomes solid at room temperature, such as that in red meat or butter. An excess of this fat can raise the LDL (bad cholesterol), raise blood pressure and lead to weight gain. Fried foods, baked goods, dairy products and junk foods all contain levels of saturated fat and 1 gram of fat contains nine calories.

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

Doctors recommend consuming no more than 20 grams of saturated fat in a day. I try for much less.

Tr a n s f a t i s m a d e w h e n manufacturers add hydrogen to oils. This prolongs the shelf life of the food, but trans fat raises bad cholesterol, lowers good cholesterol and contributes to a wide range of health problems. Try to avoid any trans fats.

Now for the good news.

Unsaturated fat — and there are two main types, mono- and poly-; the main difference between the two has to do with the carbon in their molecular structure. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) can contribute to lower cholesterol, lower rates of heart disease and reduced inflammation.

These healthy fats can be found in many oils, such as olive, flaxseed and peanut. Other sources are olives, nuts and seeds and avocados.

The key to knowing what is in the food you eat: Read the food labels.

There is another type of fat that is not part of our diet. It is called visceral fat. This fat doesn’t show up on your waist. It builds up around your heart, liver and other internal organs. As

you eliminate the unhealthy fats in your body and add healthy fats, this dangerous fat melts away as well.

By following the plan laid out in the book I found — “The Flat Belly Diet,” by Liz Viccariello — I reduced the saturated fat I was eating and introduced more healthy fats.

Of course, I also had to apply what the author called the “mind-body connection.” I was more aware of what I was eating and I was eating to improve my health. As I saw the pounds fall away week after week, I felt better physically and mentally.

I didn’t just eat empty calories and I didn’t eat out of boredom. I ate with intention — and I enjoyed that.

Even though it did mean giving up certain foods I had been eating, I realized they were not good for my health. For example, several doughnuts a week (2-5 grams of saturated fat each), two fast food cheeseburgers every Monday (10 grams each). See how that can add up?

It has been more than a year since I changed my eating habits. I never refer to this as a diet. It is a change of attitude about food and about myself. I also exercise moderately several times a week, but it’s nothing strenuous and I try to drink plenty of water every day.

The author of book that inspired me has published another helpful book, “The Digest Diet.” Other books, including “The Belly Fat Diet,” by John Chatham, and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Belly Fat Weight Loss,” by Laire Wheeler and Diane Welland, are very helpful as well.

It takes some research and a bit of determination and discipline, but the health benefits of losing weight are worth it.

You won’t be hungry all the time, you will look better and feel better, and other people will notice.

Joe Sarnicola of Auburn writes regularly for 55 PLUS and In Good Health. He is a certified spiritual life coach and yoga instructor and the co-writer of a monthly self-help column in the Auburn Citizen called “The Possible You.” He tries to practice what he preaches by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods.

Tips to Staying Germ-Free at the Gym

G

oing to the gym is good for your overall health, but if you and the gym aren’t practicing good hygiene you could still catch a nasty illness, an expert says.

“Good hygiene prevents sicknesses like a cold, influenza and even salmonella, but cleanliness can also indicate that a gym is well-maintained overall, including the quality of equipment,” said Melanie McNeal, a physical and occupational therapy manager at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “If hygiene rules are not followed you could get sick, get others sick or even have your membership cancelled.”

When going to a new gym for the first time, there are a few key indicators to determine if hygiene is prioritized in the space: • A lack of sanitary wipes for members or staff to wipe down equipment after use often means equipment is harboring unseen bacteria • No signs posted asking members to clean equipment after using or no cleaning schedule posted suggests cleanliness is not a priority for the gym • Other gym members using equipment and not cleaning it afterwards on a consistent basis can show there is not a culture of cleanliness • Caked on layers of dust on equipment can indicate that equipment has not been cleaned in a while • Lots of broken-down machines for extended periods of time can be due to a lack of

interest from gym management in ensuring the space is well-kept To do your part in practicing good gym hygiene, there are several things you can do.

• Wear clean clothes each time you exercise; used clothes accumulate sweat and other bacteria that can cause foul smells or that can spread among gym members • When approaching equipment, check to see if it is clean • If you encounter a bench or other piece of equipment with wet residue from a chemical cleaning solution, allow it to dry on its own. This residue indicates that the time it takes to kill all the bacteria is not complete • After completing your exercise, take a wipe or solution sprayed on a napkin and wipe where your skin made contact with the equipment or where sweat dripped. Avoid directly spraying chemical solutions onto equipment, as excess moisture can cause damage • If you choose to shower after a workout, wear flip flops or other footwear that prevent contact between your feet and the floor, as these environments tend to be breeding grounds for mold, fungi and bacteria that can infect your feet “Expect a clean gym and report concerns to management if you have any,” McNeal said in a Baylor news release.

“You should feel free to ask management about the cleaning schedule and always clean up after yourself. Leave equipment as you would want to find it when you walk up to it.”

language

Diane Shiffer stands in her vintage kitchen, which is often the backdrop for her Instagram reels. Photo by Grace Scism

vintage

MEET DIANE SHIFFER: A SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION

Albion chubby vintage nana spreads her message of kindness and acceptance and love for vintage things through social media

By Grace Scism

“

Be so completely yourself that everyone else feels safe to be themselves too.” That is the quote that you will find on Diane Shiffer ’s Instagram account.

The unassuming 67-year-old has amassed nearly one million followers on the social media platform and Diane Shiffer and her daughter, Millen another million on (which means TikTok. “precious”) on the porch of their Albi on home where Like many, Shiffer they spend many summer days. first used her Instagram account to share pictures Shiffer of her five children. After she hit 1,000 followers, a friend of hers, whose learned to create content just by doing husband creates YouTube videos, it. “I didn’t research anything, just challenged her to create a TikTok learned by trial and error,” she said.

At first, she edited her content account and start making videos to using the TikTok app. Now she uses share on both platforms.

“I started posting every day and a free app called CapCut, shooting my first video was a typical old lady everything with her iPhone.

If you follow her @shifferdiane boomer-style 15-second video of a jar of lemonade on my front porch,” on Instagram, you will see that she doesn’t post on weekends, but is Shiffer said. usually filming, writing and editing That got more than 200 views.

Scrambling for content for her next during that time.

For the first three years, Shiffer post, she found a time-lapse video of didn’t take one day off. Now she paces her doing her hair.

“I ad-libbed the voice over, not herself creating a “big video” to post knowing anything about how to on Mondays, then smaller content enhance or isolate my voice, so you can throughout the week.

“There’s a lot of action and camera hear the car radio and the screen door angles and significant voice over that slam in the background,” she said.

That little video went viral and will take me 20-30 hours,” she said.

To watch one of Shiffer’s reels, as got millions of views, which boosted Shiffer’s followers to 50,000 instantly. they are called on Instagram, is like “It was wonderful, but also being transported back in time. Her terrifying. You feel very exposed,” Albion home, appropriately built in she said. “It scared me a little so I took 1930, is filled with the vintage furniture a step back, but then I got back into it.” and decor that she loves.

“I’ve always been interested in vintage things, even when I was a very young child,” she said.

A picture book that her father had as a child captured her interest as a toddler and her love for anything from that era grew as she grew.

“When I was finding things for my first apartment, I would go to rummage sales. Back then all of these linens were the tackiest things. But I would go and stuff a bag full of dish towels and gorgeous lace things for a dollar!” Shiffer said.

She even collects vintage clothes.

She never had the nerve to wear them, but during the pandemic, when no one was stopping by for a visit, she realized that she could dress any way she wanted.

“I went full vintage; undergarments and everything — and loved it,” she said.

Now, when she goes out in public and is dressed in more modern clothes, she feels like she’s wearing a costume, although she does still wear modern clothing for certain meetings and appointments.

Shiffer ’s love for everything vintage connected her to another Instagram content creator, “The Vintagearian (@the_vintagearian) a.k.a. “Vinti.”

Vinti, who lives in Germany, actually traveled to Albion to spend time with Shiffer and her daughter, Millen.

“I was thrilled that he wanted to

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49

Just one of the lovely displays of vintage items in Diane Shiffer’s home. stay a few days,” said Shiffer.

During Vinti’s two visits, he shot a lot of videos that he is still sharing on his account.

“When he was here, we sat on the porch cutting video and he was done with his in about 15 minutes! He’s very good at what he does,” she said.

So what does Shiffer owe to her immense social media popularity?

“The vintage stuff is only one layer, but there are so many layers that are happening with a successful video to keep the viewer engaged,” she said.

“If there’s a lag for even a second, you lose people.”

Shiffer believes her viewers are affirmed by somebody who isn’t conventionally attractive, being happy and living their life.

“I do think sharing the vintagey things is a compelling part of it. But the thing that really resonates with young people especially is that no one has ever talked to them like this, which shocks me because we are supposed to speak kindly to our children,” said Shiffer. “So many, an absolutely mindnumbing amount of young people, have parents and grandparents who have rejected them. They crave an older person being kind.”

And Shiffer’s never had an unkind comment from a young person.

“I’m fortunate in that I don’t get many hate comments. Some may say, ‘You’re fat or old or missing a tooth.’

I already know those things, so it doesn’t shock me or wound me,” she said.

However, there are two sources of hate comments — other women 50

who have distaste for the way Shiffer dresses and wears her hair and those who don’t agree with her politically.

Shiffer said her faith is a huge part of who she is.

“For many years, I was part of the evangelical, conservative Christian subculture,” she said.

But the political events of 2016 were difficult and destabilizing for her.

She stopped following people she had once admired and taken council from.

“My core faith in God and Jesus didn’t change,” she explained. “But all of the outside stuff, church and the conservative evangelical stuff, fell away.”

A retired teacher who started her career working in day treatment programs for people with developmental disabilities, then preschools, Shiffer eventually became a special services coordinator for Head Start, a federal program that provides comprehensive services to low-income children and their families.

In the past, Shiffer has profited from her social media accounts through lucrative advertising, but has taken a break from it.

“It was great, but it’s high pressure and you don’t have much control over the content,” she said.

This year, her social media has brought in only $23 per month.

“I do this because it’s my art,” said Shiffer. When she was ill earlier this year and doctors were talking that she might not have much longer, it freed her from the pressure to pursue the many career opportunities being offered.

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

“I’m completely fine; better than I was. But it hit me what an incredible gift I’ve been given to be able to make these videos so when I’m gone, I’m still able to speak kindness and encouragement into people’s lives.”

Future projects may include a book deal and a YouTube channel.

“YouTube is a much more stable platform, but Instagram is the best platform for creating community. It’s your own little world, so you can create this beautiful little scrapbook and it attracts people who like those same things,” she said.

In March, Shiffer was invited to a Women’s History Month reception at the White House after one of her followers saw a video in which Shiffer mentioned that she would love to visit the nation’s capitol one day.

“I received an email and thought it was a scam at first,” Shiffer recalled.

In her video, Shiffer said that she almost declined because it was so out of her comfort zone, but through encouragement and help from family and friends, she accepted the invitation.

“It was incredible and everyone was amazing — so warm and welcoming,” she said.

What Shiffer said she learned about herself in the process is that it’s OK to accept the help of others and to let her best be enough.

Shiffer turned that around and recently helped a family friend, Kelsey Dreisbach, who has been instrumental in the care of her daughter, Millen.

Dreisbach suffered a tragic loss and illness prompting Shiffer to set up a GoFundMe account to help with the family’s financial strain.

The fund ended up raising nearly $100,000 thanks to donations from Shiffer’s followers.

Shiffer said that she’s mainly speaking to her young followers when she creates her videos. “My main message I think is to be gentle with yourself, be kind to yourself,” she said. “Young people are under so much pressure, especially with social media. It can be so easy when you’re young for those voices to become the most prominent voices in your head.”

That is why Shiffer wants to reach young people where they are.

“I just want to be a little voice in there saying, ‘You’re doing great and you deserve joy and beauty. And if no ones going to give it to you, give it to yourself,’” she said.

essay

ARE PEOPLE CALLING YOU A C-WORD…BEHIND YOUR BACK?

By Tim Bennett

T

here are some words that people use to describe an older person, which are unflattering and usually not said directly to the person but about that person to someone else.

Surprisingly, many of these words start with a C. Words like crotchety, cantankerous, cranky, crusty and curmudgeon quickly come to mind.

Crotchety is defined as “often in a bad mood and easily irritated;” cantankerous as “bad-tempered, argumentative and uncooperative;” cranky as “fretful fussiness;” and crusty as “complaining and easily annoyed (especially older people).”

In the excellent movie, “A River Runs Through It,” Paul Maclean’s boss at the newspaper is called a “curmudgeon” by his brother ’s romantic interest.

The Collins Dictionary defines this as “a surly, ill-mannered, bad-tempered person.” Another dictionary adds, “usually a man.”

Examples of curmudgeons abound in films: Clint Eastwood as Walt in “Gran Torino;” Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol;” and more recently,

Otto, in “A Man Called Otto.” All of these characters had one positive thing in common — they all had a change of heart.

Most of us do not want to be called such derogatory c-labels in our golden years.

Yet, as one grows older it can be a challenge to stop the hardening of the attitudes and getting a little crusty around the edges.

On a personal level, I’ve noticed that the natural decline of my physical abilities can be a constant irritant that can slip into my psyche like a sliver into my palm. If I let it take up residence in my mind, my disposition worsens. For example, I used to enjoy walking along the Erie Canal, but over the years my feet have started to ache terribly afterward, which takes away the pleasure.

On a whim, I picked up a used bike at a thrift shop and started biking the trails instead of walking them. And I loved it. Biking did not require the full weight of my body on my feet so there was no pain in my feet after my rides and I could explore many more miles of the canal. After two years of using the $25 purchase I decided to

invest in a Trek bike with disc brakes.

I was amazed at the difference. I could now go 20 miles instead of only 10. It helped, too, of course, that I got a bike that was the right size for my height so I could stretch out my legs.

Another physical handicap I discovered was — I could no longer run very fast. In playing tag with my grandkids, I got annoyed with them running circles around me and not being able to catch any of them — even the 6-year-old. It doesn’t help that I am a competitive game player and don’t believe in letting the kids win at anything if they don’t earn it. Now I was losing every time we played. In ping pong and chess there is no contest but tag was a different story.

One day, however, my 12-yearold grandson, Cameron, sensed my frustration and came up with a creative solution. “Hey, Popi, why don’t you throw a tennis ball at us to tag us!”

And thus, “ball tag” was born. If Cam had known I had played a lot of baseball as a kid, he may not have made this suggestion. I still remember the day he was nonchalantly taunting me from the backyard when I calmly threw the ball and nailed him from the

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51

front of the house.

Step one to not being called a C-word: Be willing to adapt to new physical challenges with creative solutions.

Another thing that gets me cranky and crotchety is when people don’t live up to my expectations.

I did not realize I had a habit of complaining about old college friends who made little effort to get together until I reread my journal and saw I had written the same thing five years ago.

A question immediately came to mind: Why do you keep expecting something from people who are clearly not that interested in you? Then a statement: You can prevent being disappointed by these people by no longer expecting anything from them.

In other words, stop contacting them.

If they really are your friends they will eventually contact you. If they don’t, maybe the season for that friendship has passed. In other words, by coming out of denial about the truth of those relationships, I was empowered. It meant that I didn’t need to grovel for people’s time and attention anymore.

In fact, I was demeaning myself by doing it. I am a caring, loyal and witty person. There are people out there with whom I can have healthy and positive friendships. So, as they say in French, Au revoir les amis!

Amazingly, since I stopped contacting these old friends, some retired men from my church began reaching out to me. Now I take those long bike rides with my new friends and it’s a hundred times more enjoyable than riding alone or bemoaning the fact some people never visit.

Step two to avoid going to Curmudgeonville: Be open to new 52

friendships.

A third thing I do to avoid getting crusty, cranky or cantankerous is to be thankful for the little things and express my gratitude to the people who have helped me in some way.

My wife, Veronique, is a great example in this area.

She makes a point to thank me every time I make the bed, empty the dishwasher, mow the lawn or do anything that merits a pat on the back.

In return I try to let her know when she makes a great meal, does the laundry or just goes out of her way to take care of the grandkids.

Sometimes when too many things are irritating me like polarizing politics, hearing the same commercials over and over again on the radio or someone driving too close behind me, I make a conscious effort to go through my grateful list. My wife is, of course, on top of the list.

Early in our marriage I realized she was better at managing our money so I let her do it. I was too much of a dreamer to pay our bills on time. She now has been paying off the credit card, before it’s due, for more than 30 years and she constantly racks up points on the credit card to pay for flights, hotels and restaurants. She also knows how to cook a great meal, give an encouraging word to our family and be available to those in our community who need practical help.

I’m also thankful that all my children and grandchildren live within a one- or two-hour drive and I get to see them growing up. Some of those spontaneous comments from the grandkids can keep me laughing for days.

I remember one day asking my grandson, Xavier, who was maybe 7 at the time, to help me get a little nut I had dropped in the riding mower

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engine. My hands were too big to get it and I thought smaller hands could do the trick. So, after a barbecue with his family at our house, I asked him, “Hey, Buddy, can you help me out on an important mission? You know, kind of like what the Avengers do?”

Of course, I knew he couldn’t say no. What little boy doesn’t want to be a super hero? With all eyes on him, he meekly said, “OK,” and followed me to the garage where I kept the mower.

I pushed the machine out into the light and pointed to where I had dropped the nut in the engine. Xavier bent over to scrutinize the area. His brow furrowed. He pondered the problem for a moment and then stood erect and shook his head, “I’d like to Popi, but I left my costume at home.”

Other things on my thankful list include: a house and car paid off, time to write, to travel, play chess and volunteer for causes I believe in.

Just the other day, I was grateful for the plump little chipmunk who lives near our bird feeder and helps himself to the seeds the birds kick off on the ground. He seems a perfect picture of contentment as he sits perched on a little wooden post basking in the sun surveying the abundance of food before him. He’s probably thinking: “Life can’t get better than this. I live next to a grocery store where everything is free.”

Step three to avoid being called cantankerous: cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

If you take these three steps I think people will be less inclined to call you a C-word behind your back. However, if you happen to hear a snide remark coming from the shadows, at least you will be a happier person. And on top of that, you won’t give a hoot.

The Cost of Solo Aging

Married people tend to build wealth and avoid poverty better in old age than unmarried people, a new study finds

By Tara Law

T

he United States is experiencing a profound generational shift on marriage: most Americans still walk down the aisle before retirement age, but a growing number are staying single.

While Census Bureau data says that just 4% of people aged 75 and over have never married, the figure rises to 8% of Americans aged 65 to 74 and 13% of people from 55 to 64.

As more people age alone, they may face greater financial risks.

Married people, on average, have higher household incomes and net worths, and tend to be less likely to be poor than those who are divorced, widowed or who have never gotten married. This is according to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, which looked at data tracking 5,269 people in Wisconsin

from ages 18 to 72 between 1957 and 2011. The study looked exclusively at white people.

Advantages of Marriage Deborah Carr, the study’s lead author, noted that “married people do better than unmarried people” on various economic measurements — from income, to wealth, to poverty rate. This was the case, she said, even when the researchers factored in personal traits that could explain the differences between groups, such as health, personality traits and education level.

The biggest surprise, Carr said, was the struggle of single men.

Compared with men who are divorced, windowed or married, lifelong singles’ total household incomes were about

half those of married men. For men who’ve never tied the knot, 18.3% were poor, compared with 3.6% of married men.

Single people’s finances are buffeted by multiple challenges, the study suggests. For instance, they don’t have a partner to split the costs of life. Over decades, they must cover the costs of everything — from housing to hotel rooms to toothpaste — by themself. When they encounter obstacles in life, such as needing a caregiver during an illness, they may be more likely to need to pay someone to assist them.

Moreover, in the U.S., married people have access to various legal and policy privileges, such as the option to collect Social Security benefits based on a spouse’s earnings or collect as much as half of their spouse’s benefit

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after a divorce.

Another major factor, Carr suspects, is workplace bias against unmarried people. “There’s the assumption that if you’re a married man, you’re going to work really hard, and you’re really stable. And as a result, you deserve the raises, you deserve the promotion,” she says.

Divorced people also struggle more financially than those who have remained married, although ending a marriage has a bigger impact on women’s wallets: divorced women had about 40% of the wealth of married women, per the study. Carr said this may be because women prioritized their families and home lives.

“A lot of the sacrifices that women make when they are married come back to hurt them once that marriage ends,” she said.

Single? Start Planning Early One piece of evidence comes from looking at never-married women.

Unlike women with other married statuses, who lag behind comparable men, never-married women are in a similar financial position to nevermarried men. This suggests they may have been less likely to prioritize their home lives over their careers.

Given the obstacles faced by single people, it may be even more important for them to plan for their financial futures — and to start planning as soon as possible. Surprisingly, many people never do. Annamaria Lusardi, a professor of finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business, says that her research has found that over half of people fail to plan for their financial futures.

Lusardi says people should turn financial planning into a habit, just as people exercise or meet friends regularly. “Let’s add this regular activity, which is taking care of our personal finances, “ she says.

An important first step for many people may be improving their financial literacy — that is, their understanding of basic investing ideas and how to use them to make informed decisions about money.

Financial literacy tends to be lower among women, which may help explain why women who are divorced or widowed are more likely to struggle financially, says Lusardi. She suggests seeking out resources through your 54

workplace’s HR office, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau or from an investment adviser.

Why Keep Working?

If you’re concerned about your finances, one key option may be working as many years as you can.

Working later means you spend more years putting money into your 401(k) or other retirement plans and fewer years taking it out; you also keep drawing on your employer ’s benefits, says Barbara O’Neill, a certified financial planner and the author of “Flipping a Switch: Your Guide to Happiness and Financial Security in Later Life.”

O’Neill also recommends working until you turn 70 to qualify for the largest Social Security benefit you can get.

After retirement, it’s also important to have a plan on how you’ll conserve and spend down your wealth — especially now that, on average, people are living longer than ever. That includes both major expenses, such as planning for the possibility you’ll need long-term care, as well as resources in your community that may help you save money, such as programs for lowcost transportation.

Build a Social Network O ’ N e i l l re c o m m e n d s d o i n g research at a local senior center to figure out what resources are available to you in your community. One way to learn about what social services are available, she notes, is by calling 211.

Relationships are another important asset for older singles, says O’Neill, and you should have conversations with loved ones if you might need their help in the future.

“If you have no spouse, and you have no children, you darn well better have some good social capital — a network of siblings, cousins, friends, that you can rely on,” says O’Neill.

“It’s not just about saving money, it’s also about building social capital.

Because that way people can help you, and provide services that otherwise you would have to pay for.”

This article was previously published online at www.nextavenue.org.

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Workplace Stress Triggers: How to Spot Them, How to Cope Workplace anxiety. Who hasn’t experienced it?

However, if that anxiety is so strong that it hurts your performance or lingers for months, you might have a problem, one expert says.

Physician Asim Shah, executive vice chairman in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor Colege of Medicine in Houston, explains what can trigger workplace anxiety, how to manage it and when to seek professional help.

“The goal is not to suffer and not let your anxiety affect work performance. About 60% of people experience workplace anxiety. It is common, which means you can do something about it,” Shah said.

Workplace anxiety can be caused by surly co-workers, a demanding supervisor, small, annoying tasks or overwhelming major projects.

If you have workplace anxiety, you might notice signs like: • Feeling overly anxious or nervous; • Experiencing excessive sweating or trembling; • Obsessing about a task; • Having a lack of interest in your work.

“The anxiety becomes so overwhelming that you are unable to focus and concentrate,” Shah noted in a Baylor news release.

“These feelings can impair your daily work functions.”

To manage it and help to reduce stress, Shah recommends: • Break your tasks into small pieces; • Set small goals throughout the work week and congratulate yourself for reaching them; • Express your emotions.

Journal how you feel. Talk, laugh or cry with someone you confide in; • Start healthy habits and do things you enjoy; • Work within your limits. Set boundaries with your workload.

Retirees Are Coming Back to Work Almost one third of retirees in the U.S. are considering temporary work, says study

S

o, you officially retired from your career and then decided to return to the workforce?

What now?

Well, you are not alone.

A May 2024 release citing polling data from Indeed Flex, an online jobseeking marketplace, noted almost one-third of retirees in the U.S. are considering temporary work.

Increased cost of living is the driving force behind why the aging population is considering unretirement.

The report offered additional data points: • One-third of retirees are considering between one and three shifts of temporary work per week; • 42% of working seniors, who have never retired, are also considering layering on temporary work;

By Jolene Cleaver • Meanwhile, a fifth (20%) of those polled, have returned to work due to the rise of the cost of living.

Locally, those in the retirement and financial advisement sectors are also seeing the trend materialize.

“It is an increasing trend and there are a lot of reasons associated with that.

It’s important for people to stay active and engage in the community,” said Michael Romano, the Oneida County deputy commissioner of family and community services. He also noted that in addition to returning to work, there are a lot of people opting to stay active by volunteering.

Many are entering the workforce to supplement health insurance, Romano said.

According to Anthony Hinds-Fritz — owner and president of Syracusebased Evolution Retirement Solutions,

LLC, a boutique financial services firm offering retirement planning — those returning to the workforce after retirement should do a bit of homework first.

In 2024, the earned income limit is $22,320 for those who have signed up for Social Security benefits before full retirement age.

“For every $2 earned above this limit, $1 is deducted from Social Security benefits if Social Security income is taken before the beneficiary’s full retirement age [usually between the ages of 66 and 67]. However, in the year your full retirement age is obtained, the earnings limit is $59,520.

For every $3 earned above this limit, $1 is deducted from Social Security benefits. Finally, at full retirement age, there is no limit on how much earned income one can have while receiving

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How to Stay Warm Outdoors

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

E toe.

njoying winter means staying warm. Try these tips to stay toasty from head to

1. Layer your clothing.

Wearing one thick, bulky layer is less effective for keeping you warm than wearing several thin layers, which traps heat between the layers.

2. Wear the right base. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, such as synthetic material or silk. Cotton traps perspiration against the skin which will make you feel colder. Many outdoor outfitting stores sell base layers designed to keep you dry.

3. Pick a warm mid-layer. Synthetic polar fleece or wool are very warm materials and can help you retain body heat.

4. Layer your outerwear. An insulative layer covered by a waterproof shell offers great protection from the cold. Look for snowpants and a coat that offer you the freedom of movement you will need for your activity.

Many newer outerwear designs are thin—and seemingly not warm enough—but if you check the tag, you will find a cold rating to let you know you have the right gear.

5. Cover your head. Don’t just grab a thin knit beanie. Wear a hat lined with fleece or faux fur that covers your ears and provides a windproof shell.

6. Use the right gloves. Repeatedly tugging off your gloves to operate your phone unnecessarily exposes your hands. Instead, wear a pair of texting gloves which include conducive fiber woven in the fingertips. Over these, wear warm, waterproof mittens or gloves. Whenever you want to take a selfie or text a friend, you can keep your fingers covered by a layer.

Bring along hand warmers if you plan to be outside a long time.

7. Select the right footwear. Once you’ve layered moisture-wicking socks topped by insulative socks, you’ll need lined boots rated for the temperature and tall enough to keep snow from falling inside. Tall boots that fit snugly at the top can also help keep snow out. If your feet are especially prone to cold, try rechargeable heated boots for hours of warmth.

8. Stay dry. Bring along extra clothing—especially socks, gloves, and hat—to peel off and exchange for dry clothing should yours become sweator snow-soaked.

9. Don’t imbibe. It may seem like alcohol warms you up, but it’s not true. “It can actually be quite dangerous,” states Kate Goldbaum on Livescience.com. “The natural tendencies of your body—to detect cold, for example—are there to protect you from frostbite or hypothermia.

Usually, your blood vessels constrict in lower temperatures in order to direct blood to your vital organs.” Because alcohol reverses this effect, your extremities feel warmer, but your organs lose heat. In addition, this effect can cause you to sweat, which can make your body feel cooler. But you should drink beverages to stay hydrated, as it’s easy to hydrate less while active during cold weather.

10. Take breaks as needed. Most winter activity centers offer a warming station. Get a warm drink like coffee, tea or cocoa.

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Social Security,” according to HindsFritz.

Around the region, others in the retirement advisement business chimed in.

“It’s important to put it in perspective,” said William Lane of William Lane Associates in Homer, a retirement adviser.

Lane, 84, is himself partially retired and writes a monthly column on Social Security and Medicare issues.

Lane said the retirement landscape has changed dramatically since the 1970s and 1980s when retirement was a final, solid decision for most people.

Now, retirement is seen as fluid.

With people living longer and living healthier, they are “having very good health into their 80s,” Lane said.

“There are 65-year-olds retiring to take care of their 90-year-old parents.”

But there’s a catch.

With that longevity, means one has to have a plan to fund that longevity, no matter what the economy is doing.

“One of the biggest things people need to do is decide what they want to do after retirement. You need to have goals,” Lane advised. “If you say, ‘I’m going to spend the time working on the house’ and that only takes the first six months of retirement. Then what?”

So many workers today are not factory workers. Jobs can be flexible.

There are even people who are reimagining their skill set from their career and working as consultants in all spheres. Retired nurses are even picking up shifts in urgent care centers, Lane said.

When it comes to managing finances, if you have questions about tax penalties, Lane advises to not just wait and see, but to meet with a financial adviser.

Regulations “Most people who re-enter the workforce aren’t looking to make a lot of money,” Lane said, adding anecdotally how snowbirds often get a part-time job at a chain store so they can work six months of the year in New York and six months of the year at a winter home in Florida.

They are finding creative ways to manage this chapter of their life.

So, talk to a financial planner.

Figure out what you need to earn, Lane said.

money

Smart Money Moves for 2025 As 2024 wraps, take these steps for a better 2025

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

T

experts.

o put yourself in a better financial position a year from now takes planning. Here are a few ideas from area financial

Tips from Cynthia Scott, financial adviser and owner of OMC Financial in DeWitt: • “Maximize your 401(k) or 403(b) contribution if you are able to increase it. Many people will only put in 6% since many corporations match by 3%.

But if you increase your contribution to 10%, you will receive 13% on the

money. Usually, I recommend in order to maximize the contribution by the end of the year that they contact their HR department to see what the best way it can be handled. There are yearly limits for contributions, but your HR will be able to advise you.

• “If you are not contributing to an IRA or Roth, think about setting one up and begin to fund it so that by tax filing time you will have completed it.

Roths are not tax deductible, but you will get into a habit of saving for your retirement.

• “If you have a personal investment account, evaluate it to determine if there is a stock or stocks that have not performed as expected.

On the other hand, if you own a stock or stocks that have performed well,

you can sell them and any losses you incur they can be used to offset your gains. Remember, if you sell a stock at a loss and do not offset with a gain, you are limited to $3,000 annually, but the loss can be carried forward until it has been completely used.

• “Check with your accountant if you had any sales or purchases during the year that could affect your taxes.”

T i p s f ro m R a n d y L .

Zeigler, certified financial planner and private wealth adviser for Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Oswego: • “For those over age 70.5 who own

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an IRA account, they should convert their cash-based charitable giving into qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from their IRA account. Most people are no longer able to itemize deductions to take a tax deduction for their charitable gifts. The QCD strategy allows one to make a charitable gift directly from an IRA account, treating the gift as a non-taxable distribution from the IRA and also counting the amount toward their IRS required minimum distribution as well (if they are subject to RMDs).

• “If one is holding individual stocks that contain long-term tax losses, harvesting those losses by selling those shares could be a wise strategy. If the investor wants to continue to own those shares, they can repurchase them after the 31-day wash sale period ends and will then have a lower starting tax basis in the new shares.

• “Increased interest rates have made carrying short-term debt more expensive. Always a good idea to reduce or eliminate interest carrying costs by paying off short-term debt balances.

• “Since we are sitting at the lowest personal income tax bracket rates over the past 30 years, IRA owners may wish to consider making Roth conversions of traditional IRA balances while tax rates are low.

Converted amounts are fully taxable and must be held for five years after conversion and before liquidating. IRA owners older than age 73 cannot use Roth conversions for the amount of their RMDs. Conversions must be only for amounts greater than their RMD amount. Roth conversions trigger taxation at the time of conversion, but all future earnings on those investment amounts, post conversion in the Roth IRA, are then tax-free.

• “Aged married couples holding pre-tax IRA and 401(k) account balances should explore how best to maximize their annual income tax planning since single surviving spouses are subject to much lower standard deductions and tax brackets than are married couples.

It often makes tax sense to accelerate the withdrawal of taxable income for couples in order to maximize the use of the 10% and 12% federal tax brackets.

• “Higher income retirees should also be aware of the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount 58

(IRMAA) rules related to the Part B and Part D Medicare premium costs as they may inadvertently subject themselves to these higher Medicare premium costs by not utilizing careful tax planning. Purposely increasing taxable distributions could create adverse tax consequences with IRMAA rules and for the inclusion of Social Security income in the tax computation so careful consideration is required. For these and several other reasons people should investigate these strategies with their financial or tax advisers prior to executing to determine how these strategies may fit with their individual situation.

Tips from Jeff Feldman, Ph.D., and certified financial planner at Rochester Financial Services in Pittsford: • “One thing I always tell clients is to possibly do a mock tax return before the end of the year to see how much taxable income they’ll have.

Some people, especially those who are retired, don’t have enough money to offset the marital or single person standard deduction. Some don’t have that amount of income and they should consider a Roth conversion or withdraw money from IRA accounts to get a free pass. They can do this without paying additional tax. If they’re in a 10%-12% tax bracket, they can do a Roth conversion this year and take advantage of that.

• “As far as IRA contributions, people have until April 15 to make the contributions; they don’t have to do it by the end of the year.

• “For 401k contributions, if you’re under 50, the maximum is $23,000. For those 50-plus, it’s $30,500. If they’ve been under-contributing, they can increase their weekly deductions to take advantage of that. These work on a calendar year basis.

• “529 plans are on a calendar year basis. If they have children or grandchildren who will be looking to go to college, you get a New York state income tax deduction. The maximum is $10,000 for married, $5,000 for individuals.

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You’re Never Too Old to Quit Smoking, Study Finds

It’s never too late for a person to quit smoking, even if they’re elderly, a new study finds.

Dropping the smokes even as late as 75 can meaningfully increase a person’s life expectancy, researchers reported recently in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Seniors age 75 will lose on average more than four years of life if they keep smoking, compared to people who never smoked, researchers found.

On the other hand, a 75-yearold smoker who quits has a 14% chance of gaining at least one extra year of life, and a 65-year-old smoker a 23% chance.

And about 8% of those who quit at age 75 gain at least four years of life compared to those who keep smoking, researchers found.

Quitting smoking is the single best thing anyone at any age can do to increase their life expectancy, researchers concluded. “ We h a v e s e e n a remarkable decline in young adult smoking over the past decade. However, rates among older adults who smoke have remained stagnant and, to our knowledge, no research had established the benefits for them of quitting,” lead researcher Thuy Le, an assistant research scientist with the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

“We wanted to show that stopping smoking is beneficial at any age and provide an incentive for older people who smoke to quit,” Le added in a university news release.

library

Meg Van Patten in children’s section of Baldwinsville Library.

45 Years Working with Books.

How Things Have Changed …

Meg Van Patten looks back at an ‘awesome 45 years’ as a librarian.

She recently retired from the Baldwinsville Library

By Norah Machia

B

aldwinsville library director Margaret “Meg” Van Patten started her 45-year library career at 16, when she got a part-time job shelving books at the former Elmwood Library in Syracuse.

The library had one black rotary dial phone and paper library cards with small numbered metal strips were typed out by hand.

Along with a collection of books and magazines, the library kept a “picture file” with photos cut and pasted from magazines.

“It was 1970 and that was all we had to work with at that time,” said Van Patten.

Each book had a library card inside that was stamped with the borrower’s card number. To find those books, librarians searched their listings in a large wooden card catalog.

This past October, Van Patten retired from the Baldwinsville Library, where she was hired as an assistant librarian in 1979 and appointed

director in 2013. Nancy Howe, the library’s assistant director, filled her position.

Van Patten remains active in the field as president of the Friends of the Library Section of the New York State Library Association, which promotes local, state and national library contributions.

Van Patten’s early career was at a time when the librarians counted the number of library visitors by clicking a small counter each time someone walked through the doors.

“Now that’s all done instantly,” she said.

In a box at her office, she has kept many nostalgic items from her career, including a wooden counter used to determine library fines (which most libraries, including Baldwinsville, don’t charge anymore).

“We’ve come a long way in terms of library technology and collections,” said Van Patten.

During her career, she has worked

diligently to keep up with all the changes, including helping to introduce public computers and internet access to the Baldwinsville library.

A Syracuse native, Van Patten earned an associate’s degree in library science from Maria Regina Catholic Women’s College. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in library science and English and her master’s degree in library science, both from Syracuse University.

After graduation, Van Patten started working at the former Syracuse Public Library, which was in the historic Carnegie Building in downtown Syracuse. She worked in the inter-library loan system located in the basement.

At the time, staff from other libraries throughout Onondaga County would submit handwritten requests for books that were not on their shelves, but were requested by patrons. Cards were sent to different libraries requesting the title and when

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one responded, arrangements were made for the book to be transferred.

The entire process took about two weeks.

After being appointed a provisional librarian to work at the main circulation desk, Van Patten moved to the first floor. The Carnegie Building had served as a library for 83 years. It was the main library in the former Syracuse Public Library System, which merged with Onondaga County’s library system in 1976 to form the Onondaga County Public Library system.

After successfully passing a civil service exam and interview, Van Patten was hired as an assistant librarian at the Baldwinsville Library, which was located on Oswego Street at the time.

“It had actually been a Woolworth’s store and some of the shelving for the books was left over from the store,” she said.

The Baldwinsville Library was later chartered as a school district public library and a larger space was needed. In 1997, ground was broken on its current location at 33 E. Genesee St. The new library’s grand opening was held the following year.

One of the significant changes over the years has been in the children’s department.

“When we first built this building, the children’s area looked like the rest of the library,” she said.

For example, all the picture books were on standing shelves, so the children could not see the front covers. That changed when more books were moved into bins, allowing children to see all the front covers and pick the ones that captured their attention.

Play areas were also added. O n e in particular is connected to a piece of Central New York history. A group of donors and government officials joined forces to create a replica of a canal boat called “Steady Eddie,” which was set up at the front of the children’s section.

Children and their parents can explore the inside of the boat and learn a little more about the canal system, a part of Baldwinsville’s history.

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Perhaps the most moving part of the children’s section created during her tenure was the redesign of the special, colorful corner space where children could get books and media items, read and play. The children’s section is now called “Maryella and Elizabeth’s Children’s Corner.”

The bright space was created in memory of the two young girls, ages 11 and 9, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash on the New York State Thruway on Sept. 3, 2020. Their parents, Tom and Maureen Annal of Baldwinsville, had frequently taken them to the Baldwinsville Library and wanted to create a special area in the place they

loved, said Van Patten.

“Maryella and Elizabeth loved using the library, and we appreciate the Annals creating such a special space in memory of the girls so that many children can have a great experience at the library,” she said.

Maryella and Elizabeth were both “drawn to animals that are often associated with words like tranquility and peace, two words that also describe a place they loved — this library,” a dedication plaque reads.

“The sloth, Maryella’s favorite and the koala, Elizabeth’s favorite, both send an unspoken message to take time to

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relax, explore and enjoy life.”

Another major change during her time at the Baldwinsville library was the introduction of the internet.

“At first, it was just really for government and academia,” said Van Patten. “But there was a push by the state to fund rural libraries so public access could be offered. I remember telling Marilyn, the director at the time, around 1993, that we have to look at this internet thing. People really didn’t know what it was at the time.”

The Baldwinsville library soon became part of a larger statewide initiative to connect rural public libraries to the internet. Funding was received for the first computer system, which operated on a dial-up connection.

Today, the library has 12 computers with internet connections and two in the children’s department that are specifically connected to certain sites, such as gaming programs.

The staffing levels have also grown over the years.

Today, the Baldwinsville Library has 12 full-time and 40 part-time staff, including librarians, clerks, pages and custodial staff.

The numbers also tell the story of the library’s growth.

In 2023, there were 159,197 library visits and 174,500 website visits, 341,687 items checked out and 151,803 uses of electronic resources, i n c l u d i n g 8 8 , 0 0 0 Wi F i sessions. Community groups have reserved meeting areas and the library also serves as a public polling place during elections.

“Little did I know when I walked in the door of the Oswego Street location back in 1979 to interview for the position of assistant and reference librarian that it was the start of an awesome 45 years,” Van Patten said.

“Looking back, it is wonderful to see how the library has grown from a collection of books, magazines and record albums to a collection that encompasses many formats that meet the needs of the library patrons.”

For more information about the library: www.bville.lib.ny.us

your health

By Eva Briggs, M.D.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

90,000 new cases are diagnosed every year in the U.S.; the average age at diagnosis: 70 years

P

arkinson’s disease affects about one million people in the U.S., and about 90,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.

It’s a degenerative neurological disease that is more common in older individuals. The average age at diagnosis is 70 years. But there is no blood test or imaging study to tell whether a person has Parkinson’s. So it is a clinical diagnosis.

The disease is named for a doctor named James Parkinson who published a detailed description in 1817.

If there is no simple test, you are probably wondering how does a doctor know that a person has Parkinson’s? This article explores the clinical features of this illness.

First, Parkinson’s is a motor (movement) disorder. It is progressive, worsening over time. It is secondary to a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine in a brain region called the substancia nigra. When dopamine levels are low, it requires greater effort to move the body. Most cases are

idiopathic, meaning we really don’t know why it happens. Some cases are secondary to brain injury, drug induced such as prolonged use of certain antipsychotics or exposure to pesticides such as Agent Orange.

The motor symptoms can be thought of as the four S’s: shaky, slow, stiff and stumbling.

Shaky refers to a resting tremor. It goes away during sleep and voluntary movement. Tremor is common in idiopathic Parkinson’s. It typically starts in one arm or leg, eventually progressing to affect both sides of the body. The tremor resembles pill rolling or foot tapping. Tremor is rare in druginduced Parkinson’s.

Slow movements are technically called bradykinesia. This can be disabling early on. Bradykinesia affects fine motor tasks such as dressing. It can cause handwriting to become small, known as micrographia. Patients may appear to be staring all the time because of a decreased blink rate.

Stiff indicates rigidity caused by increased muscle tone.

Stumble refers to balance problems causing falls. These gait problems include decreased arm swing and retropulsion, the inability to stop.

Parkinson’s patients often have rapid shuffling steps while leaning forward.

Although considered a motor disorder, some nonmotor symptoms can appear years before the movement difficulties begin. These include insomnia, disorders of smell, sleep problems, speech difficulties, disorders of mood and memory troubles.

P a r k i n s o n ’ s c a n a ff e c t t h e autonomic nervous system leading to orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up), excessive sweating, urinary incontinence, altered sexual function, constipation and double vision.

When the clinical picture fits, there is no definitive test. Technically a brain biopsy would confirm the diagnosis but that’s too invasive for practical use. MRI can exclude conditions that might mimic Parkinson’s such as a basal ganglia stroke.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease don’t develop until 65% of the dopamine producing neurons are lost. From there a typical course is the pre-motor symptoms (mood, sleep, smell, etc.) described above. This phase lasts about two to five years.

The motor symptom phase (shaky, slow, stiff, stumbling) gradually worsens with time. Later symptoms can include more falls, cognitive issues and communication problems. The disease is often fatal about 15 years after diagnosis.

T h e re a re m e d i c a t i o n s a n d procedures to treat Parkinson’s.

Because the timing of when to start treatment with which drug is nuanced, it’s beyond the scope of this article.

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 – 55 PLUS

61

life after 55

By Michele Bazan Reed Email: bazanreed@hotmail.com

Remembering Life on the Farm

“

Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go,” are the words of the classic carol.

I got thinking about those lyrics the other day, while sharing memories with my cousin, Leslie. We’re about the same age and grew up together like sisters, so we share a lot of good memories together.

It seems as we all age, reminiscing is a popular topic of conversation, whether it’s around the holiday table or, more increasingly, the holiday family Zoom call.

L a t e l y, t h e t o p i c t u r n e d t o memories of growing up on our grandparents’ dairy farm.

My cousins lived on the farm, above the old farmhouse where Grandma and Grandpa resided.

During the summer months and school holidays, my mother would drop me off on her way to work, or often I’d spend all week, sleeping in our grandmother’s spare room and roaming the pastures and barns during the hot summer days with Leslie, her brother and sisters, and occasionally another visiting cousin or two.

It was the 1950s when the adults were a bit more hands off than now.

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As long as you didn’t burn the barn down (we came close — read on), or break your leg (I broke an arm tripping on the chicken coop steps), it would be OK. I remember swinging from the haymow on ropes and landing in bales of hay which broke apart with the force of our fall. (The grownups were not as amused by this as we were.)

The hayloft was a never-ending source of fun. We loved to make tunnels in the hay, another good way to annoy the adults.

Other adventures were not so benign. My cousins and I read somewhere (probably the back of a comic book) that you could start a fire with a magnifying lens, and tried to put these theories to the test on some hay in the barn. Luckily we put the sparks out before we had a chance to prove the truth of that hypothesis and burn down the barn.

Another time, we almost got drowned in sileage in the silo, where the fermenting corn gives off a gas that can overcome you. I don’t think we were gassed, but we quickly lost our footing. The corn becomes like quicksand and the more you struggle, the easier it is to “drown” in the corn.

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Nowadays, there are no doubt many more safety features than probably existed back then. Luckily the adults were on guard so these curious kids could be rescued.

But while they make for the best stories, it’s not the scary or dangerous episodes that made up our days. We spent idyllic hours petting the baby calves and feeling their rough tongues licking our hands and faces. Like farm kids have done for ages, we had our favorites and named them. There were sheep, too, with their fluffy wool to stroke.

At dusk, we traipsed to the upper pasture to lead the cows in for milking.

We’d call, “Hey, Bossy,” and walk behind them to round them up.

Major, the dog, would help and we would do our best to keep the herd together and facing in the right direction. Not that we were always successful.

I have lots of memories of walking through the pastures, including my cousins convincing this city girl that walking barefoot through the “cow flops,” aka poop patties, and squishing it between your toes was good luck.

What I didn’t remember until Leslie reminded me recently, was

that the superstition came from my mother, who told us that if she had a test, before school, she’d step in a cow patty, and she always passed.

She insisted it was magic, because the one time she didn’t, she failed the test.

Another favorite thing to stomp were giant puffball mushrooms, which collapsed and the spores came floating out in a gray cloud.

I remember the big barn and the milking machines, the smell of the cow dung and hay, and the heat their massive bodies put out.

Sometimes Grandpa would let us try to milk a cow by hand — my cousins were better at this than I was, for sure!

We went fishing in Bullhead Pond, and went flying down the barnyard hill on our bikes, throwing gravel as we skidded to a stop. The same hill provided a great track for sledding in winter months, sliding through snow where the gravel had been.

My cousin reminded me of big family dinners outside in the yard.

We’d take the doors off and lay them on sawhorses, where Grandma and the aunts would pile them high with food, mostly Polish staples like kielbasa, sauerkraut and pierogi, but also homemade pickles, jams and cottage cheese and butter.

Every Sunday, when my mother and I arrived for a visit, there was a pot of chicken soup on the stove, which Grandma would ladle over homemade noodles kept cold in the fridge, making the perfect temperature for eating. In the oven, a pan of golabki (stuffed cabbage) kept warm, and potato salad rounded out the weekly meal.

Sharing stories like these with family members brings us all closer together, reminding us of our roots and shared values.

Photo albums or, if you’re lucky enough to have them, old home movies or slide shows, spark lots of “remember when?” discussions.

I hope you enjoyed this trip back in time with our family’s pastoral memories. And I hope you have fun sharing your own reminiscences of growing up in a different time, with a new generation around the holiday meal table or in online visits.

Increases in Life Span Are Beginning to Slow

New research shows that the dramatic increases in life expectancy seen during the 19th and 20th centuries have slowed

S

o much for the idea that most people born today will live 100 years or more.

New research shows that the dramatic increases in life expectancy seen during the 19th and 20th centuries have slowed considerably.

In the world’s longest-living populations, life expectancy at birth has risen just 6.5 years, on average, since 1990, after nearly doubling over the 20th century as a result of advances in preventing disease.

Humans appear to be hitting a biological limit to life, the evidence suggests.

“Most people alive today at older ages are living on time that was manufactured by medicine,” said lead author S. Jay Olshansky, of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health. “But these medical Band-Aids are producing fewer years of life even though they’re occurring at an accelerated pace, implying that the period of rapid increases in life expectancy is now documented to be over.”

A child born in the United States today can expect to live to 77.5 years.

A baby girl has a lifespan of 80.2 years and a boy, 74.8, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Olshansky has been studying life expectancy for decades.

He published a paper in the journal Science in 1990 that said that people were approaching a ceiling for life expectancy at about 85. Others disagreed, forecasting that advances in health care would lead to further gains.

The new study — published Oct. 7 in the journal Nature Aging — forecasts that gains in life expectancy will continue to slow as more people experience the unyielding effects of aging.

It looked at data from Hong Kong and eight countries where life expectancy is the highest and at the United States, one of a few countries where life expectancy dropped during the period studied.

“Our result overturns the conventional wisdom that the natural longevity endowment for our species is somewhere on the horizon ahead of us — a life expectancy beyond where we are today,” Olshansky said in a university news release. “Instead it’s behind us — somewhere in the 30- to 60-year range. We’ve now proven that modern medicine is yielding incrementally smaller improvements in longevity even though medical advances are occurring at breakneck speed.”

Even though more people may live to 100, they’ll be the exception, he said. That’s just the opposite of thinking among insurers and wealthmanagement firms, who make calculations based on the assumption that most people will live to be 100.

“This is profoundly bad advice,” Olshansky said.

While the study notes that science and medicine may produce further benefits, efforts to improve quality of life rather than extending it may make more sense. Researchers called for investment in geroscience, the biology of aging, arguing that it may be key to the next wave of health and life extension.

“This is a glass ceiling, not a brick wall,” Olshansky noted.

Reducing risk factors, working to eliminate disparities and encouraging people to embrace healthier lifestyles can enable people to live longer and healthier, he said.

“We can push through the glass health and longevity ceiling with geroscience and efforts to slow the effects of aging,” he added.

DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 – 55 PLUS

63

druger’s zoo

By Marvin Druger Email: mdruger@syr.edu

On Being Human

L

ife is strange in many ways.

Because humans are conscious creatures, we can remember the past and plan the future.

We can react to our environment in many different contexts. We can laugh at a funny story or we can respond to a sad event by crying.

Because every human is unique, we react to different situations differently. Even identical twins that have the same genotype are not exactly the same. We are the products of interactions between our genotype and the environments we encounter throughout our lives.

Despite having the same genes, one identical twin may be taller, thinner, more intelligent and may have very different opinions about things.

I have learned to respect and admire the unique talents of every individual. I have learned that nobody is better than anyone else. Each individual is important and talented in some way. Some individuals are more fortunate than others and use their unique talents.

Others who are less fortunate never identify or use their special talents or they use them in negative ways. I think of the notorious gangster Al Capone.

I don’t think he lacked intelligence, but he used his talents in undesirable ways.

I had an interview program on WAER- FM 88.3 called Druger’s Zoo for many years. I generally interviewed a variety of everyday people in different careers and we talked about their lives. I once interviewed Professor Isidor Rabi, a Nobel Prize physicist at Columbia University.

I asked, “Why does the National Science Foundation fund programs for talented science students. These students are so bright that they will do well anyhow. Isn’t this funding a waste of money?” Rabi responded, “No. If 64

NSF didn’t fund such programs, these bright youngsters could become bright gangsters instead of bright scientists.”

Good point.

Teachers should provide a creative, motivational, learning environment and experiences that enable students to identify and nurture their unique talents. I have tried to do that in my long teaching

career at Syracuse University.

I served in many leadership roles as a biologist and as a science educator.

I was the chair and the secretary of the education section of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This organization is the largest multidisciplinary organization of scientists in the world.

The organization has 24 sections in different scientific disciplines.

The anthropology section of AAAS formulated a resolution that argued that “Humans are by nature warlike.”

This resolution was circulated among sections for their approval before releasing it to the public. AAAS resolutions can have a significant

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impact on the public and on the scientific world. The resolution was rejected by the sections. My guess is that the sections believed if humans are by nature warlike, there is little hope for the future.

At the time, I paid little attention to this resolution. Now I am more aware of it and I even am thinking that it may be a true portrayal of humans.

Wars have existed among humans throughout the history of humankind, perhaps culminating in World War II. Even now, as I write this article, there are many wars in the world. I am beginning to think that, perhaps, humans are by nature warlike. Like other animals, we instinctively seek self-preservation. We are not born with hatred or prejudice. We learn these things as we interact with others in our environment. Fortunately, humans also learn kindness, caring and love.

So, there may be hope for the future of humankind.

Humans live in organized social groups and there are usually some humans one who become the leaders of such groups. These leaders may have special talents, such as speaking ability and personal charisma that are appealing to others. Some leaders (i.e., Hitler) seek to conquer other populations and view themselves as messiahs. Skillful propaganda can promote hatred and prejudice against others. Does any human really want to fight in a war? Doesn’t every human want to live a peaceful life?

I recall how much we hated the “Nazis” and the “Japs.” Millions of individuals were lost in World War II. Now, the U.S. is best friends with Germany and Japan. This is the usual outcome of wars. If this is the case, why have wars in the first place? Since hatred and prejudice are learned, why can’t we learn how to get along with one another?

Here is a fictitious poem that I wrote about what it must be like the day battle: The Day Before the Battle I await the unknown, Fearful thoughts appear, Some persist and others slip away, Is there a ray of sunshine, Or is darkness inevitable?

The unknown is worse than the known, I imagine the battle, Blood will flow on both sides, Brother killing brother, Emotions overshadowing reason, Tomorrow I will be part of the play, My mind can tell the sane from the insane, But I am bound by politics and honor And forced hatred and learned prejudice, There will be no victory for either side, I will be immersed in a cauldron of fire, But I will not let the fire destroy me, The flames will go out Eventually.

Wernher von Braun, the famous rocket scientist, was a member of the Nazi party and a member of the notorious SS. Yet, at the end of World War II, while former Nazis were being tried for war crimes, von Braun was recruited by the U.S. to help develop rocketry and space exploration. His scientific talent was put to use by the U.S. instead of Germany.

Humans are very complex. The human body is made of remarkable organs that seem miraculous in their functions. A human may have spectacular fitness, but eventually the body will age and the individual organs will stop functioning. Ten out of 10 people will eventually die, so the risk is very high and the risk increases as we age. It’s strange and fascinating that even the most talented individuals will die.

Nobody has been able to adequately explain aging and death. I appreciate people with deep religious beliefs, since religion helps cope with death, but does not really explain it.

I used to step on ants in the street.

Now, I just watch them. Like humans, each ant is unique and has a right to live a peaceful life. Every living creature eventually dies, so why should I interfere with their brief lives?

The same is true for humans. We are here on earth for a relatively brief time and we need to make the most of it. We should identify and use our unique talents and try to contribute to survival of life on Earth. Each of us can make a difference in a peaceful manner. Let’s do it!

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last page

By Stefan Yablonski

strong theme that I’ve heard and have been hearing from every corner of this community — we also have to wrap our arms around mental health issues in order to be strong and do what we need to do in this community.

Q: What about this job made you decide to make the transition from National Grid earlier this year to head up the CNY Community Foundation?

A: Two things. Working at National Grid for 30 years, what I learned — and had an opportunity to do there — was really focused on service, being there for communities and customers when they needed us. It was a really important and wonderful lesson of service. After 30 years, I said, ‘Wow, I feel good about moving on to this next chapter.’ Some of those things that I’ve learned there I could certainly continue to do here. The real big impetus for me doing it was what’s going on in our community. I said, ‘Oh, my goodness, there is no greater time to be at the Community Foundation than now.’ In this moment, I can’t think of being anywhere else other than this phenomenal organization I’m sitting in now. It helps me bring to life those things that are in my DNA about service.

This past spring, Melanie Littlejohn left her job at National Grid after 30 years and became president and CEO of the Central New York Foundation.

Melanie Littlejohn, 60 New president of CNY Community Foundation Q: When you were appointed president and CEO of the CNY Community Foundation, I read that you were told to be more bold. What does that mean?

A: When the board invited me to come into this role, they understood where we were in this moment, as a community and as a region. We are in a transformational moment. We have to ensure that every inch of our region and our communities thrive in this moment and can participate in this moment of great change. Because of that, I think the board, as well as my fantastic team, understand we have a responsibility to lean in in ways that are bold and courageous, really help elevate conversation around 66

those things that we need to address to ensure that communities get a real strong opportunity to be a part of this change and to gain from the change.

Q: What do you see as some of those needs?

A: In terms of some of the big areas of focus we have to think about as a region, we have to think about housing, we have to think about workforce development, the digital divide, ensuring that students are prepared to maximize this moment. We have to think about childcare options and transportation. Underneath it all, we have to think about equity and access. And finally, this is a real

55 PLUS – DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025

Q: How have the first few months for you been?

A: I call it the-everything-all-atonce moment. It’s been a whirlwind, working in collaboration with some tremendous people who are tackling issues around housing and workforce and childcare. This work is ongoing.

I have seen the level of collaboration in a way I never have seen in the past 30 plus years. It’s hard work. There’s nothing easy about what we’re doing.

But at the end of the day, I see all boats rowing together on behalf of what needs to be done for this community and region.

Q: What goals do you have mapped out for you and the organization?

A: Our set of priorities that we have been focused on is still very pronounced — eradication of lead; literacy; equity education. When we think about really what all of this means, it is about how we eradicate poverty. Let’s create that opportunity so that everyone has a seat at the table.

And that’s what this moment is about.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM? Here are the conditions professionals say should always be directed to the ER. Upstate has a dedicated senior emergency room at its Community Hospital and the area's first Comprehensive Stroke Center at its Upstate University Hospital.

This list is a guide only and is not individual medical advice. For any life-threatening concerns, call 911.

If you are not certain you are experiencing a medical emergency, you can be assessed at any emergency room.

VISIT THE EMERGENCY ROOM

VISIT URGENT OR PRIMARY CARE

• Allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock)

• Ear infections

• Breathing problems:

• Colds

severe respiratory distress

• Coughs

• Bleeding you can’t stop

• Diarrhea

• Burns: severe or smoke inhalation

• Flu, Cold or mild COVID symptoms

• Choking

• Insect bites

• Drowning or near drowning

• Minor cuts or lacerations that require

• Electric shocks

stitches or glue

• Eye Injuries

• Rashes

• Head trauma with loss of consciousness

• Skin infection

• Abuse (domestic, child, elderly)

• Heart attack, chest pain, or chest pressure • Losing consciousness • Suicidal thoughts or severe psychiatric complaints • Seizure • Severe cuts (lacerations) • Severe pain • Sexual assault • Stroke symptoms • Trauma with significant injury

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• Burns: minor

• Sore throats • Sprains and strains • STD (sexually transmitted disease) treatment • Vomiting

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