Forever Young December 2020

DECEMBER 2020 |

FREE

Western New York’s FREE Monthly Magazine For Adults 50+, With More Than 85,000 Readers

A Fresh Batch of Faves 2020 Forever Young Faves revealed!

Fresh Christmas trees | DNA-based genealogy | Golabki for the holidays

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DECEMBER 2020

Fresh trees are in

5

A few of our favorite things

10

Gluten-free golabki

15

Home & Garden 5

O, Christmas Tree..................................... Carol Ann Harlos

Genealogy 6

DNA-based Research..................... Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits

Features: FY Faves!

10 Your Favorites, Revealed............... Wendy Guild Swearingen

Recipe of the Month 15 Holiday Golabki....................................Christine Smyczynski

YOUR FAVORITES REVEALED!

Let's Talk About...

16 Coping with COVID......................................... Judith Rucki

Being Well

Turn to page 10 to see this year's Faves.

Thanks to all who participated in our survey!

18 Menopause Rollercoaster........................... Catherine Stack

12

Ever y Issue: Resources 3 | Crossword 4 | Bingo Buzz 8 | Classifieds 20 | Noteworthy 21

Senior Housing Designed With You in Mind!

ALBERTA PLACE

64 Amsterdam Ave., Amherst 884-2358 x313  1 & 2 BRs for Seniors 55 & Up

COLONIAL MEADOWS

6018 Broadway, Lancaster 683-3244

 1 BRs for Persons 62 & Up or Disabled Adults Regardless of Age

SOUTHWIND LANDING

716-884-7791 TDD 711

ISLANDVIEW APTS.

2136 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 773-2416  Studios / 1 BRs for Seniors 62 & Up

JULIANNA APTS. 505 Abbott Rd., Buffalo 825-5611

SENECA WOODS

245 Indian Church Rd.,

 Studios & 1 BRs for West Seneca 825-7200 Seniors 62 & Up or Adult  1 BRs for Seniors 62 & Up Disabled Head of Household

5074 Transit Rd., Depew 206-0281

TOWNVIEW APTS.

50 Grambo Dr., Lancaster 684-3509

TRUE BETHEL ESTATES

WOODLAND PLACE APTS.

871 E. Ferry St., Buffalo 322-1282

4791 William St., Depew 668-9534

 1 & 2 BRs for Seniors 55 & Up

 1 BRs for Seniors 62 & up

 1 BRs for Seniors 62 & Up

 1 & 2 BRs for Seniors 55 & Up

 Income limits apply.  Non-senior households must include at least one adult with a disability.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Discover more faves

OUR 32ND YEAR 1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103 Buffalo, NY 14207 Phone 716.783.9119 Fax 716.783.9983 www.foreveryoungwny.com

PUBLISHER

Barbara E. Macks Editor-In-Chief............................................................................Elizabeth Licata elicata@foreveryoungwny.com

Editor......................................................................... Wendy Guild Swearingen wswearingen@@foreveryoungwny.com

Creative Director..................................................................... Jean-Pierre Thimot Lead Designer............................................................................ Nicholas Vitello Senior Graphic Designers.............................................. Josh Flanigan, Kim Miers, Adam Van Schoonhoven

Director of Advertising............................................................. Barbara E. Macks

bmacks@foreveryoungwny.com Director of Audience Development & Sales Coordinator.................... Robin Lenhard Senior Account Executives..................................... Mary Beth Holly, Keren Green, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard, Rachel Wasserman National Ad Director...................................................................... Terri Downey

Administrative & Finance Director..............................................Michele Ferguson

BUFFALO SPREE PUBLISHING, INC.

President & CEO....................................................................... Sharon C. Levite Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer............................................... Barbara E. Macks Associate Publisher/Editor-In-Chief............................................... Elizabeth Licata Vice President/Administrative & Finance.....................................Michele Ferguson Corporate Counsel....................................................... Timothy M. O’Mara, Esq. Forever Young is published monthly, with an annual Senior Directory. Copyright ©2020 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. 1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207 and is open Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The entire contents of Forever Young are copyrighted 2020 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved. Display advertising information and rates may be obtained by calling (716) 783-9119 ext 2250. For home delivery by mail, send check or money order for $12.00 payable to Forever Young. Standard mail postage paid at Buffalo, NY 14207. POSTMASTER send change of address to Forever Young, 1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207. Manuscripts and free calendar listings should be sent to the editor (wswearingen@foreveryoungwny.com) at 1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self addressed, stamped envelope of adequate size and strength. The publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertising message or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the paper.

This publication is a member of the North American Mature Publishers Association.

Membership in NAMPA includes verification of member’s print & circulation totals.

2

www.foreveryoungwny.com | November 2020

I'm excited to bring you the 2020 edition of FY Faves! And I appreciate everyone who completed the survey online or mailed it in. How exciting to see stacks of envelopes to open from our lively and devoted readers.

Please use the favorites listed here as a guide to enjoying everything that's best about Western New York, and discover people, places, and things you may not be familiar with—yet. Now, more than ever, it's so important to support local businesses and organizations that may be in crisis due to the pandemic. Remember that money spent here is earned here by those who make, serve, or provide items and services.

Especially enlightening were your favorite ways to be active and get outside. I learned about parks and outdoor venues that I'd never heard of (and I've been doing this survey for quite a few years!). I always knew we had a lot of walkers in our readership, but I was surprised by how many of you also swim, bike, and lift weights—and the many places you go to do it.

As we always say at Buffalo Spree Publishing, our one mission and goal for all our publications is to be of use to our readers, and I think the FY Faves results issue does just that.

If you are having difficulty finding Forever Young where you used to pick it up, I encourage you to get a subscription. That way, you'll never miss an issue, and the magazine is delivered to the safety of your own home each and every month.

Happy holidays (and get your flu shot!).

Never miss a Forever Young!

Subscribe for $12/year!

Call 716-972-2238 or fill out and mail in the subscription form on page 19.

Wendy Guild Swearingen Editor

FOREVER YOUNG *DECEMBER RESOURCES *PLEASE CONTACT EVENT/PROGRAM ORGANIZERS TO CONFIRM INFORMATION PROVIDED Do you have an event or resource to list? Email it to wswearingen@buffalospree.com Buffalo MEDITATION El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Ave. Free every Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Meditation unites with creative arts and pain management. Practitioner Sondra Holland welcomes people of all ages. Wear comfortable clothes. For information, Sondra: 947-5092; store: 885-6343 Online LAUGHTER WELLNESS Come as you are, just bring your laughter!

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Brighton FREE. Visit www.facebook.com/Buffalo-Laughers for information.

Online ELDER LAW SESSIONS Erie County Department of Senior Services presents free online Webex seminars about legal issue affecting seniors Wednesdays at 10 a.m. www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/ index.php?q=elder-law-sessions Gowanda HEALTHY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE Activities open to the public age 50+, (no residency requirements), Concord Senior Center, 1 School Street, Gowanda; for schedule, visit communityalliance.org; 532-1010

410 Mill Street, Williamsville 716.632.3000 www.park-creek.com

“Embrace seasons past... begin life anew!”

Now Celebrating our 13th Anniversary Stimulating social, educational, & recreational activities Personalized care and medication management Access to 24-hour personal care assistance Affordable Memory care program

For more information, please call Jane at 716.632.3000

Niagara Falls SENIOR C O M PA N I O N / F O S T E R GRANDPARENT PROGRAM Looking for seniors who enjoy working with their peers or children.

Volunteers receive a tax-free stipend, transportation assistance, and supplemental insurance coverage while volunteering. If you are 55+ and want to make a difference, call 285-8224 Jennifer Britton (ext. 217) for Senior Companions and Kelly Carr (ext. 228) for Foster Grandparents Williamsville MEDICARE EDUCATION PROGRAM offers complimentary services through the WNY Medicare Resource Center.

Appointments encouraged, 833-0252 Buffalo HEADWAY SUPPORT GROUPS For individuals who have sustained brain injuries, their families, and caregivers; exchange information and resources, and find mutual support and encouragement. Info: 408-3100 or headwayofwny.org

Southtowns NEW HORIZONS MUSIC Calling all musicians 50+ interested in music. For info, email Janet Stout at 354janet@gmail.com and visit newhorizonsmusic.org.

Hamburg ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP for males; call 626-0600 or visit alz.org/ wnyc for info.

Depew BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF WNY Call 706-0060 or visit bcnwny.org for more information.

West Seneca AMANA GARDEN CLUB OF WEST SENECA, is welcoming new members interested in gardening, floral arrangement, and more. For mor information, contact Marie: 884-8543 Williamsville MCGUIRE GROUP MEMORY CARE SUPPORT: Coordinated with the Alzheimer’s Association, with caregiving tips and coping mechanisms. Info: 632-3700 or mcguiregroup.com

Buffalo LGBTQ MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVERS PROGRAM: The Pride Center of WNY offers support and education for people providing care for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. For information: 8527743 or pridecenterwny.org Online NIAGARA FALLS SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB, An active 50+ crowd. for Find info on FaceBook: SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB or call 550-1232 TOPS CLUBS Take Off Pounds Sensibly Clubs offer tools, programs, support, fellowship, and recognition for healthy living and weight management.

Akron For information call Diane 5424980 Cheektowaga For information, call Karen at 247-2334 Cheektowaga TOPS #391 For information, call MaryAnn 895-4414 Farnham For information, call 934-9619 Tonawanda Meetings 6 p.m. at Zion Church of Christ, 15 Koenig Cir. For information, call 693-5161

MONTHLY CATARACT SURGERY LUNCH AND LEARN Check our website for upcoming dates - Enjoy an informative presentation - Lunch is on us!

- Learn the difference between laser & traditional cataract procedures - Hear about astigmatic correction - Q&A session at the end of the event - Held at My Tomato Pie Restaurant in a safe socially distance setting - We are making your safety a priority therefore space is VERY limited. We will Call today to reserve your seats or offer seating 6 ft apart, NYS sign up at www.�ichte.com Face covering policy will be 3035 Niagara Falls Blvd. enforced.

Amherst 14228

1-800-309-2020

November 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 3

CROSSWORD 20. Related on mother's side

45. *Mr. Magoo or Mr. Burns, e.g.

22. Type

49. Bygone bird of New Zealand

24. Carbon-12 or carbon-13

51. Opposite of 'lies down'

25. *The "brains" of Scooby-Doo's group

54. Sweater style

26. Billy of '80s Billboard charts

57. Float liquid

27. Small songbirds 29. *Pinky Pie or Fluttershy 31. Unagi, pl.

32. A in A=ab, pl.

33. Did it to Kool-Aid 34. *Land mammal in Bikini Bottom 36. Give a pep talk 38. *Emmet Brickowski's brick 42. Spokes of a wheel, e.g.

56. More than one iamb 58. Mt. Everest to Earth 59. Network of nerves 60. Walked on 61. Cafeteria carrier 62. High part of day 63. 3-handed card game 66. *Magilla Gorilla, e.g.

68. Pilot's announcement

THEME: CARTOON CHARACTERS ACROSS 1. Brocadopa or Larodopa

53. Peace symbol

6. They are often covert

55. Like King George, 1760-1820

9. Used for watering

57. *Ill-tempered fourth-grader's last name

13. Vexed 14. Took the bait 15. Spot for boutonniËre 16. Old West pack animal 17. Big-headedness 18. Render harmless 19. *Bamm-Bamm's dad 21. *Angelica, Tommy and Dil 23. Opposite of yang 24. Archipelago unit 25. Solemn pledge 28. Depletes 30. Works, as in a bakery 35. Kind of beige 37. Hammer or sickle 39. ____ firma 40. Lecherous look 41. Computer key

61. *Beast Boy and Starfire 64. Rossini's offering 65. Lobe locale 67. Sure sign of fire 69. Pretend, two words 70. Number cruncher, acr.

71. Lusitania destroyer 72. Gave the boot 73. Pivotal 74. Santa Maria's companion DOWN 1. Party choice, abbr.

2. Clobber 3. Southern stew staple 4. *Stepbrothers' bipedal platypus 5. Apollo Creed's son 6. Toe the line

43. Lure for a dieter, on a package

7. *Peppa's or George's last name

44. Tropical smoothie flavor

8. "The buck ____ here"

46. Health club offering

9. *King of the Hill

47. Hourglass filler

10. Milky-white gem

48. Popular saint's name

11. Dry as dust

50. Pea ____, pl.

12. Popular street-lining trees

52. Limit, to some

15. Aglow

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www.foreveryoungwny.com | November 2020

The solution for this month’s puzzle can be found on page 20.

HOME & GARDEN

O, Christmas Tree A

s the holidays approach, I thought it would be a good idea to look at evergreen trees. (Please note that not all evergreen trees are pine trees.) What should you look for in a live tree? Its size should be appropriate to the setting where you plan to display the tree. The tree should be able to hold on to its needles. It should have a pleasant fragrance and overall shape, and its branches should be sturdy. Most important, the tree should appeal to you. It's a bit like falling in love—you know when it is right! This means that these specifications are not going to be the same for everyone. However, let me help you make a decision.

Needle-retaining ability depends on the type of tree, when it was cut, the humidity of the room where it is displayed, and the availability of water. Firs (trees with flat needles with rounded tips growing directly on the stem or with a very tiny stem), especially concolor, Douglas, and Frazier, keep their needles for a long time. Concolor fir, also called “white fir,” has bluish green needles. Douglas fir are not really fir trees at all, but I do love their pyramid shape. The needles (leaves really) grow in bunches. Frazier fir branches angle upward and are a yellow-green.

Elder Transition Consulting, LLC Ann Marie Klosko, Owner Telephone: (716) 440-0933 E-Mail Address: amklosk@hotmail.com Website: https://eldertransitionconsulting.com

Supporting elders through the move process from home to senior living

I think that firs have the best fragrance, but I also love the smell of white pines. Pine trees (that is, trees with sheathed needles attached in clusters of two to five) generally keep their needles the longest. White pines are easy to recognize as the needles are attached in clusters of five (the same as the number of letters in the word “white.”) The branches bend easily, so you wouldn't put on heavy ornaments.

I also love spruce trees for a small room as they have a narrow growth habit. Their branches are whorled.

Spruce needles are each attached by

a small peg. Blue spruce has strong branches for ornaments. If the fragrance of a an evergreen tree is a health or personal issue, the spruce may be the tree for you.

I am sure some of you are saying, “I am really surprised at Carol Ann's enthusiasm for cut trees. What is she thinking?” Well, trees sold in New York State are grown as a crop just like your purchased tomatoes. These trees are grown on tree plantations.

Since the trees take a number of years to grow to a salable size, they provide habitat for birds. Tree plantations also conserve soil and contribute to the

CAROL ANN HARLOS oxygen content of the atmosphere in the process of photosynthesis. The cutting of these trees is not ruining forests. They are maintained with an eye on their ultimate size and shape.

When you are finished with your tree, you can choose environmentally sound ways to recycle it. Use cut boughs on perennial plants to deter their heaving and to reduce their drying out from winter winds. Cut trees can also be sent to composting facilities in some Western New York communities. This way, they directly reenter the cycle of life in the process of decomposition. You can't say any of this about an artificial tree—it will reside in a landfill for many, many years. Real trees are the way to go this holiday season. FY Carol Ann Harlos is an award winning retired math and science teacher, Master Gardener, beekeeper, garden writer, and speaker. She tends extensive gardens, including herbs, and loves sharing her knowledge and learning from others. Send gardening questions and comments to caharlos@verizon.net

COME HOME TO

Shaarey Zedek Apartments 1 & 2 BEDROOM STYLES 834.3711 410 Hartford Road Amherst, NY 14226

(off Millersport - 1 Block, North of Sheridan)

A quiet senior community nestled in the heart of Amherst.

November 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 5

GENEALOGY

Genealogy

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS

LE • SINATRA • McCARTNEY • CLOONEY • BUBLE • BUBLE BENNETT • FITZGERALD • PORTER • CONNICK JR. • HO

THE STATION WITH PERSONALITY

VINCE ANELLO

JACK HOROHOE

BOB STILSON

BARRY LILLIS

GAIL ANN HUBER

TOM DARRO

WEEKDAYS

WEEKENDS

DUANE PRICE

RALPH IRENE

BOB NICHOLAS

AL WALLACK

W

hen I took my first DNA test, the technology wasn’t new, but it was (and still is) being honed for accuracy. My family has shallow roots in the United States, so there was no real mystery to be solved: Dad was Italian, and Mom was French. But, I still wondered how accurate it might be as I counted the days waiting for an email with my results. Spoiler alert—I am literally fifty percent Italian and fifty percent French. Right on the money. Although not as exciting a find, my result confirmed many years of family tree research which was amazing and well worth the $99. So many people buy DNA kits to give at the holidays, and you may be considering it this year. There are a number of kits on the market to choose from that can help your friend or family member move their genealogy research forward, but which do you choose? mtDNA Test This tests mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down almost unchanged from a mother to her children, allowing the tester (men and women) to trace female ancestry. mtDNA is maternally inherited, meaning that it is the same as your mother, your siblings, your maternal grandmother, her mother, and so on.

...is BACK HOME

DAVE GILLEN

JOHN FARLEY

ANDY GOŁĘBIOWSKI

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK STANDARDS of YESTERDAY & TODAY

OLE • KRALL • HOLIDAY • MARTIN • STEWART • BUBLE DAY • DARIN • KENT • SIMONE • TAYLOR • TORME • Mc

STREAMING LIVE AT WEBR1440.COM 6

It’s in the genes

www.foreveryoungwny.com | November 2020

Y-DNA Test Because Y-chromosomes are passed from father to son virtually unchanged, men can trace their male-line ancestry with this test.

Y-DNA testing also uncovers a male’s haplogroup, the ancient group of people from whom one’s male line descends. Since women don’t have Y-chromosomes, we would gift this test to men only to learn about a family’s paternal line.

Autosomal DNA Test This is the most common test taken and very useful because we inherit autosomal DNA from both biological parents; half from our mother and half from our father. This percentage is cut in half with each branch we climb on our family tree. A common question I’m asked is, “Why are my siblings’ DNA results so different from my own? Imagine putting 100 random snips of DNA from our parents in a container, fifty from each, and shaking them up. Fifty snips are randomly pulled for my sister, then the same 100 are put back in and another fifty snips are pulled for me.

The DNA will be similar, but not exactly the same, right?

When deciding on giving this gift, keep in mind that DNA testing can offer clues to a family history puzzle, but it won’t magically build a family tree. Also, the results can be completely unexpected. My own DNA results connected me to new first cousins who have been happily welcomed into the family, but that’s not always the case. The first genealogy class I taught was DNA Basics. After class, I heard so many happy stories of families reconnecting thru DNA testing, but I also heard about families shaken by test results. One woman shared that she had gifted DNA tests to each of her three sisters only to find out she had no blood connection to any of them and was having a hard time reconciling this. Just something to consider.

There are so many people on your holiday list who would surely love the opportunity to dig deep into their background and learn more about their genetic makeup. DNA testing could be the key to solving their family research brick wall and add another generation to their family tree. Stay safe and happy hunting! FY Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a National Genealogical Society member, Association of Professional Genealogists member as well as a guest lecturer and freelance writer. She is a Board Member and President of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. Send questions or comments to her at noellasdaughter@ gmail.com

Bingo Calendar

Bingo Calendar All Bingo is likely canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This calendar serves as a placeholder.

MONDAY AMERICAN LEGION #1322 STEPHEN SIKORA POST 950 Payne Ave., Nort Tonawanda 7:25 p.m..................................... 693-1740 CONGREGATION SHIR SHALOM 4660 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville 7:30 p.m..................................... 633-8877 AMERICAN LEGION MCKEEVER POST 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 822-6400

HOLY MOTHER OF THE ROSARY CATHEDRAL Fellowship Hall, 6298 Broadway, Lancaster 11:30 am..................................... 683-7527 FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m..................................... 681-7251 AMERICAN LEGION POST 1041 533 Amherst St., Buffalo 7 p.m.......................................... 875-9276 AM. LEG. POST NO. 567 3740 N. Buffalo Rd., O. Park 7:30 p.m..................................... 662-9780 ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 7:15 p.m..................................... 836-0011

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m.......................................... 549-4389 DOWNTOWN POST NO. 64 A.L. INC. 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m.

VALLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 93 Leddy, Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 823-4707 MATTHEW GLAB POST 1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna 7:30 p.m.................................... 825-3733 HAMBURG–KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg 7:30 p.m.................649-9830/649-4340

TUESDAY AMVETS MEDALLION POST NO. 13 25 Review Pl., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 874-0559 ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 1 p.m.......................................... 876-1038

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 1 p.m.......................................... 681-7251 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m..................................... 873-6716 OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack, Lancaster 7 p.m.......................................... 683-6522 WHEATFIELD NO. 1451 6525 Ward Rd., Sanborn 7:25 p.m..................................... 731-4712 GEORGE F. LAMM POST 962 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville 7:30 p.m..................................... 204-2405 RESURRECTION BINGO 130 Como Park Blvd.

7 p.m.......................................... 683-3712 HARTLAND VFC 8945 Ridge Rd., Hartland 7:30 p.m.

ARMOR VOL. FIRE CO. 4932 Clark St., Hamburg 7:30 p.m..................................... 649-9821 ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m..................................... 892-0425

Bingo will be starting again SOON and run FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY!

8

www.foreveryoungwny.com | December 2020

Bingo Calendar SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m.......................................... 549-4389 B.O.Y.S. ASSOCIATION OF LACKAWANNA VFW, 2909 South Park St., Lackawanna 7:20 p.m..................................... 948-0316

WEDNESDAY ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 4263 St. Francis Dr., Athol Springs 7:30 p.m..................................... 627-2710 SHAWNEE VOL. FIRE COMPANY 3747 Lockport Rd., Sanborn 7:30 p.m. ................................... 731-3666 AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST 1770 S. Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 822-6400 KENMORE K OF C 1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo 1 p.m.......................................... 875-5780 FATHER JUSTIN K OF C — SPONSORED BY THE JUSTINETTES 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m..................................... 681-7251 FATHER BAKER K OF C at the Matthew Glab Post 1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna (on hiatus until 4/22) 825-3733 LANCASTER K OF C 6114 Broadway, Lancaster 11:45 a.m.................................... 684-2901 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 1 & 7 p.m................................... 549-4389 ST. ALOYSIUS RCC 156 Franklin, Springville 7:30 p.m..................................... 592-2701 ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 7:15 p.m..................................... 836-0011 ST. MICHAEL’S BINGO 140 Warsaw, Lackawanna 7:15 p.m..................................... 825-9415

THURSDAY FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 1 p.m...........................................681-7251 BLESSED TRINITY 317 Leroy Ave., Buffalo 8 p.m.......................................... 833-0301 ST. BERNARD’S CHURCH Clinton @ S. Ogden, Buffalo 7:30 p.m.....................................822-8856

PVT. LEONARD POST 2450 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m.....................................684-4371 ST. JAMES DEPEW 500 Terrace Blvd., Depew 7:30 p.m..................................... 683-2746 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m..................................... 873-6716 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m..........................................549-4389 FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS 1345 Indian Church Rd., West Seneca 7:00 p.m......................................674-2374 K OF C MADONNA COUNCIL NO. 2535 755 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda 7:20 p.m..................................... 693-5470 VFW COL. WEBER POST 989 2909 South Park Ave., Lackawana 7:30 p.m..................................... 823-9605

(continued)

OUR LADY OF PERP. HELP 115 O’Connell St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 852-2671 ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE 950 Lossen Rd., Cheektowaga 7:00 p.m..................................... 668-8370

SATURDAY ST. AMELIA’S RCC 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 1 p.m.......................................... 836-0011 ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 876-1038 BLESSED TRINITY 317 Leroy Ave., Buffalo 8 p.m.......................................... 833-0301 CARINAL O'HARA HIGH SCHOOL 39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda 7:30 p.m..........................695-2600 x326 ST. JOHN XXIII 1 Arcade St., W. Seneca

FRIDAY AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................................... 822-6400 ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 876-1038 KENMORE K OF C 1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 875-5780 OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS 4125 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m..................................... 634-3420 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m......................................... 549-4389 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m..................................... 833-1715 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m..................................... 873-6716 DALE ASSOCIATION CENT. 33 Ontario St., Lockport 7 p.m.......................................... 433-1886 SANBORN VFC 5811 Buffalo St., Sanborn 7:45 p.m..................................... 731-4616 MILLGROVE VFC 11621 Genesee St., Alden 7:45 p.m..................................... 937-7612 GASPORT CHEMICAL HOSE 8412 State St., Gasport 7:30 p.m..................................... 772-7751

7 p.m.......................................... 823-1090 INFANT OF PRAGUE 921 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 7:15 p.m..................................... 634-3660 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 1 p.m.......................................... 833-1715 OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack, Lancaster 7 p.m. (1st Sat.)......................... 683-6522 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 1 & 7 p.m................................... 549-4389 ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m..................................... 892-0425 PALLOTTINE FATHERS 3452 N. Falls Blvd., Wheatfield 7 p.m.......................................... 694-4313 SOUTH WILSON VFC 4193 Chestnut Rd., Wilson 7:30 p.m..................................... 751-6079 CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH 199 Clark St., Buffalo 2 p.m.......................................... 896-1050 OUR LADY OF BISTRICA 1619 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna 7:15 p.m..................................... 822-0818 BUFFALO GAY BINGO/ AIDS PLUS FUND OF WNY Westminster Church, 724 Delaware Ave., Buffalo

SUNDAY CARDINAL O'HARA HIGH SCHOOL 39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda 1 p.m..695-2600 x326 OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART 3148 Abbott Rd., O. Park 2 p.m.......................................... 824-2935 KENMORE K OF C 1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo 7 p.m.......................................... 875-5780 ST. BERNARD’S CHURCH Clinton @ S. Ogden, Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 822-8856 OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS 4125 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 7 p.m.......................................... 634-3420 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 1 & 7 p.m................................... 549-4389 DELEVAN VFC N. Main St., Delevan 7 p.m.......................................... 492-1910 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7 p.m.......................................... 873-6716 OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack, Lancaster 7 p.m.......................................... 683-6522 LOCKPORT ELKS LODGE 41 6791 N. Canal Rd., Lockport 7 p.m.......................................... 434-2798 PVT. LEONARD POST 2450 Walden, Cheektowaga 7 p.m....................................... 684-43710

BINGO IN CANADA UNCLE SAM’S 427 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie 905-994-0505 GOLDEN NUGGET 655 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie 905-871-1277 DELTA MONTE CARLO 4735 Drummond, N. Falls 905-356-8104

CASINO SENECA GAMING Broad St., Salamanca 945-4080, 877-860-5130 ONEIDA INDIAN HIGH STAKES BINGO AT TURNING STONE 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona 800-782-1938

7 p.m (2nd Sat.).......................... 882-7840 December 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 9

FY FAVES

FAVES

BY WENDY GUILD SWEARINGEN

T

he results of the 2020 Forever Young Faves survey are in! What a year this has been. We’re so grateful for our readers and their input online and via mail. Please use this list as motivation to try out some new favorites and support local businesses. Be sure to call ahead to confirm business hours. Congratulations to the winners, and thanks for all you do to contribute to living well in Western New York!

DO

Favorite Outdoor Event Erie County Fair 5600 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg; ecfair.org Even though the fair was put on hold this year, it’s still our favorite summer event. Western New York’s first agricultural fair was held in 1820 and has been growing since. More than demolition derbies, Ferris wheels, and rock concerts, the fair has a solid traditional core of agricultural education and activities.

Favorite Place to Bring Kids Buffalo Zoo 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo; 837-3900, buffalozoo.org This third-oldest zoo in the country features a variety of exhibits and constant updates that make it an exciting place to spend a day with little ones. A must see: Lulu—a young Eastern black rhino!

Favorite Fitness Activity Walking Walking wins the fitness fave challenge. It’s free, available to everyone mobile, and you can do it all year. (Biking and swimming are also popular.) Some favorite walks include Chestnut Ridge, Niagara Falls State Parks, Akron Falls, area malls, and even your own treadmill or Y. Walk on!

Favorite Outdoor Music Venue Artpark 450 South 4th Street, Lewiston; 754-4375 or artpark.net This park is dedicated to every kind of art, and the show went on this crazy summer, despite capacity limits and other restrictions. Check the website often in spring and summer for updates.

10

www.foreveryoungwny.com | December 2020

One of the rhinos on exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo Photo by Stephen Gabris

FY FAVES

Shopping for fresh local produce at the North Tonawanda Farmers Market Photo by kc kratt

Favorite Senior Center Amherst Center for Senior Services 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst; 636-3050 or www. amherst.ny.us This center’s 53,000 square foot facility includes an art gallery, a cafe, a billiard room, card room, gift shop, library, and weight room. (Honorable mentions: The Cheektowaga and Hamburg Senior Centers were also popular.)

Favorite Volunteer Opportunity FeedMore WNY/Meals on Wheels feedmorewny.org FeedMore’s mission focuses on the most basic and critical of home needs. Staff and volunteers are committed to enriching lives and promoting independent healthy living by offering nutritious food and a friendly visit.

Favorite Park and Favorite Hike or Walk Chestnut Ridge 6121 Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park; 662-3290 The park features many different hiking trails, but the best

known trail is probably the path to the Eternal Flame Falls, a small waterfall with a shale rock base from which a natural gas leak creates a seldom-extinguished flame in the midst of the waterfall.

Favorite Farmers Market North Tonawanda City Market Market Street, North Tonawanda; 984-3046, northtonawanda.org/citymarket Established in 1908, the city market has been a North Tonawanda staple for over 100 years. With over eighty vendors, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Favorite Veterans Program WNY Heroes 8205 Main St #1, Williamsville; 630-5020, wnyheroes.org The non-profit organization is dedicated to making a difference for Western New York Veterans and Troops by providing immediate financial assistance to those in need; whether for food, shelter, medical bills, or any other support, WNYHeroes has our Vets’ backs.

December 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 11

FY FAVES

SHOP Favorite Garden Shop Adam’s Nursery & Garden Center 5799 Genesee Street, Lancaster; 683-4885 or adamsnurseries.com Adam’s has one of WNY’s largest selections of plants, trees, and decor to satisfy all your gardening and landscaping needs. The shop often has sales and events—especially for holidays or season changes—so be sure to check out their website or Facebook page before making the trip to the shop.

Favorite Liquor Store Premier Liquor Multiple locations; premierwines.com Premier Liquor consists of three independently owned and operated stores in Amherst (3900 Maple Road), Williamsville (7980 Transit Road), and Orchard Park (3410 Amelia Drive). With the largest selection of premium wines and premier spirits, each Premier Group store has something for everyone—usually at a great price.

Favorite Pet Store PetSmart Multiple locations; 1-888-839-9638 or petsmart.com From food, toys, and treats for every pet imaginable, to adoption, grooming, training, and vaccinations, PetSmart is a one-stop shop for all things pets. And for a great locally-owned store, visit Clyde’s Feed and Animal Center (frommfamily.com) at 3972 LockportOlcott Road in Lockport or 351 Union Street in Hamburg.

Favorite Local Brewery Big Ditch 55 E. Huron Street; 854-5050, bigditchbrewing.com More than just brewing great beer locally, the spacious taproom serves comfort food, small plates, and house-brewed beer in an industrial-chic setup.

Favorite Eyewear Store Council Opticians 7600 3rd Avenue, Niagara Falls; 298-8182, councilopticians.com Council Opticians and Eyecare is a locally- and family-owned and operated optometrists office and optical shop located in the heart of Niagara Falls.

Favorite Gift Shop Hallmark Multiple locations; hallmark.com There are several Hallmark locations throughout WNY, from Lockport to Akron.. For local flavor, readers like Everything Elmwood at 740 Elmwood Avenue; 883-0607, eegiftshop.com.

Favorite Estate Sale Company Edna Louise Estate Sales and Liquidation This company provides professionally conducted estate sale services and appraisal services in Buffalo, Rochester, and NYC and is NY State licensed and insured. It offers a free consultation to evaluate the contents of your estate.

Favorite Local Winery Ten Thousand Vines 8 S. Buffalo Street, Hamburg; 646-9979, tenthousandvines.com The micro winery, located in the heart of the Village of Hamburg, crafts small batch wines with globally sourced juices and provides an exceptional selection of more than fifty unique varieties.

Favorite Clothing Shop Turnstyle Designs 298 Ashland Avenue; 362-0790, turnstylebuffalo.com Kohls (kohls.com) came out on top, but you can find those stores anywhere. For a truly unique style, visit locally-owned Turnstyle in Elmwood Village for clothing and accessories to fit your lifestyle; from yoga class, the office, or a night on the town. Plus, custom designed jewelry and aromatherapy!

Big Ditch Brewing Company Photo by Stephen Gabris 12

www.foreveryoungwny.com | December 2020

Favorite Local Bookstore Talking Leaves…Books 951 Elmwood Avenue, 884-9524 This independent and idiosyncratic independent bookstore is a Buffalo mainstay. The store is now reorganizing, expanding the space, and taking measures to keep patrons safe. For info, call, email, or visit the website.

FEATURE

FY FAVES

EAT Favorite Takeout Place Steve’s Pig & Ox Roast 951 Ridge Road, Lackawanna; 824-8601, facebook.com/Steves-PigOx-Roast While many readers chose McDonald’s as their favorite takeout place, and I can’t argue that the fries are fantastic, the local winner is longtime local favorite Steve’s Pig & Ox Roast in Lackawanna, which has been family owned and operated for more than forty years! As they say, “Great food cooked over charcoal fire...can’t get better than that.”

Favorite Mexican Place El Canelo Mexican Restaurant 3670 McKinley Parkway; 822-1220 or elcanelohamburg.com This family style authentic Mexican restaurant offers a delicious alternative to fast Mexican food. The menu is packed with options, including vegetarian dishes, special orders, combination dishes, and a kid’s menu.

Favorite Donuts Paula’s Donuts Multiple locations; paulasdonuts.com Paula’s Donuts boasts a menu of over fifty different doughnuts—you can’t go wrong with a classic peanut stick, or bring the oversized “Texas Donut” home to share. Everything is made fresh throughout the day.

An order of wings from Duff's Photo by kc kratt

Favorite Favorite Fish Fry McPartlan’s Corner 669 Wehrle Drive, Buffalo; 632-9896, mcpartlans.com Our readers rave about McPartlan’s fish fry—fresh, crispy, and well-seasoned. This homey old-school restaurant and bar offers Irish dishes, Buffalo specialties, and the aforementioned killer Friday-night fish fry.

Favorite Pizza Just Pizza justpizzausa.com With several WNY locations, a gooey slice or savory pie is just moments away. The full-service pizzeria opened in 1992, and provides delicious, high quality, freshly made food at affordable prices.

Favorite Wings Duff’s duffswings.com When a wing menu starts with a heat warning, you know you’re in for some spicy deliciousness. All the Duff’s restaurants use the same traditional preparation that was used when Louise Duffney introduced the wings in 1969. When you’ve got a good thing going, why change it? See website for locations.

A variety of Paula's Donuts Photo by kc kratt December 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 13

FY FAVES Favorite Italian Place Chef’s 291 Seneca St., 716-856-9187, ilovechefs.com This iconic Buffalo eatery is known for plentiful—yet inexpensive— portions, red-checked tablecloths, and a large dining area where patrons can linger unrushed over their plate of spaghetti parm.

Favorite Ice Cream Shop and Favorite Beef on ’Weck Anderson’s Throughout WNY; andersonscustard.com The first local Anderson’s was opened in Kenmore in 1947, and there are now several locations, so you’re never far from a great frozen custard, milkshake, or hot roast beef on ’weck sandwich.

Favorite Coffeeshop/Breakfast Tim Hortons Locations throughout WNY, timhortons.com Two of the reasons Tim Hortons was selected as a favorite coffeeshop are always having a location nearby and a generous senior discount.

Local Favorite Coffeeshop SPoT Coffee spotcoffee.com With coffee shops spread across the city on Elmwood, Hertel, and Colvin Boulevard, and several more throughout New York State, a Spot Coffee is never far away. Enjoy excellent coffee drinks and fresh-made meals and snacks all day.

Coming in February 2021

Forever Young is thrilled to include the 2021 “Top Doctors” list for Western New York in our February 2021 edition.

This prestigious list of area physicians is researched and compiled by Professional Research Services, and based on an online peer-review survey sent out to certified doctors within Erie and Niagara Counties.

For information about advertising in this special edition, contact your Forever Young sales rep or call 972-2250.

14

www.foreveryoungwny.com | December 2020

Classic spaghetti and meatballs at Chef's Photo by kc kratt

FOOD

Holiday Golabki STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRISTINE A. SMYCZYNSKI

Homemade golabki alongside other Polish staples such as pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut, and a bottle of Tyskie.

B

oth my mother and mother-in-law had recipes for traditional Polish golabki, (pronounced “gaw woamb kee") a.k.a. cabbage rolls, or “pigs in blankets.” While both recipes are good, I have tweaked them over the years to make it my own. My latest (and best) version is actually based on a suggestion made by my husband. He enjoys my glazed meatloaf recipe and thought it would make a good filling and sauce for the golabki. I also make the recipe gluten free, so my daughter can eat it. For special occasions, I like to serve the golabki as part of a “Polish platter” with fresh or smoked Polish sausage, pierogi, and sweet and sour cabbage.

Golabki Makes about 12 cabbage rolls.

Preparation and cooking time: two hours.

Ingredients 1 large cabbage Filling 2 beaten eggs ½ cup milk 1 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper 1 ½ cups herbed seasoned stuffing mix (note: if not making it gluten free, use Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing.

To make the recipe gluten-free, I use Gillian’s Homestyle Stuffing;

place in a plastic bag and crumble it with a rolling pin).

1 ½ pounds beef, pork, and

veal mixture; usually sold as “meatloaf mix” ¼ cup (or more) chopped onion

I Asked For A Companion

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare cabbage leaves: Boil water in large pot. Stick a large fork into cabbage core and hold cabbage head in boiling water to loosen leaves. Remove from water and carefully peel off outer leaves.

Continue putting cabbage in boiling water and removing leaves until you have desired number (about 12). Set aside leaves; remaining cabbage can be used for sweet and sour cabbage recipe.

Prepare filling: Combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper in large bowl.

Stir in stuffing mix and onion and let stand until moistened. Add ground meat and mix well. Form meatballs using 1/3 cup mixture for each. Put a meatball in each cabbage leaf and roll up, securing with toothpicks. Place filled leaves in a large roasting pan and pour the sauce over.

Bake covered for 1 hour at 350, reduce heat to 325 and bake covered an additional hour. Remove from pan, plate it, and spoon sauce over the top. FY Christine A. Smyczynski is a freelance writer and blogger and author of Western New York Explorer's Guide.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT...

Coping with

COVID

BY JUDITH A. RUCKI

L

ast year around this time, we were enjoying the holiday season and looking forward to a new year. Little did we know that coronavirus was headed our way, bringing with it some major changes to our daily lives. A Pew Research Center survey reports nearly ninety percent of adults in the US say their life has changed in some way due to COVID-19. This includes the forty-four percent who say life has changed in a major way.

People in the work force may have working from home and may continue childcare responsibilities and virtual lost a job or taken a pay cut. Depending doing so indefinitely. Parents, and learning or home schooling. on their jobs, some folks have been sometimes grandparents, are juggling Seniors who are retired may feel

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www.foreveryoungwny.com | December 2020

they have more control when deciding where to go and when. Some have taken advantage of times specifically set aside for seniors to shop or engage in other activities.

Anyone living with poverty or health inequities faces a variety of challenges and may be looking for assistance.

Religious behaviors have also been impacted. More than half of all US adults surveyed reported praying for an end to the coronavirus. In fact, Americans who say they never or seldom pray, and those who say they belong to no specific religion, have taken to prayer.

While some places of worship have reopened, there are those who have scaled back their attendance.

Yet, collective worship has not been abandoned. Four in ten regular worshippers report watching services online or on television.

Moving Forward Tris Thorp, a leading expert

in the field of emotional healing, offers suggestions for the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical body.

• Practice meditation daily • Pray • Set goals • Continue your education through reading books or taking classes • Eliminate stressors from your life • Journal about your experiences and how they made you feel • Practice forgiveness toward yourself and others • Spend time cultivating gratitude for the gifts and opportunities you’ve been given • Move your body • Prepare fresh, organic meals • Get plenty of restful sleep • Receive regular massages • Spend time in nature

LET’S TALK ABOUT...

There are issues we’ve all encountered: festivals, sporting events, entertainment, dining out, and travel have either been canceled or revised.

We wear masks and social distance while washing and disinfecting like never before.

Many of us know someone who has had the virus and may have died as a result.

All this said, how do we move forward?

First, we have to admit change has come, and is still coming. The “new normal” is forcing us to adapt and evolve. While we may be thinking we want our lives back, we need to be looking ahead. Life may never look quite the same again.

We don’t know for certain when a vaccine will be available, or for how long COVID-19 will be with us. The virus is reshaping our lives, and we are finding it difficult to make forecasts during an unprecedented crisis.

Right now, we are navigating the holidays. Events have been canceled,

rescheduled, or gone virtual. We are discovering ways to celebrate with our dearest, even when they can’t be our nearest.

We aren’t sure if there will be a celebration in Times Square for New Year’s Eve or how the Super Bowl will work out.

We are dealing with uncertainty and COVID fatigue. Trying to determine the future leads to more questions than answers. Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, a research charity based in London, says, “We will have to, as societies around the world, learn to live with this infection. Manage it.

Reduce its impact through vaccination, treatment, and diagnostics as we do with other infections. This is with us for a very long time — with a vaccine or without a vaccine.”

Immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci says this is not a message people want to hear. However, he encourages us to remember that the crisis will end, and people need to remember that their choices matter while protecting

themselves and others. “When you realize it’s not an infinite problem, you can feel better about just hanging in there a bit longer,” Fauci says.

2021 may be the year we wind up reinventing ourselves. Depending on individual circumstances, this could be the time to update work skills, change jobs, do some serious financial planning, and get creative when it comes to trying new ideas.

We may need time to mourn the

passing of a loved one or take stock of our own health concerns. Knowing we are all in this together can help. I have an old cartoon on my desk that says, “Keep calm and abide.” The cat handing out the advice may be on to something. FY Judith A. Rucki is a public relations consultant and freelance writer.

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Official LASIK provider of the Buffalo Bills December 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 17

BEING WELL

A Midlife Rollercoaster Ride

BY CATHERINE STACK

F

or some individuals, menopause (or manopause) is a fairly uneventful few years occurring somewhere between the years of forty and fifty-five. And then there are the rest of us.

It may begin as an unexplainable, low-level anxiety that sits just below the surface of our emotions. Maybe it is just an annoying wake-up at 2 a.m. for no reason. Some women will wonder why they just woke up, only to immediately feel the most intense wave of heat attempt to escape their body in a burst of sweat, heart palpitations, and the overwhelming need to open the window (even if it is only twenty degrees outside).

You’re sure that the caloric burn of such an event should be equivalent to a week’s worth of food, and yet here you are, gaining a few more pounds each and every year. Your husband’s facial hair seems to have become contagious, and you are curious as to why everyone thinks that you are moody.

Although it does not appear that men experience the same intensity, they are not immune to some of the age-related hormone fluctuations that may cause discomfort or less desirable body changes. The loss

of what used to be effortlessly maintained muscle mass has now turned into effortless belly mass.

This is mostly due to a drop in testosterone and a change in the ratio of other hormones. This can cause men to become more anxious or even emotional and the (ahem) equipment may not function as it once did.

For women in perimenopause (five to ten years prior to menopause), it is the falling progesterone levels that are typically to blame for anxiety, poor sleep, and moodiness. Hot flashes are initially caused by low progesterone (estrogen dominance) in perimenopause. Once menopause takes place, estrogen levels beginning to drop off now are the cause of hot flashes. I know, it’s confusing. Other symptoms of falling estrogen levels include thinning and wrinkling of skin, memory issues, vaginal dryness, frequent urinary tract infections, and loss of libido.

So, what can we do to minimize

the sometimes very uncomfortable symptoms of midlife? If you want to be aggressive in a proactive kind of way, you can have your hormone levels tested. Blood tests can be ordered, but for many who specialize in this area urine and saliva tests are typically more helpful.

There are a handful of specialists in Western New York who know how to treat hormonal imbalance in women and men. Ask around or call and speak to the pharmacists at Pine Pharmacy in Williamsville. They are very knowledgeable and will likely point you in the right direction based on what you are looking for.

If you’d like to get a handle on things without the time and cost of hormone replacement, there are some things you can safely try that should help take the edge off. First, be mindful of your diet. Sugary and spicy foods as well as caffeine and alcohol are triggers when it comes to hormonal discomfort. Individuals fare best on a plant-based diet or

anti-inflammatory diet. Individuals with excess weight will struggle more than those who fall within healthy weight guidelines.

GABA (Gamma aminobutyric acid ) and lemon balm tincture are helpful for those suffering from anxiety. Melatonin, GABA and L-theanine can be helpful to those who have difficulty sleeping.

Progesterone cream, which can be found over the counter, can be very beneficial to the peri-menopausal group of women. Taken as directed, sleep disruption and unexplained anxiety should slip away. DHEA, which converts to estradiol and testosterone (depending where your body needs it) becomes helpful after menopause. I make this sound easy, but it takes a bit of trial and error to find your perfect solution. There is lots of misinformation when it comes to hormones, but when applied correctly, hormone balance is the key to longevity.

Catherine Stack is owner, facilitator, and Doctor of Naturopathy at Journey II Health. She specializes in colon health and bio-identical hormone replacement and is also a practicing staff midwife at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Her books, Free Yourself from a CONSTIPATED Life and PUSH, Labor & Delivery from the Inside Out are available on amazon.com. Visit cathistack.com for more info.

18

www.foreveryoungwny.com | December 2020

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Then, Buffalo’s Polish heritage advocate, Ronnie D, spins your favorite Polka music every Sunday from 8 to 11am.

For the other local, informative, weekend shows on WECK, just go to weckbuffalo.com Listen to 1230am 100.5fm, 100.1fm, and 102.9fm. Also listen online, on your phone, and on Alexa.

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What’s New? Forever Young readers: we want to hear from you! Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Tell us more.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Drop us a line.

We want to devote space in Forever Young to what matters most: you. Send your story ideas to editor Wendy Guild Swearingen at wswearingen@ buffalospree.com.

Buddy Shula

Buddy@weckbuffalo.com 20

FOR RENT

www.foreveryoungwny.com | December 2020

WANTED TO BUY Buying Costume Jewelry, School Rings and Scrap Gold. We make house calls. Carol & Jack 876-8283.

WANTED TO BUY BUYING SOUTH BUFFALO Railway Items. Highest Prices Paid. 716684-7786.

DECEMBER SOLUTION SOLU TION

NOTEWORTHY 4-5

1-18

Dec.

1-10 Dec.

December 4–5 Hertel Christmas Market Pick up holiday gifts and decorations and feel safe while enjoying a stroll down this outdoor shopping area.

(1650 Hertel Avenue; Facebook.com/Hertel Christmas Market)

Through December Taking a Stand: Issues Addressed by Women Artists This special exhibition, curated by Buff State grad students, demonstrates the strength of women artists in critiquing today’s world. (ends March 28) Burchfield Penney Art Center

(1300 Elmwood Avenue; burchfieldpenney.org, 878-6011)

Through December 10 Radio Free Birdland Concert Series This pay-per-view concert series features a slew of exciting Broadway, jazz, and cabaret performers. A new show airs every Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.

jazzbuffalo.org

Through December Cave of the Winds Winter Experience Bundle up and celebrate winter on this abbreviated journey under the falls.

Daily, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Cave of the Winds

(24 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls; niagarafallsstatepark.com)

December 1-18 B Is for Book The children’s book exhibit—free and open to the public—features early works including alphabet and instructional books, magazines, and Mother Goose editions, as well as fairy tales and Dr. Seuss classics.

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo; buffalolib.org, 858-8050)

December 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 21