Forever Young February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018 |

FREE

Western New York’s FREE Monthly Magazine For Adults 50+, With More Than 70,000 Readers

Give a Little Bit Volunteering Opportunities in Western New York

Waxed Amaryllis | Erie and Niagara County Volunteer Programs | Visiting Portugal

FEBRUARY 2018

Don't-miss Movies

10

Carrot Recipes

11

Senior Volunteers

16

Cover: Top: Delivering food and smiles Photo courtesy Meals on Wheels Bottom left: Waxed Amaryllis Photo courtesy gardenista Center: Mentoring kids Photo courtesy HANCI Bottom right: Portugal Photo by Jennifer Merrick

Crossword 5

Food

The Grammy Awards.............................................. StatePoint Media

11 The Humble Carrot................................................... Hilary Diodato

Home & Garden

Cover: Volunteering

11 Waxed Amaryllis.............................................................Carol Ann Harlos

16 Erie County Opportunities.....................................Patrick Sullivan

Humor

18 Niagara County Opportunities.............................. Judith A. Rucki

7

Future Plans.....................................................................Ted Rickard

Getaways

Arts 8

20 Donate for Good....................................................Rebecca Cuthbert

22 Portugal................................................................... Jennifer Merrick

February Theater.................................................................Donna Hoke

10 Under the Radar Gems.........................................Christopher Schobert

Being Well 28 Vital Vitamin D........................................................Catherine Stack

Ever y Issue: Calendars 3 | Bingo Buzz 12 | Classifieds 30 | Noteworthy 31 COME HOME TO

Shaarey Zedek Apartments

1 & 2 BEDROOM STYLES

Stop by for a Tour M, W, F 9 am - 4 pm 834.3711

410 Hartford Road Amherst, NY 14226

A quiet senior community nestled in the heart of Amherst.

(off Millersport - 1 Block, North of Sheridan)

Feb. 13th k i z ’ s c 1 & 2 a ONE DAY ONLY P come, BEDROOM First first serve!

STYLES Fastnachts STARTING Wed.

Feb. 14th THROUGH Sat. Mar. 31st

2319 Sheridan Dr. Tonawanda, NY 14150 716-862-4246 8560 Main St. Clarence, NY 14221 716-580-3614 936 Union Rd. W. Seneca, NY 14224 716-771-1740

paulasdonuts.com

EDITOR’S NOTE OUR 30TH 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..................................................................... Chastity L. O’Shei

coshei@foreveryoungwny.com

Production Director........................................................................ Jennifer Tudor

jtudor@foreveryoungwny.com

Traffic Coordinator........................................................... Adam Van Schoonhoven Lead Designer............................................................................ Nicholas Vitello Senior Graphic Designers.............................................. Josh Flanigan, Kim Miers,

Andrea Rowley, Jean-Pierre Thimot Director of Marketing...................................................................... Brittany Frey

bfrey@foreveryoungwny.com

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

bmacks@foreveryoungwny.com Special Projects Manager ......................................................... Marianne Potratz Senior Account Executives............. Wendy Burns, Bruce Halpern, Mary Beth Holly,

Caroline Kunze, Robin Kurss, Robin Lenhard,

Marianne Potratz, Betty Tata, Lori Teibel National Ad Director...................................................................... Terri Downey Spree Marketplace..................................................................... Louis J. Aguglia Administrative & Finance Director.......................................................................Michele Ferguson Administrative & Marketing Coordinator...............................................................Angela Dowdell Classifieds Sales............................................................................... Robin Kurss BUFFALO SPREE PUBLISHING, INC.

President & CEO....................................................................... Sharon C. Levite Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer............................................... Barbara E. Macks Associate Publisher/Editor-In-Chief............................................... Elizabeth Licata Senior Vice President/Creative Director...................................... Chastity L. O’Shei Vice President/Director of Production.............................................. Jennifer Tudor Vice President/Administrative & Finance.....................................Michele Ferguson Corporate Counsel....................................................... Timothy M. O’Mara, Esq. Forever Young is published monthly, with an annual Senior Directory. Copyright ©2018 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 2018 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. 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 | February 2018

From the Editor

While February is traditionally thought of as the month for romance, boxes of chocolates, and Cupid's arrows, we have a different spin on what warms the heart.

Volunteering is a way to improve the lives of others while increasing your own feelings of happiness and satisfaction. When it comes to love and compassion, sometimes it is better to give than to receive.

Retirement may leave many people with a wide open calendar.

Why not fill some of those hours helping out in your community? We explore several ways seniors can lend their time to worthy organizations, from volunteering at the the zoo to foster grandparenting to delivering meals (and smiles) to homebound folks hungry for companionship as well as lunch.

Last month, we featured articles on how to downsize and get rid of clutter. This month, we tell you where to donate all that stuff to

give the most benefit. See Rebecca Cuthbert's article on where to donate to help out your neighbors as well as furry friends.

Take care of one another and stay warm this February!

Wendy Guild Swearingen wswearingen@foreveryoungwny.com 783-9119 ext. 2253

1+ Erie County STAY FIT

FOREVER YOUNG FEBRUARY CALENDAR

DINING PROGRAM offers a hot noon meal at 45 locations in Erie County. Menus and site list at erie.gov/ stayfit or 858-7639.

meets weekly for 12 weeks and space is limited. Northtowns: Thursdays, January 4 through March 22, 5:45-8:15 pm (St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church 4007 Main St.), Amherst

1+ Gowanda HEALTH

1+

COMMUNITY ALLIANCE Activities open to the public age 50+, no residency requirements) held at the Concord Senior Center, 1 School Street, Gowanda; for schedule visit communityalliance.org; 532-1010 or beemana@hcanetwork.org

1+

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+, have a minimum of 15 hours per week to give and want to make a difference, contact Nora Aloian (SCP) at 285-8224 ext. 217or Jennifer Britton (FGP) at 285-8224 ext. 228

1+ West Seneca UNITED

CHURCH MANOR’S LUNCH PROGRAM is looking for volunteers in the West Seneca/Cheektowaga area.

Information: 668-5804.

1 Amherst WNY FIBROMYALGIA

AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SUPPORT GROUP meets at the John James Audubon Library on the 1st Thursday of the month from 7-8:45 p.m. in Room 1. All sufferers and cargivers welcome. Discuss coping skills and new ways we can improve. Facebook egroup: WNY Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, and Chronic Fatigue. Library: 689-4922

1+Tonawanda

LAUGHTER YOGA Come as you are, just bring your laughter! Thursdays 11a.m.

Brighton Place Library, 999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda. FREE

1+

Amherst WNY NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) NAMI Buffalo offers the NAMI Family-to-Family signature class for family members of loved ones with mental illness. Register: call 226-6264 or email namibuffalony@gmail.com. Class

Cheektowaga T.O.P.S. MEETING, Thursdays at 9 a.m., St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 900 Maryvale Dr. (corner of Union Road). Come for the love, support and friendship. For information, call Karen at 247-2334

1+ Buffalo GENTLE YOGA, 11 a.m. Thursdays, Tosh Collins Senior Center, 35 Cazenovia St. Bring a yoga mat. Info: 828-1093 1+ Akron T.O.P.S. CLUB Every Thursday, 5:30-6:45pm, at the Akron/Newstead Senior Center, 5691 Cummings Rd. We offer tools, programs, support, fellowship and recognition for healthy living and weight management. For information call Diane 542-4980 4+

Buffalo MEDITATION, 2:30 p.m., El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Ave. Free every Sunday. Meditation unites with creative arts and pain management.

Practitioner Sondra Holland welcomes people of all ages. Wear comfortable clothes. For information, Sondra: 9475092; store: 885-6343.

5+

Tonawanda TONAWANDA TOPS CLUB #50 Weekly meetings on Mondays, weigh-in 6pm/meeting starts at 6:25pm, Zion United Church Koenig & Parker Tonawanda; 912-6875

5+ Farnham T.O.P.S. CLUB weekly meetings held Tuesdays at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 10633 Church St., starting at 9 a.m. Call 934-9619.

5+

Kenmore UKULELE SING ALONG Ukuleles provided during class. All levels welcome beginner experienced. Tuesdays 8 p.m. Church of the Advent, 54 Delaware Rd., Kenmore $5 suggested donation. 4815735

5+

Tonawanda T.O.P.S. CLUB, weekly meetings on Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Claremont Avenue. For information, call 834-7992

5+

Buffalo TAI CHI: MOVING FOR BETTER BALANCE 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Tosh Collins Senior Center, 35 Cazenovia St. For more information, contact monicazucco@gmail.com.

7+ Boston HATHA YOGA Wednesdays at 7 pm. Gentle and meditative. Bring your own mat. Faith United Church of Christ, 8651 Boston State Road, Boston, NY. For more info call church office 716-941-3529

5+, 8+ Tonawanda UKULELE

7 Williamsville WOMEN’S

SING ALONGUkuleles provided during class. All levels welcome beginner – experienced Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays 1:30 p.m.

Brighton Place Library 999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda. Call to register 3324375 $5 suggested donation

5+

Niagara Falls T.O.P.S. CLUB, Enjoy light sitting and standing yoga at 5:30 p.m. before weigh in 6 p.m., and a brief interactive educational program at 7 p.m. Facebook: TOPS #173 Niagara Falls, NY. or call 5501232. Meets Tuesdays at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 815 - 84th St., Niagara Falls

5,

17

WNY RESPITE SERVICES for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementia on first Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. in Williamsville, and third Saturday, 11 a.m. in Amherst.

Location info: (800) 272-3900.

6, 20 Buffalo HEADWAY

LYMPHEDEMA SUPPORT GROUP 5:45 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month. Sheridan Surgical room, 4510 Bailey Ave., Williamsville. Call 908-4149

7+

Middleport T.O.P.S. CLUB

Scout House, Rochester Rd., Middleport. Wednesday weigh-in: 3:15–4 p.m.; meeting: 4–5 p.m.

Contact Terry at 735-7666

7+ Orchard Park

TAI CHI Advanced Tai Chi in the Park at Brush Mountain. Classes are held on Wednesdays at 11 am. Tai Chi builds endurance, increases flexibility and balance. New students are welcome. Please contact the Orchard Park Senior Center at 6626452 for information. Cost $30 for a 8 week session.

11

East Aurora AMELIE Starring Audrey Tautou as a painfully shy waitress in Paris cafe where she makes a surprising discovery that changes her life for the better. She then dedicates herself to helping others find happiness in the most delightfully unexpected ways. $6 members, $8 non-members.

4 p.m., Roycroft Film Society, Parkdale School Auditorium, 141 Girard Ave., East Aurora; roycroftcampuscorp.com

SUPPORT GROUPS, 2635 Delaware Ave. For individuals who have sustained brain injuries as well as their families and caregivers; exchange information and resources, and find mutual support and encouragement. Peer Support (Suite B), first and third Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m.; Caregivers Support (Suite B), first Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m.; Women’s Survivors Support (Suite E), first Tuesday, 1–2:30 p.m. Info: 408-3100 or headwayofwny.org

Hamburg ALZHEIMER’S CARE-GIVER SUPPORT GROUP for males at Wesleyan Church, 4999 McKinley Pkwy. 2nd Tues. 626-0600, alz.org/wnyc

7 Amherst FREE RESPITE CARE

12

PROGRAM, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Trinity Old Lutheran Church 3445 Sheridan Drive. First Wednesday of the month, for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia. A morning snack and nutritious lunch are provided. For more information on registering for the program, call 836-4868

12

Orchard Park ALIENATED GRANDPARENTS ANONYMOUS, INC., meetings 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of month, 4295 S. Buffalo St.

12

Depew BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF WNY Monthly meeting second Tuesday, 6 p.m., Bella Moglie Bldg., 3297 Walden Ave. Call 7060060 or visit bcnwny.org. Professional support group will be held at 8 pm

February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 3

FOREVER YOUNG FEBRUARY CALENDAR 14

Williamsville MCGUIRE GROUP MEMORY CARE SUPPORT GROUPS: General Support Group is second Wednesday, 3 p.m. at Harris Hill Nursing Facility, 2699 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville; Daughters’ Support Group, 5 p.m.

Monthly support groups coordinated with the Alzheimer’s Association, with caregiving tips and coping mechanisms. For more information, call 632-3700 or visit mcguiregroup.com

16

Niagara Falls NIAGARA FALLS SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB, An active 50+ crowd, dances third Friday each month at 7 p.m. at the Buff Social Club, 2565 Young St., NF. $6 ($4 members).

Monthly activities include picnics, parties.

Door prizes, 50/50 raffle. Info: 439-8387

16

Akron HEARTS AND HANDS Seeks volunteers to support caregivers of loved ones with early stages of dementia by providing an engaging, safe, and

THE ALL

NEW

Jewish Federation Apartments

friendly environment to leave their loved one while taking care of their own medical, social, and emotional needs. Hosted by the Wright Center, 11 Church Street, Village of Akron the third Friday each month from 1–4:30 p.m. Contact Eugene Abrahamson at 406-8311 ext. 102, e-mail volunteer@ heartsandhandsfia.org or hnhcares.org

20

Buffalo LGBTQ MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVERS PROGRAM: The Pride Center of Western New York offers the LGBTQ Memory Loss Caregivers Program providing support and education for people providing care for a person with Alzheimer’s Diseasend other dementias. Third Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m., Pride Center, 200 South Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, 852-7743 or pridecenterwny.org

21

West Seneca FREE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SESSION, hosted by The McGuire

Group for anyone coping with grief, sadness or loss at 5 pm at Seneca Health Care Center, 2987 Seneca St. Held third Wednesday of the month. Those interested in attending can call 828-0500.

21

Amherst WNY NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI) held third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in two locations for families of people living with mental illness: St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4007 Main St., Amherst.

Southtowns: Lake Shore Behavioral Health, 3176 Abbott Rd # A, Orchard Park.

28

Depew WNYRPEA MEETING GWNY chapter of Retired Public Employees Association general meeting and luncheon. 12 p.m. at Polish Falcons Hall, 445 Columbia Rd. Reserve by Feb. 16 by calling Maryalice 536-9867 or Mike 877-5515

DANCE CALENDAR

RENT ASSISTED APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS & MOBILITY-IMPAIRED ADULTS

Open to all religious denominations

All new Remodeled community space with stone hearth gathering area

Laundry facilities • Full-time social worker Activities • Transportation 24-hour emergency maintenance Computer center Emergency medical call system Chapel and various religious services Pool table Two elevators • Card room Community room • NEW! Fitness facility • NEW! Beauty Salon • Wifi Home theater room with hi-tech equipment And of course our beautiful aquarium!

275 Essjay Road | Williamsville, NY 14221

For application information please call 716-631-8471 • www.JewishFederationApartments.org *Jewish Federation Apartments does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted program and activities.

4

www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

MONDAYS W. Seneca BALLROOM DANCING

BY CAROL is a 6-week class @ St. David’s Church, 3951 Seneca St. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Info: 824-0504.

THURSDAYS Kenmore JACKIE’S THURSDAY NIGHT DANCES @ Brounshidle Post, 3354 Delaware Ave. Lessons: 7 p.m. Open dancing: 8 p.m. 691-8654.

Sloan CLOGGING LESSONS by Kickin’ Rhythm Cloggers, 6:30 p.m. @ St. Andrew’s Parish Hall, 111 Crocker St., Bldg. 1. kickinrhythmcloggers.com, (585) 457-4455.

Ongoing WNY BELLYDANCE CLASSES 560-1891, nadiaibrahim.com.

TUESDAYS Buffalo LINDY FIX 8–10 p.m. @ Polish Cadets Hall, 927 Grant St. lindyfix.com, swingbuffalo.com.

WEDNESDAYS N. Ton. DANCING WITH DOTTIE AND FRIENDS country-style line lessons, 7:30 p.m. @ Pendleton Center Meth. Church, 6864 Campbell Blvd.

688-6026 or 625-8306.

Amherst AMHERST VICTORIAN DANCE SOCIETY Authentic music, dress and dance of Queen Victoria's time. New members and guests welcomed! 1st Wednesdays @ Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village in Amherst & 4th Wednesdays @ VFW Post in Village of Williamsville. 7:00 p.m. Info: Geraldine, 877-0222 or amherstvictoriandance.org

Kenmore JACKIE’S DANCE Monthlydance.Call691-8654fordetails.

WNY BALLROOM SOCIAL DANCE, Argentine tango and belly dance instruction with Carol Allen; N. Collins and Amherst. 337-3092 or callen8801@aol.com.

West Seneca BALLROOM DANCE classes @ 1761 Orchard Park Rd., 7713110, ballroomiliana.com.

WNY DANCE W/ ERIN BAHN 9977190 or erinbahn.com.

ARGENTINE TANGO IN BUFFALO Dancing & Classes traviswidricktango.com Contact Travis @ 517-7047

CROSSWORD 12. Did like the Titanic 15. a.k.a. dogfish 20. Allergic reaction to bee sting 22. Young newt 24. Virtuously 25. *Lin-Manuel Miranda nominated for song from this movie 26. Humble requests 27. Clumps 29. *"Million Reasons" Lady 31. Data transmission rate 32. Not Doric nor Corinthian 33. Type of acid 34. *2018 Grammys is number ____ 36. Dwarf buffalo 38. Cylindrical building 42. Spiral-horned antelope 45. Same as a proverb

SPONSORED BY

49. Confession topic 51. *Spoken Word posthumous nominee at 2018 Grammys 54. Accepted as truth 56. Horace's poem 57. Parks or Luxemburg 58. "Adventures of the WishingChair" author Blyton 59. Cyberattack target 60. Hofbräuhaus offering 61. *Artist with most 2018 Grammy nominations 62. Between Ohio and Ontario 63. Crowd of undistinguished people 66. *Michael Jackson album of year nominee, 1988 68. Chester White's home

THEME: THE GRAMMY AWARDS ACROSS 1. Tucks away 6. Coca-Cola's first calorie-free drink 9. Draw ____ 13. Turkish bigwig 14. Harry Potter's Hedwig 15. Anatomical sac 16. Bet everything 17. Ancient Chinese dynasty 18. *Grammy winners Billy or Frank 19. *2018 Grammy Awards host 21. *2018 Grammys location 23. Boy 24. State of irritation 25. Auto unit 28. Toy building block 30. Between knees and ankles 35. Paella pot 37. *Artist with six 2018 Grammy Award nominations 39. *Judd who won 5 Grammys as part of duo and one alone 40. Long, long time 41. "Encore!"

43. Computer operating system 44. Fat cat in the Orient 46. Comrade in arms 47. "By ____ of" or "by means of" 48. Judges the worth of

50. Bakery unit 52. "To His ___ Mistress" 53. Skilled in deception 55. Tall tale 57. *Childish Gambino's nominated record 61. Gemstone 64. Playing on the radio 65. Executive's degree 67. Egyptian falcon-headed deity 69. Located 70. Word of possibility 71. Court order, e.g.

72. Month before Nisan 73. Wood-shaping tool 74. Stinky DOWN 1. Resting place 2. Locker room supply 3. Capital on a fjord 4. Move like a propeller 5. Warm weather footwear 6. Type of settlement 7. Bowl over 8. Russian pancake 9. Actress Liu 10. Milk's favorite cookie?

11. Russia's 1917 abdicator

Because memory disorders result from a wide range of causes, accurate diagnosis is extremely helpful.

Our knowledgeable and caring staff at DENT are here to support patients and their families affected with this challenging disorder.

If you feel you or someone you know is suffering from a memory disorder, let our specialized team assist in helping diagnose, treat and offer resources to cope with daily activities and quality of life issues.

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The solution for this month’s puzzle can be found on page 30.

February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 5

HOME & GARDEN

Waxed Amaryllis

CAROL ANN HARLOS

(Hippeastrum)

the way to go tours inc.

DAY TRIPS Mar. 16 - Lunch & St. Pat’s show, Kitchener, ON Mar. 20 - Sprague’s & Cutco Mar. 28 - Gourmet Buffalo Broadway Market Apr. 14 - Red Blazer Concert June 27 - African Lion Safari July 10 -

Rochester, Erie Canal

July 31-

Skaneateles Lake lunch

MULTI-DAY TOURS Mar 17-19 -

Ark Encounter in Kentucky

May 7-9 -

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

May 15-16 -

Jesus, a play Lancaster, PA

Jun. 20-23 -

Hudson Valley

Aug. 24-31 - Canadian Rockies Sep. 6 - 16 - Danube River Sep. 24-Oct. 2 - South Dakota Nov. 11-18 - Music Lovers Dream June 2-21, 2020 - Oberammergau

716-693-0793 or 1-800-953-0793

www.thewaytogotours.com 6

Waxed amaryllis bulbs Photo courtesy of gardenista

W

axed “amaryllis” bulbs have made their way here from Europe. These are real amaryllis bulbs whose roots have been removed. Coiled wire placed in the bottom of the bulb makes it stand erect. The bulb is then dipped in colored wax. It doesn’t even bend toward a window as it grows! The bulbs are much more expensive than run of the mill amaryllis bulbs that one can buy and plant from the local supermarket. The waxed bulbs need no soil, no watering, and the barest minimum of care. To many, this sounds truly barbaric, as these bulbs are said to never reflower because there are no roots to absorb nutrients to replenish the bulb.

You know what? I am trying anyway! I carefully removed the wax when the flowers finished blooming.

Frankly, it was yucky under there.

A few roots had formed but they looked unwell because they had no access to either air (oxygen) or water.

I removed the decayed material and was able to carefully remove the metal from two of the three bulbs.

I destroyed one, I am sorry to say. I used some very mild liquid detergent solution to clean the bulbs and let them dry overnight. Then I dipped them into Rootone and placed them into moistened vermiculite. I will let you know what happens!

I would never buy these for myself

www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

because I love the growing process; watching them bloom, replenishing the bulb, getting them to rebloom in subsequent years, making more amaryllis plants from existing ones.

But, I have a ninety-six-year-old mother who lives in assisted living and finds taking care of plants to be a tiresome task. So, we bought her three waxed bulbs. They came with a wooden box and dried moss. All we did was stand them in the box. They grew beautifully. My only complaint would be the shorter blooming time, which was measured in days rather than weeks. But, my mother was pleased.

I thought about this. Is it wrong to have disposable plants? How many of you keep your poinsettias growing from year to year? Your cyclamen?

Those forced azaleas and florist’s hydrangeas? Your Christmas trees?

Not everyone enjoys getting plants to reflower. I love it but realize that most folks do not have my plant obsession. As for our Christmas trees, they serve as rest areas for birds and rabbits. Ultimately, they are ground down and return to the earth.

I’d like to see “used plants” put in compost heaps so they can break down and re-enter the cycle of life.

I do hate to see such plants in the garbage. FY Let me know your thoughts: caharlos@ verizon.net or herbgardener.net

Waxed amaryllis bulbs–before and after Photos by Carol Ann Harlos

LET’S TALK ABOUT...

Future Plans

BY TED RICKARD

“It’s high time we made some plans,” she said—she being my Significant Other of many years and several children. The way she said it, the word “plans” was capitalized, and it was a good guess that she’d read a magazine article as recently as yesterday’s visit to the beauty parlor. Any male knows how a wife reading a magazine article can lead to Plans.

The word “Plans” is this case is mere euphony—correct-speak for what a guy hopes will happen when he’s dead. Anybody who has lived long enough to be thinking this way has lived long enough to know that anything you plan seldom works out that way. And if you won’t be on the scene to supervise—or, at least, goad and harass—you can replace “seldom” with “never.” But I am not one to argue with the sensible suggestions of a spouse who has been reading Money Magazine while under the dryer. For some reason, a fresh set and a little color touch-up always leaves my bride more briskly assertive.

“First order of business,” I am told, and it sounds like she is reading it, “is a last will and testament. Next is preplanning funeral arrangements.”

Networking at the hairdresser, she’s already lined up a lawyer. He’s a nice young man who looks very much like the kid who used to date our youngest daughter in high school or did so until she met a senior who had his own car.

The lawyer has us identify our beneficiaries, so he listens to us name each child. Along the way, he is treated to their mother’s fondest childhood anecdotes about each and their father’s casual mention of their more adult accomplishments, a fourgoal soccer match, for example. The lawyer’s smile gets a bit frozen when there’s mention of one beneficiary’s lead in the class play for the seventh grade—along with a brief quote of some of the dialog, but we finally forge on to specific bequests. The lawyer

tries to bring us back to the subject.

“Disposition of personal property,” he says. “You know, jewelry, furs, antiques and art—things like that,” The lawyer sounds eager about it, sort of an “Oh, what fun this part is” attitude. But all he gets in response is a long silence. Our lawyer obviously comes from well-to-do parents and even more obviously he is a bachelor.

My wife is twisting her wedding band around her finger and that ends of list of jewelry, etc.

We let silence dispose of the suggestion and, as our meeting moves along, I begin to feel much more prosperously confident about things like “testamentary benefice,” which certainly sounds like something valuable, and the references to “the estate.” This last conjures visuals of iron deer on the lawn and a Cadillac in the driveway. On the other hand, “residue of the estate” brings mental pictures of cleaning up the back yard after a winter of the dog’s use of it.

Obviously, I am failing to approach testamentary arrangements with an objective and adult attitude.

Our visit to the attorney results in a packet of papers costing about a hundred dollars a page. This explains why there are so many pages, but doesn’t explain why the pages are longer than the standard eleven inches. These are thirteen inches long.

I measured them. The longer pages may be intended to make it seem like more like a hundred-dollarsworth, but I’m beginning to suspect it is to make sure they will not fit in anybody’s file drawer except that of another lawyer.

The pages are backed with a blue cover sheet emblazoned with my name and “Last Will and Testament” in bold calligraphy: the type of lettering that usually says “Holy Bible.” And, come to think of it, much of the language in the document sounds suspiciously like that of the King

There’s always something happening at

For Independent Seniors

Maintenance Free Apartments and Patio Homes Make Our Neighborhood Your Neighborhood!

James appointees. Things are actually “aforesaid,” and much of the text deals with contingencies that sound like Biblical plagues: the entire family being struck deaf and dumb and committable, for example, and a long clause laden with semi-colons which seems to cover the possibility of intergalactic collision. What really stands out is the title: “The LAST Will….”

It’s the word “last” that fastens a death grip, if you’ll excuse the expression, on my attention.

And things aren’t helped a bit by the thoroughness of the magazine article in also discussing Final Arrangements: code word for your own funeral.

There’s even a checklist. There are times I wish my wife had naturally curly hair. FY Ted Rickard’s book, Anything Worth Knowing I Learned from the Grandkids, is available from Amazon. com

Apartments ready for move ❅ in Call to learn about our winter Move-In Special

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Call For a Tour | 716.741.7741 | 5945 Vinecroft Drive | Clarence Center, NY 14032 | www.vinecroft.org February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 7

ARTS

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Rose Jewish Repertory Theatre

By Martin Sherman Director: Saul Elkin Starring: Christina Rausa Rose is a one-woman show featuring the twice-widowed titular character, “an eighty-year-old woman who hardly budges from her wooden bench in Miami Beach,” says Jewish Repertory Theatre artistic director Saul Elkin.

“She tells and sometimes relives a story that takes the audience on a journey of twentieth century Jewish life from a Ukrainian village—shtetl—to the Warsaw Ghetto to Palestine. And then Atlantic City and Miami Beach, with side trips to a hippie commune in Connecticut and an Israeli settlement on the West Bank.”

The plays stars Tina Rausa, who last appeared on the JRT stage in After the Revolution, during the 2016-17 Amy Herzog season. Even though Elkin had worked with Rausa before—both on a previous production of Rose, and another one-woman show, Golda’s Balcony—it was seeing her as the grandmother After the Revolution that

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www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

brought his mind back to Rose. “Tina is a remarkable character actor and her extraordinary transformation— physically and internally… Her feistiness and strength in that role gave me a whole new vision of Rose.”

The play is personal for Elkin, who grew up the only child of European Jews. “My father immigrated from Russia, my mother from Romania, both in their early twenties,” he says. “They met and married on the Lower East Side in New York City. Shortly after, I came along and grew up in a house where Yiddish, which I spoke before I spoke English, was the primary language. And so I grew up listening to my parents and their friends tell versions of Rose’s story...over and over again. Rose’s story is familiar and moving territory for me.”

But Elkin had no desire to do a remount, a take exactly like the one he and Rausa did in 2009. “Originally, I set the play on a bare stage surrounded by black and thought of the play as a story to be told,” he says. “In time, I came to see the play as more than narration, as an ‘event’ experienced by this eighty-year-old woman in which some memories become so poignant

that they are relived, re-experienced.

Taking my cue from the play, I have now set the action in a room in the house in which Rose has retired and in which the past and some memories become very present and real, and some, as in our dreams, become more abstract and ephemeral. We are now in a specific place and time, which passes as the play progresses; daylight fades and an artificial light must be turned on. More abstract memories, memories more difficult to deal with, may now be underscored.”

This is JRT’s fifteenth anniversary season, and Elkin wanted to return to the company’s roots offering plays are not only written by Jewish playwrights, but also have Jewish themes. Both Rose and the season opener, Visiting Mr. Green, were produced before the company had a space of its own, and the season’s third play, Sight Unseen, will be the third Donald Margulies play to be produced at JRT. Sums up Elkin, “Revisiting these wonderful stories and characters in our own theater space is an exciting venture which we are pleased to offer our audiences.”

ARTS Way Back When: An Evening of One-Acts New Phoenix Theatre

By Grant Golden and Rebecca Ritchie Director: Betsy Bittar Cast: David Lundy, Pamela Rose Mangus, Kathleen Rooney, Jon Summers, Todd Fuller Written by Grant Golden and the late Rebecca Ritchie, Way Back When is a trio of one-act plays that draw inspiration from Bible stories. Golden reimagines the Creation, and the Binding of Isaac, with Mrs. God trying hard in both cases to keep her husband in line, while Ritchie’s play is an Eve/ Lilith confrontation long after Adam’s passing. Golden, who has written scores for a number of locally produced shows, has provided a signature song, “Ages Ago,” for the evening.

“The original inspiration was from listening to the Binding of Isaac story every single year at the High Holidays,” says Golden, who spearheads the project. “Jews almost universally hate this story, and our

rabbis and scholars haven’t done much to explain away God’s behavior here...

“Once God and Mrs. God were off and running, I decided to do a sequel of sorts, hence The Creation, which puts the science of evolution into a creationist frame,” Golden continues, and laughs, “Hopefully, we can all accept this as the last word.”

Ritchie’s play, In the Beginning, has been previously produced at Alleyway’s Buffalo Quickies, and is a femalecentric counterpart to Golden’s two.

“The tone is similar enough, however, that I thought to include it to make a jolly, semi-cohesive evening of it,” Golden says. “These are the first straight plays of mine to go on stage. Hey, better late than never! I’m chewing on the idea of The Adventures of Jacob, but it’s still very tentative.” FY

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Playwright Donna Hoke writes about theater for Buffalo Spree and Forever Young.

Opening This Month •JewishRepertoryTheatreopensRoseFebruary1(jewishrepertorytheatre. com, 888-718-4253).

• Way Back When begins at New Phoenix February 2 (newphoenixtheatre. org, 853-1334).

• Waitress opens February 6 at Shea’s (sheas.org, 847-0850).

• MusicalFare opens Smokey Joe’s Café: the songs of Lieber and Stoller February 7 (musicalfare.com, 839-8540).

• The Diary of Anne Frank hits Lancaster Opera House February 9 (lancopera.org, 683-1776).

• Alleyway introduces Beginning Again on February 15 (alleyway.com, 852-2600).

• Master Harold… and the Boys opens February 15 at Shea’s 710 Theatre (sheas.org, 847-0850).

Also Playing (in order of closing) • How I Learned To Drive wraps up at Subversive Theatre Collective February 10 (subversivetheatre.org, 408-0499).

• O’Connell and Company continues the one-man show, An Act of God, until February 11 (oconnellandcompany.com, 848-0800).

• Skeleton Crew finishes at the Paul Robeson Theatre February 11 (aaccbuffalo.org, 884-2013).

• The Constant Wife by W. Somerset Maugham finishes February 11 at Irish Classical Theatre Company (irishclassicaltheatre.com, 853-4282).

• Road Less Traveled Productions closes The Nether February 11 (roadlesstraveledproductions.com; 629-3069).

February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 9

ARTS

Ten Under-the-Radar Gems from 2017

BY CHRISTOPHER SCHOBERT

Carey Mulligan in Mudbound Photo courtesy of Netflix

W

e are now well into 2018, and that means lots of new movies. It also means a second win for some of 2017’s Oscar nominees. However, there are plenty of strong releases from last year that may not earn Academy Award nominations, but are well worth your time. Here are ten to check out at home.

Detroit: The latest film from Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) is one of 2017’s most woefully underseen films.

The sad, brutal account of the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 Detroit riots is undeniably powerful. With fine performances (including strong work from Force Awakens and Last Jedi star John Boyega), Detroit deserves to reach a wider audience. This is one you’ll hear more and more about in the years to come. (Available on Bluray and DVD) Dawson City: Frozen Time: You won’t find a more fascinating recent documentary than Bill Morrison’s account of the stunning 1978 discovery of 533 silent film prints in Canada. Frozen Time is like a tour of the twentieth century— the fever dream of the Gold Rush, strikes, war, destruction, progress, and, of course, cinema. (Available on Blu-ray and DVD) 10

The Hero: Star Sam Elliott is the reason to see The Hero, a modest, likable effort seemingly written for the iconic actor. He plays an aging Western icon who discovers he has cancer and hopes to reunite with his daughter and find one last, great role. (Available on Bluray and DVD, streaming on Hulu) Columbus: This quiet drama about two young people waiting for the rest of their lives to begin is a mustwatch for architecture buffs, those interested in the presentation of Asian Americans onscreen, and anyone who can appreciate an involving character study. Director Kogonada has crafted one of the most beautifully intimate films in recent memory. (Available on Blu-ray and DVD, streaming on Hulu) The Beguiled: While Sofia Coppola’s adaptation of Thomas P. Cullinan’s book loses some of the delightful weirdness of the Clint Eastwoodstarring 1971 version, it makes up for

www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

it with humor and sensuality. Colin Farrell plays a wounded Union soldier who must recover at a girls school in Virginia. (Available on Blu-ray and DVD) Mudbound: Director Dee Rees’s story of two families and two World War II veterans in Mississippi is emotionally devastating. This sobering American epic features standout performances from Jason Mitchell, Garrett Hedlund, Mary J. Blige and Carey Mulligan. It is often difficult to watch due to its violent racism and depiction of PTSD, but you’ll be glad you did. It’s that strong. (Streaming on Netflix) The Lovers: Uncomfortable, wise, and devilishly funny, The Lovers is a razor-sharp look at a faded marriage.

Stars Debra Winger and Tracy Letts have never been better, and that’s saying something. (Available on Bluray and DVD, streaming on Amazon Prime Instant Video)

John Boyega in Detroit Photo courtesy of Think Jam

Their Finest: This warm, World War II-set comedy-drama is one of three films releases in 2017 centered around the Dunkirk evacuation— the others were Dunkirk and Darkest Hour. A stellar cast of UK actors bring the story of a British Ministry of Information film team’s attempt to make a morale-boosting film during the height of Battle of Britain is a unique gem. (Available on Blu-ray and DVD, streaming on Hulu) A Quiet Passion: The year’s most

moving biopic starred Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon as poet Emily Dickinson. The struggles inherent to artistic creation have rarely been portrayed with such emotion and intelligence. (Available on Blu-ray and DVD, streaming on Amazon Prime Instant Video) The Lost City of Z: Whether you

have read the bestselling book about British explorer Percy Fawcett or not, The Lost City of Z is a truly impressive film. Charlie Hunnam stars as Fawcett, who journeyed with his son to search for the mythical lost city in the Amazon. The ending is downright haunting. (Available on Blu-ray and DVD, streaming on Amazon Prime Instant Video) FY Christopher Schobert writes about film for Forever Young and Buffalo Spree.

The Humble Carrot, Elevated

HOME & GARDEN

BY HILARY DIODATO

A

re you following your New Year’s resolutions? Were you seduced by the grocery store’s alluring displays of exotic fruits pressed into juices with eye-popping price tags, or the latest wave of supplements or shakes packed full of mystery substances purported to be the new superfoods? If you were (as I was and bought a superfood shake mix that the Internet claimed “tastes just like chocolate ice cream,” but most decidedly does not), fabulous news: I have a fun juice smoothie recipe for you! If not, no worries, I’ve got you covered with some delicious snack-sized cheesecakes.

Both are featuring a forgotten Filling lighter in texture, about 3 minutes. favorite, the chock-full-of-betaWhile the mixer is running, add the 8 ounces cream cheese, softened carotene carrot. It’s not a trendy veggie, carrot, blend completely, the eggs, and 1/2 cup carrot purée (puree from but it is easy to come by, affordable, and then the remaining filling ingredients. fresh, frozen, or cooked—or my sweet. Carrots also pack a wallop of The mixture will be thin. secret, carrot baby food) vitamin A, among other antioxidants, 4. Pour the filling into the prepared 2 eggs and if you use the whole carrot or its muffin cups. Bake in the preheated ¼ cup fine desiccated coconut puree, it has quite a bit of fiber as well. oven for 12-13 minutes, or until the ¼ cup walnuts, ground or So, can you consider the carrot cake edges are beginning to set but the finely chopped cheesecakes, below, healthful because center seems underdone (increase 1/3 cup powdered sugar of the fiber? Ehhh. the timing to 15 minutes if you are 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon using free standing silicone baking 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Individual Carrot Cake cups). Turn off the oven, leave 1 teaspoon lemon juice Cheesecakes the cheesecakes in the oven for 30 Yield: 12 cheesecakes minutes, this prevents cracking.

Directions My significant other is a carrot 5. Chill and serve.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. cake fanatic, but while I try in vain Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners. to make carrot cake everything, it’s 2. Blend the graham cracker Carrot in the Tropics hard to get the flavor right when crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Yield: 2-3 servings you don’t have a creamy component Evenly divide into the muffin cups, This simple smoothie is a great, to mimic the classic cream cheese press into the bottom to form a crust. sunny pack of vitamins, reminiscent of frosting. Here, that cream cheese is 3. Using an electric mixer, blend the a carrotized piña colada, and works well built right in. You might think that cream cheese on medium speed until if you don’t have one of those industrialusing extra fine coconut (you’ll see it labeled “desiccated” in the bulk or health food section, it’s in very tiny pieces) or grinding up the walnuts is an unnecessary step, but we’re looking to mirror the smooth texture of the rest of the filling – just how in real carrot cake, the walnuts and coconuts disappear in the cake’s crumb.

strength blenders. You could use an increased amount of carrot puree, thinned with a little water or more ice, if you have some left over from the carrot cake cheesecakes, above.

Ingredients 1 cup carrot juice 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned is OK) ½ cup ice ¼ cup coconut cream Directions 1. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a blender.

2. Blend on high until the ice is fully crushed, serve. FY Hilary Diodato is passionate about cooking and saving money and writes a bi-monthly column for Forever Young.

Ingredients Crust 4 graham crackers, finely crumbled 2 tablespoons melted butter 2 teaspoons sugar

February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 11

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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......... 681-7231 VILLA MARIA COLLEGE 240 Pine Ridge Rd., Cheektowaga 7 p.m.............. 896-0700 AM. LEG. POST NO. 567 3740 N. Buffalo Rd., O. Park 7:30 p.m......... 662-9780 ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 7:40 p.m......... 836-0011

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 ANGELS @ POLISH CADETS 927 Grant St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m......... 875-3211

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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 AMERICAN LEGION TONAWANDA NO. 264 60 Main St., Tonawanda 7:30 p.m......... 692-9785 GEORGE F. LAMM POST 962 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville 7:30 p.m......... 633-9242 RESURRECTION BINGO 130 Como Park Blvd.

7 p.m.............. 683-3712 JOSEPH HRICZKO VFW POST NO. 6245 29 Clemo St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m......... 854-1000 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. STANISLAUS RCC 123 Townsend St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m......... 849-4980 ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m......... 892-0425

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.............. 681-7231 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m......... 873-6716

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Bingo Calendar OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH 115 O’Connell Avenue, Buffalo 7:30 p.m......... 852-2671 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 POLISH CADETS CLUB 927 Grant St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................... 875-3211 FATHER JUSTIN K OF C — SPONSORED BY THE JUSTINETTES 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga

7:30 p.m.................... 681-7231 POLISH FALCONS 445 Columbia Ave., Depew 7:45 p.m.................... 684-2373 FATHER BAKER K OF C 2838 S. Park Ave., Lackawanna 12:45 p.m.................. 825-5150 LANCASTER K OF C 6114 Broadway, Lancaster 11:45 a.m................... 684-1905 RESCUE FIRE CO. NO. 5 1241 Strad, N. Tonawanda 7:30 p.m.................... 695-3923 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 7:40 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......................... 681-7231 AMVETS BINGO 600 Ward Rd., N. Tonawanda

(continued)

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8 p.m......................... 694-6290 BLESSED TRINITY 317 Leroy Ave., Buffalo 8 p.m......................... 833-0301 BUFFALO IRISH CENTER 245 Abbott Rd., Buffalo 7:45 p.m.................... 825-9535 ST. BERNARD’S CHURCH Clinton @ S. Ogden, Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................... 822-8856 PVT. LEONARD POST 2450 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga 7:15 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 AM. LEG. POST 1041 533 Amherst St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................... 875-9276 ST. CLARE’S 193 Elk St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................... 823-2358 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

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Bingo Calendar NIAGARA FRONTIER AMERICAN LEGION POST 1041 533 Amherst Street, Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................... 875-9276 VFW COL. WEBER POST 989 2909 South Park Ave., Lackawana 7:30 p.m.................... 823-9605

FRIDAY AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m................... 822-6400 O’BRIEN HALL Lafayette at Grant, Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................... 885-2469 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 & 10:30 p.m........... 549-4389 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m.................... 833-1715 ST. KATHERINE DREXEL 122 Shiller St., Buffalo

14

7:30 p.m.................... 895-6813 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m.................... 873-6716 LAKE ERIE CLUB 3200 S. Park Ave., Lackawanna 7:15 p.m.................... 825-9870 DALE ASSOCIATION CENT. 33 Ontario St., Lockport 7 p.m......................... 433-1886 SOUTH BYRON VFC Rte. 237, South Byron 7:30 p.m........... 585-548-2611 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 OUR LADY OF PERP. HELP 115 O’Connell St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................... 852-2671 ST. STANISLAUS RCC 123 Townsend St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m.................... 849-4980 ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE 950 Lossen Rd., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m.................... 668-3344

www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

(continued)

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 ST. JOHN XXIII 1 Arcade St., W. Seneca 7 p.m......................... 823-1090 CORPUS CHRISTI CLUB 165 Sears St., Buffalo 2 p.m......................... 892-0469 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 VILLA MARIA COLLEGE 240 Pine Ridge Rd., Cheektowaga 1 p.m......................... 896-0700 LANCASTER ELKS 1478 33 Legion Parkway, Lancaster 1 p.m......................... 685-1478 OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack, Lancaster 7 p.m. (1st Sat.)........ 683-6522 O’HARA BOOSTER CLUB 39 O’Hara Rd., Tonawanda 7:30 p.m.. 695-2600 ext. 326

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 1, 7, & 10:30 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 CARDINAL O’HARA HIGH 39 O’Hara Rd., Tonawanda 7:30 p.m. 695-2600 ext. 326 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 7 p.m (2nd Sat.)......... 882-7840

SUNDAY ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA 160 Court St., Buffalo 2 p.m......................... 854-2563

Bingo Calendar ST. LEO THE GREAT 885 Sweet Home Rd., Amherst 2 p.m......................... 835-8905 OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART 3148 Abbott Rd., O. Park 2 p.m......................... 824-2935 KENMORE K OF C 1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo 7:30 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 FATHER BAKER K OF C 2838 S. Park Ave., Lackawanna 7:15 p.m.................... 825-5150 OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack, Lancaster 7 p.m......................... 683-6522

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Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors in Erie County

BY PATRICK SULLIVAN

A

fter a lifetime of working, seniors can sometimes find it difficult to find ways use the free time they have when faced with retirement. Volunteering a great way to spend some of that free time and become active in your community. Here in WNY, there are many opportunities to volunteer on a one-time or short-time basis, as well as more long-term opportunities.

The website for Erie County features a whole section dedicated to seniors, including useful information on volunteering opportunities for people over the age of fifty-five. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) serves to help retired seniors find volunteering positions. There are

many benefits listed to becoming a volunteer that include the opportunity to try new things and meet new people, the satisfaction of knowing you are needed and appreciated, and the ability to help others by sharing your experience, abilities, and skills.

RSVP partners with more than ninety

Sue Nemoto has volunteered at the SPCA Serving Erie County three times a week for more than five years.

Photo by Bethany Kloc, SPCA Serving Erie County

sites to help place volunteers suitable for a wide variety of needs and wants.

Some of these include the Buffalo City Mission, the Salvation Army, Buffalo Public Schools, and many other opportunities. This program does involve enrollment and requires all new 16

www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

volunteers to attend an orientation.

One-time opportunities are available as well, but this program may be better suited for those seeking a longer or steadier volunteer commitment.

To find out more about the RSVP program, click on the “Volunteering

COVER and Employment” link of the “Seniors” section of the Erie County website at www2.erie.gov under “Our Services” or call 858-7548.

For those who have a busier schedule, there are many opportunities to make a more flexible volunteer commitment. Meals on Wheels is an excellent example. The organization is always looking for drivers, servers, or people to prepare meals. On the Meals on Wheels website, there is a great message for those who want to volunteer, “Volunteering with Meals on Wheels is deeply satisfying and easy to fit into even the busiest schedule. It takes only an hour of your day to deliver meals and a smile to the homebound, and you can volunteer as frequently as you wish.” Meals on Wheels does ask that you fill out an application, but it has very flexible hours. To get more information on becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer, visit the website for the WNY area at mealsonwheelswny. org and access the “Volunteer” section or call 822-2002.

Other volunteering opportunities in the Buffalo area appeal to a wide variety of interests. Some of these include the Buffalo Zoo, The SPCA serving Erie County, Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries, and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

There is also a program sponsored by Catholic Charities of Buffalo called the Foster Grandparent Program.

This program provides benefits not only for the children but also for the senior volunteers. According to the website, “By mentoring, tutoring, and offering caring support to exceptional and special needs children, volunteers develop one-on-one relationships with the youngsters.” Grandparent volunteers can help give back to kids who really need someone to look out for them and offer them companionship, as well as some learning and educational opportunities. This position also offers a small stipend when volunteers help for between fifteen and forty hours per week. To find out more about this program, visit the Catholic Charities

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of Buffalo website at ccwny.org and search under the “Volunteer” section or call 896-6388. Catholic Charities of Buffalo also offers many other volunteering opportunities.

Volunteering can be invaluable to both those volunteering and those who benefit from it. Being able to share a lifetime of experience and knowledge can help someone in many ways, and

being able to care and show compassion for someone can bring them more than just a smile. If you are a retired senior, or even someone still working but looking for a way to spend some of your free time, give volunteering a try. FY Patrick Sullivan is a senior at Medaille College and a Buffalo Spree Publishing intern.

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www.medicalradiobuffalo.com February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 17

COVER

Senior Volunteer Opportunities in Niagara County

BY JUDITH A. RUCKI

M

aybe you’ve become an empty nester, decided to retire, or simply find you have some extra time on your hands. No need to fret about how to fill your days. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available and many organizations that would love to have you.

You might want to start by taking an inventory of your skills, abilities, and interests to determine what best suits you. This could even be the time to step outside your comfort zone and try doing something totally different.

Niagara County residents may want to start with going to the United Way of Greater Niagara website (uwgn.org) and click on “Volunteer.” The agency believes volunteers are the “back bone of the United Way,” and they are looking for individuals to serve at special events, agency relations, and campaign production. Day of Caring and Make a Difference Day would not happen without the help of volunteers.

If you click on “Programs,” you will find a number of organizations that need your help. Let’s explore.

Literacy Volunteer You just might have what it takes to become a Literacy Volunteer Tutor.

Training is provided for you to help individuals improve their reading skills and help serve recently relocated refugees and immigrants who may not speak or read English.

(876-8991 or literacybuffalo.org) Meals on Wheels Lockport Meals on Wheels depends on volunteers to help deliver meals to clients. This essential service ensures senior citizens and other vulnerable people do not go hungry. (433-6811 or lockportmealsonwheels.com) HANCI The Health Association of Niagara County, Inc. (HANCI) serves thousands 18

A group of HANCI volunteers at the 2017 Niagara County Senior Walk in the Park Photo courtesy of HANCI

of people in the community. You can volunteer with seniors in a day program or serve on the planning committee for the HANCI Senior Prom. (285-8224 or hanci.com) YMCA The YMCA says volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. If you are sports-minded, finance or officeoriented, or prefer fundraising and helping with events, they have a spot for you.

NCMRC If you are looking for some action, The Niagara County Medical Reserve Corps need volunteers who can

www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

be activated during an emergency such as pandemic flu or a largescale environmental exposure to disease event. Volunteers administer vaccines, fill out forms, and give directions, among other duties. (4397431 or niagaracounty.com/health/ Services/Public-Health-Preparedness/ Volunteer) Dale Association The Dale Association was founded in response to a concern for older adults living alone and in need of social and recreational opportunities.

This organization needs volunteers who can assist with bingo, call seniors who need someone to

touch base with them, work on the Association’s weekly cable show, sew, and make candy. These are only a few examples. Truly this organization has something for everyone. (433-1886 or daleassociation.com) SPCA Is there an organization that you have always wanted to work with but never had the time? Animal lovers may want to consider the Niagara SPCA. A couple hours a week would make a huge difference to an animal in need.

Want to be a Tailwagger? These are the folks who work with dogs. This includes dog walkers and kennel assistants. Or you could become a

COVER Purr Pal. These individuals interact with cats and help them thrive. Community outreach volunteers are also needed to represent the SPCA at community events. (731-4368 or niagaraspca.org) Foster Grandparents If you like working with children, the Foster Grandparent Program in North Tonawanda gives older adults (55+) a chance to work with youngsters in need. Foster Grandparents can be mentors, tutors, caregivers, or role models to children. They are also present in classrooms, childcare centers, medical centers, and Head Start programs. (218-1400 or ccwny.org/ services/foster-grandparent-program) Hospitals Hospitals are always in need of volunteers.

Eastern Niagara Hospital in Lockport (5145700 or enhs.org), Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center in Lewiston (297-4800 or chsbuffalo.org), and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center in Niagara Falls (278-4000 or nfmmc.org) all offer opportunities. These can range from interacting with patients to serving in the mailroom, cafeteria, gift shop, library,

or with hospital transportation. Creative types may want to make artwork or crafts for patients or share musical skills.

For more ideas, go to volunteermatch.org.

Organizations like the Girl Scouts, National MS Society, Hearts and Hands, AmeriCorps and Compeer Niagara are all in need of volunteers.

National sites outlining volunteer opportunities include volunteer.gov, where you can find opportunities by state. Or check out createthegood.org, courtesy of AARP. Type in keywords, your zip code, and the distance you are willing to travel. You may even get some ideas for opportunities you hadn’t considered.

Use your skills and experience to make an impact in your community. Volunteer today!

You’ll be glad you did. FY Judith A. Rucki is a public relations consultant and freelance writer. Readers may contact her via the editor at wswearingen@buffalospree.com with ideas for making the golden years sparkle, sizzle, and shine.

A senior citizen accepts a meal and a handshake from a friendly Meals on Wheels volunteer. Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels

February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 19

COVER

Clean It out and Pass It on

BY REBECCA CUTHBERT

W

hat’s better than cleaning out closets and cupboards? Donating the contents to worthy local charities that can use them! If you don’t have the time or ability to spend hours volunteering, donating items can be another great way to help your community. For instance, the City Mission, which logs thousands of volunteer hours every month, is always in need of items for their volunteers to distribute.

Decluttering our living spaces is a big step toward reaching those goals. Instead of adding more waste to landfills, we can give those gently used items to community members in need—both human and animal.

The Buffalo City Mission, located at 100 East Tupper Avenue in Buffalo, provides assistance and comfort to homeless and impoverished men, women, and children. Laurie Patsalides with BCM public relations explains

that there are plenty of pre-owned items needy folks would appreciate this season.

“We could always use clothing in good shape, like warm coats, jeans, sweaters, and any other (heavier) winter clothing, in any size, for men, women, and children,” she says. “We have the Agape Shop, where anyone can come and receive what they need for free.”

Patsalides adds that the City Mission is in need of housewares, including furniture, lamps, kitchen items, and small kitchen appliances.

“Especially if you get a replacement or a double for the holidays, donating the older one is a great gift for someone who’s in poverty,” she says.

Donations can be dropped off at 100 E. Tupper Ave., and in many cases, community members can arrange for pickup by calling 854-8181 ext. 424.

Animals in need But it isn’t only the two-legged among us who need some assistance.

The dogs and cats at the SPCA serving Erie County need help, too. From dog walkers to volunteers feeding animals and cleaning up a bit, all help is welcome.

The SPCA, located at 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca, is always in need of common household items—and the less money the organization has to spend on these things, the more it can spend on lifesaving medical care for its residents.

“We have a ‘wish list’ on our website, (yourspca.org/donate/ourwish-list), where you can find all the items we need,” says Bethany Kloc, communications manager. “We can use newspapers to line the bottoms of litter

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boxes, washcloths to wash the little kittens’ and puppies’ faces, and blankets for the kennels.”

And, of course, towels—the SPCA goes through many towels.

Kloc also listed plastic animal carriers, large stuffed animals, and pillowcases.

(Note that the SPCA cannot use heavy comforters, sheets, knitted or crocheted items, electric blankets, or pillows.)

“We will also take used dog collars,” Kloc says. “If your pet is ‘over’ the last fashion trend, we’ll use it!”

When it comes to all other types of paper clutter, like old magazines, junk mail, catalogs, and more, don’t just toss it out—recycle it! Better yet, look for a yellow and green “Paper Retriever” bin in your neighborhood to help a local organization fundraise.

There are so many other ways to help your community. For instance: • If your extreme couponing habit got a little out of hand recently and you realized no one needs fifty cans of tuna, donate what you won’t use to the Food Bank of WNY or your church’s soup kitchen.

• If you had dreams of arts and crafts projects but never found time to do the actual crafting, ask a nearby elementary school if they can use the supplies for art class.

• Hoarded horticultural supplies might find a new home with a community garden.

• Extra hand tools could lend a hand to a struggling vocational program.

Sometimes, opening the door to a beautiful and productive new year is as simple as opening a closet door (and pulling out all the items you don’t use anymore). Instead of throwing those old appliances, housewares, clothes, and blankets in the trash, recycle them by making a donation to a community service organization. Make 2018 your year for a cleaner house, a clearer conscience, and a lighter heart! FY Rebecca Cuthbert lives, writes, and cares for shelter dogs in Dunkirk. She is a frequent contributor to Forever Young and Buffalo Spree.

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The Allure of Portugal

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JENNIFER MERRICK A bird's eye view of historic Lisbon from Castle Sao Jorge

P

ortugal has garnered a lot of positive attention in recent years. It’s been on the top of travel lists everywhere; tourism has seen record numbers for six years in a row, and even Madonna has decided to make Portugal her home.

Why has this European nation suddenly become so popular?

“Portugal is the California of Europe,” says Chitra Stern, owner of the country’s award-

winning Martinhal Resorts. “It’s got amazing year-round weather, fantastic people who are so warm and welcoming, and the most outstanding food.”

After a recent visit to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and the Algarve region on the country’s southern tip, I now understand what the fuss is about. With its mix of rich culture

and stunning natural beauty, I have to admit I’m tempted to join Chitra (and Madonna) in making this country my adopted home.

Lisbon seduced me in no time at all. It wasn’t the 70°F temperatures and sunshine in November or even the narrow cobblestone streets and historic squares. It was simply the sense of beauty and contentment I felt on my first evening, strolling along the River Tagus, watching the sun drop behind the landmark suspension bridge (which looks exactly like San Fran’s Golden Gate, by the way). I became further enamoured when I bit into a famous custard tart, listened to the soulful Fado music, and looked out from atop the Sao Jorge Castle to a sea of red-tiled roofs.

If you decide to travel to Portugal’s bewitching capital yourself (and I highly suggest you do), here are few experiences you won’t want to miss.

Ride the trams Lisbon is nicknamed “The City of Seven Hills,” and they’re steep.

Luckily, you can get around on historic trolleys that have been operating in the city since the 1930s. Though they look like they belong in a museum, the trams are well-suited to the narrow, steep streets and are an integral part of the city’s transportation. Route #28 is the most popular and takes you through many of Lisbon’s highlights. Watch your valuables though, as pickpockets have been known to target tourists.

Stroll through Chiado Our Lisbon apartment, one of Martinhal’s thirty-seven wellequipped family suites, was situated in the heart of one of the city’s best neighbourhoods. Chiado is equal part historic and hip, and its cobbled, narrow streets are full of squares with statues of poets and outdoor patios. It’s easy to lose yourself browsing the many shops selling everything from antiques and traditional pottery to chic clothing and specialty foods.

22

www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

GETAWAYS

A souvenir from one of Chiado's many unique shops

Nearby is the Santa Justa Lift, an ornate wrought iron public elevator that was built in 1902, so locals could avoid the tough walk up the hill that connects the lower and upper districts. Now it’s mostly tourists who use it, and there’s almost always a line. But it’s worth the wait to see the stunning view from the top.

Tour the heart of an ancient empire It’s easy to be unaware of Lisbon’s layer upon layer of history if you’re just walking around on your own. Our knowledgeable and charismatic guide, Joao from Heritage Tours, brought the city’s history to life, regaling us with stories about the Golden Age of Discovery when “King Manuel rode elephants on the street with a parrot on his shoulder, sprinkling cinnamon and spices.” One of the best places to appreciate the grandeur and richness of the empire is at Jerónimos Monastery. At this architectural marvel, our guide pointed out the ornate details that were influenced by the discoveries Portuguese navigators were making in their travels around the world.

It’s also the final resting place of Vasco da Gama, the explorer who discovered the route to India and brought wealth and fame to Portugal.

Lisbon's historic trolleys have been operating since the 1930s.

View the city from a hilltop castle At Castle Sao Jorge, situated high above the city, we learned more about the Moorish history of the neighborhood and the medieval citadel as we watched the resident peacocks strut their stuff on the castle grounds. By far, the highlight of the site was wandering along the stone turrets, enjoying the panoramic views of historic Lisbon with its endless red-tiled roofs and the river as its backdrop.

Wander the alleyways of Alfama Directly below the castle is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most historic neighbourhoods. Alfama is the Moorish heart of the city, which, unlike most of the city, survived the devastating earthquake of 1755. The maze of cobbled streets and mismatched dwellings reveal visual treats at every turn, including photographs of former residents on the sides of buildings, paying homage to its past. Though trendier now, it was once a rougher and

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February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 23

GETAWAYS

The interior Jerónimos Monastery (above); the final resting place of Vasco de Gama (right)

poorer district, and the birthplace of the soulful Fado music.

Bask in the meloncholic chords of Portugal’s blues “Quiet, the Fado is about to begin,” is a refrain heard in many venues throughout the country before singers croon with the accompaniment of a traditional twelve-string guitar. Fado means fate, and the wistful ballads tell of heartbreak, longing and separation, and times when sailors left their loved ones behind, not knowing when they’d return. At O Faia restaurant, a classic Lisbon venue, we could feel the emotion behind the lyrics, despite not knowing the language. One eighty-one-year-old Fado star, Anita Guerreiro, had the crowd wrapped around her little finger as she threw her head back, 24

and her strong, throaty lyrics filled the room. Between sets, we relished delicious traditional foods, especially enjoying the fresh octopus.

Savor the flavors Lisboetas, as the city residents are known, take pride in their food, and there were many memorable meals on our trip. Mercado de Ribeira, now called the Time Out Market, is the oldest and largest food market in Lisbon, where you’ll find dozens of vendors selling Portuguese fare, international food, snacks, wine, and crafts. It’s also the best place to sample a Pastéis de Nata. My eyes rolled back in my head when I tried these heavenly egg custard tarts, and I loved watching my travel companions have the same reaction. The Belem tarts are the most famous, but according to

www.foreveryoungwny.com | February 2018

locals, the ones at Manteigaria are actually the best.

Portuguese cuisine is appreciated and recognized more than ever, thanks to chefs like José de Avillez, owner of several Lisboa restaurants, including the Bairro do Avillez, which we had the pleasure of dining in. Their innovative dishes stay true to their roots but surprise with their flavors. The “exploding olives” literally burst in your mouth, and the variety of seafood and cheeses are creative and delicious.

Explore more of Portugal A three-hour drive south brought us to the Algarve region of the country. Here, we soaked up the sunshine and the sweeping ocean views at Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort. Located in a national park of the same name, the property

has a selection of spacious and artfully designed accommodations suitable for every size of family, as well as swimming pools, a kids’ club, spa, and restaurants. Its seafood

Fresh octopus served at O Faia restaurant

GETAWAYS

Traditional Fado music played at O Faia retaurant

is sourced from a nearby auction house and is literally fresh from the boat. The talented chefs prepare it superbly, and you can enjoy it with a glass of local wine and a view while the kids are entertained in their own eating area.

Nearby is the town of Sagres and the end of the world—well, what Europeans thought of as the earth’s final point for millennia. Cape St. Vincent is the southwesternmost

One of the alleys in the historic Alfama neighborhood.

point on the continent, and in summer, thousands gather simply to stand overlooking the cliffs and watch one of the best sunsets in Europe. The dramatic cliffs and expansive blue ocean were just as spectacular when we viewed them in November—only the crowds were gone and it’s blissfully peaceful.

Low season (October through May) is the ideal time to visit, and I’d recommend doing it sooner rather than later, before more of the world discovers what a beautiful destination Portugal is.

If you go: Flights: Nonstop flights are available on TAP Portugal from JFK and Newark (flytap.com) Accommodations: Martinhal Chiado Family Suites in Lisbon and Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort in the Algarve (martinhal.com) FY

Traditional Pastéis de Nata egg custard tarts

Jennifer Merrick is a freelance writer and avid traveler based in Toronto.

February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 25

BEING WELL

Vitamin D What You Need to Know

BY CATHERINE STACK

I

am bombarded with journal articles and research studies that undeniably indicate the role of vitamin D in cancer prevention. I have lectured and written on this topic before, especially when it comes to supporting your immune system, but I will now continue to further ingrain this topic into your head. It may just save your life.

Vitamin D3 supplementation is probably one of the most important things you can do to protect your body from disease. Its effects on genes are so powerful that a deficiency in vitamin D over an extended period of time has been associated with twentytwo types of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and a host of other modern chronic diseases.

What’s most important is its powerful effect on the immune system.

Adequate levels of vitamin D in the body have been shown to increase the body’s natural supply of what are called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).

These are small fragments of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, that have very beneficial effects on the immune system’s ability to fight

against several types of germs, including viruses and bacteria.

Study after study suggests current rates of cancer in this country could be reduced dramatically by taking 6,000 to 10,000 units of vitamin D daily. Research has also shown that vitamin D3 supplementation provides protection from the flu.

Based on the most recent research, the current recommendation for dosage is 35 IUs of vitamin D per pound of body weight. So, for a child weighing forty pounds, the recommended average dose would be 1,400 IUs daily, and for a 170-pound adult, the dose would be nearly 6,000 IUs. However, it’s important to realize that vitamin D requirements are highly individual, as your vitamin D status is dependent on numerous factors,

such as the color of your skin, your location, and how much sunshine you’re exposed to on a regular basis. Living in Western New York or anywhere near the Great Lakes predisposes us to vitamin D deficiency.

Thankfully, most doctors are now testing vitamin D levels in their patients. The correct test your doctor needs to order is 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which is the better marker of overall vitamin D status. This is the marker most strongly associated with overall health.

The “normal” 25-hydroxyvitamin D lab range is between 20-56 ng/ ml. Experts now feel that anything below 32ng/ml is considered a severe deficiency that will ultimately increase your risk for all cancer types and autoimmune diseases like multiple

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sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, type II diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis, just to name a few.

The optimal value that you’re looking for is 50-75 ng/ml. Anything above 120 ng/ml is considered too high, and I personally have yet to see this, even on those taking 10,000 IU per day. This range applies for everyone; children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Vitamin D3 is so easy to take.

My favorite form is in an olive oil base. One drop provides 2000 IU. I commonly recommend three to five drops daily. This appears to raise blood levels far better than the prescribed dose of 50,000 IU per week that is often prescribed by many healthcare practitioners—including myself.

Even if Western New York were in the sunniest part of the country, I would still continue to take my daily dose of Vitamin D3. The protection is priceless! FY Catherine Stack (RN, ND) is a practicing Doctor of Naturopathy, Certified Nurse Midwife, and the founder and CEO of Journey II Health Center for Rejuvenation. Her book, Free Yourself from a CONSTIPATED Life, is available on Amazon. Visit her website at journeyiihealth.com or email cath626@gmail.com.

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Being a caregiver requires patience, understanding and creativity. Knowledge is essential for being proactive and anticipating hazards or issues before they arise. One of the best ways to learn effective caregiving techniques is to attend a support group.

You’ll be surprised at the tips you can pick up, the friendships you’ll make and the emotional support you’ll receive at these groups.

The McGuire Group facilities offer A bereavement support group for four different support groups: those who’ve experienced a loss meets A support group for wives of those on the third Wednesday of the month at with memory loss meets on the second 5 pm at Seneca Health Care Center in Wednesday of the month at 3 pm West Seneca. at Harris Hill Nursing Facility in For more information: Williamsville.

Memory Care support groups - Sarah A support group for the daughters Pietrowski at 632-3700 or spietrowski@ of those with memory loss meets on mcguiregroup.com. the second Wednesday of the month at Caregiver support group – Barb 5 pm at Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Johnson at 632-3700 or bjohnson@ Williamsville. mcguiregroup.com A caregiver’s support group for those Bereavement support group – Arial with loved ones in a nursing home meets Ristovski at 828-0500 or aristovski@ on the first Monday of the month at 11 mcguiregroup.com. am at Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Visit: www.McGuireGroup.com.

Williamsville.

YOUR PAGE 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? We want to devote space in Forever Young to what matters most: you. Send your story ideas to editor Wendy Guild Swearingen at wswearingen@foreveryoungwny. com or 1738 Elmwood Ave., Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207.

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FEBRUARY SOLUTION

NOTEWORTHY 1

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10 February 1 Rose Here’s a vibrant portrait of a feisty Jewish woman and her many adventures.

Through Feb. 25 at Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY (The Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre, JCC Benderson Family Bldg., 2640 North Forest Rd., Getzville; jewishrepertorytheatre.com or 688-4114)

February 17 Jacob Jay Quintet & Shaun Doyle: The Music of Chet Baker

February 10 Winter Wonderland Try snowshoes or cross-country skis, enjoy ice-fishing demonstrations, winter crafts, and more.

12–4 p.m. at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve (93 Honorine Dr., Cheektowaga; reinsteinwoods.org or 683-5959)

February 22 WNY Home and Garden Expo Check out the latest trends and products for home and garden.

Relive the smooth and soulful music of trumpet player and singer Chet Baker.

6 p.m. at PAUSA Art House (19 Wadsworth St.; pausaarthouse.com or 697-9069)

Through Feb. 25 at Hamburg Fairgrounds (5600 McKinley Pkwy., Hamburg; www.the-fairgrounds.com or 649-3900)

February 28 The Illusionists Present Adam Trent: The Next Generation of Magic Adam Trent performs a magical evening of stunning tricks and illusions.

7:30 p.m. at Shea’s Performing Arts Center (646 Main St.; sheas.org or 847-0850, for tickets 800-745-3000) February 2018 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 29