Rowan Senior Savvy June 2022 by Great American Publishing

ROWAN

By Ann Peachman Stewart peachmanstewart@gmail.com

peeked in the doorway and gasped. Dolls everywhere. All over the bed, on the dresser and perched on the nightstand. Multiple sizes, different hair colors, but each wore a knitted or crocheted dress in every possible hue. As a little girl who made extra dolls out of tissue when I ran out, this was “doll heaven” and I strained to enter the room and cradle a few in my arms. A firm grasp on my shoulder held me back. “You can look but not touch,” Grandma said. She had prepared these dolls to sell at a charity event. They weren’t for me. Why show them to me, then?

By Theresa Pierce

y mother, Bea and her twin brother, A.E. would have been 94 this year. They filled our lives with stories, good food and creativity. They were born prematurely at home on the family farm, the last of six children. My uncle liked to say, “I was a gentleman from the start. I let the lady go first.” As they grew, my mother could not pronounce Archibald so Bubby became short for brother. After that, in the Farm Life community, they were referred to as Bea and Bubby. Bea was the headstrong, take-

JU NE 20 22

My other grandma prepared groaning tables when we came to visit, and fawned on her son, my dad. I remember my mom and my aunt muttering about that. As the last of a multitude of Grandma’s children’s children, she had used up all her interest in grandchildren when I burst on the scene ten years after my sister. Both grandmas gave me the not-so-subtle message that I wasn’t important. My mom didn’t have long to fulfill the grandma role, but she reveled in it. When I was growing up, the living room was more like a museum with Royal Doulton china figurines and velvet chairs and we never went in. My children didn’t either but felt at home in their grandparent’s kitchen with its smells of fresh bread and cookies The backyard

housed a paddling pool, a croquet game and a childsized picnic table, each of which screamed “You belong here.” Alzheimer’s and a car accident took my mom from us when my oldest was only seven, but my kids knew “Gubby” loved them. As a mom, I made mistakes. I made decisions based on fear, made strict rules about things that didn’t matter and worked too hard. I wish I had laughed more, listened better and been more present. Probably every mom longs to go back and change some things. I can’t, but… Now I’m a grandma. I have more wisdom and a better perspective, albeit less energy. But deep within me is a determination. I’m aware of the brevity of life, and that I have only a few years to

make an impact, especially on this generation. But I will make an impact. To My Grandchildren Nothing I own is worth more than you. It’s important to respect property. That’s something you need to do throughout life. But you are welcome to touch my tiny china tea set and my tea pots and anything else, and if it breaks, I will clean it up and hug you. I want my house to be a fun place to visit. I will

charge sibling that raised me. Bubby was the artist and educator. Although twins, they had different personalities and interests but they both loved their Farm Life Community upbringing, just outside Williamston, NC. When Mom started school, she had never used an inside toilet, only outhouses. The seat was springloaded. No one told her you had to hold down the ring. She said, “I got tired of getting popped on the fanny when I stood up.” That was my Momma. She spoke her mind. One night, when they were

about ten years old, they snuck out of church to eat apples in the back of the wagon. The both got terrible stomachaches. Later they discovered why; the half-eaten apples were full of worms. Only after they felt better, did they laugh about it. Growing up on a tobacco farm, they worked hard. When it was time to go to college, their father gave them an acre of tobacco apiece to pay their way. They attended East Carolina Teacher’s College (ECTC) in Greenville, now known as East Carolina University. My mother liked to tell a story about the time she got

called down by the Dean of Women when she was seen walking around campus with her boyfriend’s arm around her waist. That boyfriend eventually became my father home from the war. Times have changed. One of the few men left on campus and too young to fight oversees, Bubby was quite popular with the ladies. Bea helped him pay for numerous corsages. Together they were a novelty! They were twin cheerleaders. Momma said, “My bloomers were made from bleached out flour sacks.”

Continued on page 2

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A Little Dose of Humor

From Our Readers

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Published monthly as an information service for those 55 and over The publication of advertisements in Senior Savvy does not constitute endorsement by Great American Publishing Co. or contributing senior centers. Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. If you need medical, financial, or other advice, seek this advice from a qualified professional in the appropriate field. Publisher Cindy Hart Graphic Design Sandra Ketchie Advertising Sales Cindy Hart For information concerning advertising, call 704-213-4718 If you are interested in having a story or article printed, please contact us at: Great American Publishing Co. 125 Midsail Road Salisbury, NC 28146

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My Grandma Manifesto continued from page 1 buy age-appropriate toys, furniture and games for us to share together, because even though I am old (in your eyes) I love to play with you and whatever you are into. Why? Because you are you and you are special. I will always have chocolate ice cream in the freezer. Just for you. I will listen, ask questions and listen some more. What you say and think is important to me. Let’s play together! I can dig in the sand, and I love bubbles and I will cheer when you do gymnastics on my couch. When you say, “Grandma, look!” I will not only

look but thrill that you want me to see. When you get older, I will look for ways to connect with you. I know the teen years can be terrible and wonderful and hard and fun, and I am here for whatever bits of connection and conversation you have for me. I will find out your favourite kind of chocolate or coffee or snack and make sure to have it waiting for you when you visit. I will pray for you. Whatever your beliefs, I will bring you to the Father, because I believe that’s one of the best gifts I can give you.

Know this: I love you with a fierce, grandma love. That will never change. I probably won’t always agree with your choices, but I will always love you. You are a gift. From the first day you were born, I was crazy excited about you. You have no idea how much I talk about you and how proud I am of you. The awareness that my time is limited is with me every day. But when I’ve gone home to Jesus, I want you to be able to say and to know in every part of you, “Grandma loved me.” Because it’s true. Today and always.

Twins-Bea and Bubby continued from page 1 My grandmother made their uniforms. Their adorable picture shows up often in ECU alumni literature. At ECTC, Bea and Bubby were seated at a fancy dinner party. Bubby plucked a slippery prune from a glass dish. He held it between his thumbs with a mischievous look on his face. My mother said she knew her brother was up to no good, but was at a loss for how to stop him. When Bubby squeezed the prune, the seed shot out, arched in the air and into the goblet of a classmate,

splashing her pretty dress. The lady looked around curiously. The twins were busy trying to stifle their laughter. Mom said that lady eventually became the wife of a senator. She said, “Every time I saw her on television, I started laughing again at the memory.” Growing up, feeding farmhands, Momma said she made 100 biscuits a day. Both Bea and Bubby learned to cook and kept that talent all their lives. In the 1950s, my mom was in labor with my brother. Meanwhile, my uncle was stationed in Japan,

during the Korean War. Even halfway around the world, he said he sensed Bea was giving birth. It has been said that twins have a lifelong connection. They were both creative in their own ways. Momma was good at planning parties and gardening. My uncle’s talents including drawing, painting and theatre. When they got together, they told and retold their childhood tales, laughing like they had never heard them before. The stories are endless. I loved growing up the child of a twin.

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From Our Readers

The Time I Was SUPERMAN For A Day By Jerry Genovese Joanandjerry@outlook.com

his story is another one of my true life experiences. It is just one of those funny stories that leave a smile on your face, and a good feeling in your heart. It was in the mid seventies, and I was a new car salesman for a Chevrolet dealer. We had a nice showroom that also served as the waiting area for customers that were having work done on their car in the service department. At the end of the showroom was a double swinging door that lead to the shop. Customers would drop their car off to be serviced, and if it wasn’t a big job, they would kill time in the showroom looking at the cars on the floor till their car was ready. One day, while I was sitting at my desk, a woman and her eight year old son came walking into the showroom

after dropping off her car for service. It wasn’t going to take long, so she decided to wait for it in the showroom. From the minute they walked in, I knew right away this kid was trouble. He was crying, yelling, being really fresh to his mother, and didn’t care who looked at him during his tantrum. This went on and on for quite a while. She had no control over him at all, and he knew it. Everything she said he would scream and try to pull away from her, and was being a real brat. Well, having four children of my own, who knew what the term discipline meant, I couldn’t take it anymore. This kid needed some good old fashioned swatting, Italian style, but of course that was out of the question by me. So I thought I would try something. I got up and walked over to them, and asked the mother if I could

talk to the boy over by my desk, alone. She gave me a little bit of an unsure look, but probably figured we were in a showroom in broad daylight, and she was within view, and I worked there, so she agreed. I told the boy to come with me, and I guess he was wondering what I was going to do, so he behaved and came with me. I sat him down at my desk, spoke to him for a few minutes, then brought him back to his mother. For the next three hours, that kid didn’t make a sound, or get out of the chair. The mother kept looking at him, looking at me, looking at him, with a total look of disbelief on her face. Finally, I guess she couldn’t take it any longer and she got up and came over to my desk and sat down. She leaned over to me and said, “My God, what did you say to him to make such a change so fast?” I smiled at her and said, “Listen son, you are being totally disrespectful to your mother, and I don’t like it.

Now I’m going to tell you something, and you better pay attention. Nobody knows it, but I am Superman, and if you don’t behave as of right now, I am going to fly you up to the top of that pole out there, and leave you there till your mother’s car is ready. Do you understand? He looked at me, and I said again, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?” He sheepishly shook his head yes, and walked back to you and sat down. Well, she looked at me and said,”I don’t believe it, Superman is his absolute idol, of all the people to choose, you hit the nail on the head, no wonder he’s being so good” Well, for the entire three hours that he sat there, he just kept looking at me. I asked his mother when the next time she was supposed to come in, and she said actually it was the next day. I said” great, I’ll see you tomorrow”. That night after work, I went straight to Walmart on a mission, and sure enough I Continued on page 14

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Our Health

5 Ways to Promote Brain Health During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

uring Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, the Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging all Americans to adopt hdealthy lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. There are currently more than 6 million Americans age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s, including 180,000 North Carolina residents. Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, 1 in 3 seniors age 85 and older will have Alzheimer’s disease. While some brain changes are inevitable as we age, there is a growing body of research to suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, including healthy eating, exercising regularly, not smoking and staying cognitively engaged may help us age healthier and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. “Understanding the role

healthy behaviors may play in reducing cognitive decline is a robust area of research currently,” said Katherine L. Lambert, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter. “Researchers are working to determine what may be the optimal lifestyle ‘recipe’ to reduce cognitive decline, but there are steps we can take now to age well and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.” During June, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these five tips to promote better brain health and help reduce the risk of cognitive decline: Exercise regularly – Regular cardiovascular exercise helps increase blood flow to the body and brain, and there is strong evidence that regular physical activity is linked to better memory and thinking. Maintain a heart-healthy diet – Stick to a meal schedule

full of fruits and vegetables to ensure a well-balanced diet. Some evidence suggests a healthful diet is linked to cognitive performance. The Mediterranean and DASH diets, which emphasize whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fish and berries, are linked to better cognitive functioning, and help reduce risk of heart disease as well. Get proper sleep – Maintaining a regular, uninterrupted sleep pattern benefits physical and psychological health, and helps clear waste from the brain. Adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night and try to keep a routine bedtime. Stay socially and mentally active – Meaningful social engagement may support cognitive health, so stay connected with friends and family. Engage your mind by doing activities that stump you, like completing a jigsaw puzzle or playing strategy games. Or challenge yourself further by learning a new language or musical instrument.

Keep your heart healthy – Recent study shows strong evidence that a healthier heart is connected to a healthier brain. The study shows that aggressively treating high blood pressure in older adults can help reduce the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). “Incorporating these behaviors become especially important as we age,” said Lambert. “But they are good guidelines to follow at any age. Research suggests that incorporating these behaviors in combination will have the greatest benefit, but even if you begin with one or two you’re moving in the right direction.” To learn more about ways to reduce your risk of cognitive decline by making lifestyle changes, go to alz. org. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or the Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter, visit alz.org/northcarolina or call 800.272.3900.

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Our Health

Two Years

Louanne Stanton

Louannestanton.com

ou know every month I try and bring ideas and helpful tips to you for getting through grief. I thought this month I would bring you along with me to show you how I have handled the last two years after one of my biggest losses. And let you know, maybe, you are not alone in your grief journey you may be traveling. I have said time and time again, grief is not just for a death. Grief is the feeling you have when there is a change in your normal pattern of behavior or way of life. Grief is the normal and natural reaction to a loss of any kind. It can be the death of someone you love, or not love. It can be the end of a relationship, the loss of a job or a possession you have had in your life for a period of time, the loss of a pet or many other losses we endure in our lifetime. So today, I am going to remember the past two years without one of my favorite people, my father-in-law, Ward Stanton. Ward was a quiet man by the time

I came into his life. I know he was a hard-working father and teacher in the school system for thirty years and he retired in 1998. He and his wife Lois, spent their retirement living their best life. They bought a camper and lived half the year in New Mexico and the other half in New York state. Lois died in 2004 and he continued living his best life without her. He missed her tremendously, but he knew the lesson I had not learned fully, that the living must continue living. Ward and I spent time together over the phone, he would come visit us and I had the opportunity to go to New Mexico and visit him with my dad. That trip was amazing and he showed us so much history and beauty of the rugged state that I fell in love with it. Ward had made the hard decision to move full time back to the East Coast in 2019 because he knew it would be difficult for his four children to have to go to New Mexico and wrap everything up, should he die. He did not fear death, he simply knew his time was coming at some point and wanted to spare his children a difficult task. Two days before his son was to fly out to accompany him east, he had a stroke. He had already sold his property there, packed everything up and was ready to come home. But life had other plans for him.

Instead, we got the call he had been airlifted to El Paso and for the next two weeks, he declined. We flew out to see him and knew he was not going to be able to make the trip home. I knew what to do to not carry the pain of losing him, as a grief recovery specialist, I have been trained to communicate everything I needed to say to him while he was still living. But it was so hard as we watched the life leave him. I cried and screamed as I listened to my playlist, I had created for him, songs that were supposed to give me comfort, but did not. Because of COVID and the circumstances, we postponed his Celebration of Life until July. And it was a beautiful ceremony with him being honored by people who knew him his entire life. He was loved by so many people. After the ceremony, we spent some family time and told stories and made the commitment to see each other more often. As time passed, I found myself remembering the lessons he taught me without using words, the kindness and compassion he showed to others around him. The generosity he showed me, I have been passing on to others in my life. The words of encouragement he gave me and the pride he had in me; I make sure I am doing that to others on a regular basis. Gratitude

helped heal my heart. I want to continue to honor his legacy for the passion he had for the outdoors, by teaching my grandchildren it is important to treat the earth and all that is in it with respect. His witty banter and the truth he spoke into my life will carry me the rest of my life. I miss him every day. I still cry occasionally. Two years. It seems like a lifetime and yet it seems like yesterday. My purpose in writing this article is to make you aware of the people you still have in your life that you love. Take the time to tell them, to show them what they mean to you. As we age, people we love tend to die sooner than we think they should. They are taken from us and leave us behind to grieve them and remember them. That is life, and it seems like it is not fair. But we cannot change the fact that we are mortals and one day, someone will be grieving us. So, let’s live our best life and pass our best traits to those who will be left behind. Ward did and I am so glad I had him in my life. Be kind to each other.

June Crossword

Across

1. Run off to wed 6. Train track 10. Taxis 14. Lawful 15. Unit of land 16. Curved molding 17. Immense 18. Frosts, as a cake 19. Principal 20. Too shocked for words 22. Needles 23. Ripped 24. Citrus 26. Decorative case 30. Decay 31. Neither ___ 32. Forsaken 33. Back talk 35. Plane driver 39. Consecrated

41. Breathtaking 43. Gladden 44. Cummerbund 46. Death notice 47. Strike 49. South southeast 50. Memo 51. Take for granted 54. Empty weight 56. Hit hard 57. Occupation 63. Healthy 64. Decant 65. Appraise 66. Smooth or level 67. European volcano 68. Consumer of food 69. Bird home 70. Scarlets 71. Get to one’s feet

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Down

1. L L L L 2. Jump 3. Brute 4. Part of a book 5. Select by voting 6. Train networks 7. Highlighting hues 8. Ticks off 9. Textbook division 10. Likening 11. Once more 12. Existence 13. Perception 21. Equine 25. Lariat 26. River to the North Sea 27. Fee 28. Fertilizer component

29. Musical device 34. Root-bark flavoring 36. Timber wolf 37. Leave out 38. French for “Head” 40. Crease 42. At which location? 45. Astonish 48. Goes with salt 51. Pale 52. Someone who is owned 53. The business of selling goods 55. S S S 58. Memorization method 59. “Go away!” 60. Infinitesimal amount 61. Not closed 62. Geek

From Our Readers

The Carolina Thread Trail weaves a path through time and terrain. My friends and I discovered a natural surface trail segment in the Buffalo Creek Preserve. We often hike the path that meanders through restored oak-savanna and farmland along Adams Creek. Over time we have explored numerous other trails in the Carolina Piedmont. On every walk we share stories about our past and consider dreams for the future. In late September 2016 we constructed a Little Free Library to house print versions of those stories; we called them Trail Tales. We make those stories available to readers of Senior Savvy on a monthly basis, no hiking gear required.

Stella Fosse is a new contributor to the Trail Tales column. In this issue she encourages aspiring authors. If you’d like to share your story in this column, text or call 980-621-0398. Instruction on how to obtain a free electronic version of this story is posted on the blog hosted at www.hiddentreasurenovels.com.

Writing the Whole Shark

ack in the Nineties, when I was a forty-something tech writer, a cartoon circulated around our company—not by email, because there was no such thing, but instead via photocopies passed among friends. The cartoon showed a side view of a shark underwater, with a fin protruding above the waterline. An arrow pointed to the fin with the words “Perceived Project.” A second arrow pointed to the body of the toothy shark with the words, “Actual Project.” Psychologist Steevie Jane Parks and I are writing a book for women transitioning to retirement. At first,

we planned to create a simple workbook with pages for women to map out how they will take charge of health, creativity, housing, and other issues during this major life change. But Steevie Jane and I have moved from the “Perceived Project” phase to the “Actual Project.” On our way to the little book we planned, we discovered a treasure of deep resources for Boomer women. An entire culture is evolving right now, by and for Women of a Certain Age. It’s a fantastic time to embark on this path. There are terrific books about everything from sexuality (Naked at Our Age by Joan Price) to spirituality (Women Rowing North by Mary Pipher), and lots of vivid memoirs (such as How I Made a Huge Mess of My Life {or Couples Therapy with a Dead Man} by Billie Best). As we have read these books and listened to podcasts like Badass Women with Bonnie Marcus, we’ve deepened our

understanding of what it means to grow older as a woman in our culture, and we have greatly expanded what we plan to write. In April 2022 a new book took us to an even deeper level. Professor Becca Levy, a researcher at the Yale School of Public Health, has studied successful aging for decades. Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs about Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live translates her scholarly research into accessible language. Levy demonstrates that a positive attitude about our older years improves both our quantity and quality of life. In one study, a group of participants was asked to review a list of positive attributes about aging (wisdom, mentoring, perspective, etc.). A different group reviewed a list of negative stereotypes (frail, declining, forgetful, etc.) Then—and here’s the fascinating part—researchers measured how quickly people in each group left the room. Those who reviewed the positive attributes walked out of the room more quickly, demonstrating that stereotypes have an immediate impact on behavior. And in a longterm study of longevity, people with positive attitudes lived an average of 7.5 years longer, even adjusting for their health status at the start of the study. Both negative and positive attitudes become self-fulfilling prophecies. And Levy points out that all of us have been absorbing negative stereotypes about aging since childhood, when we had no reason to question them. Those of us who identified with Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella when we were girls are now the age of Maleficent and the wicked witch with the poison apple. Breaking the Age Code suggests it is up to each of us to recognize and counter our Inner Ageist. The book provides ideas for how to do that through meditation exercises. Breaking the

Age Code points out the bigger picture too. In cultures where older people are revered, they tend to be more functional. There are more opportunities to stay healthy, like weightlifting clubs for seniors. And older individuals in places like Japan don’t need to battle internalized stereotypes to stay healthy. My co-author Steevie Jane and I are expanding on what we learn from all these great sources. For example, picture this: How would our society change if older women all over the United States published novels, recorded songs, and made movies about our vivid lives? Not only would each of us push back individually on our internalized ageism; we would also push back collectively on the limiting stereotypes in society. Our book will connect pro-aging ideas with creativity. We believe that together, as a new culture of older women, we have the power to shift our social narrative along with our inner lives. All told, the book we are writing will be much bigger than the book we planned. It’s fun to think back to the workplace cartoon I remember from the nineties. That little workbook Steevie Jane and I thought we were writing has taken on the shape of the whole big-toothed shark, and not just the fin. So if you’ve thought about writing a story, painting a picture, or composing a tune, sit down and start today. Create in the spirit of play, with no judgement attached. Tell your Inner Critic that she or he can take the day off. This is your time. Ready… set… go! And stay tuned: more trouble is on the horizon when we finish our book.

About Stella Fosse: Stella Fosse is a retired biotechnology writer who advocates for the creative power of older women. Her books include Aphrodite’s Pen: The Power of Writing Erotica after Midlife (North Atlantic Books, 2019); The Erotic Pandemic Ball (Baubo Books, 2020); and her debut novel at age 68, Brilliant Charming Bastard. Stella lives with her partner in Chatham County. Follow her on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Stella blogs at www.stellafosse. com. You can reach Stella by mail at P.O. Box 1857, Concord, NC 28026

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Our Community

or the past months Salisbury / Rowan Senior Games & SilverArts participants 50 years of age or better have tested their skills and talents in a variety of events through out Rowan County. SilverArts during the months of February & March, Senior Games during April & May, strives to keep seniors healthy, active and involved. SilverArts unites the athlete and artist in a program that recognizes the similarities of both endeavors: discipline, dedication and pride in one’s accomplishments. SilverArts provides a stage for the creative talents of the Visual, Heritage, Literary and Performing Artist. Encouragement and recognition of creative potential and accomplishment is the goal of the Salisbury/ Rowan Senior Games & SilverArt programs. Senior Games continues with Team sports through August then the Rowan County Senior residents who qualified leave for the North Carolina Senior Games & SilverArts State finals. Finals are held throughout Raleigh, Cary and East Carolina University. For more information on how to volunteer, sponsor or become a participant of this wonderful program: Contact Savannah K. Daniel Rowan County Senior Games & SilverArts Coordinator

2022 Events Winners SilverArts Results Stained Glass Acrylics

1 Connie Eads 2 Connie Eads 3 Ann Hall

Drawing

1 Carolyn Blackman 2 Janet Isenhour 3 Carolyn Blackman

1 Athena Moore 2 Rachel Goodnight 3 Rachel Goodnight

Sewing Hats & Scarves 1 Sue Correll

Sculpture 1 Ann Hall

Ceramics

1 Joyce Orphanoudakis Watercolor 1 Karen Morgan 2 Ann Hall Greeting Cards 3 Ann Hall 1 Connie Eads 2 Karen Morgan Woodcarving 3 Karen Morgan 1 Jimmie Weaver Literary Arts-Essay 2 Jimmie Weaver 1 Paul Baker Woodturning 2 Paul Baker 1 Gregory Seaford 2 Barry Lambert Literary Arts-Life 3 Barry Lambert Experiences 1 Paul Baker Woodworking 2 Helen Sienerth 1 Barry Lambert 3 Paul Baker 2 Gregory Seaford Literary Arts-Poem 3 Gregory Seaford 1 Connie Eads Senior Games 2 Connie Eads Winners: 3 Raymond Riley

Archery Comp Literary Arts-Short w/Sight and Story Release Aid 1 Paul Baker 2 Helen Sienerth 3 Paul Baker

1 Dennis Eccleston

Loom Knitting

1 Thomas Dodge

1 Linda Shirley

Mixed Media 1 Connie Eads 2 Ann Hall 3 Ann Hall

Oil

1 Janet Payne 2 Janet Payne 3 Carolyn Blackman

Pastels

1 Janet Isenhour 2 Janet Isenhour

Performing Arts 1 Debbie Hoffman 1 Donna Weinhold 1 Jane Steinberg 2 Tim Smith

PhotographyDigital

1 Nancy Hall 2 Debbie Ippolito 3 Chris Ippolito

Photography-Film 1 Chris Ippolito 2 Richard Evans 3 Chris Ippolito

Quilting- Hand Stitched 1 Betty Monroe 2 Betty Monroe 3 Linda Bryant

Quilting- Machine Stitched 1 Linda Bryant 2 Linda Bryant 3 Sue Correll

Archery Comp-Bare Bow Basketball Shooting 1 Lisa Bame 2 Jane Barbee 1 Marcia Kirtley 1 Mickey Payne 1 Chris McNeely 1 Les Loman 2 Eddie Watts 3 Jack Goodman 1 Steve Potter 1 Garland Thomas

Basketball Tournament

1 Ellen Howard 1 Lisa Coley 1 Lisa Emery 1 Toni Wheeler 1 Jennifer Skinner 1 Shelia Lingle 1 Marianne DiRupo 1 Michele Boone 1 Lisa Bame 1 Ann Barkley 1 Athena Moore 1 Angie Morton 1 Adrienne James 1 Rose Cox 1 Daryl Hester 1 Nailing Tucker 1 Renita Ritchie 1 Joyce Tucker 1 Andrew Randolph 1 Darryl Beaty 1 Bob Wingate 1 Herman Bowie 1 Scott Vanderslice

3 Shirley Price 1 Susan Kish 2 Louisa Witten 3 Leslie Parker 1 Linda Dodge 1 Eleanor Whitehouse 1 Louise Lowman 1 Phyllis Faires 2 Sylvia Sofley 3 Christine Green 1 Charles Underwood 2 James Colledge 1 Vincenzo Pirone 2 Eddie Watts 3 David Post 1 Steve Potter 2 Jackie Lowman 1 Samuel Lowman Sr. 1 Butch Grambow

Bowling Singles 1 Carla Bigger 2 Jennifer Skinner 1 Joyce Tucker 1 Helen Sienerth 1 Brent Bigger 1 James Colledge 1 William Morris 2 Robert Umholtz 1 Paul Mehmed 1 Butch Grambow

Bowling Doubles 1 Phyllis Faires and Helen Sienerth 1 Richard Loman and Paul Mehmed

Bowling Mixed Doubles

1 Brent Bigger and Carla Bigger 2 Jennifer Skinner and Jeff Hege 1 Elveria Colledge and James Colledge 1 Joyce Tucker and William Morris

Cornhole

1 Ann Barkley 2 Lisa Bame 3 Debra Underwood 1 Louisa Witten 2 Leslie Parker 1 Debbie Ballard 1 Katie Evans 2 Eleanor Whitehouse 1 Christine Green 2 Phyllis Faires 3 Hazeline Wiley 1 Frances Wells 1 Todd Johnston 1 James Colledge 2 Charles Underwood 1 Jack Goodman 2 Vincenzo Pirone 3 Thomas Dodge 1 Harold Dougherty 2 Steve Potter 3 William McKinney 1 Gregory Seaford 1 Garland Thomas 2 Butch Grambow

704-216-7780

2 Will Ritchie 1 Jackie Lowman 2 Steve Potter 3 Brian Campbell 1 Susan Kish 1 Eleanor Whitehouse 1 Robert Umholtz 1 William James

1 Ted Weant 2 Larry Petrea 3 Ray Pope 1 Grey Medinger 2 Russ Priddy 3 Charles Mashburn 1 Bobby Clark 2 Paul Peeler 3 Clyde Crawford 1 Ralph Luther

Cycling-5k

Horseshoes

Cycling-1 Mile

1 Eleanor Whitehouse 1 Robert Umholtz

1 Hazel TrexlerCampbell 1 Shirley Price Cycling Recumbent 1 Louisa Witten 1 Mile 1 Debbie Ballard 1 Barbara Gaylord 1 Phyllis Faires 1 James David Wall 2 Helen Sienerth 1 Frances Wells Cycling-10k 1 Timothy Sloop 1 Eleanor Whitehouse 2 James Colledge 1 Robert Umholtz 1 Eddie Watts Cycling Recumbent 2 Donald Griffin 3 James Moysan 5k 1 Arnold Herring 1 Barbara Gaylord 2 William McKinney 1 James David Wall 3 Jackie Lowman Cycling Recumbent 1 Butch Grambow 1 Garland Thomas 10k 1 Barbara Gaylord Miniature Golf 1 James David Wall 1 Mary Dodge Disc Golf 2 Hazel Trexler-Campbell 1 Donald Griffin 1 Elveria Colledge 2 Ginger Lovetter Discus Throw 1 Renita Ritchie 1 Linda Dodge 2 Phyllis Loflin-Kluttz 1 Marcia Kirtley 3 Louisa Witten 1 Mickey Payne 1 Donna McEnteer 1 Thomas Dodge 2 Debbie Ballard 2 Eddie Watts 3 Linda Dodge 3 William Ritchie 1 Eleanore Whitehouse 1 Steve Potter 2 Shelia Gould 1 Paul Peeler 1 Louise Lowman 2 Bob Bruce 1 Sylvia Sofley 1 William Gramley 2 Helen Sienerth 2 Garland Thomas 3 Phyllis Faires 1 Bob Moore 1 Frances Wells 1 Jon Post Football Throw 1 Mike Shue 1 Lisa Bame 2 James Colledge 2 Jane Barbee 1 Ted Weant 3 Athena Moore 2 David Post 1 Marcia Kirtley 3 George Kluttz 1 Mickey Payne 1 Jackie Lowman 1 Thomas Dodge 2 Richard Gould 2 Donald Griffin 3 Brian Campbell 3 Eddie Watts 1 Gregory Seaford 1 Steve Potter 2 Paul Peeler 2 Tony McDowell 3 Samuel Lowman Sr. 1 Bob Bruce 1 Bob Moore 1 Garland Thomas 1 Bob Moore

Golf

1 Treva Honeycutt 1 Sharon Miller 2 Shirley Price 1 Darlene Perkins 2 Arlene Perkins 3 Monica Green 1 Susan Houston 2 Faye Cline 1 Jeffrey Mullenax Croquet 1 Hazel Trexler-Campbell 1 Brian Howell 2 John Plott 1 Ginger Lovetter 3 Ken Pressley 1 Debbie Ballard 1 Ricky Honeycutt 1 Louise Lowman 2 Kenneth Safrit 1 Sylvia Sofley Bocce 3 Jimmy Hood 1 Frances Ritch 1 Hazel Trexler-Campbell 1 George Benfield 2 Frances Wells 2 Mary Dodge 2 Randy Davis 1 Charles Underwood 1 Debra Underwood 3 John Lyons 1 Donald Griffin 2 Elveria Colledge

Pickleball Singles 1 Jane Brittain 2 Renita Ritchie 1 Dave Hibbard 1 Mark Rimmer 1 Mike Rimmer 2 Jack Goodman 3 Gary Goodin 1 James DeVeau 2 Steve Potter 3 Stan Osteen

Pickleball Doubles 1 Ann Barkley and Jane Brittain 2 Rose Cox and Adrienne James 1 Renita Ritchie and Carol Hay

1 Nancy Eason and Linda Millward 2 Marjorie Aggers and Betty Meek 1 Dave Hibbard and Kendal Rogers 1 Jon Post and David Post 2 Mark Rimmer and Ted Weant 1 Michael Meyerhoeffer and Mike Rimmer 1 Jack Goodman and Bob Terry 2 Gary Goodin and Richard Loman 3 Donald Griffin and Eddie Watts 1 James DeVeau and Steve Potter

Pickleball Mixed Doubles 1 Kim Kurani and Jon Post 1 Ann Barkley and Michael Cheek 2 Bess Sprinkle and Mark Rimmer 3 Rose Cox and Donald Griffin 1 Jane Brittain and Jack Goodman 2 Libby Post and David Post 3 Carol Hay and Richard Loman 1 Bob Terry and Ann Cline 2 Nancy Eason and Frank Eason 3 Marjorie Aggers and Gary Goodin

Shot Put

1 Linda Dodge 1 Marcia Kirtley 1 Mickey Payne 1 Eddie Watts 2 Thomas Dodge 3 William Ritchie 1 Tony McDowell 2 Steve Potter 1 Bob Bruce 1 William Gramley 2 Garland Thomas 1 Bob Moore

Shuffleboard

1 Hazel TrexlerCampbell 1 Debra Underwood 1 Phyllis Faires 2 Helen Sienerth 3 Sylvia Sofley 1 Charles Underwood 1 Robert Umholtz 2 Thomas Dodge 3 William Ritchie 1 Paul Mehmed

Softball Throw 1 Mary Dodge 1 Lisa Bame 1 Linda Dodge 1 Marcia Kirtley 1 Phyllis Faires 1 Mickey Payne 1 Harry Morgan 2 Donald Griffin 3 Eddie Watts 1 Steve Potter 1 Paul Peeler

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2 Bob Bruce 1 Garland Thomas 1 Bob Moore

Softball Tournament

1 Lisa Coley 1 Ellen Howard 1 Elizabeth Ritchie 1 Toni Wheeler 1 Miriam Lowery 1 Lisa Emery 1 Heather Palmer 1 Michele Boone 1 Carla Kimrey 1 Marianne DiRupo 1 Jennifer Skinner 1 Linda Robinson 1 Lisa Fink 1 Shelia Lingle 1 Daryl Hester 1 Lisa Bame 1 Ann Barkley 1 Angie Morton 1 Adrienne James 1 Athena Moore 1 Beverly Whitley 1 Rose Cox 1 Deborah Eudy 1 Carla Benson 1 Linda Davis 1 Eva McCorkle 1 Sherry Click 1 Renita Ritchie 1 Doris Daniels 1 Cynthia Simoni 1 Joyce Tucker 1 Marie Morgan 1 Mary Ann Sutton 1 Kimberly Sparger 1 Marcia Kirtley 1 Keith Pisani 1 Billy Carter 1 Don Hager 1 John Peterson 1 Wayne Cauble 1 Jim Kingsley 1 Donald Griffin 1 Jim Phillips 1 Donnie Bell 1 David Earnhardt 1 Gary O’Neill 1 Harry Morgan 1 Eddie Watts 1 William Ritchie 1 James Moysan 1 Bobby Wagoner 1 George Kluttz 1 Richard Loman 1 Paul Mehmed

Swimming 100yd Backstroke 1 Jennifer Hudson 1 Phyllis Steimel 1 Mike Shue

Swimming 100yd Breaststroke 1 Jennifer Hudson

Swimming 100yd Butterfly Mary Jo Agner

Swimming 100yd Freestyle 1 Jennifer Hudson 1 Rob Dry

Swimming 200yd Breaststroke 1 Jennifer Hudson

Swimming 200yd Freestyle 1 Jennifer Hudson 1 Mary Jo Agner 1 Rob Dry

Swimming 500yd Freestyle 1 Pam Roseman

Table Tennis Singles

1 Ginger Lovette 1 Juanito Arnez 1 Mark Hendrickson 1 Sam Chewning 1 David Post 1 Stan Osteen 1 Butch Grambow 2 Garland Thomas

Table Tennis Doubles

1 Ginger Lovette and Hazel TrexlerCampbell 1 Mark Hendrickson and Sam Chewning 1 David Post and Stan Osteen

Table Tennis Mixed Doubles 1 Elizabeth Chewning and Sam Chewning

Swimming 50yd Backstroke

Tennis Singles

Swimming 50yd Breaststroke

Tennis Doubles

1 Jennifer Hudson 1 Eleanor Whitehouse 1 Phyllis Steimel 1 Mike Shue

1 Eleanor Whitehouse 1 Rob Dry

Swimming 50 yd Butterfly 1 Mary Jo Agner

Swimming 50 yd Freestyle

1 Jennifer Hudson 1 Eleanor Whitehouse 1 Rob Dry

1 Shirley Price 1 Christine Thompson 1 Mary James 1 Mark Rufty 1 Greg Dunn 1 Sharon Miller and Shirley Price 1 Christine Thompson and Nancy Linn 1 Mary James and Vickie Miller

Tennis Mixed Doubles

1 Shirley Price and Greg Dunn 2 Sharon Miller and Jeff Saleeby

Our Health

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Leisure

Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork Ingredients: 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 (4 pound) pork shoulder roast 1 cup barbeque sauce ½ cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup chicken broth ¼ cup light brown sugar 1 tablespoon yellow mustard 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 extra large onion, chopped 2 large cloves garlic, crushed 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme 8 hamburger buns, split 2 tablespoons butter, or as needed

Directions:

1.Pour the vegetable oil into the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the pork roast into the slow cooker; pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir in the brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion, garlic, and thyme. Cover and cook on High until the roast shreds easily with a fork, 5 to 6 hours. 2. Remove the roast from the slow cooker, and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, and stir the meat into the juices. 3. Spread the inside of both halves of hamburger buns with butter. Toast the buns, butter side down, in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Spoon pork into the toasted buns.

Crescent Cordon Bleu Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, cooked and reduce into thin strips 8 Slices Ham. deli style 8 Slices of swiss cheese 1 container of Crescent dough rolls (8 ct) 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions: 1.Preheat oven to 375* Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray, or place a bit of parchment paper on a baking tray. 2. Take the crescent dough out of the container and area it in a long rectangle. Pinch all seams collectively tightly. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning. 3.Put the elements as follows: Swiss cheese slices, Ham Slices, Thinly sliced chicken 4. Start rolling the dough like a cinnamon roll. Cut into eight equal slices. Put every on a baking sheet. 5. Bake for 18 to twenty mins till they begin to show slightly golden. 6. Stir honey and mustard collectively and use as a dipping sauce.

Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables Ingredients: 8 zucchini, peeled and chopped 1 eggplant, peeled and diced 8 carrots, diced 16 cherry tomatoes 2 red onions, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced ½ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried thyme 2 bay leaves, crushed 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 1. In a large bowl mix the zucchini, eggplant, carrots, tomatoes, onions and peppers with the oil, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, and preferably overnight. 2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). 3. On a large roasting pan, roast the vegetables, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have split and the edges of some of the vegetables are starting to crisp. Remove from the oven and stir before returning to the oven for another 20 minutes. At this time reduce heat to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) and continue cooking until vegetables are tender, turning every 20 minutes.

Apple Enchilada Dessert Ingredients: 1 (21ox) can apple pie filling 6 (8 inch) flour tortillas 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/3 cup margarine ½ cup white sugar ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup water

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spoon fruit evenly onto all tortillas, sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up tortillas and place seam side down on lightly greased 8x8 baking pan. 2. Bring margarine, sugars and water to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. 3. Pour sauce evenly over tortillas; sprinkle with extra cinnamon on top if desired. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Makes 6 large tortillas; may be cut in half to serve 12.

SHARE YOUR RECIPES

Do you have a favorite recipe that you’d like to share with our readers? If so, we’d love to have recipes that are easy, healthy and are smaller in proportion – just right for someone cooking for one or two. Please send your recipes to cindy@gapub.com Thanks and we look forward to seeing what you’ve got cooking!

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Our Health

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Lorin S. Oden

Au.D., FAAA Doctor of Audiology

ith Mother’s Day just a few weeks ago and Father’s Day quickly approaching, I am so glad my parents were so supportive (insistent) of higher education. It was not an option…I was going to college. They also taught me that if you are going to do something, do it right. I carried that lesson throughout my studies, while working for others and especially in my own practice. At Hearing Solutions of North Carolina, we strive to follow “best practices”. We talk about best practice, but what is it? “Best practice is a method or technique that has been generally accepted as superior to any alternatives because it produces results that are superior to those achieved by other means or because it has become a standard way of doing things, e.g., a standard way of complying with legal or ethical requirements.” The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) has developed best practice when working with

adults. This includes, but is not limited to, the case history, the diagnostic evaluation (Functional Hearing Assessment: ear-to-brain testing), development of a treatment plan (choosing the best hearing devices based on individual needs), confirmation that the hearing devices are working within manufacturer’s specifications, fitting the hearing devices to include real ear measurements (in the ear canal measurements to confirm soft sounds are audible and loud sounds are not too loud), post fitting care to include aural rehabilitation. As part of our commitment to following best practice procedures, we are now a proud member of Best Practice Pro Network; launched by Dr. Cliff Olson, audiologist and founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, Arizona. The Dr. Cliff AuD network includes a select group of audiologists who believe in the Best Practice approach to audiological care. Olson and the Dr. Cliff AuD Network hand picks audiologists from across the country who meet the standards of his proven methods and those developed by AAA. So you can see, properly providing hearing healthcare is not ordering a product online or picking up an amplifier off the Walmart shelf. Keep in mind that not all hearing healthcare

providers follow best practice procedures. It is time to ask questions, do your research. For additional information I recommend you subscribe to YouTube channel Dr. Cliff, AuD. Have you heard?…This month, Bose announced that they are discontinuing the sale of their SoundControl directto-consumer self-fitting hearing aid. They thought it would be easy and profitable to sell hearing aids to individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They found out that was not the case and had to lay off 2,000 employees. Have you heard?…Hearing enhancement device developer and distributor Noopl has announced it is suspending the sales and marketing of its device. Launched at CES 2021, Noopl was a small $199 hearing accessory that clipped onto the bottom of an iPhone. Utilizing a 3-microphone beamforming array with the unique head-tracking technology built into Apple Airpods Pro, it was designed to enhance speech while reducing background noise. Have you heard?...Some hearing healthcare locations are directly supported or owned by a hearing aid manufacturer? Sometimes it is not as obvious as Beltone or Miracle Ear. If you go to Beltone you will be fit with Beltone hearing aids. However, that may not be the best hearing solution for your needs. A privately owned location such as Hearing Solutions of North Carolina can order from anyone (except

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Beltone or Miracle Ear) to provide the best solution for your needs. Keep that in mind when choosing your hearing healthcare provider. Have you heard?...Many hearing aids are locked. That means they can only be programmed at the locations where you purchased them. If you invested in Miracle Ear hearing devices, you have to go to a Miracle Ear location. We are unable to reprogram or service your devices if you are having trouble. The same goes for Beltone, Costco, HearingLife, etc. Again, be sure you understand what you are investing in. Our hearing devices are not locked. If you are on vacation and need help you can go to any private practice audiology clinic for help. Ready to start your journey to better hearing with a group of providers that provide best practice person-centered care? Give Jamie or Diane a call at 704-633-0023 to schedule your appointment today. Jane, Cheryl and I look forward to seeing you soon. For more information or to schedule a hearing evaluation, contact: Dr. Lorin S. Oden at Hearing Solutions of North Carolina, 464 Jake Alexander Blvd. W., Salisbury, NC 28147 704-633-0023 www.hearingsolutionsofnc.com

Leisure

A Little Dose of Humor

Can You Believe...

My husband and I went through the McDonald’s driveway window and I gave the cashier a $5 bill. Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her quarter. She said, ‘you gave me too much money.’ I said, ‘Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar back.’ She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the quarter, and said ‘ We’re sorry but we don’t do that kind of thing.’ The cashier then proceeded to give me back 75 cents in change. We had to have the garage door repaired. The repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a ‘large’ enough motor on the opener. I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, ‘You need a 1/4 horsepower.’ I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4 and he said, ‘NOOO, it’s not. Four is larger than two.’ We haven’t used that repairman since... When my wife and I arrived at a car dealership to pick up our car after a service, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver’s side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. ‘Hey,’ I announced to the technician, ‘its open!’ His reply, ‘I know. I already did that side.’

I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local city council office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: ‘Too many deers are being hit by cars out here! I don’t think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.’ I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, ‘Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?’ To which I replied, ‘If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?’ He smiled knowingly and nodded, ‘That’s why we ask.’ The pedestrian light on the corner beeps when it’s safe to cross the street. I was crossing with an ‘intellectually challenged’ co-worker of mine. She asked if I knew what the beeper was for. I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red. Appalled, she responded, ‘what on earth are blind people doing driving?!’

Wish Granted

One day three men are out having a relaxing day fishing, when suddenly they catch a mermaid. After hauling the mermaid up in a net, she promises that if the men set her free, in return she will grant each of them a wish. The first man doesn’t believe it so he says, “Alright, if you can really grant wishes, then double my IQ.” The mermaid says, “Done” and suddenly, the first man starts to flawlessly recite Shakespeare and analyze it with extreme insight. The second man is so amazed, he looks at the mermaid and says, “Triple my IQ.” The mermaid says, “Done” and the second man starts to recite solutions to all of the mathematical problems that have been stumping all of the scientists in various fields from physics to chemistry, etc. The third man is so enthralled with the changes in his friends, he says to the mermaid: “Quintuple my IQ.” The mermaid looks at him and says, “You know, I normally don’t try to change people’s minds when they make a wish, but I really wish you’d reconsider.” The man responds, “Nope, I want you to increase my IQ times five, and if you don’t do it, I won’t set you free.” “Please,” said the mermaid “You don’t know what you’re asking… it’ll change your entire view of the universe. Won’t you ask for something else… a million dollars, anything?” But no matter what the mermaid said, the third man insisted on having his IQ increased by five times it’s usual power. So the mermaid finally relented and said, “Done.” The third man became a woman...”

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From Our Readers

Advance Care Planning Made Simple Trellis Supportive Care Offers Guidance and Free Workshop in June Submitted By: Ann Gauthreaux

Trellis Supportive Care

t has been said that Advance Care Planning boils down to having conversations today, to avoid a crisis tomorrow. In other words, it is a smart step to ensure that you are ready for whatever comes your way as it relates to potential care you may need in the future. Although no one likes to think about what they would do if they became suddenly ill, or unable to speak for themselves, there is tremendous peace of mind when you have a plan in place for these scenarios. It is also a gift to anyone who may be your caregiver one day. That is why Trellis Supportive Care is committed to helping as many people as possible understand, and complete, their Advance Directives. So, what exactly is an Advance Care Plan? It is the process of documenting your wishes by creating your Advance

Directives, which include a Healthcare Power of Attorney and a Living Will. Your Healthcare Power of Attorney is someone you trust, and appoint, to make decisions and speak on your behalf if you are unable to speak for yourself. The Living Will is a document that communicates your goals and preferences for future care. Making your wishes known, and having them documented, may not seem important in our everyday lives; but if the day comes that you are unable to speak or make decisions for yourself, your family and your healthcare providers will be thankful for your thoughtfulness. Trellis Supportive Care staff knows how important, and

beneficial, it is for families and healthcare providers to have these important conversations – especially before a healthcare crisis arises. As a gift to the community, Trellis Supportive Care offers Advance Care Planning workshops, both in-person and virtually, with free resources available to all who participate. This ongoing initiative, called Got Plans?, is offered to anyone in the community free of charge. Facilitators make the process simple and

understandable. A free workshop has been set for Wednesday, June 15, at 1:00 pm at the Rufty Holmes Senior Center in Salisbury. To register or learn more call 704-6377645 or email KLawler@

Father’s Day Search

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Our Health

Exercising to Combat Frailty and Loss of Muscle in Older Adults

Angela Hendrix RHSC Fitness & Wellness Manager Rufty-Holmes Senior Center

arcopenia, or loss of muscle strength, and frailty often appear to go hand in hand during the aging process, but it does not have to be that way. Frailty can begin as early as age 65 though usually escalates after the age of 70. It is not a normal part of the aging process. Lack of physical activity combined with excess weight/obesity and alcohol usage can lead

an older adult into a frail or weakened state very rapidly. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise weekly for adults. Cardiovascular activity can be walking, jogging, dancing, climbing stairs, etc, and can be broken into 30 minutes 5 days a week. Those 30-minute increments can be broken into 10 minute increments throughout the day to increase cardiovascular health. Another goal is to simply spend less time sitting. Remember any movement is good movement. What about retaining or gaining muscle strength? To combat loss of muscle, the American Heart Association recommends 2-3 times per week of strength training and

lifting weights for 30-45 minutes on non-consecutive days. An individual should perform 8-12 repetitions of a particular exercise, rest for 30 seconds, and repeat 2 more times before moving onto the next exercise. The goal is to work every major muscle group each week whether in one session or broken up over the week in individual sessions. Balance training is also beneficial in reducing the risk of potential falls. One simple way to do this at home is to practice standing on one foot while holding onto a countertop while brushing your teeth. Change feet and repeat. Once an individual feels comfortable, he/she can practice standing on one foot without holding onto a

surface. He/she can then progress to practicing standing on an uneven surface such as a rolled up towel or yoga mat. Small progressions yield lasting results. There are numerous resources available to help older adults reach their health goals. For one, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center offers a variety of exercise classes each week to fit your needs. The center also has a small therapeutic pool with water temperatures between 86-88 degrees. Several water classes are offered as well as open pool times each week. To learn how easy it is to get active at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, stop by or contact fitness@ ruftyholmes.org or 704-2167701 to get started.

he could keep a secret, and he said he could. But then I made it sound like it was a really big secret, and he was not to say anything to anybody, not even his friends. He looked kind of puzzled but said he promised. I leaned over towards him, looked both ways with my head, and slowly started to unbutton the center part of my shirt. I looked both ways again, and then pulled my shirt open exposing the Superman logo. Well, I thought this kids eyes were going to pop out of

his sockets, I quickly put my finger over my lips as if to say shhhhh, and closed my shirt. His eyes filled with water, and he looked at me like I was God. I will never, ever forget that look, it was absolutely priceless. I told him to go back to his mom, and that she was the ONLY one he could tell what he saw. He went back, and I could see him telling her. She looked at me with the greatest look like she couldn’t believe I went out of my way to do such a thing. It was just a great moment, for the boy, the mom, and me, SUPERMAN!

SUPERMAN For A Day continued from page 3 found just what I was looking for, a Superman T shirt with a great Superman logo on the front, a nice big one. The next morning as I was getting dressed for work, I used the Superman T shirt as my undershirt of my dress shirt and tie, with my suit jacket. That afternoon, here comes the mother and son, through the door from the service area. He was looking at me the whole walk, and they

stopped at my desk. I asked the mother, “Well, has he been a good boy?”, and she said, “Oh yes, he has been a very good boy”. I told her to let him sit with me for a while ,and she could go sit where she was yesterday. He sat down, and she went to the other side of the showroom. I told him I was very happy to hear that he was being a good boy. Then I asked him if

• Personal care

At Comfort Keepers®, we provide in-home care that helps seniors live safe, happy, and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

• Grocery shopping and running errands • Companionship and housekeeping • Dementia and Alzheimer’s care • Respite care

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Really, I Thought Getting Older Would Take Longer Does everybody turn into a curmudgeon when they have a problem with being reach 34? I used to just hate the same age as old people. it when my mom would have I thought I would be the one to pass judgement on my attire exception in recorded history, every time I left the house, or where I never aged and certainly my dad would give the third would never die. degree to every boy I dated. Is it just me, or do other Now I think, well, somebody people turn into their parents should be monitoring society. as they age? Something I swore Sometimes, I think I am would never, ever happen to getting old and stodgy - - the me. No way I was going to do kids say, no, just old! Well, the ‘silly’ things my mother did. what do they know? Son, It used to embarrass me someChuck, has always said I am times when I’d take her to the weird, so I recently bought store and stand at the checkout him a shirt that says, and I counter waiting, while she quote, “Having a weird mom counted out change, sometimes is character building”. I’ll say! to the penny. She was slow as And as I’ve aged, I’ve learned all us ‘seasoned’ citizens are, but to appreciate the quirkiness in now I find myself doing the very my own family, and the crazy same thing. things my parents did. Spouse and I fail to find any My dad was a case in of the current, so called sitcoms point. He was from another funny. We don’t understand era, another time, very what passes for entertainment Victorian in his thinking, and nowadays, and some of the straight as an arrow. He’d walk current trends just leave us a mile to give you back a dime appalled. you dropped. It was just his By Jan McCanless

janmccanless@aol.com

way. Honest as the day is long, I used to love it when the two of them did something goofy or Avant Garde. It showed them to be more human than brother and I realized. For instance, my dad was legally blind, due to diabetic macular degeneration. He had to give up driving, something that he had made a living from, and he longed to get back behind the wheel. The law said he couldn’t. Finally, my dad had had enough and decided he was going to drive, at least around the senior living

compound where they lived. He got in the car and started off. Caught driving on the sidewalk, he was stopped. ‘It’s ok officer,‘ he said, “I have my seeing eye dog, Bubba, with me”. At the time, it wasn’t funny, but now? - - - at least now, I am able to understand his reasoning. Old People, God Bless us and long may we continue to do goofy things. The youngsters, they just wouldn’t understand!

The Best Grandfather By Catherine Pulsifer

You raised us well Dad Values you gave us You always loved us even the bad You never made a big fuss. And now to my children you are The best Grandfather that can be A special man to them by far You are better with them than me. So thank you for being that special man Whom I love so dearly And to my children they are your fans We can see your love so clearly.

Sud o k u

Puzzle Answers

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