TOP 10 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT
Saving Matters! Remember
Financial security in retirement doesn’t just happen. It takes planning and commitment and, yes, money.
FACTS
✔ Only about half of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement.
✔ The average American spends roughly 20 years in retirement.
Putting money away for retirement is a habit we can all live with.
1. START SAVING, KEEP SAVING, & STICK TO YOUR GOALS!
If you are already saving, whether for retirement or another goal, keep going! You know that saving is a rewarding habit. If you’re not saving, it’s time to get started.
Start small if you have to and try to increase the amount you save each month. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Devise a plan, stick to it, and set goals. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to start saving.
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2. KNOW YOUR RETIREMENT NEEDS!
Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you will need 70 to 90 percent of your preretirement income to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. Take charge of your financial future. The key to a secure retirement is to plan ahead.
3. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR EMPLOYER’S RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN!
If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k) plan, sign up and contribute all you can. Your taxes will be lower, your company may kick in more, and automatic deductions make it easy. Over time, compound interest and tax deferrals make a
big difference in the amount you will accumulate. Find out about your plan. For example, how much would you need to contribute to get the full employer contribution and how long would you need to stay in the plan to get the money.
4. LEARN ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYER’S PENSION PLAN!
If your employer has a traditional pension plan, check to see if you are covered by the plan and understand how it works. Ask for an individual benefit statement to see what your benefit is worth. Before you change jobs, find out what will happen to your pension benefit. Learn what benefits you may have from a previous employer. Find out if you will be entitled to benefits from your spouse’s plan.
5. CONSIDER BASIC INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES!
How you save can be as important as how much you save. Inflation and the type of investments you make play important roles in how much you’ll have saved at retirement. Know how your savings or pension plan is invested. Learn about your plan’s investment options and ask questions. Put your savings in different types of investments. By diversifying this way, you are more likely to reduce risk and improve return. Your investment mix may change over time depending on a number of factors such as your age, goals, and financial circumstances. Financial security and knowledge go hand in hand.
6. DON’T TOUCH YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS!
If you withdraw your retirement savings now, you’ll lose principal and interest and you may lose tax benefits or have to pay withdrawal penalties. If you change jobs, leave your savings invested in your current retirement plan, or roll them over to an IRA or your new employer’s plan.
7. ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO START A PLAN!
If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, suggest that it start one. There are a number of retirement saving plan options available. Your employer may be able to set up a simplified plan that can help both you and your employer.
8. PUT MONEY INTO AN INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT!
You can put up to $6,500 a year into an individual Retirement Account (IRA); you can contribute even more if you are 50 or older. You can also start with much less. IRAs also provide tax advantages. When you open an IRA, you have two options – a traditional IRA or Roth IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. Also, the after-tax value of your withdrawal will depend on
inflation and the type of IRA you choose. IRAs can provide an easy way to save. You can set it up so that an amount is automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and deposited in the IRA.
9. FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS!
On average, Social Security retirement benefits replace 40 percent of pre-retirement income for retirement beneficiaries. The amount of your wages that Social Security retirement benefits replace varies depending on your earnings and the age you choose to start receiving benefits. You may be able to estimate your benefit by using the retirement estimator on the Social Security Administration’s website.
10. ASK QUESTIONS!
While these tips are meant to point you in the right direction, you’ll need more information. Talk to your employer, your bank, your union, or a financial adviser. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers. Get practical advice and act now.
Courtesy of US Dept. of Labor
2025 DESIGN TRENDS
EACH YEAR BRINGS NEW TRENDS IN INTERIOR DESIGN & 2025 IS NO DIFFERENT.
As the world changes, needs and desires change. Interior design can enhance your home environment with new ideas. We want our homes to appeal to all our sensesSensorial design. Vivid colors, environmentally friendly materials and luxury comfort are a few of the current trends.
Colors such as reds, oranges, purples, and maroons will be popular. These are called lucky colors in some cultures.
Accordingly they attract wealth and business success. No more plain walls - wallpapered and colored ceilings as well as textured walls are back. In addition, bold patterns and textures add drama, depth and visual interest to your room. Ceiling treatments also create visual interest. Beams or a coffered ceiling bring texture, depth and character to plain surfaces. They also reduce noise and add a bit of elegance.
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Earth tones such as terracotta, ochre, rust and sage are always popular as they reflect nature and create a calm environment that makes a space feel warm and welcoming. To add a little luxury to any space, use gold, bronze, copper or silver finishes with small touches.
Furniture tends to be comfortable and relaxed without sacrificing style. Oversized sofas, comfortable chairs, lounge chairs and even daybeds are popular again. Curved and rounded furniture as well as accent pieces will be popular. They work with either traditional or modern design.
Dark warmer wood tones are back after years of light wood. To change the look of a piece of furniture or cabinet, stain it a walnut hue. Mix in modern with traditional. Darker
tones bring a warm, grounded feeling.
Lighting is an important part of any design project. Consider a layered lighting scheme that incorporates a mixture of overhead lighting, floor and table lamps and sconces. Think of fixtures as art and jewelry for your home. Lighting helps create a functional and welcoming home. Be sure to use dimmable lights as that enhances the mood in any room.
Small changes can reinvigorate your home in keeping with the 2025 design. Paint a wall, wallpaper a bathroom ceiling, add a colorful rug to a neutral room. It’s all about enjoying your home and feeling comfortable.
2025 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
RAI $1,422,000 * Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
MAY 29 - JUN 1
JUN 5 - 8
JUN 12 - 15
JUN 19 - 22
JUN 26 - 29
JUL 3 - 6
JUL 10 - 13
JUL 10 - 13
JUL 17 - 20
JUL 17 - 20
Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club • Dublin, OH • USA
Canadian Open TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley (North Course) • Caledon, Ontario • CAN
Country Club • Oakmont, PA • USA
Championship + TPC River Highlands • Cromwell, CT • USA
Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club • Detroit, MI • USA
Deere Classic TPC Deere Run • Silvis, IL • USA
Renaissance Club • North Berwick • SCO
Championship Hurstbourne Country Club (Championship Course) • Louisville, KY • USA
Open Championship Royal Portrush Golf Club • Portrush • NIR
Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood) • Truckee, CA • USA
JUL 24 - 27 3M Open
Twin Cities • Blaine, MN • USA
JUL 31 - AUG 3
Championship Sedgefield Country Club • Greensboro, NC • USA
2025 PGA
AUG 7 - 10 FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind • Memphis, TN • USA
Schedule subject to change
AUG 14 - 17 BMW Championship Caves Valley Golf Club • Owings Mills, MD • USA
AUG 21 - 24 TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club • Atlanta, GA • USA
Signature Event
Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
2025 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
6 - 9
2025 LPGA
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DELAWARE
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
JUNE
JUNE 8 - 15
| ITALIAN FESTIVAL
Sponsored by St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Wilmington’s Italian Festival is one of the largest Italian-American cultural events in the nation. The Italian Festival is also the primary fundraiser for St. Anthony of Padua Grade School. Enjoy Italian food and culture while supporting the school at this week-long event. For more info visit: sapde.org
JUNE 8 | GRAPETOBERFEST
On Saturday, October 7th and Sunday, October 8th, kick off your shoes, channel your inner “I Love Lucy,” and stomp away! For more info visit: saltedvines.com
JULY
JULY 17 - 26 | STATE
FAIR
The Delaware State Fair, Inc. is a diverse, volunteer supported non-profit community-based organization that focuses on the preservation of the past, promo-
tion of the present, and education in the future, of agriculture, horticulture, mechanical arts, and rural and domestic economy. For more info visit: delawarestatefair.com
AUGUST
AUG 1 - 2 | ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
All arts, crafts and food artisans are juried items that are handmade, original products. On stage we feature a variety of styles including Blues, Jazz, Big Band, Classic Rock, Doo Wop, Feel Good Tunes and more!For more info visit: bellefontefair.org
AUG 16 | PEACH FESTIVAL
The Middletown Peach Festival is scheduled to take place with the annual Peach parade on Broad Street. The event anticipates an attendance of 27,000 individuals, with numerous activities centered around Main Street. Entertainment is slated throughout the day at various locations around town, featuring activities for children, a
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DELAWARE
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
local artist exhibit, historical exhibits, a peach pie contest, crafts, music, food, games, and an abundance of peaches. For more info visit: middletownpeachfestival.com
AUG 23 | BURGER BATTLE
Delaware’s competitive chefs compete for trophies & glory, while you fill your belly, place your vote & raise money for charity. For more info visit: deburgerbattle.com
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 15 - 20 | RESTAURANT WEEK
Brandywine Valley Restaurant Week allows you to experience 5 days of upscale dining with prix-fixe menus at premier restaurants in Greater Wilmington. The common denominator among the participating restaurants is that virtually all are owner-operated. In other words, not only is there not a chain restaurant among the participants, during your visit it is
likely you’ll meet the creative mind behind the restaurant. In fact, they may even be your chef. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4b69su3b
SEPT 26 - 28 | OCEAN’S CALLING
A three day festival in partnership with musicians O.A.R. featuring over 30 performances on 3 stages, all on the classic Ocean City Boardwalk. Experience delicious east coast bites from local food vendors. Plus, learn tricks of the trade from world-renowned chef cooking demos that celebrate the region.Explore the Ocean City tradition featuring amusement park rides, games and more, all located inside the festival grounds. For more info visit: oceanscallingfestival.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DELAWARE
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
OCTOBER
OCT 3 - 4 | WINGS & WHEELS
If you’re looking for a fun weekend with modern and vintage aircraft, live music, a huge classic car show, entertainment, and more... look no further than Wings & Wheels! This free event is perfect for the entire family! For more info visit: wings-wheels.com
OCT 11 | RIVER TOWNS RIDE
The annual River Towns Ride & Festival provides riders the opportunity to visit the historic riverfronts of New Castle, Delaware City, Wilmington and Chesapeake City, Md. while earning medals based on distance completed. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y7nvhxvn
OCT 16 - 19 | JAZZ FEST
The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is THE annual, 4-day fall music event held in multiple locations in lower Sussex County, DE. Bringing great music to the area since 1990, we’ve had the greatest Artists of
Smooth Jazz and R&B grace our stages! For more info visit: rehobothjazz.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 3 - 9 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society cannot think of a better gathering for residents of Southern Delaware and the broader mid-Atlantic region this November. This year’s program will include 30 first-run documentaries, features, foreign films and a series of shorts at three screening venues over the course of FIVE fabulous days. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/aukyp5yx
NOV 7 - 9 | ANTIQUES SHOW
One of the most acclaimed antiques shows highlighting the best of Americana for 61 years! Don’t miss the finest offerings from more than 60 distinguished dealers at this spectacular showcase of art, antiques, and design. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yhfbefua
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DELAWARE
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
NOV
8 | BEER, WINE, & SPIRITS FESTIVAL
No gambling on the weather - Rain or shine! In case of bad weather we are able to move the event indoors. This year’s event will take place at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village and will feature producers on the Delaware Beer Wine and Spirits Trail. For more info visit: debeerwinespirits.com
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 | GIFT OF LIGHTS
The holiday season will be merry and bright at Dover Motor Speedway as the “Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway” drive-thru event comes to the Monster Mile. The inaugural Gift of Lights event runs every evening from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, with more than 60 scenes and 3 million lights set up along a 1.5-mile pathway winding through the Woodlands of Dover Motor Speedway For more info visit: giftoflightsdover.com
JANUARY
JAN 30 | FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL
Experience the Quiet Resorts, Delaware as you never have before at the Fire & Ice Festival! Enjoy a weekend of winter festivities at the beach, including ice sculpture tours, live sculpture demonstrations, bonfires, ice rink, tastings, music, and more. For more info visit: fireandicede.com1
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | ART FESTIVAL
The Hockessin Art Festival is an annual fundraising effort to benefit the Wilmington & Western Railroad. More than 20 local artists will be displaying and selling limited edition prints, original watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels, sculpture, fine jewelry, mosaics and more! For more info visit: https://tinyurl. com/mwn2wnyn
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE DELAWARE
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
MARCH
MARCH TBA | ST. PATRICK’S DAY
PARADE
At the end of the parade route is the location of the annual Hooley. Feel free to enjoy the parade from this location. Alcohol and food will be sold along with our yearly commemorative beer mugs. This is an excellent spot to see each of the parade participants as they finish their march. For more info visit: irishcultureclubde.com
APRIL
APRIL
11 - 12 |
RUNNING FESTIVAL
Don’t miss the Coastal Delaware Running Festival in April. The Run covers 26.2 miles, commencing at the iconic Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. The route goes through picturesque neighborhoods all throughout the area. The race concludes back on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk at Rehoboth Ave. For more info visit: codelrun.com
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single
DATE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
TRAVELING TO ICELAND.
Iceland is a small Nordic country in Europe known for its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields and massive glaciers. It is also known for its distinct Nordic culture based on folklore and mythology, dating back to the Vikings who were first to colonize the land. Later, it was
under Danish rule and gained its independence in 1944 and is a founding member of NATO. Despite having its own distinct language and being a country of only 384,000 people, English is spoken widely as it is taught in school as a second language.
The capital city is Reykjavik which is known for its lively nightlife, modern museums, excellent dining, galleries and shopping. It is the base from which to explore all that Iceland has to offer.
The best time to visit is May through October but those are also the busiest times. Iceland is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There are so many adventures to choose from whether it is the natural wonders under the summer’s midnight sun or seeking the aurora borealis in winter months.
Spend a day touring the Golden Circle and see three incredible natural events. Starting in the capital, Reykjavik, drive into the southern uplands to Pingvellir National Park, onto the Geysir geothermal area and then the Gullfoss waterfall and end back in the city.
Pingvellir is a UNESCO world heritage site and the first place settled in south Iceland. See Iceland’s largest lake, the Langjokull glacier, hike the North American plate and see Game of Thrones scenery at Almannagja gorge and then view the amazing Oxarafoss waterfalls. If you are
really adventurous, snorkel at Silfra, one of the world’s top 10 dive sites.
Drive on to the Geysir Geothermal area in the Haukadalur Valley. See the volcanic landscape and arrive at Strokkur which is the geyser that erupts every 6-10 minutes shooting hot water as high as 130 feet into the air. Walking through the valley, view many hot springs, smaller geysers and bubbling mud spots.
The last stop is Gullfoss Waterfall which is famous for its 2 drops, falling 100 feet and view the rainbows that shoot from the spray. Finish the day with a leisurely drive back to Reykjavik allowing time for stops along the way.
The cold waters off the coast attract an abundance of sea life including over 20 species of whales, including dolphins and porpoises. Tours can be found all over the country but the best spot is in the seaside village of Dalvick in the north.
Caving is a popular and extraordinary experience. Because Iceland is one of the most active
and inactive volcanic regions. It has incredible rock formations above and below the earth’s surface. Tube caves inside glaciers form after magma flows underneath the earth’s surface and lava solidifies overhead. Tours operate safely year-round with geologists as guides. Be prepared with proper clothing and footwear as caves are chilly and there is often dripping water. Floors are
rugged, so sturdy boots are necessary. The caves are unexpectedly large and many have staircases and walkways for safe exploration. The most unique is Prihnukargigur (3 Peaks Crater) which takes you across lava fields to the cable car down 400 feet into a volcano that has been extinct for over 4500 years. The crater is the size of 3 basketball courts and as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
- a place like no other!
