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THE SENIOR TIMES
A publication of The Senior Network
October 2024
GOLDEN NUGGETS
Color in our lives can give us a sense of exhilaration, a peaceful calm or even a deep feeling of joy. In the Autumn of the year we almost are overwhelmed by the beauty we see in the changing colors of the leaves around us. Believe it or not, fall can be seen in every part of the world. However, the degree of intensity varies greatly. Tallahassee, Florida will not have as much color as Billings, Montana or Asheville, North Carolina. Should you visit Kyoto, Japan or Zurich, Switzerland in October, you will be amazed at the gorgeous fall foliage. This season of change is one of the most spectacular times of the year. There is excitement in the crisp air as we marvel at the beauty that surrounds us. Awesome beauty like this did not just happen. It was planned for us to enjoy by a loving God. In the Bible it says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11)
Think about that. Beauty planned, created and sustained for our delight. Go and enjoy the Autumn wonder made just for YOU!
“SENIOR-FRIENDLY”_HALL OF FAME
If you know an individual, a business, a group, an organization, or a municipality that is “senior-friendly” you may nominate them for the “Senior-Friendly” Hall of Fame. Submit their name, contact information and why you think they should be considered. Send to:
THE SENIOR NETWORK
3650 Rogers Road,
Suite #323
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Grandma’s Cooking Corner:
Dean Martin's Favorite Pasta Fagioli
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans
6 cups water
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup tubetti or ditalini pasta
Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
Add beans, water, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally, and adding water if it gets too dry.
Cook pasta according to package instructions or until the pasta is tender. Drain and add to pot. Remove from heat and serve topped with cheese.
ENJOY!
MILITARY SALUTE
Raymond Ames Spruance (July 3, 1886 – December 13, 1969) was a United States Navy admiral in World War II. He commanded U.S. naval forces during two of the most significant naval battles that took place in the Pacific Theatre: The Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. At Midway, Spruance scored the first major victory for the United States over Japan; most historians consider Midway the turning point of the Pacific War. Official Navy historian Samuel Eliot Morison characterized Spruance's performance as "superb", and said that he "emerged from this battle one of the greatest admirals in American naval history”. Spruance was nicknamed "electric brain" for his calmness even in moments of supreme crisis, a reputation enhanced by his successful tactics at Midway. After the war, Spruance was appointed President of the Naval War College, and later served as American ambassador to the Philippines.
Brain Teasers
(Answers at the end of newsletter)
There are five weather forecasters getting ready for a weekend forecast. Each forecaster is predicting different weather and is choosing a suit and "tie" (yes, the women, too) of different color combinations. There are 3 men (John, Matt and Tim) and 2 women (Karen and Sarah).Can you determine the color of the suit, the color and pattern of the tie, and the weather prediction for each forecaster?1. The forecaster who wore a black suit did not predict snow or rain.2. Many viewers called in to comment on the whimsically printed tan tie and brown suit combination.3. The five forecasters were: Matt, the woman who predicted high winds, the person in a black suit, the man with a striped tie, and the woman in an olive suit.4. A solid white tie was chosen to represent the snowy forecast that day.5. John's orange floral tie was hated by his wife.6. Sarah had a dotted, teal-colored tie which was not floral.7. Tim predicted sun and did not wear brown or black.8. The man who predicted rain did not wear a striped tie.9. The blue suit was worn by a man.
HUMOR ME
A little old lady tried to phone her local bank but was put through instead to the bank call center. “Is this the High Street branch?” she asked. “No madam,” replied the voice at the other end. “It is now company policy to deal with telephone calls centrally.” “Well, I really need to speak to the branch,” said the old lady. “Madam, if you just let me know what you need, I’m sure I can help you.” “I don’t think you can young man. I need to speak to the branch.” The center operator was adamant. “There’s nothing that the branch can help you with that can’t be dealt with by me!” “Very well then,” sighed the old lady. “Can you please check on the counter? Did I leave my gloves behind when I came in this morning?”
Words of Wisdom:
“It took me 17 years to get 3,000 hits in baseball. It took one afternoon on the golf course.”
—Hank Aaron
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Election time is here. It is our privilege and civic duty to VOTE
Who’d A Thunk:
The 1960’s was a time of great invention; and one of the most important inventions in the 1960s was Aspartame. Aspartame is used today to sweeten foods and beverages, including diet sodas and other low-calorie drinks. Aspartame was invented in 1965 by James M. Schlatter, a chemist working for a pharmaceutical company at the time. He discovered aspartame while trying to create a cure for stomach ulcers. Instead, he found that aspartame could be used as an artificial sweetener, which could help people avoid ingesting too much sugar in their diet. Today, Aspartame is the most popular artificial sweetener in the world and is used in many products including soft drinks, chewing gum, tabletop sweeteners, and even diet foods like yogurt and sauces.
Remember When:
With the threat of a nuclear war on the horizon, some Americans looked for ways to protect themselves from horrible destruction. They decided upon bomb proof, fallout shelters. Most looked like basic units, providing space only for necessities (which were generally only two-week supplies) while others looked like small guesthouses, equipped with pool tables, paintings and wine cellars. The fallout shelter fad reached its peak in the early 60's as the Cuban Missile crisis loomed. But it was waned in the 70's as various treaties were signed, calming apocalyptic fears.
Our NonProfit of the Month:
Founded in 1960, the American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens (AFP&CC) assists family members and children of officers killed in the line of duty through programs of compassion, scholarship and gifts, and assists in the process of adjustment after the loss of a loved one. AFP&CC also promotes the training of police reserves; encourages a free exchange of information between men and women presently engaged in law enforcement and reserves; encourages citizens interested in volunteer law enforcement to involve themselves in their communities; aids in the national civil defense program in the event of any natural disaster or in time of war for the protection of life and property; and educates the public about the contribution made to society throughout history by law enforcement personnel.
SENIOR OF THE MONTH
SUE JOHNSON
Sue started working with seniors when she was 15 years old. Growing up in Cleveland Heights OH, there was a nursing home not far from where she lived. She volunteered in physical therapy and in activities, giving so many volunteer hours that Goodyear gave her a financial award for her work. It was there that the love of working with seniors would lead her on a career path. Except for a tour with the US Navy Hospital Corps in the 70’s, Sue has spent her career working in health care and with seniors. When she left the Navy, Sue trained as a respiratory therapist and worked in a hospital while she finished a degree in Long Term Care Administration. A licensed administrator and married to an Army Reservist who went back on active duty, Sue would transfer her license when they had military orders to relocate. She was the Executive Director of several retirement communities in New Jersey, California, Ohio and Michigan. In addition, she was a Regional Vice President of Operations in Ohio for a company that provided memory loss rehabilitative services. After her husband passed away, and when she retired from administration, Sue joined ClearCaptions and was soon promoted to a Business Development Manager. ClearCaptions provides caption telephone service for anyone who struggles when using a phone. Her mother had suffered from hearing loss and found it extremely difficult to have a quality conversation when using
the phone. So, when Sue learned about caption telephones, she decided to dedicate her time to educating others about what she calls a “best kept secret” – no charge caption telephone service.
Needing to get out of the cold, when ClearCaptions needed someone in NC, Sue moved to Fuquay Varina from Ohio last February. Joining her is her 32 yr old son, Aaron, who relocated his business and their two Irish Setters Rylee and Gracie, (lovingly known as “the girls”). When she has free time you will find Sue spending time with her family and exploring all that NC has to offer!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: theseniornetwork.org
Alzheimer's experts suggest to challenge your brain and keep it healthier longer.
1. Play games. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, chess and checkers are wonderful ways to use your mind. There’s a site called BrainHQ that offers a wide selection of challenges to exercise your brain.
2. Cross-train. Get out of your comfort zone and do things you are not used to. For example, if you usually read books, try listening to podcasts more often, says Axios.
3. Learn new skills. Take up a new hobby or skill to keep the brain active.
4. Break a sweat. Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk for cognitive decline, says Dr. Gary Small, a noted expert on brain aging and co-author of “Two Weeks to a Younger Brain.”
5. Buddy up. Staying socially active may indeed support brain health. Pursue activities that are meaningful to you, notes Small. Find a way to be part of your local community. If you love animals, volunteer at the local shelter.
Catch some zzz’s. Research has found “significant association between sleep disordered breathing and the accumulation of biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association. See a healthcare professional if you have trouble sleeping.
Grandpa’s Sports Stories:
Heavyweight champion Sonny Liston lost his title to Cassius Clay, despite coming in as an 8-to-1 favorite. During the bout, Liston suffered a torn tendon in his left arm. He gave up after Clay took command in the sixth round. Clay himself came dangerously close to losing, when he was temporarily blinded from a caustic that had been applied to stop Liston’s bleeding. After the fight, the flamboyant new champion revealed that he was a member of the Black Muslim sect and insisted that he be called by his “non slave” name of Muhammad Ali., In 1964, however, most boxing enthusiasts continued to call him Cassius Clay. The Liston-Clay contract called for a rematch, in violation of WBA rules. After the rematch was signed, the WBA stripped Clay of his title and called for a tournament of ranking contenders. Clay/Ali suffered a hernia three days before the start of the event, and it had to be postponed. It was estimated that over $400,000 was lost on promotions.
As we grow older we start to pay for the indiscretions that occurred when we were younger. Maybe we didn’t eat healthy, indulged in vices and simply did not get enough sleep. We would love to go back and change things, but that can’t happen.
Fortunately, while we can’t go backwards, we can change our lifestyle going forward. Eat healthy, get a good night’s sleep and give up the vices. You will feel better and probably live longer.
Answer to Brain Teaser:
John, black suit, orange floral tie, foggy
Tim, blue suit, pink striped tie, sunny
Sarah, gray suit, dotted teal tie, windy
Matt, brown suit, whimsical tan tie, rainy
Karen, olive suit, solid white tie, snowy