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THE SENIOR TIMES
A publication of The Senior Network
June 2024
Remember When:
Swimwear for women in the 1950's had many styles. The princess bathing suit for women of the fifties was a classic sheath. The top usually had a sweetheart neckline with a very tight, short pencil skirt covering the front part of the bottom (sometimes this extended to the back as well). While most ads show strapless princess swimsuits, they were usually sold with removable thin straps in case a woman actually wanted to swim in it. The straps crossed at the back, keeping them from falling off sloping shoulders. They were removed for sunbathing.
1950s Men’s Swim Trunks still had high-waisted brief-style swim shorts. Belts were no longer necessary, replaced by wide elastic waistbands. These swim trunks often featured built-in supporters for added convenience. Additionally, separate brief-style swim supporters could be purchased. When not swimming, men would don coordinating polo shirts around the pool or resort. Flannel, seersucker, and terry cloth short robes were popular cover-ups, available in solid colors, wide stripes, plaids, or tropical prints. Some men even wore white flannel trousers over the bathing suits!
GOLDEN NUGGETS
June is a month that is full of contrasts.
There is the end of school and the beginning of vacations. The June solstice has the shortest daylight hours south of the equator and the longest day north of it. Most farmers see it as the midpoint for planting crops and harvesting them. In the Northern Hemisphere it is considered the driest month and in the Southern Hemisphere it is known for being the wettest month of the year. It is the end of the pleasant warm days of Spring and the beginning of the hot days of summer. In the fashion world you can move from wearing dark closed shoes to showing off the open toe beige and white shoes.
These contrasts make our lives more interesting. However, the greatest contrast is stated in the Bible. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
While some contrasts happen on their own this ultimate contrast comes as a gift and the option to choose the outcome belongs to YOU!
Humor Me:
An old man goes to the doctor. He complains that his wife has lost her ability to hear. The doctor tells him he needs to check out his wife’s hearing. “Stand behind her and ask her a question. Then keep moving closer until she responds and gives you an answer.” The man is happy that he can help his wife. He goes home, stands 20 feet behind her and asks, “What are you making for dinner?”. When he gets no response, he asks again at 15 feet; then 10 feet and finally 5 feet away. He asks one more time. “Honey, what are you making for dinner?”
“I’ve already told you three times! Lasagna!”
Military Salute:
“Tuskegee Airmen” is a name given to units of African American pilots in World War II, and if you remember, the US was still a segregated society at that time. The pilots were recruited from the University of Tuskegee in Alabama, even though Roosevelt had to go against many of his generals before making the decision due to old-fashioned racism. That was only until they were put into service, though, as they turned out to be among the best-performing pilots in the war.
Their role primarily consisted of escorting bombers against Germany's war machine, as the bomber units were still all-white. That was only how it started, though; they were soon destroying German aircraft unlike any others, all the while looking out for the bombers. While it was earlier believed that they had successfully protected all the bombers by the end of the war, a few records uncovered later do mention some bombers that were downed, though their record is still impressive. Overall, they flew over 15,000 sorties, destroyed 261 German aircraft throughout the war, and earned 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses for their performance. Tuskegee airmen were even awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bush in 2007, though many would call that a bit delayed.
Words Of Wisdom:
“I didn’t get old on purpose, it just happened. If you’re lucky, it could happen to you.” Andy Ronney
Brain Teasers
(Answers at the end of newsletter)
· What rocks but does not roll?
· What 4-letter word can be written forward, backward or upside down, and can still be read from left to right?
Grandma’s Cooking Corner:
Robert Redford Dessert
INGREDIENTS
· 1/2 cup butter, softened
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 1 cup pecans, chopped
· 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
· 1 cup powdered sugar
· 1 (10-ounce) container frozen whipped cream, thawed
· 2 cups chocolate pudding, prepared per the box instructions
· 2 cups vanilla pudding, prepared per the box instructions
· chopped pecans and grated chocolate, for garnish.
INSTRUCTIONS
· Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter.
· In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. (About 1 minute.)
· Reduce the mixer speed to low, gradually add the flour, and beat just until combined. Stir in the pecans.
· Press the mixture into the greased baking pan to form a crust. Bake for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
· In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar at medium speed until smooth. Gently mix in half of the whipped topping.
· Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Top with the chocolate pudding, followed by the vanilla pudding. Spread over the remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with the pecans and chocolate.
· Chill for at least 3 to 4 hours to let the layers set. Slice and enjoy.
Our NonProfit of the Month:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veteran's service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.
Their roots go back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.
In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations that would eventually band together and become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.
Their voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, it won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active-duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. They were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centers services for women veterans. The VFW's legislative advocacy efforts were also the driving force behind the passage of the 2019 Blue Water Navy Veteran Act, and the passage of the 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act, which the VFW considers one of the most significant pieces of veterans' legislation in history.
Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, VFW became the first supporter of the Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial which broke ground in July of 2022.
There are many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide. No One Does More For Veterans.
Who’d A Thunk:
Honey was first used as a medicinal treatment over 3,000 years ago in Egypt. Since then, honey has been found to:
· Improve digestion – Use a tablespoon or two to counteract indigestion.
· Relieve nausea – Mix honey with ginger and lemon juice to help counteract nausea.
· Treat acne – It can be used as a face cleanser to fight off acne and is gentle on all skin types. Take half a teaspoon, warm between hands and spread on face gently. Leave on for 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water and pat dry.
· Lower cholesterol.
· Raw honey makes your brain function optimal by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation.
· Reduce insomnia – Add a tablespoon to warm milk to help increase melatonin output and help you sleep.
· Provide probiotic support – Raw honey is full of natural probiotics which promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
· Treat allergies – If sourced locally, raw honey can help reduce seasonal allergies.
· Moisturize skin – A spoonful of raw honey mixed with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon can be used as a hydrating lotion.
· Treat eczema – Use it as a topical mixture of equal parts of honey and cinnamon.
· Reduce inflammation – Raw honey has anti-inflammatory agents that can treat respiratory conditions such as asthma.
· Help wounds heal – Raw honey used topically can help speed healing time for mild burns, wounds, rashes and abrasions.
· Treat urinary tract infections – Due to its antibacterial properties.
· Relieve sore throat – Mix with lemon or peppermint oil for fast acting benefits or add to tea.
Let’s be grateful to our bee friends as they come to life during the next few months.
SENIOR OF THE MONTH
June 2024
TOM DEL CORRO
Although Tom’s parents are from the Philippines, Tom was born in Atlanta, Georgia in the early 1950’s. He has three sisters and two brothers. Their father was a career United States Army officer so Tom and his siblings lived in five states and in Germany while growing up.
Tom served four years in the United States Navy as a Navy Corpsman, with one tour of Southeast Asia with the 3rd Marine Division.
Tom married his lovely bride, Debbie Tatum, in Atlanta in 1992.
Tom retired in 2018 after thirty years at WakeMed Health and Hospitals in Raleigh. He and Debbie moved to Wake Forest from Raleigh in 2019.
A very talented musician, Tom has taken on the role of Entertainment Director for The Senior Network. When The Senior Network started a “Senior Day” at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh, Tom immediately accepted putting together a monthly four-hour “Musical Showcase” to help with the socialization of seniors. He continues to do a spectacular job finding top talent for the Showcase and serves as Master of Ceremonies!
“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 or
THE SENIOR NETWORK’s #1 priority now is socialization of seniors. We create events and transport seniors to them wherever we can.
Answer to Brain Teaser:
· Rocking Chair
· Noon
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