city of santa clara senior center
TRANSCRIPT
April 2022
CITY OF SANTA CLARA
SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER
April 2022
What’s Inside:
Resources
Page 2 & 3
In Case You Missed It
Page 3
Health & Wellness Resources
Page 4 & 5
Fitness Classes
Page 7 & 8
Recipes
Page 9 & 10
Travel
Page 11
Just for Fun
Page 12
Senior Center Senior Center closed on April 15 for
Spring Holiday
Senior Center Hours:
Monday—Friday, 7 am - 3 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Senior Center Location:
Santa Clara Senior Center
1303 Fremont St., Santa Clara, CA
95050 (408) 615-3170
www.santaclaraca.gov/seniorcenter
Help Needed in the Health &
Wellness Program! If you have experience working with
older adults in Santa Clara County as a
Registered Nurse and as a Social
Worker, we would like to meet you. We
have two part-time job postings for excellent, positive, experienced
people who can help Santa Clarans age 50+ navigate and
connect with resources to help them maintain independence and
thrive. If you are interested, please see the complete job
descriptions at City of Santa Clara’s Human Resources webpage:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofsantaclara?
Save the Date!
Friday, May 20th,
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
In-Person
“BE STRONG, LIVE LONG”
Health & Wellness Fair
Join us for the sixth annual Health & Wellness Fair in Fremont
Park, to celebrate and support older adults who are working to
improve their own health and who are also caring for their older
family members. Visit over 42 community organizations and
agencies who can provide information about:
Health conditions, with free screenings available
Services in our community that can help make things easier at
home
Activities and interests that promote wellbeing
This special event will be full of helpful information, healthy living
tips, food, music, and fun….You won’t want to miss it!
Stay tuned for more Information!
This event is sponsored by the Senior Center
and the Senior Advisory Commission.
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April 2022
SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM The County of Santa Clara’s Senior Nutrition Program is a congregate meal
program, served at the Santa Clara Senior Center.
Indoor Dining will be available Monday – Friday, from 11:30 am – 12:30
pm. Doors will open at 11:30 am for check-in and seating in the Senior Center
Multi-Purpose Room. Meals will be served until 12:15 pm to allow for enough
dine-in time. Masks are strongly encouraged for all attending the program. A
$3.00 contribution is recommended.
Individuals age 60+ will need to reserve their meal by 12 pm the previous business day in order to
dine with us. Please call the Nutrition line at (408) 615–3181 to make a reservation.
RESOURCES
Senior Center Card Renewal or New Activation For those of you wanting to renew your Senior Center card or sign up for a
new card, please bring the following:
Current Senior Center card and current proof of Santa Clara residency.
Current proof can be any one of the following:
• Current utility bill (dated within the last 30 days) containing your name
and Santa Clara residential address.
• Current year’s property tax bill with your name and Santa Clara property address.
• Business mail with your name and Santa Clara residential address dated within the last 30 days.
• Current, valid automobile registration with your name and Santa Clara residential address.
With all the correct documentation, it takes about 10 minutes for a card renewal, and 15 minutes for
a new card, valid for one year from date of renewal. Please also let us know if any of your contact,
medical, or emergency contact information has changed so we can update it in our system.
Front Desk Assistance at the Senior Center We are here to help when the center is open! Monday — Friday, from
7 am to 3 pm. If you have a question about any of our programs or need
assistance, we’ll be happy to assist you. If you happen to call when the
office is closed, please leave a message and staff will return your call the
following business day (408) 615-3170.
Senior Advisory Commission Meeting—Stay Informed
The Senior Advisory Commission meets the 4th Monday of the month virtually, to discuss matters
pertaining to the older adult community in Santa Clara. These meetings are open to the public. The
next meeting will be held on Monday, April 25, starting at 10:00 am If you are interested in attending,
please call the Senior Center Front Desk at (408) 615-3170 or click here https://bit.ly/31dwIY0 (URL
is case sensitive) for the Agenda packet and Zoom Link.
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April 2022
It’s Tax Time!
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to anyone,
free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and
have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are located
nationwide, and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make
sure they know about and understand the latest changes and
additions to the tax code.
Tax-Aide sites are currently open for the 2022 tax season. This year, tax assistance is available by appointment only. You can book an appointment by clicking https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
For assistance with your taxes please contact AARP:
888-227-7669
888-687-2277
Senior Scam Stopper Recording Now Available
If you missed the webinar in February, it was a chock full
presentation! You can listen to the recording by visiting the Health &
Wellness section of the Senior Center webpage. Scroll down to the
Senior Scam Stopper and click on the arrow or use this ink: https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-g-z/parks-recreation/community-centers/senior-center/health-wellness
RESOURCES
The MIND Diet Presentation – What to Eat for a
Healthy Brain
If you missed our fantastic talk in September by SCC Public
Health Nutritionist, Jocelyn Dubin, MS, RD, you can listen to the recording by
visiting the Health & Wellness section of the Senior Center webpage. Scroll
down to The MIND Diet and click on the arrow or use this link: https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-g-z/parks-recreation/community-centers/senior-center/health-wellness
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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April 2022
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Health & Wellness Program “Howdy”
Each month, the nurses in the Health & Wellness Program mail out a
packet of current health information and resources, the Senior Center
newsletter, an activity page or two, and community resource flyers. It’s our
friendly hello to help us stay in touch with you. Call or email Larisa
Polozova (408 615-3797 [email protected] to add yourself to
the mailing. If you get Larisa’s voicemail, please leave the correct spelling
of your name, phone number, and address. We mail our “Howdy Packets”
by the first of each month.
Health & Wellness Program
We provide free assistance to find resources, apply for programs,
understand health information, apply for utility discounts, figure out a
long-term care plan, and problem-solve issues that are making life
challenging. We’re available by phone, email, or in-person
appointments, Monday - Friday: 8 am to 3 pm
Our free Blood Pressure Screening Drop-in Clinic resumes on Wednesdays, 10am to 11am.
Please take a number at the Health & Wellness Program door (Rm 210) and Larisa will call when it’s
your turn.
Contact us:
Larisa Polozova, RN, (Wednesday—Friday)
(408) 615-3797
Mallory von Kugelgen, RN, Health & Wellness Coordinator (Monday – Friday)
(408) 615-3180
Blood Pressure Clinic – Drop In
Wednesdays, 10 – 11 am
Our Health & Wellness Program nurses provide free blood pressure screen-
ings each Wednesday from 10 – 11 am upstairs in Room 210. Screenings
are first-come, first served. Take a number at the door and then rest a few
minutes prior to screening. Larisa will call when it’s your turn.
High blood pressure is a controllable risk factor for heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure
adds to the workload of your heart. If left untreated, over time your heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain
may all be affected, so learn your numbers and do regular checks to make sure your heart is tip-top.
5
April 2022
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Mindful Meditation with Chris Becker—Online Every Tuesday, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Activity Number: 23108
Mindfulness practices focusing our thoughts and energy into what is happening
now, instead of hashing over old experiences or worrying about future ones.
Using techniques like quiet breathing, mindfulness helps lower stress and
enhances life experience. Chris guides this easy, gentle meditation by helping
participants center themselves and calm their minds. Participation is via Zoom
with your computer camera or smart phone. This is a free group, but registration in advance is
required.
Register online at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/santaclara/Home or call the Front Desk
(408) 615-3170 for assistance in signing up. The Zoom link will be made available after your registration.
California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program - Online Wednesday, April 20
10 am – 10:30 am
Many drivers are uninsured because standard insurance premium
prices are beyond their financial reach. Join Mary Beth Bykowsky
from the California Department of Insurance to learn more about
affordable solutions that may help protect you, your friends, family
and other drivers on the road. It’s the law that you must be insured if you’re driving in California. The
California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program (CLCI) may help you afford the basic insurance
needed to drive legally and responsibly. This presentation is free, but registration through CA DOI is
required.
Registration Link https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ffKQQe0fRM2mQ9JPUlb1ww
Contact Mallory von Kugelgen, Health & Wellness Coordinator, at the Santa Clara Senior Center if
you have questions: (408) 615-3180 [email protected]
Free Hearing Screening—In Person with California Phones
By Appointment Only
Wednesday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
San Jose State University Speech and Language Pathology interns and their instructor, a licensed
audiologist, return to provide free hearing tests by appointment only. Space is limited! Book your
appointment at the Front Desk or call (408) 615-3170. California Phones will be joining us to provide
free adaptive phones if your screening shows hearing loss. The instructor can sign off on your
application. Information about CA Phones is also available for anyone who is interested.
Contact Mallory von Kugelgen, RN, Health & Wellness Coordinator, (408) 615-3180 mvonku-
[email protected] with questions.
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April 2022
HEALTH AND WELLNESS FITNESS
ADULT Lap Swim available at International Swim Center Lap swim at ISC is available to Seniors and Adults. Please call 408-615-3140
for more information or visit https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/
departments-g-z/parks-recreation/activities-programs/swimming-programs for
lap swim schedule.
Sign up for April Fitness Classes The Senior Center offers a range of older adult fitness opportunities. Spring classes at the Senior
Center are open to Santa Clara residents and non-residents and include options such as: mind &
body, fitness, and individuals with limited mobilities. To view a full list of offerings or register for
classes, visit SantaClaraCA.gov/ActiveNet or see pages 7 and 8 in the newsletter.
For more information, contact the Senior Center at [email protected] or
408-615-3170.
A Bike for Every Rider (aarp.org)
From new 'walking bikes' to trikes and recumbent styles, there are models to suit a variety of tastes
— and mobility issues
When German inventor Karl Freiherr von Drais introduced the first bicycle some 200 years ago, his
two-wheeled Laufmaschine wasn't cheap: It cost 40 guilders, or more than the average worker's
annual salary. It also didn't have any pedals. You propelled his “running machine” with your feet.
For its clever modern-day cousin, the Alinker, designed by Dutch inventor Barbara Alink, you'll also
pay a premium and make do without pedals. That's because Alink dreamed up her sleek “walking
bike” so people with mobility issues can remain active in a safe way today.
When it comes to bicycles, safety has always been an issue. After the accident-inducing early bike
known as the penny-farthing (with the huge front wheel and small rear wheel), the next model to
capture the world's attention was called the safety bicycle. This 1880s invention — the precursor of
the modern bicycle — helped riders stay upright by utilizing two groundbreaking ideas: two
same-size wheels and pedals that cranked a chain to propel the back one.
Today's bicycles (and tricycles) are built with safety and pleasure in mind — and there's enough
variety on the market these days to find one that suits nearly everyone. Sure, you may pay a pretty
penny (and a farthing or two), but the right bike can be a worthwhile investment in your health and
well-being for years to come.
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April 2022
APRIL CLASSES
Fall Prevention - Core and More on the Floor
Get your mats out, we’re getting on the floor!
You will learn how to get down onto and stand
up from the floor using a chair. The focus will be
learning proper stretching techniques, core
strengthening, and stabilization. We will finish
each class with one of the most challenging
exercises, stillness. We will notice our breath
and allow our bodies to relax and soak in some
of the benefits of being on the floor. Be sure to
wear comfortable clothing. Instructor—M. Pozzi
24183 Tues./Thurs. 12—12:45 p.m.
April 5—28 $92 Res. /$114 Non-res.
Room—232
Fitness for All - Circuit Training
Strengthen and tone your body with gentle
aerobic and stretching exercises designed to
enhance overall health and fitness level.
Exercises will include chairs for sitting or
standing, and aim to improve balance, flexibility,
endurance, range of motion, sense of
equilibrium, and core muscular strength. All
abilities are welcome. This class will utilize
equipment in the gym.
Instructor- A. Biscardi
24191 Mon. 9—9:45 a.m.
April 4—25 $48 Res./$60 Non-res.
Room—Fitness Center
Fall Prevention - Full Body Flexibility
Stretch, Observe, and Strengthen your way into
decreasing the risk of falling. Improve overall
health and quality of life while learning exercises
to help improve your balance, flexibility, and
core muscular strength. Chairs, light hand
weights, and stretch cords will be used as props
while sitting or standing. Class accommodates
the needs of those with mobility challenges
(walkers, wheelchairs, etc.).
Instructor- M. Pozzi
24186 Tues./Thurs. 11—11:45 a.m.
April 5—28 $92 Res. /$114 Non-res.
Room—232
Indoor Group Cycling
Peddle with a group in our beginning indoor
cycling class. This class offers a high-energy
workout, set to music. The focus of this class will
be for participants to become comfortable with
different cycling workouts, both in and out of the
saddle, at varying intensities, on an upright,
stationary bike. This class includes 15 minutes
for individual set up and warm up time with a 30
minute cycling class.
Instructor- A. Biscardi
24193 Mon. 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
April 4—25 $49 Res./$61 Non-res.
Room—222
Fitness for All
Strengthen and tone your body with gentle aerobic and stretching exercises designed to enhance
overall health and fitness level. Exercises will include chairs for sitting or standing, and aim to
improve balance, flexibility, endurance, range of motion, sense of equilibrium, and core muscular
strength. All abilities are welcome and individuals utilizing mobility
aids (walkers, canes, wheelchairs, etc.) are encouraged to
register. Instructor- A. Biscardi
24189 Wed. 9—9:45 a.m.
April 6—27 $48 Res./$60 Non-res.
Room—222
25093 Wed. 1—1:45 p.m.
April 6—27 $48 Res./$60 Non-res.
Room—222
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April 2022
APRIL CLASSES
Small Group Fitness Training
If you like working in smaller groups and want to
learn new exercises that can improve your
strength and endurance, then this is the class for
you! In this class, you will be guided through an
engaging warm-up, small group workout, and a
cool-down that aims to increase overall fitness.
This class is for individuals of all different skill
levels and physical abilities. All individuals are
welcome and encouraged to participate!
In-person and online classes available.
Instructor- A. Biscardi
24197 Mon. 10—11 a.m. (In-person)
April 4—25 $84 Res./$105 Non-res.
Room—Fitness Center
24391 Thurs. 4—5 p.m. (Online)
April 7—28 $84 Res./$105 Non-res.
Room—Fitness Center
Tai Chi for Life! - Instructor- L. Scheer
Tai Chi is a slow, gentle, flowing martial art
promoting balance, flexibility, strength, and
clarity. Online classes available for all levels at
https://bit.ly/3ohJyOf
Level 1
This is an entry level class.
24199 Wed. 9:30—10:30 a.m.
April 6—27 $46 Res./$58 Non.res.
Room—232
Level 2
Students must take Tai Chi for Life! Level 1 or
have prior approval from the instructor to move
up to Tai Chi for Life! Level 2.
24202 Tues./Thurs. 11:45 a.m.—12:45 p.m.
April 7—28 $79 Res./$98 Non-res.
Room—222
Zumba Gold®
Zumba Gold® is a Latin dance-inspired workout.
Let the music move you in this upbeat “fitness
party.” Zumba Gold® is a lower impact, easy-to-
follow fitness class that keeps you in the groove
of life! Instructor- G. Wilson
24212 Mon. 10—10:45 a.m.
April 4—25 $36 Res./$44 Non-res.
Room—222
24211 Fri. 10—10:45 a.m.
April 1—29 $36 Res./$44 Non-res.
Room—222
Level 3
Tai Chi for Life! Level 3 is for the student who
has mastered the basics, and it requires
instructor pre-approval.
24205 Tues./Thurs. 9:45—10:45 a.m.
April 7—28 $79 Res./$98 Non-res.
Room—222
Level 4
Tai Chi for Life! Level 4 is for the student who
has mastered the basic and intermediate skills,
and it requires instructor pre-approval.
24208 Tues./Thurs. 8:45—9:45 a.m.
April 7—28 $79 Res./$98 Non-res.
Room—222
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April 2022
RECIPE (RAMADAN)
Cucumber Yogurt Salad with Dill, Sour Cherries and Rose Petals (cooking.nytimes.com)
Ramadan begins April 1 and ends with Eid on May 1.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar,
observed by Muslims worldwide as a month
of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection and community. A
commemoration of Muhammad's first revelation, the
annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of
the Five Pillars of Islam, and lasts twenty-nine to thirty
days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the
next.
Crunchy cucumber, cool yogurt and the surprise of tart cherries make this salad alluring, especially
when paired with a hot, savory stew, soup or tagine. During Ramadan, the month of the year when
observant Muslims fast during daylight hours, it is delicious for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at
sunset. Try it with Harira, the traditional Moroccan iftar dish: a fragrant lamb-tomato soup with
chickpeas, lentils and vermicelli. Add a pretty bowl of dates — the food traditionally eaten first to
break the fast — and the meal is complete.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
• 2 cups thick or Greek-style yogurt
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, roughly chopped, more for garnish
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried mint
• 5 small Persian cucumbers, scrubbed and diced
• Sea salt
• ½ cup finely chopped pistachios
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried rose petals, crushed (both spice and craft shops sell food-grade dried rose
petals.)
• 3 tablespoons dried sour cherries, coarsely chopped
• Chopped fresh mint, for garnish
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
PREPARATION
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic with the yogurt, lemon juice, dill and dried mint. Fold
in the cucumbers and season with salt to taste.
2. Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with the pistachios, rose petals, dried cherries, fresh mint
and dill leaves. Drizzle with a generous amount of olive oil and serve immediately.
10
April 2022
RECIPE (PASSOVER)
Trail Mix Matzo Bark (lexiscleankitchen.com)
Passover begins April 15 and is a major Jewish holiday that
celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, which
occurs on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the first
month of Aviv, or spring. The word Pesach or Passover can also
refer to the Korban Pesach, the paschal lamb that was offered when
the Temple in Jerusalem stood; to the Passover Seder, the ritual
meal on Passover night; or to the Feast of Unleavened Bread. One
of the biblically ordained Three Pilgrimage Festivals, Passover is
traditionally celebrated in the Land of Israel for seven days and for
eight days among many Jews in the Diaspora, based on the
concept of yom tov sheni shel galuyot.
There are many great Passover dishes worth trying—like Potato
Latkes, Charoset, Matzo Ball Soup, Coconut Macaroons
Cooking Supplies:
• Cookie Sheet Pans
• IF YOU CARE Parchment Baking Paper (Chlorine-Free & Unbleached)
Ingredients:
• 1–10.5oz box Yehuda Gluten Free Matzo-Style Squares (or Matzo of choice)
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts of choice
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
• Coarse sea salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Line baking sheet with matzo squares until
it is fully covered, making sure to overlap the matzo slightly so there are no gaps between them.
You will have to cut some squares to make it all fit. Note: If your matzo is cracked, it’s okay! Just
lightly layer edges, don’t fully overlap!
2. Melt chocolate in a double-boiler or as desired, and pour over matzo squares. Using an off-set
spatula spread the chocolate evenly over the matzo.
3. Sprinkle nuts, raisins, coconut and seeds evenly over the chocolate. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of
flaky sea salt if you’d like!
4. Let the finished chocolate matzo set in the refrigerator (20 minutes or freezer 10 minutes) before
cutting or breaking apart. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
11
April 2022
TRAVEL
America's Most Beautiful Springtime Destinations (adapted from thrillist.com)
Chasing spring’s mighty colors makes for a celebratory kind of journey, and if you’re still in the year
of the road trip (and aren’t we all?), reaching that beauty doesn’t have to be too far from home. To
get you out there, we’ve scouted out some of the best places to enjoy the outdoors this spring, with
each of these destinations offering a healthy dose of wildflowers, the promise of birds and breezes,
and a serious detox from those winter blues. Here’s where to travel around the US this spring.
Washington, DC:
Is there a more famous bloom than the cherry blossoms
of Washington, DC? About 110 years ago, the mayor of Tokyo prob-
ably didn’t realize his donation of 2,000 cherry trees to DC was also
a gift of the biggest of big spring festivals in the US. From March 20
to April 17, the capital city erupts in a riot of pinks, from the pink
buds on the trees to pink tour buses to thousands of pink balloons,
pink patio umbrellas, and pink-clad dancers in the National Cherry
Blossom Festival Parade. But you’re probably here for the trees—3,800 of them lining the National
Mall. You can even watch them, right now, on the #BloomCam (https://
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/bloom-watch/).
Antelope Valley, California:
About 80 miles north of LA near the town of Lancaster, the Antelope
Valley California Poppy Reserve is another eye-popping SoCal
springtime flower destination. Picture expanses of brilliant
color—even in slow years—exploding out of the parched desert.
Sandwiched between the Tehachapi and snow-capped San Gabriel
Mountains at the western edge of the Mojave Desert, the stunning
vistas can be taken in via eight miles of dirt trail that wind through
gentle rolling hills. The poppies enter their full bloom at the end of March and will be best viewed
through the first half of May.
Pella, Iowa:
If springtime to you means 300,000 tulips waving between Dutch
windmills, there’s pretty much only one place you belong: Pella,
Iowa. The 10,000-person town throws a legit tulip extravaganza—
seriously, expect 40,000+ visitors all vying for parking—known as
Tulip Time, and it’s a Big Deal Time. Always in early May, come to
wander the technicolor fields, gorge on Dutch pastries, try your feet
in wooden shoes (why not?), or even have your first experience at a
Dutch-themed drive-thru. Toto, you’re not in Iowa anymore.
12
April 2022
JUST FOR FUN
A riddle is a statement that has a secret meaning - your mission,
should you choose to accept it, is to crack the puzzle and find
that meaning. Let's start with an easy one - answer this.
1. Brothers and sisters I have none but this man's father is my
father's son. Who is the man?
2. What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?
3. What has to be broken before you use it?
4. During which month do people sleep less?
5. Paul's height is six feet, he's an assistant at a butcher's shop, and wears size 9 shoes. What
does he weigh?
6. A basket contains 5 apples. Do you know how to divide them among 5 kids so that each one has
an apple and one apple stays in the basket?
7. What occurs once in every minute, twice in every moment, yet never in a thousand years?
8. What is as light as a feather, but even the world's strongest man couldn't hold it for more than a
minute?
9. What has roots as nobody sees,
Is taller than trees.
Up, up, up it goes,
And yet never grows? - What am I?
10. A metal tube quite long and thin
My function seems surreal
Along my body coming in
I'm bringing quite a reel
Just cast me out into the waves
And leave me standing tall
I'll bring in catches that you crave
Unless I'm foiled by squalls
To find the perfect spot, explore
Shun ghosts, avoid the snow
It's best if you can monitor
What's going on below
I'll try to grab you with a hook
And lines that hold you tight
Designed to draw a longing look
Be careful should you bite—What am I? Answers:
1. The man is my son
2. A Stamp
3. An Egg
4. February (fewer nights)
5. Meat
6. 4 kids get an apple (one apple for each
one of them) and the fifth kid gets an
apple with the basket still containing
the apple.
7. The letter “m”
8. His Breath
9. A Mountain
10. A TV Antenna