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The

Senior NewsFebruary 2018

Focus for People Aged 50 and Better!Focus for People Aged 50 and Better!VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 2

KEYBOARD COURTSHIP

Idiom Shortage Leaves Nation

Crying Over Spilt

Sliced Bread

OHIO SENIORS

AND THE FLU

SAN FRANCISCO!

The Senior News February 2018

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friend to spend time with, online dating sites have become a very popular and effective way for baby boomers to meet new single people.

Making new friends can be challenging as we get older, which is why online dating sites are an excellent option for baby boomers. They provide an easy and convenient way to meet dozens of new people, without ever having to leave home. And, to make things even easier, many sites today use matchmaking algorithms that factor in your interests and preferences so they can steer you to matches that are best suited for you. Here are some other tips to help you get started.

J Choose a site or two: There are literally hundreds of different matchmaking websites and apps available, so choosing can be a bit confusing. Costs typically range between $15 and $20 per month, however some dating sites are completely free to use. Depending on your preferences here are some popular options to look into.

If you don’t want to spend any money, free sites like OKCupid.com and PlentyofFish.com are good places to start, but these sites have a lot of advertising. There are also free apps like Tinder (GoTinder.com) and Bumble.com, but these tend to be geared toward younger adults looking for casual romance.

If you’re interested in lots of choices consider Match.com, which has a huge membership in all demographics. Or checkout eHarmony.com, which is also very large but more targeted for people who want to take things slow.

Or, if you are looking to find a specific type of person, there are hundreds of niche sites like: OurTime.com, SeniorPeopleMeet.com and 50more.com for those 50 and older; EliteSingles.com for professionals; DateMyPet.com for animal lovers; VeggieDate.org for vegetarians; JDate.com for Jewish singles; BlackPeopleMeet.com for African Americans; and

savvy senior

by Jim Miller

The Senior News

February 2018

Dear Savvy Senior,I’ve heard that hearing aids will

soon be available over-the-counter and will be much cheaper than they currently are. What can you tell me about this? My husband desperately needs hearing aids but we simply can’t afford them.

Searching Spouse

Dear Searching,Unfortunately, for many years

the high cost of hearing aids has kept millions of Americans with hearing loss from getting hearing aids because they can’t afford them.

Hearing aids – typically sold through audiologists’ offices – are expensive, usually ranging between $1,000 and $4,000 per ear, and are not typically covered by private insurance or traditional Medicare.

But there’s good news on the horizon. Last summer President Trump signed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 into law. This will allow people with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy hearing aids without consulting an audiologist, and the devices could sell for between $250 and $300 at drugstores and other retailers.

The only problem is that it will be a couple more years before these OTC hearing aids are available to consumers. So in the meantime, here are some tips that can help you find some affordable options.

l Check Your InsuranceWhile most private health

insurance companies do not cover hearing aids, there are some that do. For example, Aetna members can purchase aids at a discount through certain suppliers, and United Healthcare offers hearing aids to their beneficiaries through HealthInnovations for $799 to $999 each.

You should also know that some federal workers, as well as residents of Arkansas, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island can get their hearing aids covered by health insurance, as can eligible veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Or, if your husband is a Medicare recipient, about half of all Medicare Advantage plans offer at least partial coverage or discounts on hearing exams and devices. So, be sure you check your husband’s insurance coverage to see if it offers any type of hearing aid benefit.

l Shop AroundTo help you save money,

consider shopping at Costco, which offers no-cost screenings at certain locations, as well as very competitive prices. Hearing aids there range between $500 and $1,500 each. You can also shop online at websites like EmbraceHearing.com and Audicus.com, which can save you up to $2,000 per pair. Then visit a local specialist to make any necessary adjustments.

Another opt ion wor th a look is over-the-counter personal sound amplification products (or PSAPs). Unlike hearing aids, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate PSAPs. And PSAP manufacturers are not allowed to call these products hearing aids or claim that they help hearing. But these devices are very effective for people with mild to moderate hearing impairment, and typically cost between $350 and $450 each. To find a wide variety of PSAPs see assistive listening sites like Harris Communications (HarrisComm.com, or call 866-476-9579).

l Look For AssistanceIf your income is low, there

is a number of national, state and independent groups that can help you pay for hearing aids or offer discounts. To find them, visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website at A S H A . o rg / p u b l i c / c o v e r a g e /audfundingresources. Or, call the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at 800-241-1044, and ask them to mail you their list of financial resources for hearing aids.

Dear Savvy Senior,What can you tell me about

online dating for baby boomers? I’m 57 and recently divorced, and would like to find a new friend to spend time with.

Lonely Linda

Dear Linda,Whether you’re interested in

dating again or just looking for a

ChristianMingle.com for Christians.J Create a profile: When you

join a matchmaking site you’ll need to create a personality profile that reflects who you are, including recent photos, hobbies, interests, favorite activities and more. If you need some help, sites like ProfileHelper.com can write one for you for a fee.

J Use caution: When you register with a site you remain anonymous. No one gets access to your personal contact information until you decide to give it out, so be prudent whom you give it to. Before meeting, you should chat on the phone or video chat a few times, and when you do meet in person for the first time, meet in a public place or bring a friend along. And if someone asks for money, don’t send it. Online dating/sweetheart scams are out there so be aware. If you want to be extra cautious, you can even do a quick background check on your date at MyMatchChecker.com.

J Don’t be naive: In an effort to get more responses, many people will exaggerate or flat out lie in their profiles, or post pictures that are 10 years old or 20 pounds lighter. So don’t believe everything you see or read.

J Make an effort: A lot of times, people – especially women – sit back and let others come to them. Don’t be afraid to make the first move. When you find someone you like, send a short note that says, “I really enjoyed your profile. I think we have some things in common.” Keep it simple.

J Don’t get discouraged: If you don’t get a response from someone, don’t let it bother you. Just move on. There are many others that will be interested in you and it only takes one person to make online dating worthwhile.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Three Ways to Cut Hearing Aid Costs

Baby Boomers Finding Companionship Online

By E.E. Rickey

The View From My Recliner


I have managed to amass more ties than the Norfolk and Southern Railway. Neckties, bow ties, clip on ties, bolo ties, I have them all. I am not sure how it happened. I blame the Baptists and the Croatians.

One of the earliest pictures I have is an Easter Sunday photo of my 5 year old self along with my 4 year old cousin sporting fedoras, sport coats and bow ties. We look as if we were going to a mob hit. From that point on every Sunday morning I donned a short sleeve white shirt, a hand me down sport coat from an older cousin and a tie and headed to Sunday school and church. Yes, my tie tsunami began with clip on bow ties that I snapped into place as I gasped for air after buttoning the top button of my only white shirt which was a size and a half too small.

I do not remember many sermons preached at our Baptist. Whether it was from lack of interest or lack of oxygen, I cannot say.

According to leading scholarly authorities (Google), the necktie can be traced to the uniforms worn by Croatian mercenaries in the 30 Years War. Evidently, they believed if a war must be fought, win or lose, one should look good doing it. The war might not have lasted 30 years if the Croatians were not constantly having to stop to look in a mirror to make sure their ties were straight.

As clip on bow ties went the way of dirty bucks and back-belted chinos I graduated to tying my own ties. They were skinny ties, the skinnier the better. +

Since I had the fine motor skills of an arthritic elephant this produced certain challenges on Sunday mornings. It was difficult to get into a spiritual frame of mind for church when I had spent the preceding half hour swearing. This also began my “huskie” years which is a euphemism invented my boys’ clothing manufacturers for fat. A skinny tie made me look like a pear with a racing stripe. My huskie years never really ended, I just maturated

into the Big and Tall department, with the emphasis on Big.

S k i n n y t i e s disappeared faster than the Pet Rock, replaced by wide, wider and still wider ties. Wide p a i s l e y t i e s . When I walked down the street in wide bell bottom pan ts , a wide collared sport coat and a wide paisley tie I should have been preceded by a pilot car.

S o o n t h e r e a f t e r the power t ie was in vogue. Power ties are red and favored by CEO’s and p o l i t i c i a n s . A l t h o u g h I was neither, I thought owning one might give me an air of a u t h o r i t y , strength and d o m i n a n c e a t w o r k . M y y o u n g d a u g h t e r s misunderstood what I wanted and bought me a Power Ranger tie that year for Christmas. They were so pleased with themselves they followed this up with D a f f y Duck, Porky Pig and Yosemite Sam ties. Had my fellow employees been 9 years old I might have pulled off this look. Instead, several of my co-workers wanted to know if my wife and I were free to babysit.

I have theme ties – beach scenes with hula girls (now prohibited at work as a violation our sexual harassment policy), a Casablanca tie depicting Bogie in his hat and trench coat with a cigarette protruding from the corner of his mouth (also prohibited at work as violating the spirit of our no-smoking policy) and

several Ohio State ties (banned in

the entire state of Michigan as a form of hate speech).

T h e n t h e r e a r e the special o c c a s i o n

ties. I have my Bicentennial

tie from 1976, a 4th of July tie, an Easter tie and ties with photos of my grandchildren. And of course, Christmas ties. From Santa, to holly and one horse open sleighs, I have them all. I even have a musical tie that plays Jingle Bells, which one should n e v e r w e a r t o church. Ministers do not like flash sing alongs during their sermons. I speak from personal experience.

Since I have enough ties to outfit an entire Croatian mercenary division why do I still keep

them? First of all, I can never dispose of

ties that have photos of my grandchildren on them. I can

threaten to show them to their friends if they don’t come to visit me. If I got rid of my Bicentennial tie I know that Trump would find out and twitter that I was un-American. Not only are my Christmas ties artistic and festive I love to start fidgeting with them when Christmastime sermons go long so that the minister cuts the sermon short before strains of Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer fills the sanctuary.

But most of all they are a shrewd investment, right there with my Avon bottle collection and my Elvis commemorative coins. When Croatian mercenaries make a comeback I’ll make a fortune outfitting them.

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By Cheryl Walker

Valentine's Day brings to mind images of a romantic dinner for two. But instead of making reservations at an extravagant restaurant, go with a new trend -- cooking a special dinner together.

From local schools to special classes, couples have been finding out that they not only enjoy eating, but working in the kitchen as well.

Jennie Crowley created a Couples Romantic Cooking class. Her husband, Eric Crowley, who owns Chef Eric's Culinary Classroom in Los Angeles, teaches the course.

"The classes are so popular we usually offer three a month," Jennie Crowley said.

What appeals to couples is the class is new and different. Instead of going out, they get hands on with their meals.

"This is an alternative to date night and it's something they can do together," Jennie Crowley said. "It seems to fit new couples and couples who have been married a long time. We find couples who have been married a long time are very social and many times they like coming with another couple."

Hipcooks, also located in Los Angeles, offers a variety of hands-on cooking classes and has also found success with romantic dinner classes.

"A lot of times this is the only

time they can spend together, and it's just a natural activity for couples," said Bonny Giardina, owner of Hipcooks. "You're with your favorite person in the world and it's a great addition to a relationship."

Unlike most classes, these places don't have the usual desks and chairs. Instead, there are cooking stations and, in the case of Eric Crowley's kitchen, beautifully decorated tables with pretty tablecloths, napkins and candles.

"Part of the romance is Eric has them sit across the table from each other," Jennie Crowley said. "This way they can feed each other during the meal and make goo-goo eyes."

Their class is done in a party atmosphere with a brief lecture and more instruction as three to four couples prepare their menu.

"Every couple cooks for the whole group and when everything is done we have a buffet so they can try everything," Jennie Crowley said.

A menu for one of their three-hour classes includes baked salmon and vegetable packages in sake sauce with creamy gnocchi di demolina gratinati; crunch citrus beef over rice pilaf and leeks with stir-fried broccoli in ginger and garlic; and sweet and sour fish with red bell peppers, mixed greens and steamed rice. The romantic dessert to top of the evening is chocolate creme brulee.

What Eric Crowley enjoys about teaching the romantic dinner course is working with couples.

"It's a group of students I normally wouldn't have access to," he said. "I like the comradery of the couples and the romance -- I'm a

diehard romantic."Cooking together can be a

relaxing experience, which is another plus for a romantic evening.

"Couples may wind up coming in at the end of the week for the class and invariably at least one half of the couple is still under a lot of stress," he said. "Over the period of the class they start to loosen up, relax and communicate and rediscover their other half all over again."

Learning to prepare a meal that isn't usually made at home is something that couples look forward to. It spices up the home menu as well as the relationship.

"I find men to be even more excited about the class because it's so different for them," said Giardina. "It's a nice treat. Many times they'll bring their wife or date as a surprise. It's like, 'Let's do something sweet and fun together.' They're all ready to have fun and whenever you throw a little love in there, it's always fun."

Here are two of the favorite recipes couples choose at Eric Crowley's Culinary Classroom:

2 tablespoons butter4 chicken breasts, bonelessSalt and pepper, to taste2 tablespoons lemon juice2 tablespoons capers, drained2 tablespoons water or stock1/4 cup parsley, chopped1/2 cup sour cream or creme

fraicheYields 4 chicken breastsMelt butter in saute pan over

medium heat. When butter is hot, season chicken well with salt and

pepper and place it skin side down. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes. Turn breasts over. Cook until juices run clear, about 8 to 10 minutes.

When the chicken is done, remove it from heat and keep in a warm place. Pour off the fat from the pan and deglaze it over high heat by adding the lemon juice, capers and stock. Add parsley and let liquids cook for about a minute.

Take pan off heat. Stir in sour cream or creme fraiche. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. If sauce is too thick, thin with water or stock. Pour over chicken and serve.

5 ounces baby spinach4 boneless chicken breasts,

pounded thinSalt and pepper to taste1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped3 to 4 ounces prosciutto5 ounces Boursin cheese, cut

into 5 pieces, divided use1/4 cup flour2 tablespoons olive oil1/2 cup white wine1/2 cup chicken stock or broth1/2 teaspoon cornstarch1 tablespoon waterYields 4 cutletsPreheat oven to 425 F. Heat

large skillet. Add spinach and cook over high heat until wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer the spinach to paper towel-lined tray. Let cool slightly. Press out as much liquid as possible.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with dill. Place 2 slices of prosciutto on each breast. Top with the spinach and 1 piece of cheese. Roll cutlets up lengthwise and secure with 3 toothpicks. Season with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken in four and shake off the excess.

Add olive oil to skillet and heat until oil simmers. Add chicken. Cook over high heat until golden on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Turn over and cook for 2 minutes. Add wine and stock. Cover and place in the oven.

Bake cutlets for about 12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Transfer chicken to platter and remove toothpicks.

Mix cornstarch with water until thoroughly combined. Add to pan. Whip over high heat until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add remaining cheese, whip until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over chicken and serve.

SOMETHING'S

COOKING

Find the way to their heart through their stomach

CHICKEN WITH LEMON

CAPER SAUCE

CHICKEN BREASTS

STUFFED WITH PROSCIUTTO, SPINACH AND

BOURSIN CHEESE


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A secure retirement is created from a lifetime of planning and saving. Each year, American Savings Education Council and America Saves coordinate America Saves Week. The week is an opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for individuals to assess their own saving status.

For years, Social Security has collaborated with America Saves Week to promote our shared mission of helping millions of people prepare for their future. This year, the week is celebrated from February 26through March 3.

Knowing this, it’s never too early to start planning for your future. Set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically. Savers with a plan are

twice as likely to save successfully. Pledge to save for America Saves Week at www.americasaves.org. Share what you’re saving for using the hashtag #ImSavingFor.

Social Security’s “People Like Me” website has tailor-made information for preparing for your future. Our richly diverse country is made up of countless backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities, yet we all want the same thing — a secure future. You can see many of the diverse people we serve at www.socialsecurity.gov/people.

Younger people need to know that the earlier you start saving, the more your money can grow. Our website for young workers at www.socialsecurity.gov/people/earlycareer has resources that can help you secure today and tomorrow.

Social Security puts you in control of your finances and future. We have made requesting or replacing your annual Benefit Statement even easier. The Benefit Statement is also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S. Now you have the ability to

download it anytime and anywhere you want using our online services. There’s no need to visit a field office.

An SSA-1099 is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year so you know how much Social

Security income to report to IRS on your tax return.

If you currently live in the United States and you need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, simply go online and request an instant, printable replacement form with a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S is available for the previous tax year after February 1.

If you already have a personal my Social Security account, you can access your online account to view and print your SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S. If you don’t have access to a printer, you can save the document on your computer or laptop and email it. If you don’t have a my Social Security account, creating a secure account is very easy to do and usually takes less than 15 minutes.

If you’re a noncitizen who lives outside of the United States and you received or repaid Social Security benefits last year, we will send you form SSA-1042S instead. The forms SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S are not available for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

When you have access to your benefit information, you can make knowledgeable decisions about your financial future. With you in control, you can secure today and tomorrow for yourself and your loved ones. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov to find out more.

By Phillippe Sebastion

Social Security Service Representative Youngstown Ohio

Social Security Collaborates

with America Saves Week

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SENIOR NEWS LINE

By Matilda Charles

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By Freddy Groves

The Department of Veterans Affairs has just announced that all 1,000 of its facilities are available for same-day care for primary or mental-health needs.

That sounds great. But there are caveats. Same-day care doesn't necessarily mean you'll go in that day. There is a protocol to determine just how urgent your case actually is. You might get a real visit, or you might get advice from a nurse, a telehealth or video visit, an appointment to see a specialist or a prescription filled that day, or you might get an email. Same-day care also applies only to days and times a facility is open.

To learn more about the process of getting urgent care, go to www.accesstocare.va.gov. Check the Frequently Asked Questions while you're there. You'll see a list of locations with the hours and days each facility is open (some are Monday-Friday only, with regular business hours), as well as the services they provide.

Also, in the FAQ, note the way non-urgent wait times are calculated. If you want an appointment and they can't fit you in for six days, your wait is six days. OK, that's fair. If, on the other hand, you are a returning patient whose physician has requested you return at a certain time, the wait time is calculated as days between the requested date and the date they can actually get you in. They give this example: Your doctor wants you back in 30 days, but they can't fit you in until 45 days, then your wait time is 15 days.

If you really want immediate care and can't get it, the FAQ lists more options, including mobile medical units, mobile vet units, vet centers, walk-in clinics and emergency rooms. Check your area now so you'll know your options in advance should you ever need urgent care.

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By Lesley Sauls

The kids are bickering, the laundry is piled up and the dog needs to go out. The phone rings, the kitchen timer buzzes and your spouse walks in with a frown after a bad day at work.

Sound familiar? What you two need is a good, old-fashioned date -- a chance to leave the stresses of

daily life behind and rekindle your romance.

Jake and Mary Farrell of Eau Claire, Wis., just celebrated their 42nd anniversary. They attribute the success of their marriage to regularly scheduled date nights that kept their romance alive and their friendship strong. Especially after children came along, they were determined not to view each other as "Mommy" and "Daddy" and forget that they were best friends first.

The Farrells explained to their kids, "You exist because we [do]. You are the culmination of our best efforts." And off they'd go to strengthen the bond of their love.

Communication can easily break down between two people if they don't catch up and share their feelings on a regular basis. Making time for a date can provide the focused time that is necessary to connect and nurture the person you hold dear.

Amy Pickens of Your Place for Marriage Counseling in Philadelphia said that date nights are also important because they offer an opportunity for couples to see each other through fresh eyes. Just as they did in the beginning, each person will put his or her best foot forward and be impressed with the other's attempts to do the same.

Pickens points out that the positive feelings of love and affection that come from a date night will release, "peaceful brain chemicals, including oxytocin, the 'bonding hormone.'"

"Studies show that loving, n u r t u r i n g a n d h a r m o n i o u s relationships are associated with

faster recovery from injury and illness, longer life expectancy and a decreased risk of depression and addictions," Pickens said. "So date nights are like a vaccine against and a cure for the boredom, stress and conflict between couples."

The challenge is in making the time for the date. Both people need to make regular date nights a priority. Pickens recommends making one night each week a date night, "so that the cumulative effects of time alone are not lost."

That may sound expensive, but it doesn't have to be. To cut costs, trade date nights with friends so

that neither couple has to pay a sitter. The night doesn't have to be long, either. Go for walks, play cards at a diner, sit on a blanket under the stars or park like you did when you

were dating.In any case, be creative. A drink

or dinner out at a favorite restaurant is always fun, but a concert along the river, a tour of a local history museum or a visiting ballet can add variety to your dates.

Alternate who will decide on the activity and then be enthusiastic about the adventure. If she wants to drive to a winery that winds up being closed, savor the drive. If he wants to take in a ballgame with thousands of screaming college kids, hold his hand. Remember, it's not about the activity; it's about your time together.

However, be respectful of your partner's interests. If you know that your spouse truly loathes a particular activity, then avoid it during this time to show how much you cherish your soul mate.

"Any date that violates the values of one or both people in the couple can make time alone a disaster," Pickens warned.

Also, be sure you have time to talk on your date. A theater performance or a movie are fun activities, but make time after the passive activity for conversation and laughter. A late-night decaf at a hip coffee shop or a cocktail at a swanky lounge would cap off the evening with an opportunity to rehash the performances and catch up on the week's happenings.

No matter what, remember your goal: To keep the romantic fire kindled.

"The best intention for a date night is to truly savor the deliciousness of being totally and deeply concentrated on each other," Pickens said.

RELIGHTING THE FLAME

A weekly date night can bring more passion


2018

All Mahoning County routes have hourly

service!

By Simone Slykhous

Think you are too old, too skeptical, too busy or even too broke for online dating? Think again. More than 40 million Americans -- that's 40 percent of the adult single population -- use online dating services. And two Bowling Green State University professors of gerontology, Dr. Wendy K. Watson and Dr. Charlie Stelle, found that people older than 60 represent the fasting-growing demographic of online daters.

Though it can be difficult to muster the courage to put yourself back out there -- especially after the dissolution of an extended marriage or decades of caring for children -- these numbers prove you're not alone.

"Online dating has become much more culturally accepted in

recent years. Americans are now much more likely to count an online dater among their friends and family, and a majority view online dating as a good way to meet potential partners -- one that in some ways is superior to traditional ways of meeting people," says Aaron Smith, the main author of a recent Pew Research Center report.

According to the same report, 66 percent of people using online dating sites have gone on a date with someone they met through the services. And 23 percent of online daters have married or started a long-term relationship from the services.

However, before you jump into the dating pool, "take the time to get over your divorce baggage, figure out who you are again," says divorce coach Debbie Burgin. "In a way, you have to rewind the clock to looking at who you were before you were married. Only then are you somewhat ready to play nice with others."

Once you have done some soul-searching and have a deeper

understanding of what you want from the dating scene, you can begin your search. Move at your own pace, and keep some basic safety tips in mind, as well. For instance, never reveal personal data -- such as your full name, address and financial information -- especially with someone you have not met in person. And never send money to or accept it from people whom you've met online. Dating websites have learned to watch for scammers just as much as they have learned to diversify for the growing population of Web daters.

The most successful dating sites for long-term commitments are Match.com and eHarmony. Match.com boasts the greatest volume of seniors, 2.5 million, so the odds are in your favor. The website is also very user-friendly and offers guidance if you need a little extra help. It costs $19.99 a month for six months, but that membership includes access to Matchtalk, a tool for screening your matches with keywords, and Stir events, group gatherings for locals to mingle with other singles.

EHarmony, according to research, accounts for one-quarter of online marriages. The website offers matches based on its patented 29 dimensions of compatibility, discovered by answering 258 multiple-choice questions. The questionnaire may seem intimidating; however, you don't have to sift through matches once the questions are answered. EHarmony controls your dating choices and only shows you members deemed compatible. This relinquishing of control can either ease your mind or drive you crazy, and it will cost you about

$23.95 a month for the first six months.

OurTime.com is one of the most popular dating sites catering exclusively to people 50 or older. According to the website, OurTime.com gears its questionnaire to "honor the freedom, wisdom and appreciation for life that only comes with time." Something seems to be working for the easy-to-use site, as 1.4 million mature adults are visiting each month. It costs $12.99 a month for six months.

Pairing with AARP to target the 50-plus crowd, HowAboutWe lets you propose dating ideas and peruse dates that others have set up. Options range from meeting for coffee to seeing an exhibit at a local museum to going bike riding on the pier. By emphasizing making plans, this site forces you to step out from behind the keyboard. AARP members get a free seven-day trial and 50 percent off the regular membership fee of $12 a month for six months.

For those who are not looking to spend money on a dating site, there are still options. PlentyOfFish is a free website with almost 50,000 people online every day. A chemistry predictor measures self-confidence, family orientation, self-control, openness and easygoingness. You have the choice of explaining that you're looking for casual dating, an activities partner, a friend, something long-term or even a spouse. The Web chat and communities functions keep the site engaging. You also have the option to upgrade your membership for a fee.

OkCupid uses math to calculate a love match. By having you answer a series of questions, OkCupid looks at your responses, how you'd like someone else to answer and how important that question is to you. For seniors who might be more set in their ways -- e.g., they need a mate who loves dogs and can't stand clutter -- having this match percentage can help narrow things down. Though it does cater to a younger, more Web-savvy demographic, there are plenty of older and wiser visitors among the 3.5 million active users of the free site.

Niche dating markets are also available. ChristianMingle.com offers a place for Christians to share their faith. JDate.com is the leading online Jewish dating community. RepublicanPeopleMeet.com and DemocraticPeopleMeet.com are places for like-minded politicos. And VeggieDate is for vegetarians to fall in love over fava beans.

KEYBOARD COURTSHIP

Online dating after divorce


Columbus, Ohio – In response to news that flu activity in Ohio is now widespread, the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Aging urge older Ohioans and their families to be aware of seniors’ elevated risk of complications from flu and take steps to prevent its spread.

“For many reasons, older adults are more likely than younger adults to experience the flu and its complications,” said Dr. Clint Koenig, Medical Director of the Ohio Department of Health. “The flu can make existing health problems worse and can be particularly dangerous for the 80 percent of older Ohioans who have at least one chronic condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.”

“Flu prevention is not just a personal health issue, it is a public health priority,” said Beverley Laubert, Interim Director of the Department of Aging. “Older adults and those who spend time with them can do a lot to stave off flu and flu-related complications so that they can continue to grow, thrive and contribute.”

Flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, can lead to death. Flu viruses are spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing or through surfaces. Symptoms of the flu may come on quickly and may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Tips to minimize your risk of getting and spreading the flu:h Get a flu shot. Even though

we are already well into the flu season, there is still plenty of time to benefit from a flu shot. Ask about special high-dose vaccines specifically for older adults. There is plenty of vaccine available across the state.h Maintain good health habits.

Get plenty of sleep, manage stress

and be as physically active as is appropriate for you. Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritional foods.h Wash your hands. Scrubbing

with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds can kill most of the flu viruses your hands encounter. When you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.h Limit your contact. Avoid

contact with people who may be ill with the flu, as well as surfaces they may have touched. Likewise, if you feel you may have the flu, limit the time you spend with others until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medicine. Call ahead to places like doctor’s offices, nursing homes and senior centers to see if they have special visitation restrictions for those who have flu-like symptoms.h Cover your mouth and

nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow then wash any affected skin immediately.

If you get the flu, proper care can lessen symptoms and decrease the time you are ill and able to infect others. Stay at home and get plenty of rest. Drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost through fever and sweating. Talk to your medical provider about medicines you can take to manage your symptoms and how they may interact with other medicines you take.

What is the flu?i The "flu" or influenza is

caused by a virus.i The flu can cause serious

complications like pneumonia or death.i It is very contagious and

spreads in the U.S. each year from fall to spring.i Older adults and young

children are at highest risk but anyone can get it.

How is influenza spread?i Influenza spreads from

person to person by droplets from coughing, sneezing or close contact.

What are the symptoms?i Flu symptoms typically start

1-4 days after a person is exposed to the flu.i Symptoms may include:o Fever or feeling feverish/

chills o Cough o Sore throat o Runny or stuffy nose o Muscle or body aches o Headache o Tiredness

What you should know if you are 65 years or older:i Adul ts 65 years and

older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu because immune defenses weaken with age.i For people with health

problems, such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, or diabetes, the risk of complications is higher.i Most flu-related deaths and

hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older.

Actions people 65 years and older should take this flu season:i Get your flu shot. While

the flu vaccine varies in how well it works, vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting against the flu.i Vaccination is especially

important for people 65 years and older because they are at high risk for complications from flu.i Getting your flu vaccine

helps to protect your children, grandchildren, and those around you from getting the flu.

What should I know about the flu vaccine?i The Ohio Department of

Health (ODH) and the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year. ODH recommends that you consult with your doctor to determine whether vaccination is appropriate for you or a family member.i Flu vaccines are updated

every year and your immunity wanes over a year, so annual vaccination is needed to ensure the best possible protection.i You can get vaccinated

throughout the flu season from September until January or even later.i People 65 years and older

can get any injectable vaccine (flu shot) that is approved for use in that age group.i There are two vaccines

specifically for people 65 and older – Fluzone® and FLUAD™ – that are designed to create a stronger immune response.

Where can I get the flu vaccine?i Contact your doctor to see

if the flu vaccine is available. You can also contact your local health department and check the following website for a location in your area: https://vaccinefinder.org/

Ohio Seniors:

Protect Yourself and

Those Around You From the

Flu Flu is much more than a

personal health issue

Older Adults Influenza (Flu)

Facts

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By Randal C. Hill

Mr. Hollingshead Helps His Mom

On June 6, 2008, a unique flag was flown over the U. S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., to commemorate a special event. A watershed moment in American history? Well, sort of. The banner honored the 75th anniversary of the drive-in movie theater.

Its beginning can be traced back to 1932, when folks living on Thomas Avenue in Camden, New Jersey, might have witnessed some strange goings-on from neighbor Richard Hollingshead. He had nailed a bedsheet between two trees by his driveway, set a home movie projector on the hood of his car, and placed a radio behind the sheet. Then Hollingshead, his radio blaring at full volume, had projected a movie onto his fluttering “screen.”

Why all that weird activity?

Hollingshead had been concerned about his mother, who was a rather large lady. To Mrs. Hollingshead a visit to an indoor movie house guaranteed great discomfort in a too-tight theater seat. Richard figured that, if a film could be enjoyed from the comfort of a spacious auto seat, this could alleviate his mother’s problem.

And so was born the drive-in movie concept.

One year later, and with three other investors, Hollingshead bought 400 nearby acres and terraced 336 parking spaces in gentle front-wheel inclines, so that vehicles directly in front of car-cocooned drive-in viewers wouldn’t block the screen.

Newspaper ads for the new Automobile Movie Theater showed a chubby woman trying to squeeze into a movie-house seat.

On opening night, visiting movie patrons handed over 25 cents apiece to see a British comedy called Wives Beware on a 40-by-50-foot screen. Customers instantly embraced Hollingshead’s brainchild—they could relax in their vehicles, smoke cigarettes, bring their kids, chat without being shushed. Drive-ins weren’t just for families, either; for romantically inclined teenagers, the media soon labeled such venues “passion pits.”

Hollinshead’s biggest early problem involved sound. RCA had created three six-foot high speakers that supposedly guaranteed equal sound distribution everywhere on the grounds. But front-row people were subject to an ear-pounding volume, while back-row viewers could barely

hear. Also, neighbors griped about the nightly noise. Eventually RCA came to the rescue by developing wire-attached speakers that hung on car windows.

Thanks to a prosperous economy and a growing car culture, drive-in theaters mushroomed in popularity after World War II. By 1958 the number of such sites—featuring about 25% of all movie screens in America at the time—reached its peak with 4,063 locations. The largest such venue was the All-Weather Drive-In in Copiague, New York, which boasted 2,500 parking spaces, an additional indoor sitting area, a playground, a shuttle and a full-service restaurant that offered rooftop dining.

Unfortunately, the unavoidable passage of time brought unwelcome changes in the form of soaring land values and competition from increasing technology, especially with the development of popular home video systems.

While most former sites have morphed into housing developments or shopping centers, the remaining weed-infested lots and flea-market locales now stand as sentinels to still-vivid memories of silver-screen stories once told under nighttime skies.

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Notes from the

Lilly Pad

She sought me out knowing just when and where to find me. Knocking politely on my office door she softly inquired: “May I come in for a moment?” Upon hearing my welcoming response, she entered

the room exhibiting a very pleasant smile. As I walked toward her she was carefully removing something from her purse. After our greeting she placed in my hand a small envelope which I proceeded to open. In it was a beautifully designed “Thank You” card upon which she had written in lovely penmanship how much she appreciated a gift my wife and I had recently given her.

When I told her how grateful I was for the card, but that it really wasn’t necessary; she gently and sincerely said: “Oh yes it is.” After exchanging a few words, she left and I sat at my desk, bowed my head and thanked the Lord for people who always consider it the right thing to do, to go to great lengths to express gratitude.

I saw a tiny, fragile-looking older lady exit the store and walk to the curb at the edge of the shopping center parking lot. Turning to her left she saw my car approaching and she stopped while holding a bag in each hand. When I came to a stop, our eyes met and she motioned for me to proceed at the same time I was waving her on. I gave a smile and a gesture that let her know I would gladly wait for her to cross. And then it happened!

She smiled back and mouthed the words “thank you”; and then actually stepped off the curb and tried to walk as fast as she could. She was stooped over and it was obvious that it was difficult and perhaps even dangerous for her to move so quickly – yet she waved, said thank you again and moved precariously on. She appeared to be at least 12-15 years older than me, which meant that she was probably in her eighties.

As I parked my car in front of my destination, I sat for a moment and reflected on the significance of

what I had just witnessed. I couldn’t help but contrast her behavior with that of so many young people who saunter along oblivious to everything and everyone around them; and when waved across the street move slowly with little or no acknowledgement of the kindness afforded them.

There is a dignity in being aware of your surroundings, and especially of the needs of others. There is dignity in being polite, grateful and considerate. Our culture would do well to safeguard this dignity by passing along to the millennial generation the virtues I saw first hand in my encounters with these two gracious women.

One way we can attempt to achieve this is by taking advantage of some great literature. I gladly and enthusiastically use the forum of “The Lilly Pad” to recommend four books that are part of my library. I treasure these volumes and each in its own unique way helps lay a foundation for a life of dignity, worth, service, and peace. They are: “The Book of Virtues” and “The Moral Compass” by William J. Bennett. “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum. And – “Everyday Graces” by Karen Santorum.

Read and enjoy!!

(NAPSI)—With more than 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, the number of people eligible for Medicare is growing rapidly. Medicare Open Enrollment starts Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, a time when millions of people are evaluating their health plan options to ensure their coverage meets their retirement lifestyle.

When looking at Medicare plans, people check to make sure their physician is included in the plan’s network and prescriptions are covered, but it’s important to see which unique benefits and perks a plan offers to take full advantage of the program. There is much more than standard health care available.

Medicare plans can offer benefits including a free gym or fitness facility membership through programs such as SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading community fitness program designed specifically for older Americans. Exercise is key to helping people live their best lives as they age, maximizing their health and well-being to maintain an active lifestyle. No matter a person’s goal—from running a marathon for the first time to keeping up with grandkids—SilverSneakers members enjoy the many benefits of the program, including:

• M e m b e r s h i p t o m o r e than 14,000 fitness locations:

SilverSneakers members have unrestricted access and unlimited visits to every fitness and wellness facility in the national network, including each location’s basic ameni t ies , such as weights , treadmills, pools and more.

• Specialized fitness classes: SilverSneakers offers a variety of classes in partnering locations that are designed to accommodate all fitness levels and interests. Led by certified SilverSneakers fitness instructors, classes range from SilverSneakers Classic and Splash, to SilverSneakers BOOM®, a fast-paced, higher-intensi ty c lass des igned for baby boomers and active older adults.

• Friendship and community: So much more than an exercise program, SilverSneakers helps foster new friendships with a welcoming and supportive member community that becomes one of close friends.

• Quality of life: The program changes l i ve s by engag ing participants in physical activity to help them do more of what they love. In fact, 91 percent of members say SilverSneakers has improved their quality of life.

More than 14.5 million people are eligible for this program offered at no additional charge through the nation’s leading Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and group retiree plans. You can check your Medicare plan to see if you are eligible for the program and c la im your f ree f i tness membership at www.silversneakers.com.

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NILES – A Mahoning County resident reported a phone scam that resulted in her giving her checking information to someone claiming to be with an emergency response system company.

The scam took place Thursday after an employee of Area Agency on Aging 11 completed an assessment for services for a woman in Mahoning County. Later Thursday, someone called the woman claiming that payment was needed to start services for an emergency response system (ERS), which is an alert button or system to receive help in the event of a fall or emergency. The caller asked the elderly woman for a credit card, but she did not have one. He asked for her check information to begin service. The woman’s son is contacting the bank to stop payment on the check.

“We urge people never to give personal or banking information over the phone,” said Lisa Solley, director of communications for the Agency. “If Agency employees meet with someone about services, those

services are ordered through our A g e n c y a f t e r t h e

consumer selects one of our certified p r o v i d e r s . A

d e s i g n a t e d employee

c o o r d i n a t e s services, and the Agency will never ask for a credit card or banking information over the phone.”

I f s o m e o n e r e c e i v e s a questionable call, tell the caller you will contact our Agency for more

information.Exploitation and fraud fall

under elder abuse, which takes on many forms besides physical abuse. It also includes emotional abuse, and self-neglect.

In 2016, federal officials estimated that 1 in 5 older adults have been defrauded, resulting in $2.6 billion a year. The most popular swindles involve telemarketers and mail fraud. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that dishonest telemarketers take in an estimated $40 million a year.

How to protect yourself:Source: AAA11Y You can say no to any

telephone sales pitch. You can hang up on telephone salespeople.

That’s not being rude—that’s taking care of you!

Y Always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity. Don’t buy from an unknown company or charity. Charitable organizations must register with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Verify organizations by calling 800-282-0515.

Y Don’t give your credit card or bank account numbers to people

who call you, even if they say they are from the bank, Medicare, or other trusted sources. Neither your bank nor Medicare will ever call you asking for this information. Protect your Medicare number as you do your credit card numbers and do not allow anyone else to use it.

Where to report fraud and abuse:

Y Local Police or Sheriff’s office, or call 911 if you are in danger

Y Adult protective services – state 855-644-6277

Y Ashtabula – 440-997-7777Y Columbiana – 330-420-6600Y Mahoning – 330-884-6952Y Trumbull – 330-392-3248Y Ohio Attorney General –

800-282-0515Y Better Business Bureau –

330-744-3111

ABOUT USArea Agency on Aging 11, Inc.

is a private non-profit organization serving Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull counties. Our mission is to empower and support older adults and people with disabilities to maintain wellness, independence, and dignity.

Beware of Emergency

Response System Phone Scam

The Senior News February 2018SNICKERSBREAK

Generation YPeople born before 1946 were

called – The Greatest Generation.People born between 1946

and 1964 are called – The Baby Boomers.

People born between 1965 and 1979 are called – Generation X.

And people born between 1980 and 2010 are called -Generation Y.

Why do we call the last group - Generation Y?

Y should I get a job?Y should I leave home and find

my own place?Y should I get a car when I can

borrow yours?Y should I clean my room?Y should I wash and iron my

own clothes?Y should I buy any food?

A woman went into the local newspaper office to see that the obituary for her recently deceased husband is published.

After the editor informs her that the fee for the obituary is $1.50 a word, she pauses, reflects and then says, "Well, then, let it read Fred Brown died."

Confounded at the woman's thrift, the editor stammers that there is a seven-word minimum for all obituaries. The woman pauses again counts on her fingers and replies, "In that case, Fred Brown dead. 1983 pick-up for sale."

At the inquest into her husband's death by food poisoning, Mrs. Wally was asked by the coroner if she could remember her husband's last words.

"Yes," she replied. "He said 'I don't know how that shop can make a profit from selling this salmon at only 20 cents a tin."

Readers of The Senior News frequently ask us what we do to make our off days interesting. Here’s an example. The other day, Trish and I went into town and visited a shop.

When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket. We went up to him and I said, 'Come on, man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?'

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket.

I called him a name that probably is not fit for print here. He glared at me and started writing yet another ticket for having worn-out tires.

Trish was tugging at my coat to stop, but I called him a "so-and-so". He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first.

Then he started writing more tickets. This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I abused him, the more tickets he wrote.

Just then our bus arrived, and we got on it and went home.

We try to have a little fun each day. It's important at our age.

Trish and Mark Go To Town

Thrifty ‘Til The End

Old school fun, from “back in the day”.

* I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport.

* I've been in love with the same woman for 49 years! If my wife ever finds out, she'll kill me!

* What are three words a woman never wants to hear when she's making love? "Honey, I'm home!"

* Someone stole all my credit cards but I won't be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did.

* We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.

* My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife called it the Dead Sea.

* She was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.

* The Doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn't pay his bill so the doctor gave him another six months.

* Doctor: "You'll live to be 60!" Patient: "I am 60!"Doctor: "See! What did I tell

you?"* Patient: "I have a ringing in

my ears."Doctor: "Don't answer it !"* A drunk was in front of a

judge. The judge says, "You've been brought here for drinking."

The drunk says "I'll take a scotch and soda"

Comedy Gold

Classified

An old man turned 115 and was being interviewed by a reporter for the local paper. During the interview the reporter noticed that the yard was full of children of all ages playing together. A very pretty girl of about 19 served the old man and the reporter, keeping them in fresh tea and running errands for them.

"Are these your grandkids?" the reporter asked.

"Naw, sir, they all be my younguns," the old man replied with a sly grin.

"Your kids?" asked the reporter. "What about this beautiful young lady who keeps bringing us tea? Is she one of your children too?"

"Naw, sir," said the old man. "She be my wife."

"Your wife?" said the surprised reporter. "But she can't be more than 19 years old."

"Thass right," said the old man with pride.

"Well, surely you can't have a sex life with you being 115 and she being only 19," the reporter remarked.

"Sir," said the old man. "We make love every night. Every night two of my boys helps me on, and every morning six of my boys helps me off."

"Wait just one minute," said the newspaperman. "Why does it only take two of your boys to put you on, but it takes six of them to take you off?"

"Cause," the spry old man said with a balled fist, "I fights 'em."

This Is How I’m Going Out

You, you, and you: Panic. The rest of you, come with me. - US Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt

Oohrah!

l We are not retreating, we are advancing in another direction.

- Unknown

Hooah!


by Lisa M. Petsche

Taking Care

The cold temperatures and limited daylight of winter keep many people indoors and at home more often than they would like. The result for some is a case of the winter blues.

Here are some tips to help you get past them.

Find little things that cheer youTreat yourself to new flannel

pajamas, a polar fleece robe or a cozy, comfortable pair of slippers. Just be sure any footwear has a non-skid sole.

Keep throws draped over chairs and across the foot of beds for easy access on chilly days and nights. These come in many fabrics, colors and prints to suit any décor, doubling as attractive home accents.

Invest in quality flannel sheets.Soak in a hot, fragrant bath.

Stock up on gourmet coffee, tea and hot chocolate mix. And don’t forget spices for hot apple cider — a perfect treat for long, wintry nights.

Order take-out food for a change of cuisine. Try something festive and colorful - like Mexican food, for example.

Warm And Brighten Your DécorEvaluate your lighting and

change it where necessary, using higher wattage bulbs. Also, relocate lamps or bring spares out of storage.

Try using warm, rich colors, such as burgundy and gold, for cushion covers, tablecloths, place mats, a mantel scarf, and so on. Brass accessories are also a winter favorite because they reflect light.

Add texture with warm fabr ics l ike velour, chenille and fleece — the softer, the better. Needlepoint cushions can help, too. And for even more texture, try a bowl of pinecones or potpourri, embossed candles or a grapevine wreath.

Make generous use of candles, especially substantial pillar types. Place them in clusters and use scented varieties to increase the sensory impact. Note: Always take precautions against starting a fire — place candles where they can’t be knocked over and extinguish them before going out or going to bed.

Keep blinds and curtains open during daylight hours; close them after dark.

Bring a bit of nature into your home: nurture some plants or buy

fresh flowers.Keep BusyAccompl i shmen t b r ings

satisfaction and a sense of renewal. Try new things or tackle a long-postponed project.

Start a daily journal.Try some new recipes.Bor row or buy movies ,

music CDs and reading material, or reacquaint yourself with old favorites you have on hand.

Work on some challenging jigsaw puzzles or word puzzles.

Play card games or board games with others in your household. Go with classic games such as checkers or chess, or be adventurous and try one of the latest offerings in stores. If you live alone, invite friends over for an evening of games and socializing.

Start a new hobby, such as sketching or scrapbooking, or revive an old pastime - for example, knitting or crocheting.

Peruse gardening magazines and catalogs and plan this year’s garden.

Get a bird feeder and seed, a pair of binoculars and a bird watching guide.

Organize your collection of photos, music or movies.

Do some de-cluttering around your home (kitchen drawers, closets, spare rooms and attics are typical hot spots).

Donate unwanted items to a local charity.

Rearrange the furniture in one or more rooms, or swap furnishings among rooms. Or start planning a major room redecorating or home renovation project.

Do something nice for someone. It will take your mind off your own situation and make you feel good, too.

Make an extra effort to look after your health, including exercising regularly - good for both your physical and mental well-being. A stationary bike or treadmill is a good choice — you can use it year-round in your own home.

Make Special PlansPlan an outing to a restaurant or

cultural event. Take a taxi to ensure door to door service; you won’t need to be concerned about parking or bundling up to stay warm.

Plan a party, if you enjoy entertaining and feel up to it. Consider a tropical theme and enlist help from friends.

Start planning a summer vacation or, better yet, a mini getaway for the near future – perhaps a weekend stay at a resort or country inn.HACB

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* It was Italian novelist, philosopher and university professor Umberto Eco who made the following sage observation: "Fear prophets and those prepared to die for the truth, for as a rule they make many others die with them, often before them, at times instead of them."

* T h e a v e r a g e (presumably non-bearded) man will shave at least 20,000 times over the course of his lifetime.

* Although it is a dog, the dhole, which is native to Asia, doesn't bark; to communicate with other members of its pack, it whistles. Evidently, that high-pitched sound carries better than low-pitched barking in the dense forests where it lives.

* Third-century Saint Lawrence of Rome was martyred for his faith by being roasted alive on a gridiron. I suppose it makes a certain kind of sense, then, that he's the patron saint of cooks and tanners.

* If you're not in a romantic mood as Valentine's Day approaches, you might want to consider reviving the vinegar valentine popular in the 19th century. Rather than conveying love and affection, these insulting missives -- usually sent anonymously, for obvious reasons -- were dripping with sarcasm and black humor. Some were intended to discourage unwanted suitors, but others were just mean, accusing the recipient of being too aggressive (for women) or too submissive (for men) among other things. There were even occupation-specific cards targeted at doctors, artists, etc. According to an article in Smithsonian magazine, in the mid-1800s, these vinegar valentines accounted for half of all valentine sales in the United States.

* Those who study such things say that 20 percent of American men have spent at least one night in jail.

Thought for the Day:

"One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be

compromised." -- Chinua Achebe

Beat The Cold And Pamper

Yourself


Gardening is one of those activities that is proven to be low impact, reduce stress, and improve your overall health and wellbeing. It is possible to overdo it, however, and strain muscles, joints and even end up with lightheadedness.

There are some quick and simple ways to enjoy your gardening tasks without taxing your body too much, giving you all the benefits of this healthful activity:

Pick the right timeIn the middle of a hot July day,

with the full sun beating down on your head, is not the ideal time to start weeding! Early mornings or the early evenings are much better times to get down to the harder tasks in gardening. Leave the middle of the day to enjoy your space from the comfort of a swinging hammock or a patio set, complete with an umbrella and a cool drink.

Pick easy plantsJust like people, some plants

are high maintenance. Roses, for example, require a lot of tending, protection from the elements, disease, and insects, pruning, and so on, to remain beautiful year over year. Skip those at the garden centre and instead, focus in on a few plants and shrubs that will be easy to maintain.

First off, go for perennials. They come back every year, saving you the effort of replanting. Depending on where you are in the country and what hardiness zone your area is in, you can look at some of the

following for beautiful color and ease of care:

T Yucca plants - This is lovely green foliage that grows to up to five feet in width, taking up a good chunk of space, leaving you with needing fewer plants to manage. In particular, the red flowered yucca has been known to double in size in a season and is very hardy in a range of planting conditions, in addition to having beautiful red blooms.

T Yarrow - The blooms on this plant are gorgeous and can last all the way until first frost, returning the following spring.

T Ornamental grasses - While not a bloom, these are excellent to have in raised garden beds or even containers, creating a flowy, textured backdrop to whatever other plants are in with them.

T Campsis climbing vines - This is the kind of no fuss plant that anyone with the least green of green thumbs can grow. Set it up near a trellis and point it in the right direction. It will do the rest.

If you’re worried about plants seeding and spreading, choose sterile cultivars (unable to provide / spread viable seeds) such as ‘blue chip’ buddleias; these are easy to plant and will take care of themselves.

If you’re set on having roses, you’re in luck: in hardiness zones 5-10, you can grow Flower Carpet Groundcover roses, which are resistant to disease and easy to prune. All you need to get started is a good quality soil and some mulch,

like Rubber Mulch, that requires little effort on your part but provides significant benefits to your garden.

Pick manageable growing areasIf you’re not up to raised beds

and widespread planting, consider alternatives like container gardening. Multiple large pots and urns can be filled with herbs, flowers, grasses and even placed in front of a trellis or next to an arbor, to allow the climbers to flourish. You can access the container more easily than ground level growing, using a stool if you prefer, rather than getting on your knees.

Another great option is called a vertical garden. This is a popular option in smaller gardens where growing beds and other planting areas are more difficult to manage. All you need is a series of rods, creating a hanging area, on which you can attach planters. You can have multiple rows, from the ground upwards. Fill your planters with veggie plants, herbs and flowers and you’ve got an instant privacy wall if you need it and more space for your hammock!

Pick the right tools A few tools that will make the

gardening more pleasant:u Long handled tools that will

allow you to manage your weeding and hoeing without kneeling. Look also for ergonomic handles, which are kinder to the joints, in all your tools but particularly in a shovel, which should also be lightweight, to avoid strains. The only tool where you want to avoid lightweight materials is your garden spade: this should be a solid tool that can handle the harder soils.

u Add a water wand to your hose to create a long handle when you need to reach higher levels, like hanging plants. An easy-to-squeeze trigger handle is a must!

u A garden cart will make it easier to transport your soil from the car, or your plants around the garden. Some even come with a seat, so it can double as a gardening stool!

u Knee pads for those times when you absolutely must get down to ground level.

u Power tools for the bigger tasks. A manual mower is a nice idea but can be very tiresome after a while. There is nothing wrong in deciding that a power mower is more your style!

u For any tool that cuts, make sure that it is sharp! Dull pruning shears or garden scissors will make it that much more difficult to get the job done.

Small adjustments to your choices and purchases will make your gardening activities that much more enjoyable for the long term. Don’t forget your hat, water and sunscreen. Even if it’s overcast out, dehydration and sun stroke are real causes for concern at any age. Above all, enjoy your time in the garden!

Rhianna Miller is the home/garden design expert at https://rubbermulch.com/, the original and environmentally responsible mulch made from 100% recycled rubber used in gardens, playgrounds and sustainable landscaping. Rubber Mulch is weather resistant, durable, and the most cost effective mulch around and is specifically designed to protect children from falls on the playground.

“Serving Your Family’s Funeral Needs for Generations”

When it comes to your final arrangements, shouldn't you make the decisions? The arrangements you make will reflect your exact wishes and desires. Pre-arranging your own service will help to ease the burden of your loved ones. It will also alleviate any questions, problems or differences, which can occur among family members.

Arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home.Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home

3100 Canfield Rd., Youngstown, Ohio (330) 792-2357

Michael Kirila Jr./Owner & Manager www.vaschak-kirilafh.com

Kirila Funeral Home 258 Poland Avenue,

Struthers, Ohio (330) 750-1321

www.kirilafh.com

Pre-Planning

Time To Start Planning

For Spring, Senior Style!


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345 Oak Hill Avenue–Suite 100, Youngstown, Ohio 44502 Phone: (330) 740-2450

Same Date Different Year

By Mark Ludwick

Feb 3 - 1547 - Russian czar Ivan IV marries Anastasia Romanova

Feb 6 - 1935 - “Monopoly” board game goes on sale for 1st time

Feb 7 - 1945 - General Douglas MacArthur returns to Manila

Feb 8 - 1994 - Jack Nicholson uses a golf club to attack a car

Feb 9 - 1933 - -63°F, Moran, WY. Feb 10 - 1940 - “In The Mood” by Glenn Miller hits #1

Feb 11 - 1932 - 73°F highest temperature recorded in Cleveland in February

Feb 12 - 1999 - President Bill Clinton is acquitted by the United States Senate in his impeachment trial.

Feb 14 - 1929 - St Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago, 7 gangsters killed

Feb 15 - 1965 Canada adopts the red maple leaf flag as its national flag

Feb 16 - 1894 Wild West gunslinger John Wesley Hardin is pardoned after spending 15 years in prison. Hardin once shot a man just for snoring.

Feb 17 - 1867 - 1st ship passes through Suez Canal

Feb 18 - 1909 - Boston Red Sox trade Cy Young, at 41, to Cleveland Naps

Feb 19 - 1913 - 1st prize inserted into a Cracker Jack box

Feb 20 - 1792 - US postal service created, postage 6 cents - 12 cents depending on distance

Feb 22- 1920 - 1st artificial rabbit used at a dog race track (Calif)

Feb 25 - 1913 USA: the 16th amendment is ratified, thus beginning the era of Federal Income Tax

Feb 26 - 1936 - Hitler introduces Ferdinand Porsche’s “Volkswagen”

Feb 29 - 1504 - Columbus uses lunar eclipse to frighten hostile Jamaican Indians

By Ginny Frizzi

As with many things in life, being single in your golden years is, to a large extent, what you make of it.

Jennifer Little is 67 and has been single for 35 years. "All I could think of were the lyrics to the mid- '60s song by The Mamas and the Papas. 'Go where you want to go; do what you want to do.' That about sums it up, because it is my life and there is no one else to consider," she says.

Marlene Caroselli, a former trainer, has definite ideas on how to live a happy and fulfilling life as a senior single. "I've been single all of my life. Now, as I approach my septuagenarian decade, I'm happier than ever," she says.

Caroselli's suggestions include widening your circle of friends, increasing the number of things that interest you, narrowing time spent on meaningless activities, and finding a cause and supporting it. Also, she says to live by the motto: "If you do nothing else today, do something good for your body."

Caroselli feels strongly about seniors eliminating toxic people from their lives. "There are always people from whom I can learn, but there are always self-absorbed people who are negative. It's the 'me-me-me' syndrome, which no one needs to hear all the time."

Little also has a recommendation. "I searched for seniors groups or singles and found most to be less active than I am. I have a few friends, but our schedules don't always match up, so I go to lectures at the college when they are available to the public. I joined a computer club for seniors originally to get help and now to give help," she says.

Caroselli walks whenever she can within a three-mile radius; has become creative with money, including bargain shopping; attends monthly free senior movies; and borrows DVDs from the library.

Another idea is to use your talents and experience to earn money. Whether you need extra income or just want to earn some additional money, it is always rewarding when someone is willing to pay for your good or services.

T h e r e a r e c o u n t l e s s opportunities for seniors to earn money. "Stores like Wal-Mart employ seniors as greeters, as do other similar businesses," Caroselli says. "If you aren't looking for formal employment, go over your skills. If you are a good, you might be able to do some work for a local caterer. If you are a writer, you might be able to earn money writing a blog. Your skills have value, and it is gratifying to earn money and have someone depending upon you."

Some ambitious single seniors, including Little, have taken it a step further and started their own businesses.

"I started a new online business less than a year ago based on the needs I saw when I was a teacher. The goal is to help parents teach

their children what schools do not," she says.

One advantage to being a single senior is that you can relax, according to Allan Luks, former executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. Seniors "don't have to play games. When I bring up topics like health problems, money problems or sex, I get honest responses," he says.

When it comes to meeting new people, Luks recommends volunteering. According to him, volunteering at traditional places -- such as museums, hospitals and schools -- is good, but volunteering in political races is even better.

"Politicians want them because seniors are a large voting bloc. They are honest and hardworking, and their support can send a sign to fellow seniors," Luks says. "Most politicians treat senior volunteers like gold."

Being a single senior doesn't have to result in loneliness, according to relationship coach and author Roland Hinds. "There are a few things that seniors can do to establish a relationship or friendship," he says. "Since life does continue after a breakup or death of a mate, it is important to get back in harmony again."

Hinds -- whose books include "Are You The Right One For Me? Whose Choice Is It Anyway?" -- recommends several activities most single seniors can enjoy at little or no cost, including reserving a specific day to attend a museum or other special event.

Hinds a l so recommends focusing on fitness and giving back to the community at the same time. "This means, when possible, volunteering or participating in events like walking or running for a cause, which helps to keep seniors in shape while supporting an awareness group like breast cancer awareness."

Carose l l i agrees tha t i t is important for seniors to keep physically fi t and that many opportunities exist for those who are single. "Rouse yourself and get out. Walk or do exercises using soup cans as weights. I know a woman of 90 who has a daily regimen of walking in her basement to music," she says.

She offers a simple tip that can lead to seniors becoming more active in their golden years: "Turn off the television set, and get out of the house. The average person watches five hours of television per day. Cutting that down to two hours per day provides an opportunity to put more free time to better use."

Single In The Golden Years

Take your single status out for a spin

The Senior News

Trish’s Dishes

TRISH’SDISHES February 2018 Lemon

Coconut Muffins

By Trish Ludwick

Morning

Glory Muffins

Snickerdoodle Muffins

Who doesn’t love snicker- doodles? Now you can have your favorite cookie in muffin form!

1 cup butter, softened , 1 cup Sugar , 2 whole eggs , 2 tsp. vanilla2-¼ cups flour , ¾ tsp. baking powder , ¾ tsp. baking soda , ¾

tsp. cream of tartar , ½ tsp. salt , 1 cup sour cream , ¼ cups buttermilk3/4 cups sugar , 2 1/2 tbsp. cinnamonPreheat oven to 350ºF. Prepare a muffin tin with liners, (a must). In a

mixer, combine butter and sugar and cream until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla - combine. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add half the dry ingredients to mixing bowl and stir. Add sour cream and buttermilk and mix. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Use scooper and plop a scoop of batter into the bowl with the sugar and cinnamon. Gently roll. Place the ball into muffin liner. When you have completed all of the muffins, sprinkle the leftover cinnamon sugar onto the tops. Bake at 350ºF for about 15-18 minutes or until they are golden on top and just baked through.

“Do you know the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man, the Muffin Man,” is the first line of a nursery rhyme that most of us should know. Originating in England around 1820, this little diddy is still a popular children’s song today and actually referred to English muffins and not the big, fat, chocked full of goodies muffins that we Americans eat today. In fact over 100 million Americans consumed muffins in 2017…and I am not talking about the “English” kind.

Muffins are readily available in pre-packaged form, from most bakeries, from a boxed mix and quite easy to make homemade at home, which is my favorite. Muffins are easy and cost effective to make, and you can add pretty much anything you like. Muffins, ever so versatile, now show up at baby and bridal showers, lots of parties and have even been spotted on a few holiday tables. Best of all…they taste fabulous any time of day!

When most of us think muffins, we picture them as snack or breakfast muffins loaded with fruits, nuts and even chocolate, but as our fascination with “mini-foods” grow we have adapted them onto the dinner plate in the form of meat loaf, taco and even pizza muffins.

So, to answer the question in the popular nursery rhyme, No, I don’t know the muffin man personally, but I do know a lot about muffins. Following are some of my favorite muffin recipes, so give one a try soon!

Food for Thought Give me liberty

or give me a bran muffin!

Colin Mochrie

Fabulous muffins that are perfect as a mini at any spring party!

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour Y 3/4 cup sugar Y 1 tsp. baking powder Y 3/4 tsp. baking soda Y 1/4 tsp. salt Y 1 cup lemon or vanilla yogurt Y 1 egg Y 1/3 cup butter, melted Y 1 to 2 tbsp. grated lemon peel Y 1 tbsp. lemon juice Y 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut Y 1/3 cup lemon juice Y 1/4 cup sugar Y 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, beat yogurt, egg, butter, lemon peel and lemon juice until smooth; stir into dry ingredients until moistened. Fold in coconut. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 400° for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean. Cool. In a saucepan, combine lemon juice and sugar; cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Stir in coconut. Using a toothpick, poke 6-8 holes in each muffin. Spoon coconut mixture over muffins. Serve warm or cool to room temperature.

Chocolate Banana Muffins

A great muffin for snack time and kids love them!1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour H 1 cup sugar H 1/4 cup baking cocoa 1 tsp. baking soda H 1/2 tsp. salt H 1/4 tsp. baking powder H 1-1/3

cups mashed ripe bananas H 1/3 cup canola oil H 1 large egg H 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk together first six ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk bananas, oil and egg until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips.

Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool 5 min., serve warm.

Optional streusel topping: Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; cut in 1/4 cup cold butter until crumbly. Before baking, sprinkle over filled muffin cups; bake as directed.

Blueberry Orange MuffinsDelectable muffins, I love them with orange marmalade!1/2 cup old-fashioned oats B 1/2 cup orange juice + zest of one orange1 large egg B 1/2 cup canola oil B 1/2 cup sugar B 1-1/2 cups all-

purpose flour B 1-1/4 tsp. baking powder B 1/2 tsp. salt B 1/4 tsp. baking soda B 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries B 2 tbsp. sugar B 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine oats and orange juice & zest; let stand for 5 minutes. Beat in the egg, oil and sugar until blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; stir into oat mixture just until moistened. Fold in blueberries.

Fill greased muffin cups two - thirds full. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over batter. Bake at 400° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes, remove from pan. Note: If using frozen blueberries, use without thawing to avoid discoloring the batter.

A wonderful breakfast muffin and great way to start your day!

1 ¼ cups white sugar R 2 tsp. baking soda R 2 tsp. cinnamon R¼ tsp. salt R 2 cups shredded carrots R ½ cup raisins R ½ cup chopped walnuts R ½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut R 1 apple, peeled & shredded R 3 eggs R 1 cup vegetable oil R 2 tsp. vanilla extract

A very versatile muffin, you can substitute any fruit or nuts to your liking!

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 cup fresh or frozen whole

unsweetened raspberries, divided 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 tbsp. butter, meltedIn a large bowl, combine flour,

sugar and baking powder. In a small bowl, combine milk, butter and egg. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture just until moistened.

Spoon 1 tablespoon batter into each of 12 greased muffin cups. Divide half of the raspberries among cups; top with remaining batter, then remaining raspberries.

Topping; combine ingredients until it resembles moist crumbs; sprinkle over muffins. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes; carefully remove from pans.

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 12 muffin cups. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in carrots, raisins, nuts, coconut, and apple. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir egg mixture into the carrot/flour mixture, just until moistened. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake for 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Morning Glory Muffins

Raspberry

Pecan Muffins

The Senior News

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330.270.5442

February 2018

by Marta & Kyla Williger

Update On The Law

Dear Friends,Happy 2018 from all of us

at Williger Legal Group, LLC. If updating your will was high on your list of New Year’s Resolutions, keep in mind that a complete estate plan encompasses more than just a will. This month’s Update Article focuses on property that passes without a will. What is the best way to pass your property? That depends on your particular situation and your goals. Let’s sit down and talk about it.

Yours very truly,Marta & Kyla Williger

Many Ways

to Transfer Property at DeathThey say “Where there’s a will,

there’s a way”, but there are a number of ways that property can be passed at death without a will. The probate court provides a process to pass on inheritance to the next of kin of the decedent when he dies “intestate” (without a will). Property can also be passed without probate court involvement if it is held “jointly with right of survivorship” (JWROS), with a designated beneficiary or in a trust. Ohio law even provides that title to vehicles may pass directly to a surviving spouse without probate.

The first step in sorting out a decedent’s estate is to determine

what assets he owned and how they are titled. Heirs or beneficiaries can

then follow the procedures required to collect the assets.

Intestate Property

The probate court oversees the process of transferring property held in a decedent’s name alone. Without a will, anyone may apply to administer the estate. The closest relatives living in Ohio have first priority to be the administrator and must be notified or sign off for someone else to administer. The administrator is generally required to post a bond (an insurance policy that he will handle his duties properly) in order to protect all the heirs. Because there is no will to grant powers, the administrator will need to get probate court authority to sell or transfer assets. Once the bills have been paid, the administrator will distribute the remaining assets to the decedent’s next of kin in accordance with the Ohio Statute. The probate process can be complicated so it is best to have an attorney assist with

the administration.

Joint with Right of Survivorship

Virtually any type of property can be held jointly with another person; real estate, a bank account, even a vehicle. Just because something is held jointly doesn’t mean the survivor gets to keep the asset when an owner dies, but this is often the case. Most times, a certified death certificate and an affidavit outlining the facts is all that is needed to collect survivorship property.

Designated BeneficiariesA person can name beneficiaries

who are to receive an insurance policy, IRA, annuity, bank account, stock account, house, car or other property when the title owner dies. The designation of a beneficiary is given directly to the insurance company, bank, brokerage, county recorder or whoever keeps the record of ownership. To claim the property, the beneficiary must contact that company or agency to make the claim. Claim forms and procedures vary greatly. Making a claim may be as simple as presenting a death certificate or may involve completing multiple page claim forms that require a medallion guarantee signature from a bank or brokerage. Each beneficiary may be required to make decisions about cashing or continuing the account and withholding for taxes.

In the case of an IRA, for example, a spouse may elect to roll the IRA into her own name, name her own beneficiaries, and wait

until she needs to make required minimum distributions. If multiple children inherit an IRA, they can divide it into separate inherited IRA’s and each decide whether to cash out immediately or “stretch” it out for years taking only the required minimum distributions. Each holder of an inherited IRA or inherited Roth IRA must begin taking required minimum distributions immediately and should name beneficiaries for their own account.

Trust Assets

Assets titled to a trust are administered by the surviving or successor trustee as directed by the terms of the trust. If all of the creators of the trust have died and there is no one surviving who can revoke the trust, its’ terms become irrevocable and a federal tax identification number must be assigned to the assets. The Trustee must follow proper protocols for notifying beneficiaries, managing the assets and handling the taxes. A qualified attorney and accountant may be needed to advise the Trustee.

Vehicle Transfer to Spouse

Ohio law allows a surviving spouse to transfer an unlimited number of vehicles to herself so long as the total value is less than $65,000, and so long as there is no one else who owns the vehicle jointly with right of survivorship, is designated a TOD beneficiary or is named in the will to receive the vehicle. To transfer, the spouse must take her ID, the vehicle title or registration showing VIN number, and a certified copy of the death certificate to the county BMV title office, sign an affidavit and pay a small transfer fee.

Handling the transfer of a decedent’s property can be a complicated affair under the best of circumstances. The process can take weeks or even months. Dealing with the myriad of details while grieving the loss of a loved one can seem overwhelming. An experienced attorney can help to organize, understand and control the process.

182 High Street Warren, Ohio 44481

Apartments Designed

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Housing

For Rent – Boardman area, Spacious Apartment, looking for quite senior to occupy this 2 bedroom, 1 bath Apartment. This apartment included, central air, washer/dryer, living room / dining room combo, large closets, carport, No pets, No smoking, $550 plus some utilities. Call 724-510-6439

wanted

cars and trucks

cars and trucks

for sale

personals

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Personal and For Sale Ads Only $5 per Month!

CHIMNEY EXPERT! Specializing in all types of chimney repair work, concrete caps, metal caps, tuck pointing, and flue replacements. Expert in ALL roof repairs and slate work, also spouting cleanings. Senior Discounts! John Davanzo 330-757-4558

CLASSIFIEDADS

Classified Ads are Prepaid Only. Personal, Personal For Sale and Novena ads are $5. Business and ALL

other ads are $15. Price per 25 words. Deadline is 25th of the month. Send ad & payment to: The Senior News P.O. Box 2868 Youngstown, OH. 44511

ST JUDE NOVENA, May the Sacred heart of Jesus be adorned, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us, St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us.

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the end of the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised.

Retired Army Veteran will pay cash for WWI, WWII, and Vietnam war relics such as guns, uniforms, medals, helmets, daggers, swords, knives, etc. Serious local collector. 330-518-0016

All Toy Trains and Older Toys! – Buying Lionel, Marx, American Flyer, HO or any other trains. I will buy one piece or complete sets in any condition. Get my prices before you sell! Call Bill 330-758-2119

ALL ANTIQUES WANTED! – Cash paid for your old furniture, dishes, glassware, all gold, silver and old costume jewelry, pottery, Roseville, Depression, quilts, toys, jukeboxes, bookcases, cupboards, Hoosiers, and most anything over 50 years old! Call Mr. Fox at 330-424-9486

Cash for ham radio equipment. Individual pieces or whole stations. 330-770-5442. Please leave a message.

For Sale – Small Wurlitzer Piano, tuned in May 2017, small couch in good condition! 330-783-0885

1996 Chevy S-10 . 4 cylinder, 5 speed. New radiator, exhaust, clutch assembly and tune-up. Power windows. Interior is plush! This S-10 is clean with no rust, runs great and has custom paint! Call 330.559.8643 in Austintown. $3450 or BO.

HANDYMAN – honest, reliable, dependable handyman, references provided! Call Larry at 330-429-0192

SWF – 70, NS, ND, would like to meet a SWM, 70 & up, NS, to enjoy life with. I’m country, like country music, flea markets, going out & enjoying life. If you’re lonely, call 330-610-3904. Don’t be alone again, have a life!

Lord Jesus, St. Jude, Mother Mary and St. Anthony, we continue to pray for a healing miracle. Please hear our prayer. Amen

SWM – 56, looking for SWF, 49 to 56 years old for dating and LTR. Let’s enjoy Valentine’s together! 330-272-4341

SWF – 71, would like to meet a nice gentleman, 70 to 78, for friendship and to spend some time with. I like dining out, playing cards, country music, visiting the Casino once in a while. Please call 330-978-2548 and leave message, will call back.

SWM – 54, would like to meet a nice lady for friendship and doing things together. 330-717-7145

SWF – 60’s, attractive, bubbly, and fun, long hair, loves to cook, seeks respectful gentlemen, 60 to 80, NS, must drive for dating and friendship. Please your phone number also! 330-651-5703

For Sale - Seasoned Dry Firewood, $50.00, truckload. 330-584-2372

For Sale – 2 burial plots at Green Haven Memorial Veterans Gardens. Both valued at $1695, asking only $1200 or best offer. 719-573-9976

For Sale – 97 CHEVY 1500 with extended cab, AC, Ladder rack, 2 toolboxes, bed liner, good tires and

HANDYMAN available! Having trouble locating someone you can count on? Call me! Exterior or Interior painting, putty repair, exterior caulking, chimney caps, tree/shrub trimming, landscaping. Mulching, gutter cleaning, driveway sealing. Call Wayne Elliott 330-720-9640.

Thank You Saint Jude and Sacred Heart of Jesus. M.L.S.

Thank You Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Jude. A.A.C.

I am grateful for my boyfriend’s daughter and husband working out their differences to save their marriage, which helps our relationship immensely.

Thank You Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Jude. R.K.

Thank You St. Jude and Sacred Heart of Jesus. D.W.

Thank You ST. Jude and Sacred Heart of Jesus. J.C.

Thank You ST. Jude and Sacred Heart of Jesus. M.A.T.

BETTYZ SIMPLY CLEAN – Available for Residential/Businesses for all your cleaning needs! Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly, One time cleaning, Senior Discounts Available, Call for Free estimates! 330-623-5489

The Salem Historical Society is accepting nominations for the 2018 ‘Citizens of Honor’ recognition. 2017 was the 70th anniversary of the Historical Society, the recipients were Roy W. Harris and Frank J. Yengling., two recognized as ‘founders' of the Society’s formation.

The criteria is for Salem-connected citizens, from the present or past, who have distinguished

themselves with service to their community, their career, and/or to their country. The intent is to honor two Citizens of Honor at the 48th Annual Founders’ Day Dinner on Tuesday, April 25, 2018.

Any field of accomplishment can be considered and should be described fully. Involvement in the community and other activities should be included. For info or an application, contact 330-337-8514 or [email protected].

Completed nominations are to be submitted to the Salem Historical Society no later than February 15, 2018. All nominations will

Famous Quakers

The Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley will be hosting an annual benefit at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman on Friday, February 16, to support the general fund of the Rescue Mission. This year the event will highlight the 125th Anniversary of the Mission in The Valley.

Doors open at 6pm and buffet at 6:30pm followed by dessert and brief testimonies from clients who

have received life-changing services from the Mission.

This year, worship music will be featured after the meal and the Rescue Mission is excited to welcome a group of talented local musicians. Reserved seating is available now. Call 330-744-5485 for reservations or visit www.rescuemissionmv.org for links to make reservations online.

Advance only reservations are $50 per person and corporate sponsorships are available at the friend level of $250, bronze level for $500, silver level $1,000, gold level at $5,000 and platinum level at $10,000 and above.

emotional rescue

The church ladies--and a few good men!- of Grace United Methodist Church, Warren are sponsoring a performance of the musical "Church Basement Ladies" at Trumbull New Theater on Wednesday, March 14 as a fundraiser for the Grace U.M. Church food pantry. Ticket price of $16 includes food and beverage at 6 p.m. and intermission. Curtain goes up at 7 p.m. We hope to sell out the house to support our pantry which is run solely on donations and is ably coordinated by our hardworking 2017 Community Star, Shirley Frazier, to serve over 100 families in need per month

Contact Mary Fuller @ 330-856-5226 or Evelyn Wibert @ 330-506-0049 for info or tickets. Or, send a check and SASE to Mary at 4063 Devon Dr, SE, Warren, OH 44484. DO NOT SEND TO THE CHURCH. Check payable to Grace U.M. Church and write TNT on the memo line. Tickets also through members of the congregation. We are sorry, but there will be no refunds once purchased. Come enjoy a fun evening and support a worthy cause,

The theater, located at 5883 Youngstown Warren Rd (422), is handicapped-accessible.

Well, isn’t That

special


PLACES TO GO...THINGS TO DO...PEOPLE TO SEESENIORSCENE

Let’s all Gather

The next meeting of the Gathering Place is Monday, February 12, at 11AM. Lord of Life Church, 550 N. Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio. The program will consist of instructions on using smart phones. A representative from AT&T will be presenting “Smart Phones 101”. In addition, Buckeye Hospice will have a nurse available to provide free blood pressure readings. This will be ongoing at all future monthly meetings. Lunch will be provided following the program. Please arrive promptly at 11:00 AM.

This is a free community outreach social program offered to all senior citizens that is held on the second Monday of the month every month. Different games and activities are also offered each month. Come out and join us in a fulfilling afternoon of fun and socialization! Spread the word and bring your friends!

We are here for you!

Barking Up The

right Tree"Bow Wow Boogie" Every Dog

Matters Rescue Benefit Dance Party on Saturday February 10, 7 pm to 11 pm at St. George Croatian Hall, 3200 Vestal Road, Youngstown.

Featuring both "The John Reese Project" and DJ Timmy D - tons of sweets to celebrate Valentines Day.

Advance $10 Tickets from [email protected], "ShamPoochies" Grooming Spa 1728 Raccoon Road Austintown. Tickets at the event for $12.

100% of proceeds go to support the "Every Dog Matters Rescue".

Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Training

Calling all nature lovers, bird watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts! The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program training is being offered through Mahoning County OSU Extension.

Soils, botany, entomology and environmental stewardship are only a few of the topics that will be covered in OCVN trainings, along with input from speakers and resources for your use. After training, volunteers will be paired with parks, nature centers, and other locations to provide service and insight learned from the program.

Applications can be found at http://go.osu.edu/naturalisttraining. Trainings will be held two Mondays per month and three Saturdays from the end of January through May 19. The cost for this program is $175, which includes the manual, refreshments, meals, speakers and more. For questions, call Mahoning County Extension at 330-533-5538.

Where The Wild

Things are

Y W C A Yo u n g s t o w n i s offering free tax filing assistance by appointment.

Between Feb. 3 and April 14, appointments are available from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Anyone who would like an appointment should call 330-540-1947.

Also available is a self-serve link on the YWCA website – ywca.org/youngstown.

To file w/YWCA, one must have a household income under $65k if single and $95k if married. Also needed are the user’s social security number, W2’s, 1099’s, 1098’s, information about other income, deduction and credit information (such as child care expenses, tuition, bills, and union dues), a copy of last year’s taxes if possible.

not so Taxing

The Davis Family YMCA is hosting its fifth annual FIVE Squared benefit art show and sale from Feb 4 - Mar 4 at the McClurg Rd. facility in Boardman. An opening reception, which is free and open to the community, will be held on Sunday, Feb 4th from 1-3pm.

More than 400 pieces of 5" x 5" art from around the world on sale for $25 each ($10 for children's

art). Funds the Y's ARTreach program, which provides free art programing to under-served

areas of the community.The art is varied, and artists

range in age and ability, with some of the most recognized artists in the community participating alongside amateurs and children. Raffle tickets sold from 1-2pm for place in line, with sales beginning at 2:30pm.

For info call (330) 480-5656.

abundance of art

The Niles Historical Society open house at Ward-Thomas House at 503 Brown Street on Sun. Feb. 4 from 2-5. Last tour at 4. There will be a collection of vintage and community cookbooks displayed in the kitchen. The monthly meeting will be held at 10:00 on Sat.Feb. 3 in the Westenfield Room.

niles is really

Cooking

The Senior News February 2018SENIORSCENE

PLACES TO GO...THINGS TO DO...PEOPLE TO SEE Malcom Motubu

at ysUThe YSU Department of Art

announces that guest artist Malcolm Mobutu Smith will be the featured artist for the 2018 African American History Month Art Exhibition on Monday, February 5. His schedule is as follows:

Guest Artist Workshop: Bliss Hall, Room 1062 at 9:00-11:30

a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m.; Gallery Reception: Judith Rae Solomon Gallery at 5:00 p.m.; Guest Artist Lecture: McDonough Museum of Art at 6:00 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.

Malcolm Mobutu Smith is Associate Professor of Ceramic Art at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He earned his MFA from the New York College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 1996, and he studied at both the Kansas City Art Institute and Penn State receiving his BFA in ceramics in 1994.

Smith’s professional activities include workshops, lectures and residencies including visits to Haystack Mountain School of Craft, Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts, and the Robert McNamara Foundation also in Maine. His works are represented in numerous private and public collections including The Luise Ross Gallery, New York City, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, FuLed International Ceramic Art Museum, Beijing, China and Indiana State Museum.

He is guided by improvisations that merge form with graphic flatness. Smith’s clay work is inspired by intersections of graffiti art, graphic structure and formal relationships via comic books and playful organic abstraction via jazz. His works rely on wheel-thrown and hand-built elements, most commonly presented as abstractions of cups, bottles, and vases. His studio interests concern drawing and 3D printing as well.

Parking is available in the M30 Wick Avenue parking deck for a nominal fee. More info is available by calling the Office of Community Engagement and Events at 330-941-2307. A complete calendar of events is available at www.ysu.edu.

The 20th Annual Summer Festival of the Arts will be held at and around YSU July 7 and 8. A celebration of both the fine and performing arts, the Festival enjoys wide community participation from local and regional arts groups, cultural institutions, ethnic and civic groups and the greater University community.

Artist applications for the juried fine art show are now available, artists are encouraged to apply by April 2, 2018, although applications will be accepted until full. Each application requires $20 jury fee. If accepted, booth fee is $100. The Summer Festival of the Arts does not rent tables; all artists must submit an application and materials and be accepted by a panel of professional jurors.

Over 80 artists participated in the two-day event last year, which also includes an ethnic festival, jazz concert and multiple family activities.

The Summer Festival of the Arts originally began as the popular Walk on Wick, an event sponsored by the Youngstown Area Arts Council. It became a department of the University in 1999.

Applications for the Artists’ Marketplace are available at www.ysu.edu/sfa or by emailing Lori Factor at [email protected].

Festivus for the

rest of Us

The Friendly Squares will host their monthly square dance Saturday, February 10, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Niles SCOPE Center, 14 E. State St., Niles, Ohio. Gene Hammond will be the caller and Frankie Hammond will be calling line dances. Valentines will be the theme for the dance. This will be a High/Low dance with alternating tips for new dancers currently taking lessons and tips for more experienced dancers. Dress is casual and light refreshments will be served. There is a $6 donation per person at the door. For additional information call Gene Hammond at 330-506-3370.

Tiny Dancer

YWCA Youngstown wil l explore nutrition needs and the availability of meal sources in the Mahoning Valley at a public meeting and panel discussion from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at YWCA, 25 W. Rayen Ave.

Included will be information on the importance of nutrition, a panel discussion on the challenges local service providers face in procuring quality food, and brainstorming solutions for what a better catering service program might look like.

The event is free and open to the community. Lunch is included. For info or to register, call 330-746-6361, ext. 112 or go to ywca.org/youngstown. RSVP by Feb. 26.

Food source

The Dana School of Music announces the February schedule of Music at Noon concerts held at 12:15 at the Butler Institute of American Art. Concerts are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, February 7: Musical Theatre.

Wednesday, February 14: Flute Studio Recital.

Wednesday, February 21: Piano

Studio Recital.Wednesday, February 28:

Percussion Ensemble.Parking in lots adjacent to the

Butler. Info? Call 330-941-2307.

The Crack of noon

T h e H o p e w e l l T h e a t r e announces auditions for An Evening of O. Henry from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 2/10, and Sunday, 2/11. Performance dates are Apr 13, 14, & 20, 21, & 22.

Persons of all ages, sexes, colors, and sizes are welcome to try out at the Hopewell, 702 Mahoning Avenue.

Calling all Thespians!

Shepherd’s Foundation will hold their annual Wine Social on Thursday, February 8th at the Tyler History Center in Youngstown. Tickets are $40. The evening will include wine and food pairings, entertainment by French Blue, a Chinese auction and a cork pull. Proceeds to benefit Shepherd’s Foundation.

Thursday, February 8th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm at Tyler History Center, 325 W Federal Street, Youngstown.

Tickets at http://www.shepherd o f theva l l ey.com/winesoc ia l . For more information contact Tony Perrone at 330-530-4038 ext. 2028 or email at [email protected].

The Wine Lists

The Walnut Grove, Mahoning Valley's first inclusive and special needs accessible playground, is hosting their annual fundraiser, Swing, Wine, & Dine, on Saturday, February 17, at the Maronite Center in Youngstown.

Last year's inaugural Swing, Wine, & Dine raised over $15,000 and sold out! The proceeds from the event helped us to install accessible nature trails that connect to the Mill Creek MetroParks bike trail, a parking lot and the first phase of our accessible playground!

This year, guests will also have the opportunity to take their chance on some amazing raffle baskets and place their bids in an auction of some amazing prizes!

Tickets are $50 or $500 for a reserved table of 8. Purchase tickets at 330.986.9851.

swing Time

Want to learn more about the countless opportunities in Mahoning County 4-H? The 4-H open house is an evening full of information about 4-H and how to get involved. 4-H provides many opportunities for community service and leadership through livestock projects, cooking, sewing, robotics and many more. Participants will be able to see and experience some of the over 200 projects 4-H has to offer. 4-H alumni, members and volunteers will be present to answer any questions and share their personal experiences with 4-H.

The 4-H community open house is Thursday, February 15 from 6-8 pm at the Mahoning County Extension Office. 490 S Broad St. Canfield. For more information call the office at 330-533-5538 or email Beth Smith at [email protected]

H.H.H.H.


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1. SCIENCE: What is the first element on the Periodic Table?2. MUSIC: What is the title of Disney's theme song and who sang it in the movie "Pinocchio"? 3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first president to live in the White House?4. HISTORY: In what year did England, Scotland and Wales unite to form Great Britain?5. CARTOONS: What type of dog is Scooby Doo in the "Scooby Doo" TV series?6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: How many hearts does an octopus have?7. FOOD & DRINK: What is hummus made of traditionally?8. GEOGRAPHY: Where is Fort Knox located in the United States?9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What well-known pediatri-cian and author won a gold medal for rowing in the 1924 Olympics? 10. MOVIES: What was the name of the whale in the movie "Free Willy"?

1. Hydrogen2. "When You Wish Upon a Star" sung by Jiminy Cricket3. John Adams4. 17075. Great Dane6. Three7. Chickpeas8. Kentucky9. Dr. Benjamin Spock10. Keiko

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