55 Plus CNY, #99: June – July 2022

WHEN SOCIAL SECURITY RUNS OUT: WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE IN 2035

Issue 99 – June / July 2022 For Active Adults in the Central New York Area

cny55.com

Living with Alopecia I Su NS Sp m ID ec me E ia r l!

Alopecia, the autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, has been in the news lately. Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham, a business owner and a well-known advocate and supporter of women, has been living with it for nearly 30 years. In 2018, she went totally bald. She shares her story. P. 30

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June / July 2022 Do you have story ideas, or would you like to advertise in 55 Plus?

Send an email to editor@cny55.com or call 315-342-1182.

Issue 99 – June / July 2022 For Active Adults in the Central New York Area

cny55.com

To subscribe to the magazine, look for the coupon on page 27. Subscriptions start at $21/year.

Living with Alopecia

ON THE COVER

Alopecia, the autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, has been in the news lately. Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham, a business owner and a well-known advocate and supporter of women, has been living with it for nearly 30 years. In 2018, she went totally bald. She shares her story. P. 30 I S NS Sp um ID ec me E ia r l!

55 PLUS | contents

WHEN SOCIAL SECURITY RUNS OUT: WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE IN 2035

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Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham photographed by Chuck Wainwright at her home in May.

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SAVVY SENIOR 6 12 55 PLUS COOKS GARDENING 8 DINING OUT 10

• Dan Hurley of DeWitt shares two recipes: shakshuka and "the biggest, fattest, fluffiest" popovers.

MY TURN 26 14 NEW LIFE AGING 34 • Writer David Figura finds that LIFE AFTER 55 44 GOLDEN YEARS 46 DRUGER’S ZOO 47

retirement life is actually quite busy!

18 FITNESS • Don't mess with Michelle Dougan of Liverpool...she's an arm-wrestling champ!

LAST PAGE 22 RETIREMENT Jamie Alicea, 62, retiring superintendent of the Syracuse City School District: ‘I’ll still be involved in the community’ 4

55 PLUS – JUNE / JULY 2022

• When Social Security runs out: what the program might look like in 2035.

28 PODCAST • Nicole Christina of Syracuse hosts an award-winning podcast all about aging.

www.cny55.com

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30 COVER • Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham has been living with alopecia for nearly 30 years; she shares her story.

36 SUMMER • From grown-up camping to fireworks to day trips with the grandkids, here's the 55 Plus guide to a safe summer!

40 CLASSIC CARS • The Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich offers a trip down memory lane for car buffs.

48 VISITS • Exploring Route 20, the longest road in the United States and New York's "Big Daddy"

YEARS

g n i t a r b e l e C

Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni & James Rado Music by Galt MacDermot

June 8-18

Agatha�Christie’s Murder�on�the Orient�Express

s r Y ea 2 2 !

0 2 in

50

KISS ME, KATE!

by Joe DiPietro

JuNE 22-July 1

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by Sam and Bella Spewack

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s

MARY POPPINS

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savvy senior

By Jim Miller

Best Travel Discounts in 2022

T

here are literally hundreds of different travel-related discounts available to older travelers that can add up to save you hundreds of dollars on your next trip. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the age requirement, which varies by business. Some discounts may be available as soon as you turn 50, but most don’t kick in until you turn 55, 60, 62 or 65. Here’s a rundown of top travel discounts, along with some extra tips to help you save.

The first thing to know is that most businesses don’t advertise them, but many give senior discounts just for the asking, so don’t be shy.

You also need to be aware that when it comes to senior travel bargains, the “senior discount,” if available, may not always be the best deal.

Hotels, resorts, airlines and cruise lines, for example, offer advanced bookings along with special deals and promotions from time to time that may be a lower rate than what the senior discount is. Before you book, always ask about the lowest possible rate and the best deal available.

Club memberships can also garner you a wide variety of travel bargains.

AARP, for example has dozens of travel discounts available on hotels, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and more — see AARP.org/benefitsdiscounts. The American Automobile Association (AAA.com) is another membership club that provides some great travel discounts to members at any age.

Here are of some of the best senior travel discounts available in 2022.

• Airline: British Airways offers AARP members $65 off economy travel and $200 off business club travel. American, Delta and United also offer senior fares to passengers 65 and older in certain markets but are extremely limited. And JetBlue offers 5% discounts for retired military and veterans that are enrolled in Veterans

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Advantage.

• Train: Amtrak provides a 10% discount to travelers 65-plus, and a 10% discount to passengers over age 60 on cross-border services operated jointly

by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

• Rental Car: Avis and Budget provide AARP members up to 30% off at participating locations. Hertz offers up to 20% off to 50-plus travelers. And Thrifty and Sixt provide 5% off to those 50 and older.

• Hotels: Certain hotel chains offer discounted rates for seniors usually ranging between 10 and 15% off but may vary by location. Some popular hotels that offer these discounts include Best Western, Choice Hotels, Hyatt, IHG Hotels, Marriott, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Red Roof and Wyndham Hotels.

• Restaurants: Many restaurant chains offer senior discounts ranging from free drinks, to senior menus, to discounts off your total order, but they may only be available on certain days of the week or at certain locations. Some popular options include Applebee’s, Denny’s, IHOP, Chili’s, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and McDonalds.

• Cruises: Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise lines offer discount rates to cruisers 55 and over on select cruises. And Grand European Travel offers AARP members up to $100 savings per person on river cruises.

Call before booking to inquire.

• Entertainment and Attractions: Most museums, zoos, aquariums, movie theaters, public golf courses and even ski slopes provide reduced admission to seniors over 60 or 65.

And for those 62 or older, one of the best deals available is the America the Beautiful Senior Pass ($20 for an annual senior pass, or $80 for a lifetime pass) which provides admittance to more than 2,000 national parks and recreation sites.

cny55.com Editor and Publisher Wagner Dotto Associate Editor Steve Yablonski Writers & Contributors Deborah J. Sergeant Mary Beth Roach, Christopher Malone Margaret McCormick, David Figura Cameron Huddleston, Ken Sturtz Columnists Bruce Frassinelli, Marilyn Pinsky, Harold Miller Jim Sollecito, Marvin Druger Michelle Reed Advertising Amy Gagliano Cassandra Lawson Miranda Terry Office Manager Kate Honebein Layout & Design Joey Sweener Cover Photo Chuck Wainwright 55 Plus: A Magazine for Active Adults in Central New York is published six times a year by Local News, Inc. at 185 E. Seneca St. PO Box 276, Oswego, NY 13126.

Subscription: $21 a year; $35 for two years © 2022 by 55 Plus: A Magazine for Active Adults in Central New York.

No material may be reproduced in whole or in part from this publication without the express written permission of the publisher.

How to Reach Us P.O. Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126 Phone: 315-342-1182 Fax: 315-342-7776 Email: editor@cny55.com Editor@cnyhealth.com

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gardening

By Jim Sollecito

Deliciously Delightful

One of my very favorite small trees is kousa dogwood, pictured here. The form is artistic; the foliage clean and glossy.

I

never saw either of my grandmothers dance. But, watching them cook was like a dance in the kitchen.

The music was provided by the sound of an old gas stove firing up followed by the fry pan crackling.

The hurried sound of the fridge quickly opening and closing lest the cold escape. And the applause at the end was the sound of an appreciative, well-fed family.

Although most of those meals were consumed in an hour or less, those memories live on in my senses.

I was not concerned with saturated fat. And let’s not even think about the sugar in liberal pours of Nehi, Fanta or Royal Crown soda.

Those priceless recollections are best preserved in my memory bank

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where the interest alone is worth the price of the calories.

That being said, when it comes to plants around our homes, our hearts need to make room for practical assessments.

Everything has a life span, and once a plant has given all it can, it is time to replace it. You simply cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube.

Plus, the current menu offers stronger, longer-lasting, lower-maintenance, more colorful varieties.

However, no one says “I can’t wait to plant a landscape so I can pull weeds.” So, here’s where the science comes in. Start with a clean site by first removing unwanted grass and weeds. Weed-free from the get-go is paramount for lower maintenance.

Then add the correct amount of organic composted material to the appropriately shaped, well-sized hole, assuring the plant is set at the correct height. Remember this mantra: “Plant them high, they don’t die. Plant them low, they won’t grow.” Next, the planting process is absolutely, positively not complete until you apply 100% bark mulch 3” thick.

Here’s where people think that mulch is just frosting on the cake. It is not merely cosmetic. Insufficient mulch depth allows increased sun exposure and contributes to a robust weed genesis.

Sufficient bark mulch also helps the soil retain valuable moisture for the plants you want to flourish. And if you use the right bark mulch, you’ll get five times the roots. Which means five times the shoots, which will add more shade to prevent more weeds.

Get my point?

In every way, the proper bark mulch applied correctly will enhance the vigor of your plantings with less work. Fewer weeds. Less weeding.

More gratification. Bigger smiles.

And when it’s time to design new plants into the landscape, don’t focus solely on spring. Our growing season extends through November so include flowers that bloom summer through fall and incorporate other seasonal changes. Personally, I want to revel in everything my landscape has to offer when I arrive home at the end of every workday. Flowers, foliage, fruit and bark appeal to all my senses.

Sometimes you can get what you want. One of my very favorite small trees is kousa dogwood, pictured here. The form is artistic; the foliage clean and glossy; the June flowers exceptional; with pretty, edible fruits; and the fall color is exciting. This is just one of the many possibilities that checks all the boxes. It’s easy. Find a spot that needs help; then plant something that tantalizes all your senses and is deliciously delightful.

Jim Sollecito is the first lifetime senior certified landscape professional in New York State. He operates Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in Syracuse. Contact him at 315-468-1142 or jim@sollecito.com.

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Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum Mon.–Sat., 10am–4pm, Sun., 11am–4pm Wednesdays in July & August open till 8:30pm

Come discover 1800’s America!

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6880 East Lake Road Rt. 38A Auburn, NY 13021

www.wardwoharaagriculturalmuseum.org JUNE / JULY 2022 – 55 PLUS

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Great variety of beer available at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company.

A flight of four 5 oz. beers is $14.

Dining Out RESTAURANT GUIDE

By Christopher Malone

BREWS AND BITES

B

Cazenovia Brewery Fills Some Voids efore the Meier’s Creek B r e w i n g C o m p a n y, former Central New York staple Empire Brewing company filled the massive building at 33 Rippleton Road in Cazenovia.

The huge facility is perfect for a brewery who can handle it properly: an expansive outdoor area complete with patio seating and land to explore.

During the meal, I enjoyed a flight ($14 for four 5 oz. beers) because sometimes it’s hard to decide.

The Smile Back (American pale ale) and Later Bozo (New England IPA), which boasts a label with a guy on a jet pack — if that says anything — were my favorites out of the four.

The Sap Sucker, a maple porter, made me happy because the maple was not at the forefront. Strong maple is offputting (for me).

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I also enjoyed a pour of the Character ($6.50/pint), a nitro cream ale and collaboration with local beer bar A.W. Wander, which was very enjoyable. Cream ales aren’t on my radar, but I’d order this vibrant, low ABV beverage again.

Corn and crab hushpuppies ($14), which proved to be a shareable option, are presented with a side of green goddess dressing. Why go with ranch?

It’s too typical. I’d be curious if Meier’s throws some anchovy in the dressing – but does it matter? The flavorful white, seasoned dressing pairs very well with the hearty fritters of crab — and, yes, the crustacean is noticeable — pieces of corn, and cornmeal.

The fried buttermilk chicken sandwich ($17) proved itself to be one of the largest fried chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had. It’s almost necessary to

squeeze the sides of the roll as you move in for a bite. The sound and feel of the cracking is satisfying. With that said, there’s a significant crunch with each bite and it’s not overly breaded or greasy. It’s topped with pickle and garlic aioli. A heaping pile of crispy, lightly seasoned fries comes with it.

And what about their pizza?

Meier’s Creek offers four Neopolitanstyle options. The garlic and arugula of the Italian blanco ($16) are definite attention grabbers. And broccoli rabe.

Get your greens and your carbs with this guilt-free pizza. The crust wasn’t very crispy, which is fine. But the fresh ingredients, especially the ricotta — cheese takes precedence — really helps At this moment, let’s switch gears.

The one big qualm I had against my visit to Meier’s Creek is the bar service.

It was a very long dinner out. To put things into perspective, I (by myself) sat down at 4:15 p.m. and left a few minutes before 7 p.m. For essentially a four-course meal, it’s a lot of time.

I can quote Tom Petty to emphasize the waiting was the hardest part.

Readers may say (and I can hear

people scowling): it’s just the times and restaurants are struggling. This is valid. However, there were three people behind the bar at one point (and one bar back). I had to grab to wave for service, no one checked up on how the meal was, and the staff had no problem interacting with each other. Kudos to team camaraderie but there were others next to me who were questioning the lack of attention as well.

I was hesitant to order dessert due to the waits but did so considering they were out of shrimp and grits.

Ordering only three items wouldn’t do the review justice, and the sticky toffee pudding ($10) squeaked in at the last second.

This Medjool date sponge cake was worth the extra time. Toffee drizzle topped the thick, albeit light, cake and vanilla ice cream. It’s a personal-sized dessert but it’s shareable if you’re feeling generous.

Before tip, the meal came to $82.

Would I go back again? Absolutely.

It’s a great spot. Being new and surviving the pandemic shows the integrity. And, in my opinion, it’s a wonderful brewery in Central New York. I’ve enjoyed Meier’s beer before visiting. When compared to the former dweller, Meier’s Creek took what was handed to them, ran with it all and upped the ante.

Meier’s Creek Brewing Company 33 Rippleton Road Cazenovia, NY 13035 3315-815-4022 meierscreekbrewing.com facebook.com/meierscreekbrewing instagram.com/meierscreekbrewing Sun.: 10 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Mon. & Tues.: Closed Thurs. & Fri.: 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Sat. & Sun.: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

FROM TOP The fried buttermilk chicken sandwich ($17) proved

itself to be one of the largest fried chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had; One of four Neopolitan-style pizzas on the menu: The garlic and arugula ($16); Corn and crab hushpuppies with dressing ($14) are made to be shared; Medjool date sponge cake: Toffee drizzle topped the thick, albeit light, cake and vanilla ice cream.

JUNE / JULY 2022 – 55 PLUS

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Dan Hurley featuring one of his specialties: popovers.

How did you learn to cook? “Watching my mother inspired me and I probably had an interest in cookbooks from about age 10 or so. I had eight siblings and leftovers were pretty much nonexistent. If you wanted something extra, you had to make it. Especially something sweet.’’

How would you describe your cooking style? “Reassuring comfort food. My mother put a full meal on the table for 11 night after night. Spaghetti and meatballs, meatloaf, broiled fish, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, chicken and dumplings and homemade desserts of Boston cream pie, cakes, pies, cream puffs. Much of my cooking seeks to mimic those fantastic meals.’’

What’s your favorite thing to cook on a weeknight? “In warm weather, it’s probably anything on the charcoal grill with baked potato and a salad or vegetable. Cold weather it’s something more complex.’’

Dan Hurley, DeWitt Words and Photos by Margaret McCormick

T

he evening meal is important at the Hurley house in DeWitt, even if it’s just supper for two most nights. Before going about their respective days, Dan Hurley and his wife, Judy Drucker, have a “morning meeting’’ to decide what will be on the menu. Often, Hurley is the one who cooks it.

Hurley, 69, retired after a long c a re e r i n c o m m u n i c a t i o n s . H e served as assistant vice president of government and community relations at Upstate Medical University for more than 30 years and now gives his time to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he serves as a public affairs volunteer. He began his career as a sportswriter at The PostStandard in the 1970s.

Hurley, one of nine children, learned to cook by spending time in the kitchen, watching his mother and reading cookbooks. He still makes the

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comfort foods he grew up with, like roasted meats (he roasts a chicken once a week), spaghetti and meatballs and broiled fish. “Much of my cooking seeks to mimic those fantastic meals,’’ he says.

In warm weather, Hurley likes to cook on a charcoal grill. He’s a square meal kind of cook — protein, starch, vegetable — who also likes to bake cakes, pies and other desserts and surprise visitors with warm popovers (see recipe) in the morning. Along the way, he picked up the art of preserving.

He freezes summer blueberries, makes several kinds of jam and puts up fruits, applesauce and other things that offer a taste of summer in the middle of winter.

Hurley says cooking doesn’t need to be complicated and that advance planning is the better part of it. “You limit your options if you wait until late in the day,’’ he says.

What do you like to cook when family and friends come over? “Braised lamb shanks or chicken cacciatore. Each dish is a little involved, so people think they are elaborate. Braising makes meat fall off the bone if done right. I also make a mean pan of popovers for breakfast when people stay over.’’

What have you been cooking during the pandemic? “Soup at least once a week feeds us for a few nights. Also, lots of shakshuka, a Mediterranean staple (see recipe). We had it in Israel a few years ago and love it. I’ve probably been baking more than anything. I go in streaks and have been known for a very adaptable New York Times plum torte recipe. We have access to fresh blueberries and look for ways to incorporate those. And I have continued to preserve tomatoes, applesauce, apple butter, blueberry and fig jam, plums and chili sauce.’’

What’s your favorite recipe resource? “ ‘ T h e F a n n y F a r m e r Cookbook’ pretty much has everything I’ve ever needed. My mother received hers as a wedding present in 1943 from my paternal grandmother. It’s

timeless. I also have a lot of written recipes of my mother’s and use the New York Times cooking app on a regular basis.’’

NOMINATE a 55+ home cook for this feature!

Email details, including contact information, to Margaret McCormick at mmccormickcny@gmail.com

What’s your favorite place to shop?

“In a perfect world, the Central New York Regional Market late August, early September for produce. The rest of the time we spread it around between Wegmans, Tops, Aldi and Price Chopper. Specialty meats at Liehs & Steigerwald’s or BJ’s. And the addictive Pastas Daily Bread stretch bread.

Any advice for other cooks? “A few things. 1. Plan. You limit your options if you wait until late in the day. 2.

Remember it’s not complicated. Protein, starch, vegetable. 3. Keep lots of onions, carrots, celery, chicken stock and canned tomatoes around. 4. Buy a good knife.’’

Shakshuka Shakshuka is a dish of eggs cooked in a chunky tomato and pepper sauce that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner (pictured, right). My wife, Judy, and I were introduced to it on a trip to Israel and have been making it at home ever since.

—Dan Hurley 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 or 2 red bell peppers, sliced thin 1 medium onion, sliced thin 3 cloves garlic, sliced thin 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 28-ounce can Wegmans fireroasted diced tomatoes (or any stewed tomatoes you have in cupboard) Pinch of red pepper flakes ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 4 eggs, at room temperature (see note) Preheat the oven to 350 F. Heat the oil in a 10-inch cast iron pan and sauté the onions, peppers and garlic until soft. Add the cumin and paprika and mix with the sautéed vegetables to release the fragrance of the spices. Add the tomatoes, pepper flakes and salt and bring the mixture

to a simmer. After about 10 minutes the mixture will thicken a bit.

When the mixture has thickened, use the back of a large spoon to create four indentations in the sauce. Crack an egg in each indentation. Slide the pan into the oven and allow the eggs five to eight minutes to set (depending on your preference).

Serve the shakshuka with crusty bread or popovers (see separate recipe) and a side salad if you like.

NOTE If needed, bring eggs to room temperature by submerging them in warm tap water for a few minutes.

The Biggest, Fattest, Fluffiest Popovers From the blog “Sugar Dish Me.” sugardishme.com/the-biggest-fattestfluffiest-popover-recipe/ 4 large eggs, warmed 1½ cups milk

¾ teaspoon salt 1½ cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons melted butter Warm the eggs by placing them un-cracked in a medium bowl and cover with hot water (as hot as your tap will go). Let them sit for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 450 F and move the oven rack to a low position (to prepare for huge popovers). Grease a popover pan thoroughly inside each cup as well as around the top edges.

Using a whisk, beat together the eggs, milk and salt until combined. The yolks should be completely blended in.

Add the flour and whisk until the mixture is frothy and all large lumps are gone. Quickly stir in the melted butter.

Divide the batter between the prepared popover cups. They should be about three-quarters of the way full.

Bake the popovers for 20 minutes and then reduce the oven to 350 F. Bake for another 10 or 15 minutes. The popovers will be very golden brown.

Serve immediately (with butter and jam if you like). Makes 6 large popovers.

JUNE / JULY 2022 – 55 PLUS

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Enjoying retirement: Writer David Figura with his wife Laura Downs during a recent trip to Mexico: “Bottom line: I’m doing my best to keep busy, trying new things.”

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new life Retirement, At Last…

A writer finds that retirement life can be very busy — and adventurous

By David Figura

A

good friend once told me the only thing you can be sure of is today.

My decision last fall to retire as outdoors writer for The PostStandard, Syracuse.com and NYUP. com at age 67 followed months of contemplation and angst.

I loved writing stories about everything from birding to bear hunting, along with meeting countless interesting and passionate outdoor enthusiasts across the state.

For 15 years, it created a unique identity for me, a fun-filled last chapter to my newspaper career that spanned four decades and included reporting and editing at six different papers in Southern California, the Catskills and Upstate New York.

But as my wife, Laura Downs, who had retired in late 2019 from Hillrom (formerly Welch-Allyn) kept telling me, “You’ll know when it’s time.”

There is no one scenario for deciding whether it’s time to retire.

Some do it early (before 65) simply because they can, with good finances and access to health insurance. But burnout from one’s job and stress can also come into play. One’s health or the health of one’s spouse is another reason. Getting laid off is another.

Others find their job emotionally and financially satisfying and just continue with a “steady as she goes” philosophy and keep working. And some, regardless of their health or job satisfaction, have to keep working for financial reasons.

For me, a handful of health issues emerged, including AFib, sleep apnea and a hip replacement in September.

The latter left me inactive and homebound for nearly eight weeks. Prior to that, I felt a growing stress level at work with added duties that weren’t part of my beat, coupled with feelings that I was losing my edge, my enthusiasm.

More importantly, there were

David Figura with a lunker smallmouth bass he caught and released recently while fishing off the Skaneateles Village Pier. Photo provided.

things I wanted to do apart from work — things I wasn’t getting to. Things like working on my second book, traveling more, spending more time with family and friends, getting out more to fish and hunt.

Last summer, I shared with a friend my concern that the clock was ticking on my life.

“It’s not a clock. It’s a freaking hour glass,” he said. “Yours has been turned over and the sands of your life are running out as we speak.”

Another buddy, a former retired coworker at the paper, challenged me.

“Why not retire? What are you afraid of? There’s no greater feeling than waking up and knowing you don’t have to chase the almighty dollar,” he said.

Everyone I talked to offered the same advice. “Once you retire, be sure you have something to do. Something to give your life structure, relevancy, a schedule,” they said.

So, prior to pushing the eject

button, I sat down and compiled a list of what I planned, or would like to do in retirement. The list filled 1 1/2 pages. It amounted to rewiring my life.

So, how is the rewiring going?

It’s going fine. A half year later, though, I’ve yet to settle into a routine or rigid schedule. I wake up every morning, pour myself a cup of coffee, give thanks for my health and review an ever-changing “to do” list.

Traveling and enjoying the outdoors have taken up much of my time so far. I’m not very handy and must admit I’ve been lax about doing chores and minor repairs around the house. But with the warmer weather, that will come. (At least that’s what I keep telling my wife.)

For years, I’ve said that my outdoors writing job will give me a head start to my latter years. The job made me aware of many of the best fishing and hunting spots in this state.

I’ve already started to cash in on that knowledge.

JUNE / JULY 2022 – 55 PLUS

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Meanwhile, it’s turning into a busy year. My daughter got married in January in Mexico and my son is getting married in the Mid-Hudson area in September.

Following my daughter ’s wedding, Laura and I traveled to Florida to visit friends for a week.

Among our outings was a visit to the Crystal River area, where we hired a guide, donned snorkel gear and swam with manatees.

In March, we took a three-week road trip to visit in-laws in Charlotte, North Caroline, and coupled that with a drive to New Orleans to visit my daughter and her husband. In addition to eating some great food and taking in some awesome live music in The Big Easy, I kayak fished for largemouth bass in the Bayou St. John, which flows into the northern part of the city.

In early May, we took one item off our joint bucket list with a 12-day trip to South Africa that included a six-day photo safari. We saw lions, leopards, giraffes, water buffalo and hippos, among other animals. Quite a treat for an outdoors writer.

Back at home, I’m taking guitar lessons. I’m in a men’s book club and

a low-stakes, men’s poker group, both which meet once a month. I started playing pickleball at the Skaneateles Y. In addition, I’ve started inquiring about free-lance writing opportunities and mulling whether to take on a parttime job of some sort. I feel like being retired doesn’t mean you should stop trying to make money.

Bottom line: I’m doing my best to keep busy, trying new things.

However, the X factor is my health and the health of my wife — all which could take a negative turn and send my best-laid plans into a tailspin.

Poet Robert Frost once wrote, ‘The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.”

That’s food for thought.

But so is the expression, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that counts. It’s the life in your years.”

David Figura is a retired outdoors writer for The Post-Standard, Syracuse.com and NYup.com, is working on his second book, “Nobody Likes A Whiny Man,” about guys handling life in their 60s and 70s. His first book, “So What Are the Guys Doing?” covered how men deal with middle age.

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fitness Don’t Mess With Grandma, She’s an Arm Wrestling Champ Michelle Dougan of Liverpool started arm-wrestling as part of her recovery from cancer — she is the current world champion for the World Arm Wrestling League

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

L

ike any doting grandmother, Michelle Dougan of Liverpool enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren.

An active 55-year-old, she loves walking and hiking. Dougan has also won the World Championship for the World Arm Wrestling League.

Her entrance into the world of competitive arm wrestling is even less predictable.

Dougan was overweight as a child. One summer, she began to swim and ride her bike more and lost weight. She liked feeling so healthy and looking trim and strong. She continued working out and grew up to become a certified personal trainer.

She and her husband, James, a private investigator, eventually moved from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Liverpool and she began training clients at Elite Fitness.

Despite her healthy lifestyle, Dougan faced cancer three times: thyroid cancer in 2009 and melanoma in 2006 and 2021. To treat her thyroid cancer, she had her thyroid and many lymph nodes removed. In addition to recovering from surgery, Dougan felt sick from the ensuing hormone imbalance. While taking prescription medication to replace the hormones her absent thyroid had made, it takes time to get the dose right. For a few years, she struggled to regain her health.

“I couldn’t get out of bed and felt miserable,” she recalled. “My husband spoke with Dan Carr, a friend who’s from Erie. He is one of the top arm wrestlers in the nation and a referee for the World Arm Wrestling League.

He suggested to my husband that I try arm wrestling because I’ve always

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Michelle Dougan is pictured at the World Armwrestling Super Qualifier in 2016 in Syracuse. She had been competing only two years and faced Christy Resendes, an armwrestling and body building champion.

been strong.”

While taking up arm wrestling as part of her recovery seems peculiar, it was just the lure to draw Dougan back to the gym. In 2014, she attended a practice of about a dozen arm wrestlers in Chittenango and loved it immediately.

“I felt my strength again,” Dougan said. “I felt so weak and helpless for so long and realized I am strong. It changed everything.”

She kept practicing to improve her technique and performed wrist curls, bicep curls and grip exercises to increase her strength. The hard work paid off. Within three years, she won the world championship in Las Vegas, besting 25 women in her middleweight class with her right arm. She won third place with her left arm.

“People think you put your arm up and you just go, but there’s a lot of technique,” Dougan said.

Arm wrestling is more complicated than that.

Competitors typically stand to arm wrestle. Chalk on the hands is permitted. Their non-wrestling hand grasps a peg and the wrestling arm’s elbow wrests on a pad. During the entire match, the grasping hand and elbow must remain in place or the referee will call a foul.

“The ref says, ‘Close your thumbs, close your hands and go,’” Dougan said. “Then, you go. It moves pretty fast. Every tournament around here has running fouls. If you foul, they let you know. You have to win at that point or you’re out of the match.”

Intentional slipping is a foul, as

Former members and past presidents of the Syracuse Corinthian Club gathered at the Elaine and Steve CNY Philanthropy Center.

Jacobs at the CNY Philanthropy Center.

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Michelle Dougan of Liverpool started practicing arm wrestling in 2011. “I felt my strength again,” Dougan says. “I felt so weak and helpless for so long and realized I am strong. It changed everything.”

is when a participant turns the wrist before the match starts. Every event is double elimination.

She attends bigger practices out of state and competes about once or twice a month. She typically arm-wrestles five or six times at each event when she keeps winning. She used to participate in more competitions. However, she since realized that her body requires three weeks to bounce back from what she calls “a full body sport.”

“A healthy person in their 30s, it takes a week and a half to two weeks unless injured,” Dougan added.

She admits she is a little obsessed with arm wrestling and trains for competitions continually. Dougan competes in and out of the WAL and James is the East Coast director of the organization.

About 25% of participants at WAL and other events are women, a statistic Dougan would like to increase.

Dougan has as a goal a rematch against a Canadian arm wrestler who beat her at her last match.

“I beat her in 2017, but I didn’t see her again until 2018 or 2019,” Dougan said.

She is a signed athlete with the

WAL and was asked last year to join The Top Eight, a group of elite women arm wrestlers. She hopes to compete in Sweden this year, too.

Dougan’s wrestling nickname is the Black Scorpion, bestowed on her

by Carr.

“When a legend like Dan Carr gives you a nickname, you use it,” Dougan said.

Carr now lives in Florida.

While arm wrestling seems an oddball activity for a grandma, Dougan has embraced it, as has her family.

“My husband is all about it,” Dougan said. “My kids at first thought it was a little crazy. After they saw I was serious they were all about it. My granddaughter wrestled in one of our tournaments and got third.”

The WAL presents a competition at the New York State Fair each year.

Dougan encourages anyone interested in arm wrestling to contact her at the CNY Arm Wrestlers Facebook page or at the ArmFight-Her Nation Facebook page.

“I know that if I can do something like this, other people can do something for their health or find something they can do to be active,” Dougan said.

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retirement When Social Security Runs Out What will the program look like in 2035?

at least half of the income for 50% of elderly married couples and 70% of elderly single people, according to the Social Security Administration.

IS IT LIKELY THAT BENEFITS WILL BE CUT?

By Cameron Huddleston

T

he future of Social Security remains uncertain, forcing people to ask questions like, “Will Social Security run out?”

According to the 2020 annual report from the board of trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, Social Security’s income is expected to exceed its expenses this year. The report projects that reserves will be fully depleted by 2035 and annual taxes are expected to cover only about three-quarters of the benefits each year after that.

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55 PLUS – JUNE / JULY 2022

By 2035, the number of Americans 65 and older will increase to more than 78 million from about 56 million today. As a result, more people will be taking money out of the Social Security system — but there will be fewer people paying into it.

That doesn’t mean the program will run out of money entirely, though.

Payroll taxes are expected to cover about 76% of scheduled benefits. But, if the 21% funding gap isn’t filled, retirees could get lower Social Security payments or workers might need to pay more into the system. If no changes are made, this is what Social Security could look like in the future, according to experts.

If you plan to rely on the program in 2035, keep in mind there’s a chance you could receive less in Social Security benefits than you might have expected.

If no changes are made to deal with the trust fund shortfall, benefits will have to be reduced by 23%, according to the 2020 annual report from the trust funds’ board of trustees.

For many retired adults, that kind of cut in benefits would represent a big financial hit. Social Security provides

Some experts doubt that a big slash in Social Security benefits is forthcoming.

“The ramifications of that event would be beyond traumatic for everyone in the country,” said Joseph E. Roseman Jr., a Social Security expert and retirement planner at Retirement Capital Planners. “You’ve got a national disaster on your hands.”

That’s why he thinks Congress will step in before 2035 to prevent such a deep cut in benefits. Mary Beth Franklin, a Social Security expert and contributing editor for Investment News, agrees that a big cut in benefits is unlikely.

“As pensions are disappearing, people are relying more on Social Security,” she said. Because of the program’s popularity, politicians won’t want to tinker with benefits for existing retirees and will likely have to find other solutions to the trust fund shortfall.

Even though Social Security isn’t expected to run out of money for 15 years, several options for changes have already been floated to deal with the budget shortfall. These options include: 1. Raising the payroll tax rate 2. Increasing the wages subject to Social Security taxes 3. Raising the full retirement age 4. Reducing the annual cost-of-living adjustments 5. Cutting benefits

➊ THE SOCIAL SECURITY PAYROLL TAX RATE COULD RISE

If benefits aren’t cut, tax revenue for the program will likely have to

increase. One way to do that is to increase the payroll tax rate. Social Security is funded through a 6.2% payroll tax that workers pay, plus another 6.2% that employers pay (selfemployed people have to pay the full 12.4%).

What Would Happen: If the trust fund reserves become depleted, the payroll tax would need to increase by 3.14 percentage points to increase revenues enough to sustain the program, according to the 2020 annual report from the board of trustees. If nothing is done until 2035, the increase would need to be 4.13%.

However, Roseman doesn’t expect Congress to raise the payroll tax to boost trust fund reserves. “There’s probably the least appetite for that than anything you can look at,” he said. “It’s a tax increase.”

What Social Security Would Look Like in 2035 With This Change: An increase in the payroll tax rate could take different forms. Currently, the total payroll tax is allocated equally between the employee and the employer. The projected tax increase of 3.14% could be allocated equally among employers and employees or allocated more to the employer to hide the tax hike from taxpayers.

A legislative proposal called the Social Security 2100 Act from Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) favors an equal split. It would raise the Social Security tax rate to 7.4% for both the employer and the employee. The bill has gained some support but so far has stalled in Congress, Politico reported.

➋ MORE WAGES COULD BE TAXED

Another option to increase tax revenue to fund Social Security is to raise the amount of earnings subject to taxation. Only the amount of wages up to the Social Security contribution and benefit base are subject to Social Security taxes.

What Would Happen: To help the trust fund remain solvent, the taxable wage limit would have to be even higher — or lifted entirely — so that all income would be subject to the payroll tax, Franklin said. This change would affect high-income people whose earnings above $144,000 currently escape taxation for Social Security.

What Social Security Would Look Like in 2035 With This Change Raising the taxable wage limit would only affect people whose

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wages exceed the current contribution and benefit base. For example, if you make $80,000 per year, you pay Social Security taxes on all of your income, so whether the limit is $130,000, $300,000 or removed entirely, it doesn’t affect your payroll taxes.

However, if you made $250,000 as a W-2 employee in 2020, you only paid Social Security taxes on the first $137,700, for a total of $8,537.40. If the limit went up to $300,000, you would pay Social Security taxes on all of your $250,000 income, for a total of $15,500.

The total earning subject to Social Security tax in 2022 is $144,000.

➌ THE FULL RETIREMENT AGE COULD INCREASE

Because tax hikes aren’t popular, Congress will more likely raise the full retirement age for Social Security benefits, Roseman said. That means younger generations will have to work longer before they can start collecting benefits.

Currently, the age at which you can collect full retirement benefits ranges from 65 if you were born in 1937 or earlier, to 67 if you were born in 1960 or later.

What Would Happen: Both Roseman and Franklin said there are proposals to raise the full retirement age gradually to 69 — that would keep more money in the trust funds. At the same time, it might eliminate a popular strategy that retirees use to maximize Social Security income. Currently, if you delay collecting retirement benefits past your full retirement age, your benefit increases each year you wait until age 70, Roseman said.

What Social Security Would Look Like in 2035 With This Change: As life expectancy increases, raising the retirement age might seem like a reasonable response because people have longer to work. However, raising the retirement age essentially cuts benefits because it delays the payments of benefits that people are expecting.

In addition, the overall longevity increases haven’t applied to many low-income workers, who have shorter life expectancies than wealthy people.

People with low incomes would likely be the hardest hit by increasing the retirement age.

➍ THE SOCIAL SECURITY COLA COULD BE REDUCED

Retirees receiving Social Security

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The Social Security funding shortfall could be solved by cutting benefits by 19% for all Social Security beneficiaries — including those who are currently receiving benefits, according to the 2020 annual report from the board of trustees. benefits typically see their checks increase slightly most years to keep pace with inflation. These cost-ofliving adjustments — or COLAs — are based on the consumer price index.

After no cost-of-living adjustment in 2015, the last few years saw a 0.3% bump for 2016, a 2% increase in 2017, a 2.8% boost for 2018, another 2.8% increase for 2019 and a 1.6% increase for 2020.

What Would Happen: To keep the Social Security trust funds solvent, there could be changes to cost-of-living adjustments, Roseman said. Most likely, the formula wouldn’t change for people born before 1960. But, people born after 1960 might see a reduced COLA, he said.

If that happens, benefit checks will not keep pace with inflation. People who rely heavily on Social Security might have to find ways to reduce spending to make ends meet.

What Social Security Would Look Like in 2035 With This Change: As the past few years have shown, inflation adjustments to Social Security benefits can be small or nonexistent. Low costof-living adjustments could make it very hard for people living on fixed incomes to pay their expenses in places where housing and rent costs are rising each year. Plus, seniors spend more than younger people on healthcare costs, which tend to rise faster than the cost of inflation.

➎ BENEFITS COULD BE CUT

According to the 2020 annual report from the board of trustees, the funding shortfall could be solved by cutting benefits by 19% for all Social Security beneficiaries — including those who are currently receiving benefits — or cutting benefits by 23% for future Social Security beneficiaries.

If nothing is done until 2035, however, all benefits would need to be reduced by 25%.

What Would Happen: Should the

Social Security reserves run out in 2035, benefit cuts could take various forms.

The simplest cut would be an equal one across the board. Another option would be to cut benefits differently based on income. For example, the top 25% or top 50% of earners might see their benefits reduced, whereas benefits for lower-income Social Security recipients would remain intact.

Similarly, Social Security could become a means-tested benefit, determined in part by the recipient’s income or other assets. Currently, if you paid into the Social Security system, you’ll receive benefits regardless of your income or assets.

What Social Security Would Look Like in 2035 With This Change: As of 2020, the average retirement benefit is $1,503 per month. If benefits were cut by 20% across the board, the average benefit would drop by about $301 each month, or $3,612 per year. If benefits were to drop by 23%, the monthly decline would be $346, or $4,152 per year.

IS THIS AN EASY PROBLEM TO SOLVE?

As Roseman sees it, the Social Security shortfall problem is easy to solve — but it’s not easy to get Congress to make the necessary changes.

“Nobody wants to compromise,” he said.

Nonetheless, Roseman doesn’t expect Social Security to run out of money. He tells his clients to count on it as a source of retirement income, but it shouldn’t be their only source of retirement income. “I would never advise anybody to live on Social Security alone,” he said.

This article was originally published in March 2022 on GObankingrates.com.

We have reproduced the article with permission. —The Editor

Local Experts: Don’t Rely So Much on Social Security Benefits

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant In a mere 13 years from now — in 2035 — Social Security’s reserves will be fully depleted and tax revenue will cover only 75% of the benefit after that point, according to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund.

For 35% of retirees, Social Security provides 90% or more of their monthly income, according to a Vanguard study. For 29%, Social Security covers between 50% and 90% of their income. Only 36% of retirees depend upon Social Security for less than half of their income.

Dean Ripley calls the thought of Social Security running out of money an “urban myth.” He is wealth management adviser and certified financial planner and principal and founder of Garlock & Associates Financial Planning Group in Phoenix.

“I wouldn’t lose sleep about Social Security benefits for retirement,” he said in a recent interview.

Dean Ripley He believes that the government is getting close to the point where they will need to tweak the system to accommodate greater longevity, possibly by increasing the age requirement, adjusting the inflation formula or increasing the penalty for early withdrawal.

Ripley encourages workers to make the most of their 10 to 15 years before retirement and save as much as they can.

The government may still adjust Social Security to continue to pay most of what it should.

“Adjustments to Social Security through tax changes and benefit

changes have been necessary and will continue to be in the future because of the aging population and the declining birthrates,” said Cynthia Scott, owner of OMC Financial Services in Syracuse.

She added that existing changes include an extension of retirement age and an income cap if receiving Social Security before full retirement and changes in what is subject to FICA taxes.

“The problem that still exists is that more money is being withdrawn than contributed,” Scott said. “That is the main reason why they can’t privatize a portion for younger workers.”

Randy L. Zeigler, certified financial planner and private wealth adviser with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Oswego, advises clients to not overly rely upon Social Security as part of their financial planning.

“Social Security was designed to be a minimal, beginning amount, not as a sole retirement source or even a primary one,” Zeigler said. “What I’ve been doing with clients younger than 55 is we factor Social Security

with a 25% discount to their future estimated benefits. It’s possible Social Security won’t have the resources.”

Because he does not know for sure what Randy Zeigler will happen, his advice for clients is to plan for most of their retirement income to come from other sources.

Those who are closer to retirement may need to work longer or at least work part-time after retiring from their career. They may also need to adjust their expectations for their lifestyle during retirement.

“It always comes down to the individual and the spouse and their circumstances and how much income they need,” Zeigler said. “Some people come in and say, ‘I don’t care about my longevity; I want to get my money out of it at 62 because I want to make sure I get it.’ They want to make sure they just get something.”

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my turn

By Bruce Frassinelli Email: bfrassinelli@ptd.net

Knock it Off, or Else: Disciplining the Kids The other day, I stopped at a diner near my home. At the table next to me was a mother with two children. The kids looked to be about maybe 10 and 13 years of age, and the older one was tapping away at his phone.

The mother apparently was looking for some quality time and interaction with her son and nicely asked him to put away his phone.

“Shut up!” he bellowed and continued tapping away.

I was so shocked that I dropped my fork. The mother looked embarrassed but said nothing.

I thought to myself what would have happened to me if I had ever told

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my mother to “shut up?’’ As we used to say during my youthful days growing up, “I’d be spitting teeth for a week.”

Today, of course, Mom would be charged with child abuse and might do hard jail time, and I might have been shuffled off to a foster home.

Has it really come to this, I wondered, or was this just one outof-control kid? When I got home, I started researching the question and came upon a recently published book which convinces me that what I had recently witnessed might be the new normal. “The Collapse of Parenting” by Leonard Sax of Exton, Pennsylvania, a family physician and psychologist for

29 years, says that American families are facing a crisis of authority, because now kids are in charge.

Sax recounted an experience similar to mine, except it was in his office where a mother had taken her 10-year-old son because he had a stomachache. Sax said the boy was playing video games on his phone and ignoring his questions. The mother began describing the boy’s stomachache to Sax when the boy chimed in and said, “Shut up, mom, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Sax said this kind of behavior is becoming common. “Children — both boys and girls — are disrespectful to their parents, to one another and to themselves,” Sax said. He said the culture has changed dramatically in a short period of time, causing significant harm to children.

His book is about the transfer of authority from parents to children. Sax said that he believes parents should treat older kids like grown-ups. “You should expect them to be mature and to behave,” he said. As for pre-teens, he said, that is something else, and it is up to the parents to exercise authority and be able to say, “No, you’re not going to do that.”

As I searched my memory bank, I concluded that our three children were relatively well-behaved. To confirm this impression, I called my former wife, Sylvia, and told her what I was up to in writing this StoryWorth essay.

She agreed with my assessment.

I thought about my expectations for our children, because, after all, kids will be kids, but there are important boundaries. She reminded me that if they misbehaved at weekend Mass that I would pinch them as a signal that their behavior was not appreciated.

She conceded that this got the desired results.

She told me that I was incensed

on one Sunday night when the children wanted to continue watching the epic motion picture “The Ten Commandments,’’ and I insisted that because the next day was a school day that they should go to bed before the movie was over. Sylvia said I actually kicked the boys. If indeed this did happen, I do not remember it, and it was over the line. (I was not wearing shoes at the time, she said, which made me feel only slightly better.)

I did have a tendency to use the belt on them on rare occasions. This resulted only after I had exhausted traditional measures, such as warning them several times to knock off their unacceptable behavior, usually chaotic roughhousing, then warning them that the belt was going to be the next step. So, if even then, there was not compliance, I administered a swat each to the offender’s or offenders’ backside.

The warnings were poor justification for these barbaric acts, and in my later years I have come to accept that this was terribly wrong.

I apologized several years ago to all three of my sons for regressing to this unacceptable form of punishment.

One of my boyhood chums said I was a “wuss” for having these regrets and had no reason to apologize. I disagree.

I reached out to my sons to ask them to reflect on the punishment methods I used when they were young.

My oldest son, Steve, said he “cringes’’ when he recalls the belt incidents.

My son, Mike, acknowledged that I was “kind of a jerk a few times with the belt.’’ Mike said it makes kids resentful, but he also admitted that I do have some redeeming qualities, so all is not lost. Neither Steve nor Mike remembered my kicking them.

Paul said he suffered no ill effects or lingering hostilities from my use of the belt and said we can’t judge what was done 50 years ago by today’s standards. He thought I could have defused the roughhousing incidents by putting them into separate rooms.

I am sure some of my disciplinary tactics were modeled after those I received as a child. My mother was physical when disciplining. She would tend to slap as opposed to administering backside smacks. Those were the exclusive domain of my father (described in a previous essay).

My mother was also a “projectile

launcher.’’ As I also described previously, it was wise to break bad news or misdeeds to her when she had nothing in her hand, because until I learned otherwise, she would throw whatever she was holding my way.

It did teach me a certain amount of deftness for self-preservation.

I bought a child-rearing book called “Between Parent and Child,’’ written by Hans Ginott. Later, he wrote a sequel, “Between Parent and Teenager,’’ which I also bought. These taught me to temper the physical and gravitate more toward reasoning, especially as our children got older.

Children are not born knowing how to behave. We parents must teach them right from wrong, and some are doing a poor job of it. Many parents have put their children in the center of the universe. I, on the other hand, was a satellite in my parents’ universe. The result today is that these kids are losing perspective on what’s important.

Instead of instilling concern in children about reaching out to others, it has become all about them, all the time.

We are growing a generation of selfabsorbed narcissists, which does not bode well for humanity and society.

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podcast Navigating That Thing Called ‘Aging’ Nicole Christina of Syracuse interviews a wide variety of influencers for her podcast, Zestful Aging — It’s all about aging.

By Mary Beth Roach

H

ow do you best navigate aging?

It’s a question the Nicole Christina poses on her podcast’s website, www.zestfulaging. com, and it’s the topic the 60-yearold local psychotherapist has been exploring with her guests on that podcast for the past four years.

“Aging is difficult. Aging is loss of some capacities and really facing our limitations. However, I think the idea is how can you navigate it while

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adding in what are the freedoms, opportunities?” she said.

Because we’re mammals, she said, relationships are vitally important, as is the feeling that your life has some meaning or purpose, that you’re leaving some kind of legacy and that you have something that provides a deep contentment and satisfaction.

However, sometimes finding that purpose and challenging yourself takes you out of your comfort zone.

Christina, herself, stepped out of her comfort zone when she began creating webinars and then moved on to podcasts.

“I felt like I really needed to do something challenging and new,” she said.

One of her first attempts to meet that goal was to conduct webinars on eating disorders, which is one of her fields of expertise.

“I decided to interview some people as part of

the webinar. It was so fun and it just felt so natural,” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh, wow. I love this.’”

The person helping with the technical aspects of the webinar had suggested she look into podcasting, suggesting that she would really enjoy it.

So, she did.

“Being the person I am, which is a little bit like leap before you look, the next day,” she said.

She asked a woman she had run a retreat with, Vicky Lane, if she could interview her. Lane is a fly-fishing guide who volunteers with Casting for Recovery, which offers fly-fishing retreats for breast cancer survivors as a means of providing them with physical therapy and the opportunity to connect with nature.

As she was conducting the interview, it was “like this cosmic click,” explaining that while she didn’t know how she could do more interviews like this, she had to figure out a way.

She realized that this was the kind of guest she wanted.

“Somebody doing something they love, they’re contributing. That, to me, is so full of life,” she said.

She has found, with her practice, that finding that purpose is one of the issues that some of her clients grapple with as they age.

“I was really aware of

some of the aging questions that my clients were asking, like ‘What do I do now?’ ‘My kids are launched.’ ‘I may or may not want to stay with my partner.’ ‘I’m looking at possible retirement.’ ‘My family or my friends might be moving away,’” she said. “A lot of transitions.”

Since then, she’s had nearly 300 episodes. She said listeners from over 100 countries have tuned in to her podcast. In late February, she received a silver Anthem Award in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category. Presented by The Webby Awards, which recognizes excellence on the internet, the Anthem Awards highlight impactful work by people, companies and organizations across the globe. Most recently, she has received a gold award from Hermes for Best Podcast Host.

A list of Christina’s episodes shows the wide variety of topics that she and her guests discuss, such as how belly dancing can help develop stronger pelvic muscles, how to start

OPPOSITE PAGE On her podcast "Zestful Aging," Nicole Christina, 60, discusses various challenges and opportunities that come with aging. She has interviewed more than 300 people, including Joan Lunden, former anchor of Good Morning America, and Linda Lowen, author of the new book "100 Things to Do in Syracuse Before You Die."

second careers, how to deal with siblings with Alzheimer’s disease and how to reconcile with estranged family members.

One of her more recognizable guests was Joan Lunden, author, journalist, one-time co-host of Good Morning America and an advocate for seniors who, as Christina said, does a lot on positive aging.

underneath the sound bites,” she explained.

Her listeners are not the only ones who learn something from her guests.

Christina is impressed with her guests’ ability to reach their goals despite the obstacles that some have had in their paths.

“By the time you get to be a grownup, in my experience, life has dealt you some bad blows. These people have also had that, and there’s resilience. And yet they’re transformed by it,” she said.

But Christina has stepped outside of her comfort zone in more ways than webinars and podcasts.

She played tennis in the National Senior Games in Florida. She didn’t expect to make it to the finals — joking that she made airline reservations for her trip home before the finals were even played — but she said it was important for her that she participate.

She said she has a respectable game, but “I will get beaten and beaten badly,” she said, laughing.

For her, it’s not about winning or losing. “What you get is thousands of people over 50 who are so passionate and exuberant about their sport with this community of enthusiasm. That’s something I really want to be a part of,” she said.

‘I felt like I really needed to do something challenging and new.’

Nicole Christina on starting her “Zestful Aging” podcast four years ago.

Christina said that she finds the interviewing process so enriching and inspiring that sometimes she gets a “little giddy afterwards.”

Her weekly podcasts run 30 minutes, with each episode taking her about four hours to prepare, which includes lining up guests, editing, producing and social media sharing.

In doing some research on podcasting, she said she learned that many only do seven episodes because, as she said, while it’s fun, it’s a lot of work. Some podcasts, too, only run five minutes.

That time length wouldn’t work for her, she said.

“The thing I pride myself on is talking to people and getting

While a medal from the National Senior Games may not be in her future, she does have plans for her podcasts.

She’s currently working on a project with WAER radio and would love to have a regular show on NPR. “Reaching more people, meeting more people and getting the word out to more people that this is something that we can do with optimism, while also really acknowledging there’s loss, there’s grief, there’s hardship,” she said. “What can I be curious about?”

Christina tried something new with her podcasts four years ago and as she said, it has enhanced her life and her aging.

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cover

Photo courtesy of Alice G. Patterson Photography.

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Living with Alopecia Alopecia, the autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss, has been in the news lately. Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham, a business owner and a well-known advocate and supporter of women, has been coping with it for nearly 30 years. She’s been totally bald since 2018. She shares her story.

By Margaret McCormick racy Chamberlain Higginbotham woke up March 28 to learn that the condition that caused her to lose her hair — eyelashes, eyebrows and thick, brown shoulder-length mane — was having a moment in the media spotlight.

The previous evening at the Oscars, actor Will Smith bounded on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock, who moments earlier made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her nearly bald head. “Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it,” Rock quipped. The joke was a reference to the 1997 film “G.I. Jane,” which starred a buff Demi Moore with a buzz cut.

Pinkett Smith has been open about her diagnosis of alopecia (pronounced al-oh-PEEshe-uh), an autoimmune disorder that causes varying degrees of hair loss in people of all ages, races and ethnicities.

Higginbotham has universal alopecia and the complete loss of hair that comes with it, so she can sympathize with the celebrity, and anyone else who has the condition.

Higginbotham, 57, seized the moment to put thoughts into words and words into action.

She sat down to offer a commentary on YouTube and dashed off a letter to the editor of The PostStandard.

“What most people don’t understand about living a life of alopecia, especially as a woman and one who has been in the public eye or continues to be, is how vulnerable we feel

trying to ‘fake it until we make it’ internally and accept our physical health condition mentally,’’ Higginbotham wrote. … “I hope the lesson that resonates from this national attention is the sense that people must be more kind to people who appear different. Period. We never know the story underneath what we see with anyone.’’

FEELING NAKED Higginbotham’s story is one of not letting alopecia define her. It’s one of coping with change and loss head-on and accepting it, while still having hope. “I believe in my heart my hair will come back at some point,’’ she said.

At her core, Higginbotham is a passionate advocate and supporter of women, known widely through her business, Women TIES (Together Inspiring Entrepreneurial Success).

She’s also a wife, mother, event planner, author and athlete.

She wears many hats, both figuratively and literally. She has a real-hair wig and puts it on when occasions call for it, like business and networking events. But on days when she feels like a “badass bald woman,’’ she goes natural, often with a bright pink cap and a swipe of pink lipstick.

She has hats for all seasons and several reasons. She wears them to protect herself from the elements and feel more feminine and less vulnerable. People have mistaken her for a man, she said, or approached her to offer a hug, JUNE / JULY 2022 – 55 PLUS

31

Higginbotham has made it a life goal to be more active in middleage and try every sport at least once; as of 2022, ice-fishing can safely be crossed off that list, she says.

thinking she has cancer.

“It really does feel like you’re naked,’’ Higginbotham said of stepping out uncovered. “That’s the best way to describe it. I don’t show my bald head to many people.’’

Higginbotham reminds herself and others that there are worse problems to have than alopecia, that beauty radiates from the inside and that every day is something to be grateful for. Her days are full —and full of positive, lifereinforcing activities.

At home near Camillus, she checks the weather each morning to determine her daily workout or workouts. If it’s nice out, she might go for a run or put her bicycle in the car and pedal around Onondaga Lake. If it’s raining, she might start her day with some writing, usually in the form of an inspirational post for her Women TIES blog (https://womenties.blog).

The mission of Women TIES is to bring women together to support and learn from each other, inspire each other to reach higher levels of business success and eradicate pay inequality.

Higginbotham didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur, even though 32

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ALOPECIA: PROBLEM STARTED 30 YEARS AGO Tracy Chamberlain Higginbotham’s early experience with alopecia was sporadic. In the beginning, more than 30 years ago, she started to notice small, coin-sized areas of hair loss on her scalp. Usually, the hair would grow back. Then she would lose an eyebrow or her eyelashes — and again lose hair on her head. She eventually was diagnosed with alopecia and would undergo hundreds of steroid injections to the scalp to encourage regrowth. In 2018, she lost all her hair.

An estimated 6.8 million people in this country have some form of alopecia. The autoimmune disorder affects everyone differently and there is no known cure. More information is available from the National Alopecia Areata Foundation: www.naaf.org

it’s in her blood. She grew up in Rome, in a large, blended family (her parents owned a ski shop and divorced when she was in grade school). She graduated from Rome Free Academy and continued her education at SUNY Oswego, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. That’s also where she met her husband, Scott.

She worked in the corporate and collegiate worlds for a time, including several years as assistant to the executive director at SUNY Oswego Alumni Association and later as assistant alumni director at Le Moyne College. At Le Moyne, Higginbotham honed her skills in event planning, assisting in the organization of on-campus, regional and nationwide events for alumni, parents and supporters of the college.

She launched Five Star Events in 1995 and ran the event planning and management company while at home raising her sons, Thomas and Adam.

One summer, she recalled, she attended a high school reunion in her hometown. Standing in a circle, she listened to her classmates describe what they do for a living. When it came her turn, she said she worked in event planning. “I felt so insignificant,’’ Higginbotham recalls. “I just didn’t feel like I had purpose.’’

She started channeling her “feminine purpose’’ to bring women together to market and promote themselves and lift each other up by doing business with each other.

In 2005, Women TIES was born.

Seventeen years later, Higginbotham reminds people that women still don’t earn as much money as men. One of her mottos: The world won’t change for women unless women change the world for women.

In time, Women TIES expanded across the state, serving hundreds of members and hosting member events in Oswego, Ithaca, Utica-Rome, Rochester and other markets.

A. Christina Breen-Hale, an independent insurance agent for State Farm, remembers attending a Women TIES event at Eastview Mall near Rochester about 15 years ago and being thrilled to win a one-year membership.

She has been a member ever since.

She likes Women TIES because she’s a social person and events and meetings are opportunities to network and potentially meet new clients.

“Tracy has put on a lot of programs

over the years and they have helped me grow personally and professionally,’’ Breen-Hale said. “During shutdown, Tracy continued her programs on Zoom and we all networked there. She keeps her members engaged. She’s always promoting her members and making sure she gives value to them.’’

In-person events have resumed on a small scale, and Women TIES, along with other membership-based businesses and organizations, is evolving. Higginbotham has told members she is giving thought to semiretirement and taking time to focus on other projects.

“I’m glad I’ve been a — I don’t know if pioneer is the right word — a representative for women entrepreneurs,’’ she said. “All things come to an end in some sense. I’m slowing down with Women TIES. But my voice for supporting women and business and equality will continue.’’

Alopecia isn’t life-threatening, but it is life-changing, Higginbotham said. It caused her to lose her identity and eroded some of her confidence, especially in the professional and public speaking realm. It took a long time to get used to seeing a different reflection in the mirror.

“I think it’s about accepting a new you,’’ Higginbotham explained. “It took me three years to figure out, slowly, that this is the new me. If the ‘pivot’ in my life is I’m supposed to speak about beauty or acceptance of self, I’m willing to share my story. Alopecia has altered the way I go forward in life.’’

After losing her hair, Higginbotham “escaped’’ into sports and found peace there. And new determination.

She had already created the Women’s Athletic Network, a division of Women TIES that brings together women entrepreneurs who are interested in sports and adventure. She has a “new life goal’’ of trying every sport at least once and invites other women along for the ride.

She plans to try curling and parasailing this summer and recently accompanied a group of daring women to ROC City Circus in Rochester, where they climbed a long ladder to a small platform and experienced the exhilaration of soaring on the flying trapeze.

“I’m saving skydiving for the last sport just in case,’’ Higginbotham said with a laugh.

“When you’re doing sports, no one cares if your hair is perfect and your makeup is perfect,’’ she added. ❖

Higginbotham and Kathrine Switzer at the 2017 WISE Conference, two weeks after both women ran in the 2017 Boston Marathon honoring the 50th anniversary of Switzer's genderbreaking moment.

WOMEN WHO HAVE INSPIRED TRACY CHAMBERLAIN HIGGINBOTHAM ➤ KATHRINE SWITZER Switzer became an iconic figure as the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967. Higginbotham ran the Boston Marathon in 2017 in her honor. “To me, she is one of the most amazing women and one of my favorite feminist icons.’’ ➤ DEBORAH STANLEY Higginbotham was thrilled when Stanley was named the 10th president of her alma mater, SUNY Oswego, in 1997. Stanley was Higginbotham’s business law instructor in 1984 and became one of her mentors. ➤ BILLIE JEAN KING King is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and a champion for social justice and equality. Higginbotham met King at the Women’s Sports Foundation in New York City in 2018, where Higginbotham was invited to mentor upcoming female athletes entering the business world. ➤ OPRAH WINFREY “I love how Oprah has been so inspirational and especially the fact she came from nothing,’’ Higginbotham said. “She has helped so many people.’’ Fun fact: Higginbotham appeared on “Oprah’’ in 1998, via video. ➤ GLORIA STEINEM The co-founder of Ms. Magazine is a trailblazer who has been heralded as the “Mother of Feminism.’’ “I love women who have fought for equal rights,’’ Higginbotham said. A favorite Steinem quote is: “Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age.” Fun fact: Higginbotham took 120 women to the Women’s March on DC in 2017.

Deborah Stanley and Higginbotham at Women TIES 10th Anniversary Celebration, 2015.

➤ KAREN DECROW The late feminist attorney (and onetime president of the National Organization for Women) was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. “She invited me to her house for a potluck dinner to speak about Women TIES,’’ Higginbotham recalled. “It was an honor to be in her presence.’’

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aging

By Marilyn L. Pinsky

Paying It Forward

F

inding the right volunteer opportunity brightens our lives. Some of us are happy doing behind-the-scenes work. Others want a more hands-on experience.

If you know you enjoy talking to older people and bringing joy to their days, then read on to learn how to be a part of InterFaith Works Senior Services Program.

This article is titled “Paying It Forward.” Given that many of us are seniors ourselves, we can look at this one-on-one volunteer opportunity as being there for us when we are older and find ourselves alone; hopefully there will be someone to experience part of our day with us as we can do for others today.

Lori Klivak is the director of senior services for InterFaith Works. Though her department has five different programs serving seniors, we’ll discuss just two: senior companion and one to one. Both have the same goals, to increase joy and socialization for the clients we visit.

“The programs are similar in that you are a friendly visitor to people who are alone,” said Klivak. “We look for both men and women volunteers, as we serve everyone older than 55 in our programs. Volunteers in both programs receive in-service training, orientation and undergo background checks. Though the training is different for each program, the volunteers in both receive ongoing support from InterFaith Works staff.”

The Senior Companion Program is in Oswego, Onondaga, Cayuga and Madison counties.

Volunteers may be eligible for a stipend of $3 an hour, tax-free, that doesn’t count as income, so would not affect any benefits the volunteer may be receiving. Because of this stipend, the volunteers have to be incomeeligible. The clients themselves do not need to be income-eligible.

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Lori Klivak, director of senior services at InterFaith Works. “Senior companions do all the things an adult child or neighbor would do, but for the majority of the people being visited, they don’t have those people in their lives anymore."

There is no income eligibility to be a volunteer in the nursing home program.

“Senior companions do all the things an adult child or neighbor would do, but for the majority of the people being visited, they don’t have those people in their lives anymore. You would have conversations just as you would with any friend, share your hobbies, perhaps make a light meal together,” Klivak said. “If you choose, you can also provide transportation to appointments and errands.”

“Volunteers can also serve as a respite for family caregivers. They would come on a regular schedule to allow the partner or adult child primary caregiver some time off to take care of their own needs. In this situation, the volunteer would provide a minimum of at least four hours a week of respite hours.

“We are looking for people who really want an active volunteer commitment of 15 hours a week or more,” said Klivak. “A volunteer may have two or three clients within those

hours.”

I asked Klivak what her ideal volunteer looks like.

“They see themselves as someone who likes to make connections with other people and who understands the situation. They often have served in some other similar capacity, such as a home health aid, or a caregiver to an older parent or aunt. They are looking for friendship and connection themselves and feel comfortable caring for new people in their lives. Many volunteers are religious and see this work as their calling and as ‘paying it forward’. They come from a place of love, care and generosity,” she said.

The nursing home component is called One to One and is just in Onondaga County. Though it has been a tough couple of years with COVID-19, nursing homes are now allowing volunteers back into the buildings.

Volunteers are matched with nursing home residents who don’t have visitors on a regular basis. The visits are usually about an hour a week. Volunteers and clients just talk and share joys and sorrows. And as we all know, if things are hard, just talking helps.

“We ask our volunteers to be almost ambassadors, not advocates as that is another program, the ombudsman program. They encourage a positive aura around the resident and brighten the day of staff by also recognizing how difficult their jobs are too,” Klivak said. “You would act like the adult child would: ‘Hi nurse Mary, how’s your day?’

“We also recruit volunteers to do social events and other group activities. For instance, in the spring we plant seedlings for vegetable gardens and help to beautify outdoor spaces. Once a month we bring elementary students in to do crafts and play games with the residents. As music and memory are connected, our volunteers help people experiencing dementia to reconnect through the power of music.”

If either of these programs sounds like the right volunteer opportunity for you, contact Klivak at LKlivak@ifwcny.org or 315/449-3552 ext. 109.

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JUNE / JULY 2022 – 55 PLUS

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summer

GROWN-UP CAMPING Glamping removes the headaches of camping and offers comfort and style

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Y

ou’ve done the kiddie camping as a child and with your own children. Maybe you have even taken the grandchildren.

It’s hot, the cot is hard, the camper or tent is small, and the food is so-so and smokey.

Why not upgrade to grown-up camping to enjoy the outdoors in luxury? Known as “glamping,” a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping,” glamping removes all the headaches of camping and offers comfort and style.

• Seneca Sol (www.senecasol. com, 315-270-2084) in Burdett allows glampers to get away from it all without going totally off the grid.

5G Wi-Fi and an equipped outdoor kitchen is available on the site. The safari-style tents include private balconies, high thread count linens on the bed and seating. Guests have access to a bathhouse with hot water, 36

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showering rooms, flushing toilets and a shared sink area. Since the owners are on site of the 25-acre camp, any difficulties can be met promptly.

Guests are welcomed to hike the 1/9mile trail to the small catch-and-release

pond stocked with bass and bluegill.

• Adirondack Safari (www. adirondacksafari.com, 518-600-1026) in Warrensburg has the expected creature comforts in the safari-style tents, but also plenty of group activities

GLAMPING TIPS ➜ Verify if the site includes linens before booking. ➜ Before bringing your dog, ask if pets are permitted. Some facilities that allow pets charge a fee. ➜ The bathroom and bathing facilities vary among sites. Most provide only shared showering facilities. ➜ Some owners remain onsite for guests; others don’t.

➜ Ask about what food is available. Some provide meals, some provide kitchens and others recommend restaurants in the area or a combination of these approaches. ➜ Plan what you will do before booking. Some remote sites provide a back-to-nature experience. Others are near points of interests and cultural offerings.

For more glamping sites, peruse https://glampinghub.com. Rentals through VRBO and AirBnB also offer unique properties.

and entertainment—perfect for more social glamping experiences.

These include Native American performances, bingo, outdoor movies, silent disco, river tubing, volleyball, corn hole, games, live entertainment and the Sunday morning farmers’ market.

• Treetopia Campground (www.treetopiacampground.com, 518-943-4513) in Catskill offers safari tents on raised platforms to lend a treehouse effect. With wooden floors and timber framing, the tents feel more secure. The raised platform provides ample space for a shaded dining and relaxing space below. Not as isolated as other camps, Treetopia’s guest accommodations are close to each other. Since Treetopia offers a game room and playground, it could be a fun getaway for bringing along the grandchildren. The site offers a pool, and close access to many of the area’s big attractions such as ziplining, Windham Mountain Resort’s bike park, and the Hudson River.

• Mariaville Goat Farm (https://mariavillegoatfarm.com, 518-817-9222) in Mariaville offers on-farm glamping with access to friendly goats. Choose from the safari style tent in the treehouse or the yurt. They include everything to make you feel at home, plus goat yoga as one of the on-farm activities.

• Firelight Camps (https:// firelightcamps.com, 607-229-1644) in Ithaca fully furnishes safaristyle tents with hardwood floors, king or double queen beds, private screened porches, and seating. Some tents offer electricity and fans and heaters. Guests also receive a locally sourced continental breakfast and access to a bathhouse with hot showers and flushing toilets, use of the sauna, steam room and tranquility room at La Tourelle Resort on the same property.

• Camp Orenda (https:// camporenda.com) in Johnsburg p ro v i d e s f u r n i s h e d “ c a n v a s cabins” with wood burning stoves, electricity and outdoor showers and communal bathhouse. Three meals are provided. Children younger than 12 are not permitted for regular booking but only for retreats, so expect a tranquil retreat at Camp Orenda.

fireworks

Fireworks: How to Get the Best Experience at Your Next Show

By Ken Sturtz

J

im Young knows a thing or two about fireworks. The owner o f R o c h e s t e r- b a s e d Yo u n g Explosives has been putting on fireworks displays for half a century.

Throughout the year Young’s company stages 500-600 shows in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

During the busy season in summer he has as many as 200 part-time employees.

O v e r t h e y e a r s Yo u n g h a s witnessed many changes in the firework business. For example, when he started there were fewer occasions to shoot fireworks. Shows at weddings, parties and on New Year’s Eve were rare. Now New Year’s Eve is the busiest time of the year besides Independence Day. Fireworks shows have also gotten shorter in length and faster paced.

Whether you’re planning on attending a huge fireworks extravaganza or a relatively small local display, Young has several pieces of advice from his years of experience to help get the most out of your next fireworks show.

For starters it helps to dress for the weather. While less of a concern in summer, fireworks now happen yearround (Young once did a winter show in Lake Placid when the temperature was well below zero). In fall, winter

and spring it’ll be hard to enjoy the show if you’re shivering.

It’s a good idea to do a drive-by in daylight and try to scout out a spot to watch the fireworks from, Young says.

Keep an eye out for tall buildings, trees or anything else that could obstruct your view. If you know other people who’ve gone to the show before, ask for their opinion on the best place to watch from.

While it’s possible to position yourself too far from the fireworks, a more common mistake people make is getting too close to the action.

You don’t want to be so close to the fireworks that you have to crane your neck up to catch a glimpse.

“People have a better view point when they go out a little farther,” Young says. “You don’t have to be right on top of it.”

A good rule of thumb is to find a spot to watch from 600-1,000 feet away from where the fireworks are being fired.

And what if you’re planning on photographing the fireworks? Don’t just take pictures of the fireworks alone, Young advises. Look for opportunities to incorporate the moon, landscape or other elements into your photos.

“I like to see people in the pictures or the background, not just the fireworks,” Young says. “It adds to the picture.”

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trips Weekend Trip with the Grandchildren Here are a few stops en route from Syracuse to Allenwood, Pennsylvania, home to one of the few reptile zoos in the region

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

L

ooking for a weekend trip to take with the grandchildren?

From tots through teens, you will find plenty to enjoy on this Pennsylvania trip that includes animals, sports, history and art — all little more than three hours’ drive from Syracuse.

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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS Corning, New York

On your way to Pennsylvania, ➜ visit the Corning Museum of Glass (https://home.cmog.org, free for children 17 and younger) in Corning.

In addition to viewing countless pieces of historic and modern glass art and functional pieces of glass, visitors can also create glass items.

View the programming page (https:// whatson.cmog.org/events-programs/ kids-family-programs) to see what’s coming up and the Make Your Own page (https://visit.cmog.org/makeyour-own-glass) to reserve a spot for creating a project. Although sameday tickets are available, advanced tickets are advisable to ensure your

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grandchildren can make the project they want. All items made in the workshop except for sandblasted projects must stay overnight to cool and are available the next day after noon or may be shipped for an extra fee. The museum’s displays include informative videos and live demonstrations on glass creation. Plan to spend a while in the gift shop, which includes not only hundreds of glass gifts but also an impressive array of educational gifts and games, artisan jewelry and books. In the home store, you can find open stock Corelleware, Pfalzgraf and other brands to expand your collections or replace broken items.

PENNSYLVANIA WELCOME CENTER Tioga, Pennsylvania

If you need a rest stop to ➜ stretch your legs, pull into the Pennsylvania Welcome Center at 15

PA Route 287 in Tioga for panoramic views of the Tioga Reservoir along with the typical high-end rest stop amenities.

CLYDE PEELING’S REPTILAND

Photos courtesy of Corning Museum of Glass; map courtesy of RoadTrippers

Allenwood, Pennsylvania The next stop is Clyde Peeling’s ➜ Reptiland (https://reptiland. com), an accredited zoo in Allenwood,

Pennsylvania. As its name denotes, Reptiland focuses on reptiles, but also includes amphibians and birds. The menagerie includes alligators, geckos, snakes, tortoises, turtles, lizards and more, totaling 40 species among the 6,500 square-foot indoor exhibit gallery and outdoor habitats. Each includes a plaque with information about the animal on display. Don’t miss Parakeet Landing, a room where guests can interact with and feed 100 friendly, colorful budgies. (Offering a provided feeding stick helps facilitate the encounters.) While older children will appreciate the science and nature exhibits, the younger ones will especially enjoy the selftour, animatronic dinosaur displays outdoors. The zoo also features scheduled animal presentations and encounters, both indoors and outside.

Take time to visit the gift shop, as it brims with fun and educational toys and games hard to find elsewhere,

along with exotic, artisan goods from abroad.

WORLD OF LITTLE LEAGUE PETER J. MCGOVERN MUSEUM (PLUS LODGING) Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Consider staying at the Genetti ➜ Hotel (www.genettihotel.com) in Williamsport, which features both

indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool suites, fitness center and a free hot breakfast. The charming décor, historic location and upgraded appointments make the Genetti stand out. The rooms include standards double queen, one bedroom and two-bedroom suites.

Before leaving Pennsylvania, ➜ stop at the World of Little League Peter J. McGovern Museum and

Official Store in South Williamsport (www.littleleague.org/world-of-littleleague) any baseball fan would enjoy exploring the Hall of Excellence, taking a guided tour of interactives and immersive displays of Little League history, and viewing artifacts from the 2021 World Series Event. Don’t miss the exhibit showing artifacts from Olympic gold and silver medalist Cat Osterman during her time as a Little Leaguer. Baseball enthusiasts will love the gift shop’s numerous offerings of memorabilia and baseball-themed collectibles.

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THIS PAGE: The Northeast Classic Car Museum features 175 cars and trucks from 1899 to 1981, including the 1957 Mercury Hardtop (top) and the 1969 Pontiac firebird.

OPPOSITE PAGE: 1931 Cadillac Convertible

Coupe, in blue, on display at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, NY.

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classic cars Get Your Motor Running The Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich offers a trip down memory lane for car buffs, featuring 175 cars. Plus: can't-miss car shows happening in the region over the summer.

By Mary Beth Roach

F

or those classic car enthusiasts and history buffs looking for a day trip and a trip down memory lane — get your motor running and take a ride to the Northeast Classic Car Museum, in Norwich.

The facility boasts 175 cars and trucks, dating from 1899 to 1981; vintage motorcycles; and an extensive Franklin Car display with close to 30 vehicles, all spread across five buildings and 90,000-square-feet.

Adding to the atmosphere, mannequins are scattered about the museum dressed in era-appropriate attire, all done by a representative from the Chenango County Historical Society. Helping to keep the museum and its pieces in pristine condition are approximately 50 volunteers, who,

executive director Robert Jeffrey said, log more than 8,400 hours a year.

The appeal of the museum, according to Jeffrey, isn’t only that it offers a trip back in time, but it shows an appreciation of the art and style of cars through the years, as well. One might suggest that it spotlights the great ingenuity and innovation over the century.

As an educational facility, Jeffrey said, it is set up according to a timeline, starting with what would be considered horseless carriages, winding through the pre- and postwar collections and the pony cars.

Every turn will surely elicit choruses of “wows” from visitors.

Along the way, patrons can enjoy what the museum calls the largest Franklin Car display. The Syracusebased company produced vehicles

from 1902 through 1934. A good number of the Franklin cars on display came from area native, George Staley, whose collection was the inspiration for the museum. In this section, too, is a panel that gives the background on Staley, a native of Chenango County, who served as a representative for an aviation company assigned to military bases during World War II and later became an entrepreneur, and how his love of cars and aircraft engines led to this museum.

In the 1990s, Norwich was starting to lose some of its large companies and civic leaders were looking for ideas to help bolster the area’s economy with tourism. A phone call to thenChenango County planner Dick L’Hommedieu and subsequent work by the county would turn one idea into reality.

As Jeffrey recounted the story: A former Syracuse resident who had moved to California called and was inquiring about a large car collection stored in several red barns on the family farm in the town of Lincklaen, about 30 miles from Norwich.

Since L’Hommedieu had resided in Lincklaen, he knew of the barns, but had never heard about the collection.

He visited the farm, owned by the Staley family and was impressed.

L’Hommedieu thought it would make a great museum. So he approached the cars’ owner, George Staley, who at that time was running a business at the MacArthur Field on Long Island with several other men. Although he had been approached by other offers, Staley would agree to Norwich’s proposal and in 1997 The Northeast Classic Car Museum — home of the George Staley Collection was created.

Among the gems collected at the museum are the oldest piece, a 1899 Leggett, the only known surviving JUNE / JULY 2022 – 55 PLUS

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Leggett-built horseless carriage; a 1916 Studebaker; a 1921 Holmes, a 1929 Duesenberg Holbrook All-Weather Cabriolet, the only one of this model left today; a ’31 Cadillac; a ‘31 Pierce Arrow; and a 1938 Bantam Roadster, said to have inspired Donald Duck’s car in many of the Disney cartoons; to name just a few.

The Pony Car display, “with a little bit of muscle” Jeffrey said, is sure to invoke memories — a 1957 Mercury, a 69 Dodge Charger Daytona, the ’69 Pontiac Firebird and the ’72 Plymouth, perhaps, and the museum’s newest vehicle — a 1981 DeLorean.

Thirty vintage motorcycles are on display, featuring a 1905 Excelsior; a 1924 Henderson Deluxe, which has been in the History Channel’s Great Race; a 1948 Indian Chief and a 1965 Triumph Bonneville Chopper.

Vehicles are also loaned to the museum by other car owners and enthusiasts, several from the Central New York area. The donors’ names are all included on placards next to each vehicle, with an impressive amount of in-depth historical details.

Several other unique pieces on display, including a 1914 O-We-Go cyclecar, from a short-lived fad in the early 1900s; a Ward Baking Truck, with its Franklin engine, from the former Ward Baking Company in Syracuse; an example of a Chenango Camp Trailer, which were built in Norwich from the 1920s through the mid-‘50s, and according to a vintage ad onsite, cost only $375 and could be popped up into 42

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a triangular, tent-like shape in just 30 seconds; and an example of one of the first tilt steering wheels, called a “fat man’s wheel,” that tilts down.

A special exhibit, “Cars Made in New York State,” is described as a “tribute to the companies and individuals who designed and built the foundation” for today’s automobile industry. Over the years, more than 200 different makes of cars were made in the state.

With another nod to history and Staley, who also had a passion for aviation, there are several vintage aircraft engines. One example is a

12-cylinder Franklin engine, designed for an experimental twin-engine, radio-controlled drone bomber, which could carry 2,000 pounds of explosives.

The Army canceled the program, so it was never put into mass production.

Only five of these engines are known to exist.

Other features in the museum also speak to the area’s history, including one that honors the companies that had once operated out of the museum building — the Norwich Wire Works, the Ireland Machine and Foundry Co., Bennett Fireplace Company and then Bennett-Ireland.

s CAR SHOWS s i M t ' Can THIS SUMMER

By Ken Sturtz

Whether you’re seeking that special car from your youth or just interested in admiring these shining beauties and the hard work that goes into restoring them, what better way to enjoy summer than by heading to a car show? There are dozens of events to choose from.

The Central New York Car Club Association keeps a full updated schedule on its website (cnycca.org), but here are several shows you won’t want to miss.

June 5 ➽ Oneida Lake AACA Clay Town Park, Liverpool FROM LEFT, TOP TO BOTTOM 1931 Pierce-Arrow

Model 41, then an expensive luxury car; DMC DeLorean, made by The DeLorean Motor Company was an American automobile manufacturer formed by automobile industry executive John DeLorean in 1975; 1907 Franklin manufactured by The Franklin Automobile Company, which produced vehicles from 1902 through 1934.

To plan a visit to the museum: Address: 24 Rexford St., Norwich Phone: (607) 334-2886 Admission: $12 for adults; $5 for students (aged 6-18); younger than 6: free. Members are free. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Sunday.

Parking: There is a lot directly across Rexford Street and one around the corner on State Street.

Accessibility: the museum is situated all on one floor and is wheelchair accessible. Because of the size of the facility, a full tour can be tiring for some, so motorized scooters and a wheelchair are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bus tours are welcome and guided tours can be arranged with a call ahead to the facility.

Please note, in order to protect visitors’ safety and safeguard the vehicles, patrons are not allowed to touch the vehicles, cross any of the chains or go behind any barriers.

For more information, visit www. classiccarmuseum.org

One of the first shows of the season, the Oneida Lake Region chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America has been hosting its car show for more than 60 years. The event also includes a flea market.

June 19 ➼ European Motor Club of CNY Eurocar 2022 LaFayette Apple Fest Grounds, LaFayette If you enjoy European cars this event is a great way to spend Father’s Day. Located on the scenic site of the LaFayette Apple Fest, you’ll see only European cars on display, including many that you’d rarely see elsewhere such as MGs, Triumphs, BMWs and Ferraris.

June 19 Prison City Ramblers Emerson Park, Owasco Lake, Auburn Enjoy more than half a century worth of automotive history at this event, which typically draws upward of 400 cars. See cars from the 1920s all the way through the 1980s. There are especially a lot of older vehicles including Fords, Chevys, Dodges, Chryslers and Packards.

➻

July 15-17 Syracuse Nationals New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse The biggest car show on the East Coast takes place here in Central

➸

New York. Hundreds of volunteers from the Central New York Car Club Association pitch in to help Right Coast make the annual event a success. Expect more car owners from Canada this year with the border open.

July 31 ➺ Syracuse Corvette Club, Vettes at the Beach Sylvan Beach The event, dedicated to all things Corvette, is the club’s biggest show of the year so if you’re a fan of the iconic sports car you don’t want to miss out. The event also generates more than $20,000 each year that is donated to local charities.

Aug 20 ➼ CNY Orphan Cars “Gathering of Orphan Cars” Lewis Park, Minoa The show pulls in roughly 300 cars, many of which are orphans, meaning they’re no longer made.

Think Mercurys, Packards and Studebakers, as well as Hudsons, Ramblers and Javelins. Each year a specific type of vehicle is chosen to be featured.

Sept 11 ➪ Mohican Model-A Ford Club Fireman’s Field, Wampsville This show features many older vehicles you probably won’t see anywhere else such as a large field of Model Ts, Model As and antique fire trucks. Cars on display range from the early 1900s through the 1970s.

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life after 55

By Michele Bazan Reed Email: bazanreed@hotmail.com

Poets, artists and the public gathered for the unveiling of the 2022 Poster Project posters, April 21 in the Atrium at City Hall Commons in downtown Syracuse.

O

ne day last winter, I drove to a lookout spot where tourists and locals alike go to view Lake Ontario. It was nearly sunset, prime time for a stroll. But the cold winds and icy sidewalks meant I wasn’t going to chance a walk.

I rolled down the windows of my car and cranked up the seat heater, taking the time to gaze at the fierce beauty of the lake in mid-winter.

As I contemplated the scene before me, phrases sprung into my head in a familiar rhythm, and I grabbed my cell phone to type them in before I could forget them.

——— sunset lights the spray as water crests the breakwall framing the lighthouse

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If you recognize the tell-tale syllable pattern — 5-7-5 — you probably guessed what I was doing: writing haiku.

Haiku, an ancient Japanese poetry form, is simple enough to learn. Some elementary school teachers even use it as an early lesson in creative writing.

It also takes a lifetime to master. Many people in Japan and around the world have devoted decades of their lives to perfecting their haiku writing.

In English, haiku has three lines: five syllables in the first line, seven in the second and five in the third.

Modern haiku poets tend toward shorter lines conveying their thoughts with a minimum number of words.

Haiku focus on a moment in time, and the poet’s reflection on it, and usually contain a seasonal element. The best have an element of

Michele Reed’s 2022 poem focuses on the spirit of historic architecture, inspired by her loft apartment in an old factory.

The artist is Patrick Volz.

Photos courtesy of the Poster Project

Is Haiku for You?

wistfulness, their images noting the passage of time, or the fleeting nature of life.

I’ve been writing haiku for about 25 years and consider myself an amateur. Back then, the “Syracuse New Times” ran a contest called Syr-Haikus, featuring locally themed poems. I thought the name was funny, so I gave it a shot.

Soon I was hooked. I began writing haiku on my way to and from work each day, a 20-minute drive on country roads teeming with nature.

The deer, herons, trees and flowers I encountered along the way were my subjects. I gained a new appreciation for the beauty of the nature I’d taken for granted. It helped clear my mind and relieve stress after a busy day.

I’d arrive home refreshed, and jot the poems down in a little journal I kept for that purpose.

Since retiring, I’ve found haiku a great way to relax and connect with the world around me. After the death of my husband last year, I redoubled my efforts to practice haiku and that helped me get through some rough patches, as I wrote haiku about the loss, but also about happier moments we shared.

I’ve been fortunate over the years to take part in Syracuse’s Poster Project, an effort to bring together community poets and artists to bring art and poetry to our public spaces.

An annual contest produces 16 largeformat posters, each featuring a haiku about a unique feature of Syracuse or Central New York life, and illustrated by a local artist.

These are displayed in large outdoor panels on Salina and Warren streets, and in a rotating print collection that travels to different exhibit spaces during the year. Since 2001, 750 poets and 320 artists have produced 329 posters.

This year’s series launched April 21, and the posters can be seen in downtown Syracuse or online at www. posterproject.org.

The 2022 posters feature the “spirits of Syracuse” and mine honored the spirit of historic architecture, inspired by my loft apartment in a former

Strolling down Warren and Salina streets, you can encounter art and poetry, thanks to the Syracuse Poster Project.

spinning factory and warehouse.

Haiku has been such a part of my life I wanted to share it with you and encourage you to give it a try. I had the feeling that seniors may be especially suited to such a creative outlet. So, I reached out to folks in the Poster Project for advice.

About half of this year ’s participants are 55 and older, confirmed Alyssa Dearborn, Vista volunteer with the Poster Project and a former artist.

“I’d say that seniors do bring something special to poetry because writing is one of those art forms that gets better with age,” she said.

“Seniors produce very special poems for the Poster Project because of this.

Seniors bring a unique perspective that is reflective of their life experiences.

They are also our most consistent contributors.”

She sees many benefits to writing.

“As a writer myself, I believe that there are so many benefits to writing,” she said. “Writing poetry and haiku in particular is a very healthy way to process feelings, experiences, and the world around you. It is a great medium for self-expression, mindfulness, and contemplation.”

“People can approach haiku as a simple word puzzle, matching the

syllable count,” said Jim Emmons, cofounder and project coordinator.

“Or, you can look into it, read about it, practice it as a form of poetry.”

This can lead to a daily practice, writing a haiku a day, he adds. “Some find it gets them through difficult times.”

Another benefit he sees is the collaboration between artist and poet.

While not a close collaboration, it can open the possibility for lasting artistic relationship.

Alyssa suggested reading poetry or the Poster Project’s poetry blog to learn more about poetry, adding, “But if you’re interested in trying to write some poems, don’t be afraid to start. … Do not be afraid of a blank page.”

If you don’t want to contribute poetry or art, you can participate in the Poster Project by volunteering. They need volunteers and board members, especially if you have accounting, fundraising, or marketing skills. The website lists volunteer opportunities.

And if you have no time to offer, they welcome donations to carry on the work of bringing art and poetry to our public spaces.

Why not give it a try? Who knows, you may find haiku is for you.

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golden years

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HERPES BUT HONEST Professional Male Seeks professional non-smoking woman aged 52-64. Must be understanding or have gone through the same unfortunate experience.

Reply to: thisplace77@ gmail.com 46

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Global Wars and Migration

U

kraine is a beautiful country and has stood as one of Europe’s gems for centuries.

It has always kept close ties with its next-door neighbor Russia.

Many of Ukraine’s people speak Russian and vice-versa. Many families are intertwined with both countries.

But there is much unrest these days between the Western countries of Europe, caused mostly by the aftermath of World War II, the development of NATO and the fact that Ukraine was starting to drift away from Russia politically and toward the Western countries of Europe and the Middle East such as Iran and Turkey.

Last February, Russia invaded Ukraine with little cause other than losing political influence with western European countries. Major cities have been bombed to rubble and millions of people have been driven from their homes and families. The world is in turmoil trying to avoid World War III; but it looks like we are headed that way. Ukraine has overwhelmed her neighbor Poland with refugees that have migrated and created a crisis for food, clothing and shelter. The threat of another world war has spread through the western hemisphere.

Before Russia’s unwarranted and criminal attack on Ukraine, the U.S. had opened its southern borders to South America and Mexico which in turn opened the door to the Caribbean Islands, Cuba, and most of the Western Hemisphere.

From the days of the Pilgrims escaping from Europe, the U.S. has

always been the beacon of liberty and freedom for those who wish to work for it. Unfortunately, we have our hands full right now helping Ukraine fight off the criminal attack by Russia.

The U.S. is sending military machines, ammunition and people to train how to use the materials. Our country has pledged to give full support, financially and otherwise, until Russia’s attack to take over Ukraine is defeated.

We have bailed out France and England to win World War I and bailed out France and England to win World War II. Now we may well have to do it again as the forces of evil and greed once again threaten.

The Middle East has also donated its share of disenchanted citizens. Our country’s sloppy withdrawal from the war in Afghanistan has produced many terrorists who are willing to cause upheaval in unstable countries like Turkey and Iraq (for a price).

We must put a stop to global wars before they destroy mankind. Our world has developed the technology, through satellites and drones to destroy anything on earth that threatens our way of life. It all depends who has their hand on the button.

druger’s zoo

By Marvin Druger Email: mdruger@syr.edu

All About Nothing

M

ost of us are always worrying about something. It may be something important, like a health or family problem. But most of the time we worry about things that are not really very important in life.

What will people think of me if I change my hairstyle? What if I go bald? Can I get the article written by the deadline? What should I serve for refreshments at the meeting? Do I have to shave today? How many people will attend my funeral?

Imagine how nice it would be if there was nothing to worry about. If we had no friends, then nobody would talk to us, since we’d have nothing to say or nobody to say it to.

If nothing existed, then we wouldn’t have to worry about health insurance, paying the mortgage, buying groceries, paying bills, paying high gasoline prices or anything else.

Life would be extremely simple, and devoid of worry, since there would be nothing to worry about.

I am a big fan of nothing. Having enough money to survive is always a concern. But if there was nothing, I wouldn’t have to worry about any income or savings. I hide my allowance in a coffee can in a cabinet. I worry

Stoneleigh Apartments 400 Lamb Ave, Canastota • 697-2847

Where your neighbors are like family!

Inviting one bedroom apartments close to essential services and stores, as well as emergency and health services for Seniors (over 62) or receiving SS with a permanent mobility impairment within income guidelines

about whether anyone will find the can and steal the money. If there was nothing, there would be no can and no money and I wouldn’t worry about it.

If money didn’t exist in the first place I wouldn’t have to worry about buying something or not. If the world didn’t exist —I’d have no worries at all, since I wouldn’t even exist.

I even wrote a poem about nothing: ——— NOTHING I have many things That I love and treasure, Just knowing that I have them Gives me lots of pleasure.

If I gave everything away And had only nothing left, Then I wouldn’t have to worry About any kind of theft.

Having nothing would be great, There’d be nothing everywhere, Wherever I would go, Nothing would be there.

When I write a poem, There’ll be nothing to say, But I’ll just keep on writing Until something comes my way.

However, the real world does exist and there is always something.

Something brings us joy and happiness and sorrow. We need to have food, water, clothing and shelter to survive.

Many people are against having nothing. Some people have much more than others and much more than they need to live comfortably. Some of these fortunate people share their wealth and help support those who lack money. Others greedily store their wealth and spend their lives trying to get even more. Sometimes, I wonder, “What would I do with $50 billion or even $1 billion?” Could I still buy a hamburger and fries at McDonald’s?

In the 1970s, I hosted an interview radio program on WAER-FM 88.3 in Syracuse called “Druger’s Zoo.” The purpose of the program was to reveal the lives of everyday, non-famous people.

In my view, everyone is unique and has special talents and, in his or her own way, everyone is famous.

The program was aired in five-minute segments, five days week, for about 11 years.

One interview was with Wally Amos, or Famous Amos, the cookie man. He happened to be on the Syracuse University campus and he walked past a window of the station.

I recognized him and shouted from the second-floor window, “Would you mind if I interview you for a radio program?” He graciously accepted my offer. I learned many things from the interview. He told me how he marketed his cookies and turned them into a major success story.

Perhaps, the most important message he conveyed was the answer to my question, “What do you do differently now that you are so rich and famous, Famous?” He said that he had a home in Hawaii and he pointed out that, “If you have two houses, you can only live in one. If you have two cars, you can only drive one. What more is there than what you need?”

So, having what you need should be sufficient for any human being and greed has no place in the picture. You can’t survive with nothing. But if you have what you need, that’s sufficient.

Having “something” doesn’t only refer to money. You need love, caring and friendships. These are important “somethings.”

So, whenever you get bogged down in everyday worries, think about this commentary about nothing, and your mind will calm down. There is nothing better than having nothing… except having the opportunity to write about “nothing” for 55 Plus.

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visits

Exploring Route 20 NEW YORK’S ‘BIG DADDY’

➼ U. S. ROUTE 20 IS THE LONGEST ROAD IN THE UNITED STATES and is referred to as “America’s Main Street” or the “Big Daddy” (to contrast with Route 66, known as "Mother Road.")The 3,365-mile highway starts in Boston and crosses a dozen states, including New York, before ending in Newport, Oregon. Travel in the slow lane through small towns and the rolling countryside stopping along the way to explore Central New York’s diverse heritage, natural beauty and agricultural vitality.

➊ ALBANY

The state’s capital, Albany, is one of two major cities that Route 20 passes through. There is plenty to do.

Take a tour of the impressive Capitol building, learn about the state’s history at the State Museum, visit one of the many art museums, or take a ride on the Hudson River. Not to miss is the Tulip Festival held each May.

➋ SHARON SPRINGS

Once a favorite getaway with the well-to-dos, Sharon Springs has been out-shined by Saratoga Springs. In the past decade the area has undergone a renaissance. It is the home of Beekman 1802 Mercantile featured in the TV reality series “The Fabulous Beekman Boys.” There are 177 structures in the small village on the National Historic Places. Plaques and storyboards allow visitors to wander the village to get a glimpse into the town’s grandeur in a gone-by era.

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➌ CHERRY VALLEY

The museum of the Cherry Valley Historical Society, located in an 1815 Federal House, is the place to learn about the 1778 Cherry Valley Massacre.

The massacre has been called the “most horrific frontier massacre of the war.”

The museum has exhibits, including a diorama, dealing with the event along with many others that highlight the history of the area. Nearby is The TePee, a good place to grab a hot dog and enjoy the views of the Mohawk River Valley and surrounding area.

➍ CAZENOVIA

In the center of New York state, Cazenovia, is the lovely, picturesque town home to Cazenovia College.

There are many parks and a public swimming beach. Many of the town’s places are on the National Register of Historical Places including Lorenzo State Historic Site, home of John Lincklaen, where there are a variety of seasonal events. The Cazenovia

ABOVE Schuyler Mansion in Albany home of a former a Revolutionary War general.

The brick mansion is now a museum and an official National Historic Landmark.

began. The village is thought to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” and there is a museum devoted to the film. In the same building is a section dealing with “voices for humanity.” The historical society has many displays as does the Museum of Waterways and Industry.

➒ BUFFALO

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP Trinity Episcopal

Church is an imposing and beautiful stone building that has stood since 1885.

It's on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in Seneca Falls.; The Botanical Gardens in Buffalo has the third largest greenhouse in the United States.

Beverage Trail highlights some of the state’s best agricultural products.

➎ LAFAYETTE

Two of the longest highways, Route 20 and Route 11 meet in LaFayette making it the “crossroads of New York”. The area is best known for its annual Apple Festival. Apples are one of the leading crops in New York state. There are apple orchards where visitors can buy apples and pick their own while also enjoying fresh cider and doughnuts.

Seward House Museum has a myriad of displays. The house stayed in the Seward family until the early 1950s. Few changes were made to the house but everything was saved.

William Seward was a NYS senator and secretary of state under Lincoln.

He was injured as part of the Lincoln assassination plot. Auburn is also home to the Willard Memorial Chapel adorned with Tiffany stained glass windows. The Rev Theater, also known as the Merry-go-Round Theater, offers Broadway-quality presentations.

➑ SENECA FALLS

Seneca Falls is a great destination for history lovers. The most significant are the Woman’s Rights National Historical Park and National Women’s Hall of Fame. Seneca Falls is where the women’s suffrage movement

There are a multitude of attractions in the city of Buffalo, including the Martin House Complex, highlighting one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most celebrated houses, and the AlbrightKnox Art Galleries with artwork by Picasso, Warhol, and Pollack. The Botanical Gardens has the third largest greenhouse in the United States. The Buffalo Zoo is the third oldest in the United States. Buffalo is home to the professional football team, the Buffalo Bills, and also home to the Anchor Bar where Buffalo chicken wings are thought to have originated.

Along the Way: Each stop along the way has interesting things to explore within a few miles. Cooperstown is about 10 miles south of Cherry Valley.

Route 20 also goes through Bouckville, home of New York state’s largest antiques and collectable show with over 2000 venders. The route offers easy access to the Finger Lakes and the NYS wine region. The road traverses the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. There are several unique small museums just a short jaunt off the Route including the Jell-O Museum in LeRoy and Kazoo Factory Museum in Eden plus several state parks.

➏ SKANEATELES

The charming town on the lake hosts several annual and on-going events. The annual Antique and Classic Boat Show draws thousands of visitors as does the Dickens Christmas with many of Dickens’ characters wandering the streets. The village is also known for its historic downtown and great restaurants. Not to miss are the daily mail boat rides during the summer and the Friday night band concerts in July and August.

➐ AUBURN

History buffs will find a plethora of attractions of interest in Auburn, i n c l u d i n g t h e H a r r i e t Tu b m a n National Park. Tubman was known as “The Moses of her People.” The JUNE / JULY 2022 – 55 PLUS

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By Mary Beth Roach

Jamie Alicea, 62 Retiring superintendent of the Syracuse City School District: ‘I’ll still be involved in the community’ the elementary level. We expanded the options for our kids in the district in career and technical education. We have different programs at the elementary level, like the Montessori program, the Syracuse Latin program, the dual language program.

We have options for our students from kindergarten all the way to high school.

We have seen an increasing graduation rate in the district.

Q. What prompted the decision to retire? Family. My parents are in Puerto Rico. They’re having some health issues. They need some support, and I’ve got to have the flexibility that if I need to be there with them a week, two weeks, and take care of them, I’ve got to be able to do that.

Q. Do you have other things that you’d like to do? I’m still going to be involved in the community. I’m still involved with the board of trustees for Onondaga Community College.

I’m still involved with the Gifford Foundation, Golisano Children’s Hospital, Blueprint 15 and other agencies in our community. I’m still committed to our community.

Q. In your 39-year career with the Syracuse City School District, what do you see as your biggest accomplishments and the biggest challenges? We have had to deal with this pandemic and having to adjust to the needs of our kids, the needs of the community, to being able to provide remote instruction to our kids when we were not able to be in person. That has been one of the biggest challenges.

We have had a lot of successes in the district. We implemented early reading intervention programs at 50

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Q. Anything else? For years and years, we talked about the opportunity to renovate the old Central High School to bring that back. We were able to get legislation; we were able to get money allocated for that. We’re in the process of working together to have the first STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) high school that will provide services to students in Onondaga County. It’s the first regional high school in Central New York.

Q. How do you think that having come up through the ranks, like you did, prepared you for your role as superintendent? I have to give credit to a lot of mentors that I’ve had through my years in the Syracuse City School District — Manny Breland, Diane Rispoli, principals at the elementary level, teachers that I worked with, superintendents that I worked for and that I worked with during my career in the district, and people in the community. They have been there to support me since I came to Syracuse 40 years ago. I’m going to retire from the district but not from my community.

Q. Education has changed a lot over the years. How do you summarize some of the changes? Throughout the

years, I have seen more technology being embedded in the teaching of our kids, and using technology as a tool to make sure that our students are ready to compete in the global economy. We have moved from the teacher just being in front of the class to using more technology, using all the resources to teach our students.

It’s been amazing the work that we have done in the Syracuse City School District to provide our kids with the skills that they need to be successful later on in life.

Q. Syracuse battles a high poverty rate. In your role with the district, you’re acutely aware of that, but how can we, as a community, help the district? Poverty is a barrier, but barriers can be overcome. It takes all of us to work together to make sure that we’re supporting the students in the Syracuse City School District.

People can be mentors. People can help us to provide extra support to our students by coming in to help them read a book, to listen to them.

People can provide some workshops for our students, provide workshops for our staff. There are different ways that we can continue to work together.

People can make donations. I’ve got to give credit to community agencies like Terakeet, the Allyn Foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation, the Boeheim Foundation and other organizations that when we had to close the schools in March 2020 made donations of laptops for our students so we were able to provide them with the technology that they needed for that.

Q. What do you see ahead for the Syracuse City School District? I see a lot of opportunities for our students. I see a lot of opportunities for our staff.

We still have a lot of work that needs to be done, and for some people that work that needs to be done could be a challenge. But for me, I call that an opportunity.

Q. Do you have any words of advice for your successor? My advice is to be a good listener, a good communicator and to continue to engage all the stakeholders in the decision-making for the Syracuse City School District.

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