The Reminder January 18, 2023

Gregory S. Inman, Esq.

Mark D. Tourgee, Esq.

John T. Kaveny, Esq.

Charles C. Calenda, Esq.

Lauren V. Iannelli, Esq.

Christian W. Tracy, Esq.

Julia A. Chretien, Esq.

Alfred G. Georgio III, Esq.

Timothy P. Gallogly, Esq. of Counsel

April M.Picozzi, Independent

TO OUR READERS

And Advertisers... We’d like to thank you for your ongoing support. “The Reminder”

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Act

PACT is officially up and running as of the first of the year. PACT, aka Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, extends health care and benefits to veterans who were exposed to toxins around the globe and who subsequently became ill with an expanded number of presumptives.

The key feature of PACT is that veterans no longer have to fight to prove where their illness came from. It’s “presumed” the illness was the result of the toxins in the environment where they served.

Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs has been on a massive hiring blitz to fill positions in support of the new PACT Act. These positions will be all across the U.S. and Puerto Rico at all 56 regional offices. Not only do they need people to process the 175,000 claims that have been submitted since August (when the PACT Act was signed into law), but they need the people who give the actual support care.

If you, a spouse, a caregiver, a survivor or family member are interested in signing on for a position, check usajobs.gov and search for “veterans service representative” or “rating veterans service representative.”

The first step as part of the big push at the VA is to process the claims for veterans who are terminally ill, something the VA actually started weeks before the official Jan. 1 date. Additionally they will prioritize claims by homeless veterans, those over 85 years of age, those with cancer, those experiencing financial hardship and those who are recipients of a Purple Heart or Medal of Honor.

If you need to learn how to file a claim, go to VA.gov/PACT or call them at 800-MyVA411 (800-6982411). A caregiver, survivor or family member can also make the call for the veteran.

To learn more about PACT, go to VA.gov/PACT and read “The PACT Act and your VA benefits.”

BUSINESSSpotlight

GERALYN COOK, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

Fighting for you every day

Coventry, RI 02816 Phone: 401-823-0488 Fax: 401-823-0486

BY JENNIFER COATES

You may not guess it if just driving by on Tiogue Avenue that in a small office overlooking this busy byway is Attorney Geralyn Cook, a longtime lawyer who has been fighting for her clients nearly every day for 32 years. In this file-filled, paper-stacked, bustling office and in the hallowed rooms of local courthouses, clients new and old will find Attorney Cook advocating for them until the best possible results are achieved. This is one attorney that you can count on.

On any given day, Attorney Cook can be found pouring over briefs, reports and documents before running out to court to represent her clients. Sometimes, it is those big milestone moments that she is tackling, and other times, it is the mundane stuff that make up the “bread and butter” of law practices such as hers; the kind of day-to-day stuff that matters a lot to the people she callsclients, and

friends.

Perhaps it is a task such as settling a dispute on a will when no beneficiary was established.

Perhaps it is a big task like negotiating the terms of a divorce or fighting an eviction.

Attorney

Cook cares about them all and gives them each their allotted share of attention, time, work, and professional counsel. Roy & Cook is a general practice law firm that has been helping clients from every walk of life since it first opened its doors in 1991. Attorney Cook is an experienced professional whose longevity can be attributed to years of fighting hard for her clients through the often-difficult times and trials in their lives. She is dependable and steadfast.

Ms. Cook specializes in a comprehensive and inclusive list of services, ranging from Family and Divorce law to

Mediation, Probate, Estates, Wills, Trusts and Guardianships. Her expertise and legal work also include Personal Injury, criminal matters, landlord-tenant matters and evictions. Even in these unsettling times, these legal issues persist and, in many cases, become more problematic and disruptive.

If you find yourself in need of legal representation in any of these matters, you need a trusted and knowledgeable team behind you. If you are new parents, it is never too early to arrange for a will and establish guardianship to plan for an uncertain future ~ Attorney Cook can help. If you have lost a loved one and need a Will probated, Attorney Cook can help. If you are going through a divorce, being evicted, facing bankruptcy, caught in a custody battle, fighting a DWI, other traffic infraction or criminal case, struggling with DCYF, needing a restraining order, or seeking support in a personal injury case ~ Attorney Cook is ready to take your call.

Roy & Cook, Attorneys-at-Law, can be reached at 401-823-0488. Attorney Cook can be also be reached at her personal email, Geri_ Cook@hotmail.com. The office is located at 577 Tiogue Avenue in Coventry.

Attorney Geralyn Cook is seen here pausing from a busy day of work at the firm she shares with law partner Edward Roy. This longstanding law practice is ready to represent you, even ~ and especially ~ in these challenging times.

Help Wanted

Jobs Wanted

Childcare

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WEST WARWICK:

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(NAPSI) When it looks like winter is coming, there are certain steps you can take to breathe easier at home. In addition to clearing clogged gutters, closing storm windows and prepping the weather stripping on your windows and doors, it’s important to get the furnace, filter and air ducts checked and cleaned if necessary.

Hints on How: A complete home winterizing should include replacing the filter

on your furnace and cleaning the ductwork to remove built-up dirt, dust and debris. That will improve indoor air quality and keep your heating and ventilation (HVAC) system running smoothly.

A Word on Why There are two main reasons cleaning your HVAC is a good idea:

1. Save energy: According to the United States Department of Energy, 56 percent of the energy

used to power your home goes to HVAC systems. When they begin to wear, they run less efficiently.

2. Improve air quality: An HVAC system takes air in and breathes air out through the ducts. Dirt and dust are recirculated throughout your home several times a day. The dirt may contribute to health issues, especially in kids, older people and those with respiratory conditions, autoimmune disorders or certain allergies.

Learn More: For further facts and tips, ask the Breathing Clean experts at www. BreathingClean. com.

Access

1025 Tiogue Avenue Coventry, RI 02816 (401)828-2100

828-2100!

Hopkinton: 3 bed colonial, 5 full baths, FP & wood stove, hardwoods, granite kitchen, possible in-law, central air, $475,000

Cranston: 10 room colonial, 3 beds, 1.5 baths, bonus attic room, nished lower, hardwoods, enclosed porch, fenced, $349,900

West Warwick: 4 lots selling as one package, utilities available, close to Rt. 95, schools, call for details, $49,900

Warwick: Fully updated 2 bed, 2 bath one level condo, 1st oor end unit, SS/granite in kitchen, beautiful ooring, $264,900

Elaine Eccleston Broker/Owner

Immunological Therapy Reasonable for Case of Lymphoma

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 86-year-old woman who was recently diagnosed with stage 3A follicular lymphoma. It was discovered on a CAT scan when I went to the ER for diverticulitis. I have no symptoms. The doctor did a biopsy to confirm, and I had a PET scan as well. I feel good otherwise. I am only on blood pressure and cholesterol medications. My oncologist is recommending low-dose chemotherapy. I am conflicted. At my age, what should I do? — L.H.

ANSWER: There are many types of lymphomas (which are a type of cancer of blood cells), but lymphomas are predominantly in the lymph nodes. Follicular lymphoma is an “indolent” type of lymphoma, meaning it is very slow-growing, but unfortunately often uncurable. People with no symptoms from follicular lymphoma and who are stage 1, 2 or 3A tend to have a long time before they have progression of the disease to the point of having symptoms. Depending on other characteristics, that time ranges from three to seven years. Choosing to hold off on treatment is definitely a reasonable option for a person in your situation.

However, your oncologist knows much more about your disease than I do, such as the extent of tumor in the abdomen, the molecular markers of the tumor, and additional blood results. When an oncologist suggests treatment, I would listen carefully.

One treatment that your oncologist might be considering is immunological therapy such as rituximab. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, rituximab

alone is pretty nontoxic and can delay the progression of the disease. A large study suggested improvement in the quality of life with rituximab. Usually, rituximab is given once a week for four doses, but some oncologists repeat the four doses every two months.

If I had a patient in your situation, I would say holding off on treatment would be reasonable given your age and lack of symptoms, but a trial of the rituximab (if that is what the oncologist is contemplating) would also be a reasonable choice. If you had serious side effects to the treatment, I would recommend against further doses.

***

DEAR DR. ROACH: I recently read your column on astaxanthin. The article contained a statement that flabbergasted me. Can you explain the details behind it? You state, “Most astaxanthin sold commercially is synthesized from petroleum products.” What gives? — K.O.K.

ANSWER: Any drug, supplement or chemical you buy is either extracted and purified from a natural source or synthesized in chemical reactions (or some combination of the two).

For example, if you buy curcumin from the health food store, the supplement might start off as the roots of the shrub Curcuma longa in the ginger family. These are then boiled in water and baking soda and also powdered, making turmeric. Curcumin is purified from turmeric through the use of a solvent like acetone and becomes crystalized to make pure curcumin.

However, curcumin from the health food store might also be synthesized directly from vanillin, which, in turn, is derived from wood pulp or from crude oil. No matter whether the curcumin starts — as turmeric roots from India, as wood pulp, or as oil — the chemical you take is exactly the same, and your body doesn’t know where it’s coming from.

Keep in mind that the manufacturer chooses the least expensive way of getting you what you want.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@ med.cornell.edu.

© 2023 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

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(NAPSI) If you work for any of the estimated 32 million business in the U.S., heres news that might take your breath away: Your o ce air may need cleaning.

It could come as a surprise to some, but HVAC systems get dirty over time and they have the potential to contain large amounts of dust and particulates. at can be unpleasant, even dangerous for o ce workers; expensive for their employers; and bad for the planet.

Bad Air

rough normal occupation in a building, contaminants and air pollutants such as dander, dust, and chemicals get into the ductwork and are recirculated several times a day. Breathing in that stu is not good for your health.

Wasted Energy

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and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system.

A clean HVAC system saves energy and costs less to run.

An Answer

Getting the system inspected and professionally cleaned if necessary can be the solution. To help, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) lists Certi ed Ventilation Inspectors and Air Systems Cleaning Specialists who can identify and solve these problems.

Learn More

For further facts and tips, ask the Breathing Clean experts at www.BreathingClean. com.

January Is “GO Month”; Here’s Advice For 2021

(NAPS)—During 2020, for many Americans, home and work lives saw a major shi as people turned living space into workspace—and classrooms, and workout areas and even quarantine zones— resulting in a call for help to organize, downsize and streamline to professional organizers and productivity consultants.

Expert Opinions

In response, for January, GO (Get Organized and Be Productive) Month, the yearly celebration of all things organized and productive, the National Organization of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) reached out to its more than 3,000 members to nd out what their 2020 was like and what they anticipate for the new—and hopefully better—year. e survey shows a majority of members say their clients have a new or increased focus on being organized, because of the pandemic.

“Our members saw a busy 2020, as families struggled to adjust to a new normal,” observed NAPO President-Elect Amy Tokos, CPOwho said more than 64 percent of survey respondents saw an increased focus on organizational and productivity needs due to a new COVID-driven norm. “Whether it was about recreating a home environment that worked for every family member’s new needs to turning a temporary work area into a permanent one or maximizing their digital capabilities and, in some cases, actually moving to a brandnew home, 2020 was all about looking at our environments with fresh eyes as our needs changed.”

Surprising Suggestions

e survey also found that NAPO members, who routinely handle a wide range of client requests, were asked to take on some very unusual tasks in 2020, including:

•Organizing one client’s 387 pairs of shoes

•O verseeing the sale of a large collection of mounted animal heads and stu ed animal bodies

Getting organized at home in 2021 can help you get over some of the stress of 2020.

•Arranging the sale of 400 Stei teddy bears

•Staging a tree house for a client putting their home on the market

•Packing up a client’s husband’s ashes to dispose of

•Organizing a closet packed with hundreds of paper and plastic bags

Future Tasks

Looking ahead to 2021, it’s already showing promise to be as busy as 2020, NAPO professionals predict that the most requested services will be: decluttering and downsizing (35%); productivity coaching for an in-home work environment (17%); packing/unpacking for a move (16%); and creating a new space for work, home or hobby (13%).

“While we are all optimistic that the pandemic will come to an end this coming year, we are all still adapting to the lifestyle changes and new work-fromhome norms,” said Tokos. “Hiring a NAPO professional to help with changes you want to make in life is the same as hiring a personal trainer or nancial advisor. We abide by a strict code of ethics and discretion. We don’t judge—we help. Who wouldn’t want judgment-free support during this challenging time?”

Learn More

If you’ve resolved to get more organized and productive in the new year www.napo.net o ers a directory to nd professional organizers or productivity consultants locally or virtually.

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Brick Homes Fight Fires The Longest

• If your straw broom isn’t working as well as it did when new, try giving it a spruce-up. Beat any dust out of the ends, then trim off any bent straws.

Trim a section from a leg of stretched out pantyhose or tights and wrap it around the bristles, about two inches up from the bottom. This keeps the bristles nice and tight, and it will collect dirt better.

• When you replace old brushes — hairbrushes or toothbrushes — wrap a length of masking tape around the handle. That way you can use them for cleaning purposes, and they will never be mistakenly used for the wrong purpose.

• “When cooking rice, add a little bit of lemon juice to the water. It does not really flavor it, but it will keep it nice and white, plus it seems to be a bit fluffier when I do this.” — R.E. in Mississippi

• “When my child was mostly finished potty training, I put her baby potty in the car with some wet wipes and plastic baggies. Seems like she had emergencies when we were driving, and it wasn’t always convenient to find a business with a bathroom in time. But it was easy to pull into a parking lot and let her take care of business.” — E.E. in Maine

• Store extra plastic grocery bags in empty tissue boxes. They are easy to store this way, and you can keep them under the sink or in the car for easy access.

• “Keep your garage floor nice by lining the area where you park with carpet remnants. Road salt and other nasty business that your tires pick up will not corrode the floor. You can shake out the rugs outside.” — C.Y. in New York

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

(NAPSI)— Firefighters report that it takes about an hour and a half for a fire to breach a brick home—as compared to fiber cement in under an hour and vinyl siding in just minutes.

Choosing brick exteriors to protect their own firehouses, firefighters say brick homes help slow the spread, offering the extra few minutes to help save lives and property as this brief video shows.

While the International Residential Code (IRC) does not require cladding on single-family homes

to have a fire rating, the International Building Code (IBC) acknowledges that fired-clay brick has tested to provide a minimum one-hour fire resistance rating alone, regardless of backing material. This is something that synthetic materials—such as fiber cement— cannot claim.

Primarily made of clay, brick is classified as a noncombustible material that will not burn, melt or combust.

In a onehour severe fire test conducted independently for the Brick Industry Association (BIA),

vinyl siding burned after only 18 minutes, fiber cement failed within one hour and fired-clay brick withstood the flames after one hour. The test was conducted in accordance with ASTM E119, the Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.

Learn More

BIA is the nationally recognized authority on clay brick construction representing the nation’s distributors and manufacturers of clay brick and suppliers of related products. To learn more, go to Fire Prevention at www. gobrick.com

Building your house of brick is a good way to protect your home and family from fire.

821-2216

Wed. 1/18

Thurs. 1/19

Fri. 1/20

Mon. 1/23

Tues. 1/24 Wed. 1/18

Thurs. 1/19

Fri. 1/20

Mon. 1/23

Tues. 1/24

Cream of mushroom soup, Sloppy Joe, cole slaw, pasta salad, whole wheat roll, cookie. Sandwich: Turkey and Swiss on whole wheat.

Chicken soup, pork roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, roll, mixed fruit. Sandwich: Spinach salad with chicken.

Kale and bean soup, chicken parm, roasted Italian vegetables, whole wheat garlic bread, fruit salad. Sandiwch: Tuna salad on whole wheat bread.

Chicken noodle soup, tossed salad, baked rigatoni with sausage and meatballs, garlic bread, fruit cup. Sandwich Ham and cheese on multi grain.

Lentil soup, breaded chicken thigh with gravy, fingerling potatoes, green beans, multi grain roll, pudding. Sandwich: Egg salad on multi grain roll.

Cream of mushroom soup, Sloppy Joe, cole slaw, pasta salad, bread, dessert. Option: Turkey and Swiss on rye.

Chicken soup, pork roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, dessert. Option: Spinach salad with chicken.

Kale and bean soup, chicken parm, roasted Italian vegetables, garlic bread, dessert. Option: Tuna salad on wheat.

Chicken noodle soup, tossed salad, baked rigatoni with sausage and meatballs, dessert. Sandwich Ham and cheese on multi grain.

Lentil soup, breaded chicken thigh with gravy, fingerling potatoes, green beans, dessert. Option: Egg salad on multi grain.

CESSPOOL SERVICE________________________

CHEVALIER CESSPOOL CLEANERS: Cesspools and septic tanks pumped. New systems installed. Sewer connections. 736-8313.

ELECTRICAL_________________________________

JADE ELECTRIC: Wiring, emergencies. Prompt and courteous. 828-5908, 738-7835. Lic.# A1538. Insured.

RICHARD J. PIZZI Electrical Contractor: 550 Providence Street, West Warwick. Residential Wiring (home repairs). No job too small. A145, insured. 580-8803.

FACSIMILE SERVICE ________________________

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FENCE INSTALLATION & REPAIR___________

VENTURA FENCE CO., INC.: Serving Rhode Island since 1975 for all your fencing needs. Insured. RI Reg #7260. Call anytime 821-7200.

FINANCIAL SERVICES______________________

MOFFITT & ASSOCIATES, LLC.: Financial Services and Investments, Retirement Planning and 401K rollovers. www.victormoffittandco.com 1260 Main St. (Rte. 117), Coventry (401)828-0097.

FIREWOOD __________________________________

VERRIER TREE SERVICE, INC.: Kiln Dried Firewood, Cut & Split. Pick-up or Delivered. Insect Free Guaranteed. The Driest Wood You Can Buy. Bulk or Bundled Indoor Hardwood or Outdoor Softwood for Campfires. 397-3942.

GARAGE DOORS ____________________________

CARR’S OVERHEAD DOOR, INC.: Residential and commercial garage doors & openers. Best prices, quality materials, factory authorized Lift Master and Wayne Dalton Dealers. Reg. #13612. 332 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter, RI (401) 397-6015.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS_____________________

LEWIS & CLARKE ENTERPRISES, INC.: New homes, additions, garages, kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, roofs, and repairs. 345-3227. RI Reg. #5646.

BILL’S REMODELING: Additions, Formica, finish work, custom built vanities, siding. No job too small. Bill Langlais 397-9256 after 5pm. RI Registration #648.

LAUNDRY SERVICE_________________________

Let us wash, dry and fold your laundry. Pick up and delivery available. THORPE’S LAUNDROMAT AND DRY CLEANING. 401-826-7158. 560 Providence Street, West Warwick.

MASONRY___________________________________

B. TRAUTMAN MASONRY: Brick/block, stone, fireplaces, and masonry landscaping. Residential and commercial. RI Reg. #7933. Visa and Mastercard accepted. 447-4645.

PEST CONTROL

WINFIELD TERMITE & PEST CONTROL: All your pest needs. 821-7800.

KENT

PLUMBING & HEATING _____________________

JOHN P. KEOGH PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING: Electric sewer rooter service. Master Plumber Lic. #1881. 401-862-8810.

A GOOD PLUMBER: Plumbing, heating, drain cleaning. 808-2284. RI Lic. #MP002399. MA Lic. #30436.

POWER WASHING __________________________

THOR’S PRESSURE & SOFT WASH: Commercial & Residential. Roof & Exterior Cleaning. Fully licensed and insured.RI Registration GC-46062. Free Estimates. Call Thor, 401-441-8672. facebook.com/ ThorsHouseWash

Advertising Toys

Antique toys, especially those that move and make noise, are popular with both young and old, and many are very expensive. Advertising toys bring back special memories and are wanted by those who collect advertising and those who want toys.

This car with “Moxie” on the side is in mint to good condition. It is a rare blue version of an 8-inch-long tin toy car with a man on a horse in a Moxie jacket and cap driving a Moxiemobile. It sold for $2,600 at a Morford’s auction in Cazenovia, New York.

Moxie was a drink introduced in 1885, two years before Coca-Cola. It claimed to be a health drink and was flavored with bitter herbs. The taste was so strange that people said you had to be brave to drink it. So by 1930, the word “moxie” become a slang term for brave or daring, and “He had a lot of moxie” became a common saying. The company was purchased by Coca-Cola in 2018.

Q:Ihave a book, “The Life of George Washington-Maps and Subscriber’s Names,” published in 1807 by C.P. Wayne of Philadelphia. The book includes several map “plans” for different states, a list of subscribers, and a signature of the subscriber. The book is in fair condition given its age. Can you tell me the approximate value? A:This book is part of a biography of George Washington written by John Marshall between 1804 and 1807. It was originally published in five volumes. Marshall, who later became justice of the Supreme Court, was a friend of Washington and served with him in the Revolutionary War. First editions of the books are rare and sell for high prices. Copies of the book of maps have sold for several hundred to more than one thousand dollars. You should contact an antiquarian book dealer or an auction house that sells antique books to see what your book would sell for. Copies have sold from

This toy car was a clever ad for Moxie, a soft drink popular in New England. It sold for $2,600.

$75 to $1,700 in recent auctions. * * *

TIP: To remove a crayon mark from paper, coat it with a thin layer of rubber cement, let it dry, then rub it off. * * *

CURRENT PRICES

Glass paperweight, Baccarat, sulphide, blue tint inside, gold tone bust of Martin Luther King Jr. inside, faceted with 10 round panels, marked, 1970s, 2 3/4 inches, $155.

Furniture, table, drop leaf, Chippendale, cherry wood, two shaped leaves, tapered square legs, 18th century, 28 x 34 x 35 inches, $250.

Postcard, Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968, Distinguished Civil Rights Leader, portrait, first day cover with King’s image on stamp, postmarked Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 13, 1979, autographed by Rosa Parks with date 1982, $375.

Salesman’s sample, Howard Plow, wood, metal, with advertisement picturing an image of the plow, late 19th century, 8 inches, $750.

Jewelry, belt, 19 scarabs, carved Czechoslovakian glass, marbled colors, in brass frames with art deco rays, repousse scarab links between, filigree medallion buckle, Egyptian Revival, Joseff of Hollywood, buckle 4 inches, belt 38 inches, $1,125.

Subscribe to the Kovels’ free weekly email newsletter, Kovels Komments, at www.Kovels.com.

© 2023

By Ryan A. Berenz

By Lucie Winborne

1. Who won the women’s gold medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships eight consecutive times from 1998-2005?

2. What player, nicknamed the “Latvian Laser,” made his NBA debut with the San Antonio Spurs in 2016?

3. Name the actor who starred as diminutive golf instructor Derk Dorf in the 1987 comedy short “Dorf on Golf.”

4. What wide receiver, the New England Patriots’ first-round NFL Draft pick in 1989, had his career cut short by a twice-broken kneecap from football and an eye injury from a bar fight?

5. Poland’s Anita Wlodarczyk is a three-time Olympic gold medalist in what track and field event?

6. Heisman Trophy winners Larry Kelley (1936) and Clint Frank (1937) both played for what college football team?

7. What two NHL teams combined for 11 ejections and 252 penalty minutes in a fight-filled 1984 playoff game known as “The Good Friday Massacre”?

Answers

1. Michelle Kwan. 2. Davis Bertans. 3. Tim Conway. 4. Hart Lee Dykes. 5. The hammer throw. 6. The Yale Bulldogs. 7. The Quebec Nordiques and Montreal Canadiens. © 2023 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

By Lucie Winborne

• Michael Buffer has made over $400 million from his trademark catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

• Martin Van Buren was the first U.S. president to be born an American.

• After the terrorist attacks that destroyed New York City’s Twin Towers, thousands of radio stations across the country received memos from media companies with a list of songs they considered “lyrically questionable” for a grieving nation. The list included The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and (perhaps unsurprisingly) “Jump,” by Van Halen.

• Bacteria can live longer than four weeks in carpets, as well as other types of flooring, and can instantly transfer those germs to any food that touches them. In other words, forget that famous “five-second rule,” folks!

• Fingers prune in water to give you a better grip.

• In 2017, 70 students drank so much alcohol at a fraternity house party in Maryland that the air inside the house registered .01 on a breathalyzer.

• Woodpeckers are the only animals to make sounds with something other than a part of their bodies. They will drum on a variety of objects to mark their territory, attract mates, locate food, or maybe just exercise or play.

• There’s a town named Hospital, in County Limerick, Ireland, that has no hospital.

• Not that most of us will ever get a chance to consume polar bear liver, but in case someone does offer it, you’re best off refusing. The meal might, and quite unpleasantly so, cost you your life. It contains too much vitamin A for humans to handle.

• During a 1976 strike by Los Angeles medical doctors, the death rate decreased by 18%.

***

Thought for the Day: “A bad attitude is like a flat tire; if you don’t change it, you won’t go anywhere.” — Joyce Meyer

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned demands payment amounts due for the undersigned as of 1/3/2023:

Unit N17 & 136: Laura Carline Amount Due: $935.00 Unit 5: Walter Read Amount Due: $470.00

Unit B24: Laura Donnelly Amount Due: $470.00 Unit A3: Alan Paradis Amount Due: $540.00

If the above amount remains unpaid as of: January 25, 2023 any right to access terminates and goods may be sold at public auction or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the law.

389 Mishnock Road W. Greenwich, RI 02817 (401) 392-3300

COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS

Coventry Public Library resumes their regular hours: MondayWednesday 9AM-8PM, Thursday-Saturday 9AM-5PM, Sunday 12-4PM.

WEST WARWICK FOOD CUPBOARD

The West Warwick Assistance Agency operates a food cupboard at 1293 Main Street serving all West Warwick residents living at or below three times the federal poverty level. We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10AM-2PM, unless there is a town-wide parking ban in effect. We offer standard amounts of core groceries based on household size as well as self serve selections of produce, bread and assorted other non-core grocery items we have on hand. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 8280310, and no appointment is necessary to visit our facility.

SIGN UP FOR IMPORTANT TOWN INFORMATION ALERTS

CodeRed is a very helpful service in which you can receive important town information in a timely manner. Alerts include important town matters, COVID-19 vaccinations, weather emergencies, sex offender notifications, etc. To sign up for automated calls and/or texts on your cell phone or landline, register your phone numbers at the town’s website, www. coventryri.org or through the Coventry Police Dept. website, www.coventrypd.org

WEST WARWICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MENTORS NEEDED

West Warwick Public Schools is in need of in person volunteer mentors for students in Grades K-12. The time commitment is 1 hour per week. Anybody who is interested in volunteering can call or email me, Dana Papitto, Mentor Coordinator, at: (401) 825-6530 or dpapitto@ww-ps.com

RI COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

If you are in need of food, you can call the RI Community Food Bank at 942-6325 or you can visit www.rifoodbank.org for a complete list of open pantries statewide.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY

West Warwick Public Library is offering the following Programs: FAMILY/ALL AGES - PAWS TO READ, January 21 at 11AM. LUNAR NEW YEAR STORY TIME, January 21 at 11AM. DANCERCISE (ages 5+), Tuesdays in January at 4PM. MISS EMMA’S FAREWELL PARTY, January 30 at 4PM. EARLY LEARNERS - TODDLER STORY TIME (0-2 years), January 24 at 10AM. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME (3-6 years), January 19 at 10AM. DROP-IN PLAY GROUP (0-6 years), January 19 & 26 at 10:45AM. SENSORY PLAY GROUP (4-8 years), January 24 at 11AM. PRESCHOOL PICASSOS ART CLUB, January 18 at 3:30PM. SCHOOL AGE - RICBA BOOK CLUB (Grades 3-5), January 20 at 3:45PM. INTRO TO CODING (Grades 3-6), January 25 at 6PM. ART CLUB (Grades 2-4), January 26 at 3:30PM. TEENS (MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL) - RAINBOW CLUB, January 19 at 3PM. A safe space for LGBTQ youth and allies. TEEN CRAFT (ages 10+), January 23 at 6PM. GRAPHIC NOVEL BOOK CLUB (Grades 4-8), January 27 at 4PM. To register or for more information, please call 828-3750.

THE LOCKED TOMB CONSPIRACY THEORY PARTY AT WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY

West Warwick Public Library invites you to join them for this celebration of Tamsyn Muir’s Locked Tomb Series on January 21 at 11AM, hybrid on Google Meets and in the Champlin Room. This celebration is for fans who just HAVE to talk about these books! There will be tea, soup (with no casualties), and birthday cake (Happy Birthday Nona!). Red string will be provided for in-person attendees. Contact amber@wwpl. org to register or for more information.

COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY NEW CHAT FEATURE!

At home in your slippers, but need to ask us a question? Try our new chat service! Click on the chat bubble logo on the bottom right corner of our website and ask away. If the library isn’t open, it will let you email us. Chat hours are: Monday through Wednesday 9AM-7:30PM, Thursday and Friday 9AM4:30PM, and Saturday 9AM-4:30PM (9AM-12:30PM during Summer Hours).

JANUARY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

AT HOPE LIBRARY

Hope Library, 374 North Road, Hope is offering the following Programs: Shadow Puppet Workshops! This 2 session program will meet on January 25 & February 8 at 4PM. Registration required by calling 821-7910.

JANUARY STORY PROGRAMS

AT HOPE LIBRARY

Hope Library, 374 North Road, Hope is offering the following Programs: Book Babies for ages birth-24 months and their caregivers on January 20 & 27 at 10:30AM. Time for Two’s for children age 2-3 & a caregiver on January 20 & 27 at 11:15AM. Preschool Storytime for children ages 3 & up on January 17, 24 & 31 at 10:30AM. Pop-Up Storytime for children ages birth-5 years (siblings welcome) on January 28 at 11AM. Sensory Story & Play for children ages 3-8 on January 31 at 4PM. To register for programs or for more information, call 821-7910.

COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE SPOTLIGHT: MEMORY KITS

The Coventry Public Library now has four different kits available to borrow that can help individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. Each kit has a different theme: Relaxing Activities, Reminisce, Stress Relief, and Touch Therapy. Memory Kits check out for 21 days with no holds and 2 renewals. Memory Kits are fine free! For more information about checking out a Memory Kit, visit the Reference Desk or call 822-9105.

ADDICTION SCREENINGS

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, take the first step towards overcoming addiction. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1-800-431-1754

VOLUNTEER TOUR GUIDES NEEDED

The Paine House, 7 Station Street in Coventry is looking for volunteer Tour Guides to share this unique historical site with the general public. Can you spare a few hours once or twice a month? All training and materials will be provided, no special skills required. This opportunity is suitable for High School students to adults. Training classes for the 2022 season will begin soon. If interested, call Bob at 439-7513 or email info@ westernrihistory.org

PROJECT HAND UP

Project Hand Up is a supplemental program provided for working people and elderly in the community to be able to affordably shop for groceries for a suggested donation. They are located at 15 Factory Street in West Warwick. Suggested donation is $6 for 3 bags of groceries. HOURS: If you are 60 & older or a Veteran (Veteran Card required), you can shop on any day regardless of your last name. Tuesdays 3-5PM for anyone with the last name that begins with A-K, Thursdays 3-5PM for last names beginning with L-Z & Fridays 3-4:30PM for anyone who missed their shopping day. Picture ID’s required, one purchase per family, trunks must be cleaned out to allow for groceries. Please visit projecthandup.net or find them on Facebook for more information.

JOIN CUB SCOUT PACK 13, CENTREVILLE

Adventure is waiting! Build Yours. Join Cub Scout Pack 13, Centreville. We meet every Wednesday at 130 Legris Avenue, West Warwick. Please contact James Mclellan at 401-5235723 or jimmac54@cox.net Find us on Facebook, Pack 13 Centreville.

AFTER SCHOOL ART CLASS AT COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Coventry Public Library will host an after school art class on Monday, January 23 at 4:30PM for children in Grades 1-5. Children will be painting with watercolors to create a winter themed piece of art!†Registration is required, as there are a limited number of spaces. Please call Youth Services at 8229102 to register.

HOPE LIBRARY HOURS

Hope Library, 374 North Road, Hope, is open on Mondays & Fridays from 10AM-5PM, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 10AM-8PM & Saturdays from 10AM-2PM. The Library is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 821-7910.

SWEATIN’ TO THE MUSIC EXERCISE CLASS AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY

West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick is offering free exercise classes on Tuesdays at 3PM & Thursdays at 10AM, hosted by Mind and Body Studios. You’ll move & groove to a playlist of greatest hits while laughing and having fun. This program is open to all fitness levels and all ages. No sign up required. Call 828-3750 for more information.

CHURCH OF CHRIST GIVING CLOSET

The Giving Closet of the church of Christ, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road (Lower Level Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge), West Greenwich, will be open every Wednesday from 12-3PM. Everything is FREE! Please bring a mask. Donations now being accepted. 397-9700.

PAWTUXET VALLEY ROTARY CLUB

The Pawtuxet Valley Rotary Club is looking for individuals or businesses who are interested in helping the local communities of West Warwick, Coventry & West Greenwich! For more information please email pvrotaryevents@gmail.com or call 401-589-1321.

“THE

LORD’S SUPPER”

AT CORNERSTONE OF FAITH UMC

Cornerstone of Faith UMC, 1081 Main Street, Coventry, will hold a supper on January 28 from 5-6PM in the Church Hall. All are welcome to attend. Donations appreciated.

COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFERS SOCIAL MEDIA BASICS CLASSES

Coventry Public Library is offering Social Media Basics Classes on Tuesdays at 11AM, January 17-February 7. Join us for this series of classes where we will learn about Privacy and Safety on Social Media, Facebook, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram. Each week will be an individual sign up. You may sign up for one or all four as long as space is still available. Space is limited, so please register at the Reference Desk or call 822-9105. No laptop is needed; the library has one for you to use during the class.

THE CHORUS OF KENT COUNTY SEEKS NEW MEMBERS

Do you love to sing? The Chorus of Kent County is a multigenerational chorus that welcomes diversity and strives for inclusion. We rehearse on Thursdays from 7-9PM at Christ the King Church Hall (124 Legris Avenue, West Warwick). The spring season kicks off on January 19, and new members can join through February 9. No audition needed. For more information, email chorusofkentycounty@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you!

COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY HOMEBOUND SERVICES

The Library Homebound Service is a program designed to assist Coventry residents who have a temporary or permanent physical impairment that would prevent them from coming to the Library. The Homebound Coordinator visits private homes on a monthly basis and will deliver books (large type or regular print), DVD’s, audiobooks & periodicals to the patron. Contact the Library Homebound Desk at 822-9463 or email dyoung@ coventrylibrary.org for more information.

TIME

Run, Molly, Run What a Golden Retriever Can Teach You About Life

by MELANIE SUE HICKS

Two years ago, while writing my memoir, Incongruent; Travel, Trauma, Transformation I stood in a New Mexico desert and visibly watched happiness unfold. My Golden Retriever Molly, the usual solemn old soul of a puppy, was running at full speed. Across the desert land scape, her long legs in a fully extended gallop. She circled the cactus and zig zagged through scrub brush. She ran straight out and back in close, stirring the dust around my legs. Every so often she would stop and look back at me, with puffed out ears and a smile I had never seen previously. And then she would begin again.

On the third day of this ritual, something clicked. This is the first time in her entire life she has been able to do what she is built to do. The first time she has had the space and freedom to be the complete creature she is made to be. Born in a kennel, moved to the tiny apartment of her first owners, then landing with us where she has a backyard only big enough to make a few strides with those long legs before hitting a fence.

I stood frozen in awe—of her speed, her grace, and her sheer delight. It was a living metaphor for my own life. Of the daily fight to live the precise life I was meant to live, to be the person I am made to be.

It’s easy to stay in the safe lanes of life. To live a life dictated by societal or family expectations and norms, steering clear of the discomfort that is growth. But we can’t let that happen! Finding a version of life that is our full authentic selves is the only way to live with a sense of purpose and direction. Pursuing your dream life will fill you with zest, energy, and a passion for the day ahead. But how do we find that joy? Let’s start small, with some simple Molly recommended tips for living the life of your dreams:

1. Seek Out New Experiences Daily. If there is one thing I learn every day from my Golden, it is the excitement of trying new things. Molly is the kind of pup that will race you to the car door in anticipation of any new sights, smells, or experiences she can have. Her excitement is not only palpable, but infectious. It is a daily reminder for me to get out of my rut and find adventure in the uncomfortable.

Tapping into the power of new things can be difficult. It can be hard to step out of your comfort zone and experience something different. However, there are so many benefits to taking those risks. By trying new activities, you can discover hidden talents and interests which could open the door to a new job, a new hobby, or a new group of friends. Finally, taking risks can help you to become a more well-rounded person. It allows you to grow your understanding and tolerance of others. And it can light up your soul and allow us to live the fullest version of ourselves.

2. Hang Your Head Out the Window. We have all seen it; the tongue waving, the hair blowing in the wind; the endlessly happy smile on her face. Yep, that is a dog with her head out the window just taking in the view.

When you chase your dreams, you feel alive and happy. You’re more likely to achieve your goals by boosting your motivation and passion for the life you are building. Pursuing your dreams, taking in the full beautiful view of life around you will absolutely lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

3. Prance Your Way Through Life. Like most Goldens, Molly doesn’t just walk from place to place, she prances. Thelightness in her step is nearly mesmerizing for its joyful symbolism. Remember a day when you felt like that? Maybe you achieved that goal you had been working so hard for. Or had a wonderful interaction with a friend or loved one. Or perhaps you just felt beautiful in your own skin. Those days are magical.

We all have a version of Molly’s prance in us. And the more often we can harness the power of that joy, that prance, the better our life will be. Seeing life through that lens has a plethora of benefits. From building confidence and self-esteem, to feeling more in control of your life and your destiny. When you have healthy self-esteem, you feel good about yourself regardless of your accomplishments or failures. All these factors lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

The routines of daily life can chip away at our true joy if we let them. Taking a cue from Molly helps us keep our perspective in check. She reminds us that life is as simple or complex as we allow it to be. And most importantly, she reminds us that what happens to us is out of our control, but how we find joy in this life is our choice each and every day.

Melanie Sue Hicks is an adventure seeking, social impact advocate dedicated to helping others overcome fear and live their dharma. Her debut memoir Incongruent; Travel, Trauma, Transformation hits shelves March 2023. As an empathy driven author, and education, nonprofit and workplace expert, she has been interviewed and published in more than two dozen magazines and websites including Forbes.com, Marie Claire, Authority Magazine, See Beyond Magazine, Thrive Global, The District, and Doctor’s Life Magazine.

Banned Words and PHRASES 2023

A E N B

The Proof is in the Pudding

My 2023 list of banned words and phrases includes some from my readers and from other writers. As in previous years, some of my choices also appear on Lake Superior State University’s list. Here are my ten entries for 2023.

RETIREMENT SPARKS

by ELAINE M. DECKER

The first phrase to be tossed aside is one that I can’t believe I haven’t banned before this year. I searched my spreadsheet history to be sure. That phrase is “nothing burger.” It caught on as a favorite of Donald Trump, Jr. during the 2016 campaign season, but I’ve been hearing it a lot now. I don’t appreciate it no matter who is using it, including you, dear reader. I’m sure you’ll come up with a suitable substitute.

Nothing Burger

Some expressions on this year’s list have out- lived their useful lifespans. Here are two obvious candidates: “The proof is in the pudding ” and “At the end of the day .” The speakers are never talking about puddings and “the day” being referred to can happen at any hour, including in the morning. It’s more likely the end of a discussion, not a specific time frame. The “pudding” expression sounds like something President Biden would say. I hope he finds an equally folksie replacement.

And Just Like That Under the Bus

Now we have two metaphors from a list gathered by columnist Frank Bruni that share a transportation theme of sorts. They’re both entries on this year’s list that could be considered politically inspired. The first is “Choosing (or Staying in) Ones Lane.” Most of us have been tempted at some point to weigh in with our own opinions on someone else’s discussion. If our intrusion is not welcome, we’ll likely be told to stay in our own lane. We’ll usually be well-served to take that advice.

The other entry of the transportation ilk is “Under the bus,” which is where someone will occasionally get thrown if they’re a convenient fall guy. They can also find themselves under the bus if they wander too far out of their own lane. Best to keep track of where you are in these types of conversations. Some folks are highly sensitive about those who cross lanes.

I’m also exhausted hearing the expression “It is what it is .” I confess. I use it myself when I’m worn out. Simply put, this expression is a tautology. If it were up to me, I’d ban all over-used tautologies.

I don’t normally ban the names of actual celebrities. I’d planned to break with precedent this year and ban Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. I was exhausted hearing updates on their legal battles. As it happens, they settled just before the end of 2022, but I have an even better replacement to ban. Please media folk, stop covering Kanye (or Ye) in 2023. Trust me, there’s nothing about his life that we can’t live without hearing.

It Is What It Is

The last entry on this year’s list could also be considered politically inspired and that’s “Gaslighting.” I’m surprised I haven’t banned this sooner. It’s a favorite psychological tool of control - ling people who enjoy manipulating those around them. The speaker wants someone to believe they’ve engaged in some type of unwelcome behavior. It isn’t always used for political reasons, but it’s been a favorite ploy of Donald Trump. It ends this year’s list not just as a word to be jettisoned, but more importantly as a behavior to be banned. I know. Good luck with that.

I considered banning “Quiet Quitting,” until I realized that it, too, was more the behavior that I wanted to ban, not so much the phrase. I decided having one hopeless entry on the list was more than enough.

The next banned word earned a slot on this year’s list because of its overuse. A reader can’t be sure what facts are behind a “trauma,” so it will no longer be available. As the New York Times pointed out back in February, 2022, if everything is considered to be “trauma”, is anything really? I don’t think so.

A reader submitted “ And Just Like That” for this year’s list. I confess I’m not familiar with that phrase, but I trust her judgment. I Googled it and discovered it’s the title of a show that’s been streaming on HBO for about a year as a sequel to Sex and the City. The best advice I can offer about not using this phrase is to watch a few episodes and decide for yourself.

That completes this year’s list of words and phrases that I’d like to stop hearing. If 2023 is anything like previous years, this will be a pipe dream. Maybe that’s a phrase I’ll ban next year.

Copyright 2023 Business Theatre Unlimited Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Downsizing—A Humorous Guide, Retirement Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon.com. Contact her at: emdecker@ix. netcom.com

To Serve, Not To Be Served

AARP Rhode Island closed out 2022 in the happiest way – with a celebration to congratulate volunteer Shirley Bishop Harris of North Providence as the recipient of AARP Rhode Island’s 2022 Ethel Percy Andrus Award for Community Service. It is the organization’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

Shirley has been a shining star in our corps of volunteers, contributing years of service to AARP as a skillful leader of our Tech Team and a passionate legislative advocate on state and federal issues important to 50-plus Rhode Islanders. We are indebted to Shirley for the work that she does and the cheerful, efficient way that she does it. Our Zoom attendees enjoy Shirley’s genuine attention and her spirited laughter; volunteer team members love working with Shirley, whose enthusiasm is inspiring and infectious.

The Andrus Award is a symbol to the public that we can all work together for the greater good. AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve. Shirley’s service embodies the words of our founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, whose motto was, ‘To serve, not to be served.’

Congratulations, Shirley. Our staff and the entire volunteer team thank you for all you do.

Indeed, AARP could not serve Rhode Islanders anywhere near as well as we do without Shirley and our entire roster of volunteers and volunteer team leaders. They are critical to the work and success of the organization. It is through the efforts of our volunteers that AARP has been able to

AARP - RHODE ISLAND

by CATHERINE TAYLOR

defend and improve Social Security and Medicare, fight for lower drug prices, press for increasing accessible and affordable housing, fight fraud and encourage the growth of Livable Communities that develop green and complete streets for users of all ages and abilities.

Our rich variety of programming also depends on the talent and enthusiasm of our volunteers, who produce a variety of fun and fulfilling virtual programs including the RI Healthy Cooking Demo, Everybody Dance!, Tai Chi, and the URI Master Gardeners series, as well as timely and topical webinars on Age-Friendly Communities, Housing, Transportation and more.

Volunteer leaders head up committed teams that work together on Smith Hill and in communities across the state to get things done. Many volunteers will tell you that the most gratifying part of volunteering is knowing they are making a tangible impact in their communities and in the lives of Rhode Islanders 50+, their families and their caregivers.

I invite you to start the year by looking at the work our volunteer teams do and the many volunteer roles and levels of commitment each team offers:

Fight for People 50-Plus on Smith Hill: In 2023, our committed Advocacy Team will push for state legislation to create affordable, accessible housing, support caregivers, improve long-term

care, lower the cost of prescription medicines, set up new retirement savings options and more. Contact Matt Netto at mnetto@aarp.org or 401-834-0524.

Produce Virtual Programs : Our techsavvy Virtual Program Production Team volunteers run the Zoom platform for our exciting online programming, welcome attendees, take attendance and put resources in the chat box. If you have mastered the Zoom platform (or are eager to learn), contact Darlene Reza Rossi at drezarossi@aarp.org or 401-248-2674.

Deliver Community

Presentations: Our Speaker’s Bureau gives AARP presentations to community organizations – both in-person and virtually – on such topics as FraudWatch, Preparing to Care, and The Six Pillars of Brain Health. If you enjoy public speaking, setting up A/V equipment, outreach and scheduling, collecting and reporting data, or greeting people, contact Darlene Reza Rossi at drezarossi@aarp.org or 401-248-2674.

Represent AARP Rhode Island at Community Events: Our Event Tabling Team travels to health and senior resource fairs and partner agency conferences throughout the state to share AARP’s trusted information and resources to the public. If you enjoy meeting new people, outreach and scheduling, or

logistics, contact Darlene Reza Rossi at drezarossi@aarp.org or 401-248-2674.

Make a Local Impact: Join our Livable Communities Team and work with local governments and community leaders to make Age-Friendly improvements to cities and towns throughout the state. To learn about existing efforts in Bristol, Central Falls, Cranston, Cumberland, East Providence, Lincoln, Newport, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick and Westerly and to join the team, contact Darlene Reza Rossi at drezarossi@aarp.org or 401-248-2674.

Tell Our Story: Have a background or interest in communications? Our Communications Team writes blog posts, articles and lettersto-the-editor for local newspapers and hyperlocal web sites, enhances our social media presence, and more. Contact John Martin at jmmartin@aarp.org or 401-248-2671.

Keep Our Volunteers Organized: Techsavvy volunteers work closely with AARP Rhode Island office staff to help our volunteer teams communicate with each other, keep their assignments up-to-date, access resources and fill out expense reports. If you’re interested in becoming a Volunteer Portal Champion , contact Rochelle Jennings at rjennings@aarp.org or 401-2482663.

We also work closely with Driver Safety and Tax-Aide. We would love to meet you and tell you more about joining an AARP Rhode Island volunteer team. Give us a call or learn more at aarp.org/RIVolunteers.

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2023

Business use increases 3 cents per mile

by MEG CHEVALIER

The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2023 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2023, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

• 65.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase setting the rate for the second half of 2022.

• 22 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, consistent with the increased midyear rate set for the second half of 2022.

• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2022.

These rates apply to electric and hybridelectric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

It is important to note that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses.

Taxpayers also cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station. For more details see Moving Expenses for Members of the Armed Forces

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Taxpayers can use the standard mileage rate but generally must opt to use it in the first year the car is available for business use. Then, in later years, they can choose either the standard mileage rate or actual expenses. Leased vehicles must use the standard mileage rate method for the entire lease period (including renewals) if the standard mileage rate is chosen.

Notice 2023-03 contains the optional 2023 standard mileage rates, as well as the maximum automobile cost used to calculate the allowance under a fixed and variable rate (FAVR) plan. In addition, the notice provides the maximum fair market value of employer-provided automobiles first made available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2023 for which employers may use the fleet-average valuation rule in or the vehicle cents-per-mile valuation rule.

Thank You, AARP Volunteers!

What a year for AARP! Thanks to the dedicated volunteer teams who advocated at the State House, worked at the community level across the state and produced our exciting lineup of virtual programs. We say THANK YOU to all our volunteers who made a big impact in 2022.

Learn more about the many volunteer roles that await your talent and energy at www.aarp.org/RIVolunteers

Let’s start the new year working together for Rhode Islanders 50-plus.

Cooler Weather Means Cozy Family Food

FAMILY FEATURES

After families across the country began cooking more at home during the pandemic, that trend has continued as loved ones seek comfort in the kitchen in the form of their favorite recipes and time spent together.

In fact, according to the “Hunter Food News Study,” cooking continues to change as more Americans come together at the dining table with recipe usage up 21% and dinners cooked from scratch up 14%. Around half (54%) of Americans are cooking more than they were before the pandemic, and 35% said they “enjoy cooking now more than ever,” according to “Harvard Business Review.”

If those closest to you are looking for home-cooked comfort, you can turn to satisfying family meals like Plant-Based Meatloaf Sandwiches or Chicken Souse. These hearty recipes make it easy for loved ones to involve everyone in the cooking process from preparing vegetables and handmixing meatloaf to seasoning chicken and simmering ingredients.

With 65% of consumers saying they’re most likely to purchase a whole week’s worth of groceries when shopping, according to research from Datassential, opportunities abound for families to enjoy delicious, comforting dishes together.

Find more family meal inspiration by visiting Aramark’s Feed Your Potential website, fyp365.com.

Chicken Souse

Recipe courtesy of Aramark

Servings: 6

8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/4 cup diced onion

1/4 cup diced celery

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup peeled potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2/3 cup canned diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 cup tomato paste

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 tablespoons minced, seeded jalapeno pepper

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons minced, peeled ginger root

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided

2 pinches dried thyme leaves

1 small bay leaf

1 1/2 cups thawed mixed vegetables, drained

Season chicken with 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Cover and chill 2 hours, or overnight.

In saucepan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion and celery; saute 2 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds.

Add chicken and saute until browned.

Stir in broth, potatoes, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, thyme and bay leaf; heat to boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in mixed vegetables and simmer 10 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Tips: Serve souse with griddled corn cakes and saltine crackers. Make vegetarian by replacing chicken with canned drained and rinsed black-eyed peas or red or white beans.

Plant-Based Meatloaf Sandwiches

Recipe courtesy of Aramark Servings: 6

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/2 pounds plant-based ground burger, thawed

1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice, chilled

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced red bell pepper

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon rubbed sage

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 2/3 cup barbecue sauce bread

vegan cheddar cheese sauteed onions

Heat oven to 375 F. Spray rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

In bowl, thoroughly mix ground burger, cooked rice, onion, bell pepper, paprika, garlic, sage, thyme, salt and white pepper until well blended without overmixing. Shape mixture into loaf on baking sheet. Spread barbecue sauce over meatloaf.

Bake 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 160 F.

Slice meatloaf into six pieces and place each piece on bread. Top each meatloaf slice with vegan cheddar cheese and sauteed onions then close sandwiches with top bread slices. Using panini press, griddle or frying pan, cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Tip: Pairs well with potato salad.

Did you know?

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that as much as 5 percent of older adults living in the general community are su ering from clinical depression. Those gures are even higher among older adults who are hospitalized (11.5 percent) and those who require home health care (13.5 percent). The National Council on Aging reports that older adults are at an elevated risk of developing depression, though there’s no single, speci c cause increasing that risk. Chronic conditions, which the CDC estimates a ect as much as 80 percent of older adults; decreased functional ability; reduced mobility; loneliness; and nancial issues related to retirement are among the potential causes of depression in older adults. As di cult as depression can be, the NCOA notes that treatment has been found to be just as e ective for seniors as it is in younger populations. Aging individuals or those concerned about an aging relative are encouraged to visit the American Psychological Association website at psychiatry.org to learn more about the many ways depression can be treated. TF232676

Plant-Based Meatloaf Sandwiches

The Colors of the Calendar

January heralds a new catalogue of birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other significant life events. Even with the advent of electronic reminders, some people (me included) still jot down milestones and appointments on our 2023 printed calendars. While every month has its noteworthy events; I wondered if each had its own color. The answers were apparent in the birthstone of each month; and I also learned the significance of each stone.

Many of us think of January as white for snow or transparent for the icicles hanging precariously from rooftop eaves. We senior citizens can recall the bygone marketing ploy known as the January White Sale. In truth, the deep red Garnet is the birthstone for January. The word “garnet” is derived from words meaning “deep red” or “seed.” Some sources link the deep red color to pomegranate seeds. Garnets are associated with trust, loyalty, and compassion.

February’s color is popularly associated with red for Valentine’s Day. Actually, February’s gemstone is the purple Amethyst. In Greek and Latin, the word refers to “intoxication.” Legend holds that wearing the stone prevents intoxication. (I’ll leave it to you if you think this legend should be assigned to any other celebratory month). Amethysts symbolize courage and inner strength.

Many people view March as green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The birthstone for March is the light blue Aquamarine. The word “aquamarine” means “water of the seas” in Latin and is symbolic of seagoing legends and sailors. The color reflects the rhythm of a calm ocean and a sense of tranquility and peace.

April could be linked to bright spring shades of yellow, red, green, and the colorful pink of the cherry blossoms in Washington. D.C. It should come as bit of surprise that the birthstone for April is the clear or white Diamond. As you would expect, the diamond is a symbol of romance and enduring love. Many a

MY SIDE OF THINGS

by LARRY GRIMALDI

romantic couple no doubt views April as the ideal time to get engaged.

The birthstone for May is Emerald. The green emerald has the richness of new flora and fauna and derives its name from the Greek word “smaragdos” meaning “green stone.” Emeralds signify friendship, faithfulness, and loyalty.

June’s gemstone is the light purple Pearl. The word “pearl” is rooted in the Latin word “pirum” referring to its pear shape. This birthstone symbolizes purity, fidelity, and integrity and often adorns wedding ensembles. Pearls are the only organic birthstone formed inside the living organism of an oyster.

As June melds into the warmth of July, the deep red Ruby is the gemstone for this month. The word “ruby” is derived from the Latin word “ruber,” meaning red. Rubies are associated with devotion, integrity, courage, and happiness.

Until I started researched monthly color designations, I was not aware that the gemstone for August was Peridot. In fact, I had never heard of this light green birthstone Unlike other precious stones, the origin of the word is cloaked in a bit of mystery. It appears that “peridot” comes from the Arabic word “fardat,” meaning gem. It signifies growth, prosperity, love, loyalty, and protection.

You might think that1 September would be hued in bright red, orange, or even brown symbolizing the falling leaves of autumn. Like me, you are in for a surprise. The birthstone for September is the deep blue Sapphire. The name “sapphire” has its origins in both the Latin word “sapphirus” and the Greek word “sappherios,” translated to deep blue or precious stone. The sapphire is believed to signify luck, loyalty, happiness, and love.

The birthstone for October is Opal.

Although you may associate October with rich fall color of an orange pumpkins or the pale tint of withered corn stalks. But the opal can be white, pink, or multicolored. The origin of the word “opal” is believed to be rooted in the Sanskrit word “upala” meaning ‘precious stone” and the Greek word “opallios,” meaning changing colors. The opal symbolizes imagination, fidelity, creativity, innocence, and hope.

When I think of November, the browning of a roasting Thanksgiving turkey and its enticing aroma come to mind. The traditional birthstone for this month is also warm…the warm yellow-orange Topaz. Legend holds that the word “topaz” is rooted in the Sanskrit word “tapas,” meaning “fire” or “heat.” Other references claim that the word can be traced to “Topazos,” an ancient Egyptian island in the Red Sea where the stone was mined. This gemstone also symbolizes loyalty, constancy, faithfulness, and friendship.

December evokes images of red, green, white, yellow, or clear lights on the Christmas tree, Yuletide candle, Menorah., and other holiday decorations. In fact, December can claim multiple birthstones as its own--the Blue Turquoise, the Blue Tanzanite and Zircon, and the Blue Topaz.” The term “turquoise” is derived from the words “pierre turquoise,” meaning “stone of Turkey.” According to legend, turquoise is associated with success, happiness, and tranquility.

Now you know the colors of the calendar. Perhaps you can put a sticker on each month to remind you of its hue. Happy New Year.

Larry Grimaldi is a freelance writer from North Providence. Many of his previous PrimeTime columns have been re-issued in the anthology, “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter.” Columns published in this book are used with the permission of Beacon Communications. For more information about “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter;” or any of his other books, email lvgrimaldi49@gmail.com

Social Security Cards Safer At Home

SOCIAL SECURITY

by CHERYL TUDINO SOCIAL SECURITY PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Scams to steal your personal information are at an all-time high. The need to safeguard important personal documents such as your Social Security card continues to be very important.

A Social Security card is not an identification document. In many situations, you only need to know your Social Security number (SSN). Your physical card is not necessary for most business needs.

Do you need evidence for work? There are several documents you can use instead of your card. Other acceptable evidence includes the following:

• Birth Certificate.

• Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt.

• Employment Authorization Document. • Form I-94 or Form I-94A. You do not need to show your physical card

to apply for certain benefits. You can simply provide your SSN for benefits like:

• Housing.

• Health insurance.

• Food assistance.

You should also know your physical card is not required as evidence for the Department of Motor Vehicles or Driver License (REAL ID). The only state that requires a physical card is Pennsylvania.

For all other states, other acceptable evidence includes:

• W-2 forms.

• Form SSA-1099.

• Non-SSA-1099 forms.

• Pay stubs.

Keeping your card at home reduces the risk of loss or theft – and helps you keep your information safe.

Edgewood Village: All About Aging At Home

ACCORDING TO DON

by DON FOWLER

Pag

Over 40 members and volunteers gathered last month at the home of Carol Shelton to meet and greet each other and talk about the mission of their growing organizationEdgewood Village.

“It’s all about aging at home. Our motto is Aging Better Together” said Barbara Schermack, a volunteer leader for the organization.

Edgewood Village is a “spoke” of “The Village Common of Rhode Island with other spokes in Westerly and Providence, and more in the works.

Executive Director Caroline Gangji is the full-time paid staff member who oversees the organization, with offices in Providence.

Volunteers man the phones, matching up other volunteers to provide services to their members.

Many of the volunteers are also members and take advantage of the services such as transportation to doctors, markets and other destinations, technology help with computers, new fangled phones, home care, and situations that seniors who chose to remain in their home often face.

“I called Member Services recently when

my front door was stuck and I couldn’t get it open,” Faith Fogle said.

Members are discovering similar interests and forming small groups. One group meets once a week to walk the paths at nearby Roger Williams Park.

“They have so many gifts to share with each other,” Gangji said.

Members shared recipes of dishes they brought to the pot-luck dinner.

There are over 340 members statewide with the organization growing, mostly through word of mouth.

“We had a booth at the Edgewood Farmer’s Market and recruited some new members,” Board member Michael Moore said.

Members agreed that in addition to the satisfaction of helping their neighbors, they enjoy the camaraderie of meeting people of like interests and ages.

As both a member and a volunteer, help is only a phone call away.

For more information on joining and/or volunteering, call 441-5240 or e-mail edgewood@villagecommonri.org. Their website is www.villagecommonri.org.

Considerations for retirees thinking of working part-time

Retirement is an opportunity to wave goodbye to the daily grind. Retirees may focus on rest and relaxation, and many make travel a major component of their lifestyle.

According to a 2022 Gallup poll, Americans expect to retire at an average age of 66, up from 62 in 2022. However, most do not hold out that long; the average actual retirement age is 61. Canada used to have a mandatory retirement age of 65, but that mandate was overturned in 2009. Today, the average retirement age for Canadians is 64.4 for men and 63.8 for women, according to Statistics Canada.

Upon retiring, many retirees discover that they sorely miss getting out of the house and being productive through some sort of employment. Others may find it necessary to supplement their retirement incomes. There are a few things to know about working during retirement, particularly if a person is collecting government benefits.

• According to the Social Security Administration, those falling under full retirement age for the entire year (which was raised to age 67 for those born in 1960 or later) will be subjected to an SSA deduction of $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2022, that limit is $19,560. In the year you reach full retirement age, SSA deducts $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit, but they only count earnings before the month you reach your full retirement age. For full retirement age reached in 2022 your limit on earnings for the months before full retirement age is $51,960. After full retirement age, there is no limit on earnings.

• The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada reports that individuals between the ages of 60 and 65 who continue to work while receiving a Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) retirement benefit must still contribute to the CPP. Your CPP contributions will go toward post-retirement benefits. These benefits increase your retirement income when you stop working. However, if you continue to work while getting a CPP retirement pension and are between the ages of 65 and 70 years old, you can choose not to make any more CPP contributions.

• Keep in mind that if you are on Medicare, extra income could potentially trigger surcharges for parts B and D. ItÕs beneficial to speak with a financial consultant to weigh the pros and cons of part-time work during retirement.

• Part-time work does not need to be daily work. Many retirees work according to how they feel. Some options include seasonal jobs, such as driving shuttles in national parks or working during the holidays in retail stores. Or you may use your expertise to consult or start a business.

• A number of people work part-time during retirement simply to get out of the house. Jobs that help you interact with a number of people can be beneficial, as socialization has been shown to benefit the mental health of seniors.

Working during retirement can supplement

savings and provide structure that some retirees may be missing. TF232667

What does it mean to be open? “Hear me out - have an open mind” is a phrase often used when someone is trying to get an unpopular idea across. Then there’s the phrase, “She’s got an open heart” to indicate a loving, caring person.

The alternative is a closed mind, a closed heart. And there may be many reasons for keeping ourselves insulated at times. Maybe we’ve been hurt and feel the need for selfpreservation. Or maybe we’re simply very set in our ways and find new ways of doing things threatening, or new ideas seem too far-fetched to be considered viable or possible.

I was in Europe recently and one of the books I brought along to read was about signs and synchronicities. Signs meaning messages from our deceased relatives and friends, angels, and spirit guides. Signs such as finding coins or feathers in odd places or in response to our thoughts and questions. Synchronicities such as hearing a deceased loved one’s favorite song playing on the radio on the anniversary of their death. Coincidences that seem to be just too coincidental to be merely random occurrences.

One of the chapters in the book was on numbers - their sacredness and meaning. Not so surprising as many people have lucky numbers or preferred numbers when they have a choice. According to this book, the number eleven is particularly special - a sure sign that an angel is nearby.

The next day, after reading this chapter, we were walking outside a cathedral in Portugal. I looked down and saw a ten cent coin sitting on the cobbled stone that made up the courtyard. I picked it up. About twenty minutes later, after meandering aimlessly around this very large courtyard, I looked down and saw a one cent coin. Both euros, but totalling eleven cents. Both coins were in my path when I could have chosen to walk anywhere as the courtyard was a huge open space. Eleven cents - the number eleven. Meaningful? An open mind and heart might say “yes” or at least “maybe”. I silently thanked the angel I imagined might be walking with me that day.

Part of our trip included a visit to London before heading home. My grandfather was born in Huddersfield and I entertained the idea of visiting this town in Yorkshire to see if I could uncover any records of my grandfather’s family. I began investigating this possibility while still in Portugal. It turned out that Huddersfield was a three hour train ride from London, involving a change of trains, and with no guarantee of finding anything useful I decided to try to call their city hall. A series of forwarded calls finally led me to a lovely man named Stan in the basement bowels of the local library. Stan was only too happy to help, giving me his private phone number, and telling me he’d “ get right on the case”. He said he’d need to break for lunch at noon, but would work steadily till then and would be back at his desk promptly at 1:00 to continue the search.

That night Stan sent me an email with several attachments including census records and my grandfather’s baptism record. He was unable to locate any addresses of where the family had lived. Having records I could print out and also knowing that I could continue the search on my own online, and with no family home to check out, I decided that with only three days in London, an all-day two-train visit to Huddersfield wasn’t necessary or feasible.

Our first day in London was spent exploring on foot. We were walking down Buckingham Palace Road and I looked up to see a bus approaching. It had one of those changeable electronic destination signs at the top of the windshield. As the bus

by SUSAN DEAN

approached I saw that the sign said “Huddersfield” in bright yellow lights. Coincidence? What are the chances that I would be on that street, at that spot, at that time, when a bus bearing the name of my grandfather’s birthplace - a place I’d spent the previous week investigating - would appear?

I never saw the name again on a bus or any other place during the rest of my time in London. And in speaking with the locals, I was told that no one ever goes to Huddersfieldit’s an industrial city with no tourist value or attraction. So, why the bus? I’d like to think that maybe it was a winking nod from my grandfather - a smiling thank you from wherever he is - thanking me for my interest in his beginnings.

Several years ago my brother, Rob, was having lunch in a restaurant on the anniversary of our father’s death. The restaurant TV was on and Rob recognized our aunt’s voice. Our aunt was an actress who had done commercials and also had a small role in a movie. Not only was that particular movie playing on the restaurant TV, but the scene that included our aunt was playing as Rob looked up. Rob noted the time - 1:30 - which is about the time our dad had died on that day about thirty-five years before. Our aunt’s name was Edna - our dad’s name was Ed. I know that Rob’s heart and mind opened up that day - and maybe that was the intent of the message hidden within this synchronicity.

My husband’s brother, Bill, died recently. He was diagnosed with leukemia in June and spent the summer and fall in the hospital preparing for and receiving a bone marrow transplant. He was on a slow road to recovery, but took an unexpected turn for the worse.

Two nights after his passing we were flipping through channels and landed on a station playing old reruns of Saturday Night Live. We hadn’t seen Saturday Night Live in years - old or current - but decided we needed something nostalgic. Not only was this particular episode originally aired on December 8, 1990 - Bill died on December 8th - but it also featured a host of actors who have passed in recent years. A nod from Bill, I wondered?

The next night we were watching local news and a story came on about recent ATM robberies in Concord, Mass. Why are we hearing about a problem in Concord, we wondered?

Often we see news about Fall River or New Bedford…. but Concord?

Bill loved Concord and often said he “must have lived there in another lifetime” because he so strongly felt drawn to that area. Our routine for years was to meet there at least 2-3 times a year to bike, hike, and we often stayed overnight. The last picture of us with Bill in Concord is on our refrigerator - taken at dinner at the Colonial Inn - from a year ago - almost to the day that Bill died. Coincidence?

Then the next morning my husband, Dave, went to play his regular weekly tennis. A new guy walked onto the court - Dave had never met this man before. This man was wearing a Nichols College t-shirt. Dave was duly floored and asked him about the shirt. The man replied that Nichols was his alma mater. Bill graduated from Nichols, too. A small, rather obscure business school in Dudley, Mass.

There were several other instances during those four days

following Bill’s death. Dave’s GPS started talking to him by itself - noting an address of a friend. Dave has never programmed his GPS with this address - in fact, he’s rarely ever even used GPS and didn’t have it activated. He was shocked to hear it speaking to him on its own while he was driving. And our Alexa started talking to us spontaneously out of the blue when we were not even talking at all. This happened twice and had never happened before. Bill was a software electronics guy, well-versed in computers and technology. Was he sending us signs that he’s still with us in spirit form from beyond our earthly physical plane?

It’s easy to dismiss these signs and synchronicities and it’s easy to stay close-minded about such things. But I prefer to open my heart and my mind to the possibility that there truly is something wonderful to believe in - that someonewhether it’s those who’ve gone before us, or angels, or spirit guides - someone is sending us love and support and I am eternally grateful. When I take the time to notice, it makes my heart smile.

January is Walk Your Dog Month. Get up o that sofa, get moving, and don’t let those sub-zero winter temperatures drag you down. Dogs need plenty of exercise throughout the year and the best way to keep them active in winter is to take them for regular walks. Even a short walk around the block on a cold day makes a big difference. So, begin this year with a pledge — better health for you and your dog!

HISTORY OF WALK YOUR DOG MONTH

Walk Your Dog Month is a perfect time to blend exercise with bonding time for you and your pup. The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention released a clinical study in 2017, stating that 56% of dogs in the United States are obese. That equates to over 50 million dogs across the country.

Five Tips for Exercising Safely During Cold Weather

National Walk Your Dog Month

Take

and after a workout.

Pick the right clothes. Dress in several layers of loose clothing to trap warm air between them. Wear a waterproof coat or jacket if it’s snowy or rainy, and don’t forget a hat, scarf, and gloves.

Be extra careful around snow and icy sidewalks so you won’t slip and fall. Wear sturdy shoes to give you proper footing.

Learn about the signs of hypothermia, a drop in body temperature that can cause serious health problems.

Check the forecast. If it’s too windy, cold, or wet outside, consider an indoor workout instead using an online video or your own routine.

Visit www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercising-outdoors to learn more.

THE REMINDER

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) An old adversary wants to make amends now that a new year has commenced. The decision is yours, but wouldn’t it be nice to share the new year with another friend?

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) As news of your work gets around, expect to receive a special “gift” from influential contacts who could help you launch your upcoming projects for this year.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Instead of fussing over what you didn’t get to do during the holidays, relax and enjoy kudos for a job truly well done. A happy surprise awaits you soon.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) An old adversary wants to make amends now that a new year has commenced. The decision is yours, but wouldn’t it be nice to share the new year with another friend?

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The best way to shake off lingering holiday blues is to reach out to some loved ones or close friends. A confusing situation starts to make sense in upcoming weeks.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Special emotional rewards mark this time for Leos and Leonas who are able to open up to new relationships and the possibilities they offer during this upcoming year.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your efforts to make time together memorable for some people in your life will be rewarded in some unexpected (but very welcome) ways this year.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) As news of your work gets around, expect to receive a special “gift” from influential contacts who could help you launch your upcoming projects for this year.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Instead of fussing over what you didn’t get to do during the holidays, relax and enjoy kudos for a job truly well done. A happy surprise awaits you soon.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Be assured that your efforts to make this new year special for everyone won’t go unnoticed by those who could make some important changes within your life.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Lots of folks want you to light up their days with your presence. But try to take some quiet time ‘twixt the fun and entertainment to spend time with some very special people.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) While the round of holiday revels had your social life on the fast track these past few weeks, someone special might want to keep pace with you this year as well.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) The best way to shake off lingering holiday blues is to reach out to some loved ones or close friends. A confusing situation starts to make sense in upcoming weeks.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Even though you should be enjoying all the fun you deserve during Capricorn season, don’t lose sight of the need to make some changes now that the new year has begun.

make this new year special for everyone won’t go unnoticed by those who could make some important changes within your life.

you deserve during Capricorn season, don’t lose sight of the need to make some changes now that the new year has begun.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) What happens during this time can help clear up some of the confusion jeopardizing a once-stable relationship. Follow your instincts on what to do next.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your days are brightened by new friends eager to become part of your life. But don’t forget to spend time with that one special person. (You know who!)

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Special emotional rewards mark this time for Leos and Leonas who are able to open up to new relationships and the possibilities they offer during this upcoming year.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have the ability to encourage people to reach their potential by setting an example with your own efforts.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Lots of folks want you to light up their days with your presence. But try to take some quiet time ‘twixt the fun and entertainment to spend time with some very special people.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) What happens during this time can help clear up some of the confusion jeopardizing a once-stable relationship. Follow your instincts on what to do next.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your efforts to make time together memorable for some people in your life will be rewarded in some unexpected (but very welcome) ways this year.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) While the round of holiday revels had your social life on the fast track these past few weeks, someone special might want to keep pace with you this year as well.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Your days are brightened by new friends eager to become part of your life. But don’t forget to spend time with that one special person. (You know who!)

BORN THIS WEEK:

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Be assured that your efforts to

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Even though you should be enjoying all the fun

You have the ability to encourage people to reach their potential by setting an example with your own efforts.

these lyrics: “And so you’re back from outer space, I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face.”

Answers

1. “Daddy’s Home,” in 1961. The song was kept one spot from the top of Billboard’s chart by Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man.”

2. Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels. Their first hit was “Jenny Take a Ride,” in 1965.

3. The Isley Brothers, in 1959. It only went to No. 47 on the charts, but eventually went gold from all of the years being played.

4. John Lennon, in 1970.

By Lucie Winborne

5. “I Will Survive,” by Gloria Gaynor, in 1978. The song was the mostly ignored b-side on the single (they only took 35 minutes to record it) ... until a DJ listened to a demo copy that he’d been given and launched the song out into the world. It took the Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording in 1980. © 2023 King Features Syndicate

By Lucie Winborne

• Michael Buffer has made over $400 million from his trademark catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

• Martin Van Buren was the first U.S. president to be born an American.

• After the terrorist attacks that destroyed New York City’s Twin Towers, thousands of radio stations across the country received memos from media companies with a list of songs they considered “lyrically questionable” for a grieving nation. The list included The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and (perhaps unsurprisingly) “Jump,” by Van Halen.

• Bacteria can live longer than four weeks in carpets, as well as other types of flooring, and can instantly transfer those germs to any food that touches them. In other words, forget that famous “five-second rule,” folks!

• Fingers prune in water to give you a better grip.

• In 2017, 70 students drank so much alcohol at a fraternity house party in Maryland that the air inside the house registered .01 on a breathalyzer.

• Woodpeckers are the only animals to make sounds with something other than a part of their bodies. They will drum on a variety of objects to mark their territory, attract mates, locate food, or maybe just exercise or play.

• There’s a town named Hospital, in County Limerick, Ireland, that has no hospital.

• Not that most of us will ever get a chance to consume polar bear liver, but in case someone does offer it, you’re best off refusing. The meal might, and quite unpleasantly so, cost you your life. It contains too much vitamin A for humans to handle.

• During a 1976 strike by Los Angeles medical doctors, the death rate decreased by 18%.

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Thought for the Day: “A bad attitude is like a flat tire; if you don’t change it, you won’t go anywhere.” — Joyce Meyer

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.