FREE HELP WITH FAFSA
WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMUNITY NEEDS PANTRY
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)
Having trouble paying your heating bill? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps income eligible families pay their heating bills. The HEAP is a Primary Grant that is sent directly to your utility company or fuel provider, and it will be credited on your bill. You don’t need to have an unpaid bill, you can either rent or own your home, and must meet current gross income guidelines. Please call 732-4660, Ext. 175 for more information.
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF KENT COUNTY OFFERS ENGLISH LESSONS
Learn to speak, read & write English. Enroll in Literacy Volunteers of Kent County’s free learning program. In just a few hours per week, you can improve your English skills in speaking, reading and writing. You will be paired with a Tutor who will instruct you, one-on-one according to your individual needs. Lessons are scheduled at your convenience and all information exchanged remains confidential. Please call 8229103 or email lvkc@coventrylibrary.org for more information.
NARCONON
The West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick has a free Community Needs Pantry set up near the front entrance. Please take what you need! If you would like to donate, leave what you can (non-perishables only please). The Pantry is in need of milk (all kinds), cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter & toilet paper. For more information, call 828-3750.
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
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
In need of medical equipment? The following locations are good resources: Robert J. Allen Masonic Medical Equipment Distribution Center, 116 Long Street in Warwick (across from St. Rose & Clement Church). Open Fridays from 9AM-12PM, pre-owned equipment - loaned at no cost. 451-0184. Ocean State Center for Independent Living, 1944 Warwick Avenue in Warwick. In need of wheelchairs, grab bars, walkers, transport chairs, toilets, wheelchair ramp, etc.? Call 738-1013, Ext. 13 or visit www.oscil.org Coventry-West Greenwich Lions, 821-7219 or 392-3063.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP AT COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER
The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry will host a Grief Support Group on Tuesdays from 1-3PM. Please call 822-9175 to add your name.
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.
Drug overdoses have become the leading cause of accidental death in the Unites States with heroin & other opiates being the largest contributor. If your loved one is struggling with drug abuse of any kind, now is the time to get them the help they need. If you believe one of your loved ones is abusing drugs, learn how you can make a difference by visiting narcononnewliferetreat. org/drug-rehab
Leave Nothing to Chance
PROJECT FRIENDS
Parlons Francais meetings will be held from 6-8PM on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the West Warwick Youth Center, Factory Street, West Warwick. Anyone wishing to revive their French-Canadian heritage is welcome. Please call Edith at 9190075 or Linda at 580-7832 with any questions.
Project Friends is a State of RI licensed community-based day service program developed in 1992 for adults with developmental disabilities. Each individual has a plan that offers choices of activities which build independence, adult daily living skills, socialization, self-esteem and confidence. Participants are supported by case aides. If you would like more information about Project Friends, please feel free to call Marlena or Lisa at 822-9144.
TOPS MEETING
TOPS CHAPTER #38 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets Thursday mornings at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Pierce Street in East Greenwich (lower level). Weigh-in begins at 9:30AM, the meeting is from 10-11AM. Enter from the side parking lot, go down stairs to the kitchen area. All are welcome, as well as donations of canned goods. For more information, call Angela Henderson at 401-225-6174.
HERBAL PLACE ADD & ADHD Natural Treatment: Call an expert! Inexpensive treatment for children & adults. Call 378-3580.
FIREWOOD FOR SALE:
JW Studley & Sons. Cut & split seasoned wood. $250/cord. Est. 1982. Not a fly by night! 641-0212.
CLEANUPS: Attics, cellars, garages, buildings, yards, leaves. Some cleanouts for content. Anything hauled away. Very reasonable. Reliable service! Free estimates. Call for your small moving needs. Lic. #37379/Insured. 30 Years of reliable service. 397-2781 or 741-2781.
MAKE YOUR CLASSIFIED POP with a splash of color! For only $1.50 extra, you can draw more attention to your ad.
NEED QUICK CASH?
Sell your no-longer-used items with a REMINDER READER AD. Now it’s easier than ever. Call 8212216 for information. All Credit Cards accepted.
COINS! LOCAL COIN COLLECTOR looking to buy some coins or call me, and I can give you an idea of what your coins are worth. 60-Year Coventry resident. My house, your house or Library. A Collector, not a Dealer. Call Mark, 401-556-4703.
OVER 60 HAND KNIT SCARVES: $7 Each, or the lot for resale. 263-6437.
WANTED: Antiques and collectibles. Moving or just cleaning out?
FROM KING FEATURES WEEKLY SERVICE, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT.
DUMP RUNS: Furniture, appliances, construction debris, sheds, junk. 1-860304-6740.
NOW HERE’S A TIP #12345_20240902 FOR RELEASE SEPT. 2, 2024
By JoAnn Derson
TO OUR READERS and Advertisers: We’d like to thank you for your ongoing support! — The Reminder
“RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS...” We could all use a little good news to brighten our day... Have you witnessed a “Random Act of Kindness” lately? “The Reminder” would love to hear about it. Please submit your entry in writing and we will print them anonymously on a space available basis. Please mail your “Random Acts of Kindness” (with contact information) to The Reminder, 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick RI 02889 or email your submission to mail@rireminder.com
We pay more for your old jewelry, glassware, furniture, pottery, clocks, paintings, military items, crocks, post cards, cameras, photos, old coins, etc. For prompt and courteous service call Bill, 821-0381.
NINA’S SEWING MACHINE REPAIR. Call 588-9788.
USE OUR FAX SERVICE to send or receive documents... it’s fast, easy, and affordable. Great for sending Insurance Forms, Mortgage Documents, Unemployment Forms, Time Sheets and any paperwork that needs to be received fast. Cost to send: S3 for 1st page, $l each additional page (+tax). Cost to receive: $.75/page (+ tax). The Reminder, 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. Phone 8212216, Fax 732-3110.
BOSS STAINLESS STEEL SNOWPLOW 7.5’. Like new, with LED lights on top. $3800. 474-6878.
HERBAL PLACE: Weight loss for the holidays. Expert Herbalist. Call 378-3580. Affordable prices.
CRAFTSMAN THREE BAGGER RIDER LAWNMOWER. Excellent condition. Set up now w/rear chain and new Craftsman snowplow. $1000 OBO. 474-6878.
WANTED TO BUY! Old coins, collections, silver dollars. High prices paid! Call 9461070.
• “Save egg cartons for children’s painting palettes. It’s very easy to give kids a small amount of many colors, and they don’t spread them out and run them together as quickly when they are each in their own cup. Plus, they are easy to carry.” -- O.L. in Utah
• Remove price tag residue off hard surfaces with hairspray. Or WD40 works well too.
• Make your own frozen dinners by purchasing divided trays and using them to store leftovers. Slip each into a plastic bag and label. On busy nights, you can take your favorite out and microwave it.
on your finger, and twist the end of the thread. It will keep the fibers together and stiffen it enough to be easily threaded.
• “A beautiful but stained or worn tablecloth can find a new life at your dinner table. Cut into napkin sizes, and give any frayable ends a hemming.” -- A.S. in Oregon
• It is possible to save a bit of money on car maintenance if you can’t change your own oil. Learn common add-ons you will be offered at oil and lube places. Air filters are surprisingly easy to replace on your own, and so are windshield wipers. Very often, the staff of auto-supply chains will lend you tools or even assist you right in the parking lot.
• A great winter tip that’s double purpose: After your dishwasher has done its job, open the door and let the dishes air dry rather than machine dry. You’ll save on energy, while you add warmth and humidity to your home’s air.
• Got bug bites? Try these for
• Damp cloth plus baking soda should be your first weapon against stains in the kitchen and bathroom. It’s eco-friendly, and a mild abrasive, which works without scratching!
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 noncore grocery items we have on hand. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 828-0310, and no appointment is necessary to visit our facility.
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
The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry, offers free Notary Services to Coventry residents. Please call 822-9175 to ensure a Notary is available for you.
Christmas in the Valley
By J. Michael Levesque
Christmas is about family, faith and community.
Don’t you notice the change in the air that comes only this time of year? The Christmas season is like no other, and nowhere is it more special than in the Pawtuxet Valley.
Not only from the perspective of the holiday lights and decorations everywhere, including the spectacular presentation at the home of Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi, but also from the common conversations that we have with friends and strangers throughout the Valley. It just seems like those conversations are a little more friendly and a little more engaging and polite.
Growing up in the Arctic section of West Warwick, I could not have asked for a better childhood, filled with Christmas memories that some of you might remember, or at least cause you to recall some of your own memories of the Valley.
A few that stand out are:
• Sidewalk Santa on his perch on Washington Street in Arctic welcoming shoppers who clogged Arctic from Town Hall to Kostyla’s gas station.
• Going to Veterans Square Diner for the best “tourtier” (pork pie) in the country, but of course hearing Jules, Sammy and Dicky swear that they’ll never make them again because it was “too much work!”
• Going to the Donut Kettle with the hope of having a holiday sip of whiskey in the kitchen with Dotsy Proulx and your dad.
• Visiting Memere and Pepere’s house in Coventry and getting twenty-five cents every time you brought Uncle Henry a fresh beer.
• Volunteering for community organizations delivering holiday dinners and toys
And driving through town on Christmas morning to see the dreamlike serenity that was cast over the village and wondering why the holiday spirit couldn’t last yearround.
Unfortunately, most of the places and sadly too many of our relatives and friends are gone. But every year we are blessed with new memories or relish that some of our traditions and values have endured, like the time a couple years ago when I was sitting at the bar at the Cowesett Inn and having a grand old holiday time with holiday-regulars that pop in every Christmas.
While talking to a nice middle-aged couple next to me and explaining the history of West Warwick (they didn’t know and I didn’t tell them that I was a former West Warwick Mayor) and its important relationship with Warwick, I turned around to say hi to someone who tapped me on the back.
Add a new offering to your Christmas cookies
The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different.
get their name from the
on
red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Santa’s Whiskers 20 to 24 cookies
1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
When I looked back to continue the conversation with the couple, I saw that their food had arrived and then what happened was the best Christmas event that I could ever imagine.
The couple bowed, joined hands, and said a soft prayer of thanks to the Lord. The moment will forever be embedded in my Christmas thoughts. A simple act of forgotten grace that is no longer common in our world.
It’s a simple reminder that Christmas is not about places or food or decorations, but about family, faith and community. It’s a season so powerful and important that it is celebrated all over the world.
I am proud to have been raised in the “Valley”, where immigrant families came to provide a better life for the children. Our history is alive with stories of the Italians, Irish, French-Canadian and Portuguese families, among others, working in the mills along the Pawtuxet River to the unmistakable clicks and hum of the warping machines. We have so much to be thankful for.
From the Levesque family home in Buttonwoods to yours, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the cherries, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough.
Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on th center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough. Form the dough into a 12- to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder.
Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
“Santa’s Whiskers” likely
coconut
these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly
Home Improvement
Home Office Essentials
The global COVID-19 pandemic opened people’s eyes to many things. One of the more lasting impressions was how the traditional workplace environment was not as essential as people once thought. Millions of people pivoted to remote work during the pandemic, and a significant percentage of those individuals continue to work from home.
Remote work is now common in many industries. According to an Upwork study, 22 percent of the American workforce will be remote by 2025. The Pew Research Center says around 22 million employed adults (ages 18 and over) in the United States work from home all the time, which is equal to about 14 percent of all employed adults.
Homeowners are increasingly outfitting their homes with spaces that can accommodate working from home. Maximizing a home office with essentials comes down to some key components.
Superior PC or laptop
Chances are that it will be nearly impossible to get any work done without a computer. Most people have devices at home, but it’s best to check with employers to see which kind of specifications would be needed in a machine to run the types of applications that keep the business functioning. An older laptop or PC might need to be upgraded to a newer, more powerful model.
Reliable internet connection
Ergonomic desk and chair
Remote workers can outfit a home office with furniture that’s customized to their needs, rather than what would just be provided in a traditional office setting. One item to consider is a convertible desk, which can be raised or lowered to accommodate sitting or standing at a workstation. No home office is complete without a comfortable chair. Choose a chair with lumbar support and adjustability.
Connectivity is vital when working from home. Remote workers must be accessible via email, and many companies rely on messaging applications or VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephone systems. Those who have been considering an upgrade to bandwidth and internet speed may want to take the plunge if they expect high volume of data uploads and downloads and constant connectivity. Experts advise a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed as a good starting point for remote work.
Laptop stand
A laptop stand can help a person avoid a condition called “tech neck,” which the Mayo Clinic describes as being caused from poor posture while using technology. Instead of looking down at the laptop, the stand will raise the device to a proper eye level. Use a wireless keyboard and mouse to make it even more comfortable and convenient.
Noise-cancelling headphones
Many times a home office is tucked into whatever nook in the house is available. That may mean it is adjacent to a living room or the kitchen in the midst of the hustle and bustle. Things can get noisy, and a pair of quality noise-cancelling headphones can help mitigate ambient sounds.
Remote work continues to gain steam and home offices need to meet the demands of working from home.
ROOF! ROOF!
Keep Your Home Safe from Fires and Other Emergencies This Winter
(NAPSI)—While the holiday season brings many joyful moments, it can also bring increased safety risks— but you can protect yourself, your home and your family.
Who Can Help
Volunteer fire departments across the country are raising awareness of seasonal hazards to protect residents and keep families safe.
“Firefighters are there to protect their neighbors when emergencies arise, but they also work hard to prevent emergencies from happening in the first place,” said Steve Hirsh, Chair of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the national association for the volunteer fire service.
Holidays, cold weather, and winter storms all bring their own fire hazards. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association reports more home fires occur in winter than any other season.
Fortunately, there are simple steps everyone can take to reduce the risks and keep their homes safe.
What You Can Do
The NVFC recommends the following 10 tips to minimize home fire and safety risks this winter.
• Stay alert when cooking. Do not leave the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food, and keep kids at least 3 feet away from the stove.
• If using a live Christmas tree, keep it adequately watered and get rid of it after Christmas or when it gets dry.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles. If using real candles, do not leave them unattended, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Place fire extinguishers in the kitchen, garage, and living room, and make sure all household members know how to use them.
• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Test them monthly to ensure they work.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms and test them at least once a month.
• Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it with the entire family.• Keep portable generators
outside and away from the home.
• Practice fireplace safety. Have chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned every year, install a screen in front of each fireplace or wood stove, and store cooled ashes in a metal container outside the home.
• Do not leave space heaters on unattended and keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from it.
How to Help Others
In addition to keeping their own homes safe, residents can take an active role in protecting their neighbors from fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and more. Many fire departments are looking for volunteers to step up and serve their communities.
“About two-thirds of our nations’ firefighters are volunteers,
neighbors helping neighbors in their hour of need,” said Hirsch. “There are few volunteer opportunities that are as rewarding as the fire service. I encourage all those who want to make a true impact in their communities, learn life-saving skills, and join an incredible network of people to consider volunteering with their local fire department.”
The volunteer fire service offers roles for all ages, backgrounds, and interests, and training is provided by the department. Firefighters and emergency medical personnel provide lifesaving services. Auxiliary or support members assist with the non-operational needs of the department, such as fire prevention and life safety education, disaster preparedness planning, fundraising, administration, and much more. Young people can participate as junior firefighters, learning about the fire service while gaining important life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and leadership.
“Whether you are interested in becoming an emergency responder, support member, or junior firefighter, there is a place for you in the volunteer fire service,” Hirsch said.
Learn more
For more about the volunteer fire service and to find an opportunity visit www.MakeMeAFirefighter. com
COVENTRY SENIOR BAND
The Coventry Senior Band is looking for Musicians. We are an all-volunteer band that plays at Senior Centers, Nursing Homes, etc. Dust off the old instrument and come have some fun with us! Must be 55 years young and have some weekdays free. Call/ Text David at 368-6895 or email walshdavid170@gmail.com.
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.
vegetables, sausage & pepper sandwich, pasta salad, whole wheat roll, pineapple chunks. OPTION: Seafood Salad plate. Thurs. 12/19: Italian Wedding soup, stuffed chicken breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, whole wheat roll, dessert.
Fri. 12/20: Vegetable barley soup, pub burger with cheese, cole slaw, whole wheat roll, cookie. OPTION: Tuna salad plate.
Mon. 12/23: Roasted cauliflower soup, Swedish meatballs, rice pilaf, roasted mixed vegetables, whole wheat roll, oatmeal cookie. OPTION: Turkey sandwich.
Tues. 12/24: Fresh fruit, cheese omelet, potatoes O’Brien, ham, muffin. OPTION: Italian grinder.
Wed. 12/18: Lentil soup with vegetables, sausage & pepper sandwich, pasta salad, dessert. OPTION: Seafood Salad plate.
Thurs. 12/19: CHRISTMAS LUNCH! Italian Wedding soup, stuffed chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dessert..
Fri. 12/20: Vegetable barley soup, pub burger with cheese, cole slaw, roll, dessert. OPTION: Tuna salad plate.
Mon. 12/23: Roasted cauliflower soup, Swedish meatballs, rice pilaf, roasted mixed vegetables, dessert. OPTION: Turkey sandwich.
Tues. 12/24: Fresh fruit, cheese omelet, potatoes O’Brien, ham, dessert. OPTION: Italian grinder.
Fun ways to make Christmas Eve even more special for kids
Parents know that nothing quite matches the excitement young children feel on Christmas Eve. On the day before Christmas, youngsters anxiously anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus that evening, and are perhaps even more excited by the prospects of the following morning, when they’ll race into the living room and discover all that the jolly old elf left behind.
Christmas Eve seems to have some built-in magical components, but there are a handful of ways parents can make the day even more special for children.
• Track the big guy’s movements online. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), has tracked Santa’s Christmas Eve flight for more than 60 years. Beginning on Christmas Eve, families can track Santa’s movements across the globe at Noradsanta. org. Kids can visit the site to see where Santa is at any given moment on Christmas Eve, growing more excited as the big fella gets closer and closer to their own region.
• Create a Christmas Eve craft. Gather children and their cousins and/or friends to create a special Christmas Eve craft or decoration that can be displayed next year. This is a great way to channel youngsters’ nervous Christmas Eve energy into something productive, and it can make for a great tradition families can continue even after kids are grown.
• Watch a favorite Christmas movie. Hollywood has never shied away from holiday fare, so there’s no shortage of festive films to enjoy with youngsters on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a classic like the 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street” starring Natalie Wood as the adorable “Susan Walker” and Edmund Gwenn as “Kris Kringle,” or go with something more recent, such as “The Grinch,” the 2018 adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
• Take a nighttime stroll or drive to see the lights. Lighting displays are another component that makes the holiday season so special. After Christmas Eve dinner, take a stroll through your neighborhood to see the lighting displays or climb into the car to take in a different neighborhood’s offerings if you’re already familiar with those in your own neck of the woods.
Christmas Eve is a magical day for youngsters and their parents. Some simple ideas can make the day even more meaningful for children and their families.
Prime Time
Christmas Trees MemoriesUnpacking Christmas
Over the Years
RETIREMENT SPARKS
by ELAINE M. DECKER
Adecade ago I wrote an essay about un-trimming my Christmas tree. Back then I had a live tree and themed party where my guests actually did trim the tree. There was a Teddy Bears’ Christmas trim, a Scented one, a Cozy Slippers trim and many more. My chance to appreciate the ornaments was when I took the tree down each year. It was always a time to renew acquaintances with old friends—both ornamental and human.
I now have three artificial trees, so I don’t hear that telltale “Plink! Plink!” when the needles start dropping, letting me know it’s time to take them down. That sound used to herald an evening of cherished memories. I no longer have holiday parties, so I can put the trees up in early November and take them down in late February. That timetable makes a lot of sense when you consider it takes me two weeks to do all that trimming on my own and at least that long to take the trees down.
You may wonder how I went from one live tree with themed parties to three fake ones and a solitary job of decorating them each year. It’s the inevitable result of retiring and growing old. Once I stopped working, my circle of guests diminished significantly. In an effort to get my husband to slow down, I moved us to a condo-type community about two hours from his store in Providence. At the same time, we reached an age where we simply couldn’t handle the weight of a live tree. Sadly, I switched to an artificial one. That explains half of the transition. But how did I wind up with three trees? That happened in two steps. The first artificial tree was seven feet tall. That seemed to be a good size, but it was dwarfed by the high ceilings in our new living room. The next year, I succumbed to the Balsam Hill commercials on Hallmark’s Rom Com channels. Their
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MY MEMOIRS
by SUSAN DEAN
As I sit here in the quiet of a fading afternoon, the last muted rays of the winter sun creep through the living room windows. The western sky begins to darken as the deep purple and orange colors recede and shadows take over.
Another holiday season is in full swing and another new year will soon begin. What do I notice? What do I feel? What do I know?
It’s incredibly quiet. The Christmas tree is lit - colored lights this year. My husband, Dave, likes multi-colored tree lights. I prefer the simplicity of white. So we alternate each year - one of the many compromises of marriage. But as I look at this brightly lit tree I’m reminded that Dave has brought color into my life. I’m the staid and quieter one - he is most definitely more adventurous, more out-going, more…colorful.
I sometimes compare my tree to others displayed in stores or in magazines. My tree never seems to measure up in terms of glitz and modern decorating trends.
But as I notice now, sitting here in these moments of quiet solitude, I see the counted cross-stitched and embroidered ornaments I made for my three daughters - dated 1983 and 1985. There’s the winter scene painted on the wooden half-circle that my middle daughter, Joy, made in 1991 when she was in fourth grade. And the silver circle decorated by my youngest, Gretchen, which has her school picture glued at its center, made that same year, 1991, when she was a proud first-grader. And the delicate ballerina angel that represents my oldest daughter, Rachel, and her earliest years in dance.
Then I see the ornaments meaningful to both Dave and me commemorating the places we’ve visited. The cruise we took to the Caribbean in 2002, the road trip to Gettysburg in
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2006, and the biking vacation in Ireland in 2007. The one where we forgot to check the fine print and found out when we got there that it was their most challenging itinerary and recommended for “Very Experienced Bikers”. Sometimes the only thing to do was hop off our bikes and hike with them up the hills in the Ring of Kerry. Dave and I always chuckle at that memory as we hang that ornament on the tree every year.
We did another biking trip in 2017 - this time in Italy. We made sure we checked the skill level before signing up - moderate sounded doable. Except we were ten years older this time around, so doable, yes, but still not easy cycling up and down narrow mountain roads. But the ornament from Italy makes me smile as I remember that special week.
I see the ornament from Concord, Massachusetts - a place that was a favorite of Dave’s brother, Bill, who passed away two years ago. We usually visited Concord at least twice a year with Dave’s family to hike and bike, and often stayed overnight to enjoy a weekend together. Such fond memories from those days.
The ornament from the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport reminds me of the dear friends we’ve made on the tennis courts through the years and also our fun at tennis camp in New Hampshire every summer.
The Cape Cod seashell hanging from a ribbon represents the many summer week-long stays and October weekends I spent on the Cape with my friend, Deb, through the years of our long-time friendship.
I see the hand-painted tiny wooden sled given to me by my first principal in the elementary school where I began my career as a speech pathologist in 1992.
There are several ornaments from Rough Point in Newport, where I began as a summer tour guide in 2002 and where I still work now in retirement. Rough Point is where I met so many wonderful people who are now life-long friends.
The tiny painted loon brings up memories of my summers up in Bridgton, Maine with my mother’s family. The miniature trombone, violin, and piano remind me of the musicians in my father’s family and also represent my own connection to and love of music.
As I shift my gaze, the stockings I made for my three girls as each was born catch my eye. They’re faded and worn now, and some might say out-dated and silly to still display since my daughters all have their own homes and children of their own, but I love seeing them hanging above the fireplace.
I see the wired ribbon - cranberry and deep green that I’ve twisted into bows around light fixtures and candle holders, the angels everywhere, and the collection of tiny figurinesbears and mice next to miniature books of Christmas stories - as if they’re getting ready for their long winter’s nap. My copies of “The Night Before Christmas” and “The Polar Express” sit next to the fireplace. Nutcrackers stand guard on windowsills, in corners, and on the staircase. Bells on doorknobs make the house jingle and also make my grandchildren smile.
And there’s a snow globe, too, from 2000 - the year Dave and I were married. It still plays “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” with its sweet, soft chimes.
My tastes are quaint, I guess, and I’ve often wondered if I should reduce it, streamline it - go more modern as I often see in other homes. But maybe it’s okay. Each year when I unpack these memories and spread them around the house or hang them on the tree I’m reminded of so many happy times, friends, and family. Times of laughter and love. What do I notice? Tangible reminders of my past and present. What do I feel? Gratitude and quiet peacefulness in my heart. What do I know? It’s okay to be me. Someday, when I’m gone, maybe my children and grandchildren will unpack my memories and add them to their own. And maybe they’ll have quiet moments, too, in the midst of the holidays in the dark days of winter, and smile as they remember the times when light filled their years.
nine feet tall tree is perfect. The seven feet tall one was relocated to our enclosed porch. By now you’re probably wondering: “What about that third tree?” And: “How do I decide what ornaments to put on which tree?” The answers to both questions are intertwined and they afford me the opportunity to explain my decorating themes.
The third tree goes in our family room. It belongs to our cats, with animals and items a cat would like to see. There are cat ballerinas, angels and fairies and even hobo cats. There are white mice, many in red felt outfits, a fluffy-tailed squirrel and some birds. More unexpected are the tiny knitted socks and mittens and the miniature funky sweaters. Our cats are very senior now, so we don’t worry about them trashing things. They like to curl up under the trees on the quilted skirts that cover the stands. If the ornaments get disturbed, it’s usually by accident.
What will you see on the large living room tree? That has a lot of hand made crafts, especially blown glass balls, as well as stained glass and pottery stars and handetched gourds. But its real claim to fame is all the funky animals. A diligent guest will find several zebras, ostriches, and a flamingo. There’s also lots of elephants, giraffes and a frog or two. I’m sure I’m forgetting some other exotic animals. Several are playing saxophones, by the way.
The tree on the enclosed porch is the
stateliest. It’s decorated with white china and metallic ornaments, as well as clear glass and crystal ones. A Coalport china bell and lantern were gifts from my former significant other. He’s no longer with us, but his memory lives on in those two ornaments. I have nine silver snowflakes that my father gave me from the Metropolitan Museum, one for every year from 1976 thru 1984. They ended the Christmas after he died. When I touch those snowflakes, it’s as though I’m still touching a small piece of him, too.
As I put each ornament on one of the trees, I think of the person or place it came from. Those memories trigger others, often having nothing to do with Christmas. Not all are happy ones, but all are treasured. When I take the ornaments off the trees and carefully wrap each in tissue, I get to savor them a second time. I miss having my friends help trim the trees, but I’m grateful for all the time I now spend with my Christmas treasures and my many years of wonderful memories.
Copyright 2024 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.
Christmases of Years Gone By…
yLike most people, Christmas and New Years Day evoke vivid childhood memories for me. Join me in the time machine and revisit holidays of years long past. You can even hum a few bars of Auld Lang Syne as we flash back through the ages. One of my most distinct memories involves opening the doors to the living room. They had been closed in late fall to preserve heat. For the holiday season, the living room became the center of our celebrations. We would stencil Glass Wax Christmas trees, wreaths, Santa Claus, and reindeers on the living room glass doors and the windows with white images of angels, wreaths, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and reindeer.
There was always a trip to the Farmer’s Market near the Providence Place Mall to buy the tree. One year, we paid the princely sum of seven dollars for our Yuletide evergreen. When the tree was properly secured, it was illuminated with multi-colored bulbs (after untangling from an intricate ball), hang the thin-metal hand-painted ornaments, wrap gold or silver garlands around the tree, throw on a generous amount of silver tinsel, and drop cotton balls to simulate snowfall. My train set, complete with a bridge, railroad crossing sign, and a Lincoln Log cabin with an incense spike in the chimney sat under the tree. I can still smell the pine scent. And there was always the slow drive along downcity’s
Westminster Street to marvel at the department store decorations and a ride to Cranston’s Garden City to see the King-Kong-sized Santa Claus beckoning you to spend your Christmas Club funds. Before Midnight Mass, we celebrated the Italian tradition known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes (La Virgilia). Delicacies such as bacala (prepared in a salad and or in a red gravy), eels (fried or marinated), squid, smelts, spaghetti cooked in garlic and olive oil, etc. sent a confluence of exotic and enticing aromas drifting through the house. The Christmas Eve meal was, and still is, my favorite holiday feast. Over the years, we have varied the menu, but my Irish-French wife has graciously adopted the tradition.
MY SIDE OF THINGS
by LARRY GRIMALDI
Christmas Day was not the giftgiving extravaganza that it is today. We opened a few gifts (and maybe some sox or a sweater) that out parents could afford. They did not have big post-Christmas credit card bills because they didn’t have credit cards. After the gift exchange and a Christmas breakfast, the rest of the day was spent with our relatives at a large family gathering.
After the food and festivities of Christmas, New Years Eve was ani-climactic When I was younger, the tradition was listening to Guy Lombardo’s Band and watching the ball drop in Times Square. As I became a little older, we listened to Dick Clark’s New Years Eve to the music of our generation.
there was the steady diet of New Years Day football bowl games.
We knew that soon after New Years Day the Christmas decorations would be taken down and stored, the stencils would be wiped clean, and that holiday mood of anticipation would disappear. We also realized that we would be returning to school on January 2. (My late Uncle Mike teased us by referring to this as the Zero Hour).
Take a few moments to remember your family’s holiday traditions. Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
WHY IS THAT: In those bygone days we didn’t join that 5:00 a.m. posse at local malls in the mass mayhem know as Black Friday?
At different times, I served as an altar boy and choir member at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence. The grand pageantry of a two-hour Midnight Mass, was presided over by the Most Reverend Russell J. McVinney. The glorious sounds of one of the world’s largest organs, blended perfectly with a magnificent choir conducted by musical genius C. Alexander Peloquin, enveloped the church. Peloquin was known worldwide for writing ecclesiastical hymns performed worldwide, including the Vatican.
Chanukah Traditions
Chanukah begins this year on Wednesday evening, December 25, and the last candle will be lit on the evening of Wednesday, January 1.
For eight nights each winter, candles burn in commemoration of a miraculous and joyous event. Chanukah, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, commemorates an ancient miracle that occurred after the Jewish people waged a hard-fought battle against religious oppression.
Various iconic Chanukah traditions have been borne out of that evening in 164 BCE. Below are some of the most prominent traditions associated with Chanukah festivities.
Lighting the menorah
The menorah is traditionally a seven-branched candelabra lit by ritually-pure olive oil used in Jewish places of worship. However, in commemoration of the Chanukah miracle, a special menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used. This menorah is a nine-branched version that enables a candle to be lit for each day the rededicated Temple candles burned. The middle, highest candle from which the others are lit is called she shamash. The hanukkiah is traditionally placed in a visible space, such as the front window of celebrants’ homes.
Playing with the dreidel Jews were forbidden from studying their own religious texts like the Torah, but they found ways to do so anyway. They would quickly hide their books and take out spinning tops to pretend to be playing with them when the Greeks were watching. In commemoration, these little tops, or dreidels, are taken out on Chanukah. The dreidels are marked with four Hebrew letters, which represent the phrase “nes gadol haya sham,” or “a great miracle happened there.”
Eating fried foods
Frying foods in olive oil has become tradition and a way to acknowledge the miraculous Temple oil burning. Jellyfilled doughnuts called “sufganiyot” are popular, as are latkes, which are fried potato pancakes.
Donations and gifts
In addition to Chanukah gelt (small chocolate coins) and money given out to children and adults, many Jewish families make “tzedakah” (donations) to nonprofits and other charitable organizations during Chanukah. The sixth night of Chanukah has recently become associated with charitable giving and other gifting.
Family time
In addition to these traditions, Chanukah is an ideal opportunity for Jewish family members to gather under one roof. Chanukah is a celebratory time that looks back to a significant miracle in Jewish history. It’s an opportunity to engage in many different traditions with family and friends.
On New Years Day, before the customary trek to our relative’s homes, my mother would prepare homemade macaroni (we called them cavatis). It was a rare, delicious treat. Many Italian families served lentil soup New Years Day as an offering to the Fates for a good year. I can’t remember my family observing this ritual; but it didn’t bother me because, even today, I don’t like lentils. I realize that other cultures and ethnic groups have other New Years Day traditions; but I didn’t learn about them until I was older. Of course,
Larry Grimaldi is a freelance writer from North Providence. Larry and his wife Kathy are co-authors of “Wandering Across America,” a chronicle of their cross-country road trip, and “Cooking with Mammie,” a collection of family recipes prepared with their grandchildren. He has also written the column anthologies “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter, Volumes I & II.” Columns reissued in these books are used with the permission of Beacon Communications. For more information, or comments, e-mail lvgrimaldi49@gmail. com or visit fruithillpublishing.my.canva.site
Laura M. Krohn
Reed-Backed BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act Clears Congress
There are currently 25,000 Rhode Islanders living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to Brown University Health, and over 6 million Americans nationwide.
To help states effectively implement dementia interventions such as increasing early detection and diagnosis, reduce risk, and better support caregivers, the U.S. Senate today passed the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act (S.3775). This bipartisan bill, spearheaded by U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and cosponsored by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, reauthorizes the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (P.L.115-406) and empowers public health departments across the country to implement effective dementia interventions in their communities.
The measure passed the U.S. House of Representatives in September, and now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
“Getting this bill across the finish line is a win for the 25,000 Rhode Islanders living with Alzheimer’s, their adult children who work tirelessly as unpaid family caregivers, and for the health and economic needs of the next generation too. We must continue the progress we’ve made against Alzheimer’s. We’ve got to find better treatments for Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The federal government must do its part to reduce risk, detect early symptoms, and advance care while lifting the burden on unpaid caregivers,” said Senator Reed, who is also a cosponsor of the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Act.
One in three older Americans dies with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s As-
sociation.
Since the original BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act passed in 2018, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has been awarded $3.4 million in BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act grants from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RIDOH has used the federal BOLD grant funds to help to implement effective Alzheimer’s interventions, including boosting early detection and diagnosis, reducing risk, and preventing avoidable hospitalizations.
Earlier this year, Senator Reed helped pass the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Act and the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA), which President Joe Biden signed into law.
Alzheimer’s costs the United States $360 billion per year, including $231 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, up $15 billion over the previous year
As a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Senator Reed helped provide a $275 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease research in the fiscal year 2025 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related Agencies Appropriations bill. In 2019, NIH awarded Brown University researchers, along with Boston-based Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL), over $53 million in federal research funds to lead a nationwide effort to improve health care and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as their caregivers.
GIVE THE GIFT OF
Save for retirement now, get a tax credit later:
Saver’s Credit can help low-and moderate-income taxpayers save more in 2025
YOUR TAXES
by MEG CHEVALIER
IRS/SPEC
The Internal Revenue Service reminds low-and-moderate-income taxpayers that they can save for retirement now and possibly earn a tax credit in 2025 and future years.
The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, also known as the Saver’s Credit, helps taxpayers offset a portion of the first $2,000 ($4,000 if married filing jointly) they voluntarily contribute to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), 401(k) plans and similar workplace retirement programs.
The credit also helps eligible persons with a disability who are the designated beneficiary of an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account and contributes to that account. For more information about ABLE accounts, see Publication 907, Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities, on IRS.gov.
The maximum Saver’s Credit is $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples). The credit can increase a taxpayer’s refund or reduce the tax owed but is affected by other deductions and credits. Rollover contributions do not qualify for the credit, and distributions from a retirement plan or ABLE account reduce the contribution amount used to figure the credit.
Who is eligible?
Taxpayers can use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool for the Saver’s Credit on IRS.gov to determine their eligibility. A taxpayer is eligible for the credit if they’re:0
• Age 18 or older,
• Not claimed as a dependent on another person’s return, and
• Not a full-time student.
Furthermore, the Saver’s Credit can be claimed by:
• Married couples filing jointly with adjusted gross incomes up to $76,500.
• Heads of household with adjusted gross incomes up to $57,375.
• Married individuals filing separately and singles with adjusted gross incomes up to $38,250.
• Qualified surviving spouse filers.
Contribution deadlines
Individuals with IRAs have until April 15, 2025 - the due date for filing their 2024 returnto set up a new IRA or add money to an existing IRA for 2024. Both Roth and traditional IRAs qualify.
Individuals with workplace retirement plans still have time to make qualifying retirement contributions and possibly get the Saver’s Credit on their 2024 tax return. Contributions to workplace retirement plans must be made by December 31 to a:
• 401(k) plan.
• 403(b) plan for employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations.
• Governmental 457 plan for state or local government employees.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for federal employees.
Please. visit the Saver’s Credit page on IRS.gov to learn about rules, contributions rates and credit limits.
Recognizing Signs of Aging During the Holidays
Tis the season when families come together frequently to attend parties and celebrations through the new year. It’s important to take advantage of this opportunity to observe any concerning signs of aging in our elder loved ones.
It’s normal for loved ones to experience some changes as they age and early intervention can make a huge difference; improving their quality of life, preventing further decline, and giving families peace of mind. Seeking professional help early could reduce the risk of serious health issues down the road.
Here are a few common signs:
Changes in Behavior
Is your loved one acting differently? Do they seem confused at times? Maybe they’re agitated by simple questions or requests. Perhaps they’re acting more distant or aloof. Pay attention to any mood changes while you spend time together over the holidays.
Any of these symptoms may indicate underlying concerns, from memory loss to issues with their physical health. It may be time to check in with a healthcare professional for an assessment.
Differences in Appearance
Does your loved one seem to be paying less attention to their clothing or hygiene? Have you noticed changes in weight or grooming?
They may be facing challenges due to mobility limitations, cognitive challenges, or depression. If a decline in these areas continues, it may be a sign that assistance is needed.
Lack of Organization in the Home
Are there stacks of unopened mail or piles of papers spread around your loved one’s home? Are there signs of clutter or a lack of basic upkeep around the house?
They may be overwhelmed by the tasks needed to maintain their living environment. Rather than let the situation worsen, help find ways to manage these everyday duties.
Medication Mismanagement
Taking medications consistently can be a challenge for any of us, but it is even more critical for seniors and older adults. It’s important to pay attention to whether they’re taking the right dose on the prescribed schedule.
While you spend time with elder loved ones this holiday, be on the lookout for warning signs like expired medications or mismatched pill counts and ask them about their routine and whether they are comfortable with the process.
Seeking Help
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to seek assistance. Contact a Care Navigator at Saint Elizabeth Community. They’ll listen to your concerns and help point you in the right direction so that you and your loved one access the services you need. A Care Navigator can connect you with local healthcare providers and offer resources for home care or mental health support.
For more information or assistance, visit stelizabethcommunity.org
Steps to Take After a Dementia Diagnosis
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be challenging. You may not know what to expect or what to do next.
Use this checklist to get started:
Learn about dementia so you can better understand your condition.
See your doctor as recommended.
Find local services and resources, such as support groups.
Make legal, financial, and long-term plans.
Make changes to your home, such as adding nonslip rugs, so tasks will be easier and safer.
Join a clinical trial to help advance dementia research.
To learn more about clinical research and other steps you can take after a dementia diagnosis, visit www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers-next-steps
Holiday Champagne
1part champagne, chilled 1 part cranberry juice, chilled Fresh cranberries, for garnish
Dulce de Leche
Crème Brûlée
with Burnt Orange Sugar
(Makes 6 servings)
2 cans (12 fluid ounces each)
Evaporated Milk
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon thawed orange juice concentrate
2 pinches ground cayenne pepper
PREHEAT oven to 325º F. Place six 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups in 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
PLACE evaporated milk, brown sugar and granulated sugar in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes or until sugars are dissolved. Beat eggs and egg yolks in medium bowl; gradually whisk milk mixture into eggs. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into ramekins. Fill baking pan with hot water to 1-inch depth. Loosely cover pan with foil.
BAKE for 65 to 70 minutes or until gently set in the center. Remove to wire rack to cool slightly. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
PREHEAT broiler. Combine granulated sugar, concentrate and cayenne pepper in small bowl. Sprinkle each crème brûlee with heaping teaspoon of mixture. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes or until mixture has melted and caramelized (turned brown). Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until topping hardens.
Give the Gift of p lants
GARDENING
by CHARLIE NARDOZZI
It’s the holiday season, and for the gardener in the family the gift of choice often is a holiday plant. Over the years I’ve given and received my share of poinsettias, amaryllis, and Christmas cacti as gifts this time of year. While these colorful indoor plants are standards, this year why not push the envelope a bit when buying a holiday plant.
Here are some unusual holiday plants that should be available at your local garden center or florist shop.
Miniature Roses. These diminutive roses produce flowers for weeks in a wide range of colors on plants that grow 5 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety. Even though they won’t flower all winter without artificial lighting, they are worth saving until spring. Keep the plants humid by periodically misting the foliage and placing pots on pebble trays filled with water. In spring move them outdoors and they’ll flower all summer.
Edible Plants. The holidays are known for eating. Why not contribute to the food parade by giving a gift of a perennial herb, such as rosemary, or an attractive edible, such as dwarf peppers? Rosemary plants grow best in bright light. Mist them periodically throughout the winter and water just enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Once the threat of frost has passed in spring, transplant rosemary into a window box, container, or herb garden.
Ornamental Christmas peppers, such as ‘Riot’, grow on compact 1-foot-tall plants that feature yellow, orange, and red edible fruits. In spring when the fruits have dried up, cut back the plant dramatically and plant it outdoors. Water and fertilize it well and it will revive to flower and fruit again.
Moth Orchid. One of the trendiest houseplants is a moth orchid (Phalaenopsis). This is the easiest type of orchid to grow indoors. There are many different colors of flowers, and the plants only require bright, indirect light and normal room temperatures to thrive. The flowers can last for months -- much longer than poinsettia or Christmas cactus blooms. Christmas Rose. Christmas rose (Hellebore) is a perennial flower that’s more commonly found in garden centers than in florist shops. Some selections do bloom around Christmas, but even if it’s not in flower when you give this gift, the dark green foliage makes it a handsome choice. As soon as the ground thaws, plant your hellebore in a partly shaded spot on well-drained soil and your holiday gift will be enjoyed for years.
Orchid Cactus. While Christmas cactus is a common holiday gift plant, there’s another type of cactus that’s even more flamboyant. The orchid cactus (Epiphyllum) is related to the Christmas cactus (neither are true cacti) and grows in similar conditions; however, these plants produce large, flat, fleshy leaves and huge flowers. Although they may not be in bloom at the holidays (they tend to bloom later in winter and spring), these easy-to-grow plants will still wow your friends with the 6-inch-long, colorful, orchid-shaped blooms.
Charlie Nardozzi, a nationally recognized garden writer, book author, speaker and radio and television personality, has appeared on HGTV, PBS and Discovery Channel television networks.
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Linda DiChristofaro, EnchantAway Travel
BY JENNIFER COATES
If you know Linda DiChristofaro, you know that she is not only friendly and enthusiastic, she is also a planner. She loves to pour over details. She loves to gather information and discover deals. She loves to dive deep into her research so that she gets the best results. No one has higher expectations for these best results than Linda herself.
If there is anything that Linda loves to plan most of all, it is vacations — specifically Disney Adventure vacations! Linda and her husband Jeff have traveled as a couple and with their family of three children (now young adults!) on many Disney adventures and so when Linda began a “second career” last year, she knew that all those experiences would give her an extra edge for her clients. Today, Linda is a talented Travel Consultant, helping to make her clients’ dreams of unforgettable vacations a reality.
Though Disney Adventures — from trips to Disney resorts to their multidestination ocean and river cruises — are her specialty, Linda’s vacation planning extends far beyond Disney.
As a Travel Consultant with EnchantAway Travel, she has forged close partnerships with the popular cruise lines Royal Caribbean and Norwegian as well as Universal Studios and Disney’s National Geographic expeditions, to name a few. Linda has jumped headfirst into her passion for travel and into helping others experience the joy of seeing the world. There are many advantages to working with travel consultant Linda DiChristofaro.
Linda begins planning by gathering some simple information: what is your vision/ dream of your vacation? What is your timeframe? Your budget? The size of your party? Then the fun begins — but with much better results than you could ever find with an
internet search. Linda’s skill and experience allow her clients to see the entire breadth of options and special deals available to them. She is also an advocate who takes all the stress and hassle out of making your vacation plans come to life. Linda is available via phone call or email, or personal visit if you
prefer. You will be her priority, from start to finish! The best part of working with Linda is that her services are free to her clients! Linda’s compensation comes from the agencies who hire her as a travel consultant. They know that her clients trust her to find the best deals, to held them navigate all the options and to
inspire them to return to their “magical destinations” time and time again.
If you are ready to plan a honeymoon destination, a family vacation over school break, a romantic anniversary getaway or the trip of a lifetime, give Linda DiChristofaro a call, email or text. She will always go the extra mile for you.
Travel Consultant Linda DiChristofaro can be reached at 401-304-5490 or via email at linda.dichristofaro@ EnchantAway.com. Follow her active social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram (linda_enchantaway) or visit her website at www. magicalvacationsbylinda.com.
Linda DiChristofaro of EnchantAway Travel, seen here
will take you around the world and back. Let Linda take the hassle
The holiday season wouldn’t be the same without decorations, which go a long way toward establishing the festive atmosphere that dominates the month of December.
Injuries and accidents may be the furthest thing from people’s minds when decorating for the holidays, but the potential for such outcomes is there. This season, holiday celebrants are urged to keep these safety strategies in mind as they deck the halls.
• Choose a fresh tree if you’re going the natural route. Some people prefer natural Christmas trees because of their scent and additional characteristics. While it’s alright to choose a natural tree, the Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that many artificial trees are fire-resistant, which makes them a good deal safer than natural trees. The CPSC urges individuals who opt for a natural tree to check for signs of freshness before making their decision. Such signs include a tree that is green, fresh needles that are difficult to pull from branches and do not break when bent between the
Decorate safely this holiday season
Stockings hung by a chimney may seem idyllic, but such decorations can pose a significant safety hazard. Here are some tips to help you and your family be festive and safe.
fingers, and a trunk that is sticky with resin. In addition, when bounced on the ground, a fresh tree will not shed too many needles One that does is dried out, which poses a significant safety hazard inside a home.
• Inspect lights before decorating. Holiday lights are another staple of the season, but these, too, can pose a safety hazard. The CPSC recommends inspecting both new and old lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and/or loose connections. Discard any damaged lights. When hanging lights outside, make sure they are fastened securely to trees, a house or other structures to protect against wind damage. In addition, the CPSC recommends using no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Electric lights should never be used on a metallic tree, and all lights should be turned off at night before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Be especially cautious with candles. Electric candles may not provide the same ambiance as more traditional alternatives, but they are a safer option when decorating for
the holidays. If using traditional candles, make sure they are never placed on or near natural trees and keep them away from flammable materials, including wrapping paper and other decorations, at all times. Candles should always be extinguished when leaving a room.
• Exercise extreme caution around the fireplace. A freshly lit fire can establish a warm and welcoming holiday ambiance. However, it’s essential that individuals emphasize extreme caution around the fireplace. Remove all decorations, such as stockings, from the area surrounding the fireplace. The CPSC also notes the importance of keeping a screen before the fireplace whenever a fire is burning.
Decorations help make the holiday season special. Some simple safety precautions can ensure such decorations don’t increase the risk for accidents and injuries.
FINLEY
When my wife and I were renting an apartment in Providence, we met a handsome, scrappy little stray cat with bright orange fur. We started to feed him and would let him inside to sleep or to get out of the rain/snow. Neither of us ever planned on having a cat but when we found ourselves buying our home in West Warwick, we agreed we could never leave him behind. Now he stays indoors where he’s safe (he used to fight quite a bit with other animals when he lived outside on his own). He’s still a rambunctious little dude, and super playful, but is perfectly well behaved. We call him the man of the house and love him more than anything. He’s part of our little family, the greatest guy ever.
Loving Companion of Lauren Starnino
PoP Your WaY to a CozY H Part
Pop Your Way to Holiday Fun
Holiday celebrations tend to bring out everyone’s best and brightest, and this year you can pair the sparkle and magic of the season with the heartwarming comfort of cozy foods. Eye-catching decor boasting holiday reds, greens and golds becomes even more inviting when complemented by favorite wintery snacks that enhance the holiday spirit.
Spend a snowy afternoon nestled in a warm kitchen with your little ones making these Festive Popcorn Trees, which offer the best of both worlds. These charming, edible trees allow you time together while encouraging creativity as your kids decorate their own popcorn masterpieces, adding a whimsical touch to your holiday table.
Popcorn, a beloved snack throughout the year, serves as a delightful and versatile addition to festive gatherings. Its irresistible flavor not only satisfies cravings but also evokes heartwarming memories of shared moments with loved ones – whether it’s the joy of crafting popcorn garlands, creating homemade ornaments or enjoying it alongside other seasonal snacks. Embrace the traditions that bring family and friends closer, all while indulging in the wholesome goodness of popcorn.
Find more ways to pop up a cozy holiday celebration at popcorn.org.
Must-Haves for a Comforting Holiday Snack Bar
Lighten the load of holiday hosting this year with a serve-yourself snack bar that allows guests to personalize their plates with favorite cozy season hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
n Popped popcorn
n Popcorn toppings (spices, seasonings, cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, Parmesan cheese)
n Baked brie (or other cheeses)
n Individually wrapped chocolates
n Crackers
n Pretzels
n Nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews)
n Marshmallows
n Cinnamon sticks
n Candy canes
n Sugar cookies
n Hot chocolate
n Hot tea
n Seasonal punch
to a CozY HolidaY Part Y
SALVATION PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father I know that you love me even though I have broken your laws. I have heartfelt sorrow for my sins and I ask that you forgive my sins and direct my life. I believe Jesus shed his blood and died for my sins, was buried and was bodily raised to life on the third day. I ask Jesus to be my Savior and my Lord. I pray in the NAME of JESUS, Your Beloved Precious Eternal SON. Amen.
10 cups air-popped popcorn
1 bag (10 ounces) miniature marshmallows
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract nonstick cooking spray green decorating sugar blue decorating sugar
1 tube white frosting with decorating tip
assorted small colorful candies, such as sprinkles miniature silver dragees sugar cookies, for serving (optional) shredded coconut, for serving (optional)
Place popcorn in large bowl.
In medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stir marshmallows and butter until marshmallows are
melted and
Stir in vanilla extract.
Pour mixture over popcorn in bowl. Toss well coat popcorn evenly.
Line baking sheet with foil. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray then scoop about 1 cup popcorn mixture. Shape mixture into cone, keeping base flat. This forms one tree. Sprinkle tree with green and blue decorating sugars; place tree on baking sheet. Repeat to make additional trees.
Pipe frosting on trees to make garland then decorate with colorful candies and miniature silver dragees.
Serving suggestion: Place each tree on sugar cookie, if desired, and decorate serving tray with shredded coconut to resemble snow.
Tips: Start the recipe with unflavored white popcorn for best color and flavor. Make colored sugar by adding food coloring to sugar then stirring in bowl or shaking vigorously in sealed container. Add more food coloring for more intense tones.
Festive Popcorn Trees Yield: 10 trees
mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
Real Estate Transactions
Real Estate Transactions
38 Woodland Ave Three Finger Remodeling L Mcgrady, Heather and Mcgrady, Carol A 11/20
400 Sctituate Ave Lot B12 Claire H Peltier T and Peltier, Claire H Bedetta, Steven and Bedetta, Debra
Ellison St Nunez, Walli J and Nunez, Jackeline M Pietrantozzi, Nicholas A 11/22
8 Blue Gentian Rd Devona, James C Estrada, Oscar L and Estrada, Jennifer 11/25
91 Armington St Kaminski, Emily S Griffith, David and Melone, Georgina 11/21
95 AmyDr Ross, Andrew T and Peixoto, Bianca N Forte, Stephen J and Forte, Rathana C 11/25
EAST GREENWICH
15 Signal Ridge Way MustaRd John F and Dicarlo, Lisa Robbins, Callan D 11/21
20 King PhilipLn Bates, Marissa and Franqui, Alexander Fratiello, Mark and Fratiello, Amy 11/22 $489,000
5 SparrowLn Aksoy, Doendue O and Aksoy, Oezguer Cassisi, Antonio 11/22
EXETER
37 Cedar GroveDr Andrews, Christopher G and Andrews, Erin L Gaimundo, Nathan 11/25 $530,000
JOHNSTON
109 Brown Ave Ung, Meng and Ung, Menglu J Akbas, Camilla and Tedesco, Nikolas F 11/27
1185 Central Ave Montella Jr, Michael A and Montella, Kayla Aldana, Arnoldo R and Aldana, Norma A 11/27
19 FreedomCt Novatel LLC Sanchez, Jose B and Santana, Fady J 12/2
22 GesmondiDr Elliott, Jennifer H and Petraca Jr, Robert V Rego, Michael E and Rego, Leinni 12/3
32 Syndey Rose Ct Lot 32 George A Brown T and Brown, Karen C Karen C Brown T and Brown, Karen C 12/2
39 LincolnDr Rhodes, Brian F and Rhodes, Sandra P Toun, Sopheap and Sengpradichit, Alyssa
682 Greenville Ave M&a Family Realty LLC We Dig Investments LLC
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14 Tillinghast Ave Audette, Deborah A and Audette, William J Gw Rlty Inc
White Ave John Antonio Lt and Antonio, John Erricola, Anthony R
168 Underwood Ave Delosantos, Rafael Reyes, Josefina A and Antigua, Amy R
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2 Edgehill Rd Smith, Christine M Zambrana, Randolph and Farmer-Zambrana, Jeanne 11/22
200 Horse Neck Rd Big O Invest LLC Velasquez, Brian 11/20
200 Horse Neck Rd Lot 486, Big O Invest LLC Velasquez, Brian
217 Castle Rocks Rd Dellaporta, Lisa M and Christofaro, Mark A Scotto, Arthur R and Scotto, Dawn E
25 Farnum Rd Berg Ft and Berg, Maurice C Parlato, Craig S and Parlato, Kimberly A 11/22
305 Castle Rocks Rd Paredes, Diego A and Rios, Andrea D Disegna, Kayla
332 Vineyard Rd Knorr, Juergen Alvarado, Carlos A 11/21
430 Beach Ave Pettigrew, Naomi J Clark, Deborah L and Clark, Michael E
49 Naples Ave Ciacciarelli Relt and Ciacciarelli, Joseph A Delvecchio, Nicholas A and Grossi, Gianna K
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4 Simple Steps to Wrapping Presents Like a Pro
(Family Features) Opening presents on Christmas morning is the highlight of the holidays for many, but getting the gifts ready to put under the tree can be a real chore.
Get those perfect presents ready for the big day with this simple step-by-step wrapping guide:
1. Gather Your Materials
Having everything prepared beforehand can make the wrapping process smoother and more enjoyable. Before you start wrapping, gather wrapping paper, scissors, tape, bows, ribbons and gift tags. If you want to go beyond traditional methods, use fabric instead of paper for a reusable and eco-friendly option. Also be sure to clear a nice, flat surface to work on whether that’s the kitchen table or the living room floor.
2. Measure and Cut Gift Wrap
To ensure your gifts look professionally packaged, measure and cut the appropriate amount of wrapping paper for each gift. Place the gift box (or item itself) in the center of the wrapping paper and pull the paper up around the sides to see how much you need. Once you’ve measured, use scissors to cut neatly for a clean, polished look.
3. Fold Crisp Edges and Smooth Surfaces
Start by folding one side of the wrapping paper over the gift and secure it with tape. Then repeat with the opposite side, ensuring the paper is smooth across the surface of the package. For the edges, fold in the sides and create a triangle at each corner. Fold the
triangle up against the side of the gift and secure it with tape. Repeat this process on the other side.
4. Add Bows, Ribbons and Tags
Once your gifts are wrapped, add the finishing touches. Bows, ribbons and tags can add a personal touch and elevate the presentation of gifts. Choose ribbon that complements the wrapping paper and tie it around the gift in a neat bow, or simply attach a premade bow to accent the package. You can also decorate the wrapping paper with stamps, drawings or stickers for a personalized touch. Finally, attach gift tags to ensure each present gets to the proper recipient.
Find more tips and tricks to simplify the holidays at eLivingtoday.com.
Job Market
CLEANERS: 1st & 2nd Shift, 20-25 hours per week, Monday-Saturday. $15/hour. Must have valid Driver’s License, reliable vehicle and clean BCI. Great job for retirees! Call 301-1162.
CARPET CLEANING TECHNICIAN/ TRAINEES: $700+/Week. Valid Driver’s License. BCI required. Call Joe, 258-9648. TEAM LEADER NEEDED: Online business. Great side hustle. Call 649-2244.
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.
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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.
K.C. FENCE CO.: There’s no job too big or too small... We do them all! Specializing in all types of fencing. In business for over 40 years. RI Reg. #15748. Insured. 397-5076.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
MOFFITT & ASSOCIATES, LLC.: Financial Services and Investments, Retirement Planning and 401K rollovers. www.moffittassociates.com 1260 Main St. (Rte. 117), Coventry (401) 828-0097.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
LEWIS & CLARKE ENTERPRISES, INC.: New homes, additions, garages, kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, roofs, and repairs. 345-3227. RI Reg. #5646. PEST CONTROL
WINFIELD TERMITE & PEST CONTROL: All your pest needs. 821-7800.
KENT COUNTY PEST CONTROL, LLC: Residential and Commercial. Certified in Industrial, Structural and Health Related Pest Control. 100% Guaranteed. 401-569-0212.
PLUMBING & HEATING
JOHN P. KEOGH PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING: Electric sewer rooter service. Master Plumber Lic. #1881. 401-862-8810.
POWER WASHING
THOR’S
HappyHolidays
22) Disruptive family disputes need to be settled so that everyone can move on. Avoid assuming this burden alone, though. Ask — no, demand help with this problem.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
Impatience with those who don’t keep up with you can cause resistance, which, in turn, can lead to more delays. It’s best to be helpful and supportive if you want good results.
257 the ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Don’t be sheepish about asking more questions before making a major decision at your workplace. Meanwhile, your personal relationships continue to improve.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A surprise announcement from a colleague could put you on the defense. Gather your facts and respond. You’ll soon find the situation shifting in your favor.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might be rushed into renewing an old, cold relationship. But do you really want a reheated romance when there’s a chance to warm up with someone new?
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) The time spent away from a project pays off with a new awareness of options that you hadn’t considered before. Weigh them carefully before deciding which to choose.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A project might not be bringing you the results you’d hoped it would by now. But stay with it -- things will soon begin to turn around.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Patience is called for as you await word on an important workplace situation. A personal circumstance, however, could benefit by your taking immediate action.
The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry, will once again hold Bingo on Wednesdays from 1:30-4PM. The cost is $6 for 8 games. Please note that prizes have gone up as well as adding an additional Special & Quickie. You must be 18 years or older to play.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A budding personal relationship continues to develop. Things also improve in your career, although some problems still need close attention.
1. “You’re the One That I Want” was used in which musical film?
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Don’t lose confidence in yourself. Those doubters are likely to back off if you demand that they show solid proof as to why they think your ideas won’t work.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A temporary setback might cause some unsettling moments for the usually sure-footed Goat. But keep going! The path ahead gets easier as you move forward.
2. Name the all-girl group that released “I Met Him on a Sunday.”
3. Which artist released “The Wanderer”?
4. Who released “People Got to Be Free”?
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Someone tells you something that could lead you to rethink your plans for the holidays. Get the full story before you make a decision.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Consider confronting a personal conflict while there’s still time to work things out. A delay can cause more problems. A longtime colleague might offer to mediate.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Some emerging matters could impede the Lion’s progress in completing an important project. Best advice: Deal with them now before they can create costly delays.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A financial matter that had you in a dither is finally being sorted out as more facts become available. A perplexing personal matter also clears up.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your aspect continues to favor an expanding vista. This could be a good time to make a career move, and taking an out-of-town job could be a good way to do it.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Mercury is finally stationing direct in your sign after a few weeks in retrograde. This will give you motivation to take care of any outstanding tasks before the holidays.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) There’s welcome news from the workplace. There could also be good news involving a relationship that has long held a special meaning for you.
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Sometimes the love rhymes that fill that afternoon, Lose all their meaning with the rising moon.”
Flashback Answers:
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Allowing a misunderstanding to go unchallenged could jeopardize the plans you’ve made for the upcoming holidays. Clear the air now.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You still might need to cut some lingering ties to a situation that no longer has the appeal it once held. In the meantime, you can start to explore other opportunities.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
LEO (July 23 to August 22) You face a slew of new tasks at home and work. So, as much as you love being a social Lion, be careful not to overdo it at those preholiday parties.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Unexpected news could cause some minor adjustments in your holiday planning. Defer a decision about a financial matter until you have more facts.
BORN THIS WEEK: Your sense of what’s right can inspire others if you remember not to push too hard to make your case. Moderation works best for you. © 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) While you should be open to suggestions on how to plan for the holidays, you should also be firm in saying “no” to anything you disagree with.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Get out from under all those holiday preparations and immerse yourself in a world of music. You’ll soon feel refreshed, revived -- maybe even reborn!
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
1. “Grease,” in 1978. The duet was performed by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. The song hadn’t been used in the stage version of the musical and was written especially for the film. More recently the song was used in the superhero film “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
2. The Shirelles, in 1958. The four friends formed a group and wrote the song before performing in their high school talent show.
3. Dion, in 1961. He recorded the song as a b-side single, but it became the more popular of the two songs.
4. The Rascals, in 1968.
5. “Do You Wanna Make Love,” by Peter McCann, in 1977. McCann was well known as a songwriter, producing chart-topping music for a long list of artists across the genres, including pop and country, and was active for decades lobbying for the rights of songwriters.
(c) 2024 King Features Syndicate
FUN FACT:
Alaska is the farthest west AND the farthest east U.S. state (because the Aleutian Island chain extends across the 180th meridian.)
COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER WEDNESDAY BINGO
