Forever Young October 2020

OCTOBER 2020 |

FREE

V

Western New York’s FREE Monthly Magazine For Adults 50+, With More Than 85,000 Readers

E NOW! T O

We Salute You Honoring Veterans across Western New York

Planning for the holidays | WNY Heroes | Watkins Glen getaway

Burning Feet?

Electric Shocks?

Pain & Numbness?

Pins & Needles?

Creepy Crawlies?

Are you experiencing sharp pain in your back, legs or buttocks? Do you have difficulty sitting or sleeping and experience cramping, weakness, tingling, numbness, balance issues?

FREE Seminar Wed., October 21st & Wed., November 18th

1pm

Limited seating Call to reserve your space today!

Seminars are in-office Masks are required for admission

You Might Have

NEUROPATHY

You may be experiencing symptoms of

SCIATICA

Sciatica will affect up to 50% of people at some point in their life. It is often the result of the aging process, STENOSIS, disc bulges/herniations or trauma to the spine which can cause the soft tissue and bones in the spine to harden or grow excessively. These changes may inflame muscles, narrow and put pressure on the spinal nerve roots causing symptoms described above. Sciatica is seen in any age group but most often greatly affects adults older than age 50. Other causes include piriformis syndrome. Prolonged pain without treatment could even lead to NEUROPATHY. We utilize a completely NEW TREATMENT PROTOCOL that may eliminate most if not all your pain and symptoms. It’s safe, FDA approved and highly effective for most people.

If you have had or want to avoid surgery, drugs or injections or have tried other therapies with little or no relief, then Call NOW to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our doctors to see if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Live your life again without pain, numbness, or medications with our NATURAL SOLUTION TO PAIN RELIEF! Our protocol is evidence based and researched backed, reducing the symptoms of neuropathy up to 90%. Some causes of neuropathy are due to, Diabetes, Restless legs, drug induced neuropathy, Stenosis, chemotherapy, and Idiopathic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects nearly 20 million Americans. It usually begins in the feet and lower legs, but over time can advance into the hands and fingers. Until now the only treatment has been pain medications that are now becoming part of the opioid crisis, and in many cases simply do not help. We have utilized a completely NEW TREATMENT protocol, addressing the roots of neuropathy. Our procedures are safe and effective for all. Call NOW to schedule your free evaluation and consultation (normally $249) to see how we have revolutionized neuropathy treatment today.

WE CAN HELP YOU!!

State-of-the-Art Non-Physical Contact Therapies Dr Chrisitan Milioto • Dr. Kevin Nightingale Dr. Mate Tarr

716-650-7246 4415 Union Rd., Buffalo, NY 14225 www.buffalopainrelief.com Serving Buffalo and Surrounding Areas

SEPTEMBER 2020

Niagara air base

12

Trace your roots

18

Finger Lakes retreat

18

On the cover: The Hispanic and Latino Memorial at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park Monuments Garden Photo by Nick Vitello

Home & Garden 5

Your Questions Answered........................ Carol Ann Harlos

Let's Talk About...

7

Planning Ahead for Holidays......................Judith A. Rucki

Features: Honoring Our Troops 12 Niagara Falls Air Reserve...............................Ed Adamczyk 14 Veteran Monuments........................................Ed Adamczyk 16 WNY Heroes....................................................Daniel Meyer

Genealogy 18 Family History Month.................... Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits

LAST CHANCE!

Getaways

Fill out our annual FY Faves reader survey (page 11) in print or online by 10/31 and be eligible to win dinner for two and more!

20 Watkins Glen.................................... Christine A. Smyczynski

Being Well 22 Natural Pain Relief...................................... Catherine Stack

Vote online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/FYFaves2020

Ever y Issue: Resources 3 | Crossword 4 | Bingo Buzz 8 | Classifieds 24 | Noteworthy 25

Senior Housing Designed With You in Mind!

COLONIAL MEADOWS

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 1 BRs for Seniors 62 & up

716-884-7791 TDD 711

WOODLAND PLACE APTS.

4791 William St., Depew 668-9534

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2136 Baseline Rd., Grand Island 773-2416

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JULIANNA APTS.

ISLANDVIEW APTS.  Studios / 1 BRs for Seniors 62 & Up

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SENECA WOODS

TRUE BETHEL ESTATES

 1 BRs for Seniors 62 & Up

 1 BRs for Seniors 62 & Up

245 Indian Church Rd., West Seneca 825-7200

871 E. Ferry St., Buffalo 322-1282

 Income limits apply.  Non-senior households must include at least one adult with a disability.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Making memories

OUR 32ND YEAR 1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103 Buffalo, NY 14207 Phone 716.783.9119 Fax 716.783.9983 www.foreveryoungwny.com

PUBLISHER

Barbara E. Macks Editor-In-Chief............................................................................Elizabeth Licata elicata@foreveryoungwny.com

Editor......................................................................... Wendy Guild Swearingen wswearingen@foreveryoungwny.com

Creative Director..................................................................... Jean-Pierre Thimot Lead Designer............................................................................ Nicholas Vitello Senior Graphic Designers.......... Josh Flanigan, Kim Miers, Adam Van Schoonhoven

Director of Advertising............................................................. Barbara E. Macks

bmacks@foreveryoungwny.com Director of Audience Development & Sales Coordinator.................... Robin Lenhard Senior Account Executives..................................... Mary Beth Holly, Keren Green, Caroline Kunze, Robin Lenhard National Ad Director...................................................................... Terri Downey

Administrative & Finance Director..............................................Michele Ferguson Classifieds Sales............................................................................... Robin Kurss

BUFFALO SPREE PUBLISHING, INC.

President & CEO....................................................................... Sharon C. Levite Publisher/Chief Revenue Officer............................................... Barbara E. Macks Associate Publisher/Editor-In-Chief............................................... Elizabeth Licata Vice President/Administrative & Finance.....................................Michele Ferguson Corporate Counsel....................................................... Timothy M. O’Mara, Esq.

Western New York has a proud history of honoring the local women and men who have served and are currently serving in every branch of the United States military.

From museums to monuments to programs benefitting veterans and their families, we acknowledge the sacrifices members of the armed services make, and we appreciate their selflessness and dedication to protecting our country and building democracy.

You can find evidence throughout the region; in this issue, we take a look at monuments to US soldiers lost, a nonprofit working to help out military families, and Niagara County's largest employer, the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Summer is but a fading memory, and it's time to start thinking about holiday plans. If you normally take kids trick-or-treating, travel for holidays, or have people visit your house, how will your plans change in this anything-but-normal year? We have some suggestions for making get-togethers safe, meaningful, and enjoyable for all.

Never miss a Forever Young!

Subscribe for $12/year!

Call 716-972-2238 or fill out and mail in the subscription form on page 10.

Speaking of enjoyable trips, see our story on a Finger Lakes day trip to Watkins Glen for an easy and beautiful fall getaway.

October 31 is the final day that we are accepting Forever Young Faves ballots online or through the mail, so be sure to fill it out and make your vote count. Remember to write in at least twenty categories in order to be eligible for prizes like car washes, history tours, and dinner for two.

Take care,

Wendy Guild Swearingen Editor

Forever Young is published monthly, with an annual Senior Directory. Copyright ©2020 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. 1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207 and is open Mon.–Fri. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. The entire contents of Forever Young are copyrighted 2020 by Buffalo Spree Publishing, Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. All rights reserved. Display advertising information and rates may be obtained by calling (716) 783-9119 ext 2250. For home delivery by mail, send check or money order for $12.00 payable to Forever Young. Standard mail postage paid at Buffalo, NY 14207. POSTMASTER send change of address to Forever Young, 1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207. Manuscripts and free calendar listings should be sent to the editor (wswearingen@foreveryoungwny.com) at 1738 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self addressed, stamped envelope of adequate size and strength. The publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertising message or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the paper.

This publication is a member of the North American Mature Publishers Association.

Membership in NAMPA includes verification of member’s print & circulation totals.

2

www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

The Vietnam War Memorial at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park Monuments Garden Photo by Ed Adamczyk

FOREVER YOUNG *OCTOBER RESOURCES *PLEASE CONTACT EVENT/PROGRAM ORGANIZERS TO CONFIRM INFORMATION PROVIDED Do you have an event or resource to list? Email it to wswearingen@buffalospree.com Buffalo MEDITATION El Buen Amigo, 114 Elmwood Ave. Free every Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Meditation unites with creative arts and pain management. Practitioner Sondra Holland welcomes people of all ages. Wear comfortable clothes. For information, Sondra: 947-5092; store: 885-6343 Online LAUGHTER WELLNESS Come as you are, just bring your laughter!

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Brighton FREE. Visit www.facebook.com/Buffalo-Laughers for information.

Online ELDER LAW SESSIONS Erie County Department of Senior Services presents free online Webex seminars about legal issue affecting seniors Wednesdays at 10 a.m. www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/ index.php?q=elder-law-sessions Gowanda HEALTHY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE Activities open to the public age 50+, (no residency requirements), Concord Senior Center, 1 School Street, Gowanda; for schedule, visit communityalliance.org; 532-1010

Niagara Falls SENIOR C O M PA N I O N / F O S T E R GRANDPARENT PROGRAM Looking for seniors who enjoy working with their peers or children.

Volunteers receive a tax-free stipend, transportation assistance, and supplemental insurance coverage while volunteering. If you are 55+ and want to make a difference, call 285-8224 Jennifer Britton (ext. 217) for Senior Companions and Kelly Carr (ext. 228) for Foster Grandparents Williamsville MEDICARE EDUCATION PROGRAM offers complimentary services through the WNY Medicare Resource Center.

Appointments encouraged, 833-0252 Buffalo HEADWAY SUPPORT GROUPS For individuals who have sustained brain injuries, their families, and caregivers; exchange information and resources, and find mutual support and encouragement. Info: 408-3100 or headwayofwny.org

Southtowns NEW HORIZONS MUSIC Calling all musicians 50+ interested in music. For info, email Janet Stout at 354janet@gmail.com and visit newhorizonsmusic.org.

Hamburg ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP for males; call 626-0600 or visit alz.org/ wnyc for info.

Depew BREAST CANCER NETWORK OF WNY Call 706-0060 or visit bcnwny.org for more information.

West Seneca AMANA GARDEN CLUB OF WEST SENECA, is welcoming new members interested in gardening, floral arrangement, and more. For mor information, contact Marie: 884-8543 Williamsville MCGUIRE GROUP MEMORY CARE SUPPORT: Coordinated with the Alzheimer’s Association, with caregiving tips and coping mechanisms. Info: 632-3700 or mcguiregroup.com

Buffalo LGBTQ MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVERS PROGRAM: The Pride Center of WNY offers support and education for people providing care for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias. For information: 8527743 or pridecenterwny.org Online NIAGARA FALLS SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB, An active 50+ crowd. for Find info on FaceBook: SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB or call 550-1232 TOPS CLUBS Take Off Pounds Sensibly Clubs offer tools, programs, support, fellowship, and recognition for healthy living and weight management.

Akron For information call Diane 5424980 Cheektowaga For information, call Karen at 247-2334 Cheektowaga TOPS #391 For information, call MaryAnn 895-4414 Farnham For information, call 934-9619 Tonawanda Meetings 6 p.m. at Zion Church of Christ, 15 Koenig Cir. For information, call 693-5161

Advertorial

Senior Housing Designed with You in Mind!

BY LINDA, SITE MANAGER When talking to families of potential residents, especially those moving from a place where they have lived for many years, I stress patience. Moving into an apartment is a process and most people are not very happy at first; they have a mess all around them…..and their kids who insisted they move, have left for their own homes. Slowly things get unpacked and they settle in…..meet neighbors, attend Tuesday Bingo or start walking with the morning group and suddenly they realize: they are happy! The burdens of lawn care, snow removal, home repairs, etc. are gone and all they need to do is live their lives. That’s when they stop by my office and say, “This is the

best move I ever made, I should have done it sooner.”

Patience, kindness and don’t mind showing someone how to open the mailbox a few more times, we’re with settled, satisfied residents with a vested interest in the complex who are fiercely loyal and very willing to do whatever is needed to maintain their “home”. Not only are we providing people with decent housing; we are keeping them independent as long as possible.

716-884-7791 TDD 711 October 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 3

CROSSWORD 15. Himalayan kingdom

45. Vietnam river

20. Relating to genes

49. Lennon's widow

22. Unit of electrical resistance

51. *Celebrant's bagful

24. Boo-boo wrap

54. Lament for the dead

25. *Next spring's flowers

56. Artist's tripod

26. To the left, on a boat

57. Exchange for money

27. Safari hat

58. Greek muse of history

29. Fonzie: "Sit ____ ____!"

59. Before Kong

31. Top of the Capitol

60. Any time now

32. *Fall bounty

61. #70 Across, alt. sp.

33. Prenatal test, for short

62. Biblical paradise

34. *Pumpkin garden

63. Stink to high heaven

36. Not far

64. Broadband access overseer

38. Big rig

66. Unidentified John

42. Stitch again

THEME: FALL FUN ACROSS 1. Domenikos Theotokopoulos, a.k.a.

El _____ 6. Org. striving to attain "the highest possible level of health" for all 9. Faculty member, for short 13. Rekindled 14. Western omelet ingredient 15. Trailblazer Daniel 16. Not a minor 17. Spud bud 18. Nonsense 19. *Colorful autumn attraction 21. *Popular fall decor item, pl.

23. Leave speechless 24. Thailand money 25. Belfry dweller

52. Fifth note 53. Genuflecting joint 55. "____ he drove out of sight..."

57. *Back to what?

60. *____ weather 64. Cell dweller 65. Tokyo, pre-1868 67. Out of the way 68. Be needy 69. Sticky stuff 70. Conical dwelling 71. Heidi's shoe 72. Asian capital 73. Move furtively

28. Dwarf buffalo

DOWN

30. Eccentric one

1. Famous Steffi

35. 2nd word in fairytale?

2. Do over

37. Overnight lodgings

3. Twelfth month of Jewish year

39. Marilyn Monroe's given name

4. Locomotive hair

40. Between a trot and a gallop

5. Canadian capital

41. *Pressed beverage

6. Cry of glee

43. ____ Blanc

7. *Wagon "cushion"

44. Type of saltwater fish

8. Last letter, to Homer

46. Like a broken horse

9. Standard's partner

47. Larger-than-life

10. Crucifix

48. Sound setup

11. Change for a five

50. "CliffsNotes," e.g.

12. Funny Poehler's funny friend

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www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

The solution for this month’s puzzle can be found on page 24.

HOME & GARDEN

Your Questions Answered T

he people who read this column have sent me some great questions. Thank you!

CAROL ANN HARLOS From Joan: “I water my garden deeply, but the soil in some places has developed terrible cracks. What am I doing wrong?”

Joan, you are possibly not doing anything wrong. I would bet two things: one, that you have clay soil and two, that you seldom break up the surface of the soil. If you take a shovel and dig into this soil it probably is moist underneath. It is only the surface that is dry. This is because we had a very hot summer. I find this sometimes happens in areas where plants are not closely planted together. Closer planting reduces evaporation from the surface. If you did not water deeply, you know what to do! I also suggest adding compost or other organic material to the soil.

From Audrey: “My roses were absolutely beautiful in June. Then there were very few flowers for most of the

summer. Should I have fed them again?

They don't look sick, nice and green actually.”

Audrey, I don't know what you fed your roses earlier in the season. If you did, what kind of food did you use?

If your rose bushes looked very green sent out lots of shoots and leaves but no flowers, it is possible that they were fed a product that was too high in nitrogen. Are they getting enough sun?

Enough water? Six to eight hours of sun is ideal.

From Donna: “I hope you won't laugh or think I am crazy, but this year, zucchini plants came up in our garden. We didn't plant them! We were thrilled. They produced zucchini! We sliced some and used them raw as part

of a salad. They tasted rather bitter. We all developed digestive issues. Could this be from the zucchini or something else?”

Sometimes zucchini has a bitter taste; this means that you shouldn't eat it. The bitter taste is caused by a high level of cucurbitacins which are toxic to people. It was a very hot summer and stress tends to encourage the production of this chemical in the fruit (yes, zucchini is botanically a fruit). It is not a good idea to eat the fruit of “volunteers” that come up in the garden from members of the squash family (squashes, cucumbers, pumpkins).

This problem happens rarely when you purchase zucchini, because growers try to grow varieties that are low in this chemical. I am happy you are all feeling better! FY I love hearing from you: caharlos@ verizon.net

From Susan: “I have zonal geraniums in pots. They were gorgeous until late August then they simply stopped blooming. What happened?”

I emailed Susan and asked her if the geraniums were growing alone or with other plants. She answered that she had sweet potato vines in the pots as well.

I use zonal geraniums in our flower boxes. Sweet potato vines are lovely, but I consider them to be thugs in a container. At the end of the season, you can see this for yourself if you remove the plants. Sweet potato vines take up space, water, and nutrition. (You may find the sweet potato tubers when you dig up the plants by the way.) It is necessary to feed your geraniums if they are to continue to flower. Also, they don't like ninety-degree weather.

Sometimes, even when grown alone, they will stop flowering in the heat and begin to flower again in September.

October 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 5

LET’S TALK ABOUT...

Planning Ahead for Holidays

BY JUDITH A. RUCKI

I

t’s not unusual to see Halloween candy on display in August. By the time October rolls around, holiday decorations are hitting the stores. It’s only a matter of time before Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny team up to hand out Valentines.

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www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

In all seriousness, holidays will likely look different this year. Ask families how they will be celebrating, and you get myriad answers.

A survey done on behalf of the Confectioners Association found that 74 percent of millennial mothers and young parents said Halloween is more important than ever this year.

While fewer people plan to hand out candy, retailers expect purchases to be strong. Consumers still buy candy as a personal treat, and home and office candy bowls tend to be stocked.

Families may not be eager to take children out for trick or treat. Socially distant events, family movie nights and celebrating within social “pods” may replace going door-to-door.

Check out townandcountrymag. com for some clever ideas and tips for celebrating, such as: watch a spooky movie, visit a pumpkin patch, carve jack-o’-lanterns, take a drive or hike, bake Halloween-themed cookies, host a Zoom Halloween party, and craft a Halloween playlist.

Thanksgiving may be more oldfashioned this year for several reasons.

In past years, stores were racing to see who could kick off holiday shopping first. This year, retailers foresee a weak demand for some goods. Economists say inventory at stores could be limited and may sell out early. Several major retailers have already decided not to open on Thanksgiving. Gobbling down dinner and racing to get bargains may not be on the agenda. And that can be a good thing.

Families can be more relaxed if they don’t feel pressured to shop until they drop the moment stores fling open their doors. Relax and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. As of this writing, it’s on, although it will be different. Sources say some of the parade will be virtual, and there might be some small in-person pieces. But in some way, the tradition will be kept. It also looks like football remains on the agenda.

For those who are celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Channukah, or other holidays, family gatherings may need to be altered. We have to weigh what is more difficult—being without loved ones or carrying on

LET’S TALK ABOUT... as normal. It makes it easier when we remind ourselves that one of the best ways to protect our families and communities is to stay home.

As quoted in The Atlantic, Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, says, “We know that the biggest risk of spread for this virus is when meaningful numbers of people gather indoors for any extended period of time.” A family dinner could turn into a super spreader event. Jha adds that having people over for even a short amount of time seems unwise.

Some folks plan to drop off food and gifts. That may not feel festive, but it’s safer than gathering.

More than 100 million Americans typically travel during the holiday season. While CNN says to expect 31 million fewer travelers this year, tens of millions will still take to the skies or the road. For those who insist on traveling, there are a few things they can do to make it less risky.

Consider driving instead of flying.

If flying, check which flights are

minimizing on-board crowding.

Travel during off times, like mornings or Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

When arriving at your destination, quarantine for fourteen days. (This may be easier said than done.)

Remember to wear a mask and social distance.

Families and friends need to use common sense. If you can’t agree on how to manage a group of people, it might be better to have a virtual holiday dinner.

In the meantime, you may want to start new family traditions or adapt some old ones. Sit down and write cards or notes to your loved ones. Revive the family newsletter.

Bake your favorite holiday treats.

Decorate your home, even if only the immediate family will see it.

Consider a video call to sing carols.

Check out the Hallmark Channel to see which movies can help get you into the spirit.

Remember that holidays are what we make them. While we may not be

happy about doing things differently, we can make an effort to stay calm, plan in advance, and keep the spirit of the season alive.

This includes using our best judgment and making adjustments

to keep each other safe. Caring for each other is the best gift of all.

Now, on to 2021! FY Judith A. Rucki is a public relations consultant and freelance writer.

Advertorial

Back Pain, Leg Pain, Neuropathy WNY Pain and Integrative Wellness Center Offers Unique Treatments Without Surgery or Medication

BY DR. CHRISTIAN MILIOTO

Dr. Milioto, what do you offer at your center? We offer the most advanced nonsurgical, non-drug induced care in the region for those suffering from acute (new) or chronic (old) pain or discomfort in the spine or in the extremities, often referred to as peripheral neuropathy. We focus on providing “patient centered care,” which requires in-depth consultations to understand our patients’ needs. Understanding each patient’s unique history and difficulties they face helps us to provide an individual treatment plan that addresses their pain or discomfort.

What conditions and symptoms do you treat? We treat conditions related to the spine and various types of neuropathy. Most of our patients are between the ages of 50 and 85. Some are close to 100! This is because most of these symptoms and conditions are experienced later in life. Symptoms our patients report are numbness, burning,

tingling in the back, legs, and feet, sharp pain, or restless legs. Often their symptoms are worse in the early morning or late at night, making it difficult to get in and out of bed or even start their day. They have difficulty with strength, balance, and performing normal daily tasks that many of us take for granted.

What causes various neuropathies?

Neuropathies can be caused by diabetes, medication, radiation, chemotherapy, trauma, or degeneration of the spine or joints. Sometimes there is no known cause for neuropathy, yet patients experience numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet, sensitivity to hot or cold, pins and needles, or uncomfortable feelings or sensations in the palms of their hands or soles of their feet.

How do you treat these conditions and how long does it last? Our treatments focus on healing and long term pain relief, and

are not a temporary fix. This involves one to three treatments at each visit that focus on damaged nerves, joints, muscles, and circulation to eliminate pain and symptoms in the shortest time possible. Treatments are customized to each patient’s needs. There are no negative side effects often associated with drugs or surgery. Instead, patients experience relaxation and pain relief.

How do I schedule a free personal consultation or reserve a seminar seat to learn more? Visit wwwbuffalopainrelief.com, where you can sign up for a seminar, ask for a free personal consultation, read our patient reviews, and learn about our technologies. Call me directly at 716-650-PAIN (7246). Seminars fill up quickly due to COVID rules and regulations. Register for our next seminar taking place on Wednesday September 16 at 1:00 pm at 4415 Union Rd in Cheektowaga.

October 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 7

Bingo Calendar VALLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 93 Leddy, Buffalo 7:30 p.m...................................... 823-4707 MATTHEW GLAB POST 1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna 7:30 p.m..................................... 825-3733 HAMBURG–KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg 7:30 p.m.................. 649-9830/649-4340

TUESDAY

Bingo Calendar All Bingo is likely canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This calendar serves as a placeholder.

MONDAY

AMERICAN LEGION #1322 STEPHEN SIKORA POST 950 Payne Ave., Nort Tonawanda 7:25 p.m...................................... 693-1740 CONGREGATION SHIR SHALOM 4660 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville 7:30 p.m...................................... 633-8877 AMERICAN LEGION MCKEEVER POST 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m...................................... 822-6400 HOLY MOTHER OF THE ROSARY CATHEDRAL Fellowship Hall, 6298 Broadway, Lancaster 11:30 am...................................... 683-7527

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m...................................... 681-7251 AMERICAN LEGION POST 1041 533 Amherst St., Buffalo 7 p.m........................................... 875-9276 AM. LEG. POST NO. 567 3740 N. Buffalo Rd., O. Park 7:30 p.m...................................... 662-9780 ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 7:15 p.m...................................... 836-0011 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m........................................... 549-4389 DOWNTOWN POST NO. 64 A.L. INC. 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m.

AMVETS MEDALLION POST NO. 13 25 Review Pl., Buffalo 7:30 p.m...................................... 874-0559 ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 1 p.m........................................... 876-1038 FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 1 p.m........................................... 681-7251 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m...................................... 873-6716 OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack, Lancaster 7 p.m........................................... 683-6522 WHEATFIELD NO. 1451 6525 Ward Rd., Sanborn 7:25 p.m...................................... 731-4712 GEORGE F. LAMM POST 962 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville 7:30 p.m...................................... 204-2405 RESURRECTION BINGO 130 Como Park Blvd.

7 p.m........................................... 683-3712

HARTLAND VFC 8945 Ridge Rd., Hartland 7:30 p.m.

ARMOR VOL. FIRE CO. 4932 Clark St., Hamburg 7:30 p.m...................................... 649-9821 ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m...................................... 892-0425 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m........................................... 549-4389 B.O.Y.S. ASSOCIATION OF LACKAWANNA VFW, 2909 South Park St., Lackawanna 7:20 p.m...................................... 948-0316

WEDNESDAY

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 4263 St. Francis Dr., Athol Springs 7:30 p.m..................................... 627-2710 SHAWNEE VOL. FIRE COMPANY 3747 Lockport Rd., Sanborn 7:30 p.m. ................................... 731-3666 AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST 1770 S. Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 822-6400 KENMORE K OF C 1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo 1 p.m........................................... 875-5780 FATHER JUSTIN K OF C — SPONSORED BY THE JUSTINETTES 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m...................................... 681-7251

Bingo will be starting again SOON and run FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY!

8

www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

Bingo Calendar FATHER BAKER K OF C at the Matthew Glab Post 1965 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna (on hiatus until 4/22) 825-3733 LANCASTER K OF C 6114 Broadway, Lancaster 11:45 a.m..................................... 684-2901 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 1 & 7 p.m.................................... 549-4389 ST. ALOYSIUS RCC 156 Franklin, Springville 7:30 p.m...................................... 592-2701 ST. AMELIA 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 7:15 p.m...................................... 836-0011 ST. MICHAEL’S BINGO 140 Warsaw, Lackawanna 7:15 p.m...................................... 825-9415

ST. JAMES DEPEW 500 Terrace Blvd., Depew 7:30 p.m.......................................683-2746 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m.......................................873-6716 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m........................................... 549-4389 FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS 1345 Indian Church Rd., West Seneca 7:00 p.m....................................... 674-2374 K OF C MADONNA COUNCIL NO. 2535 755 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda 7:20 p.m.......................................693-5470 VFW COL. WEBER POST 989 2909 South Park Ave., Lackawana 7:30 p.m...................................... 823-9605

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

FATHER JUSTIN K OF C 2735 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 1 p.m............................................ 681-7251 BLESSED TRINITY 317 Leroy Ave., Buffalo 8 p.m........................................... 833-0301 ST. BERNARD’S CHURCH Clinton @ S. Ogden, Buffalo 7:30 p.m...................................... 822-8856 PVT. LEONARD POST 2450 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m...................................... 684-4371

AM. LEG. MCKEEVER POST 1770 South Park Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m..................................... 822-6400 ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m...................................... 876-1038 KENMORE K OF C 1530 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo 7:30 p.m...................................... 875-5780 OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS 4125 Union Rd., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m...................................... 634-3420

(continued)

SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 7 p.m.......................................... 549-4389 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 7:30 p.m...................................... 833-1715 ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7:30 p.m...................................... 873-6716 DALE ASSOCIATION CENT. 33 Ontario St., Lockport 7 p.m........................................... 433-1886 SANBORN VFC 5811 Buffalo St., Sanborn 7:45 p.m...................................... 731-4616 MILLGROVE VFC 11621 Genesee St., Alden 7:45 p.m...................................... 937-7612 GASPORT CHEMICAL HOSE 8412 State St., Gasport 7:30 p.m...................................... 772-7751 OUR LADY OF PERP. HELP 115 O’Connell St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m...................................... 852-2671 ST. PHILIP THE APOSTLE 950 Lossen Rd., Cheektowaga 7:00 p.m...................................... 668-8370

SATURDAY ST. AMELIA’S RCC 2999 Eggert Rd., Tonawanda 1 p.m........................................... 836-0011

ASSUMPTION PARISH 435 Amherst St., Buffalo 7:30 p.m...................................... 876-1038 BLESSED TRINITY 317 Leroy Ave., Buffalo 8 p.m........................................... 833-0301 CARINAL O'HARA HIGH SCHOOL 39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda 7:30 p.m........................... 695-2600 x326 ST. JOHN XXIII 1 Arcade St., W. Seneca 7 p.m........................................... 823-1090 INFANT OF PRAGUE 921 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 7:15 p.m...................................... 634-3660 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA 157 Cleveland Dr., Cheektowaga 1 p.m........................................... 833-1715 OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack, Lancaster 7 p.m. (1st Sat.).......................... 683-6522 SENECA GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT 11099 Route 5, Irving 1 & 7 p.m.................................... 549-4389 ST. ANDREW CHURCH 111 Crocker St., Sloan 7:30 p.m...................................... 892-0425 PALLOTTINE FATHERS 3452 N. Falls Blvd., Wheatfield 7 p.m........................................... 694-4313 SOUTH WILSON VFC 4193 Chestnut Rd., Wilson 7:30 p.m...................................... 751-6079

Advertorial

Network in Aging of WNY Remains Committed To Its Members and the Community When the pandemic hit at the end of the first quarter, many organizations shuttered and were stopped in their tracks. Productivity and meetings halted. The non-profit Network in Aging knew it had to continue to meet, plan and assist even in uncharted waters. “We immediately decided to take all of our meetings virtual,” stated Angie Crawshaw, current president of the NIA. “We couldn’t NOT be there for our over 100 members, they needed us more now then ever.”

Staying true to its mission, the organization successfully launched several new initiates.

A resource/business directory located on its website and accessible to the public that allows a user to locate member agencies that can assist with their specific need. A member only forum to allow members to communicate directly with each other virtually about endless topics of interest. They also created Laura’s

Garden, a memorial page dedicated to those past members who have moved on. Lastly, they knew they needed to honor and recognize those going above and beyond, hence Unsung Heroes was a campaign that featured those dedicated individuals in action serving the community.

The newest campaign being kicked off in conjunction with Healthy Aging Month in September is entitled Life Lessons. They are looking to recognize those who remain positive and focused in all areas of life including the physical, mental, social, spiritual and financial well-being, and ask them “How do they do it? What’s the secret to staying healthy? Being happy? Staying active? Achieving your dreams and aspirations? What advice would you give others?

For more information on the NIA or its current happenings, please visit networkinaging. org or follow on Facebook.

Life Lessons: “I go to the gym twice a day to workout and still cut my own lawn and shovel my own driveaway. When I can‘t get to the gym, I ride my bicycle. I don‘t let any moss grow under my feet.” Donald Dixon, 2020 Niagara County Senior of the Year Photo courtesy of Network in Aging of WNY October 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 9

Advertorial

3 Medicare Mistakes Which one are you making?

FACT: 87% of seniors make 1 of 3 common Medicare Mistakes 1. Driving around town, spending an average of 7 days, to meet with a biased Company employee or Incentivized Agent.

2. Piling ads on the kitchen table, attempting to compare choices accurately at home without qualified help.

3. Unqualified recommendations from friends, family, or volunteers.

COVID-19 HAS CHANGED THE WAY YOU CAN ACCESS MEDICARE HELP THIS YEAR Traditional options are not available. Seniors Centers remain restricted and Health Fairs and Group Meetings have been cancelled.

The WNY Medicare Resource Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the only place offering services to compare all 9 companies in Erie County (50+ plans) in less than 1 hour!

Bingo Calendar CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH 199 Clark St., Buffalo 2 p.m........................................... 896-1050 OUR LADY OF BISTRICA 1619 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna 7:15 p.m...................................... 822-0818 BUFFALO GAY BINGO/ AIDS PLUS FUND OF WNY Westminster Church, 724 Delaware Ave., Buffalo 7 p.m (2nd Sat.)........................... 882-7840

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(continued)

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH 1525 Sheridan Dr., Kenmore 7 p.m........................................... 873-6716 OUR LADY OF POMPEII 129 Laverack, Lancaster 7 p.m........................................... 683-6522 LOCKPORT ELKS LODGE 41 6791 N. Canal Rd., Lockport 7 p.m........................................... 434-2798 PVT. LEONARD POST 2450 Walden, Cheektowaga 7 p.m.........................................684-43710

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I FEEL LIKE IM OUTSMARTING THE INSURANCE COMPANIES! I’m so happy I got an appointment, they fill up fast!

- Linda and Bill W. (Williamsville)

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E

ach year, Forever Young asks readers to vote for some of their favorite things in Western New York. We tally the votes, determine the winners, and announce them in our December issue. Ballots must be received by November 1.

You must fill out at least 20 categories to be eligible for prizes. Simply take the survey online (website below) or mail completed surveys to: Forever Young Faves, 1738 Elmwood Ave., Suite 103, Buffalo, NY 14207

VOTE ONLINE at www.surveymonkey.com/r/FYFaves2020

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FEATURE

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station STORY AND PHOTO BY ED ADAMCZYK

Restored C-119 cargo plane

T

he Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station occupies about 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the city’s commercial airport, and the first thing to know is this: it is not a tourist destination. The base features all the trappings of a serious element of the U.S. Air Force because that’s what it is, and a guard at the entry gate will make that clear to anyone wandering in, in search of photos or airplanes. While it will host the “Thunder of Niagara” air show on June 19 and 20, which features the Air Force’s “Blue Angels” demonstration flying team, it is strictly business, serious business, here.

Anyone who has ever been on a U.S. military base will note the grid pattern of the streets, the gym, the churches, the PX for supplies, and signage on all buildings. Getting lost is an embarrassment on a military base.

It is the home of the 914th Air Refueling Wing, which these days means operation of planes filled with fuel and used to refuel other planes, notably fighter planes, while both are airborne and at high altitude. The 914th traces its lineage to World War II cargo planes which flew “over the hump” of the Himalayan Mountains in the China-IndiaBurma campaigns. Reactivated for the Cuban Missile Crisis of 12

1962, it served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the 1990s, famously flying variants of the massive C-130 cargo plane. It now flies the newer, KC-135 Stratotankers, and a place on a lawn holding three restored “legacy planes” is marked with a spot for a decommissioned C-130.

The Air Station was once Bell Aerospace, where Chuck Yeager tested the Bell X-1A experimental plane before he used it to break the sound barrier. The place has plenty of history, but remains future-forward, and includes The 107th Attack Wing and squadrons of the 101st Cavalry of the New York Air National Guard,

www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

About 3,000 people – federal employees, civilian reservists and contractors -- work at the base, Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Nichols said, making it Niagara County’s largest employer, “ahead of the casino.” He counted the missions of the base – aerial refueling, strategic cargo airlift that can jam 82,000 pounds of anything into a plane, and an air medical evacuation squadron with “a flying ambulance.”

The majority of those on the job are local. While many arrive in planes from all over the country, the workforce is largely from Niagara and Erie Counties.

“There’s not a lot of cycling in and out,” Nichols said of the traditional picture of service

personnel regularly transferring to various bases.

Somehow that makes the Air Station both a hometown employer and a part of a network that stretches around the world and into space. FY Ed Adamczyk is a historian and contributing writer for the Niagara Gazette and Forever Young.

FEATURE

Veteran Monuments Large and Small STORY AND PHOTOS BY ED ADAMCZYK

E

very country honors its veterans with commemorative monuments and other reminders of service, and every community in America can reliably find space for some depiction of appreciation—a list of local war dead, sculptures emblematic of virtue or gratitude—on its public grounds. Western New York has a number of them, in addition to those in cemeteries, and many are remarkable in their simplicity, or their extravagance.

The “Mound in the Meadow,” a raised section of earth near the fourth hole of Delaware Park’s golf course, is actually a mass grave.

It features a simple boulder with a plaque noting the final resting place of 300 “unnamed soldiers of

the War of 1812 who died of camp disease and were buried here.”

More grandiose is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Lafayette Square in downtown Buffalo, a Civil War memento which has survived all the buildings that once

The Hispanic and Latino Memorial at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park Monuments Garden

The veteran's memorial in front of the Municipal Building in Kenmore.

14

www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

surrounded it. The eighty-foot tall pedestal features an oversize “nameless stone lady…emblematic of Buffalo” at the top, with four statues representing the military below. Abraham Lincoln, much of his cabinet, and part of the Gettysburg Address also appear on the work, which has remained essentially unchanged since it was dedicated in 1884.

You can go big or you can

go small with equal esteem for veterans. Kenmore’s is a simple granite monument on the Village Green in front of the Art Modernestyle Municipal Building, a gathering place that once featured a machine gun from a captured German submarine. The slab lists the village’s World War II fallen on one side, with those of Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq-Afghanistan on the other. The Kenmore monument

FEATURE

A Korean War-era fighter plane alongside the veterans' memorial in the Town of Tonawanda

is typical of small but earnest acts of appreciation seen across the country.

The nearby Town of Tonawanda has displayed, since 1959, a Korean War-era fighter plane on a corner of Kenney Field, a recreational park. The plane arrived after Look magazine hinted that military surplus was available for display purposes to any community politely requesting some, which is why a road trip to small towns across the country yields old but respectfully preserved tanks, missiles, and planes at VFW halls,

American Legion posts, or town halls. In 2009 the plane, restored by a local collision company, was joined by a veterans’ memorial highlighted by a seven-foot-tall granite V-shaped sculpture. Flags of the service branches and a walkway of commemorative bricks complete a picture of a community grateful for its residents’ military sacrifices.

At the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, more than a dozen monuments stand on a sidewalk adjacent to the ships on display, a deliberate call to honor not only veterans of particular wars

I Asked For A Companion

but also Latino soldiers, those who returned with PTSD, those who defended Poland in World War II and, soon, the first monument in America honoring Black US soldiers. A different reminder of who offered their lives is on display, every several feet, in the Monuments Garden.

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The Iraq-Afghanistan monument at the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park’s Monuments Garden

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Ed Adamczyk is a historian and contributing writer for the Niagara Gazette and Forever Young.

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FEATURE

WNY Heroes Supporting local veterans in need

BY DANIEL MEYER

W

ith a continued focus on the mission of improving the lives of those who proudly served in the military to help protect our nation, the volunteers who coordinate the activities of WNY Heroes, Inc. regularly make a difference for military veterans throughout Western New York.

The not-for-profit organization assists veterans, members of the armed services, and the spouses and children of deceased veterans by providing financial assistance and easy access to essential services and resources to help support their dayto-day living and sustain the dignity they earned and rightfully deserve.

Founded in 2007, WNY Heroes provides post-combat care to local

residents who are seeking stability in their personal and professional lives by meeting short-term, longterm and strategic goals of veterans and their family members. The organization’s efforts are overseen by an advisory board comprising various business leaders, community stakeholders, and representatives of numerous civic and philanthropic foundations.

Direct monetary assistance to help pay current and past-due bills to “bridge the gap� and relieve the anxiety and stress of fiscal concerns of veterans is one of the tasks WNY Heroes regularly performs.

On average, a disabled veteran waits approximately six months to receive their disability benefits and associated services, a time period often riddled with unnecessary

financial hardships for the veteran and his or her family members.

WNY Heroes also provides veterans and their families with access to personal health and housing needs, family care services, and various other essentials that can include delivering groceries, providing gifts for holidays and

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FEATURE birthdays, and purchasing new school supplies for school-aged children of veterans.

The long-range vision of supporting Western New York’s veterans includes the establishment of a centralized resource that can meet the needs of veterans and their families and provide answers to all of their questions by unique collaboration and cooperation with partnering community organizations throughout the region. Direct support and helping to identify bridge entities that can offer regular physical and mental health check-ups and appointments, legal assistance, and workforce development and career guidance are all part of the strategic structure of the not-for-profit.

WNY Heroes also offers grant programs to veterans and their families who are often referred by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Homeless Center, local VFW posts, and area

veterans service offices. Checks can be written to mortgage companies, landlords, and utility companies in the form of grants that can be renewed once every three years to assist with paying for housing, utilities, food, and holiday/special occasion meals.

Other programs include: • Pawsitive for Heroes to help match eligible veterans who have a documented, combat-related disability (posttraumatic stress, anxiety, hypervigilance) with a therapeutic dog to accompany the veteran at home and work • Operation Backpack to provide children of veterans or those still serving in the military with backpacks full of essential school supplies • Operation Automobile to arrange for donated or currently-owned vehicles to be repaired, refurbished, and

fully serviced and presented to a qualifying veteran at no charge Due to the pandemic, a number of events that provide veterans with networking opportunities, counseling sessions, and other social events have been postponed until further notice. WNY Heroes asks anyone considering making a charitable donation or memorial contribution to any non-profit organization to “stay local” and donate to their organization to help assist veterans who live in the Western New York region. National organizations that assist military veterans use contributions to pay for administrative costs, and a portion of the donation is often spent outside of the area, whereas WNY Heroes allows any donor to specifically earmark how their contribution is to be spent and reassures all donors that 100 percent of the money they provide will be used to directly assist local veterans, current service

members, and the family members of those who served but have since passed away.

To learn more about WNY Heroes, including how you can become a volunteer or make a donation to the not-for-profit organization, visit www.wnyheroes. org or call (716) 630-5020. FY Daniel Meyer is a freelance writer and contributor to Forever Young and Buffalo Spree.

3 COMMON MEDICARE MISTAKES Which one are you making?

WARNING: INFORMATION MAY BE CONTROVERSIAL. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

FACT: 87% of seniors make 1 of 3 common Medicare Mistakes 1. Driving around town, spending an average of 7 days, to meet with a

The WNY Medicare Resource Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the only place offering services to compare all 9 companies in Erie County (50+ plans) in less than 1 hour!

2. Piling ads on the kitchen table, attempting to compare choices

Plus, hundreds of folks, just like you, may be able to lower their total Medicare costs by 50%, after just one visit!

biased Company employee or Incentivized Agent. accurately at home without qualified help.

3. Unqualified recommendations from friends, family, or volunteers.

COVID-19 HAS CHANGED THE WAY YOU CAN ACCESS MEDICARE HELP THIS YEAR Traditional options are not available. Seniors Centers remain restricted and Health Fairs and Group Meetings have been cancelled.

Hear from Linda…

“Medicare is different now from years ago. Companies keep changing their plans every year…who can keep up? It’s confusing and I usually just stay in the same plan as last year. The WNY Medicare Resource Center helped me discover a few places we were over-spending and showed us things that no else has…

I FEEL LIKE IM OUTSMARTING THE INSURANCE COMPANIES! I’m so happy I got an appointment, they fill up fast!

- Linda and Bill W. (Williamsville)

WNY MEDICARE RESOURCE CENTER Buffalo’s most trusted place for Medicare Advice!

Call today 716-833-0252 or visit www.WNYMedicare.org

October 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 17

GENEALOGY

October Is Family History Month

T

o most, October means the start of fall weather, colorful leaves, and anything pumpkin spice. Now, I do enjoy a latte now and then, but I especially look forward to October because it’s Family History Month.

Genealogists have basically adopted the month as our own. In past years, my calendar would be overflowing with seminars and events, but this is anything but a typical year, so I’m sharing some ideas to help you celebrate safely.

1. Get started on your family history research. It’s not difficult or expensive to take the first steps, and the entire process will bring you closer to your living relatives as well as your ancestors. Visit FamilySearch.org to start building your free family tree. As most of us are staying close to home, ask your family to help schedule a Zoom meeting once a month to share your progress. Who doesn’t want an excuse to reach out to family right now?

COLLABORATE. EDUCATE. NETWORK.

Do you need help with a senior related service?

Visit our new searchable business directory at www.networkinaging.org to learn which members can help with a solution!

TO LEARN MORE networkinaging.org LIKE & FOLLOW US! Network in Aging of WNY Network in Aging of WNY Inc.

18

www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

The author's grandparents, Estella and Antonio Rosso, on their wedding day in Italy, 1909 Photo courtesy Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits

2. Plan a local field trip. Make a list of family members’ gravesites and enjoy the weather while you tidy up these monuments to your ancestors’ lives. Or, grab your camera and head out to the house you grew up in, the school your mom attended, or the building where your family worshipped, for example. Add your personal memories, and they will be treasured photos in your family tree.

3. Ask questions and tell stories.

My kids say I repeat myself, and it’s true. But it’s the stories that we repeat that are remembered.

I don’t recall a lot from my childhood, but the stories we

share when we get together are seared into my memory. Ask relatives about their earliest childhood memories or a favorite toy. (Who’s Chatty Cathy?) Tell them about the summer nights you spent lying on the lawn looking at the stars or how your brother convinced you digging to China was possible and you spent the day trying. Nothing is meaningless.

When we’re gone, these will be the stories they share with their own families.

4. Take the time to sort and organize your family photos.

Grab a pencil and add names to the back of the photos with faces you know. Find an unfamiliar

GENEALOGY

CAROL DIPIRRO-STIPKOVITS person? Text a snapshot to your family members. It only takes a generation or two for the ability to recognize the pictured people to be lost. In an afternoon, your photos will be ready for the next generation to enjoy.

5. Dig out those old family recipes. As the Italians say, a tavolo non si invecchia; at the table with good friends and

family, you do not become old.

The food we ate when we were young can take us right back to those wonderful memories around the table with our aunts, uncles, and cousins. This is a great time to enjoy your grandma’s Sunday sauce or your dad’s hot peppers. While you’re at it, send a meal to a friend who may need a little home cooking. Nothing soothes the soul quite like good food.

6. Read a book about your family’s homeland. I recently found a book that detailed an immigrant’s journey from Southern Italy to the United States the year before my Grandfather arrived. I’ve always been grateful for the brave choice he made to give his family a better life but reading about the poverty the subjects of the book escaped and the journey just to reach

Comfort.

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his US-bound ship (thirteen days!) gave his sacrifice even more meaning.

Family History month is all about reconnecting with your family, so start a new October tradition like hosting a marathon of your parents’ favorite movies (or, better yet, pop some popcorn and show the old home movies). Whatever you do, take some time this month to appreciate those who came before you, and you’ll end the month with deeper insights into their lives. FY

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Carol DiPirro-Stipkovits is a National Genealogical Society member, Association of Professional Genealogists member as well as a guest lecturer and freelance writer. She is a Board Member and President of the Niagara County Genealogical Society. Send questions or comments to her at noellasdaughter@ gmail.com.

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GETAWAYS

A Weekend in Watkins Glen the perfect anniversary getaway

The fifty-foot-high Cavern Cascade

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY CHRISTINE A. SMYCZYNSKI

Idlwilde Inn

B

ack in January, when my husband and I started planning a trip for our fortieth anniversary in August, we kicked around several ideas. We ultimately decided on a closer-to-home weekend getaway to Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes region, mainly because our youngest son would be heading off to college in mid-August, and we didn’t want to travel far.

As the year progressed and the the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, a sitting room, enclosed sun porch, and COVID-19 pandemic materialized, we (senecalakewine.com). Note that even an outdoor porch with a view of questioned whether would actually be during the pandemic, some wineries the lake. I swear the room was bigger able to take this trip. We were pleased require advance reservations or have than our first apartment! that by mid-summer, things opened up limited hours, check the websites for That evening, we drove the short in the New York state, allowing for a more information. We also stopped at distance into town for dinner at Seneca safe experience.

Fox Run Winery for a tasting. If you Harbor Station, which overlooks the We started out on a Friday morning; go, be sure to note the unique metal lake. After dinner, we enjoyed a walk our first stop was lunch at Belhurst sculpture at the entrance to this winery. through town, including a stroll along Castle, a luxury hotel that overlooks Our home away from home for the Watkins Glen pier.

Seneca Lake in Geneva. It was a nice the weekend was the Idlwilde Inn The next morning, we enjoyed sunny day, so we were able to enjoy (idlwildeinn.com), a lovely bed and a hearty breakfast while sitting on our meal outdoors on the patio, walk breakfast inside an 1892 Victorian the inn’s wrap-around porch, before around on the grounds, and even enjoy mansion on a hill overlooking Seneca heading to the nearby Watkins Glen a wine tasting at their in-house winery.

Lake. Since it was our anniversary, State Park (https://parks.ny.gov/ (belhurst.com) we reserved room 6, the master suite, parks/142/). Since it was Saturday, we There are thirty wineries along which included a huge four-poster bed, made sure we got to the park before 9 20

www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

a.m., as it tends to get crowded later in the day. The main attraction is the Gorge Trail, which features over 800 stone steps. Due to COVID-19, the trail is one-way from the main entrance to the one mile point, where you then take the Indian Trail along the gorge rim back to the main entrance. The very end of this trail features about 200 steps down to the main entrance; this is the only part of the hike that I felt was really difficult and hard on my arthritic knees.

Hiking boots or sneakers are a must!

We also brought along hiking poles, which were very helpful; the stairs are steep in many spots and there are not many railings. Even though the trail is outdoors, you need to bring a face mask for spots where the trail gets crowded and you can’t socially distance.

There are many scenic vistas along the trail, so be sure to take your time to enjoy the hike, allowing at least three hours to go up and back. You will see nineteen waterfalls along the trail, including the fifty-foot-high Cavern Cascade, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the gorge. The

GETAWAYS

Watkins Glen pier

Rainbow Falls and Triple Cascade

most photographed area of the gorge is Rainbow Falls and Triple Cascade. Use caution as you walk behind Rainbow Falls; the path is narrow, and the rocks are slippery.

After our hike, we drove a short distance to the village of Montour Falls to view the iconic 156-foot-tall Shequaga Falls. Unfortunately, since it

hadn’t rained in a while, the falls was a mere trickle, but it still was interesting to see. A brochure is available that describes a self-guided walking tour of the village’s historic district, if you have the time.

During our time in Watkins Glen, we enjoyed a variety of cuisines, including Thai, barbecue, and Mexican. We had

our anniversary dinner at the Blue Pointe Grille in the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel overlooking the lake.

We didn’t have the opportunity on this trip to “Drive the Glen” at Watkins Glen International Racetrack, where you can drive around the track in your own vehicle. Perhaps on our next visit, when we bring a sportier car and not our SUV! Drive the Glen is available until October 29. (theglen.com).

On our way home, we stopped at Weaver View Farms Amish Country Store in Penn Yan, (weaverviewfarms. com), which has all sorts of handmade quilts, baskets, canned items, and even reasonably priced handmade face masks. All the items sold are made by folks in the local Amish and Mennonite communities.

Our last stop before heading home was the I Love New York Welcome Center on the northern end of Seneca Lake in Geneva. We enjoyed a stroll

along the lake before having lunch at the welcome center and browsing their selection of made in New York State items.

For more information: Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce - Schuyler County Visitor Center 214 North Franklin Street, Watkins Glen Phone: (607) 535-4300 Fax: (607) 535-6243 Toll-Free: (800) 607-4552 (watkinsglenchamber.com) FY Christine A. Smyczynski is a freelance writer and blogger and author of Western New York Explorer’s Guide.

October 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 21

BEING WELL

Natural Strategies for Pain Relief

BY CATHERINE STACK

H

ow many people do you know who are taking ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) on a regular basis? Although this is one of the best over-the-counter pain relievers, regular use will ultimately result in stomach issues such as ulcers and erosions. Even worse are the prescribed narcotics that over time trick you into thinking you still need them and constipating the bejesus out of you—which, in itself, is horribly painful.

Addiction issues are more prevalent than anyone thinks. This is a sad state of affairs in our society today.

For those of you who suffer from joint pain, fibromyalgia, back pain and bulging discs, we must look at what is going in that mouth of yours.

Sugar and foods that easily convert to sugar (high-glycemic) cause inflammation. Foods that aggravate inflammatory conditions include gluten, grains, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, artificial flavors and sweeteners.

22

INFLAMMATION=PAIN .

So, for ninety percent of us, food is the cause as well as the remedy. Sugar is as addicting as heroin. We crave it, we ache for it, and, ultimately, it will take us out. The first warning sign is that we are overweight. Then it’s all downhill from there.

For those of you who are working at cleaning up your diet, taking a walk or bike ride every now and then but are still suffering from chronic pain and would like some relief that

www.foreveryoungwny.com | October 2020

doesn’t have harmful or addicting side effects, listen up. These are some of the best remedies for chronic aches and pains.

Diet I always start here, because you cannot out-supplement the foods you put in your mouth. My favorite anti-inflammatory foods include wild blueberries, asparagus, spinach, cilantro (heavy metal detox), avocado, coconut oil, garlic, ginger,

leafy greens, lemons and limes, fennel, celery, flax seed, walnuts, and pineapple. This is just a very condensed list.

Magnesium Magnesium is one of the best pain remedies for muscle pain and cramping. Low back pain, which is most commonly related to chronic and unknown constipation, is relieved with the help of this multitasking mineral. There are many types of magnesium, so the dosage varies.

For the constipated individual, take more than the recommended dose, and citrate works best. The worst that will happen is a healthy poop. Most people feel great after they empty their colon. Magnesium glycinate works best for back pain, muscle pain, and Restless Leg Syndrome.

Bromelain Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a great natural replacement for harmful medications like aspirin. Recently, the Journal of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine published a research trial that evaluated forty-two osteoarthritis patients with degenerative spine or painful joint conditions. Two 650 mg capsules of bromelain were given to the patients two to three times each day on an empty stomach (depending on whether they had acute or chronic pain) and it was discovered that pain decreased up to sixty percent for acute situations and more than fifty percent for chronic disorders.

Turmeric The healing power of turmeric comes from its active ingredient– curcumin—which lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. In one of many studies, participants with osteoarthritis who took a concentrated form of curcumin had minor signs or symptoms of the disease. At the end of ninety days, they had a fifty-eight percent decrease in pain and stiffness and improved physical function and mobility.

New research suggests that turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory

BEING WELL

and anti-cancer properties and also helps to improve circulation and prevent blood clotting.

You can reap the benefits of turmeric by seasoning your foods with it. Add it to soups or stews, or drink turmeric tea. Taken orally, turmeric can stop arthritis pain throughout the body. If you want to try turmeric as a therapeutic measure, consider a supplement that contains a concentrated form of curcumin.

Devil’s claw Devil’s claw is a South African herb with medicinally active roots. This herb eases muscular tension or pain in the back, shoulders, and neck. A popular treatment for osteoarthritic pain, it may ease rheumatoid arthritis pain as well. Devil’s claw extract is considered safe at the typical dosage of 750 mg (containing 3 percent iridoid glycosides) taken three times

Arnica Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that is best used for acute pain and injury such as that from bumps, bruising, or sprains. It can be taken orally in pellet form or, even better, as a topical cream or tincture applied directly to the injured (not open wound) area.

Arnica has an excellent reputation for accelerating the healing process.

Capsaicin Capsaicin is what gives hot peppers their heat. It manipulates the body’s pain status by hindering pain perception, triggering the release of pain-relieving endorphins, and providing analgesic action.

Commercial capsaicin-containing creams such as Zostrix, Heet, and Capzasin-P are used topically for arthritis and nerve pain. Creams containing .025 percent capsaicin can significantly reduce osteoarthritis pain when applied to joints four times daily. When using topical capsaicin products, be sure to avoid touching your eyes and other sensitive areas such as genitals.

daily. It is also available as tincture Falls. She specializes in colon health (use one teaspoon up to three times and bio-identical hormone replacement daily) and tea. It should not be taken and is also a practicing staff midwife at with blood-thinning medications and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. may not be safe during pregnancy or Her books, Free Yourself from a for young children, nursing mothers, CONSTIPATED Life and PUSH, and individuals with liver or kidney Labor & Delivery from the Inside disease, or digestive system ulcers.

Out are available on amazon.com Most of these remedies will have Visit cathistack.com for more info. you feeling a bit better in one to six weeks of continued use but, unlike ibuprofen, Tylenol, and narcotics, they actually have healing and protective properties. Not to be ignored are also the many tried and true benefits of the healing arts.

COLE • SINATRA • McCARTNEY • CLOONEY • BUBLE • BU • FITZGERALD • PORTER • CONNICK JR. • HO Massage, acupuncture, cold BENNETT laser therapy, chiropractic care, meditation, THE STATION WITH and yoga are all extremely effective PERSONALITY tools when it comes to eliminating painful conditions. My best advice is to try what you are intuitively drawn to. FY Catherine (Cathi) Stack is owner, facilitator and Doctor of Naturopathy at Journey II Health, LLC in Niagara

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TURN TO WECK RADIO NOW, MORE THAN EVER Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to make WECK RADIO your companion on the dial.

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Let WECK’s all-star legendary on air personalities be right next to you, to stop the chaos. Legends in Buffalo like Tom Donahue mornings 6 to 10am, Roger Christian weekdays 10a to 3p, and Bobby O from 3p to 6p. All live and local. And introducing Glen Topolski with Glenn’s Den weeknight evenings from 7p to 9p, including the 70’s at 70 WECK RADIO is also home to Ronnie D’s Polka show every Sunday 8a to 11, and my Elvis Experience Sunday’s 11a to 1p.

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Do you have a story you’d like to share? Drop us a line.

We want to devote space in Forever Young to what matters most: you. Send your story ideas to editor Wendy Guild Swearingen at wswearingen@ foreveryoung.com.

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16 October 3-12 Sardinia Forest Solo Score-O Event

Participants can download a map and complete the course at any time October 3-12. This solo event will be a Score-O event. There will be no on-site event management, so choose a course suitable for your skill and level of fitness.

Sardinia County Forest (11372 Genesee Rd., East Concord; 202-1362, buffalo-orienteering.org)

October 4 SPOOKY SAFARI–Halloween Fun @ Hawk Creek Wildlife 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Jarod Miller and the Columbus Zoo are coming to Hawk Creek for a very special Spooky Safari. Discover rare wildlife from around the globe during this special presentation which includes a rare encounter with a cheetah, sloth, penguin, echidna, and more!

Hawk Creek Wildlife Center (1963 Mill Rd.West Falls; 652-8646, www.hawkcreek.org)

Saturdays, October 3-31 Hamburg Farmers’ Market This traditional agriculture farmers market focuses on food, offering the finest locally cultivated vegetables, nuts and fruits, plants, raised fresh and frozen meats, eggs, honey, wine and hard cider, and so much more.

Hamburg Municipal Lot (30 Buffalo St., Hamburg; 649-7917, southtownsregionalchamber. org/explore-hamburg/farmers-market/)

October 7 Graceful Aging 8-9 a.m.

Learn the about the impact of genetics, the science of “epigenetics,” and the role of lifestyle and environment on aging.

Zoom seminar; 812-9800, shecanbuffalo.com

Oct 16 The 20th Annual Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo Harvest Fest Enjoy this year’s festivities featuring a delicious dinner with wine accompaniment and online auction from the comfort of your own home or office as we celebrate what we’ve accomplished together as a community.

Call 989-2010 or visit HospiceHarvestFest.com for more information.

October 2020 | www.foreveryoungwny.com 25

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Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract offering HMO, HMO-SNP, HMO-POS and PPO plans. Enrollment in Independent Health depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. *A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, please call (716) 635-4900 or 1-800-958-4405 (TTY: 711). Please contact Independent Health for the current open or close status of our Medicare Information Center locations. Appointments are encouraged due to capacity limitations. **Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711). Independent Health complies with applicable Federal civil right laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁 體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-665-1502 (TTY: 711).

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