5 minute read
Musings
What We Miss
BY FRANCINE FULTON
A girlfriend of mine recently related a story about her son’s friend. The two teenagers were playing video games at her house when she told them to finish up at about a quarter after 6 because they would be eating dinner.
Her son’s friend seemed puzzled by the phrase. She later learned that terms like a quarter after, half-past 6 and 10 minutes to 5 were completely foreign to him. Apparently, he could only read time from a digital clock. So, he recognized 6:15 p.m. but not a quarter after 6.
A teenager not appreciating the subtleties of telling time got me to thinking. What else do youths of today not know about? A list quickly came to mind, including vinyl records and record players, payphones, foldable maps kept in the glove compartment, beepers, telephone books, Myspace, dial-up internet, CB radios, VCR players and unlocking a car with a key.
Yes, technology has greatly improved our quality of life. It has made everything so much easier, from shopping and getting an education to working at home and enjoying music and entertainment. But there is nothing like writing a letter - not an email - but actually getting out pen
m e
and paper. It is also a simple pleasure to read a book borrowed from the library, not one that is downloaded onto a device.
Here are some other traditions I miss.
Sunday drives. Growing up, my family did not have a lot of money, so we found free or inexpensive things to do. On Sundays, we always took a long drive. This was generally followed by getting ice cream at a local dairy that had a large pond, where we fed the ducks stale bread that we had brought from home. My dad also loved going to the local airport near our house, where we watched the small planes take off and land. He had such a fascination with airplanes, and I am so glad that, before he passed away, we were able to take him to a real air show, where we got the see the Blue Angels and much more.
Going to the record/video store. When our favorite group came out with a new album, we could not wait for a trip to the record store. So many bands and singers prided themselves on having the most creative artwork on the album cover, which is now a lost art. We also enjoyed trips to the video stores, like Blockbuster, where there were hundreds of movies on VHS to choose from. We argued about the titles, but eventually settled on one or two movies to take home. And, of course, we always rewound them in the VCR player when we were done watching them. “Be Kind, Rewind.”
Playing outdoors. A lot of youths today spend a good deal of time on their phones and tablets. We did not have devices. Instead, we played outside. A wide-open field was turned into a baseball diamond or a place to play football, soccer or kickball. When we were younger, we played hopscotch, jacks and tag. Our games were simple. If it rained, we played checkers or built houses of cards.
Many families, including ours, fight hard to keep traditions alive and to make our own traditions as well. And although that dairy is now a fitness center and there are no more ducks on the pond, my family and I can still go on a Sunday drive back to the airport and watch the planes take off and land.
Ho
Feel at Home With Us At-Home Vaccinations Available
Live as independently as you like in a warm and caring Personal Care community.
Delicious, home-cooked meals 24-hour support with professional oversight Beautiful outdoor surroundings to explore Quality services in a faith-based community Please call Sarah today about immediate availability: 717.929.8108, ext. 105.
567 Springville Road | New Holland, PA 17543 | WelshMountainHome.org
R071488
As part of its effort to ensure every eligible Chester County resident who chooses to have a COVID-19 vaccine is able to receive one, the Chester County Health Department has partnered with local emergency medical services (EMS) agencies to schedule at-home vaccine appointments for those who are unable to attend a vaccine clinic.
Through the partnership, advanced emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are deployed to administer either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine to individuals in their home setting. Caregivers for the individuals are also offered the vaccine, if needed.
Health officials identified individuals throughout Chester County who would benefit from receiving the COVID-19 vaccination at home through lists provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Chester County Department of Aging Services, and self-identification of the need. All individuals were contacted to confirm their need, and appointments were scheduled to administer the vaccine.
The county’s at-home vaccine program began in late March, and as of May 10, 232 first-dose vaccines had been completed in Chester County, covering all individuals identified as needing a vaccine in the home setting. On average, each EMS agency team covered 10 at-home appointments a day, given the travel time and the time needed to remain with the individual after administering the vaccine. The partnership with the local EMS agencies spanned all areas of Chester County, and the at-home vaccinations will continue as long as needed.
Additional Chester County EMS agencies that were providing at-home vaccinations as of May 10 include Berwyn Fire Company EMS and Event Medical Staffing Solutions (EMSS). Agencies that planned to participate at a later date are Longwood Fire Company EMS, West End EMS of Phoenixville and TowerDIRECT.
Any Chester County resident in need of an athome vaccine appointment should call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225.
Perennials at Blooming Tails
Competitive Prices! 182 S Poole Forge Rd., Narvon, PA 17555 (between Rts. 23 & 322) 717-445-9508 • Over 100
Perennial Varieties • Geraniums • Petunias • Hanging Baskets • Planters • Succulents • Vegetable Plants • Strawberry Plants • Cactus
ROUTE 10 ROADSIDE MARKET
A full line grocery with meat, cheese, bulk items & baked goods
Hanging Flowering Baskets
Gift Planters 4” Pots of Flowers
Fresh Spring Produce
Strawberries, Rhubarb, Radishes, Spinach, Salad Mix, Scallions, Spring Garlic, Cucumbers & Asparagus
