April 2024 Vermont Courier News

news@vtcouriernews.com REPORTER news@vtcouriernews.com

Brad Sprung GRAPHICS graphics@vtcouriernews.com

Vermont Courier News is owned and published by Vermont Courier News, LLC. No person, organization or party can copy or reproduce the contents on our website and/or magazine or any part of this publication without written consent from the publisher’s and the author of the content, as applicable, The publisher authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work.

The

What do you think?

What are your thoughts about the recent increase in immigration into the United States?

My thoughts is if they’re coming to find a good life for their family and to help out with what’s going on in the US and they’re not just coming to get a free ride, which I don’t think by any means they would, I don’t really have a problem with it to be honest. The world’s over populated as it is, so it’s going to be here or it’s going to be there.

During these long, quiet summer months in Vermont, you may feel bored at the lack of things to do. You may want more excitement in your life, and to be a part of something bigger. If this sounds like you why not try volunteering this summer?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to be involved in your community. In addition to connecting you to your town in general, it helps you find new friends.

Volunteering improves social skills, so people who struggle with that

No, I think it’s a bad thing. These people could be anyone, no one is vetting them. I think it’s great that people want to come to the US but this way is bad. Just letting people in like this is unsafe and I’m afraid about what will happen in our country.

President Trump had the right idea about allowing them in. Joe Biden is in the wrong with this situation, and he’s harming the country

My name is Jeremiah Mendoza Cardenas Sr., United States Military Department of Defense Corporal Under General Milley. Allowing illegal immigration to rape my daughter, nonprofit organization’s self government Ponzi schemes, and white collar targeting innocence people, especially civilians.

can become better at that in an environment where they are around their peers and while assisting making the community a better place.

Giving back to your community has been found to help mental health as well. Studies have found that volunteering can lower stress, anxiety, and anger, as well as make you happier and lessen the symptoms of depression. It also increases self-confidence, especially in young people and older adults.

Interestingly, volunteering can even improve physical health. It can help seniors stay active for longer, and lessen the chances of health

diseases and high blood pressure. Studies have shown that volunteering can also ease chronic pain.

Volunteer work can help your career as well.Listing volunteer work on your resume will be impressive to recruiters, and make you a more appealing choice to employers. It can even help your career while you are volunteering if you choose a field that is connected to your career- you will likely meet others who work in similar industries, and this networking is excellent for improving your reputation and network in your field.

So what sort of field should you choose to

volunteer in? Think about what your interests are, and what you are good at.

If you like animals check out the local animal shelters. If you’d rather help your fellow man, check out some of the Community Services listed on page 5.

Libraries and historical society are fun options if you have in interest in them, and passing along knowledge about the past to the next generation is a great way to connect with those around.

Whatever option you pick, volunteering is a fantastic way to spend your off-time, help your community, and help yourself in the process.

Clifford S. Rodger W. Robert E. Jeremiah C.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

Start planning to view the next solar eclipse in Vermont. Vermont’s location within the 2024 total solar eclipse’s path of totality makes it a good place to take in the wonder and spectacle of this natural event.

Whether you live in Vermont or are visiting to witness this generational spectacle, ensuring everyone can take in this year’s eclipse safely is our top priority.

On April 8, 2024 at 2:14 p.m., a partial solar eclipse will begin, and at 3:26 p.m., a total eclipse will darken Vermont’s daytime sky, lasting about 3 minutes. The phenomenon will continue as a partial eclipse until 4:37 p.m.

Eclipse Etiquette

• Find a Viewing Location –Make sure the place you are planning to watch the eclipse is safe, open, accessible, and welcoming visitors. Plan to arrive ahead of time and bring warm layers of clothing.

• Plan for Lodging and Travel –Lodging and camping opportunities are limited; reserve a place to stay in advance. When traveling, plan your route, use transportation sites for updates, and expect extended delays.

Fill your car with gas ahead of time and pack water and snacks in case you are stuck in traffic for an extended period.

• Be Considerate of Others –Many people will want to visit Vermont to view the eclipse. Make sure to respectfully share spaces with your neighbors. Be kind and enjoy the natural phenomenon.

• Follow Guidelines –Listen to officials and follow posted regulations. Sign up for alerts and follow local social media messaging #VTEclipse. Check local ordinances, fire danger reports, trail access information, and other guidelines.

• Respect Wildlife and Natural Areas –April is a difficult time for Vermont’s wildlife and natural areas. Natural surface trails will be closed because of muddy

COMMUNITY SERVICES

and icy conditions. Stick to valleys and open areas to avoid damaging recreational trails and trampling vegetation. If you encounter wildlife, keep your distance and leave the area.

• Dispose of Waste Properly – High volume events and remote locations may make accessing trash and recycling options challenging. Pack out everything that you pack in, including any garbage.

Observation Safety

The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Ordinary sunglasses, even very

dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun; they transmit far more sunlight than is safe for our eyes.

• Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.

• Always supervise children using solar filters.

• If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on. Put your eclipse glasses on over them, or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.

• Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright Sun. After looking at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the Sun.

• Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.

• Similarly, do not look at the Sun through an unfil-

tered camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer in front of your eyes — the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury.

• Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device; note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.

*Excerpt from https:// eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety.

Help with Jobs, Food Insecurity, Rent, and Utility Costs

In Vermont there are several towns, state and social service agencies ready to help residents with basic needs and more. Help with navigating these sometimes daunting bureaus is also available with an appointment. Following is a partial list of providers, their services and phone numbersand/or web sites. If you are in need, or know someone who is, please avail yourself of these local groups who exist to help.

Barton Area Senior Services

802-525-1000

Food assistance & more

Cambridge Food Shelf

802-644-8911

Food assistance

Danville ECC Food Shelf

802-684-2515

Food assistance

Darling Inn Senior Meals - Lyndonville

802-626-8700

Food assistance

Hardwick Area Food Pantry

802-472-5940

Food assistance

HOPE - Lyndonville

802-626-3228

Food assistance & more

Island Pond Food Shelf

802-723-5037

Food assistance

Johnson Food Shelf

802-635-9003

Food assistance

Kingdom Community Services - St. Johnsbury

802-751-8581

Food assistance & more

Lamoille Community Food Share

802-888-6550

Food assistance

Meals On Wheels of Lamoille County

802-888-5011

Food assistance

Montpelier Christ Church Food Pantry

802-223-3631

Food assistance

Montpelier Senior Meals

802-223-6357

Food assistance

Neighbors in Action/ NEK 802-626-1212

Food assistance & more

Northeast Kingdom Community - Island Pond 802-723-5276

Food assistance & more

Northeast Kingdom

CommunitySt. Johnsbury

802-748-6040

Food assistance & more

Northeast Kingdom

Community - Newport 802-334-7316

Food assistance & more Salvation Army Barre

802-476-5301

Food assistance & more

The Galley Barre Housing

802-479-9175

Food assistance & more United Church of Newport

802-334-6033

Food assistance

HireAbility Vermont

802-863-7500

Helping Vermonters living with disabilities achieve employment.

Helpline

1-800-642-5119

Information & Assistance for Aging Vermonters

Vermont Agency of Human Services

802-241-0440

Disability and Aging Supports, Child and Family Services, Economic Assistance, Housing Stability, Risk Reduction and Community Justice Service, Health and Wellness

Get Help Now 2•1•1 211 functions as a Vermont help and services directory. Find the help. you need.

Documents to bring to your tax preparer

In many parts of the country, April marks a return to warm temperatures, landscapes marked by blooming foliage and perhaps even a colorful flower or two. April also signals tax season, a notion that may elicit different reactions than warmer weather and budding plants, particularly among those who do not anticipate receiving a tax refund.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, the deadline to file a 2023 tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024. Individuals who file more complicated returns or those who simply don’t have the time to file on their own typically look to tax preparation professionals to ensure their returns are filed correctly

and on time. As the tax deadline draws closer, taxpayers who work with tax preparation professionals can make that partnership go more smoothly by ensuring they bring along these necessary documents and details to their appointments.

• Social Security numbers: Individuals who are filing as single or jointly with a spouse will need to list the Social Security numbers of each person on the return. Taxpayers with dependents will need to provide the full names and Social Security numbers of each dependent as well as their own Social Security numbers.

• Identification: A copy of a form of identification, such as a driver’s license

or passport, also must be included in a tax return. The identification confirms a person’s identity and the name on the ID provided must match the name associated with the Social Security number provided.

• Income statements: Tax preparers need a copy of each taxpayer’s W-2 form, which employers must provide by the end of January. Taxpayers with more than one job must provide a W-2 from each employer. Additional income statements, such as forms indicating gambling winnings or retirement account distributions, also must be provided to the tax prep pro. Taxpayers who have such income should contact their tax

preparation pro prior to their appointment to determine which additional income form they need to file.

• Tax deduction documents: Tax deductions save taxpayers money, and taxpayers may be eligible for a range of deductions. For example, homeowners who finance their home purchases with mortgages will receive a 1098 form from their mortgage provider each January. That form is a mortgage interest statement that can help homeowners reduce their tax obligations. Donations, student loan interest payments and college tuition costs are some additional potential deductions. Charities, stu-

dent loan servicing firms and colleges or universities should provide tax deduction documents by the end of January, and taxpayers can turn these forms over to their tax preparation professional so they earn all eligible deductions.

• Receipts: Some expenses are eligible for tax deductions. Taxpayers can contact their tax preparation professional to determine if any medical

bills, business expenses, charitable contributions, or additional expenses are deductible. Receipts may be required, and individuals are urged to hold on to any receipts they might be able to use to earn a tax deduction.

Tax season has arrived, and taxpayers are urged to provide all relevant documents to their tax preparers to ensure their returns are filed correctly and on time.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Blue Hole Appears in the Midst of the Desert Like a Great Blue Gem

(Aqua Negra Chiquita)

Once known as Blue Lake, it is one of seven sister lakes connected undergound by a vast system of water. This wonder defines Santa Rosa even as it seems to defy the surrounding red mesas. Born of a geological phenomenon called the Sant Rosa sink, the place is magic- as water always is in a land of little rain. Nomadic tribes, cowboys driving their dogies cross the Pecos, and Americans going west on the Mother Road, Route 66, all sought re-

spite here.

In 1932, Blue Hole became a Nation fish hatchery, morphed into the Blue Hole Recreation Area in the seventies, and more recently expanded to become the Blue Hole Dive and Conference Center. Not just for divers wanting to get out of the fast lane or divers eager to get on down, it’s more than just a watering hole. Now it’s a destination meeting site for everyone from brides to board chairs. Halfway between Albuquerque

and Amarillo, it’s within two hours’ drive of 80 percent of all New Mexicans.

Still, we never forget that the real sapphire is the incredible beauty of the Blue Hole itself. The lake is unsurpassed for its clear, pure water. That’s why we work so hard to protect it, ensuring, for example, that the surface runoff won’t impair its purity. Like scuba divers who drive ten hours to get here, we know it’s the crystalline water that draws them in. Visi-

bility is an astonishing 100’, due to the fact that the water completely renews itself every six hours- it’s truly never the same lake twice. What doesn’t change is the temperature- a constant 62

degrees, ideal for storing a fine Cabernet or tossing in the kids on a hot summer’s day. Within a few minutes of exiting the interchange, they’ll literally be climbing the walls-the lovely rock surround-

ings of Blue Hole, that is - and jumping in.

The Blue Hole

1085 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435 (575) 472-3763

www.santarosabluehole@gmail.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Safety upgrades for seniors

Many seniors want to spend as long as possible residing in the comforts of their own homes. According to AARP’s 2021 “Home and Community Preferences Survey,” more than threequarters of U.S. adults age 50 and older prefer living at home. But getting older often comes with certain deficits that may not make current living situations the safest for seniors.

are much easier for individuals with arthritis or persons who lack dexterity in their hands. Everything from doorknobs to faucet knobs can be replaced with levers.

Create zero-threshold entryways

Retirement Living reports that an older person is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury nearly once every 10 seconds. Falls cause millions of injuries and 32,000 deaths a year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seniors may be affected by low vision, mobility limitations, cognitive decline, balance issues, and loss of muscle strength. Certain adaptations may be necessary if seniors want to stay in their homes, particularly in older homes that have not recently been renovated.

Change knobs to levers

This is an easy modification. Levers

Zero-threshold entryways, also known as flush entries, do not require crossing a lip or any raised barrier. They can appear on doorways and showers and make it easy for people who have mobility issues, as well as those using scooters, walkers and wheelchairs, to move about unencumbered.

Clear clutter/move obstructions

One inexpensive modification is to remove extraneous furniture and accessories. Such a change widens walking spaces in a room and accommodates walkers and wheelchairs. In addition, furniture can be pushed to the room’s perimeter to make moving around easier. It’s also important to remove area rugs, as they’re often tripping hazards.

Install grab rails and supports

Minimizing falls could come down to providing support in key rooms of a home. Adding grab rails in the bathroom near the toilet and in the shower can help a person use those facilities without assistance. Install a grab rail close to seating in the kitchen to add support.

Consider smart lighting

Motion-activated or darkness-activated lighting switches and fixtures can automatically turn on lights, thereby improving visibility. Also, rocker light switches are easier to maneuver than standard toggles.

Invest in a stairlift

Single-story homes are preferable for growing older gracefully, but many seniors live in multi-story homes. A stairlift makes a multi-floor home more accessible, according to Elder, an eldercare service provider. Stairlifts make it easier to traverse staircases and reduce the risk for falls

These suggestions are just a few of the many home modifications that can help seniors safely age in place.

POLICE/FIRE Suspect caught red-handed at

double-murder crime scene

• March 13th, Cirell Brown, 23, entered a not guilty plead in the Orleans County Court in Newport for two counts of second-degree murder regarding the killing of two 60 year old individuals at their residence on Water Street in Orleans.

• Police relayed that Brown killed the pair using a knife and a baseball bat. Police stated a neighbor called 911 after 5 pm concerned about hearing a break-in and screaming from next door. Upon arrival police found Brown with blood soaked clothing and boots saying, “Why is he not dead?”

• Victims were identified as Steven Luisi, 65, and

Paula Broe, 61, according to a press release from Vermont State Police.

• The victims, in court paperwork, revealed they had growing concerns for Cirell’s mental health but, considered him family. Orleans

County State’s Attorney, Farzana Leyva, stated there are still no answers for his motive for the killings Tuesday.

• Orleans residents are still anxious as the investigations continues in their area.

Cirell

The basics of early-onset Alzheimer’s

The National Institute on Aging defines Alzheimer’s disease as a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and an individual’s ability to think. The majority of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are 60 and older, which can give the impression that the disorder is exclusive to the elderly. However, younger adults are not immune to the disease, and a small percentage of individuals under 60 could be diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. The prevalence of early-onset Alzheimer’s (sometimes referred to as “young-onset Alzheimer’s”) is unknown. However, early-onset Alzheimer’s can affect every aspect of a young person’s life, including their relationships, finances and

ability to live independently. Such consequences underscore the significance of greater recognition of the condition and what it entails.

What is early-onset Alzheimer’s disease?

The experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and it most often affects older individuals.But in rare cases individuals under 60 can develop Alzheimer’s, and Johns Hopkins notes such instances generally affect people in their 40s and 50s. Most types of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease are the same, but cases may be categorized as common or genetic Alzheimer’s.

• Common: Johns Hop-

kins notes that most people with early-onset Alzheimer’s have the common form of the disease, which progresses in much the same way as it does in older individuals.

• Genetic: In rare cases, a young person may be diagnosed with genetic, or familial, Alzheimer’s. The United Kingdom-based Alzheimer’s Society notes that this is caused by genetic mutations that run in families. The risk that this mutation will be passed from parents to children is 50 percent. Individuals who develop genetic Alzheimer’s typically have lengthy family histories of the disease and may know several relatives, in addition to a parent, who were affected at a similar age. What are the risk

RECIPE Of THE MONTH

Taco Pie

factors for early-onset Alzheimer’s?

Though people who develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease are most likely to be diagnosed with the common form of the condition, family history of the disease remains the only known risk factor. What are the symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer’s? The Alzheimer’s Association® notes that health care providers do not generally look for Alzheimer’s in young people, which can make the process of diagnosing the condition long and frustrating. Symptoms are often attributed to other factors, such as stress. However, Johns Hopkins reports that the presence of these symptoms could indicate a person is in the

A taco twist on the savory pie tradition, as flavorful as it is festive! Taco Pie is filled with fatty ground beef seasoned with a traditional Tex-Mex blend of seasonings and spices. Beneath the beef is a buttery, fluffy crust and above it, a topping of cheese: Taco Pie checks every box on the delicious checklist! Whatever toppings you choose, your Taco Pie is a quick dinner that tastes like a slow-cooked delight!

Taco Pie

Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls

1 pound ground beef

1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix

8 ounces Mexican-style cheese blend, shredded

***Optional toppings:***

sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes green onions, avocado, olives

early stages of early-onset Alzheimer’s:

• Forgetting important things, particularly newly learned information or important dates

• Asking for the same information again and again

• Trouble solving basic problems, such as keeping track of bills or following a favorite recipe

• Losing track of the date or time of year

• Losing track of where you are and how you got there

• Trouble with depth perception or other vision problems

• Trouble joining conversations or finding the right

word for something

• Misplacing things and not being able to retrace your steps to find it

• Increasingly poor judgment

• Withdrawal from work and social situations

• Changes in mood a n d p e r s o n a l i t y Symptoms such as memory loss and behaviorial changes, including severe mood swings, are some of the signs that present as early-onset Alzheimer’s progresses. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is a rare disorder. But its effects can be just as significant as forms of the disease that affect older individuals.

Directions

Step 1 Set the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 Cover a round or square cake pan with the crescent dough flat on the bottom. Bake according to package instructions.

Step 3 While your crust is baking in the oven, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stove-top.

Step 4 Cook the beef until it is no longer pink.

Step 5 Add the taco seasoning, stirring to combine.

Step 6 When the crust is done baking, add the beef to the crust and layer with the cheese.

Step 7 Place the pie back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

Step 8 Top with toppings of your choice!

RESTAURANT Colatina Exit

Excellent Cuisine and Relaxing Atmosphere

Mangia bene, vive bene. Eat well, live well. It’s a choice. The Colatina Exit is steeped in time honored tradition and has been serving generations of our communities’ families and visitors since 1971.

Our world famous pizzas are hand-thrown and baked directly on stones at temperatures reaching 600°F, just as they were in Rome 3000 years ago. We pride ourselves on our fresh salads, creative seasonal pasta entrees, fresh seafood, hand-

cut veal, steaks, and home-made desserts. All of our products are hand-made to order using the best local and imported ingredients that we can find.

Giving Back to the Community

It is our privilege to give back to those communities that sustain us. We welcome opportunities to get involved. Fundraisers, school programs, youth sports, and conservation projects are some of the things that we do. We believe strong communities need all members to actually engage. Requests for

in-house fundraising events, food donations, volunteer efforts, or gift certificate donations can be sent to vin@colatinaexit. com.

Certified Green Restaurant

We are one of a handful of certified green restaurants in Vermont. We accomplish this through a driven effort to recycle, com-

post, buy local, and by constantly monitoring our footprint. We believe that small locally-owned businesses are not our past but our future. We encourage everyone to support our socially-responsible, locally-owned, independent businesses, and community-based nonprofits.

Coming soon: Colatina Solar!

The link between physical activity and mortality risk in older adults

A 2022 study led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute found that recreational pursuits that incorporate physical activity, including walking, swimming and playing tennis, may lower older adults’ risk of death from any cause.

That includes cardiovascular disease and cancer, which the World Health Organization notes are two of the leading causes of death across the globe. Running, cycling,swimming, other aerobic exercise, racquet sports, golf, and walking for exercise encompassed the seven different exercise and recreational activities researchers examined as part of the study, which

utilized data from more than 272,000 adults between the ages of 59 and 82. The researchers found that achieving the recommended weekly amount of physical activity through any combination of these activities was associated with a 13 percent lower risk of death from any cause compared to people who did not participate in such activities.

Though all activities were associated with lower risks of death, racquet sports seemingly provided the most bang for seniors’ proverbial bucks, as those activities were associated with a 16 percent lower risk of death.

PET OF THE MONTH

ADOPTION

1589 VT Route 14 South East Montpelier, VT 05651 (802) 476-3811

Info@CentralVermontHumane.org

My Name is Bamm-Bamm I’m an older, loving boy, looking for some understanding and commitment. The humans in my life have had some ups and downs, and I’ve found myself homeless more than once.

I make friends easily (unless you intend to provide medical care - I do not appreciate the attention I get in a vet clinic!) and I especially love folks who want to reward my good behavior with yummy treats! I’m very food motivated, and enjoy my manners training sessions. I’m silly, and love every toy that I’m offered!

Bamm-Bamm has become very dog-selective as he’s aged, and he is definitely not a friend to cats, so he’d prefer a home without other animals, and an adult-only home would be best. His favorite pastimes are playing, sunbathing, and lounging on the couch! His ideal home would be one with a fenced-in yard so he can hang out, sniffing around or sunbathing.

A training consultation with our Behavior Specialist is included in Bamm-Bamm’s $300 adoption fee. Please call the Adoption Center at 802-476-3811, or email info@centralvermonthumane.org, to schedule a time to talk to an adoption counselor about him, and to determine if you should meet Bamm-Bamm.

HELP WANTED

•

Part

Restocking

WORSHIP

What is the ‘good news’?

To explore this opportunity further contact

rtaylor@vtcouriernews.com

“Watch Us Grow”

The term “good news” is often used by Christians in reference to their faith. Good news is at the heart of Christianity, and it has both symbolic and literal meaning in reference to the New Testament.

According to the online biblical reference Bible Odyssey, “good news” is the literal translation of the Greek word “euangelion.” It also can be interchanged with gospel, which is “good spiel” or “godspel,” which means good news. New Testament authors offer that the good news means the salvation and liberation from sin and estrangement from

God. The Apostle Paul summarized the gospel, and in turn the good news, in this way:

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.

Christians believe Christ’s death symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice and paved the way for Jesus’ resur- rection. The death and resurrection — prov- ing that there would be life after death for the faithful — became the core tenet of the Christian faith. Everyone who accepts the gospel and has faith in God will receive salvation in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Easter celebrations are important to Christians because this holiday is the most meaningful on the liturgical calendar. Easter highlights the good news in its most potent form.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Excessively theatrical actors

5. Footwear

10. A way to disfigure

14. Exchange rate

15. Hawaiian wreaths

16. North-central Indian city

17. Bungle

18. Extremely angry

19. A short note of what’s owed

20. Criminal organization

22. Mimic

23. Try to grab

24. U.S.-born individuals

27. Some are covert

30. Order of the British Empire

31. Don’t know when yet

32. Payment (abbr.)

35. Winged angelic being

37. Variety of Chinese

38. A way to be anxious

39. Famed wrestler Hulk

40. Partner to cheese

41. Slang for sergeant

42. Canadian flyers

43. Actress Ryan

44. Highly unpleasant vapor

45. Body part

46. Halfway

47. Cool!

48. Consume

49. Salts

52. Upper bract of a floret of grass

55. Housepet

56. Cavalry-sword

60. Symbol of a nation

61. Frocks

63. Used to carry food

64. Portuguese folk song

65. Sharp mountain ridge

66. Ireland

67. Where golfers begin

68. Greek mythological sorceress

69. Fluid suspensions

CLUES DOWN

1. “Mad Men” leading man

2. Water (Spanish)

3. Annoy

4. Bulgarian capital

5. Japanese title

6. Capital of Zimbabwe

7. Giraffe

8. A mixture of substances

9. Midway between south and southeast

10. Staffs

11. Turkish title

12. Type of acid

13. Thin, flat strip of wood

21. Russian river

23. Ribonucleic acid

25. Partner to flow

26. Airborne (abbr.)

27. Earthy pigment

28. Genus of earless seals

29. “Key to the Highway” bluesman

32. By or in itself

33. Hot fluid below the earth’s surface

34. Partner to trick

36. British Air Aces

37. Ammunition

38. Supervises flying

40. Health care for the aged

41. Flanks

43. Millimeters

44. Where wrestlers perform

46. Not around

47. Flightless bird

49. Bell-shaped flowers of the lily family

50. Expressed concern for

51. Satisfies

52. Flew off!

53. Wings

54. Load a ship

57. Vigor

58. British title

59. Whiskeys

61. __ Adams: founding father

62. Body of wate

Answers to Crossword Puzzle On Page 6

PUZZLE PAGE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Grit and guts will get you what you deserve this week, Aries. You may have an opportunity to make a good deal of money, so give this plan careful consideration. Ask for advice if the need arises.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, there has been change in your life and you may want to blame the stars. Things will move out of your comfort zone and you will have to sharpen your ability to adapt.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, you may be questioning the relationships in your life at the time being, but don’t worry too much. If you hit a rough patch, things will clear up in a few days.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

A big shift in your perception and attitude will bring new components to your life that you may not have anticipated. This week you’ll certainly have a few eyes-wide-open moments.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

There will be no hiding out this week, Leo. You will soon learn that things will come your way at a rapid pace. Do your best to keep up, mighty Lion, as it’s bound to be exciting.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you might be willing to throw caution to the wind and get away on a moment’s notice. There are affordable ways to do this if you are willing to do your homework.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, even though some drama may be swirling in your universe, you find it tolerable because it’s coming at you in small portions. Just stay on the sidelines as much as possible.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, if boredom has set in, it’s better to look to new experiences instead of doing something rash just for the thrill. See which classes you can take or find new restaurants to explore.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Self-care and healing are what you should focus on right now, Sagittarius. You may have been pushing your needs to the side ately and you need to make this a priority.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

You are not normally characterized as “impulsive,” Capricorn. But you may surprise everyone this week. An opportunity to travel or another adventure could drop in your lap.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Try to create some tranquil spaces at home, Aquarius. You can use a haven, especially when a lot of stuff is thrown at you outside your home.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, you may be on a mission this week to get things done. Don’t rush in your efforts to complete everything or you are bound to make mistakes that are not easily fixed.