Vermont Maturity Magazine March-April 2024

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CONTRIBUTING

James Conner Jim Miller

Carolee Duckworth Phyl Newbeck

Ben Durant Nick Thomas

Alicia Fleming Clover Whitham

Dr. Richard Houston Vicky Parra Tebbetts

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Greater Burlington YMCA

by Phyl Newbeck

The Greater Burlington YMCA provides services and support for people at all ages and stages of life. Children as young as eight weeks old can take part in early child care programs, sharing the building with nonagenarians. The Burlington Y has been a part of the community for 157 years, opening their new home, a building at 298 College Street, in January of 2020.

The Y describes itself as “an inclusive, nonprofit organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.” The organization’s goal is to build stronger communities

through Healthy Living and Youth Development programs, but they have a third foundational pillar of Social Responsibility. The principal among the goals of that pillar is to ensure that the Y’s programs are accessible to all members of the greater community.

Senior Vice President Marsha Faryniarz has been with the organization for over four decades. “Among the many things that have kept me here is the joy of seeing how Y and all who make it a special place, have impacted the people in our community,” she said.

The Greater Burlington YMCA prides itself on having a diverse group of programs, all of which have a common goal of strengthening community. Their core

values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and these guide their decision-making process, as well as their behavior and interactions with one another. The Greater Burlington YMCA was founded in 1866, just one year after Burlington was incorporated as a city. Since its inception, the organization has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. According to Doug Bishop, Senior Director of Communications, “the common theme in our work is to strengthen community

and help people become capable, connected, and contributing citizens.”

The Y likes to describe itself as a community crossroads which provides accessible, positive spaces and programs where people can come together and learn from each other. “We have a unique opportunity to serve as a convener and powerful center of community,” Bishop said. The Y wants to provide users with a high quality of life including health and wellness opportunities, friendship, and a sense of belonging and community.

Faryniarz enjoys seeing the wide variety of people who partake in the Y’s programs. “Every day, I see people come through our doors and find community and connection,” she said. “To see how that plays out in youth, adults, and families, allows me to see how the Y is changing lives and boosting spirit, mind, and body.”

Although many people think about programs for young people when they think about the YMCA, the Burlington Y offers a wide array of options for adults. Currently 74 seniors are members of the organization. There is a $35 joining fee for membership with a monthly fee of $61 for single adults, $89 for two adults (no kids), $51 for a single senior and $74 for two seniors from the same household. Membership includes free classes and use of the facilities. Non-member adults pay $15 for a day pass with a cost of $10 for seniors. The Burlington Y has a wellness floor with ample cardio and weight equipment, three dedicated fitness studios, a walking track, a warm pool for aquatic programs, lap pool, a gymnasium with pickleball and more, and a partnership with the nearby Robert Miller Community Center.

Recognizing that not everyone can pay for the programs, the Y provides financial assistance to those in need. In 2023, they funded close to $300,000 for programs as diverse as child care, swim lessons, summer

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camps, and general memberships. They don’t do the work alone. The work of the Y is supported by generous donors and done by working closely with partners in the education, health, and social service sectors including organizations like Howard Center, Burlington High School, King Street Center, Black Artist Showcase, Autism Speaks, the University of Vermont, and the UVM Children’s Hospital.

Class options include Active Older Fitness which consists of cardio, resistance, and core training exercises that can be done with a chair if extra support is needed, Balance, Mobility & Core which includes mat-based core work and standing balance exercises, Mat-based Pilates to improve posture, and gain flexibility and strength, Tai Chi, Yoga, Chair Yoga,

and Chair Based Balance & Mobility which is a hybrid of Chair Yoga and Balance & Mobility. Ryan Grey, Director of Health and Wellness, said the 9 a.m. classes are the most popular, particularly Active Older Fitness.

In addition, seniors can enjoy a Zentangle drawing course at the Miller Center. There are also classes using the Feldenkrais Method which has a goal of improving human life through better movement, sensation, posture, and breathing, using gentle movement and slow repetitive actions, with a mantra of doing less to increase body awareness.

In addition to lap swimming, many seniors take advantage of the pool for classes including Aqua Arthritis Exercise which is designed to decrease pain and stiffness and improve flexibility, Aqua Zumba, Water Aerobics which consists of conditioning and resistance training, and Silver Foxes which is designed to increase flexibility and improve posture and balance.

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The classes offer more than just a physical workout; they are an antidote to isolation, an opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds to interact, and a place for people challenged with chronic diseases to gain control of their health in a supportive environment. Classes are not the only way for seniors to benefit from the Y. Many, including those in the 80’s and 90’s, enjoy the facilities on their own time.

“When you join the Y, you’re not just joining a gym,” Bishop said. “You’re joining the experience of a community that works together to ensure that

everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.” One senior member, Gary Eley, agrees. “The Y is a valuable part of my life,” he said. “When I think about it, it is one of my most cherished experiences in our community and the friendships I am making are very nurturing and helpful to me.”

“We often say that we are in the people business,” Faryniarz said. “From the very youngest to the most senior in our community, the Y has the opportunity to improve lives. What can be better?” VM

The Greater Burlington YMCA is located at 298 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401. For more information call 802-832-9622, email info@ gbymca.org or visit Gbymca.org.

Three Easy Steps to Declutter for a Happy Home

by Ben Durant

Most of us have endured a long cold winter here in Vermont, but Spring is upon us and that means it’s time to tidy up. Maintaining an organized and clutter-free home can seem like an overwhelming task but having a tidy home has been proven to be a happy home. Indeed, a recent study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin1, showed that the presence of clutter in our homes can create feelings of stress, and depression; whereas a tidy home can have restorative effects on our mood. With the advent of Spring, it’s a great time to address our clutter. Keep reading as we explore three simple steps to help you tackle those tricky spaces and create a restorative and organized living environment just in time for warmer weather.

Identify Your Clutter

As humans, we develop blind spots to clutter. We do this even though we instinctively know that clutter causes us stress. So, let’s take off our blinders and answer this question: Where is your clutter? Take a moment and identify the top 3 problem areas in your home. If you need more help identifying clutter, pretend the Royal Family is coming over for tea. Stroll through your home and think about what you need to tidy up before teatime. Take note of areas that consistently accumulate clutter. Common trouble spots include entryways, closets, and kitchen countertops.

Once identified, prioritize these spaces based on their impact on your daily life. For example, if your entryway is always cluttered, it may affect your mornings and set the tone for the day. Tackling highpriority areas first will bring immediate benefits and motivation to continue decluttering.

Sort and Tidy

After identifying the trouble spots, the next step is to sort through the items in those areas. Create three piles: keep, donate, and discard. Be ruthless in your decisionmaking – if an item hasn’t been used or appreciated in the last year, it’s likely time to part ways.

For closets, consider a seasonal approach. Keep only the clothes and accessories suitable for the current season, and store off-season items in bins or under-thebed storage. In the kitchen, clear countertops by stowing away rarely used appliances and organizing utensils and dishes. Make use of storage solutions like baskets, bins, and drawer organizers to maintain order.

Establish Systems and Habits

The key to maintaining a clutter-free home is to establish systems and habits that support organization. Invest in storage solutions that work for each specific space – hooks for the entryway, shoe racks for closets, and drawer dividers for kitchen utensils. Labeling containers and bins can also help family members easily identify where items belong.

Additionally, develop daily and weekly habits to prevent clutter from accumulating. Spend a few minutes each day putting items back in their designated places and set aside time each week for a quick decluttering session. Consistency is key, and over time, these habits will become second nature, ensuring a continuously organized living space.

Conclusion

Spring decluttering your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these three simple

steps – identifying the clutter, sorting, and tidying, and establishing systems and habits – you can transform even the most challenging areas into organized, restorative spaces. Take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll enjoy the benefits of a happy home.

Ben Durant is a leading Senior Real Estate Specialist in the State of Vermont and has a passion for supporting and defending his clients through the process of downsizing, right-sizing, and relocating in Vermont. Ben lives with his wife, Amy, and three children in Williston, Vermont. He can be reached at Ben@TransitionsVT. com or by calling directly at 802-355-6688. Visit his website at TransitionsVT.com. VM

Saxbe DE, Repetti R. No place like home: home tours correlate with daily patterns of mood and cortisol. Personality Social Psychology Bulletin. 2010 Jan;36(1):71-81. doi: 10.1177/0146167209352864. Epub 2009 Nov 23. PMID: 19934011.

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Five Peak Experiences for Your Trip to Amsterdam

by Carolee Duckworth

Traveling to Amsterdam is one of the highlights of European travel. Known for its charming canals, cultural richness, open-minded atmosphere, and diverse range of experiences, Amsterdam is a prime destination that needs to be high on your bucket list.

If you have not yet experienced Amsterdam, be prepared for surprises and quirks. The city is consummately picturesque and easily navigated. Most of the locals speak fluent English, so communication is seldom a problem. And the variety of activities and discoveries is delightful.

Here are three essential considerations to set you in motion: when to go, where to stay and how to get around, followed by five peak experiences for you to enjoy while you are there, the better to make your trip remarkable and memorable.

Go in Late April or Early May

Amsterdam can be cold and windy as well as wet in the early spring, so wait until late April or early May for your visit. This will assure you of pleasant weather and be more affordable and less crowded than during the summer peak season. And keep in mind that air conditioning is frequently missing from these old historic buildings, hotels and even concert venues. Even more important when visiting the Netherlands is to make sure that you will be there during tulip season.

Stay in a Center City canal-side hotel or apartment. Zero in on the two canals closest to city center and the train station, Singel or Herengracht. This will put you within walking distance of many possibilities.

Make Moving Around Easy

Get oriented and then make liberal use of water taxis, trams & Ubers. Ease your arrival by prearranging a driver to meet you at the airport. Then take a canal cruise first thing to get oriented. Walk around your neighborhood to discover what is immediately available to you within close proximity. And find the nearest tram stop and water taxi pickup spot.

After you are well-oriented, plan to use the canals whenever possible to get around. With over 50 miles of waterways in Amsterdam, and over 100 boarding stations, the ubiquitous yellow water taxis will be your most fun and efficient form of transport, unimpeded by city traffic and snarl-ups.

As well as offering a relatively quick and direct means of transport between two specific points, water taxis will provide you with scenic views of the city’s quaint architecture, historic bridges, and charming houseboats. They allow for a more personalized experience and customized route, plus a chance to connect with a licensed professional Dutch boat captain with many years of experience who can regale you with stories and point out highlights, landmarks, and restaurants for future visits.

When the canals won’t get you where you’re going, learn the tram system and use it, or hop an Uber. Amsterdam is a very walkable city but do make it a rule not to overtire yourself getting to and from the spots you are visiting. Save your energy and time for after you arrive.

Five Peak Experiences

TAKE A DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME CANAL CRUISE

Ease into Amsterdam with a leisurely canal cruise to see the city from the water and admire the picturesque canals, bridges and architecture. Cruises offer a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to relax while taking in the beauty of the historic buildings and charming waterways.

Wrap up one of your days in Amsterdam with an evening canal cruise. Amsterdam’s canals are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere. There are many evening cruises on offer; some that include a selection of beverages.

EXPLORE THE VAN GOGH MUSEUM

This remarkable museum is dedicated to the life and works of celebrated Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. Purchase timed tickets in advance online.

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And visit from 9-11 or 3-5 to beat the crowds. The museum houses an extensive collection of Van Gogh’s works, including Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and Potato Eaters. On display are 200 of his paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters, providing a comprehensive look at his troubled life and impassioned artistic journey.

Van Gogh experienced life in an intense way and wanted to depict the great themes of existence through his art – themes such as hope, love, fear, and suffering. Important aspects of van Gogh’s artistry are explored in this museum —his ambition to become a peasant painter, his search for color, his imaginative version of nature.

WANDER THROUGH ALBERT CUYP MARKET

Immerse yourself in the Albert Cuyp Market, the most popular street market in Amsterdam. With 260 stalls offering a diverse range of products, including

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fresh produce, clothing, and flowers, this is one of the largest and most colorful open-air markets in Europe. Plan to meander for 2 to 3 hours, pausing periodically at one of the many food stalls to sample typical Dutch street food like Brodjes (tasty open-faced sandwiches) and Stroopwafel (2 wafer waffles with syrup in between). Avail yourself of the added delight of interacting with the friendly, easy-going Dutch vendors.

VISIT THE AMSTERDAM FLOWER MARKET (BLOEMENMARKT)

Head to the colorful Amsterdam Flower Market, located along the Singel canal. Explore stalls overflowing with flowers, plants, bulbs, and souvenirs. Take the opportunity to purchase some fresh flowers or bulbs to mail home (these must be certified to make it through customs). The market also offers flower-related souvenirs, such as wooden tulips, gardening tools, and Dutch-themed gifts.

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO THE TULIP SPECTACLE OF KEUKENHOF GARDENS

Venture out from the city to the vast expanses of the tulips of Keukenhof Gardens— known as the “Garden of Europe.” The exuberant display at the end of this 40-minute journey will stun you and etch itself into your mind as a vivid memory. There is no way to fully prepare for the dazzling sight of 79 acres of flowers, 7 million bulbs and 800 species.

This still leaves many more wonderful discoveries to be made in Amsterdam. The world-renowned Rijksmuseum, housing 400 famous paintings, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch and numerous other masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer. Anne Frank’s house, where Anne’s family and others hid out successfully until they were discovered and sent to concentration camps. NEMO science Museum, and the Maritime Museum and more. VM

Carolee Duckworth is an avid traveler, an expert trip designer, and co-author (with son, Brian Lane) of Your Great Trip to France, Your Great 5-Day Trip to Paris, and others, available on Amazon.com.

A Reason to Hope for Alzheimer’s

by Alicia Fleming

In essence, hope is the unwavering belief that, regardless of the current circumstances, a positive and fulfilling future is within reach. It is a force that empowers, unites, and propels individuals and communities toward a shared vision of a better tomorrow. Hope plays a crucial role in the context of Alzheimer’s disease, offering support and inspiration for individuals affected by the condition, as well as their families and caregivers. While Alzheimer’s is a progressive and challenging disease, fostering hope can bring about positive outcomes and contribute to the well-being of those involved. Here’s a closer look at the intersection of hope and Alzheimer’s:

Early Detection and Intervention: Hope encourages individuals to seek early detection and diagnosis. Recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in its early stages allows for timely intervention and the implementation of strategies to enhance quality of life.

Research and Advances: Hope fuels ongoing research into Alzheimer’s disease. Advances in understanding the causes, progression, and potential treatments for Alzheimer’s are driven by the collective hope of scientists, researchers, and the broader community.

Care and Support: For individuals living with Alzheimer’s, hope is found in the support and care provided by loved ones, caregivers, and care partners. A hopeful and compassionate environment contributes to a better quality of life, promoting emotional well-being and a sense of connection.

Adaptive Coping Strategies: Hope inspires the development and adoption of coping mechanisms. Both individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers can find hope in discovering effective strategies to manage symptoms, reduce stress, and enhance daily life.

Advocacy and Awareness: Hope drives advocacy efforts to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. Increased public awareness fosters understanding, reduces stigma, and encourages a more compassionate and supportive society.

Community Engagement: Hope flourishes in communities that actively engage with and support those affected by Alzheimer’s. Community initiatives, events, and support groups create a sense of belonging, reducing isolation and fostering hope.

Personal Growth and Connection: While Alzheimer’s poses significant challenges, individuals and caregivers often find hope in personal growth and deepened connections. Moments of joy, shared experiences, and the strength found in adversity contribute to a sense of hope and resilience.

Quality of Life: Hope shares a focus on the future cure of Alzheimer’s while improving the present daily quality of life for individuals and their families. Emphasizing meaningful interactions, creating positive environments, and prioritizing emotional well-being become essential aspects of care.

Future Possibilities: Hope extends to the possibilities of future breakthroughs in treatment and prevention. The prospect of medical advancements and potential

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discoveries serves as a beacon of hope for a world where Alzheimer’s is more effectively managed and, ultimately, prevented.

Building a Supportive Network: Hope inspires the creation of supportive environments that include healthcare professionals, community organizations, and policymakers working collaboratively to address the multifaceted challenges of Alzheimer’s. In the face of Alzheimer’s disease, hope becomes a guiding force that shapes how individuals, families, and communities respond. It is an integral part of resilience, compassion, and the ongoing pursuit of improved outcomes for those affected by this complex condition.

The Alzheimer’s Association Vermont Chapter Reason to Hope Gala event serves as a cornerstone, bringing together communities from across the state to raise awareness and funds for research, care, education, and support programs. The Reason to Hope Gala is not only a gathering; it’s a celebration of resilience, a testament to unity, and a powerful symbol of hope for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

About the Event: Join us Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, at 5 pm for the 13th annual Reason to Hope Gala. Reason to Hope is our gala-style, annual fundraising event that unites the community in the fight against Alzheimer’s. The Gala is designed to recognize community partners who join us in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, while also raising much needed funds, primarily from our corporate partners.

Collectively, The Reason to Hope Galas have raised over $1.1 million to fund crucial programs and services to help Vermonters living with dementia and their caregivers, expand our advocacy efforts on the federal and state level, plus invest in cutting-edge research worldwide.

Details: The Essex Resort & Spa, 70 Essex Way, Essex, VT 05452 5:00 PM Cocktails | 6:00 PM Dinner & Program

Purchase Tickets or Tables: Alz.org/vermont/events/reason-to-hope-gala

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Contact: For more information, contact: Howard Goodrow, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association | 802-436-7774 | hjgoodow@alz.org, or Jazmin Averbuck, Development Manager, Alzheimer’s Association | jmaverbuck@alz.org. VM

Alicia is a trusted Certified Senior Advisor and Seniors Real Estate Specialist. She can be reached at 802-318-0441, AliciaFleming@ GoldenGuideVT.com.

Glenn A. Jarrett & Julie Hoyt, Partners

Personal Resilience Plan 2

by Dr. Richard Houston

As announced in our last article, we are devoting the entire 2024 year to helping readers build a Personal Resilience Plan.

We devote this article to a review of prominent research findings in the neuroscience field. Every single person fortunate enough to pass the 65-year milestone worries about their mental acuity and, specifically, their memory function – with good reason. The National Institutes of Health report that almost half of adults over 65 report some kind of memory impairment.

Every mature adult wants to sustain their memory function and mental clarity for as long as they possibly can. We bring good news to this discussion.

Brain plasticity – the ability of our brain to learn new things and adapt to various challenges – does not diminish with age. Each person reading this article has the capacity to maintain their learning ability. The catch here is that many senior adults don’t exercise the option. Sustaining our brain’s plasticity requires putting it to work – in the form of learning something new. Look into the offerings at Coursera and explore hundreds of topics that will challenge you to build new neural circuits in your brain.

Memory - For years neuroscientists held the belief that human brains are born with the same number of neurons that they will have as mature adults. In fact, human brains prune unused neurons throughout our life – kind of like cleaning house – so that adults have fewer neurons than babies. Humans still pack something like 85 billion neurons into our skull and each neuron may have 1,000 connections to other neurons. Do the math. Pretty amazing.

Recent research however has revealed that the hippocampus, a seahorse shaped component of our brain tucked away in the middle of our head, is capable of neurogenesis – the formation of new neurons. The

hippocampus is the central switching station for memory. Bottom line: you can generate new neuron growth to support your memory function today by going out and taking a brisk walk.

Our memory can also be fortified by mnemonic exercises. An example of this practice is for your next trip to the grocery store, make a list of things you need. Put the list in your pocket and go through the aisles relying on your recall. Before heading for the cashier, check your list to see if your forgot anything.

Physical activity causes the brain to generate proteins, like BDNF, that John Ratey M.D. of Harvard Medical School calls Miracle Gro for the brain. Get out and get some exercise to pump up some BDNF to bathe your brain in beneficial, invigorating chemicals.

The human brain is the most amazing creation known to man. Senior adults have a very important role to play in how well it functions in later decades. You have the capacity to keep your brain in good shape and sustain your mental acuity. Our brain defines who we are. Take excellent care of it. VM

Richard Houston, Ed.D., is an aging baby boomer who is ramping up his productivity rate in his mid70’s. He swears that his brain has never been more productive. Check out his web sites at Senior-psych. com and Resilience-Advocate.

Composting; It’s the Law

by Declan McCabe

Since Vermont banned food scraps in trash in 2020, I have experimented with different approaches to composting. Backyard composting works well for about half the year in Vermont, and not at all for residents lacking back yards. None the less, my first attempt was indeed a fairly traditional three-section gardening compost approach. I really got into it, I mixed the greens with the browns as all the books suggested, and I watered it like any other thing I might like to keep alive.

And “alive” was the operative term. My composting thermometer, warmed by the collective metabolism of fungi and bacteria, peaked at 150˚F in late November but then cooled rapidly. When I dug into the pile the following May, the lower layer was indeed the crumbly brown gold I expected, but the top included a mixture of sad potato peelings, onion tops and tails, and nested piles of eggshells.

Even the most successful layers of my compost included intact eggshells. It makes sense of course; there’s not much in an eggshell for even the most persistent fungus to digest and most books advise breaking them up before adding to your pile.

But I found the nearly half a year of freezing food waste on top of my pile bothersome and particularly so when I walked right up on a skunk who seemed to have a much greater appreciation for the burgeoning pile than did my wife. And so, I moved on and investigated indoor composting approaches. At first blush, indoor composting may sound like a terrible idea that conjures images of emerging flies and assaults on your olfactory system.  But I can assure you that the two approaches I tried produced neither effect.

Following directions in a New York Times article, I mixed three parts coconut coir with two parts wood ash and dumped the mix in a cardboard box I had

reinforced with an extra layer of cardboard on its floor. I buried food scraps in the substrate like a cat might do in a litter box. The whole thing sat on a few pieces of 2 by 4 in my basement so that air could flow under the box and diffuse in.

The idea behind this approach is to allow aerobic bacteria and fungi to break down the food in a very dry environment. At no point did the pile stink, nor were we ever visited by insects. After four months I took the entire box outside and ran the contents through a coarse sieve I knocked together from lumber scraps and some wire mesh. Most of the food scraps I had added over the previous months were largely intact.  They were thoroughly dehydrated, had a pleasant earthy smell, but were by no means broken down.

Finally, a colleague at work brought in an electric composter he had been gifted with but was too large for his kitchen.  I must admit that watching a bunch of biologists play with this thing has been entertaining. We did our first run in January.  We filled the contraption with citrus peels, apple cores, tea bags, coffee grounds and a few bread scraps. After adding the provided fungal pellet, we turned it on and let it run for 24 hours. It heated up as intended and the grinding blades quietly chopped and mixed the gallon or so of organic material.

The following day, we all oohed and aahed as we ran our fingers through the fine grained compost that had been miraculously produced overnight. The material had been reduced to about a third of its starting volume and had a pleasant smell perhaps dominated by orange peels, but certainly there was nothing unpleasant about it. The downside of this latter approach is the sticker price.  Ranging between $250 and $500, these devices are certainly an investment.

My next-door neighbor pays for pickup service. He placed his bucket at the end of the driveway and a truck stops by. It’s a simple solution and he seems happy so far.

I must confess that despite experimenting with all of these approaches, I still launch most of my bread

scraps off the back deck for the birds. If I do it early in the day, the ravens, crows, and mourning doves take care of business without complaint. Late-afternoon launched scraps tend to miss the bird shift and are instead consumed by an opossum on his night-time rounds and sometimes by a skunk. And while some may consider skunks vermin, I just consider them skunks. I don’t mess with them, and they don’t mess with me.

Whatever your approach to composting, I hope you’ll agree that any approach is better than sending food off to pointlessly occupy part of our limited Vermont landfill space.

Declan McCabe is a professor of biology at Saint Michael’s College. His forthcoming book, Turning Stones: Discovering the Life Of Water is available for pre order through Down East Books at DownEastBooks.com or where ever you find your books.

Something To Think About

James A Meunier, director

MOURNING BEHAVIOR

Is mourning natural?

Consider the fact that it isn’t only people who mourn. Scientists have watched what they call “mourning behavior” in animals as well. The famous biologist Konrad Lorenz studied geese and learned that when one partner of an adult pair of geese dies, the other one mourns.

First, the remaining partner tries to find where the other one has gone, searching everywhere. Even though the goose may be a strong, fullgrown adult, all of a sudden it

starts running away from even the youngest and weakest geese. Usually very pushy and aggressive, it becomes very shy and won’t approach human beings or go to its feeding place. Although it has been away from its parents and siblings for a long time, it goes back to them again, acting much younger than it really is.

Other biologist who study monkeys and apes say they’ve seen similar kinds of mourning behaviors among those animals

How to Close Social Media Accounts of a Deceased Loved One

Social media is part of many people’s daily lives, but when a person passes away their dormant accounts can become vulnerable to scammers who can hack into them and even steal your deceased loved one’s identity.

Here’s a run-down of how you can cancel or change many different social media accounts after a loved one dies.

Facebook: If your loved one used Facebook, you can either “memorialize” or “delete” their account.

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A memorialized account serves as a place where family and friends can share memories to celebrate the deceased person’s life, with the word “Remembering” shown next to the deceased person’s name. Once an account is memorialized, content the person shared is still visible on Facebook to the audience it was originally shared with, however, the user’s profile will not show up in public spaces such as people you may know, ads or birthday reminders.

To memorialize their profile simply go to Facebook. com/help/contact/234739086860192. Or, if you’d rather have their account removed, go to Facebook.com/help/ contact/228813257197480.

To memorialize their account requires proof of death (via death certificate, obituary or memorial card), but if you wish to delete the account, you’ll also need to verify that you’re an immediate family member, legal representative, or executor, unless you’re the legacy contact on their account.

Instagram: The policy on a deceased users’ Instagram account is the similar to Facebook’s, which owns Instagram. You can either memorialize or remove the account at Help.Instagram.com/264154560391256. But just like with Facebook, you’ll need to provide proof of death and relationship to the deceased.

X (formally Twitter): To deactivate an X account, go to Help.Twitter.com and type in “How to contact X about a deceased family member’s account” in the search bar and follow the prompts. After you submit your request, X will email you with instructions for

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providing more details, including information about the deceased, a copy of your ID, and a copy of the deceased’s death certificate.

YouTube and/or Google: To close these accounts, simply go to Support.Google.com/accounts/ troubleshooter/6357590 and fill out their form and upload scans of the death certificate and your ID.

Pinterest: To remove a Pinterest account, email Care@pinterest.com with the deceased user’s account username, proof of death and proof of relationship to the deceased.

LinkedIn: To remove a deceased person’s LinkedIn profile, submit a request at LinkedIn.com/help/linkedin/ ask/ts-rdmlp. You’ll need to provide the name and URL to the profile; the relationship you have to the deceased; the email address; date of passing; and link to an obituary.

Snapchat: To delete this account, simply login to the account and click “Delete My Account” and follow the prompts.

Tumblr: Send an email to Support@tumblr.com requesting to remove the account of the deceased person with their Tumblr username, proof of their death, and proof of your relationship to the deceased.

If your wife had social media through a company not listed here, go to that company’s website for information on how to delete the account. VM

Jim Miller publishes the Savvy Senior, a nationally syndicated column that offers advice for Boomers and Seniors.

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Carole Wells remembers Ann Sheridan

by Nick Thomas

Born 109 years ago in February, glamorous actress Ann Sheridan (1915-1967) was destined for branding as the “Oomph Girl” following a mock contest organized by the Warner Brothers publicity department in 1939.

Stunning on-screen and becoming a favorite pinup girl of World War II troops, Sheridan could play any character – tough or tender, funny or flirty, sassy, or seductive. She delighted audiences with her witty wisecracks and clever comebacks. While she certainly possessed an abundance of entertainment oomph, her feelings were mixed about the public label throughout her life.

The Texas native starred in some memorable films of the 40s such as “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” “Angels with Dirty Faces,” and “I Was a Male War Bride,” but never really landed a lead role in a true Hollywood blockbuster in her more than 80 feature films.

In declining health at just 50, Sheridan ended her career in the little-remembered TV comedy western “Pistols ‘n’ Petticoats” that ran for one season in the 1960s. Co-starring with Carole Wells, the former “National Velvet” series actress was one of the last to work with Sheridan and played her daughter in the CBS show.

“I’d never met her before that,” Wells told me in 2020. “In fact, I didn’t really know who she was – she had been a star before I was born.”

The two first met the first day on set.

“We sat around a big table and read the script with the producers, writers, and director, and she was very charming but rather quiet,” recalled Wells. “We would do this every week before filming, and she was always just a down-to-earth sort of person.”

Wells says the two chatted often but never became very close during the months they worked together.

“I’d see her in the mornings in the make-up department and give her a hug and say, ‘How ya doin’ Annie?’ And she’d say something like ‘wish I felt as

good as you sweetie’ – she called everyone sweetheart or sweetie. She was never well from the beginning of the series.”

In the mornings Sheridan was usually okay, according to Wells, but by noon usually couldn’t work.

“It took a lot out of her, and she would have to go back to her dressing room,” said Wells who would spend lunch hour learning Sheridan’s lines that would be rewritten for Wells to work into the script if Sheridan couldn’t make it back to the set. “But I didn’t care because I knew she was ill.”

Wells also remembers Sheridan as a chronic smoker.

“As sick as she was with cancer and emphysema, she was never without a cigarette in her mouth except while filming,” said Wells. “She was very frail and thin and kept getting thinner as the series progressed. Basically, I watched her die in front of me. But with all

she was going through, I never heard her complain and she was always very kind and respectful to me.”

Sheridan struggled through most of the series but was too ill for the final half-dozen episodes.

“I knew she wasn’t going to be around much longer,” said Wells. “One day she was on the set, then the next day she wasn’t, and we never saw her again. When we heard she had passed away, the cast had a lunch to memorialize her.”

Wells believes doing the show was good for Sheridan who still bravely displayed plenty of ‘oomph’ despite her failing health.

“Before the series started, she had a facelift and got herself together,” says Wells. “I think being part of the show might have helped her live a little longer.” VM

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous newspapers and magazines (see GetNickT.org).

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How to Boost the Beauty and Comfort of Your Outdoor Spaces

by Melinda Myers

Add some comfort and beauty to your outdoor spaces this year. Look for options that fit your lifestyle, budget, and schedule. Even simple changes can make a positive impact on the time you spend relaxing and entertaining on your patio, deck, or other outdoor spaces.

Freshen up the look and comfort of these areas with some new furniture. Look for comfortable pieces made of durable materials guaranteed to provide years of enjoyment. If this is not within your budget, consider refurbishing something you already have, are gifted from a friend, or find in a thrift shop. Adding a bit of paint, new cushions, or even colorful pillows can transform older pieces into something special.

Add some shade. A strategically placed umbrella can provide needed relief from the sun. Make sure it is stable and secure, especially in windy locations. Consider shade sails not only for the shade they provide but also for their aesthetic appeal. Make sure it is securely anchored and supported, properly managed during harsh weather, and made of fire-retardant fabric if this is a concern in your location. Pergolas are more permanent structures. Train deciduous vines up and over this structure for added shade in the summer. Then enjoy the warming sunlight when the vines drop their leaves during the cooler months of the year.

Create some privacy with strategically placed plantings and containers. Tall grasses, narrow upright shrubs, and vine-covered trellises can help block unwanted views while creating a private space outdoors. Consider the views you want to keep and

those you want to block. Screen unsightly views and areas where neighbors can see into your space. You may only need a vine-covered trellis, several hanging baskets, a couple of pots, or a section of fencing rather than a long hedge or length of fencing.

Soften the look of fencing with some wall-mounted planters, a few potted plants or shrubs, and in-ground plantings if space allows. Use a diverse selection of plants when creating a living screen. This provides more seasonal interest and makes it easier to replace that one failed plant in a mature hedge of evergreens like arborvitaes.

Water is another way to add a bit of serenity to your space. A wall-mounted fountain, small container of water plants, or container fountain will add noiseblocking sound and a sense of serenity to any space.

Extend the time you can spend outdoors by adding a heat source for those chilly days and nights and a fan

to keep air moving and the space cooler on hot days. Adding a fan also provides some relief from mosquitoes. These weak fliers can’t fight the breeze which will help keep you out of their reach.

Include lighting so you can enjoy your outdoor space in the evening. Consider a string of lights overhead, rail lights around the deck, or strategically placed illuminated plant containers. Create a more intimate experience with a few votive candles displayed in unique holders like old punch cups.

Light a few citronella candles for a bit of ambiance and mosquito control when enjoying your outdoor space in the evening. Citronella oil and the scented candles have some mosquito-repelling properties. Scatter lots of candles throughout the space when entertaining. Position the candles within a few feet of yourself and your guests for some short-term relief from these pests.

Start with a list of improvements you want to make. Then get busy researching the various options so you will be ready to boost the comfort and enjoyment of your patio, deck, and other outdoor spaces this year. VM

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts the “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.

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